China Intervenes in the Korean War
The aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney
HMAS Sydney was one of a class of relatively small and uncomplicated light fleet carriers which in Korea operated 24 Hawker Sea Fury and 14 Fairey Firefly fighter bombers...
A Fairey Firefly of the Royal Australian Navy. HMAS Sydney’s complement included one squadron of Fireflies (No 817 Squadron) during its service in Korea’s waters. [AWM 044766] ... Enlarge this photograph of a Fairey Firefly
The Americans lent Sydney a Sikorski helicopter for pilot rescue duties. After initial reluctance, based on concerns about committing Australia’s main fleet unit in a deteriorating world situation, the Australian Government agreed to deploy the carrier for a short period to allow the Royal Navy to refit its carrier HMS Glory. Sydney was well prepared for the deployment, being given priority for men and stores but, with other commitments to Korea, this was a strain on the RAN’s limited resources.
Sydney commenced operations on 5 October 1951 under command of Captain D. H. Harries. On 11 October she flew a record 89 sorties, an effort bringing praise from American and British authorities, USS New Jersey stating that Sydney’s gunnery spotting was ‘the best she has yet had’. On 25 and 26 October three aircraft were lost, the last involving a dangerous pickup of shot-down aircrew by the ship’s helicopter. Enemy infantry attempting to capture the aircrew were suppressed by fire from other Sydney aircraft.
The Majestic Class Light Fleet Aircraft Carrier HMAS Sydney. This ship was launched on 3 September 1944 as HMAS Terrible and was unfinished at the end of WWII in Europe in May 1945. The Australian Government took over the ship on 16 December 1948 and renamed her Sydney. From September 1951 to January 1952 Sydney served with the United Nations Command in Korean waters where her aircraft carried out 2366 sorties. [AWM 044798] ... Enlarge this photograph of HMAS Sydney
Normal daily operations aimed at 54 sorties although this was often difficult to achieve on an axial deck carrier requiring a constant movement of aircraft around the deck, often in foul weather, especially as a freezing winter set in. In October, Typhoon Ruth caused damage to the carrier and the loss of aircraft.
While no match for Chinese jets, Sydney’s piston engine aircraft were invaluable for ground attack duties. Normally the Fireflies carried bombs and the Sea Furies rockets. Both types mounted four 20mm cannon. Targets attacked included troops, gun positions and transport infrastructure. Sydney’s aircraft were credited with causing 3000 communist casualties as well as the destruction of 66 bridges, seven tunnels, 38 railway sections, seven sidings, five water towers, three locomotives, 59 wagons, 2060 houses, 495 junks and sampans and 15 guns. They also carried out target spotting and reconnaissance, for which the two-seat Firefly was particularly well suited, as well as combat air and antisubmarine patrols around the carrier and her escorts.
Enemy anti-aircraft fire was the main danger. Sydney had 99 aircraft hit and nine were shot down. Casualties were three aircrew killed and six wounded.
View of the flightdeck of the aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney during a blizzard. Fairly Firefly aircraft are on the left and Hawker Sea Furies are on the right. (Donor Naval Historical Association). [AWM 301424] ... Enlarge this photograph of the flightdeck
After seven intense nine-day operational periods, Sydney departed for Australia on 29 January 1952.
| Type | Majestic Class Aircraft Carrier |
| Builder | HM Dockyard, Devonport, England |
| Laid down | 19 April 1943 |
| Launched | 30 September 1944 |
| Commissioned | 16 December 1948 |
| Displacement | 15,740 tons standard |
| Length | 698 feet (212.75m) overall |
| Beam | 80 feet (24.384 m) |
| Draught | 25 feet (7.62 m) |
| Main Machinery | Parsons geared turbines 40000 hp 24 knots |
| Armament | 35 aircraft; 24 40mm Bofors |
