Barbara Anslow's diary: View pages

Still tired and un-hungry.

Camp full of rumours and news of a truce, armistice and peace.

To choir practice to practise 'Te Deum'.

Fresh rumours have been coming in all day, viz:

• That news came on radio last night that armistice and cease fire was at 4pm yesterday.
• That Kadowaki smashed radio when he heard it.
• That Formosans were given iron rations last night.
• That there were various parties in camp last night (this last is definite - Brother Grimshaw was invited to one: there were 2 RC Brothers in camp, Bro. Grimshaw and Bro. Bonnici)
• That Jap officials have gone into town.
• That the Formosan gurds are running around in civilian clothes.
• That food ships are sailing from Manila as soon as peace is signed.
• That peace was actually made on Monday the 13th.

Latest (at 5.55pm) that Kadowaki is now with Gimson; and that the Formosan guards say the Emperor broadcast at 3 this afternoon and gave orders to prepare lists of internees etc. for embarkation - which we presume applies to those in Japan since it's said to be one of the peace terms.

We were each given a roll of U.S. toilet paper today. ((A very welcome 'first' for 3 & half years; the toilet paper supplied to camp came in large sheets of Chinese buff-coloured paper that had to be cut up)).

All slept badly last night.

No roll call of any description.

Carmen Hailstone (a friendly neighbour) gave us a tin of sugar. Mrs. Lambert, for what reason we know not, came and gave us a tin of York Sausage Roll which we forthwith ate. Margery Fortescue gave us some onions. Our neighbours the Hamiltons also gave us some food ((diary indecipherable here)).

Rev. Sandbach told us the war was over. ((To avoid drawing too much Jap attention, certain camp dignitaries were deputed to announce this news to small groups of people: in our Block lots of us congregated on the internal concrete staircase and landing.))

Our Police went on duty patrolling this evening, mostly their hats their only uniform.

Couldn't eat the Victory Pasty Peggy brought me.

Heard a crowd of Formosans singing gaily as they went up the hill in lorry.

Feel awful, so am in hospital; had some real powdered milk.

Eddie Greenwood and Mr. A. Brailsford drove into camp on fire engine! ((Presumably the only transport they could get, Eddie's prewar job was with the Fire Brigade; he and Brailsford were among the technicians removed from camp some days ago.)) They told us they had to do (physical) work, but otherwise 'did more or less what they liked.' They saw our flags up over Shamshuipo Camp.

We are allowed to write to military camps. I just have to Arthur, Harry Chalcraft, Pat Twitchett, and Charles Pike.

7pm. Still no sign of relieving Army, but this afternoon 3 fellows came to camp in a launch - An Army person, a member of HKVDC (a PWD engineer), a Mr Owens (Wavy Navy). They said the p.o.w. in Kowloon are free and hoisted the Union Jack this a.m. I had a letter from Charles Pike (Shamshuipo, RAMC) on blue paper and sealing wax!

It's said that the Chinese are starving, so as the entire camp can no longer eat rice, ((because better rations were coming into Stanley)), rice etc., contributions were collected and taken in to town. We Redwoods gave away all our iron ration biscuits, but it was no sacrifice at all. Promise of a big sugar ration tomorrow, and an oil ration. 

Am still in hospital with little appetite, am longing for the day when I feel like fried bread, and potatoes.

RAF Plane came over this evening did Victory Roll and dropped pamphlets which fell over the Fort.

Just heard a bulletin saying the atomic bomb and Russia's entry into the war caused the end.

Mabel came to hospital with sugar for me from the Hamiltons, and pineapple  from Margery Fortescue.

Rumour that our men from Japan are on their way to Hong Kong.

It's said that Shamshuipo husbands won't be re-united to Stanley wives for a week.

Dr Kirk has just examined me and said 'no gallstones.'

Still in hospital.

No fleet!

Bulletin says that 100 visitors from town (i.e. Chinese and non-interned) can come in daily, 50 per bus; and that in due course internees wishing to visit town may do so, though advised not to (and only with permission of CSO).

Two radios have been put at disposal of the camp.

No news of our release.

Prisoners (internees) from gaol will be returned to camp.

Dr I. Newton thinks the Fleet won't be here until Monday.

Apparently there's still fighting in Guadalcanal because Japs can't get in touch with their troops.

More corned beef issued today; there's to be more beans, bran, rice, meat, tea & sugar sent in.

11.30am: Report that a launch left Shamshuipo this morning for Stanley with relatives... arrival awaited here any moment.

Mum had a note from Mr. Kirman who is at Central British School (wartime hospital) Kowloon, he was a Naval Dockyard of my Dad's.

A load of sweets came in, we were each given 4 ozs. sugar.

