Postwar, the Amethyst incident, and decommissioning HMS London (69)



in spring of 1949 frigate amethyst became trapped advancing communist chinese forces yangtze river. london sailed river show of strength in attempt free frigate. communist forces not intimidated , took cruiser under fire. london returned fire 8-inch , 4-inch guns, firing several hundred rounds, hit several times. 2 forward 8-inch turrets , x turret aft damaged , rendered inoperable, , bridge sustained several hits. london retreated down river , returned hong kong repairs lasted until end of july.


london remained in chinese waters until august 1949, when relieved hms kenya, , returned uk in autumn of 1949. london surveyed determine if extensive repair , refit further service feasible, condition of machinery (dating 1928 , not replaced during rebuild in 1930s), large crew required made expensive proposition, given britain s post war financial difficulties. retired reserve in river fal until sold scrapping in 1950.







Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mussolini's views on antisemitism and race Benito Mussolini

Types Classification yard

Discography Memnock