Peggy (Barton) arrived today and is to work for Medical Department pro tem.
Eileen Grant's American boyfriend ((F.N. Merritt Jr.)) who was repatriated in 1942 has re-appeared.. swept into camp in the middle of her engagement party to Lewin Benn ((who'd been in Shamshuipo Camp)). Now Eileen and Merritt are engaged.
Clifton appeared in office looking very nice in white shorts and shirt ((his camp wear was usually just khaki shorts as in the photo of him grinding rice with another internee)). He brought me things from Stanley.
Olive acquired alot of umbrellas from her office, we have been dishing them out to all and sundry, sent 2 to Mum and Mabel. Peg & I went to Asia after office, had cider and ice-cream. Lots of fleet there, also Mr. Pine and Mr. Hurst, dockyard colleagues of my Dad, (they'd been in Shamshuipo) and had 2 more ice-creams each, with them, the men had beer; great to see Mr Pine tucking into a plate of steak and onions and chips.
The Fleet men are big and pink and fresh, clothes beautifully white. One large Irishman kept saying 'Shucks!' every time we tried to explain how difficult it would be for us to come on board his hospital ship which is said to be the finest-fitted hospital ship in the world.
The Asia Co. has now acquired a gramophone; amid loud chatter, Chinese boys dashing around, sailors everywhere, clatter of plates etc. from kitchen; different flags displayed inside the entrance to the shop.
Peggy and I then went to Olive's room (in hotel); she had acquired in her office, shoes, lovely housecoats, hankies, diaries! Haven't eaten any choc today (except Una's fudge) – mouth still sore.