Not the Slightest Chance: The Defence of Hong Kong, 1941

4 - Phase II: The Siege of the Island

It had been hoped that the Gin Drinkers Line would hold for at least a week. However, the forcing of the Shing Mun Redoubt within some forty hours of the start of the attack has made the line untenable. In fact, it is fair to question why the Japanese took so long to capture the Mainland.1 Of the garrison’s approximately 14,000 personnel, it is strange that only some forty-five were allocated to the defence of the Shing Mun Redoubt, and that of the three men who died there, one apparently died later of wounds and the other two were killed as the Japanese captured the final point still occupied. In the final analysis, delaying the Japanese advance to Tsim Sha Tsui cost the garrison only some sixty-six dead, fifty-seven wounded,2 and a recorded twenty-seven captured. The Japanese, on capturing Kowloon and the New Territories, claimed that they found 150 bodies, though it is possible that they included some civilian casualties; it is also possible that some of the Indian Other Rank fatalities recorded as occurring later in the conflict in fact occurred on the Mainland. Some men have become separated from their units. Sergeant Richards3 and Private Chorley4 of the Royal Scots recount (133) that their platoon was told to report to Newton of the Rajputs on 11 December. Failing to find him, the two men set off towards the sea, Phase II: The Siege of the Island 4 未命名59=5A:1 PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 71 of the Island of Hongkong and conditions of full siege now exist. The Colony is in good heart. There is plenty of food, arms and ammunition, and the garrison is confident of the outcome. The public continue to behave quietly and to take the situation in their stride. At dusk last night the enemy attacked our troops who still remained on the Mainland at Devil’s Peak. The Japanese were decisively repulsed with heavy losses, and were unable to interfere with the withdrawal of our troops to the Island, which had been planned for last night. This withdrawal was consequently carried out without loss and must be accounted a local success for us. Shelling and bombing were both on a light scale and very little damage or casualties resulted. A total of ten bombs dropped on the Island in widely separated areas during the day. We must, however, be prepared for heavier bombardments by the enemy as the situation develops. House-holders are warned that if they leave lights exposed they will be fired on. Under black-out conditions of full siege a certain amount of sporadic light automatic fire (such as, in fact, happened last night) is inevitable, through the necessity to safeguard against possible surprise. Our general position continues satisfactory and we can await events with calm. (147) 10.30 APV Frosty is ordered to bring the lighthouse keeper and eight of his staff from Waglan Island to Aberdeen (130: 16). 10.45 There is a five-minute air raid alert (147). 11.00 The Rajputs are concentrated in the Tai Tam–Pottinger Gap area for cover, rest, and reorganisation (139). 13.30 The Waterfall Bay AA gun (presumably an 18 LAA Bofors) brings down an enemy floatplane by range control (93: 132). It sinks in West Lamma Channel. The destruction of the aircraft is also credited to Sapper Bill Bailey11 of 40 Field Company, RE (91: 107). 14.00 Green Island police and Mr Bailey (custodian of the magazine from which Jeanette had taken her deadly load) are evacuated by HMS Thracian and disembarked at Aberdeen after Bailey’s house is hit by two bombs (131). 14.30 Official Communiqué: 未命名59< 72 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG Further news of the successful action at dusk last night has now been received. Just before dark one of our battalions maintaining its position on the Mainland was attacked by the enemy. As explained earlier, this attack broke down under combined artillery and machine-gun fire. During the course of the night our battalion was withdrawn to the island with the loss of only three men missing. Retirements such as this are a most difficult operation and are possible only through close and smooth co-operation between Navy and Army. The enemy’s failure to follow up indicates the success of the defence, and the trivial losses suffered by our battalion is an indication of the complete success of the combined operation. The position now is that the full garrison stands on the defence of the Island, confidently awaiting further events. One large seaplane was shot down into the sea to the South of the Island about 1.30 to-day. The public are warned to keep off the streets and under cover as much as possible, particularly after dark. (147) 14.36 There is an eight-minute air raid alert (147). 16.00 Mount Davis and Jubilee area are heavily shelled. The top 9.2inch gun of Mount Davis Battery is hit by a dud 24-cm shell, damaging the inside of the bore and putting it out of action (93: 132). 16.00 MTBs 08 and 27 are sent from Aberdeen to Green Island to evacuate Royal Engineers there, but no one is found (143e). 