20 May 1942, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp
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Mrs. Davies (Block 3, Room 14) writes to her brother-in-law, the Rev Jock Davies, in New Zealand:
Internment Camp, Stanley, Hong Kong, May 20th 1942.
Dear Jock,
You will be wondering what has happened to us during the six months we have been interned on Kowloon and here. At first I was very unwell, but have improved in health after recovering from that malignant malaria. It was found that the common form persisted, quinine now keeps that in check.
Time passes quickly: washing, mending, making garments from odds and ends, reading. Many old friends are here. Frances, Alistair, Jack, very good to me. Exceptionally cool season. Food sufficient for my appetite. Occasional parcel from kind Hong Kong friends welcome treat.
Haven't heard of Dad since February. Had been taken home after short internment Shameen. Was well, busy. May have been sent Shanghai. Probably still Canton, with Red Cross people.Cheung-Chau trees gone, home uninhabitable. Wish we could hear from you and Pamela; both are in our thoughts daily.
Cheerio! Keep smiling, pray on. Greet relatives and friends. Best love.
(Mrs. H. ) M. T. Davies
The International Welfare Association/Committee hands out khaki shirts, handkerchiefs, tennis shoes, soap, porcelain cups and toilet paper 'in very limited quantities'.
Father Allie, of the Maryknoll Order, suddenly gets permission to go to the French Hospital (St. Paul's) for X-Ray treatment.
Sources:
Letter: http://www.cnac.org/emilscott/davies01.htm
Comments and a very clear scan of the original can be seen at this site.
Welfare, Allie: Maryknoll Diary, May 20