HMS Liverpool approached without radio transmissions, challenged Asama Maru by signal lamp, and ordered her to stop. When the liner continued at 18 knots, Liverpool fired a blank three-pounder signal round. The boarding party then had about eighty minutes to search roughly 800 passengers, identify some fifty Germans, and choose twenty-one for removal. Flags and flashing light allowed Liverpool to conduct the interception without broadcasting her position to nearby Japanese forces. The operation depended on practiced visual signalling and communications security.
Chapter · 0:58-5:28
HMS Liverpool stops Asama Maru
Follow Liverpool's silent approach, visual signals, warning shot, and rapid boarding of the Japanese liner near Japan.