-
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. TUESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 1938.
Refugee Ship's Log Tells of Japanese Rain of Death In Yangtse
FULL STORY OF WHANGPU BOMBING Hurry! Hurry!
EXCLUSIVE STORY
OF SHELL-FIRE ON BRITISH
VESSEL
THIS IS THE STORY, UNCENSORED AND UNTOUCHED OF THE SHELLING OF THE BRITISH STEAMer whangPU. IT IS TAKEN FROM THE SHIP'S OFFICIAL LOG, AND IS PUBLISHED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THIS NEWSPAPER.
AT WUHU, DEC. 10, 1937
refugee depot) a few hours prior to
Mr. A. Orr, 2nd Engineer, was the shelling. A vigorous protest was immediately radioed from the
this day transferred to the Com-British and German Embassies.
M. V. "Tatung." bein pany's appointed Chief Engineer in place
14 MILES ABOVE NANKING, DEC. 12
of Mr. A. Morice whom I shipped as
Weather fine and clear with passenger to Shanghai owing to his
cloudless sky. At 13.20 thrce Jopa- also bad condition of health and wounds received by metal (shrapnel) nese Bontbing Planes were observed from Japanese bombs when the to be approaching from the South "Tatung" was murderously bombed Eastword at a height of about three by Japanese alr bombers-Tatung" thousand feet. meuntime benched in a sinking con-
dillon.
"Whangpu" anchored at the re- cognised Safe Anchorage three miles above Nanking at nine p.m. same day. Wuhu city was in flames when we left there,
AT NANKING, DEC. 11
Weather One and clear with all British ships anchored in the OFFI CIALLY RECOGNISED SAFE AN- CHORAGE accompanied by H. M. Ships Cricket & Scarab. also "Tien Kwang", "Wantung", "Tscang Tah"
and other vessely,
hway,
The brilliant BizTi- shine glistened on their silver colour. Suddenly to my consternation they zoomed suddenly directly towards "Whangpu" in line ahead formation. At 500 feet they released one bomb upon us, all of which fell only about twenty to fifty feet away from causing terrific concussions us
mel us.
us out.
Mon of the Second Battalion Royal Scots marching through the streets of Hongkong behind their pipers. This photograph was taken shortly after they landed from the transport, Dunera.-Photo by Kwong Lam Studio.
aff
of the
33%%
all other models
on the same day
(1.M.S. Ladybird). 10.15
Anchored for the night about five mlies above Nanking.
Approaching this anchorage a raft with three Chinese peasants were seen to be paddling towards Nan- king. These men were obviously en- bombardments tirely ignorant of the fact that Non-
diers. They spotted the raft, alter-
one ran over the raft, the second
in
"Whangpu" proceeded to Nanking She is to go this evening at five. to Shanghai eventually when the Kiang Yin Barrier is plerced by the Japanese Naval forces. The ship carried absolutely no cargo. being throughout the ship, shattering win-
On the 14th, we re-embarked only U.S.S. Oahu and H.M.S. Ladybird merely a refugee ship carrying about dows and doors. Ail persons were ing us they gave us close scrutiny
hundred refugees, mostly ordered three
to lie face down on both sides. They appeared to be about fifty passengers. Only this were conveying the bodies by ine
men killed by were cer- small number responded to our re-
Japanese bombers Chinese women and children.
flut.
quite satisfied that we tainly neutral so continued on their pented blists on the steam syren. (U.S.S. Panay) on the 12th instant The Chief Officer and myself rushway. One of the soldiers pointed to- H.M.S. Cricket sent a repairsquad to about ten miles above our position ed down below decks to see the wards the sky-at the Chief Engin- render assistance in making the for-when attacked, and killed my gun- Chinese passengern-mostly women and children and scenes of indes- cer-motioning upwards with his eign passenger accommodation sor-fire from the Japanese shore bat-
unpointed finger. Afterwards we re-viceable, also temporary repairs toteries at Wuhu critable confusion dreds were stampeding and shriek-alized the significance of this motion: the bridge and smokeroom.
At 13.40 we hauled away from the ing madly. The sight was ghastly meaning I presume, 'Up you will go. (NOTE THIS PARAGRAPH DOES and pitiful. After passing over our
dine's Hulk again in order to move BLOG BOOK.)
