Fueled at daybreak. We always made a point of fueling daily so that boats were always "topped up” at the beginning of a day, also did our fueling as early as possible so as to be completed before enemy aircraft were about. (Right through the war they only operated by day). At 0800 took over duties of Flotilla Duty M.T.B.
Remained alongside dock so as to be in touch with X.D.O. by telephone. Checked our orders re C.B.s all of which were to be destroyed except one special code and signal book.
Took all the rest ashore and burnt them.
Ordered to proceed to Kowloon Bay and contact 4 A.P.V.s, (long overdue) and inform them to return to Deep Water Bay. Passed through Sulphur Channel and found two of the missing A.P.V.s there - passed on X.D.O.’s message.
Went through the harbour at 30 knots keeping to the Island side.
Fired on by enemy Machine-Gun positions in vicinity of Holts Wharf - received one or two hits but no casualties.
Reached Lye Mun pass before spotting the two remaining A.P.V.s. Told them to return to Deep Water Bay via Tai Hang.
Harbour was a depressing sight - sunken vessels scattered all over the place a definite menace to navigation at night.
Engine break down when off Collison - nothing serious, but engine certainly not behaving at all well - must get it seen to on my return. Aircraft alarm - crew to action stations - formation of nine planes approaching island from 225’.
Stopped and lay off D'Aguilla. Passed over island and disappeared towards Lye Mun direction.
Got under way and stopped again off Round Island when 3 enemy planes sighted over Lamma. Keeping on a N.E.ly course they bombed "Thracian” lying over the entrance to South Channel Aberdeen. They dropped three bombs, one of which missed the target. Got under weigh and arrived back at base, reported to X.D.O.
1630 hours ordered to Green Island to evacuate personnel, No. 27 came along with me.
Went alongside small pier on South Side - sent party ashore to find if anyone there. Climbed to top of island to see if anyone on North side - not a sign of anybody. Returned to base and reported to X.D.O. Not satisfied, and ordered me to return and make absolutely certain - little did I think that this second trip (or rather the unfortunate incident which happened) was to lead eventually to the sad loss of my boat.
During the first trip we had a fine view of the shelling of Mount Davis. It was getting a hell of a pasting - and incidentally every fifth shell seemed to be a dud - that is 20% of their ammo was dud - an incredibly high percentage. During the second trip the shelling increased and several were passing over Mount Davis and hitting the sea in our vicinity. Had a good look around and made sure no one on the island. Collected several turkeys, (which we subsequently had for supper a few days later) which were roaming about the place. Had a job getting off the pier - there was a strong tide and the wind had freshened considerably blowing strongly through the Channel.
Had to use what little stern gear left - it had little if no effect against the tide.
When I thought I was clear, gave the order hard a port ahead starboard engine - the boat swung round but the tide plus wind carried my stern in towards the shore and the starb'd prop touched the rocks. However, drifted clear and went ahead on all three engines hoping that what damage there was, was slight. Opened ug to 1450, but the vibration was considerable - however, no damage to the hull - probably a bent prop. shaft which could easily be fixed in a day. It was most annoying and I was browned off by the whole incident, particularly as I knew the second trip was unnecessary. One enemy shell landed quite close - close enough to lift the boat when it exploded.
"Thracian" asked me to investigate suspicious craft in East Lamma Channel when passing her at entrance to Aberdeen - had to refuse owing to damage. Returned to base and reported to X.D.O. (Incidentally heard later that personnel from Green Island had been evacuated before X.D.O.'s order).
Tried to ascertain damage under water - as far as we could make out - only bent prop and shaft - however, meant lying up until No.11 was finished - before I could be hoisted. Just before evening plane came over and from only 1500 feet dropped a stick of four bombs. The first landing in the cemetery, the second in the power house at the dock gate, the third near a stack of oil drums in the dock, and the fourth on Chinese houses along the east side of the Aberdeen Yard. The second bomb was only 70 yards away, and smashed the roof of the Power house (reinforced concrete job) and damaged the engine. the blast shattered the work shops all around the dock, but fortunately where I was - and the boat - we were low down below ground level - we were unaffected.
The third bomb set the oil drums alight, and they soon started burning with gusto. There was quite a strong wind blowing which fanned the flames with sparks flying everywhere. I got my crew together and we worked 08 out of the dock and with the help of an A.P.V. ( I think the "Parla") towed her out to mid stream. After half an hour the fire was under control and we moved back to the dock.
No more excitement that night and so ends quite a hectic day or the sixth day of the war.
What next?