1-x-45

My dear:

We are nearing the double tenth on which date China is to celebrate her release from Japan, but will we be home on time? We are already hearing that if the second party leaves on Saturday it will be lucky.

Of course I anticipate on leaving en bloc - 2 trains could easily follow one after the other.

In any case we drew our stove today. It has been so cold & wet and Sid is in the depths of despair I couldn’t resist insisting that an iron stove would be a good thing even if it clears up by tomorrow the evenings are sufficiently cold enough to warrant a fire. Had a spot of bother about it as Sid whilst carrying the stove on his shoulder, dropped the rings etc. and I was prompted to ask him if he had the complete stove upon seeing a grate lying on the top of a spare stove. He affirmed all was right, when we got home and he started putting it up saw to his dismay that the existing grate was broken. So, despite bad temper and all, he had to go and get another. It was to be quite an undertaking as he had to try and find Ron Chapman, then the key to the Labour Office, in order to get the key to the store room where the stoves are kept. However he was unsuccessful in locating Ron and fortunately he met Dick Burje who gave him an old one. But to his further ire when he returned home he found I had gone to Marshes to cut out parachutes for the alley.

Everyone received one section out of the 28 sections of one whole parachute. We had 5 yellow sections, so far I haven’t decided what to do with it. It’ll be a big enough job for one to find a place for it in my baggage.

Mihailoff tells us that when he was summoned to help the Special Services to put out broadcasting & receiving radio equipment, he put forward some constructive suggestions e.g. to have earphones in order to check on broadcasts. Capt. Ashwood told him that “Mihailoff could not dictate to the U.S. Armed Forces”. M. nevertheless continued to tell him that at any radio studio this was part of their routine equipment. However Capt. A. told him there was no need as he had a schedule chart which gave exact location of broadcasts. Mihailoff still insisted that variations due to statics, inclement weather etc. occurred and in order to make his outfit above mistakes earphones were necessary. M. was thanked for his suggestion & dismissed. Unfortunately for Capt. A. his first radio broadcast fooled him. Instead Chungking English it was somewhere else Japanese. However he was oblivious, he had his feet on the table and was really pleased with himself. When someone dashed in to ask him to go outside No 23 to listen to the broadcast to his utter humiliation he recognised Japanese. The next time static & distortions came over the radio, presently these were followed by the wire cutting incidents. After the latter Capt. A. summoned Mihailoff to tell him that he thought Mihailoff’s idea of earphones was good. M. hooked up the earphones & everything is hunky dory.

Today Captain A. was told that under the Japanese they had had better treatment. You see people are sleeping on floors and others are having to change their sheets & can’t. Its an awful mess, particularly with this rain. Thank goodness the night promises a dry tomorrow.

Sold my mahjong for $500. I know its cheap but need the money with which to buy Pete’s shoes. The bootlegger did not return with the promised Mai Kno Lu.

Hear too the railway is washed away. Hence expecting further delay. A plane was heard overhead but invisible. Wondering whether it was on way to Tsingtao. No mail naturally.

Captain Croft & Hamblin, Milton, Saltzer, Whitewright, etc... 8 of them flew away within an hour of the Tientsin plane’s arrival. And this p.m. a B24 arrived from Sian bringing our long waited for projector & jeep, they say.

I had a peek at the movie and confess I wasn’t at all impressed in fact the white pans of the performers struck me as garish.

Wilfred Pryer’s letter to his wife arrived too. Two things struck me
a) that the prospects of the KMA were better than anticipated and
b) finances of the K.M.A. ghastly. But he also admits although landing of Americans in Tientsin etc v. good we wouldn’t appreciate the scope as it would delay our departure from here.

Many rumours floating

1) camp be vacated by Saturday
2) all spare accommodations in Tsingtao taken up by U.S Troops
3) all hotel accommodations in Tientsin taken by U.S. Troops
4) Russians have come down as far as Tongshan hence the hurry.
Chinese Gov. scared stiff & U.S Troops from Guadalcanal.
5) Franz Wiederman in jail

Mrs. Powell told me several yarns about how he tried to reinstate himself in good graces of Allies e.g.
a) The Powells etc.. lodged in Astor House after Great East A. War. Wiederman kindly disposed; frequently mealed at Astor; spoke to them. Went on a shooting trip with couple friends, during his absence all allies pushed out of Astor to the Talati House. His first meal at the Astor upon return he missed the customary faces: he asked No.1 boy. The boy replied that he was glad they had gone, he only wanted to serve Germans, Italians & Japanese. Wiederman reproved him and warned him that one day he may regret his gesture.

Somehow, something doesn’t ring true.

From what I gathered from Father Rutherford’s remarks regarding Mrs. Balton, I presume she must have been the lady over whom Bronet got into trouble with U.S. Gov. in Manila.