Rumour that Peace Treaty is signed either today or tomorrow.

June Cheape and Clifton brought me a lovely hot sweet drink of ground bean flour, which the Sister wouldn't let me drink because I'm starting Santonin tonight (anti-worm).

LATER: Two poor little half-starved boys have just come into camp and have been put in our ward - James and David Cameron, sons of Muriel (nee Smith). Muriel and her mother and the kids stayed out on Irish passports, ended up in Rosary Hill. They are pale little souls, fair-haired; and the elder (about 5) is thinner than any one I've ever seen in camp. They are well-dressed.

8.00am. The little boys behaved very well and are thrilled with everything. ((Although they had been put in separate beds next to each other, in morning they were found to be together in one bed.))

Again unwanted congee is collected for the sampan people, who are apparently crowding on the Indian Quarters' beach edge, and swapping fish and bananas for clothes.

Late last night, news of another pamphlet which had been dropped, addressed to Allied p.o.ws and civilian internees, saying that the end is near, telling us to stay put and be cautious till surrender of Japan - if we'd had that last week we'd have been thrilled: it was a sort of general pamphlet advising us what to do if the Japs did/did not surrender.

2pm. Half an hour ago, some 'close relatives' arrived in camp from Shamshuipo Camp.

Mrs. N. Hale's husband has arrived (at hospital), he's having tea with her on verandah now.

I witnessed the reunion between the Hamiltons - just as in films, he with his cap in one hand which was round her waist.

(Among the patients in our ward was 'Tommy' - Mrs. B. Tomalin whose husband was in Shamshuipo Camp. Tommy's friend Mrs. Simon-White came into the ward and said 'He's just coming!' We all understood this to mean that Tommy's husband was on his way up the stairs.
'Don't get too excited,' she told Tommy, who wanted to get out of bed at once, but we all insisted she stay put until he arrived. Well, 'he' arrived - but it wasn't Tommy's husband, it was Mrs Simon-White's (also from Shamshuipo.)

After the Simon Whites had left, a disappointed Tommy expostulated indignantly 'Why should she think I would be excited about seeing HIM!'

5pm. Rosaleen's husband came (Capt. Millar, Royal Scots); Bob Cherry, Henry Eardley.

Mabel had letter from Lane of the RS Band, who is the only band member left in camp; some died, some away (Japan) He says Sid (Hale) and Arthur (Alsey) in Shanghai. ((They had been in Shanghai for a time after being shipwrecked on the 'Lisbon Maru' but ended up in Japan.))

I had a letter from Jimmy James, he'd opened my letter to Harry Chalcraft (R.A.) and said Harry went to Japan in 1943, also Topper (Olive's fiance Sam Brown). Jimmy's letter gives vivid picture of how things are at Shamshuipo, they are all longing for a ship.

Tales that our camp isn't nearly so bad as those in Burma and Manila.

We hospital patients had an opportunity to go on lorry tonight to concert at St Stephens, but I decided not to.  Dick came to see me this afternoon.

The little boys are settling down very well in the ward.

6pm. From people (Chinese or non-British) who visited from town, terrible
tales of hardship and starvation; also

• that 3 of our own p.o.ws have been arrested for fifth column work;
• that 3 Taikoo men who died wighed 50 lbs. And under.
• that 2 Americans who are now loose in town were caught by Japs on a nearby island where they've been studying tides and weather and radioing results back in readiness for Allied attack on 21st August with 2,000 planes.

Bishop Valtorta (RC) came, told us he had to sell Cathedral bell to get money to feed the poor.

Some one is supposed to have heard the King broadcasting and saying he hoped to have all his people back in the motherland soon - SO DO WE!

There's talk of a food ship having left Manila last night ((presumably for us)).

Apparently the Peace isn't yet signed, which is why the British and Americans can't occupy Hong Kong yet.

(Still in hospital) Felt very good all day; had corned beef.

Doris Scourse (nurse) and Willy Watson are being married in the hospital office tonight.

Clifford Crofton has come back in camp (technician who married T. Jex the day the technicians left)

There is a Protestant Service here (in hospital) this a.m. Rev. Cyril Brown took it.

Kowloon is noisy with crackers, the visitors said the Chinese are waiting with open arms for the British.

We are told to hang on to old tins, utensils. etc. as there's nothing like that in town.

Shamshuipo Camp are in disgrace because they threw the Jap guards out of the camp.

7pm. Just heard a bulletin dated yesterday which says Jap envoys are now in Manila, having the peace terms conveyed to them; that on 2 occasions US planes flying over Tokyo area since surrender have been fired on; also in Saigon.

