All on board were looking forward to a peaceful day at anchor with a chance to digest the long awaited mail we had just received from the oiler. We slipped from the oiler at 0900 and had not been under way for more than five minutes, when a look of gloom passed over the Yeoman’s face. He handed the signal to the Captain and before we knew what had happened, we were steaming in the opposite direction.

Chang-ni-do had been invaded and we had been ordered to join Belfast in an attempt to contain the island and prevent any enemy escaping before it could be recaptured. Chang-ni-do is one small island in a group, situated within a few miles of enemy occupied territory, just south of the 38^th. Parallel.

By 1015, both ships were in position off the west coast of the island. Amethyst was stationed within 3000 yards of the northwest point, which was as far as we could go due to shallow water. Corsair aircraft from USS Bataan were soon on the scene and attacking anything they saw on the island. By this time all friendly troops had evacuated and from our grandstand position we were able to witness the deadly effect of Napalm and H.E. bombs. However, we did not remain an idle spectator for long, as our four-inch guns engaged four junks on the foreshore. The invaders had used these, but sixty rounds later we ensured they would be of no further use to the enemy. Our guns then engaged formations of troops whenever they were foolish enough to show themselves.

The motorboat was despatched inshore with an armed party in company with an L.C.V.P. from Belfast. The objective being to contact any friendly stragglers, discover the enemy dispositions and the possible whereabouts of any boats used in the invasion. The squadron approached the bay on the south side of the island to contact civilians gathered on the beach. When both boats were about 50 yards from shore, they came under a hail of machine gun fire, which they returned with interest. Judging by the amount of ammunition remaining upon their return, this was no exaggeration. No one was hurt in our boat but a Marine from Belfast suffered a slight flesh wound.

During the afternoon, we were left to ourselves on the west side whilst Belfast watched over the East. By teatime, we were beginning to become bored with the lack of activity but suddenly tea was interrupted by strange whistling noises. It was a few seconds before we realised we were under fire and then we were returning same vigorously. Four enemy guns, estimated as 75mm, fired between 30-40 rounds holding the ship for range out to 12,000 yards. Their line was excellent but their range bad and only two shots were within 10 yards of the ship. Amethyst returned fire with 80 rounds of four-inch, one large secondary explosion was observed, and one gun ceased firing. Belfast returned to assist and pounded the area with her six-inch but no results were observed, apart from the fact that the enemy was quiet for the rest of the day.

At nightfall, we returned to our position close inshore to prevent any enemy evacuation during darkness. A boat patrol was maintained between the island and the mainland.

Just before light, we left our night station in order to reposition ourselves to the south of the island in preparation for the counter invasion. The friendly forces were a little late and did not make a landing until 0730. Their initial advance was made with little opposition, covered as it was by four Corsair aircraft from USS Bataan. They were making low strafing runs just ahead of our troops. One aircraft, however, went just a little too low and was hit by enemy small arms fire. Smoke poured from its tail as it ditched in the sea. Within ten minutes we were alongside the stricken pilot who appeared to be paddling nonchalantly in his rubber dinghy, suffering no real ill effects from his unpleasant experience. The whaler was lowered and Captain Duncan USMC was rescued just as the helicopter arrived over the ship. He decided to stay aboard with us for the time being since he was feeling considerably shaken but otherwise unhurt.

By 0830, we were back in our support position. The invasion appeared to be going well and no bombardment was required, so we moved to our old position, close inshore on the west side. There, we were well placed to support the troops as they advanced up the island.

During the forenoon, many troop targets were engaged as opportunities arose, including one mortar platoon, which was caught in the open whilst trying to retreat to a new position. The ROK ship, PC 702 who had joined company, also did some useful work with her three-inch gun, obtaining many hits actually into the enemy trenches.

Afternoon and the advance had begun to slow down. This was due to stiffening opposition by the enemy on the last possible defence position on a small hill, known as Hill 84. Even numerous attacks by aircraft failed to dislodge the enemy and friendly casualties began to increase. The doctor moved inshore in the motorboat and began administering to five of the injured on board. The Wardroom had to be used as a casualty ward and he carried out an operation on one under very difficult conditions, assisted by the padre and our Mr. Norris (SCP). Regrettably, the patient (a Korean) died after the operation completed, simply through loss of blood.

Late afternoon and the shore batteries that had fired on us the day before, commenced periodic firing at the island during intervals when no friendly aircraft were in the vicinity. Although both gunfire and aircraft engaged them, they were never completely silenced.

At 1800, the helicopter arrived over the ship bringing an American doctor to help with the wounded and at the same time, taking off Captain Duncan, the pilot we had rescued in the morning. The operation was carried out very rapidly from a position aft on the depth charge rails, using a bollard cover as a landing platform.

By 1900, the island was again in friendly hands and all that remained was to flush out the enemy stragglers who had taken to hiding in the many caves. PC 704 managed to capture six of the enemy who were trying to swim to the mainland. Ships remained in the vicinity to discourage any further escape attempts during the night.

Thursday and we returned at last to anchor and all were able to get a brief rest after 48 hours spent either at Action or Defence Stations. The operation as a whole was a good example of Air/Sea/Land co-operation. Although final results are not known, at least some 40 enemies were captured and many more killed or wounded. It was tiring at the time but most on board were pleased that their last patrol had turned out to be visibly worthwhile and nobody in Amethyst will ever again say, "nothing ever happens in 95.12.2!"