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HMS Amethyst U-16 / F-116 |
Message Board |
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Messages 26 - 50 |
38. My late Father was Gordon Walter Smith born April 1925 he served on HMS Amethyst during the war approx 1942-1945. It would be nice if anyone out there knew him. My son Michael now serves in the RN on HMS #######, his grandad would of been very proud of him, my other son is in the Parachute regiment. Dad was in the Amethyst Association, he loved the letters and was proud to wear his Amethyst jumper and blazer badge. Let's not forget all serving and veterans Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen who have done so much for our Country past and present. |
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I have recently come across your website for the Amethyst and spotted a photograph of Ordinary Seaman Reginald J. Wright taken when the ship was aground on Rose Island. The story is that "Jackie" Wright, as he was known to my family, was the son of a friend of my grandmother Brigid Harris. His mother died when he was very young and his father was incapable of looking after him, so my grandmother took him in and brought him up as her own with her children. As soon as he was old enough to work, his father demanded him back, so Jackie returned to his father and joined the Navy as soon as he was able. The family story was this was his first ship and that he was only 21 when he died. The family were very upset when they heard the news. Do you know how he died as that information was never discussed by the family. I see he must have survived the first attack from the photograph? I would appreciate any information you could give me. |
Nov. 6, 2009 Reply 1 The picture in Maritimequest showing Ord Sea Wright was taken by me, whilst HMS AMETHYST was trapped in the Yangtze. The person named is Gordon Wright, who is a Member of the AMETHYST Association and lives in Plymouth. I saw him at our Reunion last September. Reginald Wright was killed when AMETHYST came under fire on 20 April 1949. We were at Action Stations and Reginald Wright was part of the Wheelhouse Crew. The first salvoes from the Chinese Guns to hit the ship, hit the bridge, the wheelhouse and the Low Power Room in quick succession. Most of the people on the bridge were killed or wounded, the Coxswain who was on the wheel was severely wounded and Reginald Wright was mortally wounded. The Doctor was able to staunch his wounds but they were too severe to save his life. Reginald Wright died a few hours later. He was not in pain and his shipmates were with him, he was able to give his mates some messages for his family. He was Buried at Sea in the Yangtze River the Burial Service was in accordance with the standard Naval Arrangement. Sincerely, Stewart Hett |
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Today as I read my local daily paper I saw a small photo of my father Sidney Horton on the dock at Devonport in Plymouth when HMS Amethyst came home.. being greeted by his family. It was a lovely surprise...my Dad died almost 15 years ago so it was so special to see him in such a random way. With all the history of The Yangtze Incident my Father never talked of his experiences to me well only one actually and that was when the ship had been hit and he had to crawl out onto the decks to bring in the casualties ..he said it was very scary...he did mention 'crawling through white dust' which was asbestos.. which many years later killed him....It was a horrible way to lose someone so very special. |
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35. Oct. 16, 2009 Following my Mum's death this year, I have found papers suggesting that my Dad Bernard Grazier was on board the Yangtze during its famous struggle, my Mum refers to him being deeply affected upon his return, they parted in the early 60's I lost contact at that point, but there is a photo that appears to be him, is there any way I could find out more, i.e. what he did in the navy, my 11 year old son is as curious as me. Regards, Peter Grazier |
Reply 1 Oct. 16, 2009 I served onboard HMS AMETHYST during 1949, with your Father. I have some photographs taken onboard, whilst we were trapped in the Yangtze River, which show your Father, but it is not a very clear picture of him. The pictures are of groups of around 30 or 40 people. I have other pictures taken onboard which show various people but I cannot now put names to the people shown. I have two large scrapbooks of cuttings about the Incident, and I daresay you know that there is film about the Incident and several books. I would be pleased to let you and your son look at some of my photos etc if you live near me in London. I cannot help you about the rest of your father's Naval career, though there are means of obtaining information about his Naval Service. I hope this is some help. Regards, Stewart Hett |
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34. Oct. 16, 2009 I am inquiring about a gentleman I met some many years ago who was on the Amethyst and would like to know if he is on the crew list during the incident, having sailed the Yangtze myself in 2000, I would be most interested to know if I was following in his footsteps. His name was Rodney Beaumont and I believe he was an NCO. I do know he is deceased. Sincerely, Leah Doyle |
