IMPERIAL AIRWAYS (FAR EAST) LIMITED
The Director of Air Services,
HONG KONG.
Sir,
3rd February, 1939.
97
We have the honour to quote below an extract
from the Voyage Report made by the Captain of our aircraft
R.M.A. Delia G-ACWC, operating Hong Kong/Bangkok on the
31st ult.:-
"On leaving Fort Bayard the usual course of 258°
magnetic was flown. When passing Waichao (Ouai-Tchao)
Island at a height of 1000 ft. a warship of the cruiser
type was seen anchored in a bay on the South of the Island.
Another vessel, which looked like an ordinary cargo ship
battleship
painted/gray and which had been seen in the same position
for the last few weeks, was anchored half a mile West or
North West of the Island. At 0151 G.M.T. this ship was
seen to fire a gun several times. The explosions were
heard and the shells seen dropping in the water on either
side of the aircraft. The First Officer stated that he
saw one burst at our height in the air, and Supernumerary
Captain Dykes also saw a shell burst in the air on the
Starboard side. In all about 6 shots were fired. It
seems that all the shooting was done by the boat anchored
on the West or North West side of the Island."
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servants,
FOR IMPERIAL AIRWAYS (FAR EAST) LIMITED.
c.c. Commodore's Office,
(SGD.)
Hong Kong.