HMS Amethyst U-16 / F-116
Message Board
Messages 200 to 224

214.
Sept. 25, 2022

Myself and my good friend Andrew Bannister have contacted you on previous occasions and you have kindly mentioned our fathers who both served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident. We are currently trying to get a memorial plaque erected in Belfast in their memory, I have also constructed another model of HMS Amethyst which I have placed in a large bottle in respect of my dad who taught me from an early age the art of placing sailing ships in bottles which I much appreciate and decided to do this with a model of HMS Amethyst all which I have constructed.

Raymond McCullough
213.
June 23, 2022

It is 11 years since I was first in contact with you regarding my father's possible service involvement in the Yangtze incident. I have emailed all of you as time marches on and some may no longer be with us anymore or email addresses have changed but hopefully someone who can help may. I trust those of you who are still with us are well and taking good care of yourselves.

Last week I was down helping my siblings clear out my parents family home (my Mum passed away last year and what with family members being quite some distance away and the problems Covid caused with lockdowns and limited travel it is taking some time to resolve probate) and I came across something that may solve the mystery and family story of my father's involvement. It is a small folded heavy duty card which appears to be a form of ID card, showing my father and the link to HMS Amethyst.

I am in possession of my fathers service records and know that he was based in RNH Hong Kong during this period. There is no mention of Amethyst on his service records however there is a small window that is not accounted for. His rank is also a possible defining indicator as whilst he was serving in RNH Hong Kong he was a SBA but this card has him as a LSBA. His records for the RNH as a SBA finish on 6/9/49 and restart as a LSBA at Pembroke on 6/11/49. I understand that Amethyst initially went to Hong Kong for repairs and then sailed home to Devonport but I can't find much detail around dates of when this occurred but it seems likely that my father was posted back to Pembroke as part of the Amethyst's return crew. I know there was a parade in Plymouth for the returning crew in November 49 so things definitely appear to tie in nicely.

This seems the most likely cause of the family belief that he was involved in the incident and his participation was misunderstood. I would appreciate if anyone can throw some light on the card or on the return dates of Amethyst.

Best regards,
Les Preece
212.
Feb. 10, 2021

I am writing to ascertain if Charles William Daniels or Lond, served on the HMS Amethyst? Unfortunately, he passed away about four years ago. I did those spend time with him trying to search for information. It was quite a while ago. I don't recall coming across this site unfortunately. The story goes that he left home at 14 to join the Navy. Unfortunately, there seems to be a bit of urban mess around the stories as one of my friends says exactly the same thing about her dad! I am fairly certain I would not of spent all day with my dad trying to search for information. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,
Barbara Lond

Reply 1
Feb. 10, 2021

The name Charles William Daniels (or Lond) is not on the Amethyst crew list for the Yangtze Incident. He may have served before or after, but I don't have access to those lists.

Michael W. Pocock
Webmaster


211.
Nov. 11, 2020

My father, Raymond C. Mcullough, and his friend Samuel Bannister both served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident. Andrew Bannister, Samuel's son, and myself were introduced after my dad's funeral and have since been working together with our father's memorabilia for a display which we were privileged to have at HMS Caroline Belfast. I also constructed a model for display for which I was presented with a brass plaque in their memory  by representatives of the navy at HMS Caroline. Andrew and myself are now trying to get a wall  plaque erected here in Belfast to remember our fathers and their crewmates, though this has had to be put on hold due to present circumstances. I would be grateful if you could supply me with  any information as to where I can purchase a suitable plaque which we will provide for this venue.

Thank you,
Raymond Mcullough

 

210.
Nov. 3, 2020

My grandfather, Harry Lutman, was on the HMS Amethyst. Believed to be one of the youngest petty officers at that time. I was wondering how I might go about getting some information or photos of him from being on the ship. I live in the U.S. and he passed away before I could ask him much about it. He moved to America in the 1970's and didn't bring any of his naval things with him. Any direction you could help me with would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.

Amanda Lutman


209.
Sept. 15, 2020

For Gilly O'Reilly,
I am sorry to hear of your father Stewart Hett's passing last year and apologise for the delay of my commiserations as I have only just found out about it. I had a great deal of respect for your father for his kindness and dedication to the veterans of HMS Amethyst. He attended my father William Reginald Thomas Venton's 90th birthday celebration in Plymouth in 2002. He also attended dad's funeral in 2003, again in Plymouth, which, on both occasions would have meant he travelled considerable distances. If I had known about it I would have liked to have attended his funeral as a mark of respect for the man he was.