Father R. seems concerned that Bill Chilton is trying his darndest to get Bob Grandon in K.M.A. I assured him that it was not true, in fact I told him I didn’t believe it.

All --- has been warned to return to their posts despite a new repatriation list to be put out by the U.S Military.

At last the rain has stopped. And the lights are on. We had a free issue of peanut oil for our lamps. I understand true story regarding the 3 million dollars is following. Jock reported to Americans he wanted money. $3 m. in fact. He was told to go to Izo, who said that it would be v. difficult. Would only be able to produce $1 1/2 m. Jock stood his ground, but was told it could not be dealt with immediately, so Jock reported non- progress to the Colonel who have him a chit to give to Izo. Izo was seen going off to town in car and presently return. When Jock went to Izo for the cash, he said he hadn’t checked but would let him have it later. Jock again reported the matter: Colonel asked him to have some stalwarts ready in a few mins. When Jock returned he found the Co & several G.I.s all fully armed. They marched to Izo’s house,- without knocking went in and immediately deployed & surrounded him, hands on guns. Col. asked him whereabouts cash. Next room was the answer so Col. requested Jock to march right in with his men and take away the dough. That’s the story. I’m tired somehow and overexcited so g’night. don’t drink too much vodka. So after all my knowledge of Russian may come in handy.

October 5, 1945 ...

5-x-45

My dear:

Three Russians came into camp from Tsingtao to Shai. They are strangers but I think they will be cared for until they start on their way again.

The American Red Cross Representative has been here. Robbie has elicited the information from him that 75% of the medical supplies sent to China are purchasable on the Black Market.

A plane carrying medical supplies crashed about 40 miles from the Central Depot. The pilot & crew were killed. When the accident was located, everything that could possibly be stolen was stolen. The pilot & crew were left stark even the gold fillings were taken. It was ---’s that had the plot & crew been alive the Chinese would have stood by and give all possible aid.

Things are so bad that the G.I.s of the China Theatre will return to the States thoroughly fed up with Chinese. What is the real motive behind the U.S. attitude towards the Japanese. To me it seems as though they do not want to crush Japan too much despite propaganda to the contrary. As I have always maintained Japan is going to be the Sword of Damocles over China. Understand 26,000 U.S.

Marines are already in Teintsin Area there will be a maximum of 65,000.

Tis Robbie’s birthday today: Stan & Eileen, Cherry Billinghurst, Elsie Henning & ourselves. Cherry has received a cable from Bill requesting her to go to Tsingtao tomorrow following a letter she had written.

Yesterday Captain Brandt made an announcement after the 1st show to the effect that 2 transports are expected on the 7th & 8th and consequently the 2nd group may anticipate leaving on Monday 8th, which means that we will leave about 48 hrs later. Thank God! A life of luxury will suit me fine. The Edgewater Mansion is an extremely modernistic building and life spells luxury there; Father Palineris wrote to Sid and he described it as such too.

Sat through a Dorothy Lamour picture. It was lousy. The dead white pans and extravagantly jerky dancers were not pleasant to the eye.

When the Jap Guards, peeping in through the windows saw Japanese faces of the Jap- born Americans on the screen they were astounded. Louis Ladow explained the film to them the Purple Heart awards & citations for bravery. Became more astounded upon learning that they were fighting in Italy. All they could say was “Amazing” - I think they could not appreciate to the full the fact that they were fighting for the American way of living.

The Chinese in the market do not seem to mind the Jap. Guards sticking around talking to them & buying & bargaining.

Exchanged Sid’s shirt & 2 of my shorts for 1 bottle of Paikel.

Paid the cobbler $300 to change soles of Peter’s shoes. The new soles were mine.

On Sunday F. Rutherford had us told the Special Vitamins tablets although the useful purpose of which is discredited by Dr. Grice, had been stacked high in the Assembly Hall called Chapel Theatre by the Americans. These have disappeared. Unknown whether taken over by Hospital. Cost $500,000 gold - one bottle is sold in Chungking for U.S $200. Captain Ashwood says U.S. Authorities sore that the internees did not get them. Misappropriation of U.S. rations was punishable by death. G.I.’s in Europe have suffered that penalty.

Understand from Bill Chilton that Olaf’s letter to him of Sept 15th told him that he started work again on August 20th. But no news of you. Hope you are still in Chinwangtao & not away!

