70 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries

There is an official silence period from 12:30 to 2:30 during which time everyone is supposed to pursue quiet occupations and not make a noise, as the majority of people lie down for a mid-day rest. This is normally a good rule for a tropical climate, but here it is additionally advisable as our food (though reasonably good now) is not as well balanced and as good as in normal times, and a rest at mid-day conserves one’s strength considerably. We mostly lie on our beds and read for some time and then perhaps have a nap. Being in the living room of the flat we have a ceiling electric fan, and this has proved a Godsend during the hot afternoons and nights, for our room faces east and so we do not get the direct breeze from the prevailing south-west wind of the hot months.

We arise again at from 2 p.m. to 2:30, (one or other of the Fortescues generally has to arise before this time to attend to Adrian who normally awakes earlier than this.) The afternoons are occupied in various ways: we invite people to tea or are invited out in turn usually for about 3 p.m; there are numerous ladies bridge fours (keeping up the Hong Kong traditions!) though quite a lot of men play too, especially as there is a bridge tournament on at present. Y and I debated for a long time whether or not we should enter, and the list was closed by the time we made up our minds!

There were 30 pairs who each had to play the other at the rate of two games per week, (3 rubbers per match) and the tournament was scheduled to last 3 months. We felt the experience would be good for us though we jibbed a bit at being tied down for quite such a long time, for we can always arrange our own fours when we want to. But we feel a little sorry now that we did not enter - it gives one something to do and something to aim at, even though it is only bridge. Harold and Elsie, Tim and Marjorie have entered for it, though Marjorie’s jaunt to the hospital has somewhat put them out of the running.

I seldom play cards in the afternoon, but occupy myself in writing this diary, doing my personal work such as making clogs etc. or going for a bathe.

We have been to see Marjorie today and her temperature is now normal and she hopes to be out soon. The doctors took a blood test and have discovered a bug which they cannot diagnose, so she has been of some medical interest.

Well, to revert to our daily routine. I might here add that at a tea party the food generally takes the form of milkless and sugarless tea, sandwiches of bread and jam and Melba toast or biscuits or sometimes buns, according to capabilities and stock of the hostess! If no one is coming to tea, we generally get a jug full of tea for the room.