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"'.
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Max Bickerton
Brian has found an interesting page with more about Bickerton's life:
http://all-wrongs-reversed.net/2013/03/15/japanese-translator-heroes-max-bickerton/
A letter from 'One of the
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"'.
William Maxwell Bickerton 1901 - 20 November 1966
From The Japan Society of London Bulletin 51 February 1967
William Maxwell Bickerton "Max" 1901 - 20 November 1966 in Hampstead
Passenger List Liverpool to Hong Kong
William Maxwell Bickerton 45 interpreter 76 Queensborough Terrace London W2
For a fascinating insight
For a fascinating insight into his life, read this biography
Born Federative Home Commune, Wainoni, Christchurch, New Zealand 2nd July 1901.