Nearly a month of the new year has gone by, and not a word written. Events are moving rapidly. Last Sunday HK had her first "carpet bombing". 55 tons (600 craters) dropped between the Fleet Club & Naval Dock Yard. Only a matter of days for fall of Manila, Germany by the 15 Feb. No word of Dad or Emile — I feel I shall never see Dad again. Emile perhaps. Rosie is looking after me. A noticeable feeling of tension - the Japs are preparing the defence of H.K. ! Trading has literally ceased - goods can be delivered to canteens. A few buildings in the camp has been converted to storerooms for boxes of paper. Delivery of veg and fire wood for the past fortnight is scarce and irregular. 150 men left today on a working party, to an unknown destination, and were told to take change of clothing, blankets etc. Great speculation. Black market, cig are now practically unobtainable, cost between ¥10/15. I sold my Red Cross blanket & odds & ends, rec. 300 ??? ((unclear)) and a cotton blanket.