Ashmore's boarding orders at Tsingtao

The armed guard aboard St Vincent de Paul had orders to prevent Japanese personnel boarding in strength during the night. Ashmore was to refer anyone seeking access to Birmingham and signal for assistance if they refused to leave. The party included experienced ratings and a signalman, giving the midshipman a means of asking the cruiser for support. He raised the gangway and posted armed sentries. When officials returned after the gangway had been lowered, his revolver was ready but was not brandished. The merchant master declined to advise him, so Ashmore continued to follow the boarding orders and refer the officials to his captain.