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RAN in the KOREAN WAR |
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by J.H. Straczek,
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Senior Naval Historical Officer
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Since 1910
Korea had been an integral part of the Japanese Empire. The people of
Korea, however, sought independence and many influential Koreans
agitated for such overseas. Dreams of Korean independence appeared to
have become a reality when the Cairo Declaration of 1 December 1943 made
Korean independence an Allied war aim. This declaration was followed by
a decision, between the United States and America, to divide Korea at
the 38th parallel in order that the occupying Japanese could be
disarmed.
The decision to divide Korea had one unforseen consequence. The northern half was ultimately closed and a communist regime established under Kim Il-sung, whilst in the south United Nations sponsored elections were held. The situation along the 38th parallel remained tense and finally on 25 June 1950 North Korea invade the South. United Nations reaction to this invasion was swift and on 27 June the United Nations requested assistance for South Korea. On the 29 June the Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies decided to place HMA Ships SHOALHAVEN and BATAAN at the disposal of United Nations authorities in support of the Republic of Korea. From this time onwards until the cessation of maritime operations on 27 July 1953, RAN units played a major role in support of United Nations operations. Predominantly RAN destroyers and frigates were involved in conducting blockade, escort and bombardment duties on both sides of the Korean Peninsular.
Escort and blockade duties were generally tedious but none the less essential. The frigate SHOALHAVEN served as on escort duties until relieved by HMAS WARRAMUNGA. On occasion, with ships carrying out coastal blockade duties close to shore, enemy shore batteries would open fire. The first such exchange involving an RAN ship occurred on 1 August 1950 when BATAAN was attacked by shore batteries whilst patrolling the northern approaches to the Seoul R. BATAAN returned fire and silenced four of the enemy guns. The cruiser HMS BELFAST soon joined BATAAN and both ships engaged the enemy. BATAAN was straddled by enemy fire on a number of occasions during the duel. On 29 August WARRAMUNGA provided escort support for the first non-American troops to arrive in Korea. These British troops were landed at Pusan. WARRAMUNGA was also to act as part of the screen for the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS TRIUMPH when she operated off the east coast near Wusan. Both WARRAMUNGA and BATAAN were assigned to screening duties for the Allied landings at Inchon on 15 September. At about this time it was also decided to extend the period of RAN ships to a year. This was because the RAN was unable to provide relief ships. Five years after World War Two the RAN had difficulty in sustaining two ships on war service. Both ships were to spend most of their service conducting patrols and bombardments of enemy positions and facilities. They were operating near the Yalu River when China intervened on the side of North Korea. BATAAN was relieved by HMAS MURCHISON in June 1951. During her deployment MURCHISON was to gain fame, and good fortune, during engagements with enemy shore batteries off the Han River. In September/October 1951 whilst patrolling near the Han River MURCHISON was engaged by a mixed group of enemy guns ranging from 75 mm to 50 mm and smaller. In the ensuing gun duel MURCHISON returned fire with her main armament and 40 mm Bofors guns. Her intense and accurate fire quickly silenced the enemy guns. The next day, while patrolling the same area MURCHISON was again engaged by enemy shore batteries. In this instant MURCHISON received a number of hits, fortunately there were no fatalities. With the arrival of other ships the Communist batteries were quickly silenced. By this stage WARRAMUNGA had been relieved by HMAS ANZAC. During her tour of duty ANZAC was engaged in conducting the patrols as well as landing intelligence teams and some train hunting. ANZAC's short deployment came to an end on 30 September 1951 when she escorted HMS GLORY to Australia for a refit. ANZAC was replaced by HMAS TOBRUK. In addition to the operations of the destroyers and frigates the aircraft carrier HMAS SYDNEY and embarked squadrons were also deployed to the Korean theatre. Her first operations were on 4 October 1951 on the west coast. After transferring to the east coast she commenced operations against enemy troop concentrations and suspected supply dumps. On 21 October SYDNEY's aircraft attack a large concentration of junks preparing to launch an assault on Taehwa Do Island. Other operations included support for the Commonwealth Division and search and rescue patrols. SYDNEY's aircraft were generally engaged in operations against lines of communication, troop concentrations and industrial infra-structure. Weather conditions were a major influence on operations at this stage. During the middle of her deployment SYDNEY was operating off Korea in the northern winter at time sub-zero temperatures were experienced. Such conditions limited flying operations. SYDNEY's deployment to the Korean theatre resulted in the general introduction of fluorescent panels to aid rescue aircraft. The system devised by CAPT Harries to aid rescue aircraft in locating downed crews were so successful that it was recommended for general introduction. After a stay of six months SYDNEY departed for Australia accompanied by TOBRUK. MURCHISON also left the war zone, she had spent a total of 60 days in the Han River region. By this stage WARRAMUNGA and BATAAN had returned to Korea. On 14 February BATAAN was hit by enemy coastal batteries but no major was sustained. In March WARRAMUNGA was also the target of enemy shore based fire but was not hit. Both ships continued to be engaged in patrol and bombardment work throughout this second deployment. In the second half of 1952 the ANZAC and HMAS CONDAMINE were deployed to the war zone. In September and October CONDAMINE defeated an attempt by Communist forces to capture the Island of Tok Som. Whilst ANZAC, like the hips she relieved, received the unwelcome attention of North Korean shore batteries. By this stage the war on the peninsular had reached a stalemate and serious attempts were being made to resolve the situation. However, it would not be until July 1953 that naval operations would be halted and by that stage two more RAN ships had deployed to Korea. These were HMAS CULGOA and TOBRUK. During her deployment CULGOA aided in the evacuation of Allied troops from Yong Mae do Island. The naval war off Korea ended on the 27 July 1953. However, RAN units continued to serve in the area for some time to come in support of the United Nations. As well as conducting military operations in the Korean theatre of operations members of the RAN provided assistance to the general populace. Throughout 1950/51 RAN ships regularly mercy runs to off shore islands carrying rice and other food stuffs. HMAS CONDAMINE, in 1952, discovered about 100 orphaned Korean children living with the locals on an island off the west coast. The ship's company provided these children with warm clothing, fruit chocolate and meat. On a subsequent trip the ship delivered a large number of toys purchased with money collected by the sailors.
Statistical data relating to RAN Korean Operations:
Totals 9,515 5,576 9,983 50,417 9,921
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