That Hong Kong will be taken by the ((?Chinese)) army in Canton area. That all pows and civilian internees will be evacuated in hospital ships available, regardless of flag. That Manila is preparing to receive 150,000 ((?)) persons; that sick and aged will have preference.

No news of pows in Japan as to whether or not they have left yet: there are 112,000 British.

Clement Atlee is Prime Minister.

Siam has un-declared its independence.

Felt very good all day.  We had corned beef, and I am having Santonin tonight.  Congee still being collected to give to the sampan people and the poor.  The kids all got 2 packets of sweets.

Leaving hospital today.

Fishing boats bobbing up and down, close enough to barter their fish through the barbed wire on hospital embankment.

Mr F. Kelly sent me 2 hot baked sweet potatoes which I ate and hope I won't regret.

Messrs. F. Gimson, H. R. Butters, D. Sloss, R Minitt have gone to town today to confab. in Mr Zindel's office (Red Cross official).

All sorts of rumours about what happened to our U.S. parcels, but it seems that the Japs saved the food in tunnels. Rumour that milk, butter and flour being sent in today.

Visitors from men's camps came. (Among them) Charles Pike RAMC. He looked quite well, though pale and hair rather moth-eaten. He brought us (in small paper pokes) sugar & salt; and soup and oil, and writing paper! We had tea of fried sweet potatoes.

We had news of deaths of Naval Dockyard friends in Shamshuipo: Mr Sutton, Mr. Lee, Mr. Egan and son, and Mr. Peckham. Mr Peckham had died just two days ago.

After the meal of fried sweet potatoes, we went to gates to see visitors off, saw Major Grieve (at one time pre-war Mabel had worked for him), and Mr. Harper (Naval Dockyard).

General issue of siege biscuits, and matches and soy sauce.

In evening Peggy Barton & I went to dance at St. Stephens ((the Japs had prohibited dancing in the camp)) to look on from the gallery, but soon went downstairs and had a wonderful time dancing with Dick and Philip Appleyard ((Peggy's friend)). There was a big Union Jack with V through it at the back of the stage, Reg Jenner's band, and Bill Hewitt as M.C. A lot of hot tea available. Radio there, we heard it for first time.

An American announcer who hummed and hawed told us the news summary was for pows and internees in Pacific. Rather depressing.. delays in signing Peace, envoy plane held up....which to our suspicious minds sounds like the Japs up to their old tricks.

Boxer, Foy, Leiper, Roberts, Andersons ((William and James Anderson)) and others imprisoned by Japs (elsewhere) arrived at Central British School (hospital) last night from Canton, and are coming here tomorrow; also the technicians ((that had left camp on 10th August)) are returning.

We've had issued today: 25 cubes of sugar apiece; half a tin of evaporated milk; a tin of Chase & Sanborn coffee between 13.

Meat stew tonight.

Another batch of people came in, I saw Brian Harper of Naval Dockyard ((he and parents and elder sister Joyce had been our neighbours when we Redwoods lived at 98 Kennedy Road in 1929)).

10 packets of cigarettes (Japanese ones) each.

Mum went to Indian Quarters beach and bartered our old clothes and rice for bananas, one fish and 2 crabs!

A list is being prepared of sick and infirm in case a priority list is required.

Reports about occupation of Japan which starts on 26th August and that British Fleet is on its way to Hong Kong; there's trouble because China wants Hong Kong.

To St Josephs meeting in Bartons' room – interesting talk by Mr Barton about his life.

Ena Cochrane ((nee Penney, an old school friend of Olive and I)) had a baby girl, called Fearn. (In 1943 she had a son Alexander Graham).

Clifton's 24th birthday.

Tiffin, fried corned beef on fried bread.  We got weighed.  I was 112 lbs, Peggy 117, Mum 118 (her prewar weight was about 170 lbs.)

Peggy and I sat outside railing above main road and saw a lorryload of gaol prisoners (non-British) go out, cheering.

We each received 12 ozs. demarara sugar - delicious: ate some on bread with margarine.

Bert Millar (Royal Scots officer) came in camp today ((husband of Rosaleen, nee Grant)).

Corporal Harding called to see Mum, he was the Middlesex fellow who was a patient in Jockey Club Hospital during war. ((As it wasn't an Army hospital, the nurses had to hide his uniform when the Japs overran the place))

Tomorrow is supposed to be the last day for visitors, since the Allied troops will be coming soon.

A Chinese 'Linen Boy' came in with a handkerchief in an envelope for each of his old customers, (but before opening up his rattan basket with these, he carefully unfolded and held up a small Union Jack... so touching.)

Professor Digby has put Mabel's name to go on the first ship.

Met Jimmy James from Shamshuipo.

Kids received two more packets of sweets each.

Saw A. B. Allan and Mr. Kaufmann (Naval Dockyard buddies of my Dad's).

