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.

HMCS Cayuga at Sea

This photograph of HMCS Cayuga, likely taken shortly after its commissioning in 1947, shows the destroyer's sleek lines and powerful armament.

Cayuga's two forward twin four-inch gun mountings are clearly visible (centre). One of the three destroyers Canada sent to Korea in response to the United Nations' request for military assistance, Cayuga left Esquimalt, British Columbia, on 5 July 1950 along with HMCS Athabaskan and HMCS Sioux, arriving in Sasebo, Japan, on 30 July. The three destroyers began patrols of the Korean coast shortly afterwards, and started engaging North Korean forces from mid-August onwards.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19900321-002