The Incredible True Story of Simon the Cat - A Heroic Feline

Cats in Command: The Feline Crew of HMS Amethyst

When we think of brave heroes and daring adventures at sea, our minds often conjure images of sailors battling treacherous waters and pirates. But what if I told you one of the bravest crew members of the British Royal Navy wasn’t a human at all, but a cat named Simon? Yes, you read that right. This is the incredible true story of Simon the cat, who served aboard the HMS Amethyst and became a beloved figure in naval history.

The Arrival of Simon

Our story begins in 1948, in the bustling port of Hong Kong. The HMS Amethyst, a Royal Navy sloop, was docked for a routine stay. It was here that Simon, a small black-and-white cat, made his first appearance. He was a stray, thin and scruffy, wandering around the dockyards in search of food and shelter. One of the crew members, a young sailor named George Hickinbottom, took pity on the scrappy feline and decided to adopt him. He brought Simon aboard the Amethyst, giving him a new home and a new life.

Simon quickly made himself at home on the ship. He proved to be an excellent mouser, keeping the ship's supplies free from rats and other pests. His playful nature and endearing personality won over the hearts of the crew. It wasn't long before Simon became a beloved member of the Amethyst family.

Trouble on the Yangtze

In April 1949, the HMS Amethyst was ordered to sail up the Yangtze River to Nanjing, the capital of China, to provide support and protection for the British Embassy. This was a time of great political turmoil in China, with civil war raging between the Nationalist government and the Communist forces. The journey up the river was expected to be routine, but fate had other plans.

On April 20, 1949, the Amethyst came under heavy fire from Communist forces positioned on the riverbanks. The ship was hit multiple times, causing significant damage and casualties among the crew. The Amethyst ran aground, trapped in the river under continuous attack. The situation was dire.

Simon's Heroics

Amid the chaos and destruction, Simon's bravery shone brightly. The shelling caused a great deal of damage, and many crew members were injured or killed. Simon himself was injured by shrapnel, suffering burns and a serious wound to his leg. Despite his injuries, Simon continued to perform his duties. He tirelessly hunted down the rats that threatened the ship's food supplies, ensuring that the remaining crew had enough to eat during their ordeal.

But Simon's contributions went beyond his rat-catching skills. He provided much-needed comfort and companionship to the crew, who were under immense stress and pressure. His presence was a source of morale and hope, a reminder of normalcy amid the chaos of battle. The crew took turns caring for him, tending to his wounds and ensuring he had enough food and water. In return, Simon stayed by their side, purring and offering his silent support.

The Escape

After several days of intense fighting and negotiation, the HMS Amethyst managed to free itself from the riverbank and make a daring escape under the cover of darkness. The ship endured a harrowing journey back down the Yangtze, evading enemy fire and navigating treacherous waters. Simon, despite his injuries, remained steadfast in his duties, catching rats and providing comfort to the crew.

The Amethyst finally made it to safety, reaching the open waters and eventually returning to Hong Kong. The crew's ordeal was over, and they were hailed as heroes. Among these heroes was Simon, whose bravery and resilience had earned him a special place in the hearts of the sailors.

Recognition and Honor

Simon’s remarkable story quickly spread, and he became a celebrity in his own right. He was awarded the Dickin Medal, often referred to as the "animals' Victoria Cross," for his bravery and devotion to duty. Simon is the only cat to have ever received this prestigious award. The citation for his medal highlighted his "distinguished and meritorious service" and his role in maintaining morale and protecting the ship’s supplies.

Simon was also awarded the Blue Cross medal and the Amethyst campaign ribbon. He was promoted to the rank of "Able Seacat," a fitting tribute to his service and heroism. His story was covered in newspapers around the world, and he received letters and gifts from admirers near and far.

A Hero’s Rest

Despite his newfound fame, Simon remained a humble and affectionate cat. He continued to serve aboard the Amethyst for a time, before being transferred to the United Kingdom for a well-deserved rest. Sadly, Simon's wounds and the stress of his experiences took a toll on his health. He developed a viral infection and passed away on November 28, 1949.

Simon was buried with full military honors in the PDSA Animal Cemetery in Ilford, Essex. His grave is marked with a headstone that reads, "In memory of Simon, the ship's cat of HMS Amethyst. Awarded the Dickin Medal for Gallantry and the Amethyst Campaign Ribbon. Died 28th November 1949."

Legacy

Simon’s story is more than just a tale of a brave cat; it is a testament to the bond between animals and humans, especially in times of hardship and conflict. His actions aboard the HMS Amethyst showed that courage and loyalty come in all shapes and sizes, and that even a small cat can make a big difference.

The legacy of Simon the cat lives on in the hearts of those who hear his story. He remains an enduring symbol of bravery, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those who face adversity with courage and compassion. Simon's tale reminds us that heroes can come from the most unexpected places and that the smallest among us can have the biggest impact.

The Bond Between Sailors and Ship Cats

Simon’s story also highlights the unique relationship between sailors and their ship cats. For centuries, cats have been welcomed aboard ships for their invaluable skills as rat-catchers. Rats and mice pose a significant threat to the supplies and hygiene of a ship, making cats indispensable members of the crew. But beyond their practical role, cats provided companionship and comfort to sailors, who often spent long months at sea, far from home.

Ship cats became beloved mascots, with their own names, stories, and even uniforms. They were treated as fellow crew members, with sailors ensuring their well-being and comfort. In return, cats offered their loyalty, affection, and an element of normalcy in the challenging and often dangerous life at sea.

Other Famous Ship Cats

Simon is not the only famous ship cat to have captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. Throughout history, several ship cats have become legends in their own right, each with their own remarkable stories of adventure and bravery.

One such cat was Trim, who sailed with the British explorer Matthew Flinders in the early 19th century. Trim accompanied Flinders on his circumnavigation of Australia and survived shipwrecks, storms, and other perils of exploration. Trim’s adventurous spirit and loyalty made him a beloved figure among Flinders' crew.

Another notable ship cat was Unsinkable Sam, who survived the sinking of three different ships during World War II. Originally named Oscar, this black-and-white cat first survived the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. He was rescued by the British destroyer HMS Cossack, which later sank as well, with Sam surviving yet again. His final ship, the HMS Ark Royal, also met a watery end, but Sam emerged unscathed. His incredible survival earned him the nickname "Unsinkable Sam," and he was eventually given a peaceful retirement on land.

Why Cats Are Important in Maritime History

Cats have played an essential role in maritime history, not just for their practical skills but also for their ability to lift spirits and provide companionship. The presence of a cat on board was often seen as a good omen, believed to bring luck and protect the ship from misfortune. Sailors would go to great lengths to care for their feline companions, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The stories of ship cats like Simon, Trim, and Unsinkable Sam reflect the deep bond between humans and animals. These tales of courage, loyalty, and survival remind us of the powerful connections we share with our animal companions and the important roles they play in our lives.

Conclusion

Simon the cat’s story is a shining example of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. His service aboard the HMS Amethyst during a time of great peril highlighted not only his remarkable abilities as a ship’s cat but also the profound impact he had on the morale and well-being of his human shipmates.

Simon’s legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who face challenges with courage and determination, no matter how small they may be. His tale continues to inspire and remind us of the unbreakable bonds that unite us with our animal companions.

So, the next time you hear about a hero’s tale from the sea, remember the story of Simon, the humble ship cat whose bravery and loyalty earned him a place in history. His legacy is a powerful reminder that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and that even the smallest creatures can leave the biggest paw prints on our hearts.