New Zealander Laurie Reuben (L.R.) Nielson moved to Manila with his American wife Annette (known as Bumpy) during the first half of the 1930s. He organised a group of investors to build Nielson Airport in 1937, the first commercial airfield in the Philippines. After the ((Japanese occupation of The Phlippines)), Annette and their two sons were interned in Santo Tomas, but L.R. was taken to Hong Kong and never returned. At the end of the war the only part of his business empire that remained was the airport tower.
Mr. Nielsen’s apparent involvement in acquiring the wood for the coffin of fellow internee Sgt. Flaherty of the HK Police, who died in captivity, makes interesting reading!
The wood, which came from doors etc. in the camp, was acquired at the request of Sgt. Flaherty’s widow. Both the latter and Mr. Nielsen found themselves in trouble with various authorities for their actions, it would seem.
Comments
The book Angels of the
The book Angels of the Underground: ... has the note:
New Zealander Laurie Reuben (L.R.) Nielson moved to Manila with his American wife Annette (known as Bumpy) during the first half of the 1930s. He organised a group of investors to build Nielson Airport in 1937, the first commercial airfield in the Philippines. After the ((Japanese occupation of The Phlippines)), Annette and their two sons were interned in Santo Tomas, but L.R. was taken to Hong Kong and never returned. At the end of the war the only part of his business empire that remained was the airport tower.
Laurentz Reuben Nielson 11 February 1901 - 9 December 1957
Passenger List Southampton to New York arriving 4 August 1933
L. Reubin (sic) Nielson (sic) 32 Broker Nationality British. Race of People Irish. Born Christchurch New Zealand
Annette Nielson (sic) 38 Nationality British. Race of People English, Born Grey, Ohio USA.
Laurie Reubin (sic) Neilson (sic) Nationality British Race of People Irish. Born Manila
All gave Manila as last place of residence
Passenger List Shanghai to Honolulu arriving 20 March 1940
Laurie R Nielson (sic) 39 mining executive born Christchurch New Zealand
Annette Nielson (sic) 41 born Ohio USA
Laurie R Nielson (sic) 9
All three gave their nationality as "Great Britain" Only one child listed.
Ancestry Public Tree
Laurents Reuben Nielson born 11 February 1931 Christchurch New Zealand
Annette Elizabeth Nielson nee Perkins born 21 November 1889 Grey Iowa died 11 January 1974 Ventura Claifornia
Philippines Deaths and Burials
Laurentz R Nielson (sic) died 9 December 1957 Manila
Sgt Flaherty’s Coffin
Mr. Nielsen’s apparent involvement in acquiring the wood for the coffin of fellow internee Sgt. Flaherty of the HK Police, who died in captivity, makes interesting reading!
The wood, which came from doors etc. in the camp, was acquired at the request of Sgt. Flaherty’s widow. Both the latter and Mr. Nielsen found themselves in trouble with various authorities for their actions, it would seem.