The Yangtze Incident - Britain's last Battle in China Episode 2 AUDIO PROGRAMME

[@iankerridge5720]

Able Sea Cat Simon is buried in plot 281 of the PDSA Animal Cemetery in Ilford, London. RIP Hero

[@vancetrigger]

a real hero...received the Dickens medal

[@tuga_ace]

May he rest in peace

[@larrybarnes3920]

R.I.P Simon.

[@12vscience]

Three cheers for Able Sea Cat Simon! Hip Hip, Hooray!

[@barrydysert2974]

RIP ASC Simon! 🖖😿🙀😽 😻😻😻😻😻😻

[@skimmer8774]

My 9 yr old son likes to watch all your episodes with me and boy does he ask a lot of questions but boy is he learning a lot. Thank you Mark

[@Joopie101]

Wholesome

[@proudfirebrand3946]

Based

[@maxflight777]

Skimmer Good dad ! It’s important to educate and inform our children and to counter the anti-British BBC narrative

[@MarxistMedia]

@@maxflight777 Oh put a sock in it.

[@dtz1000]

Looks like this channel attracts all sorts of people. Even those Brits who are against Britain.

[@phbrinsden]

I was only 6 years old at the time living in Hong Kong and even now I can recall the image of HMS Amethyst coming slowly into Hong Kong harbor full of holes. I also remember the harbor full of cheering people. The movie “Yangtze Incident” is well done and captures the story well. Another really nice piece of work from Mark. Thank you.

[@bryansmith1920]

I have actually met Richard Todd Although as a personal hero of mine I didn't want to embarrass him by Telling him of my Adoration The first film that I remember going to see as a child was The Dambusters This Yangtze Incident Film is one I also remember But the truth is we had treated China The like of which should be REPULSIVE to FUTURE GENERATIONS

[@roryross3878]

@@bryansmith1920 I appreciate the complexity of that outlook. Never forget the crimes of empire!

[@garyschultz7768]

@@roryross3878 the British empire was instrumental in bringing the rule of law & culture to the world... dont engage in revisionist history & condemn all the Empires actions ....leave that to the god less power mad communist...

[@CETGale]

@@bryansmith1920 Never forget the CCP crimes and the millions of dead they have racked up since 1947 including in the West from their bat virus they let out. Man up NEVER appologize for something you had NOTHING to do with.. IDK Did you sell smack to the Ming Dynasty??? SMFH

[@CETGale]

@@garyschultz7768 They MSM and educational system has produced generations of weak men and WOKE culture (pushed by the CCP) in the West. Cant help what our ancestors did but they CREATED the modern world and civilization but these Marxist want us to be sorry, only weak pathetic men would think like that. I am proud to be a Western chauvinist.....

[@jeffpollard7304]

Three cheers for ‘able sea Cat’ Simon!!

[@RedcoatsReturn]

All respect to Simon! Deserved his medals! Poor old boy died of his wounds 😔

[@Bassjunkie_1]

Yep even tho this happened so long ago it still hurts.

[@azguyazdesert417]

I don't even like cats, I am more of a dog person, but the story of Simon the cat, and his little coffin at his funeral really got to me.

[@jonathanreed7891]

Respect the hell out of those brits, put up a damn good fight under some of the worst circumstances.

[@UncleSam13]

He did his duty to his shipmates.

[@Boppinabe]

All the more reason to ban Communism in all its evil forms.

[@NatureismyHome-cu6zs]

Your videos are astounding and provide tremendous comfort during these troubling times. Thank you Mr. Felton

[@nickw7619]

Your narration perfectly embodies the mysticism surrounding the great royal navy and all of its honor. What a great story, thank you for sharing this gem of knowledge! "Able sea cat" gave me a chuckle

[@richardcleveland8549]

Two great videos telling one compelling story. The courage of the crew of the Amethyst under appalling conditions deserves to live in memory forever . . . as does that of Able Seacat Simon. Thank you for giving new life to this story; splendid work, as always (and piss on Time magazine!).

[@matthewpfeiffer6107]

Love this series and channel.

[@jakethetool698]

Many thanks, for keeping these stories alive. As an avid amateur archeologist, and collector of Florida’s Stone Age artifacts, no period of history compares, in my mind, to that of WWII Your detailed narrations are of great service, to the world. May they live on

[@vivekraychowdhury4348]

Well,alongwith dogs, and horseswith their masters Able Sea Cat Simon has entered the pantheon of epic heroes WE SHALL NOT FORGET. R. I. P.

