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restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet
Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright
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restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyright
•
(4). Mr. Wyatt supervised the despatch of the four River Steamers required by the Commodore at Aberdeen, viz:- "Tai Ming" towing the "On Lee". "Kautung" towing the "Macau".
P.M.
(5). Messrs. Hillyer and Edwards visited vessels in Kowloon Bay and instructed all Masters that it may be necessary to scuttle their vessels as directed and that all men, other than ratings essential for that purpose, should be ready to come ashore as ordered.
(6). Waglan Island was bombed during the late forenoon, but the Light Station was undamaged.
Wednesday, 10th December, 1941.
A.M.
(1).
The R.A.F. evacuated the Airport at dawn.
(2). Mr. Wyatt in the "Kautung" proceeded to Kowloon Bay to take off the excess crews and to warn scuttling parties to "stand by".
Notes. (a).
The Chinese seamen were included in the Office Feeding Scheme and European seamen were issued with Meal Tickets. (b). I commenced a ration issue to the crews of the River Steam- ers, and distribution was supervised by the Masters of those vessels in commission.
(3). The blockships, "Kinshan", "Kwongtung" and "Tai Lee" were sunk in position by explosive charges made up in the office.
Notes.
(á). This most difficult operation was sucessfully carried out by Mr. Hunter under bombing and machine gun attacks from the air. (b). Excellent work was done by Dr. Molthen, an American, who offered me his services and placed his speedboat at our disposal. He repeatedly crossed the harbour with charges and his conduct and work were exemplary.
(4). Mr. Smith, Superintending Engineer at Yaumati, experienced great difficulty with the junk crews demanding food; and he met this contingency by issuing rations from the Junk Office under most trying circumstances.
P.M.
(5). A further warning was issued to vessels in Kowloon Bay to prepare for scuttling and have their life-boats ready to come ashore. The Military Authorities were informed of this manoeuvre. (6). No further night flying was possible from Kai Tak due to adverse weather conditions.
(7). The necessary transport dispositions were made for the "W.M". Scheme, and His Excellency warned me that the evacuation of troops from the mainland would soon be necessary.
Thursday, 11th December, 1941.
A.M. (1).
After consulting with the Defence Secretary, the evacuation
of the Civil Airpat was scheduled for 1600 hours.
(2).
The "Kautung" proceeded to Aberdeen and the four blockships for the Naval Scheme were now in position and under Naval Orders. (3). Four H.K. & Y. Ferries were berthed alongside the Steamboat Company's Wharf to transport refugees to Kowloon. Dr. Pope and
Mr. D.G. Cairns supervised the operation but only 109 refugees availed themselves of the service which of a necessity had to be discontinued.
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