2nd April

My Dear Freda:

We did not even get newspapers yesterday. There were 2 opinions,
1) that they roads were bad and the postman simply didn’t arrive and
2) that there has been a break down in railway connections.

Bill & Clemmie have decided to get spliced on Easter Monday. Jo is going round for subscriptions for the wedding cake. All the K.M.A. will be invited to the wedding. We gave, on promise of return after the war, my investment golden wedding ring. We paid $110 F.R.B., in September I941. A month later it had quadrupled. Now it must be worth over a thousand. Bill had asked Rev. Cook to delete the “ring” part of the ceremony. I think Clemmie will be glad she will have a “new” ring after all.

On Friday, March 31st, I went to A “red hot and blue” Variety show given by Winnie Tipper & Gerald Thomas. It was extremely good and vulgar. Betty Lambert danced the “Hula” well - I prefered it to the French Can-can. Jacqueline de St. Hubert & Geoff Gardner did the Rhumba extremely well. The costumes were little short of gorgeous, and the music “hot”. References to Public School, brought the house down- implied I think that most of the audience did not have it and envious.

Robbie awoke with streptoccal infection of the throat - and at 3.30 was taken to hospital. Dr Vio was ill too & sent a henchman for Robbie this a.m. it was amusing to hear that Robbie regretted he could not come personally as he was ill too.

Dr Corky came to see me, as I too was ill. Being laid low with a very violent headache. Sinus she thinks, ‘Tis possibly so.

Sid replaced Robbie at Sunday bridge four. Did 3 slams, and won $7- so he kept the reputation of the menage at the same level.

Love Ida.

April 4, 1944 ...

4th April 1944

My dear Freda:

Whenever Girlie comes I know that she brings with her some choicy bit of news. She did. A careless Chinese blackmarketer was caught by the electrified barbed wire & electrocuted. He had 10 bags of sugar, 3 bottles Brandy and 2 Pai Kel. The Authorities were extremely excited and took many photograghs. As compared to this innocent picture, there is another version that the man had been shot, at sometime 4a.m., as a matter of fact the lights came on then and then put out. As he was to be seen huddled inside the electrified barbed wire. The sugar etc..was a plant. However Voyce tells me that in an attempt to get in between 2 stratas of electric wire, a spike pierced his cloth sole and touched his foot. He died instantaneously. For what it’s worth.

I hear too that all Japanese men in Tientsin & elsewhere have been called and that all women & children were to be sent to Korea. I wonder how it affects my poor mother. She certainly has had much to bear in the twilight of her life. God bless her and protect her. Also that 2 Americain reconnaissense planes over flew Tientsin. The tremendous ovation given them embarrassed the authorities and now Tientsin is permenantly blacked out.

Also that the Americains in Chunking have sufficient planes now to bomb any part of China or Japan, when & where they will. Saw Robbie for the lst time since his entry into hospital on Sunday. He is look pale & wan, but so much happier, I am glad. He’s worth his weight in gold, despite his ? abhorence and abstinence from household chores.

I am still suffering from this sinus. It is practically driving me crazy. Am not looking forward to the prospect of having it pierced, with a local anaesthetic.

Went to Stenos for a chin wag and frazi last night. Their room is quite a snug little place. Shades of Scanlon. Funny I seem to envy everyone else’s home but mine. I have so much stuff around, wish I could have a plain, austere room. He yarned about himself. At 9.45 we left, but he had to pan-wash. Poor man.

Egger came in yesterday and brought many parcels. Marie’s bacon through Mrs O And more K.M.A. Comforts. What a blessing they are. 0ur food has been dreadful and we’ve eaten bread with peanut butter or lard. Thanks again to our Mines friends. Haven’t had jam for ages. The children get 6 lbs each! Thank goodness.

Nora Turner came to say that tin of soap were being sold at $25 per, did we want some. We ordered one bar, as both Marie & I are broke now, only the Red Wallet has a little money. Frank came tonight to say that the man had decided not to sell for $25 but at $80 - needless to say. There was no deal.

The K.M.A. comfort parcels included soap. Thank goodness. I have been washing this last month without any soap, just steeped the clothing in hot water & soda and scrub. The towels are grey - talk about little tattle grey? Heavens!

I made a little stove from the biscuit tin sent by Mme Ducuroir I think it will be quite satisfactory.

I am tired, love, Ida.

April 9, 1944 ...

9-4-44

My dear Freda:

Today is Easter: the 2nd one we have spent here. It was nothing as resplendent as last year. For one thing, all the Fathers & Sisters who made it so are away. Sid, Marie & I went to the 6.45 Mass.

Poor Father Kimullen did not have a server which is naturally all wrong, We learnt subsequent1y that Denis Carter should have been there. The altar was beautifully simple tall yellow,, white and yellow curtains were hung, which concealed the multicloured round. window. The crucifix hung impressively on the white curtain.

There were, 2 vases of evergreens & plum blossoms. I couldn’t receive Holy Communion as during the night I had 2 very bad thirsty attacks and had to quench them by drinking some tea.

