"Red Roofs" [c.1934-c.1954]

I well remember visits to Red Roofs in 1940 when it was the residence of the Tipple family (page 64 Lost in the Battle for Hong Kong).  I understand that Mr. Tipple was the Chief Engineer for KMB at the time. The Tipples were married in St. Andrew's Church on Nathan Road. Dorothy Tipple had two children about my age, Lesley and Berry. Lesley, Berry's sister, is presently living in Christchurch in the UK, and Berry is retired from Qantus living in Australia.

I woinder if this is the same Red Roofs?

Yes Liz, because Mr. Tipple also seemed active in Kai Tak. I think he was also involved with Gilman Motors. I can obtain more detailed information from Lesley in the UK if you wish. I recall the house was located on quite a large parcel of land, and they had a permanent Fah Wong taking care of the grounds. I was very impressed with their pond full of gold fish and Lesley used to love looking at the "Amah" on the distant hill. I was about 8 years old at the time. 

The following advertisement appears on page 5 of the SCMP for 6 Dec 1935:

FOR SALE.—“Red-Roofs”, N.K.I.L. 1360, Diamond Hill, seven-room European residence, detached servants' quarters, modern conveniences, hot and cold water installations, electric lighting, telephone, extensive grounds, 33,000 sq ft., including full size tennis court, flower and vegetable gardens, pergolas, aviary and pool. Motor drive from Sai Kung Road. Please apply to Messrs. Way & Hall, Architects, Kayamally Building.

Hi Liz, I was in touch with Lesley Kilvert (nee Tipple) and asked her if she could share any of her experience  when she was living in Red Roofs. She is not sure if she can find any photographs but believes they are sparse. I guess your interest is for historical puposes, just in case she asks? Bob 

Yes, I well remember being in the mddle of small vegetable plots managed by the surrounding villagers. There were the odd huts scattered around the fields. Very countryish. Lesley had very fond memories of those days. Their fah wong also managed a small vegetable patch for the household, but of course no night soil was in use, except for those further away. Yes, it was very quiet and located not far from the RAF base at Kai Tak. I'm not sure, but I think Mr. Tipple might have been with the RAF and demobbed in Hong Kong? They were originally from Guernsey, and grandfather was a lighthouse keeper working for the government. He also drove a car which of course impressed many people. The fah wong used to walk Lesley and her brother, Berry, a little distance to the bus stop which took them to school at DGS (primary grade). When I used to visit Red Roofs it was after my mother died in 1939, and in 1940 the family were evacuated to Australia and came back in 1945/46. I remained stuck in Hong Kong for the duration of the Japanese occupation. Roy Kilvert, Lesley's husband, was a career civil servant and had retired before 1997. He recently passed away in the UK and Lesley is still working things out. 

Yes, I knew that. After the familiy evacuated to Australia, Captain Tipple went to Shanghai on some military assignment. Before the Japanese attack in December 1941 he was on his way to Australia. He didn't stay long in Australia as the war was heating up in Malaysia and Burma. In Calcutta he was involved in a road accident with Royal Navy personnel, and was killed. That's why he was buried in Calcutta as it was known at the time. Your investigation is quite correct. 

The Tipple family returned to Hong Kong after the war. Dorothy Tipple went to Shanghai to claim family records left behind in care of a police officer when the war started, but was unsuccessful. Returning to Hong Kong she became confidential secretary to Legal Council of the Hongkong Shanghai Bank until her retirement to Bournemouth in the UK. Berry returned to Australia and worked for Qantas and Leslie married Roy Kilvert in Hong Kong. Now you know the rest of the story.

Cheers,

Bob