[@ottomeyer6928]

a very brave kitty

[@scottybaby64]

Mark, I love your videos. Being a military man myself I enjoy the stories very much and tell others about your channel. Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@Cba409]

This should be called the Simon Incident.

[@olwens1368]

Many of us blinking back tears during the bit about Able Sea Cat Simon, while listening calmly to the bit about people being disembowelled and having legs blown off. (Me too, I hasten to add.)

[@MusMasi]

Sad that the ship carrying the refugees was sunk :(

[@paulsakz1532]

I'm late to this retelling, but you have no idea how happy i was part two was out after listening to that vivid first half! :D Thankyou!

[@andym847]

Amazing story, thank you for your work as always Dr Felton. Lockdown seems to be more bearable with your calming voice telling stories of bravery, courage and measured leadership under the most extreme circumstances. Take care and may you and yours stay safe and well. Again, thank you. 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧😎

[@WarStorieswithMarkFelton]

You are very welcome

[@anonymusum]

"Able Seacat" - love it.

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

My mother referred to this incident as the end of gunboat diplomacy. I never really knew much about this story so I was very pleased to hear your account many thanks. I am now far better informed and can now appreciate my grandfather's opinions he was a radio operator on several vessels that were hit in WW2 and was the last off on two occasions.

[@southerncomfortuk]

My father served aboard the Amethyst, thank you for your wonderful detailed videos 🙏

[@Chreeeis]

Thank you for this excellent documentary Dr. Felton, it has lead me down a fun research spree of decorated service animals, like Simon. Many are just as miraculous and surprising. Please, if you would honor me with your time, I hate to be one to recommend things but there was Judy, a ships dog from stationed on the Yangzi *during* WW2, who had saved the lives of multiple sailors before becoming a Japanese POW. Yes, Judy was the only animal in World War 2 to be officially registered as a prisoner of war, due to her crewmates' fierce protection over her. The story goes that her owner managed to convince the camp warden by getting him DRUNK on sake. It goes much further as she would go on to perform many more honorable acts under the protection of her master and earn the same honors as Simon. Judy lived to revel in her fame appearing in large public events with her owner, she was even interviewed by BBC radio and her barks were broadcasted across the entire world. Her story is quite well documented.

[@LazyLifeIFreak]

F for the ship's cat, Simon. May he chase rats till the beyond.

[@Stiglitz_H]

F

[@brucekaraus7330]

F

[@WanderlustZero]

F

[@wilber19541]

Do Rat go to Heaven too...

[@navypti]

Thanks Mark. Your research is fascinating & insightful. You tell us about things that aren't in most history books. So glad I found your channel.

[@iscaria3337]

Story of Simon was really touching especially since I noticed that I hadn't been emotionally touched by the horrors of war while listening to the stories by Mark. This touched differently especially since the men were actively fired upon but they had the time to tend to the wounds of their little comrade. Bless their souls.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

I'm not crying over Able Seacat Simon, your crying!

[@llamamanism]

The plucky affable feline leaving dead rat gifts in sailors bunks and sleeping in the captains bunk. What a character

[@sufimuslimlion4114]

I’m laughing

[@sadwingsraging3044]

@@sufimuslimlion4114 I laughed as I broke the teeth out of the punk that purposefully run over a cat. It was great.

[@sufimuslimlion4114]

@@sadwingsraging3044 Lol ok dork. When did U supposedly beat up this evil man who liked running Over little sweet kittens who were drinking warm milk and asking for cuddles until this imaginary comic book villain was running them over while laughing “muahahahaah” until Superman (u I guess lmao) chased him down to give him a slap of justice? Lmfao u dork

[@markc1990]

That last part, about Simon brought tears to my eyes..

[@jongray2473]

My grandfather James patrick Foley was killed during the rescue ..🇬🇧✌

[@wilber19541]

Was he in Chicago.....

[@jimbossimrigs7961]

Keep them coming Mark. Absolutely love seeing your stories pop up on my timeline. I always get a brew and the biccies at the ready to watch!..

[@fatlarry1184]

Last time I was this early....Boxer Rebellion had just started.

[@bryansmith1920]

Same Shit Different Day

[@thresher4]

THANK YOU, DR. FELTON.

