6th Division (North Korea)
Encyclopedia
The 6th Infantry Division was a military formation of the Korean People's Army
during the 20th Century. The date that the 6th Infantry Division was formed in somewhat unclear as the Army during the Korean War believed that the 6th ID was established either in July 1949 or March 1950 at Sinuiju
from 10,000 Chinese Communist Army personnel of Korean descent from the 166th Division who had been "repatriated" in late 1949 together with the former 1st Regiment of the 1st Division. The Korea Institute of Military History indicates that the division was established in October 1949. All sources indicate that the unit was initially composed of the 13th Infantry Regiment, 14th and 15th Infantry Regiments, and the 6th Artillery Regiment.
The 6th Infantry Division took part in the opening moves of the North Korean invasion of South Korea, moving against the ROKA 1st Division
on June 25, 1950.
After suffering heavy casualties in the Inchon area, this division met no opposition in its move down the west coast. This unit had sustained heavy casualties in its attempts to take Masan
, but its morale and combat effectiveness was still considered good.
Was part of the North Korean advance from Seoul
to Taejon. Fought in the Battle of Pusan Perimeter
.
Currently the 6th Infantry Division is staged along the DMZ near the village of Panmunjom. It is believed to consist almost entirely of a light infantry force but has been task organized with an attached T-62 or T-64 Main Battle Tank Battalion. It is reportedly part of II Corps (North Korea)
. In the event of another Korean War this division is likely tasked with seizing a foothold across the Imjin River in order to allow follow on forces to continue south.
Korean People's Army
The Korean People's Army , also known as the Inmin Gun, are the military forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim Jong-il is the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and Chairman of the National Defence Commission...
during the 20th Century. The date that the 6th Infantry Division was formed in somewhat unclear as the Army during the Korean War believed that the 6th ID was established either in July 1949 or March 1950 at Sinuiju
Sinuiju
Sinŭiju is a city in North Korea, neighboring with Dandong City, China via international border and is the capital of North P'yŏngan Province...
from 10,000 Chinese Communist Army personnel of Korean descent from the 166th Division who had been "repatriated" in late 1949 together with the former 1st Regiment of the 1st Division. The Korea Institute of Military History indicates that the division was established in October 1949. All sources indicate that the unit was initially composed of the 13th Infantry Regiment, 14th and 15th Infantry Regiments, and the 6th Artillery Regiment.
The 6th Infantry Division took part in the opening moves of the North Korean invasion of South Korea, moving against the ROKA 1st Division
1st Infantry Division (South Korea)
The 1st Infantry Division is a military formation of the Republic of Korea Army's I Corps. The division was established on 12 May 1945 under the command of Colonel Suk-won Kim. It is based around three infantry regiments:The division was the first units of the ROK Army to be attacked by the North...
on June 25, 1950.
After suffering heavy casualties in the Inchon area, this division met no opposition in its move down the west coast. This unit had sustained heavy casualties in its attempts to take Masan
Masan
Masan was a formerly a municipal city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The city was situated on Masan Bay , approximately 35 km west of Busan. It was known for its textile industry, and it was the site of Hite Brewery's production facilities.During the control of the Mongolians, the...
, but its morale and combat effectiveness was still considered good.
Was part of the North Korean advance from Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
to Taejon. Fought in the Battle of Pusan Perimeter
Battle of Pusan Perimeter
The Battle of Pusan Perimeter was a large-scale battle between United Nations and North Korean forces lasting from August 4 – September 18, 1950. It was one of the first major engagements of the Korean War...
.
Currently the 6th Infantry Division is staged along the DMZ near the village of Panmunjom. It is believed to consist almost entirely of a light infantry force but has been task organized with an attached T-62 or T-64 Main Battle Tank Battalion. It is reportedly part of II Corps (North Korea)
II Corps (North Korea)
II Corps is a corps of the Korean People's Army. It was created on June 12, 1950 with Lt. General Kim Kwang-hyop in command. During the Korean War the unit was composed of the 2nd Infantry Division, the 13th Mechanised Division, and the 27th Infantry Division.The 27th Infantry Division was part of...
. In the event of another Korean War this division is likely tasked with seizing a foothold across the Imjin River in order to allow follow on forces to continue south.