17.00 Official Communiqué: The populace may rest assured that the Police now have the disorderly elements under complete control. Several of the leaders have been arrested and there is nothing further to fear. A tug with lighter in tow blew up some distance to the West of the Vehicular Ferry Pier at about eleven p.m. on the 12th. The cause is not definitely known. The blast of the explosion shattered windows in the vicinity. There were seven air raids yesterday, but except in one case there were few casualties and little damage either from these raids or from the intermittent shelling. The Military Authorities report no change in the situation since the last communiqué. (147) 12 17.00 APV Poseidon starts Aberdeen patrol (130: 15). 18.00 APV Perla starts Beaufort patrol (130: 14). 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 73 22.30 Naval authorities and Captain Valentine, HKVDC, report a glider landing on the Peak. Police search, but nothing is found (131). 24.00 The fire brigade, out of its depth with the blazes at West Point, asks for military assistance. 14 DECEMBER SUNDAY. I rushed up (still during the bombing) and was the first on the spot. I counted four dead and ten wounded, most of them seriously. I did what I could, mostly administering morphia for pain and shock. (Solomon Bard)13 King George VI’s forty-sixth birthday starts with the shellfire intensifying, and many military targets are hit and damaged. Some non-military targets are also hit, but generally those near British gun sites. Captain Pardoe of the headquarters staff is killed by a shell while visiting units on the Peak. Fired from Kowloon, it makes a direct hit on his car, killing him and his driver instantly (28: 35).15 Mr Corbally: ‘We were approaching Magazine Gap when a shell went into the side of the road some forty yards ahead. The driver backed down the road and clung to the side of the hill, hoping that we should be safer there. They shelled that angle for about ten minutes, and when we went on we saw an officer killed in his car just around the corner’ (60: 112).15 A shell that hits the nursing quarters of St Albert’s Convent also kills a 27-year-old nurse, Sister Brenda Morgan.16 Two guns are put out of action by shellfire at Belcher’s Fort. British counter-battery fire targets Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, Stonecutters Island, and Ma Lau Tong. In the morning, the Marine Police scuttle their launches in the harbour and Commander F. W. Crowther (of the Royal Naval Dockyards in Admiralty) orders Lieutenant Cole, RN, to look after the Aberdeen dockyards. He is sending him to his death. The HKVDC HQ moves from Lower Albert Road17 to Peak Mansions (79: 230). The Hong Kong Naval Dockyard Defence Corps (HKDDC) is added to the list of Auxiliary Units, under the command of the commodore and his officers, by a Government Gazette notification (147). In occupied Kowloon: ‘It is very dark tonight, and repeatedly we 未命名59< 74 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG hear the shrill, sharp scream of helpless women around us — and we are helpless to aid them!’ (117: 31). The Royal Artillery continues to consolidate its positions. The 5 AA Lewis guns move to the RN Dockyard. The Tai Ho Wan 2-pounder of 965 Defence Battery moves to the Tai Koo area. The HQ of the 1st Hong Kong Regiment is absorbed by RA West,18 which moves from Wan Chai Gap to Wong Nai Chung Gap. A Counter Battery HQ is also formed at Wong Nai Chung Gap under command of Major G. E. S. Proes, RA, with Tiger Balm and Caroline Hill sections under his direct control. The 1st Mountain Battery moves two 3.7-inch guns to Gauge Basin19 and two to Tai Tam Fork. They will all be lost when the Japanese invade. Four obsolete First World War vintage Mark 1 18-pounder saluting guns are taken out of store and sent to Stanley for 965 Defence Battery. By evening of this day, after a week of fighting, Hong Kong is isolated under full siege and all forces on the Island are occupying their defensive positions. Brigadier Peffers realises that Battle HQ is now nearer to the Japanese forces than any other unit, and is vulnerable to attack from across the harbour. He organizes a Battle HQ Defence Force under Captain Charles Turner and Lieutenant Browne, with a platoon of 2/ 14th Punjabis, a platoon of HKVDC Portuguese, and a platoon of HKVDC Stanley Warders (158). Diary for 14 December 00.30 East Brigade HQ personnel arrive at their Tai Tam base, the Royal Artillery underground plotting room. It is staffed by the Brigade Commander (Wallis), Brigade Major (Harland), Staff Captain (Belton), two signallers, the Brigade Intelligence Officer, and three clerks. ‘The atmosphere was heavy and even with the emergency (draft) plant working and the air vent (emergency exit) open this air was unhealthy and oppressive and made clear the thinking difficult [sic]. One became flushed and had bad headaches’ (139). 02.00 Great anxiety is caused by the speed of the fires at Belcher’s and Kennedy Town. They are finally brought under control at midday (20: 11). 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 75 08.30 Major Ryan of HQRA calls Lieutenant E. H. Field at Belcher’s Fort with orders to engage a large junk moving eastwards from the direction of Lan Tau, thought to be carrying Japanese to Stonecutters. This quickly results in counter-battery fire (164). 