The 50th. Anniversary of
the Yangtze Incident.
Sunday 25th. April 1999.
The church was almost full as we entered to remember those that lost their lives 50 years ago on the Yangtze river. Before the service began the band played Elgar's 'Nimrod' and exactly on time the service commenced with the National Anthem. I remember glancing across at my Dad, 70 this year, and seeing him standing "ramrod" straight and head held high. A few minutes later we remembered the 46 men that did not return. There were tears in the eyes of many.
A wreath from the Yangtze Incident Four Ships Association was laid and a bugler sounded the last post. There followed a two minute silence, what thoughts and memories came back after 50 years?
Above photograph courtesy of Martin Parker.
The large photograph resting on a replica of Drake's Drum
shows the Funeral Service at Hung Jau Cemetery, Shanghai, April 1949.