08 May 1943, Diary of George Gerrard in Stanley Internment Camp Hong Kong

Late last Saturday night the Chinese Supervisor came and handed me 50 Yen from Hoo Cheong Wo of which I gave 5 Yen to N.D.M., H.S., C.W.C. and T.M ((probably George William Craig and Thomas MacIntyre)) and 15 Yen to D.B.B. This gift of H.C.W. is very acceptable and most useful to us just now, as the Jap authorities have told us they are holding back our allowance because instructions have not yet been received from Tokyo and also because the Jap Government are not giving their own internees in other countries any allowance, which looks as if their exchange is not of a high standard, it of course is not.

After a few days freedom from blackouts we are again in the throes of having no lights and bed at 10 o'clock. However the weather is very fair and warm, but fortunately on our side of the building there is a nice cool breeze and I still sleep with a blanket on me. We are also able to go about without a shirt on and just a pair of khaki shorts and so my legs and body are getting very tanned.

The news continues to be very good and it is grand to know that the North Africa affair is nearing and end. Today's news indicates that it is really all over.

Another batch of people have come into the camp on Friday. Mrs Selwyn-Clarke and sanitary inspectors, doctors and bankers, 18 in all and they have been accommodated in 'D' bungalow near to us and are feeding with our block. They are glad to be in here as conditions in town are pretty hopeless. Of course they are more lucky than us in being able to bring all their clothes and goods and chattels whereas we only had what we stood up in. However I am never jealous of these people as the corner we went in made it so that we were fortunate to get off with our lives.

The bathing season has commenced but I don't go a shower does me. Hatton the head of the Foreign Officers and representative for the camp has said in a bulletin that all letters have been delivered. We know that this is nonsense, and it looks as if the residue of the letters have been burned or consigned to the wastepaper basket. However we'll see.

I'm glad to say I'm still keeping fit and in good health and my weight is about 172lbs. D.B.B. and I were at J.Fs' tonight for our usual cup and yarn but in view of the early blackout we came away early. My letter to you was handed into the C.S.O. office on Tuesday 4th May and I hope you get some day.