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33. Oct. 7, 2009 Attention all members of the Black Swan Association. If the Black Swan Association has to close down, it's members can if they wish, join the Amethyst Association. Point of contact is Trudy Sampson, The Secretary Amethyst Association. Tel 01827 830334 or E-Mail trudysam@btinternet.com . Charlie Chivers, HMS Amethyst Association |
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32. Oct. 7, 2009 My father served on HMS Amethyst and despite never discussing with his daughters the dreadful things he saw during his time in the navy, I do believe he was on board during the Yangtze incident. His name was (he passed away several years ago) Reginald Percy Kingswood, nicknamed Bubbles. Does anyone remember him or indeed have a picture of him? I would be very grateful for any help. Kind regards, Tina McNab nee Kingswood |
Reply 1 Oct. 16, 2009 I served onboard HMS AMETHYST in 1948/49 I am afraid your Father's name does not appear in the list I have of people onboard in 1949 and during the Korean War. If your father served during World War 2, he may have served in AMETHYST before 1949. The AMETHYST Association has members who might remember your father and I will put your father's details in the Association Newsletter in case anyone can give you some stories about him. Best wishes, Stewart Hett |
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31. Sept. 30, 2009 I just today learned about Able Seacat (AC) Simon, DM, RN. As a US Navy veteran, conflict survivor and animal lover, I'm not only impressed at SIMON's service, but very humbled as well -- That a cat could rise to such an heroic level while serving in harm's way aboard HMS AMETHYST, somehow made my own naval career seem less significant. A magnificent and historical tribute to all pets and animals who have served, now serve and will serve! I read several accounts of AC SIMON with heavy eyes and a lump-in-throat, especially knowing the respect paid him by shipmates and countrymen upon his death. That a feline was honored by having his casket draped with the Union Jack says volumes! I recently lost my own (stray) cat Cleopatra of 15 years, so the story of Able Cat Simon, DM, RN makes me feel more closely connected. Godspeed to all our beloved animal friends, and the mates they serve. Steven Whipple |
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30. Sept. 29, 2009 I have been doing a little research into my late father's brothers and have been told that my uncle Myles Somers served on the HMS AMETHYST, and may have been on board during the Chinese incident. How can I find out if that is true? I never met Myles Somers as I believe he died in the 50s when I was very young. Thank you for a wonderful site. Eamon Somers |
Reply 1 Oct. 2, 2009 Myles Somers, is not on my list of the ship's Company of AMETHYST in 1949, nor does he appear on the list for the Korean War. As your Uncle died in 1950s, he was probably serving during World War 2 and may have served in AMETHYST before 1949. I have no information on the Ship's Company during that period. I belong to the AMETHYST Association, and we do have members who served in AMETHYST during the period 1943 to 1949. If I find anyone who remembers your Uncle, I will put him in touch with you. Best wishes, Stewart Hett |
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What a very interesting site you have with so many great stories and pictures. I have been trying to find out which ship J. F. ASKEW was on board to be able to get the Yangtze clasp his medal group shows him as cjx/152035 P.O. Tel. I have been unable to find anything of him on the internet can you please help. |
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I believe my father, Ivor Thomas, served on the Amethyst during the Korean war. He was also on board when the Amethyst was brought back to Devonport and taken out of service. Unfortunately when his parents died, his sea chest mysteriously vanished, along with his naval memorabilia. Thankfully he still has his photo albums. For years he has mentioned a log book that the crew received on her last voyage home. Can some one confirm if there was such a log and if so would it be possible to obtain a reproduction copy of the log book. Yours truly, |
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27. Sept. 6, 2009 I have in my collection a HMS Amethyst Yangtse 1949 medallion. With it is a small card with a write up of the incident and on the back it reads, these medallions are issued to the crew of HMS Amethyst in honour of their gallantry. Devotion to duty during the incident and leading up to the break out of the Yangtse July 30th/31st 1949. Designed and distributed by former shipmate A/B Geo. Hickbottom (Mess Deck Dodger). Its about the size of a normal full size medal and is enclosed in a fitted red case. The front has a picture of HMS Amethyst with the words HMS Amethyst around the top and Yangtse 1949 around the bottom. The reverse has a ships crest for Amethyst with Have joined the fleet: God save the King. Any one else seen one of these? Been searching the web to see if its genuine but to no avail. Any information would be greatly received. Regards, |
