70 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries

MOST SECRET
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To: Military Attache,
H.B.M. Embassy,    
Chungking.    

Reference:
INT/HQ/211 dated 24th, Jan.,43.

From: Colonel L.T. Ride,
C.O., B.A.A.G.,    
Kweilin.

Subject:- Casualties. B.A.A.G.

I regret to have to inform you that the inevitable has happened to some of our men.

No.77 CHAN KWOK KWONG.

No.48 TSANG TAK HING.

No.49 LAU FOOK.

Are reported shot by a group of unknown persons off the SAI KUNG Peninsula. It is not believed to have been the work of the Japanese but full enquiries are being made.

No.4 HO WAH.

has been reported shot at FANLING, no further news to hand.

2. This news has upset me very much, especially about 77 who was a great kid and a great favourite of ours - we called him "DARE TO DIE" right from the start. Is it any wonder that one gets white hot under the collar when one thinks of the cumbersome ambassadorial red tape designed to protect the sacred rights of British subjects who, even if they are not working for the Japanese, are fleeing to the safety of British India as fast as they can flee; red tape that may conceivably bind the only hands that can, by quick action, save our lads from the supreme danger they are continually courting.

(Now I feel a bit better for having had my little say, even though it brings a blunt rebuke, a basket, of raspberries or a bowler bat; it is only fair to add that Clague is being warned that if treachery is at the bottom of these deaths, the culprit should never be allowed to enter the red tape - protected area).

3. When full particulars are to hand I shall write you again on the question of gratuity to families which is sure to arise.    

((Signature: L T Ride))

Colonel,
C.O.,  British Army Aid Group.

Headquarters,    
B. A. A. G.,    
Kweilin, China.    
24. Jan. 43.  
LTR/HMK

Distribution :-
   Copy    No.1 - H.B.M. Military Attache, Chungking.
      "        No.2 - G.S.I.(e), G.H.Q.,    New    Delhi.
      "        No.3 - File.
      "        No.4 - File