Unit 5: Korean War (1950 – 1953)

Korean War (1950 – 1953)

In 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea, and the Australian government sent troops to support South Korea. At least 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men served in the Korean War. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were growing up in homes and institutions after being removed from their families. For some, enlistment seemed like an escape route, and offered a steady wage. The unit details the experiences of Indigenous soldiers returning from war who found that they were not eligible for war service benefits or Soldier Settlement land.

Download Teaching and Learning Overview (PDF, 1MB)

Learning intention

We are learning about the Indigenous soldiers who fought in The Korean War.

Success criteria

• I understand why Indigenous soldiers fought in the Korean War.
• I can describe the experiences faced by Indigenous soldiers during the Korean War.
• I understand why listening to Indigenous voices is important.

Unit 5: Korean War 1950 – 1953

Part 1 - Stimulus video and listening notes

Part 2 - Class/group discussion

Part 3 - Definition of key concepts

Part 4 - Captain Reg Saunders timeline

Part 5 - Len Ogilvie case study

Part 6 - Independent study

Teaching and learning resources

This unit has a variety of teaching resources that provide background content knowledge and multi-media learning materials.

• Audio-visual stimulus
• Teaching worksheets
• Study notes
• Len Ogilvie case study
• Len Ogilvie tells his story
• Len Ogilvie story transcript
• Reg Saunders case study