The current (Jan/09) issue of Britain At War Magazine (at Indigo) has an

interesting article on the above ship with details of its activities at HK.  Included in it is reference to Major M.A. Parker, commander of D Co. of the RRC, and a photo of a sketch map which he made in his diary showing the then position of the Thracian.

In the text of the article it notes that after the vessel was intentionally grounded on Round Island south of Repulse Bay, and her armament removed, the crew was ordered ashore to assist the Canadian troops and in the course of doing so many were killed  It also mentions that a party including RRC personnel took refuge on the grounded vessel for a couple of days at the end of the battle.  It's well worth a read.

 

-John