Naval Battle of the Han River | |||||||
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Part of the Korean War | |||||||
HMAS Murchison operating off Korea. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Australia | China | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Allen Nelson Dollard | Unknown | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
1 frigate |
Infantry shore batteries | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
4 wounded 1 frigate moderately damaged |
~40 killed several shore batteries destroyed |
The Naval Battle of the Han River (28–30 September 1951) was fought during the Korean War. The main fighting occurred after an Australian frigate was attacked by communist Chinese forces while transiting the Han River in Korea. Up until that time United Nations (UN) warships had operated on the river with only limited Chinese resistance. Following the engagement UN naval forces continued to operate on the Han, although riverine operations were suspended two months later. Four Australians were wounded during the engagement, while Chinese casualties have been estimated at around 40 killed and several guns destroyed.