5 Feb 1942, Barbara Anslow's diary

Feeling so much better in heart today because we had a piece of fried fish this morning with the rice.  I felt dreadful for 4 days, my cold hasn't quite gone.  Food had been dreadful - one day the meat would have to be thrown away because it was bad, and the rice is still an effort for me.  I have walked into the chocolate which Mr Bailey gave me.

Mrs Hawkett has left us, and we now have Mrs ((Magdalene)) Greenwood, from Stonecutters ((an island in Hong Kong harbour)).  Somehow she managed to bring with her more luggage than about 6 other people put together, including several folding chairs and a supply of candles.  Every night she reads by candlelight when we're all longing for sleep and in fear of getting into trouble by the Japs for having candle on so late.
 
Mabel not yet arrived ((from Bowen Road Hospital)).

We have some Jam and Oxo and a little cheese, but stocks are decreasing daily and there's no sign of the promised store.
 
On Sunday we went to Mass in 'Prison Officers' Club'.

Rumours of repatriation, some say we might be sent to Saigon as a clearing centre, some say Australia, others Canada.   It was in the local newspaper ((printed byJaps in English and a few copies reached camp)) that repatriation of women and children might be done.
 
Olive has written to CSO in camp to see if she and Topper can get married ((her Royal Artillery fiance who was in Shamshuipo camp: they had planned to marry this summer:  sadly, he was sent to Japan and died there.))

Each been given a post card on which we can say only 'safe and well' to send to England etc.