50 mm projectile fragment: Chief Engine Room Artificer John Joseph Quinn, HMAS Murchison

Steel fragment from a high explosive 50mm projectile. It is 50mm at its widest point and is 80mm in length and is mounted on a three tiered turned Bakelite base with an attached brass plate bearing the inscription, 'KOREAN SHELL - EXPLODED - ENGINE ROOM - HMAS MURCHISON - 30-8-51' [Sic - should be 30-9-51].

Mounted 50mm projectile fragment from a shell that penetrated the engine room of HMAS Murchison during an action on the 'Pall Mall' passage of the Han River estuary, Korea, on 30 September 1951. It bears a plaque inscribed with the incorrect date '30-8-51'.

HMAS Murchison was sent to Japan in May 1951 for duties in Korean waters. Operations off the coast of Korea began in June 1951. During July 1951, Murchison participated in patrols at the mouth of the Yalu River and at Chinnampo Harbour. In late July and early August, Murchison patrolled the Han River estuary area bombarding enemy installations. The estuary was located at the mouth of Yesong River into North Korea and the mouth of the Han River into South Korea.

In September, after returning from Japan, Murchison resumed patrolling the Han River. On 28 and 30 September 1951, the Communist forces fired on the ship. On 30 September, the ship was hit by numerous projectiles fired from a variety of weapons. Some passed straight through the mess deck while one exploded in the Engine Room. Four Australians were wounded during the battle over the two days.

This metal fragment was picked up by the Chief Engine Room Artificer, John Quinn, then on watch by the port throttle. Also in the engine room were two engine room artificers and two stokers. Quinn stated that the projectile had exploded above their heads. The fragment seen here tore the rear of his overalls and grazed his buttock, although he had not needed medical treatment. Quinn also advised that he had accidentally had the wrong date engraved on the brass plate on the Bakelite base.