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

Busy morning - lousy breakfast - this holding back on food is ridiculous. Heavy bombing and shelling by the enemy — he is now shelling the Aberdeen area   — from the   direction of   Wong  Nei Cheong.  I hear he has advanced to the heights flanking both sides of Wong Nei Cheong - also he has got into the Repulse Bay area - if that is   the case, Stanley will be cut off.

Just received order to take "French" out to East Lamma Channel   and rescue crew of "Cicala" which is sinking from hits received from enemy bombing planes. I hope John is O.K. - so at last "Cicala" succumbs to the enemy - well she put up a fine show.

Just left the pier when No. 10 returned with last of "Cicala's" personnel, so returned.

Casualties very small - 1 killed two wounded. 1st Lieut. of No. 10 wounded in the leg by shrapnel. Told by C.O. to join No. 10 as 1st. Lieut. - marvelous - how I have been longing to get back into a boat again.

Hear John is alright but sent off to hospital.

1st. Lieut. of 10 fortunately not badly wounded. Handed over keys etc. of "French" to S. N. O.A. and reported her in good running condition. My crew victualled in the school. The C.O. very kindly gave me leave for the night, so that I could go along and see my wife. I borrowed an old Morris Minor and after a very rough ride (on two flat tyres) eventually reached Queen's Gardens - leaving the car there,  I prepared for a stiff climb up the Peak Road. Heavy Shelling of Top Peak Tram Station and Barker Road. Lay under a nullah until the shelling ceased. Met some of our troops who warned me not to go on as they believed enemy troops were about - however, decided to risk it - eventually reached the War Memorial Hospital. Amazed at the destruction around. Heard from Evelyn that they had been having a rough time of it the last two days. Saw the youngster. doing fine, had a good meal and slept in the hospital. Returned to base - had a bite of breakfast in town on the way back. Called in the Queen Mary, saw John and Alec M - left message from his wife.