Original subtitles

"On April 19th 1949, a frigate of the British Navy, HMS Amethyst."

"Left Shanghai for Wusan and passage up the Yangtse river to Nanking."

"The Chinese capital."

"China was then in a state of civil war."

"And Amethyst was taking essential supplies to the British Embassy."

"She was also ordered to relieve the destroyer Consort."

"Which had been standing by in Nanking."

"Ready to protect British lives and property there."

"She was on her lawful and peaceful occasions."

A little more to the starboard, Captain. - Thank you, pilot.

Starboard 10. - "Starboard 10, sir."

Weather report form Hong Kong. That's all.

Okay.

Hey Dusty, can we have some more sugar?

More sugar?

What do you do with the stuff, burn it?

Alright .. I know. Herrings.

Herrings 'in'. Not plain herrings. I like the tomato sauce.

I don't know where you find room for it all.

Herrings 'in'.

Take it easy with that water you ham-fisted wets.

Don't go slopping it all over the deck.

You want to be careful, son. You'll get your feet wet.

Say, Hooky, any girls where we're going?

Girls in Nanking?

I'm surprised at you, Martin.

Fancy a young lad like you thinking about such things.

Well, I'll tell you, son.

Of course, I'm a married man myself.

But if you'd seen some of the things that I've seen ..

Someone is firing at us. - Blimey. You're right, son.

Mirehouse. - Sir?

Action stations. - Aye aye, sir.

Number One. - Yes, sir?

Get the Union Jacks unfurled. - Aye aye, sir.

Full ahead both.

Full ahead both, sir.

Both engines set at full ahead, sir.

Yeoman. - Sir?

Break out battle ensign. - Aye aye, sir.

It's coming from the north bank, sir. I saw the flash that time.

Tell director, train on bearing green 70.

Aye aye, sir.

Train on green 70.

The battery position is somewhere beyond the creek, sir. But I can't get a range.

Watch for the flashes.

Open fire.

Open fire.

Mirehouse. - Sir?

Tell the wireless office:

'From Amethyst to all ships. Am under heavy fire'.

Wheelhouse, Bridge.

Wheelhouse - Bridge.

Wheelhouse, Bridge.

Telegraph is up the wall, sir.

Wheelhouse, Bridge.

Wheelhouse.

Sir.

Sir.

Stop engines. Full astern both.

Full astern both, sir.

What's the matter with them up there? - It must be jammed.

Full astern starboard. Quick.

Wheelhouse, Engine Room.

Wheelhouse, Engine Room.

Hard a starboard, Coxswain.

We'll be on the mud in a moment.

Wheel is hard to starboard, sir. Starboard telegraph is jammed.

And I can't get the engine room on the voice pipe.

It's no use, Coxswain.

Stop both engines.

She's stuck fast.

[ Chinese language ]

Take this message.

Under heavy fire.

Am aground.

Large number of casualties.

Position.

Position?

Have you worked out our position?

I've worked out a position, but I can't say if it's right or not.

The chart is in a bit of a mess.

Add that to the message. - Aye aye sir.

You're coughing blood.

Yes. A little.

Did you get the signal? - Yes. Shall I code it up, sir?

No.

Plain language. - Plain language. Aye aye, sir.

Doctor.

There is a man bleeding so badly I can't stop it.

Alright .. I'll be right there.

Don't move any more than you have to.

Mr Berger. - Aye aye, sir?

Start lowering some boats.

We may have to evacuate the ship. Or at least some of the wounded.

Doc!

Doc, are you alright?

Doc.

My God.

You see sir, the position they give puts it sixty miles away from the river.

Obviously wrong.

Working on a time basis, she's probably along here somewhere.

It's the wounded I'm worried about, sir.

Kerans had better reach her overland and get them in the hospital at Chingkiang.

I'll get a letter of authority for him to enter the defended area.

You speak the language, DB. You'd better go along too.

I'd be glad to, sir.

Yes?

One moment, please.

It's the American Ambassador sir. They've heard about Amethyst.

Good morning, Walter.

No, no. It doesn't look too good.

I'm sending a Naval Attach� and Military Attach� overland to see what we can do.

Yes.

Oh yes, indeed.

We'd be very grateful.

Well, they'd better rendezvous in Chingkiang on the way don't you think?

Thank you very much. I do appreciate it.

Goodbye.

Well, the Americans have got a US Navy doctor there at the moment.

They offered to lend him to us. He'll meet you in Chingkiang.

Yes, sir.

I think I'll ring up Chinese Naval HQ now, and see what news they have.

Don't worry. You'll be alright.

Number One's orders.

To save life, we're evacuating to the south bank.

Everybody?

A steaming party remains on board.

But everyone else who can move is to go ashore.

We'll try and get the wounded to the hospital.

The unwounded can wait ashore until it is dark, and then come back to the ship.

Is there someone who can get the wounded aft, to the boats?

I'll look after that. - Good.

What about the Captain? - Him too.

Alright.

Now come on, you lads.

Get these stretchers aft to the boats. - Aye aye, sir.

I can pull an oar, sir.

Alright, get going. - Aye aye, sir.

Still can't raise Consort, sir.

Alright.

Make this to Hong Kong.

Have destroyed all confidential books.

Please make all signals in plain language.

That's it. - Right, sir.

And hurry with it.

Soon you'll have no more power and you won't be able to transmit at all.

After that, you two go ashore with the rest.

Aye aye, sir. - Message coming through, sir.

From Consort, sir.

"On .. our .. way."

"Is it .."

"Possible."

"To .. tow you .."

"Off .. the mud?"

Tell Lieutenant Hett to get a towing wire ready.

Aye aye, sir.

Let go forward.

Let go aft.

Bail off forward, bail off aft.

Stand by.

Give way .. together.

Look. Number One.

I .. I think I may be able to get the auxiliary WT working.

Have you got a spare telegraphist?

No, I haven't.

I sent them all ashore. There's nothing they could do here.

What about one of the radar people?

