The Escape of the 2nd MTB Flotilla

A/B Edmund Hamilton Brazel T516 from Wolverhampton

 

Eddie Brazel was employed by Jardines when he joined the HKRNVR where he served on HMS Cornflower and escaped in C410 with Commander Montague R.N. and joined up with the MTB escapees at NanAo.

Eddie had been assigned to C410 as 2nd Engineer after scuttling HMS Cornflower. At the point of escape the 1st engineer declined and went ashore to await his fate leaving Eddie to master the engine alone. Eddie while being familier with the "National" diesal engine as Jardines were the agents was not that familier with it.

Photo from the Brazel family collection ©

On arrival in Kunming the Jardine agent took on all the the Jardine staff with the escape party.

Eddie wrote a very detailed account of the escape in C410 and the trip through China in a letter to his brother Bill.

 

Lt Collingwood, Sub-Lt Brewer, Warrant Officer Wright, & Lt Ashby with ratings. A/B John (Jack) Holt 3rd from the front row left & A/B Eddie Brazel is front row right.

 

Photo from Ron Ashby's collection ©

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Hide the son of SPO Buddy Hide & Donald Chan the son of Admiral Chan Chak at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the spiritual home of the HKRNVR in December 2009 admiring the ships crest of HMS Cornflower on which Eddie Brazel served. The ships launch was used by the escape party when they were shot up in Aberdeen channel on Christmas day 1941.