Ace Simmons tells me that Preston Lee flew to Sian, not, as popularly thought to seek his wife & Joan but as guardian to Mr. & Mrs. Giacomo, the latter is absolutely non compensus. When Preston got there he heard his wife was not in Chungking but in Peking and apparently he flew there! He has “veine”. Margot got into touch with a U.S. Marine officer on board one of the vessels who has informed her that that camp had been located & evacuated fairly rapidly. She hoped to leave Tsingtao today for Shanghai in anticipation of meeting him before his departure as it is without doubt he will sail before her. The G.I. repatriates have to travel sharing a bunk; that is one occupant sleeping in the bunk whilest the other is on duty. I hope she will meet him - they have been separated 4 years after being married a week. Poor Margot - and how many more like her.

Marie Marsh was taken to hospital the day before yesterday with typhoid. Fred says she was quite normal this noon! Turned the crisis last night!

Many Chinese laundresses have come in and are looking for work primarily for bread! There was a shortage of that commodity as the bakery bread was not baked till 5.30 pm instead noon.

October 8, 1945 ...

8-x-45

My dear:

Somehow after last night’s “get together” at Harry Faulkner’s: had had egg nog at a moderate speed, but nevertheless this 4 am, the morning of the departure of the second party I could not gather sufficient energy to get up - to mooch around where help was required and then to watch them file down, each carrying a bag or two in response to their name being called by Bertrand Hale. However I stayed in my warm bed, comfortably wiggling my toes and building up a mental picture from the sounds I heard. Eventually after much shuffling backwards & forth of the people in our alley, heard the first truck to go off - when it a call for Captain Brandt was passed up & down the bystanders & passengers by word of mouth, he couldn’t be found and meanwhile 6 truckloads of folks went off to the station. There Peter Lawless told the incoming passenger “the line is broken” - to which the passengers laughed heartily. But laughter & merriment died down when Captain Ashwood came forward and broke the news. Now, at 7.30 pm I am sitting at my small table writing by peanut oil lamp and there is no news as to when the 2nd party will leave by order of the Colonel they are no longer to be “alerted” but must hold themselves in readiness. We hear that Watanabe reported to the Colonel at 5.30 - but it is not quite accurate Arthur Ross in the kitchen knew at 3.30 a.m. Marie Marsh and the rest of the stretcher cases waited endlessly for a couple of hours, until finally word came that the departure could not be effected. Meta has been wandering about like a lost soul. As soon as the passengers left them rooms & assembled at the prescribed places, swarms of Chinese who were waiting for this, came over the West Wall and picked up everything they saw. Stan was away baking came back to find that they had been through his yard with a fine tooth comb. Miss MacLean, Dr. Gault & Mr. Davies have taken over the law & order of the Camp and effective from last evening 6 pm even Camp policing was taken up by them. Pastor Wang of the Baptist or Methodist Mission is supplying all the labour. His Christians are far below the standard of honesty of the coolies we had before his gang!

The U.S. Army entertained General Li and his hoard to a tea fiesta & movie. Saw Capt. Ashwood bowing & scraping to the Chinese officials. he must be all burnt up & humiliated today to know that in all probability this “blow up” was done at his instigation. He must be scared for his guts to be left to the tender mercies of the Japanese or the PaLu - for this reason until the Chungking forces are within striking distance he will hold us back. On the 6th there was martial law in the city due to the arrival of 2 Chungking officers. Every little event has a story before and after.

At the showers I was told by Mrs. Jowett that there would be no movies unless there is indication that the departure has to be postponed for several days - so if we leave by Sunday we’ll be lucky.

Heard that 24 of the 60 Americans have passed the suitability examination at Tsingtao. Margot Bishop & Iris Sidow have passed the test at Tsingtao but will have to pass another at Shanghai.

We feel in Camp that had we been dead or dying, they would have gotten us out, but as it is they feel as though we have got them here under false pretenses.

On the 6th early when Sid went round to empty the gerries the rumour was about that a K.M.A. party were flying out: Harry, Ron Chapman, Tommy Cobbley, Charles Park, Haynes Read, Fred Evans, Jock Allan. But to date no plane has come, and some of the would be flyers almost left by rail today.

Had a taste of the genuine Whiskey tonight at Robbies’ it was delightful - streets ahead of Paikel. Sold Sid’s leather windbreaker for $350 - and yet today I paid $25 for half pound peanuts - and the price of persimmons $10 per - although the storekeeper sold me 8 for $50 - he wants to keep in well with me - he is buying my bed for $2,500 - about 5 bob! Swapped a pair of Sid’s pyjama pants and another pyjama coat for 1 white Paikel. Sid was decidedly fed up with my love of buying & selling - Business instincts I tell him. Cheers - Am afraid it will be some while before we meet again.

Love, Ida.

October 9, 1945 ...

9-x-45

My dear:

Another pricked balloon today.

