Out in the Cold: Australia's involvement in the Korean War

Bofors gun

Firing 40 mm calibre ammunition, the Swedish-designed Bofors gun was a fully automatic cannon intended primarily for use against aircraft. It was first fitted to Australian ships during the Second World War, quickly becoming standard for most ships. Some ships of the RAN are still fitted with Bofors guns. In the Korean War, there was little call for the use of the Bofors, but with a range of over two kilometres it could also be used in shore bombardments. During her time as part of the Han River blockade, HMAS Murchison engaged enemy positions ashore on several occasions with her Bofors guns.

A test firing of Bofors guns aboard HMAS Sydney in Korean waters. 305197

Two Bofors gunners aboard HMAS Murchison, Fork Anchorage, Korea 1951. 044747