If they haven't all gone, too.

Well.

I'll see what I can find.

Consort in sight, sir.

Alright you lads, on the towrope. At the double.

And you.

Tully .. up here.

Get on that rope.

Are there any telegraphists on board?

I don't know, sir. - I don't think so, sir.

Let go aft. - Hold it a minute, Guns.

Hold on, for'ard.

Are there any telegraphists down there?

Yes, sir. French here. - Well get back on board.

Aye aye, sir.

Let go, forward.

They've got her range already.

Yes. And nothing we can do to help her, sir?

Nothing.

Consort has opened fire.

Your turn will come next, you dirty lot. - Don't waste your breath.

Consort signalling, sir.

"Stand by."

"Will try again."

She's been hit already.

If she stops to tow us off now, she'll get shot to pieces.

"Have .. been .. hit."

"Several .. times."

"Number .. of .. casualties."

"Will .. have .. one .. more .. try."

They must have hit the wheelhouse. She's steering from aft.

The sooner she gets out of it the better.

"Sorry."

"Not .. a .. hope."

"Must .. pull .. out."

"Good luck."

Reply.

"Thanks for trying."

Well.

She tried.

Come on, lads. Let's get going.

As soon as it's dark we'll flash up the wireless again.

Lighten the ship forward and refloat her ourselves.

If we ditch the oil in the forward fuel tanks and jettison everything we can.

That should do the trick.

We might even go on up to Nanking.

From Shanghai, sir. Emergency.

Read it out.

Aye aye, sir.

"One."

"Report summary of vital damage."

"Number of effective officers and ratings remaining on board."

"Whether there are sufficient to steam the ship if refloated."

"Number of seriously wounded still on board."

"Two."

"If ship can be refloated, proceed."

"Anchor approximately ten miles up river and await further orders."

"Three."

"Sunderland aircraft from Hong Kong will try to alight river tomorrow morning."

"Bringing doctor and medical supplies if considered practical."

Ends.

Do you hear that, Guns?

They are going to try to get a Sunderland in.

Yes, I heard .. but look.

What about sending the rest of the wounded ashore in the morning?

We've lost half the ship's company ashore as it is.

Shanghai says that if we can get it off the mud ..

Then the London and the Black Swan will try and get up to us tomorrow.

The rest of the wounded can be transferred to them.

They'd get treatment quicker that way.

Yes?

We've pumped out twenty tons of oil fuel. She ought to move now.

Supposing we do get off, Number One.

London still may not be able to get up to us.

Look what happened to Consort.

Consort isn't a County Class cruiser.

Come on.

Let's get it off the mud.

[ Radio: ]

"This is the general overseas service of the BBC."

"Here are the headlines."

"Two more British warships have been fired on in the Yangtse."

"Both suffered casualties and damage."

"In Peking, peace talks have broken down."

"And the communists have begun an offensive along the Yangtse."

"In London."

"Commonwealth Prime Ministers gather for the meetings due to begin tomorrow."

"In China, two more British warships .."

"The cruiser London and the sloop Black Swan."

"Have been fired on and hit by unidentified artillery in the Yangtse."

"They were moving upriver towards the British frigate Amethyst .."

"Damaged earlier by shore batteries."

"The fire became so heavy."

"That Admiral Mallon, flying his flag in the London."

"Decided that the ships could go on only at the cost of considerable casualties."

"They therefore returned to Shanghai."

"The destroyer Consort, which had earlier tried to help the Amethyst .."

"Is also back in Shanghai."

"With nine of her crew dead."

"And two of her guns knocked out by shellfire."

"Amethyst is still anchored upriver from the batteries."

"And has reported that she may be capable of 17 knots."

"But the Admiralty say her charts are destroyed."

"And it would be undesirable to let her run the gauntlet of concentrated fire."

"Charts and medical aids are being brought overland from Nanking."

"The wounded from Amethyst are on their way to Shanghai by rail."

Are you okay, mate?

Sure.

I'm fine thanks, Paddy.

What do you think is going to happen to us?

You wait. They'll fix us up.

They are good people here, you know.

We'll be alright.

Where are they taking you, Paddy? - I don't know, mate.

Now don't you worry, I'll be back. I'll be alright.

Don't you worry.

Nurse.

Where are they taking him?

Where are they taking him?

[ Chinese language ]

There is a steel splinter in your chest that must be removed.

Sure.

Go ahead.

If you get it out, maybe I'll be able to breathe.

Yes.

I'm sorry but we are poor and have no anaesthetics here.

It is going to hurt.

But you will feel better when it's done.

I'm sorry.

That's okay. Go ahead, chum.

Bannister, Stoker/Mechanic.

And Martin?

A boy seaman? - That's right, sir.

You see.

When the Chinese were leading us through the minefields.

We got separated somehow.

Were they badly wounded? - Pretty bad, sir.

Paddy, that's Bannister, sir.

He had shrapnel in the chest.

And boy Martin had it in the thigh.

Couldn't walk, either of them.

They could have been taken to the hospital at Wuhan.

Miss Lee is the matron there. Maybe ..

Excuse me, Charlotte. There's a call for Commander Kerans.

The British Embassy at Nanking. - Thank you.

The phone is in my office, Commander. I'll show you.

You ought not to be talking, sailor.

I was only telling them about Bannister and Martin, nurse.

Sure.

There you are, Commander. - Thank you.

Don't go, Miss Dunlap.

Hello?

Kerans here, sir.

Donaldson here.

I'd better talk quickly before we lose this line.

First, have any more wounded reached you yet?

Well they should soon. Now listen.

Amethyst refloated, but the Flagship and Black Swan couldn't get up river to her.

I know. Neither can I.

Well it came under very heavy fire.

Yes. A lot of casualties.

It would have been hopeless to go on.

Yes. Amethyst knows.

She is putting the rest of her wounded ashore by landing craft.

Intelligence reports show the communists will cross the river in force tomorrow.

Now these are your orders.

