Harry Auguste KELLER [c.1889-1962]

Submitted by Admin on Sat, 03/23/2013 - 20:17
Names
Given
Harry Auguste
Family
Keller
Sex
Male
Status
Deceased
Born
Date
(Day, Month, & Year are approximate.)
Died
Date

Harry Auguste (also spelled August) Keller was the Swiss Consul in Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation.

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I think this entry could possibly be Andre Keller, married to my great aunt Ethel.  Both were in Stanley.  Spelling of his surname varies on different records/documents from Koella (original spelling) to Keller to Kella.  He was born in Switzerland in 1885 and passed away in Australia in 1946, if it is the same person.

Hope this is of help,  Judy Bercene

 

Hi Judy,

Thanks for your message. Here's the section of Harry Ching's diary for 1 Sep 1943 that mentions Keller:

To Foreign Office for new passes. Fears not realised. Eurasian not nationality but we use it. Mavis Xavier unsettles by saying some people altered Eurasian to British and will get Red Cross relief plus chance at repat. To Red Cross to enquire. Reception cold when I say have Eurasian pass. Suggest I see Keller since Swiss are looking after British interests. Keller says British evac in offing but no info of Australian.

So the Swiss nationality is a match. However Harry Ching was not in Stanley, so if Andre Keller was in Stanley at this time, I don't think it will be the same person.

Please do you know when Andre Keller was interned?

Regards, David

Hello David,

I was of the understanding from family members that Andre and Ethel Keller were in Stanley, but probably not.  Instead somewhere else in Hong Kong.  Their days in Hong Kong were never spoken about so very little is known about this time.  Not sure if I can be of much help.  I am researching Ethel and Andre.

Kind regards,  Judy

 

Hi Judy:

Andre (Master Mariner) and Ethel Kella were in Stanley Camp and were in Block 5 Room 4. I'm mot sure whether they came in with most others in Jan 1942.  I will check this out. Best rgds,  Philip Cracknell

I am not sure if related to Capt Andre Kella (aka Keller) but according to HK Govt Gazette of 17 Jan 1941: It is hearby notified that Mr Harry A. Keller Honary Consul for Switzerland at Hong Kongresumed charge of the Swiss Consulate on 9th Jan 1941

Best rgds,  Philip Cracknell


From Ancestry:

Harry A. Keller (c/o Ed. Keller & Co., HKG), age 51 (born c. 1889), Swiss nationality, departed Hong Kong and arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii 6th September 1940. Final destination of 'Honolulu' and 'San Francisco' both crossed out. 

 

Passenger List Hong Kong to Hololulu arriving 6 September 1940

Harry A Keller c/o Ed. Keller & Co.Ltd. Hong Kong, Suisse aged 51 Hong Kong Government

Carl Smith Card 114907

Harry August Keller died in Zurich 25 June 1962 managing director of Ed. A Keller & Co.Ltd Hong Kong. For many years honorary consul for switzerland until 1948. Transferred to Hong Kong from Manila. Born 1889.