84
17.
Sunday, 3rd February.
At 0200 proceeded to the west- ward so as to be off Bias Bay at dawn, in accordance with H.M.S. "DECOY'S" signal 2218/2. at 0530 patrolled from Mendoza Island to the westward of Lokaup Island and then into Bias Bay to a depth of 5 miles. By 0700 it was full daylight and the vicinity had been thoroughly searched without any vessel being sighted. This was reported in my signal 0656/3. I then proceeded to the westward preparatory to returning to harbour if approved.
18. At 0850 your signal 0830/3 was received, course was altered to 090 deg: and speed increased to 24 knots, proceeding to Pedro Blabco. My position at 0858 was 12 miles 251 deg: from Single Island. arriving off Pedro Blanco at 1035, a patrol toward Chilang Point was established at 20 knots, as the A.P. orders tate that this should be a fast patrol. At 1225 the patrol ordered in your signal 1120/3 was established at 13 knots. 19. At 1324 on receipt of your signal 1300/3 returned to harbour, arriving at 1905 and fueling from R.F.A. "FRANCOL".
20. The total distance run during the period on patrol was 738 miles, of which 164 miles were due to exercises.
21.
Total
penditure of oil fuel ... 141 tons. 01l fuel due to exercises
Normal harbour expenditure
for the period
15.8 tons.
Nil.
22. The following numbers of merchant ships were spoken during the period on patrol:-
9 British.
5 Japanese.
1 Norwegian.
1 Dutch.
1 German.
1 Chinese.
23. Owing to exercise and the piracy of the TUNGCHOW" it was impossible to carry out all W/T routines with Police Launches and Chinese stations, and watch of 500 k/cs was greatly curtailed owing to traffic on 113 k/cs. Communication with Ping Hoi and the "WU FUNG" was very good, but could not be established with Autau. Communication returns are submitted herewith.
24. I deeply regret failing to sight the "PUNGCHOW" at about 1500 on Friday, 1st February, due undoubtedly to the fact that "DIFENDER" was 11 miles off Tsiech Point and "TUNGCHOW" was against the land. I feel I placed too much reliance on the air- oraft patrol, without which I would have proceeded close past Pokai Point and east of Goat Island. At the same time, had I come upon her before the pirates left, I would have been severely handicapped by the presence of the 70 children on board. Their safety could only have been ensured by allowing the pirates to get clear away, possibly without their loot.
I have the honour to be,
sir,
The Commodore,
Hong Kong.
(Copy to The Captain (D),
8th Destroyer Flotilla, H.M.S. "Duncan").
Your obedient servant,
(sa) R. C. Beckett.
Lieut. Commander, Commanding Officer.
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