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Operational Signals made by
Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Fleet,
on 9th December, 1941.
TO: Force Z FROM C.-in-C., E.F.
Besides a minor landing at Kota Bharu which was not followed, landings have been made between Pattani and Singgora and a major landing 90 miles north of Singgora.
2. Little is known of enemy naval forces in the vicinity. It is believed that KONGO is the only capital ship likely to be met. Three Atago type, one Kako type, and two Zintu type cruisers have been reported. A number of destroyers possibly of fleet type are likely to be met.
3. My object is to surprise and sink transports and enemy warships (before air attack can develop. Objective' chosen will depend on air reconnaissance. Intend to arrive objective after sunrise tomorrow 10th If an opportunity to bring KONGO to action occurs this is to take precedence over all other action.
4. Subject to Commanding Officer's freedom of manoeuvre in an emergency Force Z will remain in close order and will be manoeuvred as a unit until action is joined. 'When the signal "Act independently" is made or at discretion of 'Commanding Officer, REPULSE will assume freedom of manoeuvre remaining in tactical support but engaging from a wide enough angle to facilitate fall of shot.
5. Intend to operate at 25 knots unless a chase develops and subsequently to retire at maximum speed endurance will allow.
6. Capital ships should attempt to close below 20,000 yards until fire is effective but should avoid offering an end on target. Ships must toe prepared to change from delay to non-delay fuzes according to target.
7. PRINCE OF WALES and REPULSE are each to have one aircraft fuelled and ready to fly off if required If flown off aircraft must return to land base. Kota Bharu aerodrome is understood to be out of action.
8. TENEDOS will be detached before dark to return independently to Singapore.
9. Remaining destroyers may be detached during the night 9th/10th should enemy information require a high speed of advance In such case these destroyers are to retire towards Anamba Island at 10 knots until a rendezvous is ordered by W/T.
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