4.
194
Godowns at West Point have been under intense fire for days. There are large stocks of food which cannot be got out. Intention seems to be to destroy food supplies.
15th December, 1941.
I don't know which wuld be the best bet, whether to go home and sleep or not. I have not seen my flat since the early part of the war, but have managed to maintain contact with my servant, who states no damage has been done but bombs have been dropped down the road. After yesterday I am beginning to feel shaken. I got the blast across my head and my voice is going. This morning was bad, we were shelled constantly downtown, as well as bombed and we have had several direct hits on the Gloucester building. Severe damaged to rooms on 3rd. 4th. 7th and 8th floors. Hongkong Bank also registered several direct hits. but due to excellent construction no damage has been done. There is very little activity at night. apart from shelling, which appears to be on the other side of the island. C.
In between bombings telephoned and told me Brenda Morgan had been killed. tried to get new office fixed up. Windows to be sandbagged and painted black and paper stripped. All inside glass partitions to be removed.
I think it is sheer madness to move all police into Gloucester. which is full of women and children and reŝugges, It is bound to be a target as soon as it is known, and it wont be long. Signallers are busy every night from high buildings, and we never seem to be able to catch them,
16th December. 1941.
Tea lounge and arcade shops. 1st and 2nd floors are being got ready to house police. All glass in the araåde has been broken and windows spaces have been sandbagged. C.P. is not a proper man for wartime conditions. Nost charming peace time C.P. but cannot make snap decisions and takes too long to consider stupid little details that don't matter. Not popular with his men because of this failing. Also a very ardent Oxford Grouper.
Very heavy shelling all day at North Point. Power station seems to be objective. Large fire at Shell tanks. Reports of landings of large bodies
No action seems to have of troops at North Point, Aberdeen and Stanley. been taken and nothing had been done about the landings on the water front, why we are not firing on them is a mystery to me.
17th December 1941.
Large fires still burning at N.P. Confirmed A.P.C. tanks are on fire. Heavy shelling all day a nd troops reported all over Wanchai and Tai Hang. Big battle raging at Magazine Gap and Tai Hang. Ah Sze reports firing all over the valley. but so far no damage has been done to house. Situation supposed to be in hand but am sceptical of these reports. Lights and power failed tonight. Power station heavily shelled all day and palls
Station of smoke all over the city. Landings continue under smoke screen. on alert and large party on duty all night. Instructions to shoot on sight anybody on streets who fails to answer challenge.
Large bodies of looters and 5th Cols, active.
18th December. 1941.
Further heavy raids and more machine gunning on the streets. Now that the power has gone, the air raid sirens have gone out of order: and no warning can be given, the only warning is when the planes appear and that is often to late for cover.