1944-1960

Off Inchon and a sweep was made sufficiently far in to sight both the main channel and the Flying Fish Channel, and to explore the islands off the entrance. A few junks were engaged n fishing, but that was all, so the force stood to seaward and then shaped course for to the northward to intercept any ships on passage from Chinnampo to Inchon. Nothing was sighted: it seemed as though the see had been swept clear of anything larger than small fishing vessels. On arrival south of the Techong Islands, the COSSACK was detached to pass inside the group. Still nothing was sighted and as soon as the COSSACK rejoined a cast was taken to the west-south-west and later to the north to cover the comparatively narrow waters (about 100 miles) between Choppeki Point and the Shantung promontory. During the night the routes between Dairen and Chinnampo were covered by a sweep extending north to 38^o 40^’ 123^o 40^’ W. On several occasions, they were deceived by radar “gremlins” and more than once increased speed and made for a shadow that broke up and vanished. No shipping was encountered

Dawn found T.U. 96.8.1 off the Techong islands and a sweep was made to the entrance to Inchon. A few junks were questioned but no shipping was met with and the task force turned north again passing the Techong group, this time sending CONSORT inside. Again nothing was sighted so they proceeded to the entrance to Chinnampo. The southern limit of the entrance is well marked, but to the north are endless shoals and shallows, the port lying over 20 miles up a narrow and torturous approach. That night much the same movements as the night before were carried out in order to cross the possible northern shipping routes and to be off Choppeki Point at dawn.

0600. COSSACK detached to pass inside the Techong islands and was fired on by shore batteries at Penyond Do. A short but hot engagement ensured in which COSSACK silenced two guns at ranges of 5000 to 8000 yards firing about 140 rounds. Ten or more enemy shells fell within 200 yards of the ship but she remained undamaged. Course was resumed towards the entrance to Inchon. As its outlying islands were approached from the north-west, a good deal of air activity was noticed over the land within about 25 miles. After standing to the south for an hour or so, course was altered to the northward and during the afternoon the approaches to the Seoul River were examined after which the usual sweep to the north -west was undertaken. About midnight a signal was received which reported that the crew of a B29 had bailed out near Poromu (37^o 40^’N 126^o 10’ E) and that a flying-boat was being sent to search the area at 0900 and would like support. Poromu lies in the estuary of the Seoul River. Shoals and mud banks run some 30 miles to seaward of it and the last survey of the area had been made some 68 years previously. The force remained to seaward of the shoals.

Bombardment of Mokpo by HMS Cossack and COCKADE to create a division in the rear of the North Korean forces which were thrusting towards Pusan from the westward. Fire was opened at 0820 and continued for a couple of hours by which time 1000 rounds of 4.5 inch ammunition had been expended. Fires were started in the factory area, oil tanks and refinery, railway sidings and rolling stock were damaged.  There was no opposition from the shore. With the bombardment completed the ships turned northward and joined Admiral Andrews. BELFAST and COSSACK then steered for Sasebo

That afternoon a signal was received from Admiral Joy ordering a bombardment of Inchon by two cruisers on 5 August. This allowed very little time for preparation. Speed was increased and immediately on arrival at Sasebo the next morning the Fleet Gunnery Officer and Fleet Communications Officer set off for Tokyo by air for an intelligence briefing.  Several ships arrived to swell the fleet including HMS Alert (Cdr Brooks) which was to take over from BELFAST who was returning to the UK in a few days.

Inchon lies some 118 miles to the westward of Seol on the east bank of the estuary of the River Salee which joins the River Han, or Seoul River about 20 miles further north. Many islands, rocks and shoals extend to seaward some 40 miles to the west and south westward. Tidal streams of about three knots increasing to as much as 6 knots in the narrower passages could be expected. Several channels lead through the shoals. After careful consideration the north-western or Flying Fish Channel was chosen as most suitable.  It was decided to start the bombardment about an hour after high water that was due to occur at 1032 with a rise of about 25 feet. The fleet would be supported by two P-2V (NEPTUNE) aircraft for spotting and two Corsairs from the USS Sicily to give air cover. Several islands had been reported as occupied by the communists. Targets were school buildings being used as barracks, an electric power station, oil tanks and storage; a truck park etc. 0745 communications were established with the KENYA and the aircraft at 38^o 11^’ N 13^o 13^’E. the ships progressed at 18 knots on a flood tide and an hour later reached the selected bombardment position close to Kitachoshis about 11 miles south of Inchon. COSSACK stood by to deal with any interference with the bombarding ships from the shore.  The bombardment lasted an hour and three quarters. After which BELFAST, COSSACK and CHARITY sailed for Sasebo.

That evening a report of 300 junks being sighted to the westward of Inchon was received and COSSACK was detached to strengthen KENYA’s patrol. It was in fact an innocent fishing fleet.