I am also sorry to hear of the passing of Gordon Wright, as being Plymouth men, they would have known one another well from Amethyst reunions. I guess there are not many veterans left from the Yangtze Incident but would be happy to hear from anyone with connections to the event.

Colin Venton

Reply 1
Aug. 17, 2020

Thank you so much for your kind comments and message of condolence. The reunions and association meant so much to Dad and he would have thoroughly enjoyed attending your Dad's birthday celebration. Sadly there are not many veterans left and we decided to close the association at the last meeting which was the 70th anniversary. I can add your email to my list so that you will hear of any Amethyst 'news', and maybe once things are back to normal we will have another meet up.

Best wishes,
Gilly O'Reilly


208.
Aug. 22, 2020

I'm doing some research on HMS Amethyst and her weapons fit at the time of the Yangtze Incident as well as her post war refits.

In Les Brown's book on Black Swan Class Sloops, there is mention of a post 1945 refit, but nothing further. A further refit is mentioned with accompanying builders plans for a 1950 refit. However, the changes mentioned are all present in photos of Amethyst whilst on the Yangtze.

The changes I refer to are:
1. Removal of both twin powered 20mm Oerlikons from quarterdeck
2. Twin 40mm Hazemeyer bofors fitted to the raised quarterdeck platform
3. Bridge wing guns remaining as single 20mm oerlikon rather than single 40mm 'Boffin'
4. Extended platform for no.2 gun
5. Additional changes to bridge area

I have also noticed that there were no depth charges carried up the Yangtze and the additional charges and holders for the four throwers were not present.

Would anyone be able to tell me when the first post WW2 refit was carried out, and what external changes were made? Also whether any further refit was carried out between then and the Yangtze Incident, as there is evidence of the pennant changing in 1948 which was supposed to be done under the 1950 refit.

Could anyone confirm the weapons fit of the Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident? I have the following;

3 x twin 4" guns
2 x 20mm Oerlikons (bridge wings)
2 x twin 40mm Hazemeyer mounts on raised quarterdeck platform
2 x depth charge rails
4 x Mk.IV depth charge throwers

Many thanks,
Toby Knight

207.
June 2, 2020

In my collection of RN memorabilia I have a pewter mug (showing below) with the inscription P.O. Miller G J. HMS Amethyst 1949. I also have an original HMS Amethyst cap tally which was in the mug when I purchased it on eBay a few years ago. Do you know where I can find a list of crew members on Amethyst, I guess during the Yangtze incident? Excellent website.

Thanks,
Paul Woodman, Ex RN

Reply 1
June 2, 2020

Paul donated these items to MaritimeQuest for preservation. There was no P.O. G. J. Miller on the crew list for HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident that I have. We have not been able to determine exactly when Mr. Miller served. Thanks very much to Paul for his generous donation.

Michael W. Pocock
Webmaster

 
 

206.
May 27, 2020

I have only just come across your site. My grandad served on the Amethyst and would always talk about it. He did tell me a fair few years before he died that he served up until they reached Shanghai where his service ended and he disembarked. He was a barber from what I remember him saying and his name was Denis Yeardley from Sheffield. Would anyone have known him? If so would anyone have any pictures or have stories of him. I really miss him and I unfortunately don't have much from him so anything would be amazing.

Thank you and kind regards
Robin Yeardley

Reply 1
June 1, 2020

As far as I can remember there was no Denis Yeardley on the Amethyst in April 1949. We were tied up at an old Brewery in Banking in 1948, painted ship, changed pennant number from U 16 to F116 after doing our stint sailed to Shanghai in quarantine for Christmas (smallpox scare.) After more patrols around Malaya ended going up the Yangtze again. The only ships barber I knew was P.O. Archer who left the ship before our little incident, so Robin your grandfather must have served on Amethyst pre 1948. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Kindest regards,
Ray Calcott
(Able Seaman, HMS Amethyst)


205.
May 24, 2020

I hope you can help as I have a request if anybody can help. I would like some help in trying to identify a photo of my Grandad's cousin Leonard Walter Williams. He served on the HMS Dragonfly and then on the HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze incident. He was a chief petty officer, but on the amethyst I think he was chief stoker 4th class or stoker 4c edifice? I have found out that he was a Japanese POW working on the Sumatra railway thanks to the Imperial War Museum and a recording they have of him. My grandfather sadly passed away at quite a young age, but apparently never spoke of his experience during the war. The only time he mentioned it or talked about his family was to talk about Leonard and when the Yangtze incident was shown on TV. Below is a newspaper article about him. We were told that he received a Distinguished Service Medal for his role, but I do not know much more about it. I may have left it a little to late, but if anyone can identify him in a photo or can share their memories of him I would be so grateful!

