On 11th the Japanese reached Kowloon; by this time 5th Columnists were very busy sniping, and looting had already started. The looters formed themselves into bands and actually put notices on houses they had entered so that others of their gang would know it had already been sacked.
8.30am. - On duty in office from 7 pm last night till 7 this morning, but actually slept ((fully-dressed, on camp bed behind screen in main office where all ARP staff were)) from 4.30am to 6.45am.
No raids during night, but shells are coming over now, but so far not doing much damage.
((Date is a guess - no starting date given in text))
Germany and Italy declare war on America and Congress and the President respond in kind. Now the war in the Pacific and the war in Europe are one, the two sides are lined up, and the stakes could not be higher.
At midday Major-General Maltby takes the decision to abandon the Mainland. The evacuation begins in the afternoon amid scenes of chaos and terror.
Very hospitable treatment was handed out by the Royal Scots including a bath, shave and breakfast (tea only). Early everyone seemed fairly confident about holding the inner line and according to early reports there had been no heavy attacks during the evening. Later however about 9 o’clock a general air of uneasiness began to pervade the area and confused reports as regards Jap. attacks down the main roads kept filtering in.
Then we went through shot and shell until Thursday evening when we had just started to set the table for supper. When Mr. Pommerenke came over all excited saying that there was going to be a couple of barges, something of that sort, to evacuate a few people from Kowloon (Mr. Steiner had gotten the information) So I hurried up and drank my milk while Dad spent about two minutes throwing some various articles in a suitcase which was already mostly packed.
The day dawned in an atmosphere of foreboding.
The European police on the Island have been withdrawn from duty and sent over to Kowloon as militia. A volunteer police reserve is assisting in keeping order; but the Government's Chinese advisers reported an alarming fifth column plot to seize the Colony, and further precautions were taken. Admiral Chan Chak is the official representative in Hongkong of the Chinese Government. At the Hongkong Government's request he has organised a corps of street guards composed in part of Chinese refugee soldiery.
((The following text is undated:))
On Thursday afternoon (Dec. 11th) one of the men had been out to try to get some news because the radio and telephone were out of order. He came back about 5PM with the news that the British were retreating and they were evacuating Kowloon ((where we were)) and that the last boat would leave for the Hong Kong side in about 25 minutes. If we wanted to escape capture by the Japanese, we must leave at once.
Refueled, inspected bilges — engines , torpedoes, D.C. s, guns and ammo O.K .
Had breakfast and lay in South Channel.
Went over to the Office during the morning and returned to boat for lunch.
Planes quite active.
Last night the enemy began shelling the town with a long-range gun. They didn’t do much damage, what there was mostly at the hospital where one man was killed, two more and a nurse wounded. It was my night off duty. I was in bed and woken up by one of the first shells they sent over at about 1:00am. I tried hard to sleep but it is an unpleasant feeling to lie still, while periodically in the distance you hear the first whisper of a coming shell, rising in a crescendo to shriek and ending in a tremendous crash.
One chief petty officer was admitted in a very shocked condition with a wound of left foot and ankle joint .
Four Chinese casualties were admitted , and after emergency operation were transferred to one of the civil hospitals during the night .
Sgt. Hammond goes to East Point with a lorry and some coolies to collect another of our Perkins ovens which had been for repair. It is not ready and he had to leave in a hurry as the Japs were shelling the place from across the harbour.
7.45a.m. I can’t get any news on my wireless in the morning - I don’t know why – London just won’t come through. I slept all night – Win however rang up in the middle of the night - to say they were shelling us. Like Frank I said it was miles away and probably our guns. But one heard the whine of the shells and then a crunch. Now back to work again. So my food problem – how to feed my 4,000 coolies! So Cheerio. Billie.
Went into H.K. for Prison rations and to try to get some beer etc. No can.
Alarm went when I was in town & things are run very well indeed.
Began discharging Pris’rs.
Stanley heavies ((ie the 9.2" guns there)) get going PM.
Susie, who still had the use of our small car was sleeping at home and going to the hospital every morning.
The rumour about Jordan ((Royal Scots Band Leader)) was confirmed today - he was shot by one of our own sentries - being deaf, he apparently didn't hear the challenge.
Mum got to Bowen Road to see Sid this morning, he is walking about now and hopes to be back with his unit within a few days.
Mabel has joined the VADs and sleeps below the military hospital in air raid shelter.
For most people in Kowloon the night of December 11-12 is one of terror. Ruthless gangs, some of them armed, descend on private houses and anywhere else that offers the prospect of loot or 'protection money'. Six Irish Jesuits were on that side of the harbour and their history of the hostlities describes the situation vividly
Today saw my first experience of direct shelling, the whole morning being pretty hectic with air raids keeping us busy ducking in and out. No signs yet of Mike but on telephoning G.H.Q. with Col. Rose’s help I was told to come along at 12.30. During the morning I had the entertainment of seeing all the H.K.V.D.C. Companies coming in for rations and had the pleasure of seeing my old company with whom I made arrangements in case of my failure to rejoin my group.
