Canada's Naval History

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The Early Cold War
The Korean War

Communist North Korea's invasion of South Korea in June 1950 sparked a devastating three-year war. Eight Canadian destroyers ultimately served in Korean waters as part of Canada's contribution to United Nations forces fighting the invasion.

North Korean Caves

This photograph, taken from a Canadian destroyer close to the Korean coast, shows caves (centre and left) near the base of a rocky cliff.

Chinese and North Korean forces used caves like these to conceal personnel and equipment, or guns that could engage United Nations vessels. Off Wonsan in June 1951, HMCS Sioux exchanged fire with shore batteries sheltered in caves. The photograph also gives an idea of how close to shore Canadian destroyers could operate, since in some areas the water became very deep very quickly.

VR993.82.19
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum