Statement by Mr A W da Roza, dated 1.10.1943.
I returned from Sydney in February 1941, and Mrs da Roza and my youngest son Peter arrived in Hongkong from Sydney in July 1941, after spending a year in Australia where our other three sons are being educated since 1937.
I took a regular course in the ARP in the beginning of 1940. I was a Group Warden during the war in Hongkong and was stationed at Mongkok. On December 11th 1941, I was transferred to Hongkong and reported for duty at McDonald Road Centre. After the fall of Hongkong we returned to Kowloon in February. We decided to go to Macao in November 1942.
In Macao I was asked by the Consul, Mr John Reeves, to write bi-monthly reports regarding the currency situation there. I was not attached to the Staff. I was planning to leave Macao by the China travel Service on 20th September. Mr Reeves offered me the opportunity to join Mr Lessner's party which I accepted. We left on September 10th by junk at 10.00 p.m. and after a somewhat exciting trip we arrived at To Fook on September 11th. On 12th we arrived at Toishan, and then a motor boat brought us to Samfou. We met Capt Wright of BAAG, who gave us all the assistance necessary and provided us with a guide. Before proceeding any further my family and I wish to express our appreciation of the able manner in which Capt Wright and his guide Bill assisted us. We left Samfou on 15th September at 11.30 a.m. by junk, and arrived at Cheong Shing on 16th. Left by chairs to Tin Chuen. On the 17th we left by chairs to Sun Kiu from where we proceeded next morning to Shiu Hing. From Shiu Hing we arrived at Wuchow. Left Wuchow by Tow to Kwei Ping and from there to Liuchow, where we boarded the train the same evening to Kweilin.
We wish to report that we were courteously treated all the way by the Chinese Authorities. In conclusion my family and I wish again to express our thanks and appreciation for the assistance rendered, so far, by the BAAG and the Consul. We are proceeding to Australia where my eldest son Bruno, 19 years, is in the Services - I believe the RAAF.
Signed: A W da Roza, BAAG HQ Kweilin.