99.
Sept. 11, 2012

I am a freelance writer for the New Zealand RSA (Returned Servicemen's Assn.) Review. After my late father's death, I found a magazine among his belongings called "The Glorious Story of HMS Amethyst" - together with press clippings about Simon, the ship's cat.

I would love to know if any New Zealanders served on Amethyst. Obviously, I'd been keen to get in touch with them or their families to write a story for RSA Review. Hopefully, you can shed some light on this for me and it's such a great yarn and to have a Kiwi connection would be brilliant.

Kindest regards,
Lindy Andrews

98.
Aug. 12, 2012

I just came across your website regarding the Yangtze Incident. I was doing research into my family history. My fathers cousin Betty Evans had married a Cyril Williams, who lost his legs/feet during the incident. I remember Cyril as a lovely man when I was a child, I even delivered him the newspaper as a child. I believe that after the Incident he settled in Blaenau Ffestiniog with his wife (a native of Blaenau Ffestiniog). They assisted in running of a pub called the Merion Hotel, Cyril's mother in law ran the pub for 48 years. Cyril passed away way back in in the early 1980, aged 60. I was looking through the messages and I did see on comment in which confirms that Cyril is mentioned, in that he lost both his feet, and went off to Wales to be a publican. I was hoping that one of the crew photos in which a couple of "Williams" are mentioned. One image has a Williams located in between Munson and Wilson. I was wondering if indeed that this is Cyril Williams, who lost his feet during the incident, as I have no image of him. Many thanks for your assistance.

Tracy Evans
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Driving an electric chair in the procession: Leading Seaman Cyril Williams, who lost both legs when Amethyst was first shelled by the Chinese Communists.

Leading Seaman Williams, who lost both legs in the Yangtze action, is carried into the church. Previously, on Horse Guards Parade, Mr. Attlee had chatted with him.

July 28, 1979: Amethyst Veterans March Past, Welwyn Garden City.
Chairman of Welwyn and Hatfield District Council, Mr. Frank Clayton, shakes hands with Mr. Cyril Williams, who as a Leading Seaman in HMS Amethyst lost both his legs in April 1949.
From left to right: Hawkins, Day, Stewart Hett, Blomley, Williams, McGlashen(?).

97.
July 19, 2012

I am trying to find information on relative. Donald Tracey, I am led to believe he served on the Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident. Can you or your friends have any memory of him. I think you web site is a wonderful dedication to our service men. Keep up the good work.

Many thanks,
Bill Tracey

96.
June 28, 2012

I am not sure if my input will be of  any real interest to your members, but the film "Yangtze Incident" made in 1957, was made on the River Orwell, near H.M.S. Ganges.  My father, C.P.O. Bob Mutton was one of the extras recruited from the camp, he was an instructor there, his mess being Collingwood 42,  there were quite a few other sailors also recruited from the camp as the film makers wanted men on board who knew their way round a ship, rather than ordinary extras who were likely to go a over to.  My father took a very small autograph book with him, which he concealed in a pocket,  and I am the proud owner of this book duly signed by all the famous actors that were in the film, also the director Michael Anderson. I have just watched the film again, and it really stands up very well, luckily I can still pick my father out in one of the scenes. My father is still alive and is 91, unfortunately,  not in the best of health. I was eleven years old in 1957 and I remember that time very well.

Kind regards,
Ann Ballard, nee Mutton

95.
June 23, 2012

Is there anyone who can remember Electricians Mate George Paul and what subsequently became of him. He figures as an important character in a talk I do about the Yangtze Incident and which I'm in course of updating and thanks to this web site and Lt. Cdr. Hett's captioned photo I now know what he looks like. I am aware that he saw some service in WWII - probably from about 1943 onwards - and that his home town was Milton of Campsie just outside Glasgow. Any help would be most welcome.

Yours sincerely,
David Slade
Littlehampton, West Sussex, UK

94.
June 20, 2012

TO THE VETERANS OF HMS AMETHYST

A REMINDER OF AN HISTORICAL FACT WHICH TOOK PLACE DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF 30 TH /31 ST JULY 1949

I recently visited the National Memorial Arboretum and was impressed with the overall appearance of this earnest attempt to remind us all of the heroism and brave conduct of the armed services since the war.  Naturally enough, I made a point of visiting the Memorial to the four ships involved in the 'Yangtze Incident' and was reminded of the terrible loss of life and injuries suffered by those involved in the tragedy.  I also viewed the area devoted to HMS Amethyst and whilst I was impressed with this sincere attempt to record the suffering endured by those involved, it was also by way of being a reminder of the strange attitude adopted by the remaining veterans towards their fellow veterans from HMS Concord.