I hid the children’s own hard boiled eggs whilst they were away at Mass. Then had pancakes & bacon for breakfast, they were made from bread dough to which milk & 2 eggs were added. Sid I think ate 20.

On Good Friday, I had to stay at home, so read the Stations to myself whilst keeping an eye on Christine, I am afraid I have not prayed and prepared for Easter in the true Catholic manner. This daily grind of keeping up with chores, is wearing me out. My sinus & headache are still behaving like raging torrents.

The papers & parcels came in yesterday. We only received 3 copies of the latter and are expecting one parcel out of 384. As yet we don’t know from whom it is, but suspect it is David’s Pig Brawn. Hope so. No sign of letters.

The commandant has put a foolish notice to the “People of the Centre” that blackmarketing is considered hostile to the Japanese and a violation of our oath. What rot!

They promised that we’d be allowed to go to Weihsien once in a while accompanied by guards. Not once have we been allowed to. I did apply during the Summer and he replied “I do not advise you to”.

We received as our share of K.M.A. Comforts 5 large 3" square cakes of laundry soap and combined with Robinsons, 3/4 Kerosene tin, carrot jam, 3 hunks bacon & 9 lbs ham, 1 ¼ lb cocoa, tin of powdered milk & some grams saccharine. What splendid present.

Well Bill is getting married tomorrow. I wonder how he feels. Kay Allen is having her birthday tomorrow. I made her a green & white beanie cap.

I wonder if you read that amazing statement in the Chronicle of General Takita that to some Chinese officials, the Germans expected to beat the Russians to a compromise after 3 to 4 months war, but due to the Russian stubborness this was not achieved. They call it stubborness when the Russians are practical1y hammering at the gates of Germany.

Today’s rumour is that the Shai Camp: have been handed over to the Chinese who have told the internees to stay or go as they please!!

Peter and Johnny have made arrangements to learn to serve Mass. I am happy. I wish Sid would.

Happy Easter! Ida

April 11, 1944 ...

11-4-44

My dear Freda:

The wedding went off grandly. I had to assist at the Homes’ Committee Monthly meeting first and dashed off at 3.45 to the wedding. The church was already packed by the “other” guests, and 1/4 of the Assembly Hall was reserved for the K.M.A. Albert Carter, Percy Jones & Lungmow Smith were ushers. The altar was austerely beautiful: a black velvet all- over cloth, then a centre piece of Persian rug, a-topped by a large earthenware vase of peach blossoms. Vases of peach blossom were placed & evergreens in the 2 side tables. Down below in the hall the organ & piano were placed back to back. Percy Glede (Gleed) the organ & Frankie Taylorson the piano. The lady guests were groom to perfection a-topped by their latest style bonnet. Black was prominent. Mrs Ghislaine Declercq Winslow looked a magnificent grey steed she had a grey postilion hat, and a postilion coat without cape. ‘Twas heard that one lady asked another if she were going to the wedding, “of course,” I want to see, for a change, well dressed folk! I had my black woollen frock, wore my white organdi lace edged blouse, the collar piastron showed handsomely out of the deep “v”. I wore my white string turban and my beautiful lilies.

Clemmie looked most bride like in her short sleeved blue dress and white silk turban with stiff white nose veil. Jo Kemball & Claire Abbess made a fine “pair-some” bridesmaids.

As for the Rev.H.Cook he was dramatic. His pause after: “let those who have any just cause to prevent this wedding...” I was impressed by his emphasis and deliberation when he uttered “for better, for worse, in sickness and in health love cherish and honour”. No loop holes for a divorce.

Apparently, Peter & Johnny came into the Church guilty & eating a piece of bread & jam. They were chucked out twice, but eventually had their own way, and seated themselves on the steps leading down towards the centre of the hall.

We went on to No 2 Dining Room, the bride & groom went the hospital to visit Elsie, and when they arrived at the Kitchen ludo beans were shied on them. After Clemmie & Bill had been “wished happiness”, E.J.Nathan made a speech and he mentioned that the knife with which the bride would cut the cake was an heirloom. That its painting of a wounded officer on a horse, tired out, arriving at the army headquarters in 1840 was the only British survivor of the 2nd Kabul War. That man was Captain William Bryden after whom Bi1l was named, he was Bill’s mother’s uncle. It is a giant boy scout knife. Bill at the end of his reply continued with.. ..”before I will permit my wife to cut the cake I must” The bridegroom was the more prominent of the 2, like a King and his consort a few steps to the rear smiling graciously.

I think they”ll be happy, Clemmie didn’t go into it blindly and she knows that always ‘Bill’ wi1l always have to be No I.

There is a strong rumour around that this camp will be handed over. I think it will be a bad day, for us. Somehow.

Gay is ill. A mild collapse, after weeks of swatting; and yesterday’s excitement at the Jamboree. The Guides won the Weihsien banner. The Chefoo Units won the rest of the banners. Gay is a promising guide. She is already Patrol Second. She was selected by a Court of Honour. Her own patrol guides are fed up, that she had to leave it to take up 2nd in Jessie Andrew’s patrol.

