Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24123 - British and World Coins and Medals featuring the Pritchard Collection of 18th Century Provincial Tokens and Commemorative Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 1370

H.M.S. Amethyst, Yangtse, 1949, AU Commemorative Medal, struck 1980, hallmarked in 9 carat gold, Birmingham, by George Hickinbottom, H.M.S. AMETHYST YANGTSE 1949, the ship at sea, rev. HAVE REJOINED THE FLEET: GOD SAVE THE KING :, Amethyst's crest, 38mm, 30.74g, wiped and lightly contact marked, nonetheless toned, good very fine, the sole example struck in this metal and thus of the highest rarity, in fitted case with original leaflet

This lot is accompanied with the book 'The Seven Glorious H.M.S Amethyst's 1793-1956' published by George Hickinbottom, who served on the seventh vessel to be named H.M.S Amethyst and saw action during the Yantse Incident in 1949. George Hickinbottom had these medals struck in 1980 to award to his fellow comrades whom he had served with during the incident.

In his book he writes; 'when I saw the expression on their faces after they received their medallions, it was well worth it. Ex-Chief Petty Officer Mr Len Williams, DSM, spoke on behalf of all to thank me, plus personal thanks from others in attendance. I hope they will treasure them with all their other mementos, which I know they will.'


In April 1949, with civil war raging in China between the Chinese Communist People's Liberation Army and Nationalist Kuomintang forces, the frigate (a type of warship) HMS Amethyst was ordered up the Yangtze River to act as a guardship for the British Embassy in Nanjing. When it was around 70 miles away from Nanjing, Amethyst came under fire from Communist artillery batteries on the northern bank of the river and while attempting to evade the shelling it ran aground. During the incident 17 members of the crew were killed and 10 wounded, including the captain, Lieutenant Commander Bernard Skinner, who later died.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£950

Starting price
£650