"All men who got ashore .."

"Must be evacuated by train to Shanghai as soon as possible."

I've already arranged for the wounded to go, sir.

And the American doctor offers to go with them.

Good, but send the unwounded too.

We can't risk them being captured.

Use your authority from Admiral Wong to requisition extra coaches if necessary.

Then get to Amethyst.

"I don't care how you do it, but get out to her and take command."

"She will be told to look out for you."

God knows what you'll find, but try and bring her up to Nanking if you can.

Report to C.In.C Far East Station and the Vice Admiral when you're on board.

Right, sir.

Thank you. Goodbye, sir.

I'm ordered to evacuate all these men by train to Shanghai.

Very sensible.

When do they think the communists will attack?

Tomorrow.

Well, that should give you time.

You will be leaving too, of course?

Sakes, no.

Other people will be needing this hospital soon.

Now the problem I have to face is stretchers.

Steady .. keep it level.

Careful now. Keep his leg up. - That's it.

Thank you, doctor.

If I my say so, you need hospital treatment.

I'm okay.

Have you had food? - Hmm.

Horse's neck. - Horse's neck?

Brandy and ginger ale.

Brandy and ginger ale. Horse's neck?

I can't seem to keep anything else down.

Horse's neck.

Cheers.

You're going old boy. Number One's orders.

Number One ought to be going himself. - I agree.

But he's in command of the ship. I'm not.

That's the lot, sir. - Right.

That's it.

Alright, Coxswain. Let go.

There she is.

It's the Sunderland.

Shove off.

Glad you made it. We needed supplies badly.

Give me a hand down with this stuff.

I'm a doctor. - Welcome aboard.

You're just in time for tea.

How you feeling, son? Had any sleep lately?

A bit.

Scared?

Not so much when the shelling was going on.

I couldn't think straight.

But now ..

Yes, I am a bit.

That's alright, son. Same as the rest of us.

If you said you weren't I'd have crowned you.

Landing craft approaching.

Tell Lieutenant Hett. He's with the damage party on the tiller flat.

Yes, sir.

There's someone waving.

It's a naval officer, sir.

One of ours. - It's alright, Coxswain.

I'm Hett, sir.

Glad to have you with us. - Thanks.

There's a box of medical supplies down there. Get it aboard.

That craft is not to leave until I say. - Aye aye, sir.

Where's Number One?

In the WT office, sir. The other officers are there too.

The CO's cabin and the wardroom were both hit.

How is he?

Pretty bad, sir. You know we had an RAF doctor flown in?

Yes.

He's worried about Number One. Thinks he has a shell splinter stuck in his lung.

He says he ought to have been moved ashore with the rest of the wounded.

This way, sir.

This is Lieutenant Strain, sir.

He was on passage with us to Nanking.

And this is Flight Lieutenant Fearnley.

Sir.

I'm Kerans.

Weston.

I'm sorry I can't get up sir.

Have a horse's neck. - No, it's a bit early for me.

You may know already, but if not I'm sorry I have to tell you ..

Your Captain died on the way to Chingkiang.

I've been ordered by the Naval Attach� to take over.

Yes, sir.

We've been expecting you.

I'm glad you're here.

I'm afraid we're very short handed.

Yes.

What's your medical opinion of this officer, doctor?

I consider it essential he should go to hospital.

Well that's nonsense, sir.

I feel alright.

I'm not going ashore.

Sorry.

You are to go ashore now. There's a boat waiting to take you back.

Yes, but look here ..

The Military Attach� will meet you at the pier head.

But I feel alright, sir. - The boat can't wait.

Cheers.

You'll be back soon.

Sir.

From the Vice Admiral, sir.

This is confirmation that I am to assume command.

I want to go around the ship with you later on.

But first we must bury the dead. How many are there?

Sixteen British and one Chinese steward, sir.

I'll read the burial service.

"We therefore commit his body to the deep."

"To be turned into corruption."

"Looking for a resurrection of the body when the sea shall give up her dead."

"And the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Who, at his coming shall change our vile body."

"That it may be like his glorious body."

"According to the mighty working."

"Whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself."

"By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ."

"And the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost."

"Be with us all evermore."

"Amen."

Amen. - Amen.

Coxswain, clear lower deck. Everyone out.

Let me know when ship's company is mustered.

Aye aye, sir.

Everybody here?

All expect telegraphist French, sir. And lookouts.

Close in.

Some facts.

I've come from Nanking. I was Assistant Naval Attach� there.

During the last 36 hours ..

We've been locating the wounded and others evacuated from the ship.

They are now on their way by train to Shanghai.

I very much regret to have to tell you, however.

That your Captain died of his wounds yesterday.

That leaves us. And I've been ordered to assume command.

Now the position is this.

As you know, this ship was lawfully and peacefully on her way to Nanking.

Well, she is still under orders to go there.

We have no pilot to help us but we've got charts.

And we've got an echosounder, so we're not helpless.

Perhaps when it's dark, we can try to go on.

Meanwhile, we're working normal routine again.

And we'll begin by clearing out the house as much as possible.

Let's get her looking like a ship again.

Right.

Alright, Number One. Carry on.

Stand fast Chief and Petty Officers, acting Coxswain and Senior ERA.

Remainder, fall out.

They send a spit and polish merchant.

At a time like this?

I'll be frank with you.

I think they've got batteries sighted to cover every bit of the river along here.

To protect their troop crossings.

If I'm right, that means they can sink us now whenever they like.

The question remaining is whether they decide to keep us here or let us go on.

This is where I want your help.

Morale is going to depend a great deal on you.

I know everyone is pretty depressed, and with reason.

I think that if we can keep really busy ..

And, shorthanded as we are, that should not be difficult. Things will improve.

But equally I don't want anyone to get over optimistic.

Especially, I want to avoid false rumours getting around.

So, I'm going to keep you in close touch with the situation as it develops ..

And rely on you to pass the news on.

Now .. we're all in this together.

