War Diary of the Hong Kong Police: View pages

60. Cheung Chau 13.00 Final evacuation took place. Police families and pro-party ((sic. probably "property")) were evacuated from Cheung Chau by Nos.1 and 3 Cruising launches. All European residents, about 6, had previously been warned by typewritten notices (dictated by telephone to Officer in charge by Senior Superintendent of Police Kowloon the previous day). Miss Potter and her brother-in-law, a Mr. MacKenzie, refused to go, others were brought into Hong Kong by No.1 Launch which left half an hour after No3, having carried out preliminary evacuation of Tai O first. Fifty civilians were taken on board No.3, comprising Chinese Fire Brigade workers, and also 2 Fire Engines. Both launches were dive bombed and machine gunned by Japanese planes. No.1 Launch in West Lamma Channel and No.3 Launch off Un Kok, Lamma Island, without effect. Fire was returned by police. Police personnel proceeded over to Hong Kong.