Watched troops leaving 9.30pm. They assembled around Ration Garage with friends and relations while their lorries were being used to convey rations to the Hospital and St. Stephens, the children enjoying lifts all the time.  Several cars parked nearby were also invaded by the children, some were also perched on the top of the big gate across the road.

News on notice-board indicates that there is some trouble about Hong Kong - China wants it too; we're told we shall have to be very patient for a good week yet:  I'm worried about what may happen if armed control doesn't arrive soon.

Mr. F. Kelly gave us some peanut and wong tong.  ((Being Police, he had had a trip into town.))

Vague news that Chandra Bose and some high-ranking Jap officers were killed in a plane crash.

Margery F brought Claire van Wylick whom she taught pre-war, to see us (the van Wylicks weren't in Stanley).

Typhoon blowing up.

Flags of Allies are being made in workshop ready for raising ceremony, lamp posts and railing stanchions have already been converted into flag staffs.

Weather far too rough for sampans to come selling.  Much rain and wind, I hope that men don't come in from camps - dangerous: the conveyances are old and ricketty (and only one of the two that set off from here last night had lights, then only one solitary headlight.)
 
6.30pm. No lorries of troops came.

Started to type new story on Mr Fantham's typewriter, because feel the need of taking on a job which will be a fight against time in these days when time seems to go so slowly.

Maria Connolly has had bad news about her Mexican friends and relatives. H. Sequeira (whom I knew through ARP) was among those released from gaol yesterday.
 
The Peace is to be signed aboard U.S.'Missouri' and H.M.S. 'King George V'. 700 miles of sea have to be mine-swept first.

Bulletin says that arrangements are being made for surrender of Hong Kong to be taken by a British Commander and for a British administration to take over.

Also that S.S.Queen Mary; has arrived in New York with 1,000 U.S. prisoners ((presumably from Germany?)); and arrangements are ready at Manila to receive 35,000 pows from Japan.

Heard radio in Clifton's room - gramophone records from Radio (ZBW) Hong Kong!

((Apart from her diary, Barbara also wrote a longer piece today, titled "Is it really true?". She says:

You will see that 'Is it really true' was written on August 24th 1945, 6 days before Admiral Harcourt liberated us. Although I was still writing my diary then, I had this urge to record how things were during the period when we knew the war was over but had no contact with the outside world.

You can read the full text of "Is it really true?" at http://gwulo.com/node/28070.))

Typhoony and rain.  No POWs from Shamshuipo could come.

Olive in bed with colic.  I worked for her in afternoon.

Tomorrow a large Govt. party, including Miss Connie Murray and Nancy Grady (stenographer colleagues) are going into town to start administration in French Mission.

In evening to dance with Peggy and Wendy one of her sisters.

Mrs Hailstone's (Carmen?) wedding anniversary, she gave us some lovely cake.

News on noticeboard is that supplies will be parachuted into Stanley.

Pigs came in ration.

Last night Olive was told to see Mr R. R. Todd (of Colonial Secretary's Office) today. Olive senior to me in the HK Govt, but she was ill, so I went instead.  They want her to work at camp CSO instead of at hospital.  I may go instead if Olive isn't better soon.

2 letters from Charles.

Mum and I went to Fr Hessler's talk on 'The Pope's Contribution to World Peace'.

Crowd of admin. staff going into town today.

Made birthday present for Peggy.

Mrs M. Hassard died yesterday.  Mum & I went to her funeral this evening (Rev. Martin took service).

Mr H. Overy died this morning.
 
Annie and Ronald Rennie now have a room to themselves. ((Since their wedding they had lived in a corner of the verandah of the Van Der Lely family's room in the Dutch Block:  the corner had been made private by piled suitcases etc.)) I smoked a cigarette with her and Abie, then Rennie wnt on Police duty.

Had instructions to work at CSO starting Wed.

Loads of troops from Shamshuipo came in. Saw Mr Hudson, a neighbour when we Redwoods lived in Naval Terrace.

We had LUMPS of meat - lashings.

Mr. Hall visited us ((our pre-war lodger, a colleague of Dad's who came to stay with us after Dad died. his wife being evacuated to Australia.))  One of his eyes is blind as a result of an operation, which can maybe fixed up later. He's been working outside his camp quite a lot, and was with Arthur Alsey, Sid Hale and Topper Brown before they went to Japan.

Large crowd of Shamshuipo folk have just come over by launch.

It is Tim Fortescue's birthday as well as Peggy's, she is 22.

We had raw meat issue - a colossal amount, some we fried.

Radio messages say that food and other supplies have been dropped on pow camps in Japan; the pilots report that some of the men were naked  ((they were probably wearing just fandushis)); it's said they are going to be taken by carrier plane to Okinawa first.