And I want everyone to feel that he knows what the score is.

Are there any questions?

Well, sir. - Yes?

Williams, isn't it? - Yes, sir.

Is there any chance of one of the cruisers trying to get up to us again?

I doubt it.

For one thing, at this point, there's little room for a big ship to manoeuvre.

Cruisers are very large targets and lightly armoured.

The Flagship was pretty badly knocked about you know.

Nearly finished up where Amethyst did. On the mud.

I don't think the Admiral could accept that risk.

Anything else?

Alright. Carry on.

Coxswain. - Sir?

I'm worried about that telegraphist.

What's his name? - 'French', sir.

He's been on duty for over 48 hours now without a relief.

The doctor has given him some pills but he's in poor shape. He can't even eat.

See if anyone else on board knows Morse. - Aye aye, sir.

Excuse me, sir. About his not eating, I think I can fix that.

Herring sandwiches, sir. He's mad about them.

Plain herrings or herrings 'in'? - Herrings 'in', sir.

Ask the cook to make him a big plateful. - Aye aye, sir.

All here?

Yes, sir. - Good.

I told you I'd keep you in the picture.

Here it is.

I've received this signal from the Vice Admiral of Shanghai.

I'll read it to you.

"Latest news just received by telephone from Nanking."

"Indicates that communists have crossed in strength 15 miles east of Nanking."

"And situation expected to deteriorate rapidly."

"You are therefore not .."

"Repetition NOT .."

"To proceed to Nanking."

From other signals received during the last few hours.

It looks as though we're trapped between at least two communist river crossings.

I don't have to tell you ..

It's from the Vice Admiral.

"Operational immediate."

"The safety of your ship's company being now the first consideration."

"You are to prepare to evacuate from the ship."

"And sink it."

"Report when you would be ready."

Acknowledge.

Aye aye, sir.

Very well.

This is how the evacuation will be organised.

The ship's company will be divided into three parties.

The RAF medical officer will take the first party.

I suppose their best plan will be to make for Suzhou.

Then follow the grand canal down to Shanghai.

It's a long march, sir.

Yes. I don't like it any more than you do.

This must be the first time in the history of the British Navy ..

That an officer has assumed command of a ship in the afternoon.

And then ordered to sink her the same night.

Better than having her captured, sir.

Signal sir, from Amethyst.

'Propose to beach ship. As have no boats, insufficient lifebelts'.

'And ship's company are exhausted'.

'Will open all seacocks and destroy what we can'.

'Intend to leave ensigns flying'.

No boats.

Not enough lifebelts to go round.

Exhausted men scrambling through the mud to get ashore from a scuttled ship.

With a 200-mile march ahead of them.

No.

No, they're not finished yet. Make this signal to Amethyst.

Order to abandon ship will not ..

"Repetition. NOT be given."

"Except as last resort."

"Act as you think best."

"Let your men have all the rest they can."

Well .. thank goodness for that.

Wait. There is a bit more.

"In a splendid performance by all on board ship .."

"The work of your sole telegraphist."

"Evokes my admiration."

Hear, hear.

Well done, French.

Do you mind if I have one of your sandwiches, French?

Of course not, sir. Help yourself. They are ..

They are Herrings 'in'. - Yes, I know.

Thank you.

As a matter of fact.

I think I might be able to manage one myself.

Motorboat approaching, sir.

Wearing some sort of flag.

Chinese Army officers on board, sir.

I am Captain Kuo Tai.

Area Garrison Commander Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Where is your Captain?

This way.

This is the Area Garrison Commander Chinese People's Liberation Army, sir.

I have come as a representative of Colonel Peng.

Political Commissioner of the 3rd Artillery Regiment Chingkiang front.

He is prepared, as authorised representative of our General.

To receive apologies from the British Commander.

And solve.

Through negotiations ..'

'All problems arising from the atrocious action of British warships'.

'In their invasion of the Chinese People's Liberation Army territory'.

'And their consequent responsibilities'.

This ship had clearance to sail to Nanking.

She was deliberately fired on without warning and without cause.

I'm also instructed to inform you, Captain.

That providing your ship stays here at anchor and causes no trouble ..

You will not be further harmed.

If you attempt to move. You will be sunk.

That is of course .. until the terms for a safe conduct are agreed.

I have no authority to negotiate with Colonel Peng.

You have radio, Captain.

I suggest that you obtain the authority.

A preliminary meeting can then be arranged.

If you will send an officer in a boat to the shore when you're ready.

He will be informed of the arrangements.

I have no boats.

They were all destroyed.

I will order a Sampan to be placed at your disposal immediately.

We shall wait to hear from you.

Captain.

Well I don't think it looks too bad.

Made to measure, sir. - Yes.

Well don't split it. That's my Sunday best.

The Sampan is coming alongside now, sir.

Right.

I wish you'd let me come with you, sir. - I can't risk that, Number One.

If these people try any funny business there will only be you and Strain left.

No. I think leading Seaman Frank will look sufficiently impressive.

How do you feel about it?

It's a good thing I'm not an ambitious man, sir.

Otherwise I might get used to the idea. Excuse me, sir.

One thing that does worry me, sir.

What are the lads going to say when they see me all dolled up like this?

I'll give you three guesses.

Blimey .. women.

Colonel Peng is coming.

I would suggest Captain that you conduct yourselves with deep respect.

I think the Navy knows how to conduct itself. Don't you, Frank?

Yes, sir. The question is, does Colonel Peng?

'Memorandum of conditions necessary to be fulfilled'.

'Prior to negotiating the safe passage for British warship Amethyst'.

'By political commissioner Chingkiang front'.

'Article one'.

'Amethyst and other British warships have committed brutal acts'.

'On and after April 20th'.

'By invading the front of the Chinese People's Liberation Army'.

'The British Navy must acknowledge that such actions were wrong'.

'And apologise for such actions to the Chinese People's Liberation Army'.

Apologies are due the British Navy for unprovoked attacks on British warships.

'Article two'.

