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23-24 December 1941
1st Patrol
The entry in Fearon’s diary said one launch was prepared and armed with A/A L.M.G. mountings and that at 0700hrs on Tuesday 23rd December, after working through the night completing the work on the launch, the Patrol set off on its first mission.
However, Richardson’s diary entry for this date said that two large diesel launches (Customs Dept), each towing a small boat, left at 1130hrs for Blanja Bridge at Parit.
The morning consisted of an uneventful journey upriver and continued until midnight. Destroyed several craft and sank others and then returned to Telok Anson. Several aircraft
flew over. HeavyJap bombing of Parit and area. On guard in two-hour shifts all night. Proctor fired Tommy-gun at one craft which would not stop.
On the 24th, set off for Kg. Pasir Gajah20. 1145 Proctor hurt by exploding .22 detonator. Attacked by Jap planes (2 He 109; 4 Me 110) from 1000 -1145. Bombing, diving and machine-gunning. There were several near misses from bombs (50 lbs) and one inch cannon shells, but neither personnel nor ships were hit. Good luck for us.
In Walter’s diary for this event (although he thought this was the 25th rather than the 24th) he says we were attacked by 6 light bombers Proctor, Whyte, Richardson and self very near miss on our launch. Afterwards through jungle fired on from air.
The planes spent another three hours in the vicinity evidently looking for us. I was on a 30 foot launch with Yusuf (Malay Regt) and two Malay drivers and we were attacked also. Did not feel perturbed or frightened, just cool and alert. Stayed at Kg. Pasir Gajah until 1500 and then returned to Telok Anson.
Two bombs burst just ahead (standing in stern of craft and exploded just off stern; no damage) and burst of machine gun fire. First craft (launch) had two near misses which sent water aboard.
O'Callahan shot down one Japanese plane with Sten gun at Kampong Lambor Kiri. (Boat) engine had cracked cylinder head and was rapidly losing oil. This ends a rather lively day. We have the honour (?) of being the second contingent of the 1st Perak Bn FMSVF to see action. Picked up three Gurkhas, remains of a section from Parit. Recce plane over ca 1400 – 1500hrs. Fired a few machine gun rounds and put Police into a panic.21
Reference
21 P4: Richardson’s Diary
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