[@johnburns1828]

Excellent stuff - and I'm glad you kept the cat in for light relief

[@GunnyKeith]

GREAT BACKROUND MUSIC, JUST ALL AROUND GREAT VIDEO MARK. OUTSTANDING JOB SIR

[@ColinH1973]

Beautifully recounted, Mark with (what seems to me) genuine feeling. Do you have a personal connection to this incident? Keep cheering us up!! Thank you.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Mark Felton, I have enjoyed many of your excellent videos, since subscribing last year (after hearing my first of your large series). I enjoyed your narration of this story too. Very good! Keep up the good work.

[@alansutton9388]

A first class production. Thank you

[@williamwhite9430]

Mr. Felton, you have outdone yourself again!!!!’ Excellent video and report! Bravo!!

[@WarStorieswithMarkFelton]

Many thanks!

[@brianivey73]

Great program on this forgotten but compelling part of modern history

[@briannicholas2757]

Simon should have been promoted to CPO, Cat Petty Officer. In all seriousness though, a cat like Simon or a dog adopted by a military unit, provides a real connection to home and "normal" everyday life and is huge morale. booster. Such a companion gives the troops something to focus on rather than their situation. Simon certainly deserves all of the recognition he so justly earned.

[@DaviesMartinezBeats]

I want to go back in time and see the massive fight between Simon the Cat and Humungous, King of the Rats...

[@WierdSpookyDude]

What an incredible story! There is more than enough material here to make a movie. Given the sensitivity of the situation between the British Royal Navy and the PLA communist forces, it's no surprise that the HMS Concord would not receive any public commendations for the rescue of the battered HMS Amethyst. To do so, might have endangered other innocent lives including civilians. The story of Simon the ship's cat aboard the Amethyst was equally riveting. What a morale booster that feline must have been. SALUTE!

[@ScienceChap]

The film was made. Starred HMS Amethyst as well, as herself...

[@dobypilgrim6160]

Is the Royal Navy the only one in the world that would give a medal to a stray cat, while denying one to the crew of a brave ship? Just asking...

[@thresher4]

Kerarns was awarded the DSO. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kerans

[@arachnonixon]

not the first time either. I remember the carpenter on the Shackleton expedition was denied all honors in the end, because he actively opposed the killing of the ship's cat

[@doctoronishispsychosislab1474]

Politics ^^

[@chrisaskin6144]

You can criticise the decisions the Royal Navy made with reference to the award of medals to the crew of HMS Amethyst with some justification possibly. But it didn't award Simon, the ship's cat, a medal. The Dickin medal that it was awarded, is conferred by the PDSA, the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, and not the Navy.

[@Cal94]

Shouldn't have told the crew where they were going, or what they were up to, if they wanted to say they were never there

[@stephenmichalski2643]

Well all I can say is that if you continue doing stuff like this............it's gonna be a great channel........the way you narrate is simply superb

[@Daracdor]

There was an old pub I use to go in which had , what I thought was a stuffed cat curled up and a small blanket . A few years passed until a regular to the pub picked it up to show someone what it really was . It was Simon , a memorial which had underneath it a printed story of The HMS Amethyst incident .

[@owainjohns2815]

So in 70 years they haven't progressed from fighting dirty, lies and denial...

[@nathanrose3523]

What nation has ?

[@allanmonroe692]

@@nathanrose3523 China

[@trespire]

@@nathanrose3523 Why don't you move to China, I'm sure they'll accept you with open arms.

[@sufimuslimlion4114]

Lol ok. Weak little British are nothing compared to China now

[@tomfrazier1103]

What else is new? Communists are bad, regardless of nationality.

[@demportboy1584]

I have seen news film of the return to Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth of HMS Amethyst, and the vessel was indeed full of shell holes and had slowly made it back to be repaired. The crew put up a brave fight considering they had little room to avoid the gunfire.

[@eliotreader8220]

a very interesting war story

[@barbaradyson6951]

Only the brits could promote a cat to ableseacat.

[@wkdravenna]

Thank you Dr. Felton Friendship forever ! 🇺🇲🇬🇧🇹🇼

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Very informative, Coach

[@WarStorieswithMarkFelton]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@NichoTBE]

nothing more british than medals and promotions of a cat lol

[@keynshamkeynsham1]

My uncle Ken Morton was on the Amethyst. he left the bridge just before the captain was killed

[@russellsaunders8031]

My father was on the Black Swan as a signalman. Family story is that as he took a message to the Captain a shell went through the Signal Room....... Who knows, I may not have been here if he was in that room.

