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There was a T-head pier closer to the Industrial School at which a boat could lie, but this pior was used by other' traffic. MTB's spar torpedoes 200% less those under repair (a considerable number) were carried in a lighter, as also the petrol for MTB's in two lighters moored at Aberdeen. Oil stores and other stores were at Aberdeen Dock; victual stores were brought to the Industrial School by staffs concerned. The Officers and crows lived permanently in their boats and not ashore as the Aberdeen base was very far from being a complete or convenient base for HTB's which require much maintenance; served, and after a strenuous day of settling down, the 1TB Subdivisions wore on war stations at dark, HTB's 10 and 08 off Putoi, 07 and 09 off Hamiwan Lama Island, and 27 and 26 at the Tathong Boom. (It should be noted that crews of the two Thorneycroft boats 27 and 26 with no accommodation in boat wore accommodated in 'Robin' near Boom.
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The general rule worked out for HongKong was for hight patrols to operate in subdivisions, single boats being hard on the telegraphist for a whole night patrol; while a division was less flexible than subdivisions disposed at various known points on watch for enemy and enemy reports, with orders to attack by subdivisions synchronising attacks as nearly as possible.
Communications from the XDO under whom HTB's worked wore by wireless at night, and at this juncture by telephone to Aberdeen Dock, or Abordcen Industrial School by day, continuous W/ watch boing too hard on the single telegraphists. One MTB had therefore to be kept in touch with these telephones in daytime.
A diesel cutter and small motorboat manned by Chinese naval ratings did necessary duty trips for the Flotilla when in harbour. With 8 MTB's in Flotilla, 6 could be on patrol at night, all at instant notice, while by day 2 would be at instant notice, 2 at 10 minutes' notice, and 2 at hours notice for maintenance, such as changing, oil, etc. Thus, 2 MIB's could lie up every 4 days for major repairs and rest. if circumstances permitted, and.8 boats were available..-
The Commanding Officer of the Flotilla was addressed as V2 in.. messages and signals, and was in command of MTB.10 as well as the TB. Base organisation.
December 9th. On Tuesday, December 9th, MTB's came off patrol at dawn and into Aberdeen Dock, but fairly severe bombing of Aberdeen commenced about 0845 and MTB's requiring fuel, water and maintenance, left Dock and scattered to anchor inshore in. Aberdeen Channel. At 0940 HIS. "Cornflower" in Aberdeen Harbour was straddled and bombs and pieces dropped too close to 's thore to be confortable, but no damage done.
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MTB Subdivisions were on following war stations this night:- 07 and 09 off Putoi, 10 and 08 off Haiwan, 27 and 26 at Tathons Boon.
The Flotilla Comanding Officer's and Engineer Officer's Indian Clerks brought to arrange the MTB Office at the Industrial School were granted") leave to Hongkong this night and did not return.
December 10th. On Wednesday, Doqchaber 10ta, the weather was overcast with same drizzle, and few if any bombs were dropped on Aberdeen Harbour, and “j MTB's lay in harbour for maintenance work. 07 proceeded at 1034 to Joss House Bay north of Lam Tong Island to clear junks from it, opening fire as required. At noon all TB's were ordered to Yaumati Typhoon Shelter (Kowloon) to assist water police in keeping junks within it, while entrances were closed by sinking ships across. MTB's took this opportunity to fuel in⠀⠀ turn at A.F.C. Installation Taikok Taui Kowloon, and call for a final look round at the Naval yard MTB Camber before returning to Aberdeen. MTB10 remained bohind to tow MTB.12 whose, refit was to be completed (at Aberdoen by 1TB maintenance staff) from HongKong Naval Yard to Aberdeen at about 1600.
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