Extract from the London Gazette Tuesday 23rd of March 1954

Recognition for the Hong Kong Flotilla

Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood Saint James’s Palace, SW123rd of March 1954

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal, Military Division to Leading Seaman Gordon Richard Cleaver PSSX857298.

When HMML 1323 was attacked without warning by a Chinese craft in the Pearl River estuary on 9th September 1953, the commanding officer was mortally wounded and six officers and men of the crew of eleven were killed. When thus suddenly and unexpectedly surrounded by death and bloodshed, Leading Seaman Cleaver showed outstanding coolness and courage in directing operations to extinguish a fire and to rig the hand steering gear. Then, in rough weather, he brought the badly damaged ML back to harbour.

Admiralty, Whitehall, SW123rd of March 1954

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following:For distinguished service in operations in Korean waters, for courage and devotion to duty when HMML 1323 was attacked by a Chinese craft in the Pearl River estuary on 9th September 1953:

• Commendation (Posthumous): Able Seaman Ralph Sherman D/JX842871 (Mentioned in Dispatches)

• Commendation: Stoker Mechanic Eric Milner P/SKX841644

  
  

(Extract ends.)

Editor’s Note:

It seems from this original copy of the London Gazette, Tuesday, 23rd of March 1950, that Officers and Ratings of the Hong Kong Flotilla were considered to be on active service — certainly HMML 1323 was. Thus, after years of protests, we were right to consider we were indeed on active service, at the very least during that immediate time after the Korean War ceasefire. Surely, this will give our very ill Shipmate, Jim Ockendon, some comfort.

Incidentally, Jim is the funniest man in the flotilla, in my view. He was the rating who christened our late secretary John Metherell, at the first reunion in the China Fleet Club, Saltash, 1999, “the Vicar of Wanchai”, which stuck. In fact, John Metherell rapidly adapted to that role and came to breakfast in Holy Orders dress.

Jim has been campaigning for years to get us recognised for the General Service Medal for our Hong Kong patrols in the Pearl River. It was further confirmed that both Able Seaman Ralph (Ginge) Shearman and Stoker Mechanic Eric Milner were mentioned in dispatches.

Because of losing his life in action, Ralph's sister, Ruth Long — who has graced our reunions for so many years, together with her ebullient Hong Flotilla honorary member and HKF devotee, Tom Long — received Her Majesty’s Elizabeth Medal for her brother’s and his family’s sacrifice and service to his country.

We also have to thank Ruth and Tom Long for establishing a marvellous 1323 Memorial at the National Arboretum, to the fallen of HMML 1323 — not only with a distinctive plaque but also managing to persuade the Arboretum authorities to plant a distinctive tree too.

The 1323 Memorial is placed close to the “Amethyst” Memorial section. Remember that in 2002 the HKFA made a donation to the then fledgling Arboretum — a sum of £500 — hoping this would establish a 1323 memorial also at that time. Unfortunately, that did not occur, and it was disappointing. However, the HKFA did enable the Arboretum to start, as the money was used for general funds in establishing the site.

We had to wait until 2012 or so for Tom and Ruth to establish and pay for this distinctive Hong Kong Flotilla HMML 1323 Memorial, with all the names firmly displayed, along with the occasion of their death in action. The HKF names are also displayed in the General Memorial listing.