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 Shell Fragment, HMCS Nootka

Douglas Meredith, an officer aboard the Canadian destroyer HMCS Nootka, picked up this fragment from a North Korean shell fired at his ship.

While carrying out a shore bombardment on 30 May 1952 near Chongin on the east coast of North Korea, both Nootka and the American destroyer USS John W. Thomason came under fire. The first shells fired by the radar-directed enemy guns fell close to both ships, which were some four kilometres from shore. These near misses inflicted only superficial damage on Nootka, as both ships quickly left the area to avoid more serious damage.

Shrapnel Fragment
CWM 19730078-006