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.

4.5-Inch Star Shell Packing Case

This distinctively marked container held one round of star shell ammunition, used to provide night-time illumination.

Designed to create light by releasing a flare that would descend under a parachute, star shells could help identify targets. Canadian and other United Nations ships also used star shells to disrupt attempts by Chinese and North Korean forces to carry out night-time naval operations. Fired at random intervals, star shells illuminated inshore waters, or waters around South Korean-held islands, discouraging the enemy from using small craft for transportation, raids, and mine-laying.

Shell Box, 4.5-Inch Star Shell
CWM 19700009-012