[@paulpowell4871]

Always the best, Mark.

[@asengeorgiev5834]

Great story! Thank you!

[@38bass]

What a rollercoaster of a ride. All hales to Simon. 🤘🏼 Hero Hero

[@lior6222]

RIP Simon, he used to be such a legend.

[@stephenmichalski2643]

WOW.....Very cool.......was afraid I'd have to wait like a week for the next part......awesome.....gonna wait til later to listen

[@Chreeeis]

Without a doubt, the duel between 'Rat King' Mao Zedong and 'Able Sea Cat' Simon is the most epic wartime confrontation I’ve heard of. Rest in peace Simon, you were a good cat.

[@juansantos-lq2kz]

He was an Abel Sea Cat

[@doriensutherland8893]

Wonderful channel. Thank you ... lest we forget.

[@rayw3294]

Thanks Mark.

[@lisacateyes53]

You're a very lucky man. God bless you both!!

[@vcv6560]

I'll never look at a stray cat the same way again wow!

[@barrydysert2974]

ASC Simon 💜 Thank you!:-) 🖖

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l can only offer one word here....EXCELLENT.....Thanks very much...!!

[@knightowl3577]

I have read about this and seen the film but this is the best and most dramatic telling by far.

[@rosesprog1722]

A food blockade to force your opponent to sign some treaty? Hummm, reminds me of something... Never spit against the wind!

[@judyjudy51]

Brilliant - love your audios !

[@SKSK-rz7br]

Great story and brilliantly illustrated ... i'm going to look up more about Simon TC

[@WarStorieswithMarkFelton]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelcampin1464]

My parents had they souvenir brochure that accompanied the release of the film about the Yangtse Incident

[@barrielomas9056]

Film of the “Yangtze Incident” has the telegraphist having a taste for Herrings in Tomato-sauce sandwiches. This tradition was picked by ships crews. The film was shown on board frigates on Beira Patrol including HMS Yarmouth who was ordered to proceed with “Utmost despatch” to a position deep in the Indian Ocean. Time was April 1970… Apollo 13 had had a problem. ' Wireless office had to download the signals in Morse code to recover a Space Craft… Apollo 13. There were no satellites covering that part of the world which was also a black-spot for on line communications. Houston Space centre, and it seems US in general, had given up keying Morse. Therefore manual was sent to RCN at Halifax, Nova Scotia, who relayed it to HMS Yarmouth. Two two men shifts, under the RS and Yeoman, with pencil and paper took down the abbreviated manual. Abbreviated as quarantine for the space men was not necessary neither were there any moon rocks to recover but still a long signal. ' Ships galley rose to the occasion, remembering the Amethyst, and regular plates of Herrings in Tomato-sauce sandwiches were sent up to the wireless office. Luckily Apollo came down in front of TV cameras and a US Aircraft carrier squadron in the Pacific. Royal Navy, with box brownie cameras, and a single helicopter was not required

[@SebastianDeBeer]

I thought that the thumbnail was a Tufnell! He has such a distinctive style! I have four of his watercolours. All of ships my father served on in the South African Navy that he had commissioned when he was over at HMS Vernon being trained as a TAS Officer.

[@dzyanist]

Jeez Louise, what a story..!!!!! And, damn, the Brave Brits set the bar high..!!!.., including Able Sea Cat, Simon, (R.I.P.)..🐈🙏..🥀

[@bigrobnz]

a movie was made about this event.....quite good as I recall...

[@nutjob9100]

Hope it had able able seacat Simon in it 🐈

[@majorlee76251]

The Royal Navy at it's best during a bad situation.

[@sjsupa]

Using use civilian vessel as a shield is a good behavior?

[@jamesjones8720]

sjsu pa no they did not, listen to the video again .

[@MusMasi]

@@sjsupa not a shield they thought to use it to hide, unfortunately it did not work and the PLA shelled the civilian ship.

[@sjsupa]

@@MusMasi I don't see any difference. Used a civilian vessel for its own advantage and put the civilians in danger.

[@MusMasi]

@@sjsupa if you where in their shoes what would you do differently?

[@user-ow6lr8xk1u]

I can recommend Malcolm H. Murfett's _Hostage on the Yangtze: Britain, China, and the Amethyst Crisis of 1949_ as an excellent historical account of this incident.

[@thomasb1889]

It is actually surprising that the 1957 movie agrees so much with this.