'Amethyst and other warships coordinated with Kuomintang forces'.

'And hampered military operations by the Chinese People's Liberation Army'.

Untrue.

'In the interests of Anglo-Chinese friendship'.

'Formal admissions of responsibility and regret must be made'.

Britain's friendship with Chinese people would not be served by such admissions.

You no doubt wish to communicate the memorandum to your government, Captain.

I will communicate it to my Commander In Chief.

But in my personal opinion, his comments will not be favourable.

Perhaps time and concern for the ship's company will persuade him in the end ..

To modify his view.

In my view, nothing would persuade my Commander In Chief to accept this ..

This distortion of the truth. Nothing.

I am.

I'm sorry. The Chinese people have no hostility against your ship's company.

You smile but it's true.

The ship's company will be very glad to hear it.

You have some Chinese ratings on your ship, I think. No?

I have.

If they wish to mourn their dead.

It could be arranged they visit the temple in Shibaozhai.

I must think about that.

We are not unfriendly, you see.

Very well then. I have a request to make.

Among the wounded taken ashore were two men. Stoker Bannister and boy Martin.

We weren't able to trace them later on.

I think it possible that these two men were taken to the hospital at Wusan.

I will order enquiries to be made.

If these two men were to be traced ..

I would of course be immediately notified?

Of course. Oh ..

About food.

The ship is thereof sufficient?

Oh yes.

You do not wish additional supplies?

Eggs, fruit perhaps. No?

Yes .. if we can buy them.

It will be arranged.

The Chinese people wish to be friendly.

And now let us go back again to article one of the memorandum.

You. British sailor?

From ship that come to kill Chinese people?

I'm from Amethyst.

Yes. Amethyst.

Well, that's the local position.

Until the Navy is prepared to take the blame for everything that's happened.

They'll keep us here.

Naturally, the embassy is trying to bypass these local people.

And get a safe conduct for us from the new authorities in Nanking.

But it's bound to take time.

Those of you who've been out here before.

Will know something about the way these people's mind's work.

They'll play cat and mouse with us.

They'll pretend to give in. They'll make all sorts of concessions.

And then, when we think we've won ..

They'll go right back again to where they started.

By continually raising our hopes and then shattering them.

They'll try to wear us down.

And we're all going to need a lot of patience.

We'll have that, sir.

Yes, sir.

Yes, I know you will.

But I warn you, it may take weeks.

That brings me to another point. Chief. - Sir?

How much oil fuel do we have left? - 170 tons, sir.

How much will need for passage back to Wusan?

Well we'll need 20 for suction, plus another 30.

Say 50 tons, sir.

Leaving a 120?

What's our present daily consumption? - Over four tons, sir.

We shall have to reduce that.

We've an emergency supply of oil at Nanking.

I've asked for that to be brought down to us.

But even if Colonel Peng agrees, it's only 50 tons.

Right.

We shall shut off completely all power at night.

But what about the wireless, sir?

We'll arranged fixed transmission times with the Admiral.

There is the magazine ventilation fan, sir. The hot weather will soon be here.

We just have to watch the temperature.

I think cordite is fine up to a hundred degrees. I'll ask for advice about that.

Now, McCarthy.

About the food situation? - Yes, sir.

Here mate, what's the idea? - Silence.

The committee has decided to send you back to your ship.

Why thank you very much. - Yes, thank you, sir.

The Chinese People's Army has no quarrel with the sailors of the British Navy.

It is only men like your Captain and ..

Winston Churchill who are unfriendly with the Chinese people.

We too had our imperialists and warmongers until we ..

Swept them away.

With you, we only wish to show our friendliness.

Is it not so .. also with you?

We are friendly enough, sir. - Yes, of course.

Now you wish to go back to your ship? - That's right, sir.

Hmm .. and then see your families and ..

Sweethearts perhaps in England? - Yes, sir.

We hope so, sir.

Yet .. because of your ship there are many Chinese soldiers ..

Who will not see their families and sweethearts again.

It would be friendly of you to remember that, now that you return to your ship.

I don't get that, sir. - No?

You cannot be left unresponsible. If you will admit that ..

There will be no more to be said.

Admit what, sir?

Our guns wasn't even loaded. You opened fire on ..

We shall later be friendly if you ..

Ah, friendly. My foot.

Hmm.

Your friend is not helpful.

No.

I thought that he would be grateful to be sent back to his ship.

What do you want?

A simple statement of the facts.

I'll give you that.

Shut up, Keith.

You opened fire on us first.

And you went on firing even when the ship was aground.

And then you fired on the boats with the wounded in them.

[ Chinese language ]

These men do not wish to go back to their ship.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

[ Radio: ]

"And now we have a special request for Lead Stoker McDonald of HMS Amethyst."

Hey, Mack. Your record.

Well.

Fancy.

Have you noticed they don't mention us on the news no more.

Of course not. They've forgotten us.

It's the cricket season, isn't it. - Is it?

This is the 11th time I've raised the issue of 2 ratings detained in hospital.

The matter is being investigated.

Very well.

I come again to the question of oil, fuel and other essential supplies.

You claim that the Chinese People's Liberation Army ..

Has no quarrel with British sailors and yet it's they who are suffering.

You have already received 50 tons, Captain.

Do British sailors eat oil?

Our boilers use five tons a day.

Without oil we can't make electricity to run the ventilating fans.

To pump water to the lavatories.

To provide lighting or anything else.

We can't keep the refrigerators going so any fresh food we have left is spoiling.

We can't even keep the ship's ammunition cool enough for safety.

Don't forget that we still have some wounded men on board.

They're not badly wounded, but they don't recover as they should.

Everyone's health is affected.

We need disinfectant, DDT, mosquito netting and many other things as well.

All such requests must be made in writing.

They have already been made in writing.

Then the matter will be investigated.

I'd like now to stress again the points we brought out at ..

Our meeting of the 23rd June.

Point one.

If the British side will acknowledge that ..

