Shipmates,
Received via one of our FAA Members.
The gentleman in question who has passed was the father of one of his best mates. He was not of our era though, this chap was the last remaining sailor who served on HMS Amethyst; you might have seen the film of her in the Yangtze incident. Here’s a little dit from his Obituary in the Times.
“One of the last surviving crew members of HMS Amethyst who slipped away from a Chinese siege in the Yangtze Incident of 1949, dies aged 94”
The 17-year-old boy seaman Ernie Munson was reading a book below deck on HMS Amethyst when the Chinese civil war hostilities began. The frigate was trapped on the Yangtze River by Communist Chinese forces for over 100 days. The crew survived intense shelling and a blockade before making a daring overnight escape on July 30, 1949.
Here are some key details of his story:
• 29 crewman lost their lives including the Captain,
• A shell hit the gun torrent Ernie was manning, 2 of the gunners died, but Ernie carried on, he was 17.
The Famed Ship’s Cat: Munson often shared memories of Simon, the ship’s cat who survived shrapnel wounds, kept morale high, and helped fight off a severe rat infestation on the stranded vessel.
Post-Navy Life: After the Yangtze Incident, Munson served on other Royal Navy ships and later became a Metropolitan Police Officer.
Life in Dorset: Moving to the Southwest, he had a 23-year career as a Coastguard, often working at the Coastguard station at Portland Bill and later in Weymouth.
Passing: Mr Munson passed away on 6th May at age 94.”
The daring escape was later adapted into the well-known 1957 film Yangtze Incident, which you can learn more about on the Yangtze Incident Wikipedia page.
Shipmate Ian’s request to members: If as many Shipmates can attend his funeral for a true hero’s send off across the bar that would be fantastic. The Funeral is at Weymouth Crematorium at 1430 Thursday 4th June, with drinks at Wellworthy Sports & Social Club after. Aware it’s a mid week do but if you’re at a loose end and fancy a get together as well, it would mean a lot. Appreciate guys and BZ.