Escape from Hong Kong - The Final Hours

Lt D W Wagstaff H.K.R.N.V.R. [ MTB 26]

MTB 26 was last seen stationary with a lone Lewis gun blazing away off North Point on 19th December 1941

Remembered with Honour

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MTB 26 was ex Kuamintong CMB Kuai 19 purchased from the Chinese Navy in 1938

Photo from Lt C J Collingwoode's collection ©

For more information on Donald W Wagstaffe click here.

Willy Wagstaff and fellow officers referred to the highly tuned thoroughbred boats of the Hong Kong Coastal Forces as the "Hong Kong Costly Farce"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTB 26 alongside HMS Robin

 

Photo from C J Collingwood collection ©

 

 

 

 

 

19th December: During the night and early hours enemy troops began landing in the North Point area. MTB's ordered to attack enemy landing craft. MTB's 07, and 09 led the attack, sinking one landing craft, and inflicting heavy casutitleies on a number of other enemy craft. 07 was hit twice in the engine room, killing a stoker, and the telegraphist who administered first Aid. Both boats returned to base. MTB's 11, and 12 were next in, 11 withdrew but 12 pressed on and received a direct hit on the bridge, killing the C.O. Lieut Colls H.K.R.N.V.R., and the 1st Lieut, Sub Lt G. McGill H.K.R.N.V.R. MTB 12 was last seen crashing into the sea wall on the Kowloon side. MTB's 10, 26, and 27 ordered to return to base. For some reason or other 26 missed the signal, and continued the attack. 26 was last seen stopped under heavy fire from the enemy and became a total loss. O.C. Lieut D. Wagstaff and Sub. Lt J. Eager and crew presumed killed. (Subsequently  confirmed)

 

Lieutenant L.D. Kilbee H.K.R.N.V.R.

August 2000