70 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries

7am Mass in Grants' room (Block 2, Married Q), then outside utside roll call, followed by a general address outside Block 2, where Married Q. people and Blocks A1, A2 and A3 assembled.  (A4 and Dutch Block went to Indian Quarters for their address.)

Lieut. Kadowaki, looking like a member of the foreign legion with khaki flaps attached to his little cap with 1 star on, Mr Max Bickerton (our interpreter) and Mr Gimson stood on tables - Kadowaki had a table to himself.

Kadowaki gave some explosive words in Japanese which Bickerton translated in a low voice to Mr Gimson, who relayed message to us.  First of all, Lt. Kadowaki referred to 'the raid 2 days ago by American planes', and expressed sympathy to us for damage and particularly to those injured. Remainder of the lecture concerned bowing.

We were told that after the bombing, the Adjutant from the Governor's office visited camp and commented that we, particularly women, were lax about bowing.  Lieut K appreciated that our customs are different from theirs, but we must oberve the bowing, otherwise - much though he regretted it - Kadowaki would have to take action.

He then summoned a small Jap soldier who demonstrated the model salute

• (a) to a soldier wearing headgear
• (b) to a soldier not wearing headgear.

He showed us how to bow, beginning as if the head is going to drop off completely, but stopping suddenly as if it was controlled by clockwork ((that is my description)). Then we were dismissed at 10.00am.

Card from Marion Woolard (Kent, a school friend).