Explore History

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.




RCN Tribal B Gun, Korea

Bundled in clothing to protect them from the weather, members of a gun crew aboard a Canadian destroyer stand ready by their guns.

This photograph was likely taken during the bombardment of a target on shore. One sailor (centre right) holds a round of ammunition, while empty cartridge casings from rounds already fired are piled on the gun platform (lower right). Canadian destroyers and other United Nations ships used their guns to attack North Korean or Chinese forces, or to disrupt lines of communication like railways and roads.

VR993.82.18
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum