HMS Belfast and the Korean War

An American helicopter flies over HMS Belfast in the Yellow Sea, 1951
An American helicopter flies over HMS Belfast in the Yellow Sea, 1951

The Korean War began on 25 June 1950. Communist North Korean troops invaded South Korea and rapidly advanced southwards. The UN was quick to respond, encouraging its members to support South Korea. Many countries sent troops.
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War, November 1951
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War, November 1951

HMS Belfast played an active role in the Korean War from 1950-1952 working with other Allied forces to support the retreating American and South Korean troops.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

The Royal Marine Band from HMS Belfast entertains troops ashore in Korea, September 1952.
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War
HMS Belfast in action during the Korean War

In this photograph HMS Belfast approaches HMS Ocean prior to the transfer of Rear Admiral Scott-Moncrieff, Flag Officer, Second in Command, Far East Station from his flagship HMS Belfast to HMS Ocean to observe air operations against targets in NW Korea.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

This photograph shows the transfer of South Korean Marines from HMS Belfast to a landing craft for the occupation of Sin Do, September 1951.
HMS Belfast during the Korean War
HMS Belfast during the Korean War

A South Korean naval craft coming alongside HMS Belfast during blockade patrols off Inchon.

Main menu

IWM London
London
Open daily 10am - 6pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

Admission is free
- What's On
- Visiting Information
IWM North
Manchester
Open daily 10am - 5pm
Last admission 4.30pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December

Admission is free
- What's On
- Visiting Information
IWM Duxford
Cambridgeshire
Open daily

Summer 10am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm

Winter 10am - 4pm
Last admission 3pm

Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
- What's On
- Visiting Information
Churchill War Rooms
London
Open daily 9.30am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
- What's On
- Visiting Information
HMS Belfast
London
Open daily 10am - 6pm
Last admission 5pm
Closed 24, 25 and 26 December
- What's On
- Visiting Information

Life at Sea

Session Outline

Taking place in the Life at Sea exhibition, students will explore what it was like to be a sailor, in a hands-on session that looks at artefacts and personal stories relating to life on board HMS Belfast.

Skills

Asking questions about life on board HMS Belfast and finding answers using evidence
Identifying how life was different for sailors and how things have changed over time
Communicating ideas and information to each other
Following instructions to explore a gallery space effectively

Activities

Handling artefacts relating to Naval life
Investigating historical photographs to assess different aspects of life on board HMS Belfast
Selecting information from displays in Life at Sea gallery

Session details

Suitable for: Key Stage 1-2 (Years 2-3)

SEN Students working at KS1 or above

Branch: HMS Belfast

Available: Monday - Friday (Term times only)

Duration: 45 Minutes

Cost: £65 per group of 30

How do I book this session?

Make sure you read our Terms and Conditions

Complete our online visit request form

You will receive a response to your request within ten working days

Learning Resources

Image of children attending a learning session. Link opens in a new window.

From the World Wars to the Cold War, IWM gives teachers and students in UK schools everything they need to explore the course, causes and consequences of conflict from the First World War to today.

View our Learning Resources