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(4). After consulting with Commander Craven (Staff Officer, Operations,) orders were given to scuttle all British and Allied Vessels in Kowloon Bay.

Note. See Appendix "A" which has been compiled as accurately as possible considering the uncertainty of the names of the vessels actually in port.

(5). As the various strong posts along the waterfront were subject to artillery bombardment (one outside the Harbour Office) we were forced to evacuate the building in the afternoon after destroying all important documents as instructed by the Defence Secretary.

(6). The last blockship River Steamer "Kwong Sai"

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was sunk in the Northern Entrance of the Yaumati Shelter by Mr. J. Hunter and Party.

(7). It became apparent that the Chinese crews of Government craft, three Star Ferries and a number of H.K. & Y. Ferries could no longer be relied upon and that these craft were gradually going over to the northern area of Kowloon Bay and falling into the hands of the enemy. This circumstance was reported to the Military Authorities and a suggestion made that, if we were un- successful in getting them back, shelling might be resorted to. Note, Explanations will be required from the following craft:- H.D. 1,2,4,5,6,7,8 and 10, H.0.1, S.D.1,2 and 3, I.D.2, R.D.1 and 2, G.P.0.1 and 2. (Please see Appendix "B").

(8). The Police Liaison Officer, Sub-Inspector Olivier and Mr. Stephens, proceeded to Kowloon Bay to endeavour to secure the disaffected craft but were unsuccessful as the Police Crews were also deserting. The Military Authorities were informed and after providing Brigadier Peffers with the position of certain ferries, etc., that officer arranged for most effectual shelling in the vicinity of Bailey's Dockyard. (9). The proximity of the enemy, together with the crew and labour difficulties, rendered cross harbour transport almost impossible; and the Superintendent of Water Transport (Kowloon), Major C.M. Manners of the Godown Company, reported in my office during the late afternoon.

Note, Lighterage which had to be abandoned was shelled the follow- ing morning and a number of lighters totally destroyed.

(10). All Departmental Officers were now employed in clearing the waterfront and this was most sucessfully accomplished by the afternoon.

(11). The smaller mechanically propelled craft were assembled in the Causeway Bay Shelter together with such native craft as could be rounded up.

1430 hours.

(12). Two hundred tons of valuable stores were evacuated from the Airport to Aberdeen along with the Staff.

1730 hours.

(13). The Superintendent left the Airport in A.D.1., bringing over the remaining valuable equipment, after he had destroyed all important books and documents.

Note Mr. Moss and Mr. Hamilton (Airport Marine Supervisor) along with Mr. Moodie (Godown Company) joined up with the Road Transport Services and their work deserves commendation. From the 12th to

the 25th December they drove lorries under almost continuous shell fire.

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restrictions. Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of Nabonal 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