Diary pages from this date

On the 24th September, 1945 we were taken from the camp to the Manila Docks. We could see the total devastation of this part of Manila, which had suffered severely in the fierce fighting, which had taken place prior to the Japanese surrender. We boarded an American naval transport, loaded not only with ex-POWs (American, British, Dutch, etc.) but a large number of American troops returning to their homes. The accommodation was in triple tier bunks. There were so many on board that we all were split into two groups, one lot could use the bunks while the other was on deck.

After the conditions of the past few years, even this could not spoil our happiness on finding freedom again. Plenty of good food and sunshine made us all put on weight. The Americans did all they could to make our voyage pleasant. Our thoughts at this time were very confused. After years of deprivation and brutality, we were suddenly in a world of plenty with freedom of movement. It was difficult for us to adapt to our new way of life. We had been cut off for so long from any news except the barest scraps. We heard words like: G.I., D-Day, atomic bombs, Coke, pin-ups, etc. It was a new language we had to learn.

Haven't been on Flight Deck much because pretty windy. Sat on sponson most of morning with Doreen (Leonard) and Clare Vam Wylick.

We were allowed 5/3d spending power in the canteen. I bought ovaltine, washing soap, choc and fruit salts.  There were also cigarettes which could be bought at the expense of the sailors' rations - they agreed to have only half they were entitled to so that we might have some. Gradually getting into things English, I now have 2 shillings and a halfpenny, just glimpsed how the English life will become the normal, and HK$ a thing of the past. Have a few regrets.

Terribly happy on board, and trying to remember all the time to thank God, whatever may happen, for giving us all this - freedom, a ship, and time to enjoy ourselve and relax, and to be going HOME, however long it takes.  It's said there's a 75% chance of our going all the way to UK on this.

Grand happy film in evening, Gloria Jean in 'She's My Lovely'. ((The film was orriginally released in America as Get Hep To Love.))

Cecil Harcourt gives a press conference and offers an honest but down-beat view of his administration's achievements:

As yet we have been unable to do much more than maintain law and order, protect life and property, and round-up and disarm the Japanese....The real trouble is that he has neither the men nor the resources to do anything more.

He points out that no-one expected the sudden collapse of Japan, and when it happened the Fleet was engaged in planning for further military operations, and it was hard to suddenly have to do something completely different. The government workers interned in Stanley came out and did a fine job, but many of them have now had to go home ((to recuperate)). Adminstrative personnel are on their way from Britain but have not yet arrived. Supplies of coal from Australia are expected soon but shortage has hampered attempts to restore normal services. Firewood is another problem, and efforts are being made to get some from Borneo.

It's not all gloom though. The rice situation is adequate, and the Colony is managing to feed 18,000 destitutes. He hopes to send the 22,000 Japanese prisoners home soon -  because they're taking up valuable property and, even though they get no more than is legally required, they are extra mouths to feed.

Chief Justice Atholl MacGregor has been greatly weakened by the privations of Stanley - he will die on the voyage of repatriation. Nevertheless, he played a full part in the resumption of British sovreignty, and today he acts as coroner from his bed in Tweed Bay Hospital. The inquest is into the death of Herbert Winkfield Jackson, killed by a shark on Sunday evening. Flying Officer C. Kelly, the Medical Officer at Camp H.Q., states that a faint pulse was discernible when he arrived at the beach but Lance-Sergeant Jackson had died before arriving at Tweed Bay Hospital. Captain and Mrs. Braude also give evidence.

Source:

Harcourt, Inquest: China Mail, September 25, 1945, 4

Osprey light abeam 7.43. Anchored in roads at S. entrance to harbour 10.45am.

Nothing doing whatever. Why did I leave you G pal-o-mine.

REPATRIATION NOTICE

No. 5

1. The Stanley passengers mentioned in Notice No. 4 should assemble at Stanley at 10 a.m. on TUESDAY, 25th September, 1945.

2.    The Hongkong passengers should assemble at Queen’s Pier at 10 a.m. on TUESDAY, 25th September, or, if residents of Kowloon, board H.M. escort carrier “STRIKER” direct at HOLTS Wharf at 10 A.M. Tuesday.

3.    The following additional passengers should also embark at 10 a.m. Tuesday:—

STANLEY

Mrs M. F. Taylor, Miss H. Ezra, Miss K. G. Grant, Mr J. Burford.

HONG KONG

Mrs Florence Wong and daughters, Miss G. Ezra, Mrs K. G. Grant, Mrs F. V. Tichopad.

REPATRIATION OFFICER,

Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank

Building, 1st Floor.

(Tel: No. 39642).

24th September, 1945.

Published on p.4 of SCMP for 24 Sep 1945.