Without provocation they opened fire on the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

An early solution to the matter of safe conduct for your ship.

Is possible.

We did NOT infringe Chinese sovereignty. We did NOT provoke the incident.

There were 250 Chinese casualties.

As soon as your Admiral will admit the British killed, the matter ..

Can be settled.

Let us consider again our original memorandum.

'Article one'.

'Amethyst and all other British warships have committed brutal acts ..'

'On and after April ..'

20th.

Thank you.

'April 20th'.

You know, sir. I thought you were going to lose your temper with them today.

Oh?

So did Peng.

That was the idea. - What do you mean, sir?

Well, George. I've noticed that whenever Peng feels he pushed me too hard.

He makes a concession.

That's how we got the mail clearance and the oil from him.

You think you'll get more oil?

I'm hoping we'll get those two ratings back this time.

You see. What he wants is to keep the negotiations in his own hands.

Then as long as we believe in a possible safe conduct eventually being granted.

That's where they will remain. - You believe you'll get it eventually?

Not anymore.

Well, we'll not give in and he'll see us rusting on the bottom before he does.

But keep that under your hat.

I don't want anybody else on board to know.

It might cause alarm and despondency.

Yes. It might.

Excuse me, sir.

We're having a bit of trouble with the egg and potato men.

Trouble?

They've jacked the prices up. McCarthy is there arguing the toss with them now.

What do they want? - Oh, it's robbery, sir.

They're asking a hundred pounds of sugar for ten dozen eggs.

And that's over double the price we paid them six weeks ago.

Maybe eggs are scarce. What about vegetables?

Worse, sir.

For sixty cartons of potatoes they want fifty pounds of sugar plus ..

A hundred pounds of flour.

Of course, they know we can't buy anywhere else.

It's sheer blackmail. - You'll just have to pay.

But, sir ..

We've dug pretty deep into the stores already, sir.

The rats have spoiled a lot, too.

At this rate ..

We'll be out of flour inside a month.

Well, eggs and fresh vegetables are more important, I think.

You're right. It is blackmail.

We'd better pay.

Well, carry on. - Aye aye, sir.

You wanted to see me, sir? - Yes, Doc.

What in your opinion, is the state of the ship's company?

Medically speaking.

Well sir, it's pretty good by and large.

We've only got two cases of dysentery at the moment.

So general health is ..

Pretty good considering the heat and conditions.

Is it likely to improve when they get used to it?

No sir, it isn't.

In fact I'm getting rather worried about the medical supply situation.

We're getting rather short.

I've had to stop treating people from the shore.

If we don't get supplies of disinfectant and insecticide pretty soon.

We're going to have a lot of sickness.

I see.

Motor launch approaching, sir.

Area Garrison Commander.

Come in.

Sit down, Chief. - Thanks sir, but ..

I'll stick to the chair if I do.

Yes, it's pretty bad. What's it like below?

A hundred and ten in the engine room, sir.

What's the brickwork like in Number 1 boiler?

Some of it has fallen down.

I don't think there is anything structurally wrong.

You could still call for full speed if you wanted to, sir.

What's the oil position?

Only sixty tons, sir.

Any chance of getting any more?

I don't know, Chief.

Well, thanks.

Thank you, sir.

Good afternoon, Captain. - Good afternoon.

On the orders of Colonel Peng.

I'm delivering to you this copy of the proposed exchange note ..

For final settlement of the incident.

Which will be presented for discussion at the next meeting.

It is requested you obtain authorisation from your Admiral to sign it.

I don't have an interpreter at the moment.

Would you mind translating it for me? - Certainly, Captain.

'Article one'.

'I recognise that HMS Amethyst infringed into China's national river'.

'And the Chinese People's Liberation Army frontier area'.

'Being a basic fault on the part of the British regarding this matter'.

Article two.

I don't think I need trouble you any further, Captain.

When does Colonel Peng propose to call this meeting?

Next week perhaps.

The Colonel is in Nanking for three or four days.

I will let you know.

Tricky .. blighters.

Yes.

Still keeping at it.

Yes.

You know .. if I were you.

But you're not me, Strain. You're not in command.

When I want your appreciation of the situation I'll ask for it.

Yes sir.

Right.

Wait a minute. - Sir.

I'm afraid I'm getting a bit edgy.

I'm afraid everybody is.

Thanks, George.

Anything interesting? - Weather report, sir.

There is a typhoon heading northwest.

She'll miss us alright.

Give me a signal pad.

When do you get power again for transmission?

Not until 08:00, sir.

Alright.

As soon as you get power.

Send this off.

When you get the reply bring it to me personally.

Aye aye, sir.

A signal from Amethyst, sir. Rather an odd one.

Read it out, Peter.

Address to C.In.C. Repeated to Vice Admiral from Amethyst.

I would be grateful for your advice please on my actions.

If menaced by typhoon.

It's an odd question from an experienced seaman.

I wonder if he's thinking of running for it.

And asking for your permission to try. Without compromising the emergency code.

Yes. That must be it. What are the latest intelligence reports?

Not good, sir. They moved up more guns recently.

By day, they could sink it before they'd gone half a mile.

They've also thrown a boom across the river by the narrows at Kiang Yin.

At night and with no pilot he won't stand a chance.

Well, if he's asking it must mean he thinks it's an acceptable risk.

I shall reply that I'm all for it.

If he feels reasonably confident. - I see, sir.

Now.

How do we wrap it in seamanship jargon so the Chinese won't guess what's up?

Now let's see. Take this down, Peter.

Unlikely typhoons ..

Reach you in serious strength.

The golden rule of making and offing and taking plenty of sea room.

Applies particularly.

Not bad, huh?

Damned good, sir.

[ Door knocks ]

Come in.

There's been a reply to your signal about the typhoon, sir from C.In.C.

The one I had to hand to you personally. - Thank you.

Oh French. How are the feet?

Well sir .. I can't seem to be able to keep them cool and then they swell.