bet- ship (with the Jardine's Hulk still O APPEAR IN THE OFFICIAL bank and proceeded alongside Jar-
same up the following day to alongside of us) the bombers re-
After a conference on board H.M.S. ter anchorage. Foreign passengers turned to the attack. They again
from transferred
H.M.S. us with a Cricket it was decided to immediate-were power-dived towards sickening roar. Bombs were again ly berth both the "Whangpu" and Cricket to the "Whangpu". released upon us but after the first Wantung" close alongside the north
two During the At 14.20 benvy shells from shore bomb of the second rald fell very bank of the river half a mile apart
left bank began to close to us H.M. Ships Cricket and and each to utilize a lighter to facilit- from the Japan airbombers on the king was at the moment in flames. batteries on
of the then appeared running up stream, Beream close overhead causing the Scarab opened fire with Lewis nadate landing, in order to temporarily 12th instant, we had on board among Three Japanese petrol motorboats
niso 3 guns upon the Japanese. disperse the terrified passengers and other passengers members ship to shudder violently with con-
The defence given by the gunboats all the members of our crew over British and German Embassies be- each fully landed with armed sol cussions. As we were anchored in
wide area of the country-side sides other foreign women and men, die the so-called safety zone we anti-prevented the planes from diving so As soon as we berthed. all our pas also refugee children-25 foreigners ed course towards it, then the first
when the close to us and definitely was the sengers (Chinese) mude a wlid dashin all. Besides these we had more elpated no danger, but shells began to plough the water a means of preventing the Japanese to the neids for safety. Shrieking than 350 Chinese women and Chil- one ran over the men floundering
murderous
the water, and the third one shot at mere few hundred feet
1 from completing their
and moaning in a demented state dren (refugees) in the Chinese ne Japanese
commodation, also hundreds despicable
of them although the men were already ordered steam on the main engines task. These
they fled, leaving most of their gear Chinese mole passengers, making a more dead than alive: There was
of the in the shortest possible time. The obviously meant to wipe
total of not less than 800, excluding no challenge. It was direct and de extreme urgency of the case forced The outrage was directed towards the in panic. Some members
crew. This number includes liberate murder. Much to their an- We made all efforts to reas- | us away in the remarkably short "Whangpu" and the Jardine's Hulk crew joined this mad rush from the tot period of seven minutes.
alongside of her. Two more bombs ship. were dropped very close to us again sure them, but nothing could stemgees from Jardine's Hulk poyance H.M.S. Ladybird dropped a
of them scrambled aboard the "Whang-bast and rescued the men. ed speciily by us pursued closely by out the ship. Six bombs were ran terrible bombing, some were stupl- CHARGED ANY FARE; food only against repetition. This discourte-
The Company's "Wantung" steam causing terrific concussions through the frenzied exit. Most
were demented as a reason of the put after the first bomb had drop-
ped. NONE OF THESE
After anchoring the Japanese des- WERE troyer cautioned them by morse heavy shells. As soon as "Whongpu* ed upon us during this raid, the last ned or stunned. got under weigh all
to be paid for. They were refugees ous behaviour was Ignored by the the shelling! from the right bunk was diverted two of which wrecked our smoke-
room. About one dozen of the for- That evening Officers and the re-driven from their homes by war.
Ladybird, to us and soon began to fall peril eign passengers were in the smoke- mainder of the crew slept on board NATIONAL COLOURS AS DIS- ously close by causing huge spouts roam just prior to tin and if the with orders to leave the shlp en-PLAYED BY "WHANGPU DURING During, this night bombs thudded of water close ahead and on our raid had happened at this time most tirely deserted before dawn as I con- THE SHELLING AND BOMBING port beam. Some
shells of them would have been cut to rib-sidered it senseless to sacrifice ilves,
away making things miserable for shrieked very close over our bridge. bons with flying plate glass. We feeling convinced that the Japanese | ON FORE DECK:
an already thoroughly nervous group would complete the destruction of I changed the ship's head as often would have suffered many deaths.
one slept well One Union Jack brilliantly painted of passengers. No -Immediately after-this-terrible out and should such happen, no lives is spread over the forward nwn-DEC. 16TH AT 00.55
the "Whangpu" on the following day, on a torpaulin which was (and still that night. spossible, zig-zagging-in-order-to. confuse the gunners. Every ounce rage 1 ordered steam on
for of steam was rung
ing. urgently. engines in order to become mobile would then be lost. Having a 350 ton lighter full of and also to spread out from the other At 19.40 (same day-12th)
The trip was resumed, each ship 36 by 24 ft. (Thirty-six by taking its former positions in the Con- wood oil alongside of น ralher ships. Before changing our position hove up anchor and proceeded to twenty-four feet.) handicapped our mobility. Only for a foreign passengers with the sole pick up lighter No. 13. At 22.00 the ON SUN DECK
voy. Speed ten kts. Draft limited the
to 9 ft. danger into which I would have exception of Mr. Williams of
the ship was solely berthed alongside put the other ships, which were rac-British Embassy were transferred to the left banks of the river, lying Two Union Jacks painted in bril- ing along close astern of us, I would IIMS. Cricket from "Whangpu" as against soft mud with 00 fin. of liant colours on wood deck-one en have abandoned the lighter. How- obviously the Japanese had marked cable on Port anchor leading six each side near aft. ever, despite the drag of the lighter out "Whangpu" for total destruction points on the port bow and with 45 SIZE:
attacks proved fm. of cable on the starboard anchor, teen by ten feet.)
