CO537-(1262-1649) — Page 864

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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

National Archives' leaflet

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

CO 537/1648

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

Notes. (a). While it has been suggested that the strong post on the ferry pier fired at the tow, this cannot be definitely sub- stantiated as the e plosion may well have been caused by the sporadic shelling.

(b). I am satisfied that the Staff Office informed the various posts along the waterfront of the change in times.

The

(c). I have heard it suggested that the better plan would have been to land the dynamite at West Point. I do not agree. risk of transporting such a quantity through one of the most congested parts of the city cannot be denied.

(d). Only superficial injuries were caused to a few persons on shore.

(5). During the day I arranged for Dr. Molthen to assist the Military with his speed boat, and I understand he did most val- uable work in connection with the evacuation of the rearguard from Lyemun Point to the Island.

Saturday, 13th December, 1941.

Nothing of outstanding interest to report.

European Merchant Navy Officers and men volunteered for service as lorry guards, others were accepted for temporary duty with the Royal Navy while the remainder formed themselves into maintenance units for the hospitals, etc.

(3). Green Island was heavily bombed during the early forenoon and the house of the 0.1.C., Gunpowder Depot was totally destroyed, but without casualties. The entire staff of Green Island were taken off at noon.

(4). The Waglan Light House crew were taken off by the A.P.V. "Frosty Moller".

Late P.M.

(5). Units of the Royal Navy and Royal Engineers dumped approxi- mately 150 tons of dynamite off the end of the Depot Pier.

Sunday. 14th December, 1941.

1430 hours.

(1). Orders were received to proceed with the scuttling of all mechanically propelled craft berthed on the waterfront. A party formed of Messrs. Smith, Long, Swan, Jackson and Inspector Whant commenced operations, while Mr. C. Cairns collected a number of Officers of Messrs. Jardine, Matheson's Floating Staff to immobil- ize or sink small craft in the Causeway Bay area. (2). Waglan Light House was observed to be shewing a Fixed Light.

Notes.

а Please see Appendix "B" for Government Craft.

(b). About fifty launches were dealt with in the Causeway Bay Shelter.

(c). Over twenty commercial launches were sunk between Lurray Pier and West Point.

(a). Ferries were sunk in places calculated to cause the maximum hindrance to the enemy

-

e.g. one vehicular ferry was sunk in the

berth at the Jubilee Ferry Pier.

(e). The Commodore sunk the seven ferries used for the "W.M" Scheme in the Naval Camber.

(f). All four vehicular ferries were sunk, three out of the six Star Ferries and about sixteen out of the twenty-six general ser- vice vessels owned by the H.K. & Y. Ferry Company.

2

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