While sailing lawfully up the Yangste in 1949, the British warship Amethyst found its return to the open sea blocked by Communist Chinese shore batteries that unexpectedly opened fire. In charge, Lietenant Commander Kerans was not however prepared for his crew and his ship to remain as a hostage for the Chinese to use as an international pawn.
Lieutenant-Commander John Simon Kerans
Leading Seaman Leslie Frank
Colonel Peng
Lieutenant Weston
Captain Kuo Tai
Miss Charlotte Dunlap
Flight Lieutenant Fearnley
Lieutenant Strain
Petty Officer McCarthy
Mr. Monaghan
Able Seaman Walker
ERA Williams
Mr. McNamara
Petty Officer
Able Seaman Bannister
Ruth Worth
Able Seaman James Bryson
Telegraphist Jack Leonard French
April 1, 1957
Lieutenant-Commander John Simon Kerans
Leading Seaman Leslie Frank
Colonel Peng
Lieutenant Weston
Captain Kuo Tai
Miss Charlotte Dunlap
Flight Lieutenant Fearnley
Lieutenant Strain
Petty Officer McCarthy
Mr. Monaghan
Able Seaman Walker
ERA Williams
Mr. McNamara
Petty Officer
Able Seaman Bannister
Ruth Worth
Able Seaman James Bryson
Telegraphist Jack Leonard French