The Feline Hero: How a Tiny Tuxedo Cat Became a Naval Legend

United Kingdom - Ekhbary News Agency

The Unlikely Hero of HMS Amethyst: Simon the Cat's Wartime Odyssey

In the bustling docks of Hong Kong in March 1948, a chance encounter set the stage for an extraordinary tale of courage and companionship. George Hickinbottom, a 17-year-old British sailor, discovered a small, scrawny tuxedo kitten, barely weaned, near the shipyards. Moved by compassion, he decided to secretly bring the hungry feline aboard his vessel, the HMS Amethyst. Far from facing reprimand, Hickinbottom's decision proved serendipitous. Cats were historically valued on ships for their natural ability to keep rodent populations in check, safeguarding vital food supplies. This little stowaway, affectionately named Simon by the crew, quickly settled in, embracing his role as the ship's unofficial mascot and, more importantly, its chief pest controller.

The HMS Amethyst was a key component of British naval presence, tasked with protecting British interests during a tumultuous period in China. On April 19, 1949, the ship set sail for Nanjing, carrying 183 crew members, Simon, and a dog named Peggy. Little did they know, a harrowing ordeal awaited them. The mission took a dangerous turn when the Amethyst sailed into hostile territory, becoming a pawn in the escalating Chinese Civil War. On April 20, the ship was subjected to a brutal artillery barrage from Communist forces on the Yangtze River's north bank, causing it to run aground. The attack resulted in significant casualties among the crew, and even Simon sustained serious injuries from shrapnel and burns.

What followed was a tense three-month standoff. The Amethyst remained trapped, a symbol of international political maneuvering. While the British asserted their right to navigate the river based on historical treaties, the Communist forces demanded accountability for entering a war zone. The situation onboard grew dire, with dwindling supplies, sweltering heat, and the constant threat of further attacks. Amidst this adversity, Simon's true character emerged. Despite his painful wounds, he diligently continued his duties, hunting the rats that threatened the remaining food stores. His presence and unwavering spirit provided a crucial morale boost to the beleaguered sailors.

Author David Long, in his book "The Animals' VC: For Gallantry Or Devotion," highlights Simon's unique appeal. "He's what we call here a 'moggy,' which is a really basic family cat. He’s nothing special, and that makes him special," Long explains. Simon wasn't a pedigree or a specially trained animal; he was an ordinary cat who rose to extraordinary circumstances. His antics, like sleeping in officers' hats and leaving dead mice in sailors' shoes, brought moments of levity. Even when injured, his purring offered comfort, a testament to his bond with the crew.

After three months of diplomatic deadlock and hardship, the Amethyst made a daring escape under the cover of darkness on July 30, 1949. Following a Chinese merchant vessel through treacherous waters, the ship evaded further attacks and navigated its way to safety in the South China Sea. The return of the Amethyst and its crew was met with jubilant celebrations in Hong Kong. Simon, the small tuxedo cat who had endured the ordeal alongside his human companions, was hailed as a hero. His story captured the world's imagination, and news spread that he would receive the PDSA Dickin Medal, an honor typically reserved for dogs, horses, and pigeons who display exceptional bravery in wartime.

Simon's journey continued back to Britain with the returning crew. Their arrival in Plymouth on November 2, 1949, was met with massive crowds and fanfare. The overwhelming attention proved too much for the war-weary feline, who briefly went missing, causing a minor panic. He was soon found, however, and his status as a celebrity was cemented. He received countless letters, prompting the appointment of an official "cat officer" to manage his correspondence. As a celebrated war hero, Simon still had to undergo a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival in the UK.

Tragically, Simon passed away on November 28, 1949, while in quarantine, likely only two years old. While the exact cause remains debated – with theories ranging from the cold climate and lingering effects of his wounds to an intestinal issue – the outpouring of grief was immense. Simon was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal, his tiny coffin draped with the Union Jack upon his burial with full military honors at the Ilford Animal Cemetery in East London. His headstone bears the inscription: "Throughout The Yangtse Incident His Behaviour Was Of The Highest Order." Simon's enduring legacy lies in his ability to challenge perceptions of bravery, proving that courage can be found in the most unexpected of creatures.

Ekhbary News Agency