TRANSCRIPT

For its size, the Royal Canadian Navy lent considerable support. With a force of only nine Destroyers, the Navy was able to maintain a force of three ships in theatre throughout the war. Added to this, a total of 3,621 Canadian Navy personnel served in Korea.

On July 12, 1950 the Royal Canadian Navy sent three destroyers, HMCS CAYUGA, ATHABASCAN and SIOUX, into Korean waters to join their United Nations comrades. Before the end of the war, five more Canadian ships would serve with the Canadian Destroyer Division, Far East - HMCS NOOTKA, IROQUOIS, HURON, HAIDA, and CRUSADER.

As Canadian naval involvement was almost entirely composed of Destroyers, they rarely operated side-by-side. The ships were employed on escort and patrol duties, as well as carrier screening against submarine attacks, blockade patrols, provided anti-aircraft protection and bombardment assistance for the ground troops. The Destroyers were also used to attack enemy-held railways, ports, and defensive establishments, and to bring aid to the South Korean islands. Mr William Godfrey, who enlisted in the RCN at HMCS GRIFFON, and later served as Coxswain (1977-1984), was aboard HMCS ATHABASCAN from August 1951 to June 1952. During his time in Korean waters, Mr Godfrey recalls the biggest threat to ships being the mines left in the water by Chinese fishing boats. In one instance, the ship awoke to find itself entirely surrounded by such mines.