(each) 15 by 10 ft. (Fil- the "Whangpu" sped ahead of the their persistent column of fleeing ahips, and being this.
leading ahead. The Officers and by far the largest of the fleet pre- sent, all the gun fire was concen- trated upon us. We bore the brunt of the murderous firing. This for- tunately helped all the other ships in that we purposely drew the fire away from them.
prompt
of the
and eMelent
manner
pressure
the main
We
SIZE:
At 16.05 "Whangpu" with Jardine's crew were this evening given defin- ON SHIP'S SIDE: flulk alongside, whilst manoeuvring te Instructions in preparation for at suddenly observed three Japanese least one day in the
the
I
at 02.30
SIZE:
SWAGGER SUITS
& COSTUMES
MARKED DOWN
To
$45.00
Previously $65.00
4 SHOPPING DAYS LEFT
SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 5
Lovely COATS
with luxurious fur collars DRASTIC PRICE SLASH
$3500
worth double
each
Ladies'
Dept.
Ground
Floor.
Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co., Ltd.
incessantly, and shells shrieked $1
DEC. 16TH AT 16.20
All ships anchored for the night four miles above Klang Yin Forts. DEC. 17TH AT 06.12
The Convoy continued towards Shanghai in the same formation. Many sunken ships were seen at the formidable Barrier near Kiang Yin Forts. Japanese destroyers led the ships, operating, paraveens for the clearance of mines in the channel. This same day at 17.15 "Whangpu" made Inst to Pootung
Wharf
Nelds from One on each side of ship Just for bombers approaching from the same where we would watch over the ship. forward of bridge, briliantly painted.
Next morning (13th) direction as before. whereupon
(each) 15 by Bit. (Fifteen manoeuvred "Whangpu" to the post-large junk floated down very close by eight feet.) tion of greatest advantage for pro- to us. Burning, furiously with a After racing up stream amidst the tection from H.M.S. Cricket-four
Besides these distinguishing marks huge columns of water created by points abaft his beam, distance about hero of kerosene or spirits its white the shells we eventually anchored at one cable: The three Japanese bom- dost created a great heat as it passed we had the ship's name painted on (Shanghai)
down. All hands were mustered to cach side near amidships with letters Rosina Beacon-141⁄2 miles above bers again power-dived directly at are stations. It cleared us at 03.15 four feet high by three and a half Nanking. It took us over one hour us and dropped four bombs close
ft. wide, each stroke being ten On the 13th, at 08.00 all remaining inches thick. to ouidistance the range of the guns. to us, one of which fortunately was
DAMAGE TO "WHANGPU" Immediately During this period we counted nine-dud.
bombers hands go ashore and disperse in the
(BOMBS) teen shells.
Further, we had a large (9 by d) Our escape from des- came within range of the 3" and delds as directed by the Master, be truction can be attributed to the Lewis guns of HLM. Ships Scarab ing advised not to go further away ensign aft and one large ensign on (Superstructure) Superficial dam- in and Cricket they opened very effecthin i of a mile. The absolute the forward truck, also a Pilot Jackage to all foreign passenger accom- which the Chief Engineer got up and tive fire upon them. The excellent necessity of keeping in small detach- on the Jackstaff. All of these flags modation, particularly the smoke- maintained ต high
of gunnery forced the bombers away,ed groups was emphasized by me. were new and were kept fying nightroom which was badly shattered. stean,
They did not return to the attack. All hands had sufficient water and and day, during the 11th, 12th, 13th, No. 2 lifeboat holed. Bridge and They could not face the guns. All food for at least three days, and 14th, 15th, 16th and the 17th-day of Master's room windows shattered, During this deliberate and murder- they understood was the mass mur-imple space clothes, including blan-arrival at Shanghai.
also woodwork blown in. ous bombardment all the passengers der of Innocent and defenceless | kets.
15TH AT 13.30 were ordered to remain below decks. people. During this second raid the
Chinese Second Class rooms Fortunately no percon wag hurt. Chief Ofeer, one Q-Master and my- At 08.30 the Master, Chlef Engineer- Anchored Jardine's Hulk and cast smushed up. Some of these shells missed us by self were on the bridge; maintain and Chief Officer returned to the ship off same,
SUSPECT DAMAGE TO HULL, less than twenty feet. They fell so ing our position off the Cricket de- to disperse looters who were hur close that we were actually steam-termined to be the cause of giving riedly stealing passengers' luggage, ing over the boiling mass of water the murderous Japanese as
16th (same day) at 15.00 "Whang-especially aft at No. 3 Cargo port much Armed with revolvers and much om-pu" joined the Naval Convoy, tak (distorted) Strongroom-distorted. left by the shell on landing. Many gunfire as possible. All others were munition we shot them away, Others ng position four in the line, with Many pieces of ahrapnel found on heavy pleces of shrapnel were col- under cover. In the engineroom the ashore were rounded up with gun the loaded lighter No. 13 In towupper decks and on the bridge, lected from the bridge and upper Chief and others there were nearly fire and sultably dealt with. After alongside. One Japanese destroyer | BY SHELLING decks after we anchored. Lifebonis blinded with ash and coal dust caus-this affair we changed our position took the lead and another the rear and tanks were pierced by shrapnel.ed by the enormous explosions so nahore in order to better guard the with U.S.S. Oahu in position two, Sanitary tank on upper deck holed.
