The Escape of the 2nd MTB Flotilla

Lt Alexander Kennedy R.N.V.R. [MTB 09](Glasgow)

Lt Kennedy gained a "Mentioned in Despatches" for his action in Kowloon Harbour on the 19th December 1941

Kennedy wrote Hong Kong Full Circle 1939 - 1945 but could not get it published so he had 500 copies published privately.

He was back in Hong Kong aboard HMS Pioneer in 1945 and went ashore for the unconditional surrender by the Japanese on 16th September.

The Crew of MTB 09 at Waichow on 29th December 1941

MTB 09 Crew from left to right

Back Row: A/B; Penny, A/B; Leslie Gurd, Tel; Harold.P. Hill, A/B Robert Hempenstall

Middle Row: Mechanic; Charles Foster, L/S; Coxswain William Schillemore,"Mentioned in Despatches" L/St; P.O. Ronald J.C. (Jez) Priestley, "Mentioned in Despatches"

Front Row: Sub-Lt; Tommy Brewer, Lt; Alexander Kennedy [CO] "Mentioned in Despatches"

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the Officers enjoying a day out in Kweiyong with their female hosts who were from Shanghai. Sub-Lt David Pauncefoote Legge in the centre lived in Shanghai and spoke the language, and so was the interpreter.

On the right is Lt Alexander Kennedy of MTB 09, the author of the privately published book "Hong Kong Full Circle"

Kennedy carried the lead cast crest of MTB 09 all the way across China and back to the UK after his 1st Officer Brewer abandoned it a few days into the march.

 

 

 

Kweiyong 26th January 1942