18 Dec 1941, Report of the P.M.O. of the R.N. Hospital

Submitted by Alan Ho on Fri, 02/16/2024 - 17:28

There were only a few casualties on this day , but air raids and shelling became so heavy that ward work was greatly interfered with . 

The beds were kept close up against the walls between the double windows of the wards . These windows were kept full open , but their ' typhoon shutters ' were kept closed . This made the wards very dark but gave a modicum of protection against bomb and shell splinters . 

On this day the zymotic wing of the hospital became a complete wreck as shells continually exploded in it . 

In the evening two large bombs exploded in the road outside and interrupted communications with the Military Hospital . 

In the evening news was received that the Japanese had landed , and later , in pouring rain , a small number of Army casualties was admitted .

 

Date(s) of events described