Tale that 10% of Shanghai internees have to be hospital cases.

Lord Louis Mountbatten's Order of the Day to troops who have just won back Burma is that they can't be demobilised as so much (territory) has to be occupied in the Pacific so that places can be cleared up for handing over to the civilians.

Bickley, the blind fellow the VADs (and Mabel) nursed at Military Hospital was brought over and came to visit us.

Spoke to a fellow from Middlesex Regiment who said that Winter was killed in the war. ((Can't remember Winter's Christian name: he was a member of the small literary group I joined in 1940, he was so interested in 'writing'))

Pam Pritchard has had a perm and is being married next week.

Mr Gimson is broadcasting Home tonight, and there are to be messages from Home to us.

Peggy and I played bridge with Dick and Philip in evening.

What a day - didn't even get time to write about it (it's 30th now).

A fighter zoomed over us very low several times - frightened me.

Men arrived from Shamshuipo about 11 am, Messrs Kirman, Gill and Jenkins - all Naval Dockyard  friends of Mum and Dad.  Heard that Topper nearly died in Shamshuipo but recovered and was very fit when sent to Japan; he received Olive's cards in Shamshuipo. ((But he died in Japan))

Also came my Army friends Pat Twitchett, Busty Harris, and Hugill. Rain began to pour down soon after they arrived. ((Pat had been my first boyfriend)). He's 31 now; said that at one time in camp they all had to shave their heads and remain thus.
 
About 1.30pm a big plane came over very low, and started dropping parcels by parachute! The best sight in our lives. The plane flew very slowly and carefully above the Americn Block and the Indian Quarters. The parcels were pushed out - 13 or 14 in all, we were so excited we lost count; mostly 2 at a time, sometimes 3.  The parachutes were enormous, and billowed and swayed gracefully - several white ones, two shades of green, and one scarlet one.

One landed on American Block roof, one in front of the Mosque, and one on Block 13 roof, and several on the white cross on the Indian Quarters green.

One parachute didn't open, its parcel hit the Dutch Block corner (the de Vleeschouwers' room) and most of its contents were smashed.. a yard one way and it would have fallen on the roof where crowds of people were gathered.

The parcels were big tin canisters, greenish like steel cabinets; mostly contained medical supplies, but also cigarettes, sweets and chocolate.  When all parcels were dropped, the plane came back again 3 times, flying even lower than before, almost hedge-hopping over the Indian Quarters, and hardly any higher than we were ((on Married Q plateau)).  The side door was open and a fellow standing up there looking as if he might fall out any minute. It was so rainy and dull that we were surprised the plane came.

Later, we were issued with 'fandushis' (for underpants), matches & cigarettes, and toilet paper.

I had to rush off at 2 o'clock to work at CSO (in Block 2 of Married Q.), so nice to use a decent typewriter again ((the ones in the hospital office were ancient and keys inclined to stick.))

The parachutes were brought in - glorious-looking things.

The boys in the office said they heard Mr Gimson's broadcast Home very plainly, and that he represented the situation here well, saying we want some sort of reassurance from the Allies. We certainly got it today.  Had tea with the boys in office - they provided the cake.

In afternoon, the Fleet came into sight – some of it anyway.  I couldn't see anything but specks against the hills.  

Later, Peggy (Barton) and I helped Audrey (Barton, 19) and Irene Drewery (12) take cooked rice to the Carmelite Convent (a little way beyond camp gate).  It was in a container on a make-do two-wheeled cart, we had to bend down to push it along.   (Father Hessler and other men brought the heavier loads of food). It was quite a long way.

The Convent was lovely - red, waxy-looking tiles, sweet Sisters in black and brown; 14 or 15 little Chinese girl orphans playing around.  Chapel peaceful, the orphans went in and said their night prayers (in Chinese), then to the little room where they eat, sleep and play; it had French windows opening on to a small garden; there was little furniture - 2 large cupboards, a few shelves. All the little pairs of shoes lined one shelf; all the little tin plates on top of one of the cupboards.  The only light was a small blackout bulb.  They sat and slept on wooden boards on trestles, no pillows.  There was a Shanghai tub in another room.  

Most of the children were very thin; 2 had their hair shaved off, the youngest were 5 or 6 years old.   One very sickly little soul called Rosa was almost transparently thin, she wouldn't smile at us. They all - except Rosa - were sucking meat bones with great relish.

We were marooned there for some time because rain coming down in torrents. Came home about 8pm, Father Hessler looking like a typical American lad, in ordinary clothes, his long-trouser-legs rolled up, and a sack over his head.

