Royal Navy Mobile Malaria Hygiene unit

Submitted by Harry4acres on

My father, a RN gunner, sailed to Hong Kong from Australia on HMS Vindex arriving August 1945. He was involved in the liberation of Stanley Internment camp and never forgot the dreadful scenes he witnessed. He remained in Hong Kong until late 1946 working in the RN Mobile Malaria unit . I understand some of the Japanese guards at the camp were placed in work parties supervised by the RN then taken to clear the area around the south of the island. I have several photos of dad with these Japanese which I will upload to the site if of interest. Dad also took a camera from one of these guards with an underdeveloped film and on having them processed revealed some of the brutality that took place. I have found it difficult to find out about this RN unit and would be grateful if anyone can provide further details. I have had the pleasure of meeting up with 2 of the Barton family that were interned in Stanley, Dan and Rosemary but although very interested in my photographs could not enlighten me anymore. I have twice traveled to Hong Kong and really love the place as I know my dad did. This is a fascinating site, so pleased I gave found it.

China Mail 14 February 1946

The work of the Mobile Malaria Hygiene Units after the war is covered in an article in the China Mail. The Royal Navy were responsible for removing the menace of malaria on Hong Kong Island. Please see here

Hello Harry, thanks for writing in. By chance I was at Stanley today, visiting the sites that formed the WW2 internment camp there. We noted the corner of the block where the flags were raised in 1945 when the RN arrived.

Yes please, I'm very interested to see any photos from your father's stay in Hong Kong, whether of Stanley or out and about. Here's how to upload a photo to the site:

https://gwulo.com/node/2076

Let me know if you run into any problems.

Regards, David

My dad was in the Royal Navy and from a letter posted date of 10th March 1945 was in R.N.B. Sydney, N.S.W. Australia but i know he served in the Malaria Hygiene Unit Number 7, Mess 24 in Hong Kong, but unfortunately this postcard is all that survives and not the envelope to date it.  Is shows a Panorama of Hong Kong and on the back it is printed: Specially made for The Graeco Egyptian Store, Hongkong?

Can anyone shed any information on the Malaria Unit number 7 of Mess 24?

Hello Graham 
My dad left Sydney in August 1945 on the carrier HMS Vindex to Hong Kong , he had been in RN base Sydney and RN hospital  Sydney 
When in HK he was in RN Malaria unit number 9 

I have several old photos of his unit in HK and with his work party and would be happy to send to you in case your dad is on them 

My email address trudy@tcrew.co.uk

Regards 

Trudy Crew 

Hello Trudy

 

Thank you for your message, i have just applied to the MOD for his service records, and hopefully will list the ships he was on and where etc.  That would be fantastic if you could, i have photos of my dad from 1950 and one in his naval uniform and upto his untimely death in 1967.  My mum passed away recently and she would not talk much about the past, and we were hoping to find more information when we cleared her home, but nothing, so any photos you are willing to send, thank you.

Hello Graham

If you let me know your email
address I will send you the photos I have 

Regards

Trudy