Arthur joined the Royal Navy 16th May 1923. After seving on the Leander class light-Cruiser HMS Neptune he transfered to HMS Vernon in July 1937 training for Motor Torpedo Boat skills. The following year in August 1938 he joined MTB 10 of the 2nd MTB Flotilla in Hong Kong.

Whilst on MTB 12 with O/C Lt Colls HKRNVR during the daring daylight action against Japanese landing craft on 19th December 1941 MTB 12 took a direct hit with all but three crew lost,. Tel PO Alf Hunt woke up tied up with barbed wire while Arthur managed to swim ashore to Hong Kong Island where he was taken to the Queen Mary hospital suffering immersion.

Upon Hong Kong surrendering to the overwhelming forces of the Japanese on 25th December 1941 Arthur was taken prisoner and interned in Argyle Street untill the cesation of hostilities in 1945.

 

MTB 12 during sea trials at HMS Vernon in the UK 1938

Photo from Lt E M (Mickey)Thorpe RN ©

 

 

 

MTB 12 at HMS Vernon 1938

Photo from Lt E M (Mickey) Thorpe RN ©

MTB 12 in the Kowloon Camber

Photo from the Ross collection ©

MTB 12 on the rocks

Photo from Lt CJ Collingwood's collection ©