70 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries
1 Dec 1944, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp
Submitted by brian edgar on Fri, 2012-02-17 18:08Book / Document:Date(s) of events described:Fri, 1 Dec 1944George Wright-Nooth spots a new face among the Japanese calling the morning roll. Suzy Potts tells him that he's a Roman Catholic priest who the police call 'Father John' and that he's done good work for 'our troops in other camps'. 'This may be so' notes Wright-Nooth with a degree of scepticism.
But as he learns later any scepticism is unjustified. The new 'face' is that of the interpreter Kiyoshi Watanabe, a Lutheran (not RC) pastor, usually known as 'Uncle John'. Without ever betraying his country in any way, this man constantly risks torture and death to bring practical, emotional and spiritual aid to the defeated.
Source:
George Wright-Nooth, Prisoner of the Turnip Heads, 1994, 227
See also entry for December 25, 1944
1 Dec 1944, Barbara Anslow's diary
Submitted by Barbara Anslow on Mon, 2012-04-16 17:59Book / Document:Date(s) of events described:Fri, 1 Dec 1944My 26th birthday.
In the middle of the night there was a BIG BANG, which the camp decided was a raider blasting a gun emplacement on the hillside on the other side of the bay.
Outside roll call therefore no Mass.
1 - 11 Dec 1944, Tom Hutchinson's Wartime Diary
Submitted by barbaramerchant on Sun, 2013-09-15 18:13Book / Document:Date(s) of events described:Fri, 1 Dec 1944 to Mon, 11 Dec 1944
Notes:
2/12/44 - 1¢ ((Cattie)) Oil from Lim (99.20) ((Not paid for))
- 24" Stove Pipe 20.-
4/12/44 - Jeng came with 5¢ ((Catties)) Peanuts worth @ ¥80-00 p. ¢ = ¥400.- ((Not paid for))
6/12/44 - Rec'd Fred's Remitt TT ((Telegraphic Transfer)) to Sarah of Oct. ¥200.- only rec'd today.
11/12/44 - Baked Biscuits for Bea with Dover Stove, using 5¢ Coal. Worked fast well also roasted 4 lots peanuts one lot peas + boiled stew, rice, 6 pots water for bathSupporting information:
01 Dec 1944, R. E. Jones Wartime diary
Submitted by Admin on Mon, 2014-12-22 10:58Book / Document:Date(s) of events described:Fri, 1 Dec 1944Heavy rain early am.
Another new officer arrived. Supposed to be an ex R.C.Padre.
Roll-call 8.30am weather cleared, colder & overcast.
Paper up to 80sen.
Tokyo raided early 30th Nov. No Euro news.
Pork 88Y per catty in town. 2 oz Suk yin issued Y7.
Painted name on Mary’s suitcase aft.
Oil 4oz & sugar 1.09oz issued.
Water on.
North’s notes tell us that air-borne troops landed in Baden in the Black Forest & that at some points our troops are about 60mls inside Germany. The pipeline from India to China is now in operation.
Lorry arrived with fresh fish & canteen gear.
01 Dec 1944, Harry Ching's wartime diary
Submitted by Admin on Mon, 2015-01-26 15:28Book / Document:Date(s) of events described:Fri, 1 Dec 1944((Following text not dated:))
Rosary Hill sung to be cut out. Rice supplied only. Other food cook your own in basement
Upstairs burgled. We didn't know. Bag of rice and charcoal worth Y5,000. We now sleep worse.
Alerts almost daily during December. Mostly daytime.
01 Dec 1944, Eric MacNider's wartime diary
Submitted by Admin on Tue, 2016-11-22 21:26Book / Document:Date(s) of events described:Fri, 1 Dec 1944a.m. Outdoor roll-call
