Life of British Pre-WW2 | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Life of British Pre-WW2

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Submitted by rebecca34 on Sat, 2013-01-26 12:57

Hi, 

I am interested in learning more about life pre-WW2 (1930s- mostly directly before the war) for British citizens living in Hong Kong. Anything and everything living areas, racial issues, social activites, employment, education. I understand that much information was lost but I would like to find what I can. I am doing research for an article. 

Thank you 

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Submitted by brian edgar on Sat, 2013-01-26 16:03.

Hi, Rebecca.

In my experience the best way to get a feel for (and a lot of concrete information about) the times is to dip into the online newspaper archive:

http://gwulo.com/old-hong-kong-newspapers

The most detailed book I know of is Paul Gillingham's At The Peak which has plenty of material on the issues you mention. Sadly copies for sale online are expensive.  I don't know where you're located, but in the UK I got it from Interlibrary Loan through my public library, which is fine unless you're in a hurry.

Most books about the war have a 'pre-war' chapter (e.g. G. B. Endacott and Alan Birch, Hong Kong Eclipse) although they tend to focus on things that are going to be relevant once the war breaks out so might not be so useful to you.

Where are you planning to publish the article?

Submitted by David on Sat, 2013-01-26 18:42.

Also take a look at the photos in the 1930s galleries. They'll give some extra ideas about life at that time.

Regards, David