Back home, Mr. Kelly there with food he'd brought from town - real bread, cake, jam, sweets.. arrangements had been made to have a birthday party for Mabel on 30th.

Dick Cloake called, Olive and I and Elliott Purves went with him to Dick's billet (for a little party). Dick gave me a little taste of some rather nice wine.  

11am: Mabel's 22nd birthday, and Mary Taylor's 27th.

Tens of planes have been over all the morning, some of them zooming frighteningly.  Fleet movements have been seen on the horizon.

19 heavy planes have just flown over us, and most people are up on the roof because they say the Fleet can be seen entering Lye Mun, but I can't see (well enough) so no good going.
 
7pm: Here I am sitting on the 4th floor of the French Mission, overlooking St John's Cathedral!

At 2pm Miss (Grace) Ezra (Govt. stenographer) came and told me to be ready to go to Town at 5pm. So rushed round to see Father Hessler who gave me a blessing.  Peggy (Barton) was running round me all the time, helping.  Mum and Mabel did the packing.  (Olive still not well).

Family helped carry my folded camp bed and meagre belongings down to the Ration Dump where transport was supposed to come, but when we arrived, the tranport had apparently left! While I waited, hoping another transport would arrive, family brought along my share of Mabel's birthday party planned for evning, and I ate it sitting on my suitcase at the road side.
 
Planes were zooming about, then a car drove through the gate, and out stepped the civil servant who was acting camp commandant now that Mr Gimson was in town, (I think he was our Commissioner of Prisons).

'The Admiral will be here in a few minutes,' he called out, 'Tell every one to assemble outside the CSO!'

Everyone in hearing rushed off with the glad tidings, every one but me, I dared not move from the spot in case my transport arrived.  People came running from all directions to get a vantage point outside Block 2, I felt so frustrated that I coudn't join them. ((There are photos of this))

Then in came two cars, the first contained Admiral Harcourt in full fig, and Mr Gimson (who is now Governor.)  Then some Marines on small amphibians all looking so huge and healthy, their white starched uniforms gleaming, and their faces so pink that it looked as if they were wearing makeup.

Now I threw duty to the winds and dashed up the road to join the crowds.   The Admiral made a short speech, short he said because he had get to other places in the Far East.  The National Anthem was sung as the flags were raised.

The Admiral and his retinue drove off and I went back to my station near the gate and found several more government servants waiting for transport, which turned out to be an ancient bus with no glass in the windows, and holes in the wooden floor.  As it drove us away from Stanley through puddles, water splashed up between the floor boards.

Among the passengers were 2 Eurasian teenage stepsons of Mrs. K. Rosselet, an ANS friend of Mum's, they had not been interned but had today been visiting their stepmother. Stubbs Road in an awful mess. The Gap Road flats ((where we Redwoods had lived until the Jap. attack)) had been bombed.  Japanese were visible in Wellington Barracks (Queen's Road).  British sailors were in Naval Dockyard barracks, throwing cigaretes down to Chinese children. We all waved frantically.
 
The bus stopped at the steps up to Battery Path opposite HSBank.  The Rosselet boys carried my bed and luggage up the Path to the French Mission.  (This building had now been commandeered for Government quarters and offices) ((It was outside this French Mission during the fighting that I had been waylaid by an Irish priest was asking all who passed by if they were RC, and offering Confesion and Holy Communion in the building.  I had joined a short Confession queue on the ground floor. ))

I was directed to the top floor, the two Rosselets kindly carried my luggage up to a room already occupied by Mrs. D. Mathias, Nan Grady and Barbara Budden, all Govt. employees.
 
We had dinner downstairs, served by Boys!  Lovely, comfortable chairs with arms; flowers on table; soup, mashed potato, hamburger, fried eggplant.   Sweet course I couldn't face, but had room for coffee with milk and sugar.
 
Listened to radio at 10.30pm, hearing Charles Moorad of U.S. broadcasting from Hong Kong - rather frightening perhaps to families in UK: "You can recognise an internee a block away" i.e., gaunt appearance, sunken eyes etc. ((We didn't think we looked like that !))

There's a huge Japanese shrine on the Peak.

Tim Fortescue broadcast 'Good Night' on radio.

Slept fitfully, heard the bugle call from Naval Dockyard.

Glorious day, planes about, and 3 Chinese are doing shadow boxing in Cathedral porch.  The trams are making their old creaking noises.

Have upset tummy, praying it won't continue lest I get sent back to camp again.

Sent my sugar ration to Mum in camp last night by Joan Walkden who with Lorraine Money had been over to Shamshuipo camp (I don't need it here!)

Lovely breakfast!  

Took dictation from Mr C. Perdue (Commissioner of Police) and Mr T. Megarry (Secretariat).