Best regards,
Barbara Williams

Reply 1
May 24, 2020

ERA 2/c Leonard Walter Williams, DSC was in Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident. He is shown in the two photos below. We also have two other photos which he is in, which I have sent to you. They will be published to the site soon.

Michael W. Pocock
Webmaster

 

204.
Feb. 24, 2020

It is with with great sadness and sense of loss that I must announce the passing of John (Jack) Ashford, father of Steven, Jonathan, Susan and David. Dad had had a fall and broke his hip a short while ago and had sadly not been able to rally against the injury. He passed away quietly a few days after turning 90. He was a keen supporter and ex crew member of HMS Amethyst during her finest hour. He cherished the memories of his time on board with his shipmates and the reunions he was able to attend. He will be sadly missed by his kids and his grandchildren that he adored.

Rest in peace Dad,
Jon Ashford


203.
Feb. 22, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Eric Mustoe, veteran of the Yangtze Incident. Eric passed away on Friday 21st February 2020 at home surrounded by his family. Eric was the much loved Chairman of the Amethyst Association. He was a great character with a wonderful sense of humour and supported all Amethyst Association events
with his extended family. Details of his funeral will be emailed when available.

Best wishes,
Gilly O'Reilly
on behalf of Lt. Cdr. Stewart Hett (Retired)


 
The funeral will take place on Friday 13th March at 3.15 pm at Streetly Crematorium,
Walsall, WS9 0SG. Then refreshments at Fairlawns Hotel, Walsall, WS9 0NU.


202.
Feb. 3, 2020

I believe my father, Brian Roberts, was serving in HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze incident. He was born on Nov 14th 1930. To the best of my knowledge he was injured, taken off the ship at Rose island and did not return until she came back to Plymouth. I was wondering if you may have any information about my father in your records?

Yours hopefully,
Beverley Roberts

Reply 1
Feb. 3, 2020

Brian Roberts is listed as a Boy Seaman in AMETHYST during the Yangtze Incident. Sadly the last man I knew who might have known him passed away a few weeks ago, so I cannot provide any other information on him.

Michael W. Pocock
Webmaster


201.
Jan. 4, 2020

I am a super fan of HMS Amethyst, include Hero Mr. John Simon Kerans and Able Seacat Simon. During the past few months, I searched a lot of information about them, and meantime, I've created two fan page on Facebook for keeping good memories.

http://www.facebook.com/johnsimonkerans
http://www.facebook.com/seacatsimon


Your MaritimeQuest website helped us to know more about Royal Navy. You did a great contribution. Many thanks. Any information about George Hickinbottom? If possible, please say hello to this gentleman for me. Because of him, Cat Simon had a chance to join HMS Amethyst.

Below are photos of the plaque about Cdr. John S. Kerans, it's located in the ruins of British Embassy in Nanking (Now Nanjing). As you know, John S. Kerans was Military officer of British Embassy of Republic of China before joining HMS Amethyst. For keeping good memory, I brought Mr. Kerans' photo and country flags. That place from 1949 to 1970 was Guest House of Russian professors and students. After 1970's, it was a Shuang Men Lou Hotel until 2018, now is closed.

Best regards.
One of Super fan of HMS Amethyst,
Jack Xi
Shanghai, P.R. China
Memorial plaque dedicated to Cdr. John S. Kerans, R.N. on the former British Embassy in Shanghai, China.
(Photo courtesy of Jack Xi)
© 2020 Jack Xi all rights reserved
 
Location of the plaque on the former British Embassy building in Shanghai, China.
(Photo courtesy of Jack Xi)
© 2020 Jack Xi all rights reserved

200.
Dec. 22, 2019

I am the niece of Roland Green who I believe was serving on HMS Amethyst at the time of the Yangtze Incident. I would be very appreciative if you are able to either confirm or refute this.  I know very little about his years of service in the Navy during WWII.

Many thanks,
Pauline A Moss (Mrs)



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Messages 200-224
Page published Jan. 6, 2020