These veterans should surely not need to be reminded of the high risks also taken by the Captain and ships company of Concord who, on the orders of Admiral Sir John Brind, were sent at least 40 nautical miles up the Yangtze river for the sole purpose of giving protection to the surviving crew members of Amethyst by specifically ordering Captain Nigel Rodney of Concord to immediately return fire should the heavy guns at Woosung open fire on Amethyst at this most critical stage of the escape.  Not my words, but those of your Captain John Kerans.  Every attempt is seemingly made by the Amethyst survivors to play down the vital role played by Concord even though, having entered the river at 0145 in the morning of 31 st July 1949, she also shared the same degree of dangers from the now in control communists.  The relief, the obvious gratitude demonstrated by the men of Amethyst when at 0715 action stations were brought to an end and the two ships went alongside, was a joy to behold.  When the two ships met at Woosung very few men would have been on the upper decks making a mockery of the film when it showed the guard rails of both ships crowded with cheering men.  It was at this stage that your Captain gave the order 'I want every man to give everything for the last leg'.  This order would hardly be necessary if the ships were now safe as demonstrated by both ships being kept at action stations for a further hour and a half.  It should also be remembered that, to ensure the safety of both ships from the reported laying of mines by the Nationalist Chinese, Concord , by using its asdics carried out sweeps of the lower reaches of the river during its early entry into same.

When taking the above into account just why is it that the attitude adopted by those choosing to write about the event continue to suggest that by the time Concord met up with Amethyst, claimed to be at the mouth of the river, the danger had passed.  It would appear that the concern of these veterans is that HMS Concord should be given any plaudits for her efforts, how sad, nothing could possibly be compared to the stresses experienced by those involved in the attack of the previous April and the further incarceration suffered by the men of Amethyst.  At the same time, however, historical facts are highly important and it is very wrong that a proud ship like HMS Concord, due to the obvious attempts to cover up her involvement, should not also receive recognition for her highly dangerous intervention.  There can be no doubt that, as a result of an HD Committee meeting held during the following November 1949, the qualification for a Clasp to the NGSM was extended to include anyone serving in Amethyst for one day during the 100 days to the 31 st July 1949.  Surely, the men of HMS Concord, by entering the river on the 28 th July and being in company with Amethyst for most of the 31st solely for her protection, must also qualify.

The Amethyst Memorial plaque gives details of the whole event but ends with the following;

31 st July. At 0500 HMS Amethyst met the destroyer HMS Concord (Lt.Cdr. Nigel Rodney) at the mouth of the river and sent her famous signal

''Have rejoined Fleet south of Woosung, no damage or casualties, God Save the King''

Should it also be considered what might have happened had HMS Concord with her main armament in full working order, not put in an appearance.  We shall never know!!

Derek Hodgson

93.
May 21, 2012

I wonder if you could help me. I am looking into the history of my late grandfather. He was an able seaman onboard the amethyst during the yangtze incident. His name was Edward James Williams. Known as 'Ted' to friends. I am looking for any information and would love to find some photographs of him too.

Best wishes,
Victoria Kirk

92.
May 12, 2012

Sadly we announce the death of William Garfitt aged 90. William crossed the Bar May 7th William served on Amethyst as a Leading Seaman during the whole of the Yangtze incident and was an active member of the Amethyst Association. The funeral will take place on May 22nd 1045 hrs at Grenoside Crematorium 5 Stoke Lane Sheffield S35 8 RJ Donations to Royal British Legion.

Charlie Chivers
Amethyst Association

91.
Mar. 17, 2012

I am trying to find out what ship Mr. R. Whitehead served on during the Yangtze incident, as I am having trouble researching his career.

