Max BICKERTON [1901-1966] | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Max BICKERTON [1901-1966]

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Submitted by David on Sat, 2012-05-05 07:24
Names
Given: 
Max
Family: 
Bickerton
Sex: 
Male
Status: 
Deceased
Birth
Date: 
1901-07-02
Birthplace (town, state): 
Wainoni, Christchurch
Birthplace (country): 
New Zealand
Death
Date: 
1966-11-20

DoB from John Black's list, which gives Mr Bickford's occupation in 1941 as "Interpreter".

Tags: 
WW2: Interned at Stanley Camp
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Comments

Submitted by Admin on Tue, 2013-06-11 15:21.

Brian has found an interesting page with more about Bickerton's life:

http://all-wrongs-reversed.net/2013/03/15/japanese-translator-heroes-max-bickerton/

Submitted by brian edgar on Tue, 2013-06-11 15:48.

A letter from 'One of the POWs' published in the China Mail on June 8, 1948 expresses disappointment that 'Official Interpreter' Max Bickerton was not among those given an award for services in Stanley.

It says that he was the Japanese authorities' preferred translator and as such was called on at all hours of the day and night. He also translated Japanese newspapers for the internees, which is how they found out about the fall of Berlin.

He wasn't a 'Hongkongite' so got no parcels, accepted no favours from the Japanese for his work, and refused to use the black market. He had no shoes in camp either.

The writer goes on:

'I cannot help feeling that our safety was very much in his hands. He had to plead with the Japanese on our behalf time and again and risk being "slapped"'.

Submitted by annpake on Tue, 2022-05-03 20:41.

From The Japan Society of London Bulletin 51 February 1967

William Maxwell Bickerton "Max"   1901 - 20 November 1966 in Hampstead

Passenger List Liverpool to Hong Kong

William Maxwell Bickerton 45 interpreter 76 Queensborough Terrace London W2

Submitted by eurasian_david on Wed, 2022-05-04 03:03.

For a fascinating insight into his life, read this biography

Born Federative Home Commune, Wainoni, Christchurch, New Zealand 2nd July 1901.