A plane, a B-24 arrived at 4.00 pm with Captain Kingford Smith, correspondent nephew of the Captain Kingford Smith and Al Voyce. Then the Colonel had to be informed of the arrival of the party then the 5 K.M.A. members had to be found: when they were located they spent some time signing up their release from Camp. All this had to be done in 20 mins due to the fact that the pilot had to reach Teintsin before dusk. The guess is that in all probability the message was sent by Tsingtao and due to the fact that the radio operator, Pete Orlick was taking the air in the countryside with his fiancee, Betty Lambert, it was not received. As we were returning to our alley after bidding the travelers farewell to our surprise we heard & saw a plane fly away to the N.N. Whilst serving supper I saw Hugh Clarke then Harry: which confirmed our fear that the party had missed the plane. But the Australian reporter said a few things: the transport is already waiting for us but will not be able to wait indefinitely.

The U.S. 6th Division is landing tomorrow together with a party of the 7th Division who are engineers - to repair the Tsingtao/Weishien railway. He says they were flying so fast they could hardly note the damage but he did see a broken span. I reckon at the earliest it will be Monday or Tuesday before we leave. That a party of 150 U.S. soldiers/engineers were ambushed between Tientsin and Peking, they were compelled to retire with 7 casualties. That he came to glean news as ours is the last camp in the world not liquidated (So we’re bound to be in the news now).

Al Voyce says that processing examination is stiff: 31 out of 70 Americans not qualified but all soldiers wives are able to travel. Irene Ladow nix. Understand K. Waldman not allowed.

Heard Alec Machay dead. He took me out to my first public dance. I wore my first evening dress: it was mauve and made by “Chic de Paris”

Mrs. Shoemaker’s son was last seen walking towards an overturned truck on the Burma Road. The Chinese have certainly confirmed most people’s feelings - their unreliability. After all the patriotic Chinese numbers less than 1 in a 1000 - the rest are in our individualistic plus familistic which means that all Chinese do not back the Government despite the probability& possibility that the leaders are intensely patriotic and thus have sunk their familistic side.

Good night, sweet dreams, Ida

October 10, 1945 ...

10-10-45

My dear:

Our Australian war correspondent together with Voyce & several other superior officers who arrived by plane left this p.m. for Tsingtao. K. Smith anticipated spending a couple of days here but Colonel Windbag insisted that he should go. Voyce showed the copy of his dispatch to Robbie, it was dramatically worded “The internees of Weishien totaling 849, 629 of whom are British, are becoming restive as they enter the 8th week since the end of war. Feelings run high against Colonel Weinberg. His excuse for this state of affairs being shortage of accommodation in Tsingtao - when several British units were there. Living in their hovels will the experience of 2 winters behind them are anticipating with dread the horrors of a coming winter etc.

At night ---, rifle shots, explosion close to camp heard. This has been going on since end of war

He is the corespondent for the Daily Express. What a scoop! I shouldn’t be at all surprised if we are invaded by newspaper men shortly - after the publishing of that report.

K. Smith saw fighting at Iwo Jims. He says U.S Marines splendid fighters. So proud of their casualty lists. At Iso Jims lost 40% of their personnel or 2 out of every 5. Was at Guam. In France. Was on the H.M.A.S. Sydney when she sank Bartolomew Collemi in the Mediterranean. He had already sent a report on Weishien the day before he flew in. he came to see for himself as the report gleaned from Weishienites now residing in Tsingtao.

Powell received letter from Peking this a.m. Pekingites thought we had been freed until today when fliers blew in and told them this camp would be liberated by 16th.

Watanabe told Jamieson the line may be repaired but that it would be blown up again. Poor construction I’m afraid.

The de Joughs went into the city. Found one gate locked so entered by the other. After business was over, found that one had been closed too, finally after appealing to senior officer gate was opened and they returned home safely. Meanwhile sounds of firing heard.

Chinese bakers start tomorrow. 4 Chinese cooks are in helping now. We have no idea how the bakery will work. Don’t like the idea.

Arthur Kerridge tells Winnie T. Thomas Tientsin is so crowded that one has to wait one hour to get into a restaurant and have to wait 3 hours before one is served! 35,000 Marines from Guadalcanal. What a red, hot, town, Tientsin must now be. In order to keep prices down groups of Marines are allowed US$5 - to spend and no pay for 30 days effective with every fresh arrival. Property owners making money, renting houses on gold dollar basis.

Cherioh, love Ida.

No lights again tonight.

October 11, 1945 ...

11-x-45

My dear:

Looking back on today brought to mind its dullness. Chinese stokers, Chinese cooks, Chinese bakers and last but not least Chinese washwomen - so now we have all the time on our hands to do nothing in. Captain Ashwood came to the bakery bench filled with men enjoying the warm autumnal sun and was extremely matey.