09.00 A heavy bombardment of Belcher’s Fort starts. The lower Battery Observation Post (BOP) is completely demolished, and 965 Defence Battery’s two 4.7-inch Quick Firing (QF) guns there are put out of action. The Fort Commander, Lieutenant E. H. Field, Lance Bombardier Palmer, and Master Gunner Cooper are wounded.20 ‘Then all hell was let loose as a shell hissed down the ventilator shaft of the room we were in, and exploded. The Havildar sitting next to the ventilator was killed at once, the BOR next to him was badly wounded, and a Lance Bombardier Palmer had his leg hanging off and, next in line I was peppered with Shrapnel and brick dust’: Field (164). Gunner Fateh Muhammad is also killed and hospital records show seven IOR wounded from 965 Defence Battery admitted to IGH on this date (145: 142), one of whom, Mamraz Khan, dies.21 With the fort effectively out of action, the other Indians are assigned to infantry for local defence (93: 132). 10.30 Official Communiqué: It has been a quiet night with nothing of special interest to report. The Police have maintained complete control and the civil population are taking things composedly. The two brief air raids and intermittent shelling yesterday caused a few casualties and comparatively little damage, although in one district there was a serious fire. Communal kitchens in the urban areas fed over one hundred thousand people yesterday, and it is hoped to increase on this number to-day. Further arrangements have been made for the sale of uncooked rice from Government depots. More and more volunteer lorry drivers are required. (147) 11.00 The Pak Sha Wan (4th Bty. HKVDC) and Sai Wan (5th Bty. HKVDC) areas are heavily shelled, with the Pak Sha Wan BOP being permanently knocked out and both guns there being reduced to Case 1 Action.22 Three ORs are killed, and six injured. The HKVDC 4th Battery Commander, Lieutenant Barnett, is also wounded (93: 133).23 未命名59< 76 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG 12.00 Mount Davis is heavily shelled. One 3-inch AA gun of 17 HAA HKSRA is destroyed by a direct hit, and others are reduced to Case I Action. Nine ORs are killed (93: 132), and four wounded are taken to the IGH (145: 142). Ford: ‘a direct hit on the magazine at the AA’s position has put one gun out of action, killed nine Indians including our own Havildar and put the magazine hors-de-combat. No. 3 Gun, the pet of the battery, is out of action from a direct hit on the piece from a 240-mm shell . . . Cooper has sustained two crushed legs and seems in a bad way’ (15: 64). 14.30 Official Communiqué: The Garrison spent a quiet night and weary troops from the Mainland had a much needed rest. These troops were soon deployed with troops already in position. Now that the exact number of casualties incurred in the Mainland fighting has been checked, it has been found that they are even less than originally estimated. This morning there was considerable exchange of shelling between our own and enemy batteries. Two enemy batteries have been silenced. None of our own has been put out of action, although we sustained a few casualties in exposed positions. (147) 15.27 Air raid alarm. All clear at 16.15 (147). 16.00 Aberdeen is bombed, with one bomb hitting the power station (143f). 16.30 Three shells land on telephone cables in Magazine Gap. All main contacts are cut, though they are fixed within twenty hours (95: 77). 16.30 More bombs fall on Aberdeen dock (143e). 18.00 APV Shun Wo starts Beaufort patrol (130: 14). 22.30 A 6-inch shell falls near the Aberdeen Industrial School, which the Navy is now using as a base (99: 42), breaking its windows (143e). 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 77 Roll of Honour for 14 December NURSES — 1 Killed Morgan, Irene Brenda Sister, QAIMNS K Killed by a shell (outside the sisters’ quarters, St Albert’s Convent). ARTILLERY — 11 Killed Fateh Khan Havildar, 965 Defence Bty. HKSRA U Belcher’s lower battery. Ghulam Husain Havildar, 2 Heavy Bty. HKSRA24 U Hayat Khan Havildar, 17 HAA Bty. HKSRA25 U Mount Davis. Muhammad Din Gunner, 17 HK Bty. HKSRA U Mount Davis. Muhammad Hanif Gunner, 17 HAA Bty. HKSRA U Mount Davis. Fateh Muhammad Gunner, 7 AA Bty. HKSRA U Wounded Mount Davis. Died in IGH (145: 142). Muhammad Ali Gunner, 7 AA Bty. HKSRA K Mount Davis. Muhammad Ashraf Gunner, 7 AA Bty. HKSRA U Mount Davis. Muhammad Sharif Naik, 7 AA Bty. HKSRA U Mount Davis. (126) states ‘Kowloon’ but without a date and under 20 Coast Bty. HKSRA. Niamat Khan Gunner, 7 AA Bty. HKSRA U Mount Davis. Sarda Alam Naik, 7 AA Bty. HKSRA U Mount Davis. HEADQUARTERS — 1 Killed Pardoe, Thomas Martin Captain, Worcestershire Regt. K Killed by shellfire while visiting units. ROYAL SCOTS — 2 Killed Burn, Stanford Major K Shot himself with his revolver (91: 74).26 (145: 178) says 14 Dec. [8/16 Dec.] Taylor, William Trevor Private K Buried No. 2 Crater Borret Road, implying that he died in BRH (126).27 未命名59< 78 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG ENGINEERS — 1 Killed Lee Man Fai Sapper, RE U HKDDC — 1 Killed Fox, Henry Leslie Private, HKDDC U28 15 DECEMBER MONDAY. We heard the bomb fall and all dived to the ground — you didn’t need much training for that — except for Sequeira. A piece of the bomb hit him under the jaw, and came out above his left temple. (Arthur Gomes)29 The day is again a litany of air and artillery attacks. There are eight separate air raid alerts, the