CONFIDENTIAL.
Sir,
82
H.M.S. "Defender
at Hong Kong.
4th February, 1935.
I have the honour to submit the following report of proceedings of H.M. Ship under my command from the 30th January
to the 3rd February, 1935.
2.
Wednesday 30th January • at 0900 H.M.S. "Defender" assumed duties of Duty Destroyer and sailed in company with H.M.3. "Hermes" for flying practices. These took place in the south-western part of the patrol area, which was entered at 1045. On completion of flying practices at 1245, H.M. S. "Defender" proceeded to Saman Roads, coming to anchor at 1322. At 1830, weighed and proceeded to carry out a dusk patrol across the entrance to Bias Bay, anchoring in Harlem Bay, at 1852.
3.
Thursday, 31st January. At 0545, weighed and proceeded to carry out a dawn patrol off Tokai Point and Mendoza Island. Subsequently proceeding to rendezvous with Captain (D), 8th Destroyer Flotilla at 0900 off Waglan for exercises. On comple- tion of exercises at 1005, H.M. S. "Defender" returned to the patrol area, and anchored in Mirs Bay at 1240. At 1830, weighed and proceeded to carry out a dusk patrol between Mirs Point and Single Island, anchoring in Saman Roads at 2000.
4.
Friday, 1st February • At 0445 weighed in order to make weather report, and proceeded to patrol off Single Island, subse- quently anchoring off Mirs Point, prior to joining H.M.3. "HERMES" off Bate Island at 0940 for flying practices. These were carried out in Mira Bay and the western part of the patrol area, and during this period H.M.S. "DEFENDER" was keeping W/T watch on 240 k/os, H.M.S. "HERMES" being guard on 113 ̄k/cs.
5. At 1250 your signal 1145/1st February was received from H.M.S. "KARNES", and I was ordered to proceed as directed therein at 1300. About 25 minutes was lost through this signal first being passed by V/S in coded groups many of which were mutilated. Position at 1244 was 6.4 miles 213 deg: from Single Island, course 060 deg: speed 15 knots. Before parting company, Commanding Officer, H.M. 3. "HERMES" informed me by signal that aircraft would be flown off in the afternoon to search out the area in the vicinity of Chilang Point.
6. I accordingly set course for Chilang Point at 24 knots, intending to close in towards Goat Island and investigate the coast between Tai Sami Head and Chilang Point before establishing a patrol to the southeastward of Chilang Point.
1.
At about 1400 I observed that one of the two aricraft sent out by H.M. S. "HIRMES" was patrolling along the coast. I therefore decided that it would be unnecessary for me to waste time in closing Goat Island and maintained my course for position 8 miles south of Chilang Point.
8.
At 1500 I overtook the 3.3. "SUISANG" northward bound, to whose Master I passed a message requesting him to inform the A.P. vessel if he saw or heard anything of 3.3. TUNGCHOW".
9.
at about 1510 I observed a small steamer in Hong Hai Bay (estimated position 5 miles 270 degrees from Tsiech Point) steering for Tai Sami. It appeared to me to be one of the small vessels which ply between the coastal villages lying between Mirs Bay and Hie Chi Chin Bay. This I considered to be confirmed by the fast that the aircraft which had passed over her vicinity had not reported her.