23 Aug 1945, Barbara Anslow's diary

Ena Cochrane ((nee Penney, an old school friend of Olive and I)) had a baby girl, called Fearn. (In 1943 she had a son Alexander Graham).

Clifton's 24th birthday.

Tiffin, fried corned beef on fried bread.  We got weighed.  I was 112 lbs, Peggy 117, Mum 118 (her prewar weight was about 170 lbs.)

Peggy and I sat outside railing above main road and saw a lorryload of gaol prisoners (non-British) go out, cheering.

We each received 12 ozs. demarara sugar - delicious: ate some on bread with margarine.

Bert Millar (Royal Scots officer) came in camp today ((husband of Rosaleen, nee Grant)).

Corporal Harding called to see Mum, he was the Middlesex fellow who was a patient in Jockey Club Hospital during war. ((As it wasn't an Army hospital, the nurses had to hide his uniform when the Japs overran the place))

Tomorrow is supposed to be the last day for visitors, since the Allied troops will be coming soon.

A Chinese 'Linen Boy' came in with a handkerchief in an envelope for each of his old customers, (but before opening up his rattan basket with these, he carefully unfolded and held up a small Union Jack... so touching.)

Professor Digby has put Mabel's name to go on the first ship.

Met Jimmy James from Shamshuipo.

Kids received two more packets of sweets each.

Saw A. B. Allan and Mr. Kaufmann (Naval Dockyard buddies of my Dad's).

Watched troops leaving 9.30pm. They assembled around Ration Garage with friends and relations while their lorries were being used to convey rations to the Hospital and St. Stephens, the children enjoying lifts all the time.  Several cars parked nearby were also invaded by the children, some were also perched on the top of the big gate across the road.

News on notice-board indicates that there is some trouble about Hong Kong - China wants it too; we're told we shall have to be very patient for a good week yet:  I'm worried about what may happen if armed control doesn't arrive soon.

Mr. F. Kelly gave us some peanut and wong tong.  ((Being Police, he had had a trip into town.))

Vague news that Chandra Bose and some high-ranking Jap officers were killed in a plane crash.

Margery F brought Claire van Wylick whom she taught pre-war, to see us (the van Wylicks weren't in Stanley).