A nautical story

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Originally Posted by bob10

I posted an article on Amythest, which gives a not so glowing assessment. I'll try to find it. Not trying to take away from the deed, but the article states the action need not have taken place, and no men needed to die.

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I'm not doubting that bob, & suggest most of these unfortunate events are avoidable, but taken in hindsight.

Sydney, Melbourne spring to mind & you probably know of many others that we mere mortals aren't.

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[ the Brits refused to recognise the communists]

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Back then in 1949 who didn't, they were the bad guys. Oz probably did as well.

So if they had recognised the 'Commies' this wouldn't have happened?


I think not, anyway, my original comments about courage wasn't aimed at Pollies/Diplomats but the actions of the unfortunate crews who down the chain followed the orders without question. Well, maybe they did question them, but in a muttered breath to the sailor in the next bunk/hammock. "WTF are we doing here Ted, we are only supposed to be the Guard Ship & this China lark was supposed to be a doddle".

Not dissing servicemen of any Arm or Branch but under those conditions I have had the greatest respect for them all, even years on.

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Originally Posted by 4bee

I'm not doubting that bob, & suggest most of these unfortunate events are avoidable, but taken in hindsight.

Sydney, Melbourne spring to mind & you probably know of many others that we mere mortals aren't.



Back then in 1949 who didn't, they were the bad guys. Oz probably did as well.

So if they had recognised the 'Commies' this wouldn't have happened?


I think not, anyway, my original comments about courage wasn't aimed at Pollies/Diplomats but the actions of the unfortunate crews who down the chain followed the orders without question. Well, maybe they did question them, but in a muttered breath to the sailor in the next bunk/hammock. "WTF are we doing here Ted, we are only supposed to be the Guard Ship & this China lark was supposed to be a doddle".

Not dissing servicemen of any Arm or Branch but under those conditions I have had the greatest respect for them all, even years on.

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No worriers, mate, not having a go at you in any way. Your contributions are welcome, and respected. It's just in the back of my mind I know there is a background story of the Amethyst regarding her Captain, and I just can't put my finger on it. Still. best to let it go.

An article apparently written by the Captain on that day ( Lt Commander Kerans) About 1/2 way down RH column. Maybe this may be the one, but for the life of me I can't see any derogatory stuff so maybe it isn't, but an interesting read all the same.

HMS Amethyst Incident, Yangtze River, China, 1949

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Originally Posted by 4bee

An article apparently written by the Captain on that day ( Lt Commander Kerans) About 1/2 way down RH column. Maybe this may be the one, but for the life of me I can't see any derogatory stuff so maybe it isn't, but an interesting read all the same.

HMS Amethyst Incident, Yangtze River, China, 1949

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Kerans took over after the original Captain died.

The scrap iron flotilla RAN, WW2

The Scrap Iron Flotilla - SBLT J F Moyes RANVR (Rare 1944) | GUN PLOT

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Originally Posted by bob10

Kerans took over after the original Captain died.

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Yes that is well recorded bob, & why I said......

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An article apparently written by the Captain on that day ( Lt Commander Kerans)

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As you suggested, lets drop it, as this is really going nowhere now & by posting about it now is never going to change history, good or bad.

Thanks for the discussion bob.

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Originally Posted by 4bee

Yes that is well recorded bob, & why I said......

As you suggested, lets drop it, as this is really going nowhere now & by posting about it now is never going to change history, good or bad.

Thanks for the discussion bob.

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Have a read of that scrap iron flotilla. Stirring stuff, an excellent account of war in the Med..

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Originally Posted by bob10

The scrap iron flotilla RAN, WW2

The Scrap Iron Flotilla - SBLT J F Moyes RANVR (Rare 1944) | GUN PLOT

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Thanks bob, another excellent read of a theatre I knew so little about. Of course I knew of it, but not about it.
I do wish the Author would stop referring to Captain Waller as Wailer, Walter, Waliter & a few other concoctions.

I know, I know, they are typos but ffs you'd think he could get it right, after all Waller was an esteemed Officer & has a Collins Class Sub named after him to boot.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Waller_(SSG_75)

Just finished with Greece to date.[smilebigeye]

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Originally Posted by 4bee

Thanks bob, another excellent read of a theatre I knew so little about. Of course I knew of it, but not about it.
I do wish the Author would stop referring to Captain Waller as Wailer, Walter, Waliter & a few other concoctions.

I know, I know, they are typos but ffs you'd think he could get it right, after all Waller was an esteemed Officer & has a Collins Class Sub named after him to boot.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Waller_(SSG_75)

Just finished with Greece to date.[smilebigeye]

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I know , mate . But, he's a gunnery rate, what can I say?

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Originally Posted by 4bee

Thanks bob, another excellent read of a theatre I knew so little about. Of course I knew of it, but not about it.
I do wish the Author would stop referring to Captain Waller as Wailer, Walter, Waliter & a few other concoctions.

I know, I know, they are typos but ffs you'd think he could get it right, after all Waller was an esteemed Officer & has a Collins Class Sub named after him to boot.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Waller_(SSG_75)

Just finished with Greece to date.[smilebigeye]

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Hec Waller was/is a legend. Unfortunately when in command of Perth he came up against the Japanese invasion fleet. Along with cruisers from the USN, and Dutch Navy. In the end Perth ran out of ammunition , and fired star shell, just to give the impression they were still fighting. Captain Waller went down with his ship.


HMAS PERTH - The Gallant Ship | GUN PLOT


Mike Carlton talks about the Sunda strait battle, and HMAS Perth.

YouTube

Part 2.

YouTube