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we were a British ship, British owned and under British registry. I then requested permission to signal to my Owners, but this was refused, no communication whatever was allowed.
At 5 p.m. a Guard, consisting of 1 Lieut. in
command and 1 Engine Room Officer to take charge of the Engine Room with fifty ratings came on board from Destroyer 23 and
took over from the Cruiser.
I was then ordered to weigh anchor and proceed
and to follow the Destroyer. At this time the Japanese Ensign 12 x 8 was hoisted at the fore and our Red Ensign was still flying aft.
The Norwegian S. S. "Produce" passed me at this time close to bound South, and I was satisfied that my capture by Japanese would be reported to the Commodore, Hong Kong.
At 6 p.m. although still misty, we rounded South
and East of Gap Rock Lt. distance 1 mile. I could see the lighthouse people and was still satisfied that my position would be reported. Waglan Light was abeam at 11.45 p.m. and course was set for Chelang Point which was passed at 1.15 p.m. on the 8th distance three miles. A B. & S. steamer passed at this time only two miles to seaward and dipped to the Destroyer. A Glen Line and Bank Line steamer also passed off Breaker Point, all bound South and the "Empress of Japan" passed bound North. I was still satisfied that the capture of "Asian" was being reported. The large 12 x 8 Japanese Ensign at the fore, our Red Ensign aft and the Destroyer leading was perfectly obvious.
The Lammocks was abeam at 2 p.m. on the 9th, and a strong N.E.Monsoon with heavy sea was experienced till arrival. At 6 p.m. owing to the ship rolling heavily and the Engines racing the steering gear carried away, the hand steering was connected up and at 7.45 p.m. repairs were effected.
The main condenser discharge pipe was broken in three