The Korean War began on 25 June 1950, when North Korean forces launched an invasion of South Korea. Personnel from the Australian Army, RAAF, and RAN fought as part of the United Nations (UN) multinational force, defending South Korea from the Communist force of North Korea.The three Australian infantry battalions (1st, 2nd and 3rd) of the Royal Australian Regiment, aircraft of No 77 Squadron, RAAF and ships of the Royal Australian Navy experienced combat agianst communist forces between 1950 and 1953.The end of the war came with the signing of an armistice on 27 July 1953, three years and one month after the war began. The ending was so sudden that some soldiers had to be convinced it really was over. After the war ended, the presence of Australians in Korea continued with a peacekeeping force until 1957.Australian casualties numbered more than 1,500, of whom 339 were killed.