Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Yangtze 1949 (D/SSX 661171. B. E. Wakeham. Ord. Smn. R.N.) light scratches to obverse field, toned, nearly extremely fine £1,200-£1,600

Brian Edward Wakeham was born in Romford, Essex, on 29 July 1930, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy sailor at the age of 15 years and 6 months. After initial training in H.M.S. Ganges, he joined H.M.S. Amethyst in November 1947. He served in H.M.S. Amethyst during the Yangtze Incident, being one of those sailors who was evacuated either at Rose Island on 20 April 1949, or at Hsiao Ho the following day, and returned home to Torquay on 1 November 1949, ‘cheered by enthusiastic crowds. One of the first things he was on his return was a “Welcome Home” sign over his doorway. When questioned, he declared he had been “scared stiff” while the ship was under fire. When asked what his immediate plans were for his leave, he replied “I want to get in some sleep.”’ (Torbay and South Devon Herald & Express refers). Wakeham participated in the ensuing celebrations, marching through the streets of London and attending the official dinner held at the Dorchester Hotel on 16 November 1949. He died in Torbay, Devon, in February 2004.

Sold together with photocopies of various newspaper cuttings regarding the recipient’s return to his home town following the Yangtze Incident.