1949 - In the finest tradition of the British Navy, the epic dash of the frigate Amethyst down the Yangtse River to freedom took place on the night of 30th/31st July. Silently slipping her anchor and shadowing a river steamer in hope of evading any challenge from Chinese gun batteries. The Amethyst was soon under heavy fire.

In April of that year, the frigate had been caught in deadly cross-fire from Chinese shore batteries and had suffered the loss of her Commannder and many of the crew. Since then the survivors - commanded by Lt.-Cdr. J.S. Kerans - had spent three gruelling months secretly preparing for the escape, menaced by Chinese guns and plagued by hordes of rats.

At approximately 5.30am, on the morning of the 31st July the Amethyst steamed out of the Yangtse to be greeted by the Destroyer Concord. Her night voyage, at full speed through dangerous enemy waters, had been undertaken with courage and skill. Lt.-Cdr. Kerans was awarded the D.S.O. and there were many awards to the ship's company.