09 Dec 1941, Lt. L D KILBEE HKRNVR WAR DIARY Dec 1941

Busy morning — refuelling, checking engines, depth charges, torpedoes,   bilges,  ammunition. Made arrangements for collecting rations from base food store. Two air raids in vicinity during  morning.

Two casualties brought in by 26 from “Indira“. Obtained paint from dockyard, finished up with effective camouflage using combination  of browns, greens and yellows plus some old fishing nets.

Enemy opened up dive bombing attack on vessels in Aberdeen Harbour.

Few casualties minor damage only - mostly to “Cornflower“.

Enemy planes fighter-bomber type - radial engine - retractable under carriage. Not very fast but quite maneuverable. Temptation  to open up before plane in range. Considerably hope to get over this soon, once we get used to sighting and gauging planes distance. Bombs dropped smallish and could be seen leaving the plane.

Can't get any news of the fighting on the mainland except from daily paper, which says we are doing well - somehow doesn't seem convincing enough. Off to sea at dusk with 10, taking up position  as striking force. 

Set deck and W/T watches. Quiet night though gun fire could be seen and heard away to the North.

Returned co base at dawn. So ends the second day.

(Note: Before proceeding to sea at dusk, receive recognition signals  and letter for the day).