[@microwavedsoda]

Brilliant work sir

[@12vscience]

Three cheers for Able Sea Cat Simon! Hip Hip, Hooray!

[@derekantill3721]

I was 10 years old when this incident took place, and I always remember Simon the cat. Only in 2018 was I lucky enough to buy secondhand copy of the book Escape of the Amethyst by C.E. Lucas Phillips which was published in 1957. Thanks for a really brilliant video.

[@lindasanson3094]

The crew of the HMS Concord risked their lives to help the Amethyst - they are denied any recognition and the cat is promoted....sounds about right. I respect all Fisheads and appreciate how politics results in unfair treatment but those lads were clearly in great danger and deserve this belated but unofficial recognition. It's unfair - just like ignoring the Merchant Seamen who served and died in the Battle of the Atlantic were ignored.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

In 1966 a movie called the Sand Pebbles starring Steve McQueen was made about this incident. The movie takes some liberties, but generally follows the story with reasonable accuracy.

[@tomw9875]

Fantastic story Mark, thank you.

[@paulbeesley8283]

03:35, "....and 8 Chinese mess attendants." I see they had their priorities straight. Thank you for the video.

[@goinhot]

Making Able Seacat, did that come with a pay raise and rum ration?

[@serrasalmusgeryi2051]

Probably grilled fish ration and milk ration.

[@scorchedearth8661]

RIP Simon! Good kitty!

[@mgabriel2636]

Good, i was looking forward to this!

[@williamdrijver4141]

Excellent timing, and great video! In 1949 chinese communists could not be trusted, alas same for 2020. Some things do not change. Hope one day Simon the brave cat will get his well deserved statue!

[@oveidasinclair982]

Never negotiate, or trust anything a Maoist says. Simon should have been promoted to Petty Officer, it's heart warming to see such love bestowed on a brave and loyal feline who like the men all around him stood duty at his station under enemy fire.

[@Cba409]

Yay more awesome history videos!!

[@WarStorieswithMarkFelton]

More to come!

[@allanfifield8256]

Always so good!

[@josephpicogna6348]

Best telling of the story I have ever heard. I remember the New York Times headline I never had much confidence in them ever since.

[@bunstructors8591]

I grew up in China and had no idea this happened. This does not appear in any history textbooks in China. Thanks for your research and storytelling.

[@Bassjunkie_1]

Respect to them all.. And the cat made me cry the most, not sure what is wrong with me.

[@tianwong152]

The cat is the only crewmember I have any sympathy for. I have no sympathy for dead Opium dealers.

[@TankerBricks]

execellent

[@TankerBricks]

no pun intended Mark.just misspelt it. I m normally a great speller but 39 minutes ago i was off key.

[@stripemcr5722]

I am addicted to this intro music , I auto click just to hear it and then see what is in the package

[@MrSebastiananthony]

I am just wondering if anyone actually sees a pattern of deceit by the Communists that I still see happening today?

[@serrasalmusgeryi2051]

Here's a recent example of communist deceitfulness with a capital D. 100+ nations seek to probe virus origin; China promotes virus treatment w/ record of fatal reactions kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4G3gGCwmN2Vftk

[@ray.shoesmith]

This incident occurred almost 2 months to the day before the Communists proclaimed the Peoples Republic of China (1 Oct 1949). It was a bit late for traditional British gunboat diplomacy by that stage I would have thought. p.s Simon deserves a decoration imo

[@peterpim6260]

Fact is, they never should have been there. Sheer silly overconfidence, like in Malaya/Singapore . Tales of personal courage can not conceal :It was a desaster. They put their head between the lions jaws and when he closed them they had no option but to struggle to pull out. That is all.

[@bradpendleton5675]

Great job sir.

[@david9783]

How Simon could not be treated for an infection is beyond me.But he must have been one mighty tough cat just to have made it to the shore after all he had suffered.

[@gwtpictgwtpict4214]

Two points, firstly he may have been treated but sometimes treatment doesn't work, secondly cats when not well tend to find somewhere secure, curl up and wait to either die or get better. As cats spend a sizeable amount of time curled up somewhere asleep anyway, it can be difficult to tell the difference.

[@david9783]

@@gwtpictgwtpict4214 You are absolutely right about cats;I have 4! That's why I was saddened to hear he died

[@allistairneil8968]

Best cat story on youtube! RIP Simon

[@AtlantaBill]

Lawful treaties? HMS Amethyst, the HMS Defender of yesteryear.