The University of Hong Kong's Professor Gordon King has been working in Free China since his escape in February 1942. Today he sends a message to the British Colonial office:
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Sore tummy today due to eating fermented Wong Tong.
Fine, warm.
Excellent news. Finland capitulates 1st. Air war in Pacific intensified.
With Steve pm.
Temp 102. Took asp. & sweated plenty.
Birth of Lydia Elizabeth Veriga.
Source:
China Mail, September 15, 1945, 3
Note:
For information about the Thirwell and Veriga families members of the Yahoo Stanley Camp Group can consult:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/stanley_camp/conversations/topics/2…
See also:
The war news is simply stupendous. There is a rumour, which the Chinese newspaper announces, that our troops have entered Saarbrucken, the first town on German soil. Anyway, we know they have gone through Arras, Donai to Mons in Belgium, and have reached Sedan further south. The southern army in France have chased the Germans out of Lyons now. The German retreat has developed almost into a rout.
OBJECTIVE: Staggered single-aircraft night raids to bomb targets in Canton area
RESULTS: Ten B-25s bomb town of Samshui. Damage is unknown, but the bombing ignites two large fires. One B-25 drops bombs on Canton in vicinity of Wongsha railroad station.
TIME OVER TARGET: ~10:05 p.m. on September 06 to 1:25 a.m. on September 07
AMERICAN UNITS AND AIRCRAFT: Eleven B-25s from the 491st Bomb Squadron (341st Medium Bomb Group)
AMERICAN PILOTS AND AIRCREW: Lt. Sussdorf
Birth - to Eileen Thirlwell, a daughter (Lydia Elizabeth) (& J Veriga)
((Barbara Anslow: Re The diary entry re Veriga and Eileen Thirwell. She was known to us as Aileen not Eileen. I think they married. Lydia was their child.))
((MacNider cleary writes "J Veriga", but the initial should be "V".))
Still upset. Temp 102.4, More aspirin & more sweat.
Air-raid over Taipo way 1am.
Temp. up all day but I don’t think it is anything serious.
Steve came up pm.
In Staff sweep for Armistice day I drew 30th Sept.
Fine hot day.
News good & Germany’s collapse is expected at any moment.
Borrowed a collection of “Life” mags of 1940 and very interesting they were.
Blood test reveals no malaria.
As usual, rumour has outstripped fact: our troops are not yet in Saarbrucken; but they are not far off.
OBJECTIVE: Fly nocturnal sea sweep mission to detect and sink Japanese ships in the South China Sea.
RESULTS: A small patrol boat is attacked near Hong Kong, but all four bombs miss. The aircraft commander opts to drop his remaining bombs on the oil tanks at Lai Chi Kok during the return flight. However, the bombs apparently fall to the north of Lai Chi Kok. According to the BAAG, they strike a reservoir and temporarily disrupt water supplies in Kowloon.
TIME OVER TARGET: ~2:05 a.m. on September 8
OBJECTIVE: Staggered single-aircraft night raids to bomb targets in Canton area
RESULTS: Three B-25s bomb the Chungshan University area, causing fires and secondary explosions. Three B-25s bombs Tien Ho airbase and nearby godowns, and one B-25 bombs White Cloud airbase. Five B-25s hit godowns and other facilities in Canton area, igniting a number of fires.
TIME OVER TARGET: 10:50 p.m. on September 07 to 2:20 a.m. on September 08
AMERICAN UNITS AND AIRCRAFT: Eleven B-25s from the 491st Bomb Squadron (341st Medium Bomb Group)
Mrs F. E. Hyde died (cancer) leaving Michael aged 6. Her husband was among those executed in October 1943. Lady M. Grayburn is looking after Michael, her husband died in Stanley Gaol in May 1943.
Veronica Ann Reddish born.
Florence Eileen Hyde dies of cancer. More than one internee believes that her tragic death is in part due to her husband's execution on October 29, 1943. Her young son, Michael, is adopted by Lady Vandeleur Grayburn so continues to live in Bungalow 'D'.
OBJECTIVE: Staggered single-aircraft night raids to bomb targets in Canton area
RESULTS: Two B-25s drop incendiary bombs on the Chungshan University area, causing fires and secondary explosions. One B-25 bombs Tien Ho airbase and two more bomb nearby godowns. One B-25 bombs White Cloud airbase.
TIME OVER TARGET: ~11:33 p.m. on September 08 to 12:58 a.m. on September 09
AMERICAN UNITS AND AIRCRAFT: Six B-25s from the 491st Bomb Squadron (341st Medium Bomb Group)
AMERICAN PILOTS AND AIRCREW: Captain Hunt
Lovely clear night, moon up at Midnt.
Plane over about 4am & dropped bombs over Taipo way again.
Japs at HQs seem to take raids as a matter of form now, no panicky yelling etc as was usual previously.
Bulgaria requests armistice of Russia, Soviets approaching Y-Slav border & East Prussia N of Warsaw. Allies hold line Louvain to Sedan. Allies N of Antwerp & up to Dijon & attack towards W. Italian frontier.
2 pkts cigs issued.
Yesterday we had news that a few hours after Russia declared war on Bulgaria, that country sued for peace with the anti-axis powers! Also liver was just sent in from the Dairy Farm cold storage! It had completely thawed out by the time it arrived in camp and had to be cooked straight away. Hitherto these Dairy Farm goods have arrived still frozen, so it seems to indicate that the refrigeration is giving out.
For sale - 1 x 5lb tin jam (light plum) Y500!
Jenner
Pearson
Fine, hot.
Cut grass, chopped wood, posted my card to Marj.
Finished door jamb for Rita.
No rations arrived. No more cigs, factory idle due to lack of power or that is their excuse anyway.
Sanitary system in jeopardy.
No Euro war news in todays papers. Bulgaria severed dip. relations with Reich & Italy.
With Steve pm.
Poor meals today due to lack of rations. Japs admit that vessel bringing food from Canton was bombed. Hungry as hell tonight.
Rations arrived 8pm. veg. only.