He gave them to understand that the Colonel had his hands tied and could only act upon orders received from his superiors, if it were decided to fly us out 10 B-29’s would do the trick and it would be quite simple to hire 500 coolies to build another landing strip in one day! We are all hoping to be flown out - the crown of laurels to our stay here.

Understand 3 outbreaks of typhoid in Tsingtao - amongst ex internees 2 C.I.M. boys who had to be left behind and an Eyetie.

‘Tis a blessing we have electric light tonight. Makes it pleasanter to spend an evening - reading in bed. Sid & Gay are at the movies and Peter & Christine fast asleep.

Tony Ryan, Major, tells us that Cecil Quinn a Flight Commander of RAF in Burma. Says that there are many airplane causalities, not due so much to the Japanese as to shortage of oxygen, in planes which puts the crew into a coma followed by a fatal crash. He spent some time hospital from a burn which he got. He and several others were fueling a plane. One can was leaking and due to one of the assistants smoking - an explosion followed. The most ghastly thing was hearing the occupants shouting for help. One officer tried to mercifully end their agony, but he could not locate them, as they tried to force an exit from the fuselage so wherever shouts were heard, he fired, hopefully.

Leeches were the trouble, because the mud was everywhere, and until 15 or 20 leeches were sucking one’s blood their presence was not felt.

The jeeps built for jungle & swamp transportation have 4 steering gears: one in the front and three at the back.

He describes how one Japanese Camp Commandant in the Burmese Campaign had contracted to build a railway track with the local authorities and had to willy nilly produce a certain number of prisoners daily. In order to fill that number men, four days dead, were brought on stretchers as well as stretches cases who had to do their bit. Every sleeper on that railway represents one British soldier.

One of the Yanks here went with a party to Peking to fetch an American Airman who had been brought down. They had received information as to his whereabouts. But upon approaching the Japanese official they were told he was dead. “If he is dead show us the body if he is alive we want him”. After much haranguing the Jap officials gave him and they were lead to a cell where they saw a skeleton of a man, as white as though he had been floured. As first he was thought dead but the doctor in the party felt his pulse etc... announced that there was a slim chance to save his life. The airman had lost his mind & broken in body. His fingers testified to the thumb screw torture. He kept on repeating: I won’t tell, I won’t tell, alternating with don’t do it, don’t do it. From scraps of sentences & mumblings it was gathered that he was given the water treatment too. Believe, his life has been saved.

Harry has just been in to say that the K.M.A. party is leaving tomorrow a.m. I wonder if we will be left in Tsingtao for 3 to 4 weeks until our menfolks have settled down, or will we be rushed northwards.

Colonel Weinberg made an announcement after the show to the effect that we’d be flown out, beginning on the 14th. This announcement was received with mixed feelings: Robbie reckons that about 15% of the people won’t want to go that way. We’ll see.

I’m starting another & possibly my last travelogue tomorrow. I am looking forward to see you v. soon and be sure in between your being entertained, looking after the babies and routine chores - or even office work, please think of me and look after my house.

Adios.

(back page of Vol V)

October 14, 1945 ...

14-x-45

Take me back to dear old Blighty Put me on a plane for London town My longing is acute
And I don’t care a hoot
I’m prepared to take a chance
By parachute
I want to see what’s left of London Weihsien holds no interest for me Please dear Uncle Sammy
I don’t want Maine
Blighty is the place for me
Paradoy Freezer Frost

(back cover)
J.J. Hannon Lt
347, End Sunny Slope
Pasadena, 8, California

Captain A. Ashwood c/o Lawrence Roberts
33, West 42nd Street
Miami

Rev. Alphonse Rutherford O.F.M. Catholic Mission, Chowtsien Shanty
5045 S.Laglin St. Chicago. Ill. U.S.A.

Vol VI & last travelogue I Talbot (signed) Inscription on back of front cover:
Our reason for being here

Our army has been established for generations. We have pleased & displeased people ever since. We have made friends and lost friends. We have been cussed & discussed, knocked about & talked about, held up and robbed ever to the end of the chapter. The only reasons we are staying in this camp is to see “what the hell will happen next” -

Notice put up by Captain Ashwood on 14-x-45

October 12, 1945 ...

12-X-45

My dear:

Big news! A silver coloured C.47 arrived at noon when we saw her circling overhead it never occurred that she was a “carrier”. We heard tonight that she will make a trial passenger flight to Tientsin on the first lap to Peking all the Pekingites AtoB will go, so far we haven’t heard when they’re expected to started. 60 lbs of 2 pieces of luggage per head will be permitted.

Went to Dorothy’s for elevenses this am - I suspect it must have been a wedding anniversary. Mesdames Torey, Collier, M. Matthews, Meta Jones, and self were guests. This conversation was scrappy & rather difficulty to follow due to the marvellous news. Many people traipsed backward & forth weighing their luggage. Freezer had his scale outside No.1 Kitchen weighing. Meanwhile the queue kept extending instead of diminishing.