Dorothy Holloway arrived from camp but rooming at Hong Kong Hotel, whither Nan Grady, Barbara Budden and I visited her this evening.  Rather eerie going out at night. We had an escort back.  ((Can't remember who that was))

((I wrote the following to my Mother in Stanley:))  

'Nonchalantly we read the daily paper while waiting to be served.  Who said that congee tastes like porridge?  I honestly didn't recognise porridge when it appeared, with milk and sugar ad lib.  We also had pineapple, then a fried corned beef cake, with a few chips; there was bread and butter and jam ad lib, but I'm going easy on everything, because I don't want to upset my tummy and be sent back to Stanley!  Being served is wonderful, there are boys even to light one's cigarette, if one smoked; I almost wished I did, just for the luxury of being thus waited on.

Had you forgotten that cups of tea and coffee usually sit on saucers?  I had!  And honestly, I couldn't think what to do with a serviette when I saw one sitting on the table in front of me – then I remembered.   A boy has just come round the office (it's 11am) serving coffee, but all I fancy is a drink of water, as I'm getting up an appetite for tiffin.We can have tea and cake in the afternoon, dinner is between 7 and 8pm.

The Japanese gendarmes are still keeping law and order.  We are quite safe here, and sleep on the very top floor of the French Mission.  The fan is going in the office, and it just seems as if we've never had to shift for things the way we did at Stanley.  The luxuries of the meals are just too too lovely  - last night when first I sat down to dinner,  I was almost afraid to take the first spoonful of creamed asparagus soup with crackly toasted bread bits inside, because that is usually the stage in dreams at which one wakes up.  Would you believe it, I couldn't even touch the sweet, which was pineapple on pastry, and my coffee I couldn't finish because it was too sweet.

Tonight at tiffin time we had peanuts on plates to nibble between courses – only about Military Yen 1,000-worth every two yards down the two long tables!

Just received your note. I hope we do all go to Australia, as you suggest, but haven't really much hope that Olive and I will get away with the rest of you (so busy).  Anyway, maybe we won't be very long after you.  So funny to hear trams groaning past, and dogs barking etc.  But the best sight of all is the Fleet anchored out in the stream.

Mabel was right, I don't need my plate and spoon and mug, and will try to send them in to you,  Planes are zooming over us all day long.  I'm working in particular for Mr. Megarry, but we stenos are all apt to have any work shot at us by any one who comes in.

Did I leave the nut from my camp bed at home?  One is missing – it's the bit that goes on the end of the screw securing the legs. If you find it, perhaps you'd send it.

I learned that the hospital ship is leaving tomorrow and am all agog to know whether you and Mabel are to go too.  We can't ring Stanley unless they ring us.'

Worked busily in morning.  ((The large room on the ground floor of the French Mission became the general office, where we girls typed among telephones and noisy comings and goings of various Govt. people who were working there too.  Some of the rooms on the first floor were offices for our bosses.  The top floor rooms served as billets for us staff)).

A relieving forces fellow (Yeoman of Signals) presented us with two 4oz packets chocolate each.  Sent one packet into family via Tony Sanh.

Letter from Olive saying she's been sent to work at camp hospital again, and that some internees have been in movies which are taken at Stanley.

In afternoon, shopping with Nancy.  We bought Dutch Baby Milk (Yen 100).  In Asia Company ((in Des Voeux Road, our family's pre-war compradore i.e. grocer)) met Mr. A. B. Allan ((Naval Dockyard, a great buddie of my Dad's)) and Mr Ebbage.  Mr. Allan insisted we had an ice cream and a glass of cider with him.  Also at table was Mr Campbell of Royal Scots, he said it's feared that Arthur Alsey may have been lost on the 'Lisbon Maru' ((we learned later that he was rescued)).

Letter from Mum saying that 66 folk are going on the hospital ship from Stanley, she is lying off jetty.

The following is from a letter I sent to my Mother:-

'Mr Allan is moving into the Dockyard tomorrow and has promised to scrounge me some film magazines.  Did you get the chocolate I sent, and if so, wasn't it nice?  The funny thing about town is the lack of traffic, especially buses.  A few stray crackers are being let off from time to time; not many Chinese people about, but quite a number of troops, ex pows.'

(Sunday) Got up early and went to St Joseph's Church (Garden Road) but it appeared to be closed, not even any handles on the doors.  Went round back to Grotto, Our Lady's statue still there and OK.

Knelt on the marble prie-dieu but there were mosquitoes and ants so couldn't concentrate.  There met a man in military uniform, Mr. Sherry (I didn't know him), he said Mass would be at 8.30am but I coudn't stay as due in office.

Very busy in office, even though Norah Witchell from camp is also helping. The phones ringing continuously and one is forever dashing up and downstairs trying to find people.

