21 Dec 1941, Additional notes

In the northern sector, the Japanese had pushed forward vigorously at Mount Nicholson and Black’s Link, and by 8.15 on the morning of the 21st, were dug in on the Eastern slope of Mount Nicholson.   

The enemy followed up this success by attacking strongly down King’s Road while they directed a heavy mortar fire on to the Naval Yard.  Another enemy landing in force was made at Causeway Bay (and a section of No 6 Portuguese Company HKVDC, in Watson’s factory, was cut off).  By noon the enemy had made considerable headway along the north shore and every gun in the Naval Yard had been knocked out.

On the 21st, an attempt was made by troops in the Stanley sector to link up with troops in the northern part of the island.  No 1 company HKVDC formed the vanguard of the attack, with their carrier platoon ahead, and Canadian Rifles in support.  They moved out along Island Road at 9 a.m. towards Tytam Crossroads, the first objective being Red Hill, the peninsula separating Tytam Bay and Stanley Bay.

On the night of the 21st a message from Repulse Bay Hotel said the troops there were retiring that night on Stanley and if those on the Ridge could join them by scouting the hills they should do so before midnight.  The main body of troops on the Ridge left after dark but the majority failed to reach Repulse Bay.

((Source - a dramatization of the history of the Hong Kong Volunteers, which was broadcast over Radio Hong Kong on 31st May 1954 as part of the HKVDC Centenary Celebrations))