West Coast Support Group: Task Group 96.8, Korea 1950-1953

This illustrated portfolio is produced upon the 50th anniversary of cessation of hostilities and as a remembrance of the ships of Task Group 96.8. Through extensive research the author has gleaned information about the multi-national taskforce, including numerous photographs. Ships of the Royal Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy, Royal Thai Navy, and the Republic of Colombia Navy all served in the West Coast Support Group known as Task Group 96.8 with the authority and resolution of the Security Council of the United Nations. That so many nations rallied to the cause was proof of the worth of that newly-formed organization. Britain and the older nations of the Commonwealth rapidly legislated for their reserves to be mobilized, and so largely from Europe and the West came those who would assist the USA to liberate the Republic of South Korea from the aggression of its northern neighbour. Many ships had fought in World War II with the most recent combatant being HMS “Amethyst”, whose ship’s company, and also that of HMSs “London” and “Conrad”, suffered fatalities and wounds.