Bottle of milk each at tiffin and dinner.

Mary Taylor arrived last night and working with Police Dept.

Eric Himsworth is Food Controller and dashed in to get someone (me) to type something, just as I received a note from Olive pleading 'try to get me out of this dump.'  I asked Himsworth if he had a steno, and he hadn't, so he dictated to me a note to Stanley requesting Olive to come and work for him.

Hospital ship 'Oxfordshire' is at Kowloon.

Was given a tablet of soap today.

Our office is moving to Hong Kong Bank building tomorrow.

Surrender signed in Japan today.

Started work on first floor of HK. Bank Building, and this morning scrounged this book (a thin black notebook with headings in Chinese characters; it became my diary).

Olive arrived on the morning bus from Stanley, sleeping and eating at Gloucester Hotel.  She says Stanley meals very poor.

The Oxfordshire left Kowloon Wharf but hasn't departed for good yet.

Things much easier in office as we typists have a room to ourselves, and only one telephone.

Mr T. Megarry's office next to ours (I was working for him).

Olive and I in evening went to Asia Company and had ice cream and cider.  It was good!  Cost us Yen 160 each; also bought 1 lb bread which, with some chocolate we were given, we sent to Stanley for Mum and Mabel, via George Watt (Police) whom we met there.

A sailor was accidentally injured at Stanley, operated upon, and died last night.

Tony Cole is now at French Mission, driving for H.E. The Governor.
 
After dinner, Barbara B and I went for a walk down Garden Road, by Cricket Club and Naval Yard, along waterfront up Pedder Street.  I wasn't very happy, it was getting dark and there was much cracker- firing. Chinese flags out. Roads in bad state, and great stones and piles of earth in the fairway.

'Empress of Australia' arrived in, with 3,000 RAF toops, also another hospital ship.

We town girls received each two 4 oz packets of Cadbury's milk choc, and a pkt of 20 Craven A cigs from parachute supplies from Stanley.  And some one came in office with 4 dozen 2  oz. pkts of Nielson's choc, we had 6 each.

Visited Olive's quarters after work, then she came to see mine.  

After dinner, Nan (Grady), Barbara B and I walked via CSO to Government House, which has been partly rebuilt, redecorated and furnished, massive armchairs and sofas. Really lovely, except for a strange tower on the top.

One part upstairs has been rebuilt as a Japanese residence: a little wooden springboard for taking off gitas and leaving them, then up to a wooden flooring which had some sort of soft material on as well, covered with straw matting; ceilings very low, room divided into partitions by sliding screens covered with traditional paper; small alcoves, a very low wooden table, and small cushioned stools.

Bathroom queer, the bath built-in, but wooden, with a little seat,like a boat.

There was also a little shrine; the floor was sandy and earthy and stony with big stones strewn here and there; a minute pool no bigger than the page of this book, and a kind of confessional and little temple, complete with roof.   Mr. ((S.)) Marvin showed us round.  ((Barbara B had a particular interest in Government House, as she had worked there for H.E. (Governor) pre-war))

Pam Turnbull married R. Sleap.
 
EXTRACT FROM LETTER of 4th September from me to my Mother still in Stanley:

'Hope you enjoyed the bread and butter and choc. we sent.   Olive and I have decided to draw a certain sum of Yen each and buy food right away to send you.  I can get you a jar of pickles for 50 Yen...

Both Olive and I are coatless – what happens in wet weather I don't know.  ((We had left them in the camp)).

Things are rapidly becoming organised, but most of the men are pretty tired, working very hard, with very little rest, and so many of them aren't fit to do so.  Three weeks ago, we would never have believed it possible to do so much in present conditions.

I'm feeling in fine fettle.  Judging by my white skirt I think I've put on a litle weight. Things aren't nearly so hectic now, as in the new offices (HK Bank) we have a typing room to ourselves, with only one phone, whereas in the French Mission, a large number of staff shared one big room and we were always having to answer the phones and chase up and down stairs trying to find people we didn't know...

Our meals have been getting slightly more subtantial these last few days, tho we're getting blase enough to say 'corned beef again!' as if it was rice and stew...

The Chinese are still celebrating with fire-crackers; more and more shops are getting ready to open, by sticking a cardboard notice on their shutters or in the window, with their name.  It's intriguing to see things becoming more and more normal every day...

Still haven't had a hot bath, our ambition is to dine on one of the ships and see their movies - some of our men have done this...

I enclose a piece of paper for reply - don't use it for bridge scores!

Did I leave the nut from my camp bed at home? One is missing, it's the bit that goes on the end of the screw securing the legs?'
((Imagine calling 'Stanley' home!!))