One engineer says he'll rig up a bellows to blow cold air at me as I'm on watch.

Do you think that would help? - It might, sir.

Trouble is, there don't seem to be much cold air about to blow, does there.

No. There doesn't, does there.

Alright French, thank you. - Aye aye, sir.

We must reduce top weight.

I want the upper deck and mast stripped of all that unnecessary equipment.

Cut it away and stow it below.

Then I want rolls of canvas cut and sewn to stretch right along from 'A' gun ..

To the eyes of the ship.

Paint it black.

The blackout is getting very sloppy.

It may not be entirely necessary but it will keep the men busy.

This idleness is bad for morale.

Yes, sir.

And.

And another thing.

I want the cable lashed with bedding.

'Bedding', sir? - Yes.

But first of all I want the bedding well soaked in grease and soft soap.

Grease and soft soap. Yes, sir.

Every time the ship swings at her anchor the cable makes scraping noises.

It is getting on my nerves.

Yes, sir.

Carry on.

What did you say?

Nothing. Coxswain.

Well, stop the ruddy nattering and get on with it.

We're now returning Stoker Bannister and boy Martin ..

To the Captain of HMS Amethyst.

To demonstrate the fact that we wish to maintain the friendly relations ..

That have always existed between China and Great Britain.

Thank you.

Glad to have you back. - Good to see you, sir.

Good to see you again. - And you, sir.

And you, son? - Fine, sir.

Bannister. - Sir.

I think we'll get back to the ship now. Come on.

The boys were getting real worried about you, lad.

It's a case of 'here come the conquering heroes' alright. How is your leg?

It's getting on fine, thanks. - Good. They treat you alright?

Yeah .. they're a funny lot though, aren't they.

Captain's compliments, sir.

Would you go and see him please. - Where?

Is he in his cabin? - No, sir. Upper deck right forward.

You carry on. - Aye aye, sir.

You want to see me, sir? - Yes. Sit down.

George.

We're going to break out tonight. - What?

I'll give you my reasons.

First.

It's now clear that Colonel Peng and his bosses have no intent of letting us go.

Second.

The state of the ship and health of the ship's company are going downhill fast.

Morale is pretty good on the whole, but ..

it won't remain good indefinitely.

Thirdly.

Supplies are getting really low.

In a few weeks we'll be on a starvation diet.

As for the oil situation, we've got just enough left to get us to sea.

In another week or so, we shouldn't be able to leave unless we oil first.

It adds up.

Now, the reason for going tonight.

It will be another month before the moon is right for a breakout.

The river is high now because of the typhoon but it will fall again soon.

We shall be travelling at night. In the darkness without a river pilot ..

We'll need all the water we can get to take us over the mud banks.

Finally, there is the element of surprise.

Negotiations are still going on.

We are supposed to be waiting for Peng to get back.

I've been thinking all this over now for days.

It's a big risk, but ..

I think it's one that I've got to accept.

I want to know if you have any reasons against it.

I can't think of any, sir.

Good.

We slip at ten tonight.

The moon doesn't set until eleven o'clock but we'll have to risk that.

We may take the batteries here by surprise. Let's hope we do.

But the batteries lower down will be waiting for us.

And that's when we'll need the darkness most.

As it is, we must hurry if we hope to pass the big guns at Wusan before dawn.

Clear?

Yes, sir.

And Williams.

As far as the engine room is concerned, I want everything they can give me.

And I mean everything.

If we come under fire I shall ask for black smoke.

Right, sir.

Guns.

Under no circumstances will we open fire unless we're fired on first.

Is that clear? - Yes, sir.

Now, as soon as it's dark there's a lot of work to do.

I want to alter the look of the ship as much as possible.

The more we can confuse the gunners or make them uncertain the better.

Coxswain.

Get those canvases I gave orders for rigged.

And have all white paint surfaces smeared with black.

All hands in action rig. No white clothing to be worn at all.

Yes, sir.

If things go wrong.

If we're badly hit and sinking.

I'll beach the ship in order to save lives. The ship's crew will get ashore.

I personally will be responsible for setting the demolition charges on board.

If that happens, I don't want any heroics.

You duty will be to try and reach Shanghai overland.

Or to escape in junks to the open sea.

Is that quite clear?

Yes, sir.

Then pass the information on.

Well, let's hope we make it.

At least we'll have a damned good try.

Now keep it quiet. - Aye aye, sir.

Bring her right forward now, boys.

And don't make any noise.

Going downstream, I noticed the civilian traffic carries a green light over red.

We'll do the same. - Yes, sir.

Now. About getting under way.

We must slip the cable ..

And turn the ship without making a noise they can hear on the bank.

That's why I had the cable wrapped and greased.

But we've got to be careful.

If we make a racket ..

They'll wake up to what we're doing, and blow us out of the water as we turn.

Now carry on. Good luck.

Good luck, sir. - Thank you, sir.

Oh sir.

I've got the charts all up to date as far as possible and in the right order.

They're on the bridge.

Is the echosounder alright? - Calibrated and checked, sir.

Well make sure there is a reliable rating standing by for the run.

Someone who knows how to read it. - Right, sir.

Gyro correct. No error.

Shall I have some sandwiches sent up to your cabin, sir?

No.

I'll be on the bridge until we slip.

I want to get my eyes used to the dark. - I'll have some sent to you there, sir.

Right. Thanks, Number One.

Get this off right away. Emergency.

Aye aye, sir. Conditions aren't very good tonight though.

Must be an electrical storm about. May take some time.

Can't be helped. Get it through. - Aye aye, sir.

I'm sorry to butt in sir, but this has just been received from Amethyst.

We've had trouble deciphering the last sentence. I felt you'd want to see it.

Thank you. Bring me the rest in as soon as it's deciphered.

Aye aye, sir.

Ladies and gentlemen.

At this moment I have a special toast to propose.

His Majesty's ship Amethyst.

And all who sail in her.

Amethyst. - Amethyst.

We'll wait for the moon to go behind that cloud.

