26 Jul 1944, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp
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Kenelm Digby carries out the postponed operation on Jean Gittin's cheek (see July 23). In spite of several injections, the anaesthetic fails to work and she feels 'the pain of every cut and probe'. Digby encourages his patient and spends two hours on an operation that's normally over in 30 minutes. So careful is he in the difficult conditions of Tweed Bay Hospital that the operation goes without a hitch and over time the scar becomes almost unnoticeable.
Uriah Laite is a Canadian padre in Shamshuipo. Today he writes in his diary:
Sgt. Major Rose of H. K. V. D. C., whose wife died at Stanley recently, has been notified that his two children, Dawn and Gerald are to be repatriated to Canada, if homes can be provided for them. Naturally, when ((James)) Barnett and I heard of it, we offered our homes to them, and today I have written the following card to their guardian at Stanley.
Miss Gladys MacNider,
Block 3, Room 17,
Military Internment Camp Stanley
This card assures hearty welcome to Dawn and Gerald, from my family at ((Vancouver address)). This leaves me well and in good spirits. Know you will be happy together. Best wishes for you and fondest love to my family.
Sincerely,
U. Laite
Notes:
1) James Barnett was an English-born chaplain of the Canadian regiment, the Royal Rifles.
2) For a contradiction as to the children's guardian, see http://gwulo.com/node/27638
Sources:
Digby: Jean Gittins, Stanley: Behind Barbed Wire, 1982, 96
