The men sleeping in Stanley Prison hold an impromptu concert. They enter the prison singing, led by an improvised band: a few men have real instruments (an accordion and a mouth organ), others use combs, while Sergeant Kinlock has turned his bedding into a drum.
A furious 'Japanese executioner' (probably Hirano) attacks the accordion player (Geoffrey Watson), who manages to avoid being harmed by his blows. The Japanese examine the accordion, perhaps believing it to be a bomb.
((Following text not dated:))
Rice ration terrible. We pick out stones and turds.
Leaving permits suddenly issued to people who previously refused. Easier if not returning. Must be careful to state this.
Cholera inoculation campaign in full swing.
Black-outs nightly. Much shouting lights out. Rumoured American aviator came down at Kwai Chung. Reported thirty planes approached Taipo but were driven off.
Rain & cold wind.
Our good news is all true.
((G.))
Mr V. Benwell and (Police) Dixie-Beale came back from x-ray. Mr Benwell gave me two French books the Sisters at St Paul's gave him when he was there.
Mabel's pulse up so Dr. wouldn't let her out this evening.
News that Churchill had church bells rung in England because of victory in Egypt.
Mrs Drown played tonight, started with the 'V' sign, then church chimes because of victory.
$10,000 jewel robbery Block 2
Rain & cold wind.
Organisation for distribution of I.R.C. bulk stuff completed.
Brown, Thompson & Raymond appointed Bulk committee. ((There are several people with each of these surnames - not sure which one he's referring to.))
((G.))
Frieda Salmon has lent me a dictionary of girls' names. I've hurt my eyes starting to copy it.
There was a theft yesterday in Block 2 - Mrs E. Tollan and Mrs Simmons lost 25,000 prewar HK dollars' worth of jewellery.
Mum won an egg in a draw. Food came from godowns.
Rec'd egg with comps. of Welfare
Lots of people had letters from UK/Australia, but none of our family did.
Had hot drink of Nestles Milk and water - delicious.
Choir practice this evening, Father Murphy (Canadian) took it - Adeste Fidelis and Peaceful Night in parts, for Christmas.
Japs have order distribution of food ((presumably bulk Red Cross stuff)) to stop for the time being, but St Stephens and bungalows have already had theirs.
Large mail arr’d from England & various parts of the world.
Rain & wind.
Solomon Isles Battle finished in our favour. All going well elsewhere.
Saw Willcocks re P of W Exch.
((G.))
Mabel (finally) came home from hospital today. ((Note the word 'home'!))
We ate half a tin of bacon tonight, half a tin of liver pate, and a small tin of tomatoes - a delicious fry up eaten on Mrs K's table borrowed for the occasion. ((It was Mrs K's table (tiny) because she was the first occupant of the room where it was.))
Rumour of big naval victory for us by Solomons - Churchill said 'another Jutland.'
Lots of babies have dysentery.
Rained all day.
All news good.
Coffee with the Raymond’s. ((Not sure who. The same as Raymond mentioned on the 16th?))
((G.))
We tried to work out how much back pay we'll get when we're let out ((of camp)) by end of this year. I would get $3200 (£200), Olive £380, Mabel £63 - Grand if we DO get back pay! ((We did))
Rumour that some more letters are in town being censored.
Lots of folk at choir practice in evening. Fr Murphy conducted it.
The Woods' twins are going to give me a Roget's Thesaurus.
Better day.
Outside the wire, wet shirt.
((G.))
Vague news that Mr Budden is in Bowen Road Hospital and going blind. ((Mrs M. Budden and daughter Barbara were in Stanley. Mr Budden had been a Naval Dockyard colleague of my Dad's, was in Dockyard Defence Force so p.o.w. in Shamshuipo, with his son Gilbert who was HKVDC. The Buddens were our neighbours when we Redwoods lived in Naval Yard quarters, Naval Terrace, Queen's Road. Tragically, Mr Budden and Gilbert both died in Shamshuipo)).