This p.m. suddenly 2 familiar asthmatic, wheezy engines were heard, we dashed out expecting to see the poached egg but no the Chungking star was quite visible, they circled overhead merrily & suddenly dropped a canvas haversack which fell in alley 8. Terry Thomas got it, when opened was a note for Colonel Weinberg: “please come to the airport to meet me”. In due course the pilots & Captain Crannick arrived, we dashed to their welcome but they seemed somewhat abashed. One pilot to our stupefaction was wearing a scarlet baseball cap. 2 hours or so later the planes left, and according to their promise to the kids, they flew around the camp three times making us gasp for breath because of their antics. When they zoomed overhead, we waved and they could be seen responding.

Understand Baltons are going to fly tomorrow at 7.30 He was on the last coach of the last train and now he will be going first. He is bucked.

Girlie brought Major Tony Ryan to meet me this a.m. his opening words in a loud voice were nigh as beautiful as ever! Although I know it isn’t true, it pleased me to feel that to him someone from the outside, I am still young and not somewhat faded. He tells us

Allistair Clark is a Lt. Colonel: we informed the Barneses. Mrs. Barnes & Mrs. Clark are sisters but unfortunately were not on speaking terms. ’Twas a little difficult for the rest of the community as they were both in Tongshan.

The thing that tickled me about Ryan was that he was a Marist College student: he told us that his Mother had done everything for him, gave him his education for which he was extremely grateful. He is a good son. This war has given him his chance and I hope God will keep him well outfitted. He intends going to the States with a view to settling down in a good job and taking up U.S. citizenship.

Lights are on again tonight. Deo gratias. Old Mr. Railton’s chauffeur came in from Weihsien this a.m. to tell his master that all minor breaks have been repaired and the major break is expected to be repaired in a couple of days.

Capt. Ashwood on behalf of Col. Weinberg tells the audience that there are 20,000 U.S. troopers in Tsingtao and the harbour is full of vessels of all calibres.

Marie swopped her iron, kettle & clock for 4 bottles Paikel & some cakes of soap: her anxiety is whether they’ll be drunk before our departure. I’ll say yes!

Ernest Bourne, brother of Elsie Henning is director of T.L.I., Wagon Lit & Astor House. The Colonel was ramping mad with Capt. Brandt this a.m. as the plane had already grounded before a truck appeared to take Harry & party off to the airport.

The trucks were at Weihsien & had to be sent off. Originally Harry & party were to have left at 8 a.m. but Captain Brandy missed fire somewhere! Ida

October 16, 1945 ...

16-x-45

My dear:

The 25 Peking folks were told to assemble at 7.30 outside the Assembly Hall: at 7.30 it was broadcast that it was only required of the passengers to assemble when the plane buzzed the camp. At 10.30 they were still there when suddenly we heard a massed droning and there appeared in the sky far away 9 silver naval scout planes. Then overhead appeared 2 Mosquito planes, they played high-jinks with our nerves: flying so low almost touching the tree tops; looping the loop.

Howard, off his own bat, told all Peking folks to stand by.

Elsie rushed around like made got everything ready. In the p.m. finally a plane arrived. Captain Brandt dashed off to the airport, meanwhile the bell was rung and the word for the original 25 passengers was passed around. Soon they were in their trucks, and we bade them happy landing, but don’t come back said some facetious folk.

From there I went to Jameisons where Mary J. was giving a birthday party for her eldest born, then just as I was settling down on the mattress on the floor we heard the planes fly away. We were all struck dumb - could it be possible that the Pekingites missed it?

We argued pro & con: sure enough we heard Bill Laidlaw saying “they’ve come back you know! Apparently, Captain Brandt was told by the pilot that he had brought gas for the 2 mosquito planes and that he was leaving at 4.15 He was told the trucks with passengers were on the way and his retort was his instructions were to fly to Tientsin: at 4.15 Mr Ede was standing beside Capt. Ashwood when the truck returned:

Tell me Captain Ashwood is it possible that there was some misunderstanding?”--

Captain A. raged in retort. Ede replied “ You must remember we have ben here 2-1/2 years and a disappointment of this nature is big whereas you people who have been here 5 minutes.” - Yes, and 5 bloody minutes too long, was the reply. - Besides there will be 10 planes tomorrow which will carry away 250 of you and a bloody good riddance too -” - He completely lost his temper.

This a.m. went to Mass at 7 a.m. there was no excitement any where. No joy standing about. Already the story is going round that the Colonel had been offered 5 planes on the 15th - which is tomorrow. Gracie tells me that the compliance to his request of planes has not been confirmed. Captain Brandt stated at the movies tonight that planes may come in tomorrow and everyone should be alerted as once the moving starts it will go at a terrific speed. But - there is no confirmation that the planes are coming.

