CO129-590-23 Situation in Hong Kong 25-4-1905 - 25-4-1905 — Page 193

192

Am not at all in agreement with C.P.s idea of a 100% safe battle H.Q. three sides appear to be 0.K. but the 4th side opens directly on to the street and is only protected by a blast wall. Large windows heavily wire netted. Four very solid shower places seem to make good shelters if really bad.

Went home about 4.0 to collect some clean clothes. in case I can't get through for a day or two. I am far too busy. So far have nothing and have been sleeping in my clothes. Decided we shall sleep in basement tonight. Shelling bad last night and nobody got any sleep. one fell just behind station at about 2.0 am. Kowlbon has been evacuated today and all personnel brought across safely. I believe it has been carried out too early but C.P. seems satisfied.

Something radically wrong with organisation. Complaints are coming in that men from territories have had no food for over 48 hours. Conference held regarding food supplies to Chinese and foreign staff. Chinese office staff walked out due to lack of supplies. messengers threatening to follow them.

11th December 1941.

Yesterday was dreadful. It was 5.30 this morning before the telephones stopped ringing. The Chungking representatives are certainly doing their stuff. S.K. Yee has never stopped for the last 48 hours. They were ordered to contact all leaders of the Triad Societies and to persuade them to come over to us on the idea that they are now fighting for their own country and not merely helping us. Propaganda has been put out by the Japs. to kill all Europeans as they are responsible for the war and once they are out of the way the fighting will stop. We are afraid to shell Kowloon for fear of frightening the Chinese into riots and saying we are killing their own people. relatives and friends in that area. The situation is impossible. Reports are coming in of looting and holdups now that the police have been taken away. Situation is almost out of hand on that side, there is no control. S.K. told to try to stop looting and to see if he can/Situation in hand.

Telephone reports from Boundary Street and Frince Edward Road. that Japs are coming up through the big nullah and are already in Laichikok and that area.

Reports also that parachutists landed on the island last night.

Decided after the last two days we should turn in early. The first time I have undressed.

Mrs, Jenner an Australian Newspaper woman has joined the staff as a typist, she has missed the Clipper to Manila.

Turned in at about 9.30 pm. Towards 1030. there were sounds of shots around the station. C.P. asked me to go and find out what it was all aboutm as it sounded to be on Hollywood Road. jist outside the station. Before I could get the question asked. a terrific explosion took place and threw me back against the wall with several men on top of me. Bolted back to cover but before I could say anything another explosion happened and it seemed as though all hell was let loose. Shots continued. Crawled across the floorto get into my clothes. C.P. dressed and ordered emergency bell to be rung and all station gates manned. From that time on there was a complete state of chaos and panic. Nobody knew what had happened and the suggestion was that the station was being attacked. Telephone reporta poured in saying shops had had bombs thrown at them, and the glass was smashed. Armed parties were sent out in reply.

Station gates were eventually clòsed and the remainder of the staff ordered to positions. E. paced about like a caged lion. did not bother to dress for quite a long time. marched about complete in sarong. bulls eye striped dressing gown. two guns. one on each hip and his tin hat perched on his head. Even the Chinese laughed at him. Confusion continued until 2.30 am when C.P. returned after having toured the city and broke the news that there had been an accident and two launched containing 19 tons of dynamite had been blown up in the harbour. Several casualties and most of the downtown shops and offices had had their windows blown in. Went back to bed about 3.0 feeling very shaken and tired out. Telephone C. but he reported all quiet at his end of the town.