| https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205161651 |
| IWM - Description |
| Japanese envoys arriving on the quarterdeck of the flagship HMS INDOMITABLE after the re-occupation of Hong Kong by a British Task Force. Captain J A S Eccles, CB, is left. The envoys were given instructions for the re-occupation by the force commander, Rear Admiral C H J Harcourt, CB, CBE, RN. Two different negatives exist for this A number showing slightly different views. |
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| ROYAL MARINES ON HONGKONG -Some Peculiar Incidents 30.8.1945 |
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After messages had passed between the Indomitable and Hongkong, a further radio message was received from the colony saying that Cmdr. Craven, RN, a prisoner of war since the fall of Hongkong, would like to board the flagship with "one other." An Avenger, escorted by four Hellcats, accordingly flew to pick them up. When it returned to the flight deck it bore, with Cmdr. Craven, a Japanese envoy, the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs (Matimura), bearing a message from Maj-Gen. Fukuchi. Of diminutive stature, the Japanese envoy was in the belly of the plane as he alighted—a Mae West held him up, while his Samurai sword dangled in mid air. Disentangling himself, the Japanese, wearing khaki, gold wire badges, breeches and boots, smartly saluted the captain of marines standing with a marine sergeant, who was levelling a tommy-gun at the aircraft exit. The salute was not returned. Matimura was escorted to a cabin, where he was interviewed by the captain of the Indomitable (Capt. John Eccles), while an armed guard paced outside. He did not see Adm. Harcourt, but left with a message from him to Gen. Fukuchi. |