People are absolutely fed up - don’t forget we are entering our ninth week of post war hiatus and people are restive. Understand Astor House U.S. G.H.Q., Imperial Hotel taken over by the military. What is left for us?

Girlie seems quite keen on Carlo Minus: He apparently has always been Royalist under the people who are going to be nabbed; Langlland, Prodan, 2 Baltens, Paizir, Artia. Quien sabe.

Cheers, Ida

October 17, 1945 ...

17-X-45

My dear:

The camp is being evacuated in grand spectacular style. The Robinsons & 130 odd Tientsinites were warned last night to be ready to leave camp at 7a.m. We all awoke early - awakened by the Bell at 5a.m.100 odd Pekingites too had to stand by - at 8.00a.m. We stood on the dyke inside the wall and skeptically watched those who were awaiting to entruck - as we were certain that there would be a hitch.

However presently trucks arrived, and after what it seemed a long while, the convoy was en route for the airport. At about 8-ish, planes started arriving at I think 1/2 hr intervals. Magnificent it was.

Elsie (at 11a.m.) & Father Rutherford (at 2 p.m.) were later told to stand-by, as it happened despite Captain Brandt’s hope that there would be no more planes, a “Mosquito” buzzer flew in from Tsingtao, and dropped a message on the ball field. So after 4hrs wait at the airport Father Rutherford & party came back together with others who were there since noon.

My business connection brought me 3 long bars soap - he was rather aweet and told me that as I was going to Tientsin I would be needing soap!!

On Monday morning 2 planes arrived from Tientsin, which were instrumental in tying Colonel Winding to only send to Tientsin those folks who had addresses to go to. Actually as we were on the tail end of the evacuation we were only advanced by about 2 planes.

Gracie Lambert told me that Col. Ahmache came from Tientsin for the express purpose of dissuading the Colonel from sending internees to Tientsin. However they were responsible for the modification of the travelling roster and gracefully accepted 40 passengers for Peking.

Acting upon Wilfred Pryor’s advice to take back with us everything we could in the nature of culinary utensils. I sent away 2 suitcases as excess luggage and am taking my all.

Four mosquitos buzzed over the camp today they went in for the most breath taking stunts.

I understand Gracie & Betty Lambert shed bucket loads of tears: they were not anticipating to leave today.

It has been a long day. The Alley is empty but for us, I hope that the rats which have been in the habit of visiting this alley do not come into our home.

I am feeling under the weather.

Love Ida

October 18, 1945 ...

18-X-45

My dear:

I am writing the last chapter of our last years on the C-47 which is taking us to Tientsin. We left the airfield at about 1.20p.m. after quite a long wait in the boiling sun atop the trucks which brought us there. When we finally arrived at the airport, which is really only a landing strip, Coralie Ross and others were still there. They started with a long wait at the Assembly Hall, from 7 a.m. eventually when as they reached the airport, they saw their plane take off. We didn’t have to wait long for our plane to come which came from the opposite direction to the one fetching Coralie & Co. We are now 8000 feet above, and the flying is just as smooth as travelling in a boat on a calm day. I am thrilled to bits about the flight. The crew is young and interested in kids. Peter, Christine and Gay are with the pilots & crew seeing how the “generator works”. We must have left Shantung Province, as the land looks mud caked & flat with occasional pools of water, which I suppose are either reservoirs or lakes.

Thinking back I have left out 2 items of interest:
1) that when the overseas folk were allowed to repack their heavy luggage, Bagire took advantage of the opportunity too, but unfortunately for him, there were several U.S.A. representatives, who saw that his “case” was full of tinned rations as well as new piping. Consequently all these were confiscated and other heavy luggage was examined.

2) that Barten as he flew into Peking fell into the arms of his arrestor. We haven’t heard what the charges are yet. I am now awaiting to go into the Navigation Section as I am curious to see how it’s all done. It is pretty cold. I am glad Christine has overcome her fear of aeroplanes: the last few days she trotted off on to the ball field quite happily to watch the planes buzzing the camp

October 25, 1945 ...

October 25th

Tientsin
476242 A3

My dear:

Its exactly 8 days since we landed on that colossal airfield in Tientsin after a delightful flight. Although trucks were there to meet us, we, by virtue of having babies (Christine?) travelled in a private Dodge 1941 - we were most gratified - the feel & smell of luxury is certainly satisfying to one’s senses. The streets had posters on the building walls and overhead across the streets “welcome our cooperators!...stand for peace!

The streets were crammed with aimless Chinese folk, mostly women & children.

