English: The Li Wo was built for the Indo-China Navigation Company in 1938 by the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Company, being specially designed and engined for service as a steamer on the Upper Yangtse. She was a small ship, only 170 feet long with a beam of 30 feet and a draught of 7 feet when loaded. After being requisitioned, HMS Li Wo was despatched to Singapore and employed on patrol duty in Malayan waters. She was sunk by a Japanese cruiser whilst in action against a Japanese convoy south of Singapore on 15 February 1942. Her captain, Temporary Lieutenant Thomas Wilkinson RNR, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the action. Of the 76 crew and 8 passengers on board, less than a dozen survived. In addition to Wilkinson's VC, one DSO, one GSM, two DSMs and six Mentions in Despatches were awarded in connection with the action.