Dearest,
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Death this morning of Hong Kong tramways engineer George Sinclair Rodger(s). He'd been held in the New Asia Hotel before being sent to Stanley.
It seems that there rumours about his death will soon begin to circulate; on December 26 a notice will be issued by John Stericker saying that an enquiry has completely vindicated Tweed Bay Hospital. The enquiry was carried out by Edward Raymond, John Fleming and J. D. Danby. They find that he died of acute Nephritis with beri beri and myocarditis as secondary causes.
Bad news today George Rodger died this morning between 5 and 6am: He had been in hospital for 10 days but we never worried as his condition was not serious. What happened was that one day about 2 weeks ago he woke up and found his face swollen and puffed up. Then the tummy started to swell as well as his legs especially thighs.
About a fortnight ago, Monday 15th I believe is the exact date, we had all gone to bed and lights out at 10 p.m. as usual. The moon was just past the full and had risen at about 9.30. I was practically asleep when Yvonne suddenly said, “Aeroplanes!” and hopped out of bed. I listened and sure enough there was the drone of distant engines. Harold and Elsie joined us on the verandah and we heard the planes passing right over head.
Fine, warmer.
Rogers died am. Cardiac beri-beri. Buried 6pm.
Chow late due to coal.
With Steve pm.
Meatless day.
Activity in N.Ts.
I really should feel thankful and happy - I have been passed by the Japanese - some 34 of the men have to go up for another medical exam tomorrow so things were not so certain after all. Funnily enough I never had any doubts that I'd get away with the first party, since a doctor said in my presence, forgetting that I had it, that the anaemic cases were the most urgent to get away, even more urgent than T.B. cases. I wish, however, we could get a date fixed and get on with it. I was busy last night going over the list noting up particulars etc.
Fine.
Got back my passport, renewed by Gimson.
Parcels in town for us, we are to be all repatriated by the end of the year?
With Steve pm.
James O'Toole in Shamshuipo hears back from a friend in Stanley:
Signature from Alan Barwell for the yen I sent. He is quite well.
The Gripsholm steams into New York Harbour 'with all lights blazing'. Many passengers join in a chorus of 'God Bless America' as the ship passes the Statue of Liberty.
Sources:
Christ Church reunion party
Fine.
Saw Hargreaves but he can do nothing for me due to lack of funds.
Played softball pm v M.Qs. Won 14-16. Choir practice 5-6pm. Steve to practice at St Steph’s. Saw him after.
Zindel to send telegram to Geneva re serious food situation.
Yesterday’s repatriation rumour all tripe.
New Moon.
((The following were repatriated on the M S Gripsholm - this report was completed on November 30, 1943.))
From M S Gripsholm repatriates.
Report by:
My 25th birthday.
Raid at 3.50 p.m.
OBJECTIVE: Bomb Tai Koo dockyard and HK & Whampoa dockyard
TIME OVER TARGET: ~2:00 p.m.
AMERICAN UNITS AND AIRCRAFT:
Just before 10 a.m. the Gripsholm is guided by tugs to pier F in Jersey City. At 12 noon the passengers start to come down the gangplank, but before they can leave they’re interviewed by military and FBI agents looking for spies and collaborators. The interviews take so long that two hundred passengers, including Emily Hahn and her daughter Carola, have to spend another night on the ship. Thirty repatriates are taken to Ellis Island for further questioning.
Big air raid while I with Kotewall in China Building Full of glass. Felt very nervous. Big explosions. Home to find family very scared. Paper says ten planes. Alleged twenty P40s protecting bombers and seven shot down. Mrs Amy Madar killed, George Manley's sister from Shanghai. Connie Lum's sister nurse in Matilda also killed. Taikoo 200 casualties. Kowloon a mess. Hillwood, Kimberley, Cameron, Granville, Canton Roads. Two dud 200 lb bombs in Hillwood Road in Kowloon.
Wrote music all day.
Raid at 3.50 pm Kai Tak direction. No opposition. Fine. Another raid 5pm.
With Steve pm.
(Guff as heard. HK to be retaken by 8th inst. Women & kids to leave 20th inst. & general repatriation next Jan.)
Here's how the raid is reported in the following day's Hong Kong News: