RAN aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney (III) in the Korean Strait between Japan and Korea, during ...

RAN aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney (III) in the Korean Strait between Japan and Korea, during Typhoon Ruth. On 14 October 1951 HMAS Sydney was lying at anchor in Sasebo Harbour, Japan, replenishing for her next operational patrol. Warning had been received the previous night of the approach of Typhoon Ruth. In view of the restricted and crowded nature of the anchorage, HMAS Sydney and other large ships were ordered to put to sea. HMAS Sydney experienced the most critical phase of the typhoon from 5pm to midnight on 14 October, with winds exceeding 68 knots being encountered (the true wind recorder failed at 68 knots). HMAS Sydney lost overboard, one of the eighteen aircraft stored on deck, with major damage being sustained by several others. In the foreground of the deck are Hawker Seafury aircraft and in the background are Fairey Firefly aircraft. (For images from original negatives see P05890.068 and P05890.069).