10 Apr 1943, Diary of George Gerrard in Stanley Internment Camp Hong Kong

Glad to say that the weather has taken a turn for the better and is much more pleasant, nice and warm and sunny. J.F., D.B.B. and I went for a walk round the camp on Sunday evening. J. F. and I had been to the 4 o'clock church service. 

Later J.F. raised the question of the 50Yen with me and said he didn't wish to interfere with what I did with it, it was my money and I could please myself so I gave 10 Yen each to the five Taikoo people in the room with the injunction not to say anything about it. All were highly delighted as it means being able to buy eggs or sugar and bananas when they are next on sale and helpful if we drew a tab in the canteen. D.B.B. and I are very fond of bean curd and soya sauce and we buy at each opportunity.

The American Community (14 in all) have received a telegram from Cordell Hall expressing sympathy and extending good wishes . Bob Young got a letter on Tuesday from his wife in which she said that she and the children had left Victoria for Toronto. I think both for the kiddies education and company. Also Mrs John Fleming And Mrs Penn had gone there too. N. Meffan is the lucky lad for he also received two letters from his wife making about six letters from Australia and one from Elma at home so he is fortunate and looking for more. However J.F. and I are hopeful that our turn will come soon.

I went to the concert tonight but it was a poor show. Last night (Friday) D.B.B. and I went down to F Bungalow having coffee and our usual crack with J.F. 

On two days this week we received Australian frozen mutton as rations, not very much but a welcome change from fish. Beef seems to be impossible to get and what little the Japs get into the colony is of course required for themselves.

There is very little news but it would appear that the North Africa affair should be cleared up very soon. Here the days pass quickly fortunately. I always have plenty to do being on the ration business all forenoon arriving here mostly between 12 and 1 o'clock, have my chow, then do a spot of washing of clothes, then myself and possibly collect other stores, affairs about the block and the afternoon is gone. However Nell I keep well and cheery and longingly hope to be with you soon.