[ Ship's horn. Quiet ]

Did you hear that, Number One? - Sounds like a ship coming down river.

Yes look. There she is. Just coming round the bend now.

Probably one of those small cargo ships going to Kiang Yin.

Why, she's just what the doctor ordered.

Something we can follow.

Bridge - Wheelhouse.

Bring on main engines.

"Obey telegraphs. 185 revolutions."

Bring on main engines. Obey telegraphs. 185 revolutions, sir.

Obey telegraphs.

Obey telegraphs.

Slow ahead port engine.

Wheel amidships.

Slow ahead port engine. Wheel amidships, sir.

Slip.

Wheel hard to starboard.

Starboard engine half astern. Port engine half ahead.

Midships.

Wheel is amidships, sir.

We're gaining on that steamer, Number One.

We stay dark. With luck ..

The Control Point won't notice us when they challenge her.

Port 10.

Port 10. Half wheel, sir.

Colonel Peng will be dipped to Private when they find we've gone.

You'd better cross your fingers son, before you make jokes like that.

It looks as if we've got away with it alright so far, sir.

Yes, those gunners must have been asleep.

Full ahead both engines.

Make to C.In.C: 'Am under heavy fire'.

'B' gun, open fire.

Everything you've got.

Oerlikon, open fire. - Oerlikon open fire, sir.

Midships.

"Midships, sir."

It's the merchant ship, sir. They've hit her.

They'll get the range from our gun flashes.

Cease fire. - Cease fire!

Number One, black smoke. - Aye aye, sir.

Make black smoke!

She's well alight, sir. And she's drawing their fire.

Well, we've lost our pilot, Number One.

From now on, we're on our own.

She will be just about .. here.

Another signal in from Amethyst, sir.

Still under heavy fire. Just past Zhebu point.

Here it is, sir. She must be doing about 20 knots.

What about the batteries at Rose Island?

They've been moved, sir.

If she gets clear of Tao Chang.

She's got a clear run as far as Kiang Yin.

She'll have to pass the boom there as well as the shore batteries.

Like a sandwich, sir? - No thanks, Number One.

What are they? - Herrings 'in', sir.

No thanks.

What the system of marking the boom is, after so many months is anyone's guess.

Found on the starboard bow, sir. Red flashing lights.

Yes, sir. I've got it.

There should be two lights.

Only one visible, sir.

Port 5.

"Port 5, sir."

Keep your eyes skinned, lookout. - Aye, aye, sir.

Definitely only one light, sir.

The question is, which side of it is the channel?

Will you leave it to port or starboard? - Which would you like?

Midships. - "Midships, sir."

Rather not say, sir.

Steady on 095 degrees.

"Course 095, sir."

We'll leave it on the starboard hand.

As close as possible.

Depth now?

Three and a half fathoms, sir.

Tell the engine room we're approaching the boom. All they've got.

Depth?

Three fathoms, sir.

Ease to five.

Stop at five, sir.

Five starboard wheel, sir.

Two fathoms, sir.

Midships.

Midships. Course is 119, sir.

Two fathoms, sir.

I hope the skipper knows what he's up to.

Otherwise we're going to run aground.

Charthouse - Bridge. One and a half fathoms, sir.

Slow, both engines.

"Slow, both engines, sir."

Made it.

Full ahead both engines. - "Full ahead both engines, sir."

Two fathoms, sir.

Three fathoms, sir.

Four fathoms, sir.

Gave me quite a turn, that did.

From C.In.C, sir: 'How are you'?

Make to C.In.C.

So far, okay.

"So far, okay. Aye aye, sir."

You know something, Number One.

I could manage one of those sandwiches. - Aye aye, sir.

If she can't get at least ten miles beyond Wusan before dawn.

I think she ought to lay up somewhere.

And wait for darkness again.

What do you think?

Perhaps she could take the Zhung Ming crossing north channel?

She'd have to take it pretty slowly, sir.

From Amethyst, sir: 'Hundred up'. Just that, sir.

Sounds cheerful enough. - Yes.

There's the hundred-mile mark, sir.

He should reach Wusan at about 5:30.

Then we'd better move in to cover him.

Make this reply.

'A magnificent century'.

From C.In.C to Concord, sir. Repeated to us.

'If Amethyst passes Wusan near dawn'.

'Support her by engaging forts from seaward ..'

'If they open fire'.

"Very good."

There are the Wusan forts. There.

But the river is miles wide there, sir. Can't we keep away from them?

Not far enough to get out of range.

They've got six-inch guns.

Our only chance is they won't see us.

Green 40. Searchlight, sir.

We're a sitting duck if they pick us up.

We'll have to try and keep out of their beams.

Here goes.

Tell the engine room to give us everything they've got.

Damage acceptable. How much water to port, Number One?

Bridge - Charthouse. Depth now?

"Three fathoms, sir." - Port 5.

"Two fathoms, sir."

Midships. - "Midships, sir."

Steer 045.

They must be blind not to see us. - That's just the spill of the light.

They'll have to hit us square with the beam before they can see us.

This is it.

Fire!

Better wake your pal up. - Hey.

He's had a busy night. Full ahead all the way.

Oh, tastes lovely.

It's Concord.

Bridge - WT.

Make to C.In.C.

Concord in sight. - "Aye aye, sir."

Wheelhouse .. tell the engine room.

We're out. Concord is in sight.

"Aye aye, sir."

The Concord is in sight.

We've made it. We're out.

We made it. - We done it.

We're out. Concord is in sight.

Can I go up and see her, Chief?

You all go up. Concord is in sight.

Concord signalling, sir.

'Fancy meeting you again'.

"Reply."

"Never."

Repeat: 'never', has a ship been more welcome.

There she is, son.

Isn't she bloody lovely?

To C.In.C Far East Station. Repeated, Admiralty.

Have re-joined the fleet south of Wusan.

Full stop.

No major damage.

No casualties.

Full stop.

God save the King.

..t-g..