“Heroic Stand: HMS Peterel’s Captain Defies Japanese Demands, Fights Until Sunk in Shanghai, 8 Dec 1941”
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8 Dec 1941 // Shanghai: Japanese officers board gunboat HMS Peterel to demand her surrender. Her CO, 62-year-old New Zealander Lt Stephen Polkinghorn, replies “Get off my bloody ship”. Three Japanese warships and a shore battery then open fire. Peterel fights back until sunk. pic.twitter.com/dEA5HazQkD
— RN ship losses (@RNshiplosses) December 8, 2023
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On December 8, 1941, a remarkable act of bravery unfolded in Shanghai as Japanese officers demanded the surrender of the gunboat HMS Peterel. The commanding officer of the vessel, 62-year-old New Zealander Lieutenant Stephen Polkinghorn, responded to their demands with an emphatic, “Get off my bloody ship.”
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This audacious defiance by Lt. Polkinghorn set off a chain of events that would ultimately result in the sinking of the HMS Peterel. After the lieutenant’s bold response, three Japanese warships and a shore battery opened fire on the gunboat. Instead of cowering in fear, Lt. Polkinghorn and his crew fought back with all their might.
The battle that ensued was intense and fierce. Despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the crew of the HMS Peterel exhibited extraordinary gallantry and determination. They unleashed a torrent of firepower upon their adversaries, refusing to back down in the face of overwhelming odds.
However, the valiant efforts of Lt. Polkinghorn and his crew were not enough to save their vessel. The relentless barrage from the Japanese warships and shore battery took its toll, and the HMS Peterel ultimately succumbed to the relentless onslaught. It sank beneath the waves, a testament to the bravery and resilience of its crew.
The story of Lt. Polkinghorn’s defiant response and the subsequent battle aboard the HMS Peterel serves as a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by seafarers during times of conflict. It highlights the unwavering courage and indomitable spirit of those who serve their countries at sea.
Today, as we commemorate the events of that fateful day in Shanghai, let us pay tribute to the brave men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. Their selflessness and bravery serve as a shining example to us all, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what we believe in, no matter the cost..