Best regards,
Andy

90.
Feb. 29, 2012

It is with regret that the Amethyst Association has to announce the death of Joseph Ferrett, who crossed the bar 27/2/12. Joe served on board Amethyst as a Leading Signalman at the start of the Yangtze incident April 1949. The funeral will be held at Macclesfield Crematorium at 1440 hrs on the 12th March. Family flowers only, Donations to The Heart Foundation of The Amethyst Association.

Charlie Chivers,
Amethyst Association

89.
Feb. 13, 2012

We are trying to track my maternal Grandad's navy history. My mother (his daughter) knows he was on board the HMS Amethyst and thinks he joined the Navy when he was around 15/16 he was born in 1928. We have photos of him and who we believe to be other crew members, some of which have dates and places on the back, such as May and June 1944, Rock and Trengrenu. His name was William (Bill) Henry Silkstone. If you served with him, knew of him or have any information it will be gratefully received.

William passed away on Friday 10th February 2012, we have been going through paperwork etc and that's when we came across the photos, would be great to learn some of his history!

Kind Regards,
Dawn & Rhianna Ogle

88.
Feb. 4, 2012

My request is for information on the engineering officer of HMS Amethyst. Looking at other sources relating to the ship your site would seem to have most information. I keep coming across the name Lt. Stephen Hett [sic] who served aboard her during the 'Yangtze Incident'. What I have managed to gather so far is that his name was Lt. Ernest George Wilkinson (E) and that he was transferred after being injured in the initial shelling the ship suffered.

My interest stems from the fact that I joined HMS Ganges as a boy 1959/1960 and three years previously they had used the location to make the film and this is where my memory is stretched because we had an officer serving there a Lt. Commander, I never found out his name but he limped quite badly and the rumour amongst the lads was that he had served on the Amethyst.

What I do have is a picture of this officer (showing below) it shows all the serving officers there in 1959/60 the one I am referring to is in the third row from the front on the extreme right behind the seated nurse. I have also cropped the photo but it is quite small. Anyhow I am sending this to yourself hoping that you will be able to pass this on to someone who will be able to help thanking you in anticipation.

James Lyon

87.
Feb. 2, 2012

It is with deep regret that we Announce the death of Charles Williams. He crossed the Bar 31st January, 2012. He was a well known character and for ten years was the Associations Sin-Bo's'n. He served on Amethyst during the latter part of WW2. The funeral is at 2.30 pm (1430) on Wed 8 Feb at Dunkeswell Parish Church. Refreshments afterwards in the Church Hall, and there will be a cremation after the Church Service.

Charlie Chivers
Amethyst Association

Poppies
by Charles Williams

Poppies No Poppies grow on a sailor's Grave
No Bugles disturb his sleep
He lies alone beneath the Sea
Rocked by the rhythm of the deep

No medals are on the wavelets
No Headstone to tell what he has done
He keeps to himself the memories
Of life before battle begun

No sad tears will fall on his body
No Eulogies read where he lies
He waits for the day of judgment
With pride and hope in his eyes
May God grant him peace and mercy
In his life to come
And perhaps the occasional tot
Of good old Naval Rum

86.
Jan. 26, 2012

My late father, Ivor Brynley Daniels, served in HMS Amethyst in 1949,  I vaguely remember him briefly talking about being stationed in Hong Kong and HMS Amethyst, so I am keen to know if he was aboard HMS Amethyst during the China Incident? 

Regards,
Phil Daniels

Jan. 30, 2012

Dear Mr Hett,

Thank you for getting back to me so promptly. I have copied my father's (Ivor Brynley Daniels, nickname Danny) service records (see below). It appears he took his QM3 rate on board HMS Amethyst. He joined Tamar (Amethyst) as an OD 11/11/1947 through to 17/4/1949. I clearly remember as a youngster playing with his HMS Amethyst cap tally, but don't recall any medal. I would be very grateful for any information you may provide.

Regards,
Phil Daniels

85.
Jan. 23, 2012

I am trying to find information regarding a Ronald Isaac, my grandfather. Unfortunately the family has little information other than he served on the Amethyst as a radar operator (possibly in 1944, being born in 1922)
if you have any advice on where to search for information it would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ashley Isaac

84.
Jan. 7, 2011

It is with great regret that we announce that one of the founder Members of the AMETHYST Association, Norman Stapleton, died on 28 December. He was serving in HMS AMETHYST when she came under Chinese Communist gunfire on 20 April 1949. His funeral is at 1500 on Friday 13 January at Weston Mills Crematorium, Ferndale Rd, Plymouth, PL2 2EP. Afterwards there will be a reception at Plymstock Golf Club.

