18 Aug 1945, Barbara Anslow's diary

Feel awful, so am in hospital; had some real powdered milk.

Eddie Greenwood and Mr. A. Brailsford drove into camp on fire engine! ((Presumably the only transport they could get, Eddie's prewar job was with the Fire Brigade; he and Brailsford were among the technicians removed from camp some days ago.)) They told us they had to do (physical) work, but otherwise 'did more or less what they liked.' They saw our flags up over Shamshuipo Camp.

We are allowed to write to military camps. I just have to Arthur, Harry Chalcraft, Pat Twitchett, and Charles Pike.

7pm. Still no sign of relieving Army, but this afternoon 3 fellows came to camp in a launch - An Army person, a member of HKVDC (a PWD engineer), a Mr Owens (Wavy Navy). They said the p.o.w. in Kowloon are free and hoisted the Union Jack this a.m. I had a letter from Charles Pike (Shamshuipo, RAMC) on blue paper and sealing wax!

It's said that the Chinese are starving, so as the entire camp can no longer eat rice, ((because better rations were coming into Stanley)), rice etc., contributions were collected and taken in to town. We Redwoods gave away all our iron ration biscuits, but it was no sacrifice at all. Promise of a big sugar ration tomorrow, and an oil ration. 

Am still in hospital with little appetite, am longing for the day when I feel like fried bread, and potatoes.

RAF Plane came over this evening did Victory Roll and dropped pamphlets which fell over the Fort.

Just heard a bulletin saying the atomic bomb and Russia's entry into the war caused the end.

Mabel came to hospital with sugar for me from the Hamiltons, and pineapple  from Margery Fortescue.

Rumour that our men from Japan are on their way to Hong Kong.

It's said that Shamshuipo husbands won't be re-united to Stanley wives for a week.

Dr Kirk has just examined me and said 'no gallstones.'