At 16.44 I anchored in midstream close alongside the ship. The Chief ship. We took possession of all ter- H.M.S. Ladybird in position three Nos. 2 and 4 Lifeboats holed.
Officer In 5% fathoms of water off ROSINA Every order given to him was car from the ship, guarding come with just eatern of us.
displayed good courage. ritory within a radius of a mile and the "Wantung" in position ave, Many pieces of shrapnel found on Beacon-12% miles above Nanking ried out promptly and efficiently, and revolvers throughout the day.
All ships pro- the main and upper decks, also where I anchored, the ol lighter.
ceeded with flogs at half manat as bridge. with no confusion. He was a good On five occasions during the day This reach was selected by me example to others.
we had to cower in the mud to evade owing to its great breadth-making!
When this disgusting raid was over being spotted by Japanese planes
■
it fairly safe naalast snipers from I decided to abandon Jardine's Hulk, which hovered overhead very close the banks, and for ita shallow water, anchored it in 4% fm. then cast ac time. This precaution ная In case we were sunk by further off from it. Being together we pre-necessary to prevent, being drilled attacks.
sented a large and tempting target with Japanese machinegun bullets At 19.40 we returned to relieve for the Japanese bombers. When from these same planes, They H.M.S. Scarab of Jardine's Hulk this was completed I anchored half obviously did not like us . and which the had rescued from the mile ahead of. H.M.S. Scarab for wo were certainly not trusting the
Safe Anchorage during the bom- protection as directed by the S.N.O. friends. bardment. At 23.58 we anchored present. Only for the grand defence near the oil lighter off Rosipa Beacon afforded us by the Royal Navy, to the ship. A general muster dis-
At 17.30 all hands ashore returned } with the Hulk alongside of us.
"Whangou" would certainly have closed that many had deserted the All the other British ships follow been wiped out with great loss of ship but that we had sufficient left ed up and concentrated in this e. There would have been Iocality, Including
an to maintain mobility. We slept on H.M. Ships appalling loss of life. Cricket & Scarab,
board that night. I returned from It should be pointed out that eight a conference on board H.M.S. Cricket During this bombardment we had large motor boats full of fully armed that evening at 11.30. It was there on board the British & German Japaneno soldiers complete with generally accepted that the danger Fanbassies, also the Military Attache many machine guns rounded the had passed owing to the offices of Colonel Lovat Fraser.
"Whangpu" They board-
why down Rear-Admiral Holt at
Wuhu, also ed us from Jardine's Hulk acting as stream. After cautiously approach-London and Tokyo.
their on
THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF THE CREW FAILED TO RETURN
TO THE SHIP
No. 8 3rd Engineer
*
22 Carpenter
41 Fitter
43 No. 2 Fireman
"
17
40 Trimmer
*
47 Trimmer
81 Steward
י
44 No. 3 Fiteman
02 Ship's Cook
03. 2nd Cook
64 Saloon Doy
60 Messroom Boy
Owing to the ghastly experience these men have been through during the deliberate and murderous attacks from first the heavy Japanese fold guns on the 11th Instant and then the Japanese bombs from the air en the following day I urge they be treated very leniently for most like- ly some of them have become tem- porarily mentally deranged. Amongst theso No. 22 (Carpenter) behaved quite well during the crisis consider- Ing the terrible conditions.
SIGNED BY:- W. G. McKenzie,
· Master, 24th Doc., 1937
1. Ddyack,
First Matc
- 24th Dec., 1037
TIFFINS
-at-
Jimmy's
Also A la Carte
China Bldg., Hongkong.
Hankow Rd., Kowloon.
ALHAMBRA
• SHOWING THURSDAY •.
KARLOFF-
MATCHLESS MARVEL OF A **MAKE UP IN A STRANGE ROLE OF HERO RANGED AGAINST BOTH LAW AND
LAWLESS
CUSTODIAN OF A SECRET THAT COULD LOOT A THOUSAND
VAULTS I
BORIS
KARLOFF
NIGHT KEY
WARREN; HULL JEAN ROGERS Tuimel story by Willem Place Qweden by Lloyd: Corrigan
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