longest being from 13.40 to 14.30. In the morning, Aberdeen is bombed and APV Indira is sunk (143e). During the day, two more Japanese aircraft are shot down. One falls on Second Street, Sai Ying Poon. There is systematic shelling of the pillboxes along Hong Kong’s northern shore held by C and D Companies of the Rajputs. Three are knocked out and one is badly damaged (15: 70). The Naval Dockyards are also heavily shelled and occasionally bombed (99: 37). Private motoring in the colony is banned and a curfew is ordered from 19.30 to 06.30 (147). In the evening, beach defence positions are established, including one 2-pounder at PB 56 near the China Fleet Club (now the site of Mass Mutual House), one 18-pounder near Belcher’s, and one Bofors at North Point (93: 133). The 5 AA Regiment Wong Nai Chung section moves from Tai Hang back to Wong Nai Chung, and the Albany Road section moves from Albany Road to Caroline Hill. Later that night, an ‘attempted landing’ is repulsed. The 6-inch guns at Pak Sha Wan fire at a collection of craft in Kowloon Bay, setting two alight and scattering the remainder. Japanese accounts give no mention of any attack being launched this day, therefore either this was a probe to investigate the defences — the 228th Regiment, for example, imply that they carried out such reconnaissances on the 16th, 17th, and 18th (122) — or (more likely) civilian refugees from Kowloon occupied the boats. 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 79 Churchill to Governor Sir Mark Young via telegram: We are all watching day by day and hour by hour your stubborn defence of the port and fortress of Hong Kong. You guard a link long famous between the Far East and Europe. We are sure that the defence of Hong Kong against barbarous and unprovoked attack will add a glorious page to British annals. All our hearts are with you in your ordeal. Every day of your resistance brings nearer our certain victory. (147) Diary for 15 December 00.40 Fort Collinson reports firing at a small boat 1,000 yards northeast (139). 08.00 No. 18 Platoon of 5 Company HKVDC patrols the Mount Davis area. At a house called ‘Doman’, a Japanese aircraft drops a bomb. It misses the house, but kills Private Sequeira standing outside. 08.06 The Royal Rifles report Japanese parachutes dropped in the vicinity of Tai Tam reservoir. Investigation shows that this was a propaganda pamphlet drop (139). 08.15–12.25 The Pinewood 17 AA HKSRA gun site is bombarded for several hours. One gun is destroyed, and the predictor and height finder are damaged. One IOR is killed and four wounded (145: 142), and the position (on a very exposed on a plateau north of the Peak)30 is later evacuated (93: 133). The gunners are then attached to the Punjabis as infantry (20: 12). 08.30 APV Man Wo starts Aberdeen patrol (130: 15). 09.00 East Brigade is informed that Pilot Officer Thomson is reporting as Intelligence Officer (139). 10.04 Heavy shelling of Sai Wan AA position. This results in one gun being put out of action and the other being damaged (139). 未命名59< 80 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG 10.30 Official Communiqué: During the night there has been nothing of interest to report. The artillery duel continues intermittently. (147) 10.30 East Brigade HQ is visited by His Excellency the Governor, Sir Mark Young. He is assured that the brigade will give a good account of itself (139). 10.48 PB 51 receives a direct hit. There are no casualties, as the crew are already in temporary positions (139). 12.00 Mortar fire starts falling on Central and the Naval Dockyard. The HKVDC 5th Battery at Sai Wan is heavily shelled, and one gun is knocked out (79: 231). 13.00 The Naval Commodore orders that the pom-pom gun from APV Indira (sunk earlier) be salvaged (143e). 13.31 PB 51a takes a direct hit. Again there are no casualties (139). 15.30 In the afternoon, a stick of bombs hits the Old Bailey and Caine Road junction, the Pottinger Street and Hollywood Road junction, Wellington Street and the Central Police Station. The ground floor and basement offices of Police Headquarters are destroyed, causing a number of casualties (76: 163). Assistant Superintendent Wilson: ‘A number of police officers of various ranks were killed or wounded; my office was set on fire and I was very lucky to get out alive with minor injuries’ (132b: Wilson). Phyllis Harrop: ‘Thompson created a diversion because he refused to go without his tin hat. Wilson, who shared his office, was very badly shaken but otherwise unhurt. His hair had been singed a bit and his uniform cut in places. Thompson’s office was a complete wreck; the bomb had exploded through the grating and just outside his office, blowing everything to bits.’ ASP W. R. Thompson’s wounds are mainly to his face. The other wounded include Traffic Inspector S. C. Saunders who also receives wounds to the head. The fatalities are Hopkins and two Chinese ATS drivers (49: 76). 