70 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries

We're just heating up our first tin of M & V between us - it looks lovely. ((I always assumed it stood for Meat and Veg - though I suppose it might have been 'Mutton & Veg.'  We always referred to it as M & V.))

This afternoon Mabel & I went to Science Block where the Misses Woods live. We had tea under a tree.  They have lost all their mementoes of stage work.  They had the chance of acting with John Bunny and Flora Finch in 'Vitagraph', 'but were quite happy with cabaret work, thank you' - at that time films weren't well established. They had a letter from Mrs Temple (Shirley's Mother). They foretell that Shirley will be a flop if she attempts a comeback.

Their billet is part of a narrow room like a corridor, with a stone floor; their bed is half a ping pong table, kept on the landing.  They share a wardrobe and a small dresser and hotplate, and count themslves lucky to have these little blessings.  They have their meals on a slope of grass in front of the block, with a small tree as shade against the sun.

Hybiscus flaming on bushes across the watergully, and the sea blue beyond, and Chinese putting up barbed wire – the Science Block residents have got to move soon – 38 people to be housed.  Dreadful for them because they know no one will want them.  But Shanghai folk are expected to leave soon so that should make some space.

At tea we had custard and rice and raisins, and sandwiches of lime-and-sugar syrup.  Ages came up; when the twins knew of my birthday they immediately said they would bring me some custard and rice and I therefore invited them; Bendall came along and the twins told him about my birthday so now he's invited too – only hope the food will go round all right.