•
- 2.
56
and then returned to the warship. I then observed a number of Chinese
males from the shore boarding our boat and I then saw they were
looting it. I could see them removing our personal effects, and
clothing etc. I then told my boatswain and seamen to remove their
uniforms and I also concealed my uniform gold braid and buttons.
As the motor boats
At
We then went down to the beach and asked the Chinese to stop looting,
but when they saw us coming they ran away. There was some ship's
property on the shore and I picked up a pair of our binoculars.
that moment I saw two motor boats full of men in uniform leaving
the Japanese warship and sail towards our ship. The boatswain,
seamen and I then retreated to the hillside.
approached our ship, they fired a few rounds from a machine gun in the dirdotion of the ship. The motor boats tied up alongside our
ship and I then observed the Customs ensign being lowered from the
gaff and a Japanese flag hoisted. I then observed a number of the
uniformed Japanese landing on the beach. They searched round the
beach and I saw them entering the large white shop on the beach. There
were about 20 Japanese who landed. They were in blue winter uniform.
I then instructed the boatswain and two seamen to accompany me
further inland as I feared the Japanese would make a wider search.
I was then unable to see what was taking place on the beach.
then met another party of our crew and we all kept watch to seaward.
It was then about 18.30 hours. At about 20.00 hours I could see the
Japanese warship steaming southwards towards the LADRONES. About
ten minutes later I saw our ship sailing in the same direction under
her own steam. She was in "flashing" communication with the Japanese
warship. The warship and our ship were then lost to sight. I had
noticed previously through the binoculars that the Japanese warship
was No.23. She was not flying the Japanese flag.
About half an hour later No. 3 Hong Kong Police, Police
Launch came in sight and I signalled to it with an electric torch. The launch anchored, sent a boat ashore, and all our crew (with the exception of those who had accompanied the Commander) were taken