Stewart Hett

83.
Dec. 16, 2011

My father SSX815174 Richard [Dick] Wells served on HMS Amethyst during the Yangtze incident. He passed away from cancer 2003 in New Zealand. I have the medal he was awarded which also has the Malaya clasp, was this awarded as part of his service aboard HMS Amethyst? Have you any stories or memories about him? [didn't really speak about his experiences during that time.]

Thanks,
Peter Wells

82.
Dec. 9, 2011

Interested in learning about an old neighbor from my youth I believe was on his Amethyst During the Yangtze incident, his name was Ron Potter. I recall there was a 'Daily Mirror' photo of him being carried off ship, injured.

Tony Adamson

81.
Nov. 17, 2011

I am the son of the late Stoker Samuel Bannister, HMS Amethyst. I've just come across your web page and would like to correspond with Stewart Hett who served on board with my dad.  I'm trying to trace as many old photographs of the ship and its company as possible.

Andrew Bannister
(Also see message 102)

80.
Nov. 16, 2011

My grandfather David Cleghorn passed away on Thursday 26th May 2011, he always spoke of his time at sea on the Amethyst, but details were at times a bit sketchy, please could you forward me any details that you might have. I believe he may have served between 1940s - 1950s. He said that he was a young man when he joined and had been a diver and had also peeled plenty potatoes. I would like to maybe read a bit of his history, and get a few of the blanks filled in.

Regards,
Mrs. Kim Harper
Bangor, Co. Down

79.
Nov. 13, 2011

I served in the Royal Navy 1962-1974, and I have recently become the caretaker (owner seems the wrong word as I did not earn them) of a medal group for PO E. J. YOUNG D/JX125913, consisting of 1939/45 Star, Atlantic Star, Defence Medal, War Medal and Naval General Service Medal YANGTZE 1949. I am hoping to find out some information about the recipient, and which ship he served aboard during the Incident, is it possible you can help me with this. I am a member of the RNA and Royal British Legion, we pay a usually visit the Services Arboretum every couple of years and the next time I go I will be making enquiries about donating the group to them in my will when my days are over, (not to soon in the future I hope) as I feel they should be shared with others.

Hoping you can help,
Yours sincerely Dave "Rattler" Morgan, Ex LEM
(Greenie)

78.
Nov. 13, 2011

I am trying to find out about my dad (now deceased) who was involved in the Yangtze incident. He was a member of the merchant navy from about 1940 to 1942, then the Royal Navy from about 1942. He served on HMS Speaker during the war. After the war he returned to the merchant navy until leaving in about 1959.

My mom (also deceased) remembers my dad being involved in the Yangtze incident, but could not remember which ship he was on or whether he was in the Royal or merchant fleet.

My dad was adopted as a child and there are no close relatives left to ask. His birth name was John Dickson and his adopted name was John Dixon Black. This was never a formal adoption so I do not know which name he would have signed up with. He was always known as Jack or Jackie.

Does anyone remember him (see photo below) or can give me information about his time out there. I would be very thankful for any information/pictures etc.

Thank you,
Yours Jasmine J. Cross (Mrs) nee Black

77.
Nov. 10, 2011

My father, Arthur Jones, served on the Amethyst during WWII. He was from Fazakerle , Liverpool. He unfortunately passed away in 1977 aged only 54 and during the passing of time his photographs and documents have all been lost. It was a time of his life he was reluctant to talk about but I know he was an Able Seaman and i'm sure he mentioned he was a gunner. I would be delighted if anybody remembered him and could tell me more about his days as a young man.

Kindest regards,
Arthur Jones Jnr.

76.
Nov. 5, 2011

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sam Marsh. Sam served as a Boy Seaman (aged 17) on board Amethyst During the Yangtze incident. He was wounded in the early stages of the incident, while serving as a Loading Number for X Gun (Twin 4" QF). Sam Crossed the Bar on the 3rd November 2011. His funeral will be held at Dinder Church, Dinder, Somerset. 2pm on the 11/11.

Charlie Chivers
Amethyst Association