CO129-413 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [8-10] — Page 150

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Yaiyeyama and was unaware still, on my arrival here, that

Great Britain was at war. I have an International Signal

Code Book in my ship. I was on the bridge of my steamer

as I was entering Hong Kong harbour, and I saw no signals

examination boats, nor did I hear any sirens, rockets, or

shouting through a megaphone. When I did hear the guns

and see the shots striking the water, I thought that the

Battery was carrying out practice. I did not realise that

they were firing to stop me until after the third round

had been fired, when I gave orders to stop and after the

fourth shot, which hit a man in the bows of the ship, I gave

the order "full speed astern" and just at that moment the

fifth round struck the ship.

Maru".

His evidence is read over to the Master of the "Shikoku

Lieutenant R.E.Brewster, R.A. "I was officer in charge

of the examination battery Pakshawan on the 12th August, 1914

from 12 noon till 6 p.m. At about 4 p.m. I saw the

Empress of Japan" and a ship which I have since heard was

the "Shikoku Maru" approaching the harbour from the East.

I saw the examination vessel go towards them with the "M.N."

signal hoisted. I saw the "Empress of Japan" stop, but

the "Shikoku Maru" continued her course unchecked. I heard

the sound rocket of the examination service, and soon

afterwards I saw the "Bring to" signal "R" hoisted. I

then fired one round of plugged shell across the bows of

the "Shikoku Maru" she didn't stop, so I fired a second

round of plugged shell; at the same time I sent a telephone

message/

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