By the morning the situation was as follows: The Japanese had possession of the waterfront from North Point to Barclay’s Bay (below Chai Wan), including the forts at Lyemun, Pak Sha Wan and Sai Wan. Small patrols of the enemy had infiltrated into the hills in the Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Parker areas and had established a wedge across the hills towards Wong Nei Chong Gap.
Our troops were rather amazed when, on the morning of the 19th December, orders were given to destroy the guns at Collinson and Cape D'Aguilar and retire to Stanley. This was later considered to be a mistake, as these positions were not seriously threatened by the enemy and could have been extremely useful in delaying the advance of the Japanese. About this time the 6” Guns at Chung Hom Kok were also destroyed. This was a position on a small peninsular to the west of Stanley. A troop of 3” A.A. guns and a small Naval detachment of the Port War Signal Station were also there.
By the 19th December, our troops were holding the Ty Tam Tuk area, which is heavily wooded and mountainous with deep reservoirs. But the enemy had several advantages over us for they had been well briefed concerning the terrain and had equipment that was suitable and adaptable for hill fighting. Our equipment in comparison was too heavy and cumbersome and could be heard some distance away. They, themselves, wore rubber boots and were expert in moving quietly, their individual camouflage being excellent. During an attack they would yell like demons – it was hideous to listen to them, especially at night. Another advantage the enemy had over us was the effectiveness of their mortar fire which was a great factor in their hill fighting.
We suffered a bad loss when the H.Q. of the Canadian Battalion at Wong Nei Chong was overrun and the Battalion Commander, Brigadier Lawson killed. The Island was now cut in two, the Eastern Brigade being defended from its H.Q. at Stanley Fort with Brigadier Wallis in command and the Western Brigade (after the death of Brig. Lawson) from Battle Headquarters by General Maltby.