10 Dec 1942, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

10 Dec 1942, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp

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Submitted by brian edgar on Thu, 2012-08-23 22:08
Book / Document: 
Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp
Date(s) of events described: 
Thu, 10 Dec 1942

Vandeleur Grayburn head of the HKSBC, receives a notice from the Japanese Liquidator with today's date:

I have to advise you sincerely that all Foreign Officer (sic) of the Bank at present working under the liquidation and their families should refrain from moving about freely on Saturday afternoons, Sundays or any other holidays, especially during the evenings and nights.

Should there be any necessity to go out, permission must first be obtained from the Liquidators.

I wish to emphasize that this is a matter of serious importance and that should one single person get involved in trouble, all the others will suffer the consequences as a result.

Grayburn got all the bankers at the Sun Wah Hotel to initial the document, having first written on it:

This ruling refers to all times, we are only allowed out for shopping and exercise. French Hospital may only be visited for real necessity not for softball.

Source:

David Tett, Captives in Cathay, 2007, 295.

Note:

I assumed at first that Sir Vandeleur was using 'softball' as a metaphor for casual social interaction, but I've discovered from an unpublished account written by Staff-Sergeant Patrick Sheridan (kindly sent to me by his daughters) that the American Charles Winter organised softball games involving Allied internees and some remaining pupils of the French Convent school in the grounds of the Hospital. So it seems that these games continued after the American repatriation and Sir Vandeleur was speaking literally.

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Comments

Submitted by Admin on Fri, 2012-12-14 12:18.

Henry Ching writes:

Some Third Nationals lived in the complex ((ie the St. Pauls Hospital and associated buildings)). I recall playing there in a softball match, sometime I think in 1944.  The match was interrupted by an air-raid, and all were horrified to see a plane shot down and a parachute descending.  My sisters and I ran home to Happy Valley where we lived.

Submitted by brian edgar on Sat, 2012-12-15 14:15.

Interesting to know the softball games continued and to hear of your participation in them. 

And, as you say, a horrifying memory associated with that game.

Thanks for this.