Max BICKERTON [1901-1966]

Submitted by David on Sat, 05/05/2012 - 07:24
Names
Given
Max
Family
Bickerton
Sex
Male
Status
Deceased
Born
Date
Birthplace (town, state)
Wainoni, Christchurch
Birthplace (country)
New Zealand
Died
Date

DoB from John Black's list, which gives Mr Bickford's occupation in 1941 as "Interpreter".

Photos that show this Person

Comments

A letter from 'One of the POWs' published in the China Mail on June 8, 1948 expresses disappointment that 'Official Interpreter' Max Bickerton was not among those given an award for services in Stanley.

It says that he was the Japanese authorities' preferred translator and as such was called on at all hours of the day and night. He also translated Japanese newspapers for the internees, which is how they found out about the fall of Berlin.

He wasn't a 'Hongkongite' so got no parcels, accepted no favours from the Japanese for his work, and refused to use the black market. He had no shoes in camp either.

The writer goes on:

'I cannot help feeling that our safety was very much in his hands. He had to plead with the Japanese on our behalf time and again and risk being "slapped"'.