Reply 1 Sept. 9, 2009 George Hickingbottom was an Able Seaman serving in HMS AMETHYST. He left the ship in 1948, before the Yangtze Incident. On leaving the Navy he became an expert on antiques, particularly Medals. His great interest was HMS AMETHYST and he wrote a book which he privately published “The Seven Glorious HMS AMETHYSTS, 1793 – 1956”, in which he told the story of all the RN Ships named AMETHYST as well as some instructive comments on Naval General Service Medal. He considered that some HMS AMETHYST Veterans from the Yangtze Incident deserved special commendation, and at his own expense he designed and produced a medal which he presented to his shipmates. This is the medal to which James Harvey refers. George has been a tremendous supporter of the AMETHYST Association. Regards, |
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I am the only son of Kieth Martin (Deceased). My Father served on the HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident. My father never talked about his time in the navy and i'm trying to piece together his history. My uncle in Leicester, UK gave me a movie about the incident which gave me some insight to his ordeal. I have looked through the ship crew list but no mention of Kieth, I have also looked through the list of awards but no mention. My father was awarded three medals, the campaign medal, one from the King of England, one from the King of Norway for bravery. My mother has told me all she knows. Mum said Dad was wounded and put ashore. The Chinese captured dad and a officer and was placed in a POW camp. That's all I know can you PLEASE help me find out more. |
Reply 1 Sept. 2, 2009 Your Father, Keith, was a Boy Seaman on board HMS AMETHYST in 1949. He was wounded on 20 April, but I am not sure of the nature of his wounds. On the night of 21 April, the wounded were landed and most of them eventually reached Shanghai where medical help was provided. Your Father, with Stoker Mechanic Bannister, somehow became separated from the main party of wounded and were captured by the Chinese who treated their wounds. I was one of the people who negotiated with the Chinese for the return of your Father and Bannister to HMS AMETHYST. AMETHYST was then trapped in the Yangtze. I welcomed your Father and Bannister when they were eventually returned to AMETHYST. I am fairly certain that your Father had recovered from his wounds but Bannister was not fully recovered, we had a Doctor on board who carried out any further treatment that was needed. The Yangtze Incident Film does portray the captivity, treatment and release of your Father and Bannister, but I suspect it was overplayed for dramatic effect. I do not think your father ever became a member of the AMETHYST Association, though Bannister was a member. Bannister was flown from N. Ireland to Plymouth for our 1989 Reunion, paid for by the Daily Mirror. I do not think I ever asked him what he thought of the Film. I do not think I have any photos of your Father, though he may appear in some scenes where I have not added names. He may well be seen in some of the pictures of the Ship's Company marching through Plymouth and London, which I have in stills and cine. Regards, Stewart Hett |
Reply 2 Sept. 27, 2009 With regards to Bruce Martin, son of the late K. Martin. Whilst serving in the linen room of Royal Naval Hospital Stonehouse Plymouth in or about 1954 or maybe 1959, I remember K Martin was getting ready for divisions. He was a quiet, good-looking figure of a man and very smart in his doe skin suit. I noticed he had an oak leaf on one of his medals and when he left the room to go on parade, I asked the chief petty officer who was on duty with myself, "What was that for?" He replied it was for being held by the Chinese when the Amethyst was in trouble. It seems (if I am remembering accurately) he had later changed his branch to Sick Berth Attendant, and I can't remember what rank he was then. Sorry, but I am 73 years old now. It was some time later when being on night duties in the hospital I was ashore during the day for look around Plymouth, I wandered into a scrap yard and there was the Amethyst being cut up for scrap. It was sad to see, I can tell you. I shouted to the guy who was on the bridge sawing off a voicepipe, "Any chance of a souvenir?" and "give us half a crown and its yours "he said holding up the brass voicepipe. I treasured that lump of metal for years, and only recently did I decide to sell it on ebay. An American gave me £25 for it. A good return for my money I suppose, but it still makes me feel a bit guilty somehow. I do remember lending it to an association for a while, somewhere in Devon for their open day or some such thing a few years ago. Well that's my ramblings for what they are worth, but I do remember that Keith wouldn't speak of his adventures, but in a quiet way he commanded respect and just looking at him you could see he was something special. There is now an association for the medical branch of the Royal Navy and older members of that may know more about Keith Martin. You may know that all the Royal Naval Hospitals, RNH Stonehouse, RNH Chatham, RNH Haslar are all closed now, shame. Bye Bye, Tony Walsh ex RN |
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Messages 26-50 |
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Page published Sept. 8, 2009 |