Firefly fighter bombers from HMAS SYDNEY attacked railway tunnels on the west coast of Korea. Sub Lt N Knappstein was forced to crash land his flak damaged Sea Fury near the Han River. He was rescued by a boat from HMS Amethyst. In addition a FireFly with pilot, SBLT M. D. Macmillan, RAN, and Observer 1st Class J. Hancox, crashed after being hit by AA fire on their way to attack a Railway Tunnel. A USN helicopter piloted by CPO A. K. Babbitt flew a daring rescue mission, with cover from RAN Sea Furies and RAAF Meteors The Helicopter Pilot was awarded the US Navy Cross, and the British DSM, for the same act of gallantry.
Naval Historical Review: June 2007
The painting of HMAS Warramunga reflects a major article in this edition which provides a potted history of the RAN in the Korean War. The images of HMAS Adelaide reference the article about Adelaide’s Boarding party. It was only resourceful action by the ship’s helicopter, directed by the Flight Commander, that enabled the Boarding Party to be safely recovered, thereby averting an international incident.
Articles from this Edition
- Book Review: The Royal Australian Navy – a History
- Further Reflections on the Sydney/Kormoran Battle, 1941
- Gascoyne to the Rescue On Christmas Day 1944
- HMAS Adelaide – Boarding Party, Persian Gulf 2004
- HMAS Quickmatch – Medical Rescue – 1944
- Korean Waters – Tribal Class Destroyers
- Leadership: Admiral of the Fleet Isoroku Yamamoto
- Letters: Followup on Singapore Naval Base