CO129-563-17 Sino-Japanese War- attacks on shipping. For extracted photographs see CN 3-12 27-9-1937 - 17-1-1938 — Page 56

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and then returned to the warship. I then observed a number of Chinese

males from the shore boarding our boat and I then saw they were

looting it. I could see them removing our personal effects, and

clothing etc. I then told my boatswain and seamen to remove their

uniforms and I also concealed my uniform gold braid and buttons.

As the motor boats

At

We then went down to the beach and asked the Chinese to stop looting,

but when they saw us coming they ran away. There was some ship's

property on the shore and I picked up a pair of our binoculars.

that moment I saw two motor boats full of men in uniform leaving

the Japanese warship and sail towards our ship. The boatswain,

seamen and I then retreated to the hillside.

approached our ship, they fired a few rounds from a machine gun in the dirdotion of the ship. The motor boats tied up alongside our

ship and I then observed the Customs ensign being lowered from the

gaff and a Japanese flag hoisted. I then observed a number of the

uniformed Japanese landing on the beach. They searched round the

beach and I saw them entering the large white shop on the beach. There

were about 20 Japanese who landed. They were in blue winter uniform.

I then instructed the boatswain and two seamen to accompany me

further inland as I feared the Japanese would make a wider search.

I was then unable to see what was taking place on the beach.

then met another party of our crew and we all kept watch to seaward.

It was then about 18.30 hours. At about 20.00 hours I could see the

Japanese warship steaming southwards towards the LADRONES. About

ten minutes later I saw our ship sailing in the same direction under

her own steam. She was in "flashing" communication with the Japanese

warship. The warship and our ship were then lost to sight. I had

noticed previously through the binoculars that the Japanese warship

was No.23. She was not flying the Japanese flag.

About half an hour later No. 3 Hong Kong Police, Police

Launch came in sight and I signalled to it with an electric torch. The launch anchored, sent a boat ashore, and all our crew (with the exception of those who had accompanied the Commander) were taken