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 81 17.30 Official Communiqué: During the day, our artillery bombarded enemy batteries on the Mainland, and several direct hits were observed. The enemy replied with some sporadic shell-fire. A few enemy planes were observed over the Island, and some were seen to drop leaflets containing the usual Japanese propaganda which invariably shows an astonishing ignorance of British and Chinese psychology. It can now be revealed that the Japanese delegation, which came over from Kowloon under the cover of a White Flag, brought a letter enquiring if H. E. The Governor was willing to negotiate for the surrender of Hongkong. His Excellency rejected this proposal, and replied that he was not prepared in any circumstances to hold any meeting or parley on such a subject. Not only is this Colony strong enough to resist all attempts at invasion but it also has the loyal backing of the resources of the British Empire, of the United States of America, and of the Republic of China. British Subjects, and those who have sought the protection of the British Empire, can rest assured that there will never be any surrender to the Japanese. (147) 18.00 HMS Thracian dry-docks in Aberdeen (143e). 18.30 After shells (believed to have been fired by a ship at sea) land at Aberdeen, the MTBs are ordered to sea to engage the enemy. In a confused half-hour engagement from 21.30 to 22.00 they fire torpedoes at unidentified boats (143e).31 19.20 PB 52 is reported hit. PB 49 is also suspected hit, and the shelling is reported of PBs 40–47 (139). 19.30 Curfew imposed until 06.30 (147). 21.00 Pak Sha Wan on Hong Kong Island raises the alarm after heavy shelling (44: 81). HKVDC 4th Battery illuminates the water with No. 2 searchlight and gives the alert, claiming that a hundred men with rafts and three rubber boats are attempting to cross the channel. The battery’s 6-inch guns fire fifty-eight rounds (93: 133). No. 2 Platoon Royal Rifles also opens fire on the boats from West Fort at Pak Sha Wan (79: 232). The occupants are beaten off with heavy loss, but Japanese batteries return fire knocking out the searchlight.32 未命名59< 82 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG 21.41 Major Bishop, Royal Rifles C Company Commander, no doubt hearing the firing, reports that the enemy has occupied the Pak Sha Wan battery. The report is later learnt to be false.33 East Brigade War Diary claims that the basis of this report was the assertion by retreating Royal Artillery personnel (presumably 4th Bty. HKVDC) that ‘the enemy are as thick as leaves in the battery position’ (139). 21.54 Flying Officer Gray34 in the Sai Wan Redoubt RAF wireless post reports that the landing appears to have been beaten off (139). 22.45 A second crossing from Sam Ka Tsun Bay is reported. Second Lieutenant Sleap claims four boats sunk (3: 17). 24.00 There is a report of Japanese cavalry at Happy Valley, but it turns out to be escaped racehorses. They are mown down by machine guns (95: 76). Roll of Honour for 15 December ARTILLERY — 5 Killed Cooper, Clarence Bingham Warrant Officer II, Battery Sergeant Major, K 965 Defence Bty. RA Died of wounds sustained at Belcher’s Fort, 14 Dec. Originally buried Colonial Cemetery (126). Mamraz Khan Gunner, 965 Defence Bty. HKSRA U Probably from Belcher’s. Admitted IGH wounded on 14 Dec. Died at BMH (145: 142). Dara Singh Gunner, 4 Medium Bty. HKSRA U Died in hospital (145: 141). Muhammad Firoz Gunner, HKSRA U Silver, William Edward Gunner, 7 Bty. 5 HAA Regt. RA U Killed by shellfire at Sai Wan. Originally buried Colonial Cemetery (126). HONG KONG CHINESE REGIMENT — 1 Killed To Wei Kei Private, HK Chinese Regt. U 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 83 VOLUNTEERS — 3 Killed Fernandez, Ignatius Miguel BQMS, 4 Bty. HKVDC U Presumably by shellfire. Schnepel, Frederick Lance Bombardier, 4 Bty. HKVDC K Presumably by shellfire. Sequeira, Luiz Romano Private, HKVDC 5 Coy. K Killed by a bomb fragment near Mount Davis. RAOC — 1 Killed Chung Koon Yau Private, RAOC U RAMC — 1 Killed James, Morgan John Private U Possibly at the Command Observation Post at the Peak (3: 16). POLICE — 2 Killed Baker, Albert Victor Inspector, HKPF K Shot himself, believed connected with having been gassed in First World War (141).35 Hopkins, Albert Leslie Inspector, HKPF K Killed by a bomb in the compound of Central Police Station (141). ROYAL NAVY — 1 Killed Lilley, Thomas Able Seaman, HMS Tamar K Admitted Queen Mary Hospital (as ‘Lilby’) 12 Dec. (145: 82). Died of wounds 15 Dec. (145: 196). CIVILIANS — 1 Killed Bookeyah UX Eleven-year-old Indian girl, admitted to St Stephen’s Relief Hospital 10 Dec., died 15 Dec. (145: 93). 16 DECEMBER TUESDAY. What did upset me a little bit was that there was a little, maybe a football field that had been dug up . . . and the PWD vans were picking up dead people on the streets, pulling in and just emptying the dead bodies into this hole. Now I’m convinced that while we 未命名59< 84 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG were watching . . . some of those dead bodies weren’t dead. Whether it was movement of a dead body . . . there was movement amongst one or two of them. And I believe they covered them with lime. (Bill Bethell)36 The bombardment intensifies. A Japanese bomb makes a direct hit on the Bowen Road Hospital kitchen, and another falls on the officers’ mess on McDonnell Road (27: 42). Seventeen planes bomb Mount Davis in the afternoon, and a single bomb in one built-up area (Shau Kei Wan) causes 150 serious civilian casualties (20: 12). The Rajput War Diary reports: ‘H.E. The Governor visited TAIKOO Hqrs during the