t
·172
-3
At this time from MTB.10 I observed nearby shelling of Stonecutter's Island and batteries there from some unknown Japanese position and HMS.CICALA was seen sheltering from a bomb attack close in to the shore of Chung Hue Island. I understand she was hit on the stern with little damage, but slipped at Taikoo Dockyard for repairs this night.
After dark MTB subdivisions took up the following stations: 10 and 08 off Putoi, 11 and 27 off Haiwan, 07 and 09 at Tathong boom. The Extended Defence Officer ordered an attack on ships which had been reported to him by military as burning searchlights to the southeast of Putoi, but this was later cancelled. The searchlights were not seen by MTB's from Futoi. State of sea 4 and torpedo doors had to be kept on if lying stopped to prevent flooding of after compartment, so conditions for an extended search and attack were not good. A plane with navigation lights believed Japanese flying between HongKong and the Loma Islands was observed and reported. I understand it was on this night that the army centre and left flank in Kowloon commenced rapid retreat.
December 11th. On Thursday, December 11th, there was some bombing of Aberdeen but
no particular damage, but the HKRVR auxiliary patrol vessel (A.P.V.) Indira at sua had 2 killed and was slightly damaged about the rudder by bombs,
About noon IMMS."Thracian" later steaming into harbour to lie off abordeun Dock. and all AFV's were ordered to shell all junks out of ficnic Bay, Lamma Island, as Japanese wore thought to have a party on the island ready to come across in Junks. Some junks wore sunk. I consider the Chinese HKRIR crews of APV's did not relish this work ainst their own class of Junkaen: may have been a contributory cause to their defection which gradually took place, until on Dec. 19th when AFV's wore scuttled there were practically no Chinese RNVR ratings left. During this shellin, MTB.10 and 08 were stationed at south end of Aberdeen Channel to prevent Junks makin, for aberdeen.
this
At 1345 all availablo MTB's wore ordered to east of Kowloon Teninsula to evacuate troops retreating to Kai Tack Fiers. T's 10, 11, 08, 07, 09, 26 and 27 procceded. MTB's 08 and 09 were used by the Commodore to take him about the harbour to various points. The Commodore ordered MTB.08 to fire one torpedo at Tamar noored off Wanchai to sink her, but no effect was observed and it is my opinion that the 40 feet initial dive of the torpedo carried it to the bottom, depth of water being insufficient. Taar was later scuttled. No troops arrived during the afternoon, so opportunity was taken to investigate the depth of water alongside Kai Tack bund and seaplane slipways which was insufficient for Scott Paine LIT's except in gravo emergency. Kai Tack air station west pier was not avail ble owing to a doma, ud British plane sunk off it, but the wost Kai Tack Ferry Pier was available and the Commanding Officer of MTB.26 appointed as Pier Master. ¡¡TB.27 was stationed at the East Kai Tack Slipway in case troops came that way.
After dark MTB's 11 and 07 were anchored in Kowloon Bay koeping W/T watch for flotilla, while MTB.10 and 26 went alongside the Wost Kai Tack Ferry Tier to ovacuate troops. Commandoered ferry boats under RNR Lieutemnts from K Naval Yard were also doing this work. No opposition by ency encountered. MTB.26 took 20 soldiers and MT5.10 took 30 and proceeded with then to HongKong Naval Yard, there, receiving orders for TB's to return to Aberdeen. A vory dark night and when returning after midnight MTB.10 struck wreckage in harbour with propeller.
I understand that the Tathong Boom was abandoned on this night 11th/12th. MTB. s were not sent out afterwards in usual patrol stations this night.
Up to date, although liTB's had had nothing spectacular to do,
their....