5 OCT 1951: Korea, and HMAS Sydney is in Korean waters. The commencement of the aircraft carrier, HMAS Sydney’s, first patrol off Korea’s west coast made Australia the third country (after the USA and Britain) to operate a carrier in the Korean War. The carrier operated Firefly and Sea Fury aircraft (both types can be seen in the Australian War Memorial’s Aircraft Hall). Sydney joined United Nations forces in Korean waters in October 1951.
The Sydney’s role consisted predominantly of direct attacks on ground targets and assistance to ground operations. Sydney can be seen here launching Hawker Sea Fury fighters from the Nos. 805 and 808 Squadrons with Fairey Firefly on deck in a painting in oils by Ray Honisett. The HMAS Sydney is flanked on either sides by her destroyer escorts HMAS Tobruk, and HMCS Sioux. A rescue helicopter is hovering above the Sydney. More; http://ow.ly/T3igc
