Special Memorial Unveiled at Hazelbank Park To Honour Sailors Involved in the Yangtze Incident

The memorial is a result of the dedicated campaigning by Andy Bannister and Raymond McCullough Jnr, whose fathers, Stoker Sammy Bannister and Able Seaman Raymond McCullough, were among those on-board HMS Amethyst during the incident.

Family members of those involved travelled from near and far to attend the unveiling ceremony. They shared personal stories and memories of their loved ones, reflecting on the bravery, resilience and sacrifices of the sailors.

On 20 April 1949, HMS Amethyst, a Royal Navy frigate, was carrying out its lawful duties on the Yangtze River in China when it came under heavy attack during the Chinese Civil War. Twenty-seven crew members lost their lives and many others were injured. The ship ran aground and remained under sustained bombardment. Attempts by HMS London, HMS Black Swan and HMS Consort to assist were unsuccessful, leaving HMS Amethyst and her crew exposed.

Among those caught up in the attack were two young sailors from Belfast. Stoker Sammy Bannister was seriously wounded by shrapnel but managed to leave the ship in an attempt to escape. He was captured by Communist forces and underwent emergency surgery that saved his life. Able Seaman Raymond McCullough was initially presumed missing but was later found aboard the vessel, helping to care for injured crew members.

Following Bannister’s return to the ship, the crew of HMS Amethyst remained effectively captive on the Yangtze River for more than three months. During this time, they worked tirelessly to repair the vessel and prepare for escape. On the night of 30 July 1949, HMS Amethyst and her crew made a daring break for freedom and successfully sailed to safety.

Many of those who returned home carried the lasting impact of their experiences in silence, with some later going on to serve during the Korean War.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said, “It was a privilege to unveil this memorial and meet some of the families whose loved ones it honours. We pay tribute to all who served, those who lost their lives and those who lived with the lasting impact of their experiences.”

The new storyboard provides a more detailed synopsis of the Yangtze incident and is available to view at Macedon Point.