Manchester (CL 83) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 37 text:

We saw the Republic of Korea Navy. Their ships were small and their ability to cope with the situation was limited. Our purpose, and the purpose of the British, was clearer in our minds. The west coast islands were the British sector of respon- sibiUty and they were there to augment the ROK Navy with modern naval warfare; Manchester was there to add strength where strength was needed. Lr

Page 36 text:

UNITED NATIONS SHIPS OPERATE IN YELLOW SEA OFF WEST COAST OF KOREA. A panorama of Naval ships crisscrossed the island sector, each with its individual task. The flagship, Manchester, was a center for unified planning of British, Dutch, and American navies. Our piloting detail continually maneuvered Manchester through swift currents and heavy minefields in the island area.

Page 38 text:

SMALL BOAT OPS Full moon, with its twenty-fet-t surging tides, meant possibility of North Korean invasion of the islands. ' i he enemy eould float down the coastal estuaries with the hipli tides, stage a landing, or the) might have attempted the old pirate trick of clind)ing ahoard the Manchester and other ships. e transferred volunteers to the I .SS Bass who sent out small lioats to patrol the area. I ' lqui[)| ed with small arms and short wave radio, these men were prepared to engage the enemy and report any (lonununisi movements to the ships. On one instance there was a nip-an l-luck race between a Navy craft anil a North Korean sampan. The (lommies were hightailing up the coastline | ursued h red h )l American rifle lire. Auarc of danger of amhush the iNa boat was ordered to turn back.