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Lieutenant Commander Gordon Bruty.
(Photographs courtesy of Lieutenant Commander Gordon Bruty).

Sabang and the Japanese Surrender.

The Flag Story.

Version 1.

By Petty Officer James C. Irvine.

HMS London approached Sabang and we were forewarned by Captain Symonds-Tayler
that the Japanese could not be trusted. Therefore, we would have to enter
the harbour at action stations, meaning that guns would be closed up. We
were also warned by the Captain that the perimeter of the harbour was defended
by 9.2 inch guns which were trained on the entrance to the harbour. Because
the situation was extremely sensitive, the London could not anchor.

The Japanese General commanding the garrison had been instructed by Admiral
Walker to approach HMS London as it was about to enter harbour, and he would
be flying his ensign. Having entered the harbour London would allow the General
to come on board for the purpose of signing surrender documents. In the meantime,
Royal Marines and a Naval contingent would be landed to take over the garrison
from the Japanese.

Having arrived on board London, (I was standing on ship's side just below X
turret on the upper deck and was in full view of the General as he boarded
London) it was ascertained by Adm. Walker that the documents were incorrect
and the Japanese General was sent back to shore. Whilst the Japanese General
was back at his headquarters, someone stole the Japanese ensign from his
boat. As soon as it came to the General's attention that this had occurred,
he sent a signal to London warning the Captain that he would not return to
the ship to sign any surrender documents until his ensign was returned to
him. Having received this signal, the troops were recalled to the ship and
the ship was placed on full alert. The  Captain broadcast to the ship's
company that this was a very serious situation and if the ensign was returned
within the hour no further action would be taken. If not, the ship would proceed
to sea and a thorough search of London would be instituted. The ensign was not
returned within the hour and subsequently a search of the ship was made.
After so long, the ensign was found in the Gunroom (Midshipmens' Mess) and
as a result of this, all Midshipmens' leave was cancelled until the London's
return to England.

The ensign was finally returned to the Japanese Headquarters and the General
returned to the ship with the correct documents, and the Marines re-landed to
take over the garrison. HMS Racehorse (Destroyer) which was in company with
London was detailed to escort the Japanese troops through the Malacca Straits
to Penang on the Malayan Peninsula where they were interned.

The irony of the situation was that the Marines who landed to immobilise the
9.2 inch guns found that all these guns were made of wood and obviously
presented no threat after all.

Version 2.

By  Chief Petty Officer Graham Bramley.

The surrender was signed about a mile off shore and the time agreed for the ship 
to enter harbour. As the document was being signed a seaman shot down the gangway,
lowered the Rising Sun flag, rolled it up and returned to the ship. A few hours
later the Jap commander of the Dutch East Indies returned on board with his entourage
in full dress uniform and demanded to see the Captain. He informed the Captain that
the missing flag had been presented to him personally by the Emperor and he could not
return to Japan without it. He continued that it was a matter of honour and that
unless it was returned he intended to commit ritual Hari Kari on the quarterdeck,
hence the dress uniform and entourage with their Samurai swords.
 
The Skipper apparently got on the tanoy and announced to the crew the ultimatum
presented to him. I'm told he said "I don't care if the bugger kills himself or not
but would the person who's got the flag get up here quick with either it or a bucket
and mop to clear up the mess". The flag re-appeared.

Engineroom Landing Repair Party.

Back row left to right.
Gordon, 'Happy' Holiday, Bob Gillespie (Engineer in Charge), ?, Lawrie Bailey.

Front row right to left.
Lawrie Blackmore, Jim Coe.

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