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We are without water today, which seems to indicate that the mɛns have been damaged.
More and more troops are pouring in, and in spite of reports I feel situation is definitely out of hand. Heavy fightinf is continuing over Magazine Gap and Mount Cameron, the latter is believed to have been taken by the xxx enemy. Many troops on Tai Hang and in the valley, no possibility of getting home and ridiculous to try, Ah Sze reports bodies all over the hillside.
Fropaganda leaflets are being dropped by the Japs, the subject matter of which is anything but pleasant. All definitely aiming at the suppression of the white population and inflaming the Chinese and the Indians to tur against us. Many of the leaflets are aiming at killing the white man.
19th December 1941.
No water again and no light. Kerosine lamps are being used in the hotel. Lounge and 1st floor of the H.K. hotel now being used as a hospital for wounded troops. Many have come in including some Canadians who are reported to have suffered heavy losses.
Heavy fighting and further landings reported. Aberdeen has had a bad time and reports of heavy naval casualties have come in. Japs. still fighting at Magazine Gap. Shelling of main roads to dislocate transport is now evident and road to Magazine Gap is badly damaged, also road to Peak, Several houses on Peak badly damaged and a few killed.
20th December 1941.
Mrs, Kendall joined me today. Her house has been blown up and she has no place to live. American Chinese girl speaking good English, her husband is doing a good job. Still no water but fortunately we had a tub full but that is now nearly exhausted. We are short of drinking wa er and there is no more in the hotel. We are using well water which is salty and even the tea and coffee are undrinkable.
Balked to a wounded Canadian tonight who told me that they had had a bad time, nearly all their staff officers have been killed. They did not know the country now the people and could not distinguish between them, consequently the results have been disastrous. He also told me they were not properly trained men and had never been trained for hill fighting. they had been trained on the plains.
Reports of situation in hand, definitely do not believe it, think it is being said to stop panic amongst the Chinese and to lull the public into a false sense of security. Dont like the feeling of things in general. Fire still buruing at Shell.
21st December, 1941.
Dining rooms now transferred from 8th floor to 4th and 5th corridors. Too dangerous to use top floor. Also no lifts. Food not bad but insufficient and shortage of water none too pleasant. Food tastes brackish and coffee undrinkable. Reports from radio at home are distorted and are anything but correct.
Heavy battle continues at Repulse Bay and Stanley, also Aberdeen. Tai Hang and Wongneichong, although reports state that we are still holding out. Troops continue to pour in from the mainland. and we seem to be losing groud rapidly. Heavy shelling all day and large fires still continue at North Point. Ah Sze reports fighting on the hillside but no damage to house as yet, many bodies on the hillside opposite and many in the valley.
22nd December 1941.
Reports of landings are not improving and general situation appears to
be anything but pleasant. Have tried several times to send telegram home but P.M.G. states we are unable to get messages out and that we are virtually cut off from outside world. Kadio reports from home are nonsense regarding local situation and we who are on the spot are amazed at the reports which are being broadcast. Some is of course Jap, origin. Fierce fighting reported at Aberdeen and Happy Valley. Cameron and Tai Hang also under full control of enemy troops.
e have bet Mount
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