morning and reporters with BOXER visited in the afternoon wanting “copy” regarding the action on DEVILS PEAK’ (140). Japanese artillery focuses mainly on British artillery sites and pillboxes along the northern shore from Pak Sha Wan to North Point. Pillbox 39 of D Company, Middlesex is hit by several shells that overfly Pak Sha Wan (139). By nightfall, more than half of the pillboxes between Lye Mun and Happy Valley are destroyed with some casualties (96: 33). In the afternoon, the shelling turns to Mount Davis, and the Battery Plotting Room is put out of action by a dud 24-cm shell which crashes down a ventilation shaft and does significant damage (93: 133). Solomon Bard: It was an incredible shock. It fizzed, and — worried of the possibility of sympathetic detonation from the shells still falling — we evacuated the room. The major [Anderson] was fully and completely in charge and handled the tricky situation well. I remember distinctly that he gave all the orders (he instructed me to stay to the end in case I was required). I also remember that one Warrant Officer (a rather fat one) had broken down under the strain of being next to a hissing shell and was totally useless. I do not remember his name. (132b: Bard) Central is also targeted, with the Gloucester Building and Hong Kong Bank being damaged by shelling. During the day two more Japanese aircraft are shot down. One is brought down over Lye Mun, crashing in the sea with its pilot escaping from the wreckage. The other is damaged over South Island, and is last seen losing height over the Mainland. The batteries are firing back, and this day includes the only other likely engagement with a Japanese naval vessel. Templer at Bokhara: 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 85 A large Japanese destroyer came just within our range. We engaged her and fired about 10 salvoes. Immediately on opening fire she started to zig zag and put out a smoke screen. As soon as a salvo was fired she at once altered course thus making the rounds already fired fall away from her. However, the last round fired at extreme range, 20,000 yards, fell right behind her counter. I saw her stern lift in the air and she proceeded much slower but still out of our range. (150) In the afternoon, a gang of men demanding ‘protection money’ from residents of Staunton Street are intercepted by police who take ‘drastic action’ against eight of them (131). The 5 AA Albany Road section moves from Caroline Hill to Stanley Prison. One 3-inch AA gun is moved from the dockyard to Hatton Road (but it is not used). The 25th Medium Battery moves the two Tiger Balm guns to Stanley Gap Road. During the night the Sai Wan AA gun and Mount Davis are both shelled again (93: 134). Diary for 16 December 00.29 Sai Wan OP reports a big fire in Shau Kei Wan (probably the rubber factory) (139). 01.12 Pak Sha Wan Battery is back in action with one gun and twenty gunners (139). 04.00 HMS Thracian attacks Japanese boat concentrations being prepared for the invasion. She runs aground at Uk Kok, but is later refloated. ‘At first I was certain we had been torpedoed. It was pitch dark, there was no moon and we were at action cruising stations. Suddenly there was a shuddering crash; the ship’s bottom was ripped open and the forward compartment flooded’: Petty Officer Peter Paul (91: 116). She enters Aberdeen and docks. 09.00 There is a 35-minute air raid alarm, the first of seven of the day (four in the morning and three in the afternoon). Central Police Station is hit again, causing a number of casualties (76: 163). 未命名59< 86 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG Lye Mun Gap and the Sai Wan 6-inch position come under lowlevel and dive-bombing attacks (139). At Lye Mun, Riflemen Ray Smith, Russel Coates, and Aldon MacNaughton, and Sergeant John Coleman, of C Company Royal Rifles, are wounded (132b: Smith).37 Japanese shelling and air attacks on British positions on the Island intensify. In one hour, 230 shells hit the Naval Dockyards (the area around today’s Admiralty) (99: 35). 09.30 A Japanese plane force lands in Tathong Channel and the pilot escapes; the kill is claimed by the Wong Nai Chung 3.7-inch section (20: 13).38 09.30 Maltby visits East Brigade HQ to discuss artillery plans. He also inspects the Windy Gap and Obelisk Hill defences (139). 10.00 Official Communiqué: It has been a quiet night with no change in the position since issue of the last communiqué (147). 10.30 Another plane is brought down over Lamma — claimed by the Brick Hill 3.7-inch section (93: 133) — and crashes in a gully (20: 13). 11.15 East Group Royal Artillery engage a large concentration of enemy motor transport and troops at Customs Pass. This is one of many shoots at that target, and appears to be effective (139). 13.30 A high-level bombing attack starts at Aberdeen dockyard, aimed at HMS Thracian. There are many casualties at the dockyards, including Lieutenant Cole, and Thracian also takes some casualties after a near miss. ‘The Thracian had a near miss, killing a few, but she herself was not seriously damaged’: Commander F. W. Crowther (99: 37). Thracian is then disarmed, as damage from the earlier grounding is considered too bad to fix (15: 70). Splinters from the bombs also set MTB 08 on fire, and she later blows up. The Naval Armament Tug Gatling at the dockhead is also hit, and most of the crew (who are volunteer merchant service officers from Jardine Mathieson’s floating staff) are killed (143e). The final casualty list from the Gatling is six dead and 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 87 four wounded (143f), one of the wounded being the Chief Engineer, J. Gunn (145: 196). HMT Alliance is also damaged by a near miss (133). 