09 Apr 1944, Diary of George Gerrard in Stanley Internment Camp Hong Kong

I saw Dr Yasoogi on Wednesday 29th and he is keeping me on yeast daily and I had also to see Dr Talbot about my vocal cords on Tuesday 4th April when he has again as about this time last year proscribed the use of my voice, a very difficult matter. I have practically the same trouble as last year with laryngitis, glottitis, red spots in the throat and a small ulcer on the right cord. I have to have inhalations again.

We received our monthly 25 yen on the 31st March and we were gasping for it but as prices have soared in many cases 100% our little allowance doesn't buy very much and the price of cigarettes are now treble what they were, 45 seen for them and a box of matches now costs 75 seen. Just imagine 3 Hong Kong $ for matches. Soya bean flour is now 7.25 Yen, bean curd 3.30 Yen, Wong Tong 3.25 per 1/4lb.

We had a parade roll call in front of the block. The Japs seem to be very particular about us now and it is surprising so after getting us to sign an affidavit not to escape that they should have special roll calls now both night and morning and also a parade once a week.