Lt Cdr Hett HMS Amethyst signed 30th ann Yangtse River escape official Navy cover RNSC(2)2a, scarce. British officer served aboard HMS Amethyst during Yangtse Incident in China, 4/1949-7/1949. In 1949, during the Chinese civil war, Britain stationed a guard ship at Nanking to protect British lives and property. Halfway up the Yangtze River to replace HMS CONSORT, with opposing armies on each riverbank, HMS AMETHYST came under heavy attack. Badly damaged and driven aground, 21 of her Ship’s Company were killed and 28 wounded. CONSORT, plus HM Ships LONDON and BLACK SWAN, sailed to assist but they too came under attack and many more were killed and wounded. After three months of failed negotiations, on 30th July, AMETHYST made a dramatic escape downriver. Lieutenant Commander Kerans was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, one of 16 honours and awards across all those involved in the incident. Simon, AMETHYST’s Ship’s Cat, was awarded the Dicken Medal, sometimes referred to as the ‘Animals’ Victoria Cross’ –the only cat to hold this honour.

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