14.00 11 Platoon (B Coy. Punjabis) HQ near Central market is bombed, injuring Jemadar Dhani Ram and Havildars Tota Ram and Bhima Ram (140). 15.50 Sai Wan OP reports two direct hits on the No. 1 AA gun, though the gun is still in action (139). 17.00 Mount Davis is finally evacuated under shellfire in parties of five. Regimental Sergeant Major Ford: ‘BSM Barlow39 and myself established order in the battery plotting room . . . we evacuate the mount and repair to Felix Villas.’ 17.30 Official Communiqué: There has been a sharp artillery duel with the enemy throughout the day, with our guns maintaining their ascendancy. We succeeded in silencing two of the enemy’s gun positions this morning, and another one this afternoon. Our batteries suffered no damage. A Japanese plane was shot down over Lyemun this morning. The enemy pilot succeeded in extricating himself from the wreckage in the water and was last seen paddling towards the mainland shore in a collapsible rubber boat. Our anti-aircraft batteries winged another plane this afternoon on the south side of the Island. This plane was last seen rapidly losing altitude over the Mainland, and it is thought unlikely that it could possibly have returned to its base. There have been a number of air raids throughout the day. Damage and casualties have been on a light scale. (147) 18.25 Pak Sha Wan and Sai Wan come under fire again. Two Other Ranks are wounded at Pak Sha Wan. This battery is later reinforced by one sergeant and seven gunners from 20th Coast Battery RA (93: 133). 19.30 East Brigade reports that King’s Road, Braemar, has been heavily shelled. The road is damaged and partly blocked by derelict cars and lorries and many dangling overhead electric tram cables (139). 未命名59< 88 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG 21.59 The alternative positions of PBs 47 and 48 are reported as receiving direct hits. A paint factory south of the road is reported as being on fire. Much of the fire is later shown to have come from four easterly huts of North Point refugee camp (139).40 Roll of Honour for 16 December HKDDC — 6 Killed Dawson, Kenneth David Private, HKDDC U Lost in Naval Armament Tug Gatling. [18 Dec.] Forster, John Garnett Private, HKDDC U Lost in Naval Armament Tug Gatling. [18 Dec.] Jones, Roland Lewis Private, HKDDC U Lost in Naval Armament Tug Gatling. Killed by escaping steam post [18 Dec.] explosion (133). Lane, Richard Private, HKDDC U Lost on Naval Armament Tug Gatling. Ramsey, J. E. Private, HKDDC U Lost on Naval Armament Tug Gatling. Tillman, Henry41 Sergeant , Dockyard Police, HKDDC U MIDDLESEX — 1 Killed Jousiffe, Arthur William Private U Killed in pillbox shelling? (126) says ‘Missing south of The Ridge area Dec 16’. ENGINEERS — 2 Killed Wong Sau Sapper, RE U Wong Yer Sapper, 40 Coy. R.E. U ROYAL NAVY — 2 Killed Cole, George Reginald Lieutenant, HMS Tamar K Killed by bombing at Aberdeen (145: 197) Trethake, Wilfred Stoker Petty Officer, HMS Tamar K Died of wounds (from Aberdeen bombing?) Ex-Thracian, at RN Hospital [17 Dec.] (145: 197). MERCHANT NAVY — 1 Killed Jewell, Anthony Michael42 Master, SS Yatshing K (133) states that Jewell died on Gatling on 16 Dec. (126) concurs that he was HKDDC. 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 89 CIVILIANS — 2 Killed Cheong Kin Cho UCWD [6 Dec.]43 Jorgensen, Jorgen Ship’s Captain UX Nationality unknown, admitted St. Paul’s casualty clearing station 16 Dec. died same day (145: 92). 17 DECEMBER WEDNESDAY. It was then a case of keeping them off the Island as long as we could. But on the night of the 17th December the Japanese first obliterated all the pillboxes along the North Shore. (Bunny Browne) 44 There are bombing attacks on Chung Hom Kok and Western Market. A bomb at Tai Koo docks hits a house and kills twenty seamen sheltering inside (131). The shelling also continues, focused largely on Central,46 but there is a pause for a truce as a second demand for surrender is made and — like the first — summarily rejected. The Royal Artillery prepares for the coming invasion, sending one 965 Defence Battery 18-pounder to the Belcher’s area (though it will be destroyed in Wan Chai Market on the 25th) and one to Stanley (where it will be put out of action at Stanley View on the 23rd). The 2nd Mountain Battery takes over Sanatorium from, and hands Tai Tam Hill to, the 1st Mountain Battery. The 25th Medium Battery moves the two Caroline Hill guns to the Jockey Club stables where they will be put out of action on the 20th. Wallis: ‘Informed the G.O.C. situation on north face not very bright. Many PBs hit and destroyed, Lyon Lights hit and communications cut [though] continuous efforts being made to repair and maintain them’ (139). In the evening, concentrations of enemy land and sea transports are shelled in the region of Kai Tak. Later, unknown to the British, Lieutenant Zempei Masushima46 and four men cross the harbour to reconnoitre landing sites. Fired upon by Rajput pillboxes, they return safely (95: 72). 