At the Tientsin Club was a huge placard “Welcome Weihsien internees” and a huge crowd awaiting friends or relatives. I went into the Club, and was hauled out by Sid, who had managed to arrive before us in the military truck and transplanted us into the K.M.A.Bus. Saw Vera chasing around somehow. I felt even too exhausted to draw her attention.

Presently we ere taken to 133, Singapore Road, a delightful house. Were given two adjoining large bedrooms with a bathroom in between. The Moffats were resting. Went along to Robbies at sixish for a drink where Sid quaffed his first long beer.

On the 19th Sid and I went to the K.M.A. for some money - we asked for $50,000 - Robbie had told us that his $20,000 did not go anywhere of course I privately thought it was due to sheer extravagance - By jove it wasn’t: bought a pair of shoes for $9,000 at Bobcoffs, then presently I had to buy another at Stekols as the others hurt me terribly, blisters as large as plates etc.

On the 20th we were all summoned to the K.M.A. where Wilfred Pryor tried to clarify our position for us, but he had little material to work on. However those people going to the Mines were asked to be careful and to avoid treading on toes of the Chinese. He thought Minor Staff would welcome us but not the Senior. But on Monday his delivery and orders (as against Saturday’s requests) to go and take charge.

The news of Bill Chiltons accepting Agent CWTao was a surprise to all and in light of later events of even the Chinese.

Robbie shows fight, He will only accept post as P.M.O. no more no less. We are all awaiting the outcome: Wilfred Pryor says he is not in for a personal fight but is fighting for one of his departments.

Eric Watts was here on Monday too: he says he has decided 80% to stay.

Sid left early on Tuesday a.m. at 6.15. I left 133 in the afternoon, Mother delighted to have us, already there is marked improvement. Her shoulders do not stoop so.

This evening she went out on a visit: with powder & lipstick & a green kerchief she looked extremely smart.

Dinner at Tsao Pu’s of Wednesday was extremely gay & enjoyable. Drs Robinson, Bien & A. Wary were there with their wives so were Anne B.& Nan Binks. We discussed politics, listened to recordings of Chinese prima donnas & danced. Mrs Bien was a Peking American School girl and is alive to the ins and outs of Chinese politics - graft - corruption - but not least slight progressive improvements. My suggestion for the presentation of World peace being:

1) to skip this generation, trying at the same time to palliate & prevent a major break.
3) to commence with the next generation by approaching school children. Interchange of school children during summer vacations. To cut out individual history, which can be read up at a later age, say 18.
2) to clear out slums: orientate & acquaint workers of the advantages of cleanliness, hygiene & sunshine etc. etc....

Forgot to mention had an extremely successful night at Forum with Robbies. Dutch Treat it was and what fun we had. I seemed to have betted profitably.

Yesterday, Wed a.m. drew half million FRB from the Japanese as rehabilitation. Immediately I bought US $100 - @ FRB $3,900 - the rate happened to be high, but I did not dare to take chances. I don’t think I’ll ever be such a semi-millionaire again.

Our Tsai Nai Nai arrived this evening. She was thrilled to see Peter - it was mutual, but I don’t know how Christine will reciprocate.

Started work on distribution of Rations K&C to British & American folk who do not dine at the Club. I have to register the applicants. I came away 2 boxes - a good thing too this will enable us to save much money.

Cheers Ida

October 27, 1945 ...

27-x-45

My dear:

Shades of Weihsien. After having made out cards and invoices of the people on relief since Thurs. today I am presented with about tens bars of chocolate.

Peter & Christine had been pestering me for a paper flag for several days - as I came out of a Chinese Shop, 2 Marines were entering it, one said to the other, “Look what she has bought - an English flag!” - “Why not,” said I, and walked on.

The children are still shy of Tsai Nai Nai - and she, from country bumpkin, is becoming quite hurt. I shouldn’t be at all surprised if, during the next week, she doesn’t ask to be released of her engagement and toddle off to her aunt who lives near the East Arsenal.

Was dreadfully disappointed when Harry F. told me he had no news from Freda for me. Perhaps he dashed off in a hurry.

Paid $3,000 - pr a pair of Encore stockings. Priced a beautiful goatskin - $100,000 - @ $30 US.

Overheard a Marine tell a Russian hairdresser:
I am married. I love my wife. My wife writes every day. I don’t. I write only once monthly as I am too busy! - Do you call slipping out, too busy?’ asked his pal. “Yes” - we have been 2 years where it was not possible to have fun, now I want fun. (He was getting a face massage)

I had to drop in on Anne Burnett in an official capacity today at the Tientsin Club, doing her accounts with Lily Albert and her boy friend, Major St. Peter. It was amusing to hear him say
“ I sometimes wonder who won the war!

Goodnight Ida.