Ask most people over Fifty years of age about the Yangtze incident, and they will tell you about the film staring Richard Todd, in which he Captain’s H.M.S. Amethyst through shot and shell from the Communist Chinese, and eventually wins home to freedom down the River Yangtze. It’s a typical story of its time about plucky Brits defying great odds and the film was a great success. The real story is even more startling for the hardships and bravery suffered by the crew, who had no realistic hope of escape, but kept the faith even though many had died, and eventually they arrived home to a tumultuous welcome.
It is hard to believe that after all the Amethyst had done that she should end up being scrapped alongside one of Plymouths most popular pubs, the China House. But all ships eventually have to die, only their story lives on and what a story it is. There are four articles about the ‘Amethyst’ including a first hand account from the youngest crew member, Boy seaman Sidney Horton.
ROBERT A MACKAY says
I REMEMBER THE AMETHYST WHEN SHE ARRIVED IN GRAND HARBOUR, SHE GOT A FANTASTIC WELCOME, MALTA 1950
Barbara Graham says
Hi,, would I be able to get a list of the crew that were on H.M.S Amethyst in 1949, my dad Mr Thomas Graham ,Ableseaman, served on her at that time .
Thankyou
Barbara Graham
Stephen says
Would I be able to locate a crew list as my dad was on the Amethyst in 1949. Dads name was Bruce charles Owen Traylor.
Kind regards
Stephen owen Traylor
Owen Traylor says
Stephen
I guess you must be my cousin! My uncle Charlie was on the Amethyst (must be your father).
My father was his elder brother, Trevor Hedley Traylor, ex-RN Lieut-Cmdr.
Best wishes,
Owen Traylor
Barrie. Traylor says
I guess I must be your uncle Barrie ,Trevor Hedley Traylor. and Charles Owen Traylor. We’re I am proud to say my brothers. Best wishes Barrie. Traylor .
Pete Ballan says
Our postie down in w.cornwall served on the Amethyst. His last name was Nicholls and lost his hand during the incident.
Gareth Wright says
Any luck with a crew roster?
My grandpa (Charles Henry Smith) sadly died this week and we were told he was onboard in 1949.
Would love to confirm this.
Stephen Owen Traylor says
Hi Owen that’s amazing
Yes ,Charlie is my father I have very fond memories when my dad used to tell to me about the amethyst.
Kind regards
Stephen Owen Traylor
Ronald Dixon says
I believe my brother E A Dixon [aged 19 ] was serving on HMS Amethyst at the time of the Yangtze incident but have been unable to confirm this, he later served n HMS Belfast, I would be grateful for any data as I am putting together a family history and at age of 77 may not have a lot of time.
Sincerely yours Ronald Dixon.
Glenn Traylor says
I am your cousin too. Glenn Traylor. My dad was Jeff Traylor one of the brothers
Therese Fox says
Hi,
It’s lovely to read all these messages.
My brother paddy Sinnott served on the ship but sadly was killed on the first day of the attack. He is buried at sea along with his crew mates which is very sad.
I would love to know if any crew members are still alive today.
I have so much respect for these men,
Stef prach says
Hi I’m looking for some pictures and a crew list my grandad Frederick Morrey was aboard the amethyst in 1949 sadly he passed away just before Christmas aged 91
ALAN ROBINSON says
My uncle Bernard Shaw was on the amethyst during the Yangste incident. he has passed away some years ago,does anyone know anything about his time in the service.
Valerie wall says
Hi my father in law Joe Wall was a royal marine serving on this ship HMS Amethyst. Anyone got a full list of the crew or any photos .
Looking for information for my husband.
Regards
Val wall
Ellie garton says
My great Uncle Matt Todd was on this ship. My Nan tells me all about the time he was away and the celebration when they came home!
I’ve got pictures of him from the papers of when he got back, but if anyone has any photos of the crew he may be in, I would love to see them!
Thanks
Al says
my father able seaman Albert Williams from Pendeen Cornwall served on the Amythest in 1949 after training the Amythest was is first adventure aboard a Royal Navel ship as his eldest son I am so proud of is valor being only 19 at the time all who served on her will go down in Navel history may there memories and the importance of this conflict make us all proud who served on her
Andrew Woolstencroft says
Does anyone know my Grandad by the name of Albert William Woolstencroft who served on the Amethyst around this time. Any Information greatly appreciated.
John Bradbury says
Anyone have any recollection of my brother Ronald Bradbury a radio operator who served to the best of my knowledge on HMS Amethyst in 1949, as I was a young teenager when our father was on the telephone to check his condition upon the ship’s return.
Michael Baxter says
Hello My father was a Japanese prisoner of war in Sumatra for 5 years Arthur Leonard Baxter also he was with another Brit Len William’s they both survived and remained great friends he came to my fathers funeral now l am aware that Uncle Len as he was known had a wife called dorothy and a son called David we socialised quite often l know that Len was featured in the film as the engineer by an actor in charge of the engines to allow the ship to escape l saw the film with my father. Uncle Len served on the Royal Yacht and he invited my parents as guests to visit the royal yacht
Peter Wells says
My late father served on HMS Amethyst . I have a list of the crew if anyone is interested I can be contacted via my email Wells.peter2@iinet.net.au.