未命名59< 90 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG Diary for 17 December 01.51 The 6-inch position at Sai Wan is shelled without damage (139). 05.30 The hulk of HMS Thracian is deliberately run aground (presumably at Middle Island) (15: 70). 06.30 First light brings a mass air raid. 08.00 Official Communiqué: It has again been a quiet night, apart from some shelling in the early hours of the morning. Little damage has so far been reported. (147) 08.10 Fortress HQ informs East Brigade that Mr Harold Sheldon will report for duty to assist in framing charges against the two Royal Scots Mainland deserters (139). 08.25 The Defence Secretary reports that he has found the crew of PB 51a asleep with their Machine guns lying in store. A quick enquiry reveals that the crew were resting after an all-night watch, and the guns were damaged ones that had already been replaced at the post (139). 09.16 The first air raid alert is sounded (147). 09.30 Gloucester Building’s clock stops (147). 09.30 The Japanese issue a second request for surrender, which is also rejected. The surrender request is carried in two launches containing Colonel Toda, Lieutenant Miguno, and Mr Othsu. The Japanese promise a truce until 16.00, but receive the reply: His Excellency declines most absolutely to enter into any negotiations for the surrender of Hong Kong and he takes this opportunity of notifying Lt.-General Takashi Sakai and Vice-Admiral Masaichi Mimi that he is not prepared to receive any further communication from them on the subject. (15: 91) 09.40 Air raid alarm (147). A force of fourteen Army light bombers make two separate attacks, the first on Shau Kei Wan and Wan 未命名59< PHASE II: THE SIEGE OF THE ISLAND 91 Chai, the second on the Peak, Garden Road, and Central (20: 13). 11.05 No. 1 Company HKVDC at Sanatorium Gap reports that the Japanese have now cleared all obstacles from the runway at Kai Tak (139). 12.30 APV Frosty starts Aberdeen patrol (130: 15). 15.00 Official Communiqué: The Governor has to-day received a letter from the Japanese Military and Naval Authorities repeating the suggestion that he should enter into negotiations with them for the surrender of Hongkong. In his reply, His Excellency has declined absolutely to enter into any negotiations and has notified the Japanese authorities that he is not prepared to receive any further communications from them on the subject. A heavy bombardment of the Island occurred at about 8.45 a.m. this morning. This bombardment appeared to be directed against buildings in the Central District. At the same time, an air-raid took place and several bombs were dropped. Among the points shelled or bombed were the Gloucester Building, The Hongkong Bank, and other well-known landmarks in the city. Considering, however, the length and severity of the bombardment very little damage was done and very few casualties sustained. This was due to all concerned taking timely cover in ARP tunnels and the ground floors of large buildings. The calm of the civil population was marked. During the bombardment our own batteries actively replied and direct hits were observed. Five enemy guns were silenced. (147) 16.00 After the truce expires, the Japanese continue the bombardment of north shore pillboxes, and fourteen aircraft bomb Central district. The Field Company Engineers at Tai Hang are also heavily shelled. 16.30 Official Communiqué: Our Naval patrols are being constantly maintained. They have been attacked from time to time by enemy aircraft, which have been successfully beaten off. We have suffered some casualties. The defences have observed enemy destroyers and torpedo-boats on 未命名59< 92 NOT THE SLIGHTEST CHANCE: THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG patrol, which have made no attempt to attack, and which have remained out of reach of our batteries. Otherwise, there has been no change in the situation since the last communiqué. (147) 17.00 Two Aberdeen boatyards are hit by bombs, killing fifteen people. By the end of hostilities, in Aberdeen alone an estimated 400 Chinese residents have been killed (131). 21.00 Artillery fire starts a severe fire at the Braemar paint works,47 causing a heavy pall of smoke (20: 13). Roll of Honour for 17 December VOLUNTEERS — 1 Killed Brown, Harold Wilson Sergeant, 4 Bty. HKVDC K Died of wounds (presumably from Pak Sha Wan shelling), Bowen Road BMH (145: 199). ENGINEERS — 4 Killed Brunning, Edward Robert Sapper, 22 Fortress Coy. RE U Aberdeen (126), which gives 15 Dec. as an alternative date. Curtis, Reginald Arthur Sapper, 22 Fortress Coy. RE U Aberdeen (126), which gives 15 Dec. as an alternative date. Mitchell, Maurice Staff Sergeant, 22 Fortress Coy. RE U Killed at Aberdeen by a direct hit (126). Moore, William Charles Lance Corporal, 22 Fortress Coy. RE K Originally buried Colonial Cemetery (126). Shelling at Tai Hang? POLICE — 2 Killed Kirpal Singh Constable, HKPF K Wong Tam Coxwain, HKPF U ‘Coxwain’ makes Jeanette (on 12 Dec.) a possibility. CIVILIANS — 2 Killed Beddow, Herbert Howell UCWD Censor (145: 210) Lal, D. UX Indian. Admitted St. Paul’s casualty clearing station 17 Dec. and died same day (145: 92). 未命名59< ...