Re: Hong Kong
Part 5
The East Brigades’ numbers were seriously reduced, as the Rajput Battalion had been decimated in their courageous action against the landing invasion. The Brigade now consisted of the Royal Rifles, some companies of the Volunteer Defence Corps, and some Middlesex machine-gunners.
The Royal Rifles were exhausted. Deprived of hot meals for several days, they had to catch whatever sleep they could get in the weapon pits which they were continually manning. During the next three days these same exhausted men strove to drive northward over rugged, mountainous terrain to join with the West Brigade, or to clear the Japanese from the high peaks.
First, they attempted a thrust along the shore of Repulse Bay in the hope of reaching Wong Nei Chong Gap. They managed to drive the enemy out of an area around the Repulse Bay Hotel, but were unable to dislodge the Japanese from the surrounding hill positions, and were forced to withdraw. One company of the Rifles was left to hold the area and a renewed effort to break though on this line would occur on December 21st.
The Brigade then attempted to reach the West Brigade at Wong Nei Chong by a more easterly route. Despite heavy opposition south of Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, the Royal Rifles succeeded in driving the Japanese out a number of hill positions and in destroying a group holding the crossroads south of the reservoir.
The attack could not be maintained. The companies had become separated. They were out of 3-inch mortar ammunition. The enemy was still in strength nearby. Brigadier Wallis decided to withdraw his men and concentrate them in their former positions. The Fighting at Repulse Bay continued, but despite the valiant effort, the area had to be evacuated.
After December 21, no further attempts were made to drive northward, for the troops were depleted, and exhausted, and the reinforced Japanese mounted constant attacks.
At noon December 22, the Japanese too Sugar Loaf Hill, but volunteers from “C” Company went forward and by nightfall they had recaptured the hill. Another company was driven from Stanley Mound.
On the evening of the 23rd, orders were given for a general withdrawal to Stanley Peninsula. The exhausted Rifles were taken out to Stanley Fort, well down the Peninsula for a rest; however, they were shortly recalled for action. The Japanese were mounting pressure which the Volunteer Defence Corps and other available troops were having difficulty meeting. Christmas Day, the Royal Rifles returned to battle when they were ordered to counterattack to regain ground lost the previous night. “D” Company was successful, but not without heavy losses. (continued below)
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