Thursday, December 24, 2015

72 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries

72 years ago: Hong Kong's wartime diaries

25 Dec 1943, Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp

Posted: 26 Feb 2012 03:27 AM PST

Book / Document: 
Chronology of Events Related to Stanley Civilian Internment Camp
Date(s) of events described: 
Sat, 25 Dec 1943

Christmas 1943 was not so good {as 1942}. Residential Kowloon had just undergone its worst air raid of the war and planes were overhead nearly every day. Every other house in Tsimshatsui was housing a bomb that had failed to explode. The Gendarmerie reign of terror was touching the Christmas celebrating communities. Christmas at Stanley Goal was far worse than at the internment camps. There was little food and no medicinal alcohol. The news was much better. Nerves were very much on edge and the great majority had discovered that familiarity breeds contempt. The best way to express the latter feeling was by snubbing all invitations for Christmas Eve.

 

But Stanley does its best to celebrate: 'a spice loaf was turned out  by the camp bakeries as a special treat' and the Japanese are asked for something extra and at the last minute donate a little margarine and some tins of beans.

Sources:

Wartime Christmases: China Mail, December 25, 1945, page 2

Loaf, Japanese: John Stericker, Captive Colony, 1945, Chapter X, page 7

25 Dec 1943, Harry Ching's wartime diary

Posted: 23 Mar 2013 02:34 AM PDT

Book / Document: 
Harry Ching's wartime diary
Date(s) of events described: 
Sat, 25 Dec 1943

Alert at noon, but nothing seen.

Christmas Eve kids went to Smiths' for tea. Pastor Neilsen as Father Christmas.

Muriel and two infant kids for tiffin, stayed for dinner with Ella. Sing song. Happy day.

25 Dec 1943, R. E. Jones Wartime diary

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 06:23 AM PST

Book / Document: 
R. E. Jones Wartime diary
Date(s) of events described: 
Sat, 25 Dec 1943

Fine.

Cleaned bathrm's etc.

Everyone full of seasonal greetings.

Peanuts, soy bean biscuits am with Steve, An ample well cooked mid-day meal. Had some real coffee. Block cake somewhat soggy. Sid gave me 2 Pkts. cigs. Much individual cooking of all sorts of food, cakes etc. With Steve afternoon for pancakes, sandwiches & tea with milk & sugar in it. Had to ease top button by 5pm.

Firewood arrived.

With Steve pm.

To bed with full tummy for once.

(Swatow & Amoy captured, Naval battle off Formosa. Combined army ready to attack Canton?)

Jap flag fell at Prison Gate at 3.30pm.
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