Jeannette Balliancy, Ian McPherson, Charlie Stanley, Oliver Cook, 2 Baltho twins & Graham Milne & Mary Ann Taylorson. Christine had never had jelly and she simply loved it. So did all the rest. I gave Kay a white & green beanie. The fashionable bonnet here.

Mr Cullen, Gay’s latin master came for tea. I did enjoy his company. He speaks so nicely, and he makes me feel that England is solid.

Joerg’ s coloured eggs & sweets are being donated to the Camp children tomorrow. Even Christine qualifies as babies reaching one year by April 1st automatically qualify.

Cheerio my dear. Ida

P.S. Bill at the wedding, shook my hand firmly and said my mascot was awaiting me. After the wedding he met me at the door, then went with us to the hospital. I was unduly dull, I asked “who was your mascot?”- Peter, of course, was the reply! He is extremely popular.

April 14, 1944 ...

14-4-44

My dear Freda:

The Camp has been vastly amused by the Knowledge of Clemmie having gone to Dr Corkey for marital advice. I can’t imagine how it got around. She has been thrilled with her marriage that she hasn’t been able to keep details of it to herself. The next day at the showers, and so forth. Yesterday they entertained the big wigs to tea,. Nathan, Pryors, perhaps others, perhaps not.

Mrs Fairchild and Miss Model are up before Discipline for stealing vegetables. This camp is the melting pot, and the result of the brew is amazing. Eva (Faulkner), who used to hibernate in winter from November to March, is simply splendid works like a trojan.

I swapped my smooth drawing paper for rough aquarille paper from Peter T. Smith. The rough paper is more suitable for my type of work. I sketched ‘Agony Avenue’ yesterday, and it has the true impression.

Have heard that the Italians from Tientsin & Peking are coming today. I don’t suppose they’ll be any wiser than us of the going-on in the Outer World.

It was rumoured today that Hungary had sued for a separate peace and had joined the Allies. That the Germans have been bombing that island in the Trieste Bay. That Tito of Yugoslavia were marching into Hungary to join the Moscovites.

I feel particularly depressed about my Russian. I am going far too slowly. Perhaps Mary Wright being ahead of us had something to do with it. Think she should be in one of Mrs Ore’s classes.

The hens have started to lay eggs again, as even the Canteen has issued eggs at $1.00 per. Bought 4 pairs cotton socks at $1.70. Don’t see how they can be sold at that price.

Received 2 parcels today one from the Marsillons & 1 from the Demans’. We were very pleasantly surprised. We seem to have reached rock bottom.

After a hectic day, at last I am enjoying peace & quiet. Even Christine has gone out with her daddy & Peter to spectate the Camp Fire of the whole Scout Movement.

Gay came 2nd in her class ‘Being From II huppe’ I think it was an achievement as the average was 14 yrs 5 months and she is 12. She started Latin with nil at the 1st week in February and by the 27 March had caught up with her class. 2yrs latin - Mr Cullen is a splendid teacher and I am proud of her.

Christine has been put on a fat free diet for a week and will be treated for worms. I hope she will be better after this. She has been a trial. My jangled nerves are worn to shreds.

Love Ida

April 17, 1944 ...

17-4-44

My dear Freda:

Today is Russian Easter and I went to several of my Russian friends saying “Christ has risen” in Russian. At the Mihailoffs I was well received, had koolich coffee & cakes. Mrs Jo Morris, a jewess, apparently has had 3 Easters. At the Paschover, our Easter and now Russian. All the Russians were given 41/2 lbs of flour per head on the understanding that no bread will be consumed for a week. It’ll be difficult to check on that. So far Sid says no decrease on the bread figures has come in.

Mrs Elizabeth Wilde has broken her engagement to Conings, because she says she was quite happy to become was the lady of his house after this internment but certainly not his unpaid servant here, washing his clothes, keeping his room tidy etc...No, sir.

Nathan says that he does not expect us to be here longer than another certainly should be out in the last quarter of 1944.

Went with Mary Jamieson to paint the Elephant Bell. When I came back found Peter still sleeping, Sid discovered upon awakening him that he had had an accident and a long thick worm was visible amidst it all. It was most revolting. But nevertheless had to wash the sheet, blanket, his person and his outer trousers. I threw away his underpants.

Christine goes to Nursery School tomorrow I am apprehensive as I feel that she’ll create a scene and won’t stay I hope to goodness she’ll take to it, as it means that for seven days of the week from 9.30 to 12.30 she’ll be off our hands.

No mail as yet.

Cheerioh Ida.

April 18, 1944 ...

18-4-44

My dear Freda:

At last I received a letter from you, dated Mar 3rd on the back of mine of 24-1-44. Taking altogether four months. I was very, very happy to receive it. Since morning I felt something pleasant was going to befall, and it did - in the form of your letter.

The Talbots awoke this morning with gusto - with a feeling of suppressed excitement hanging over us. It was due Christine’s first day at School - the beginning of many years of instruction. It was extremely warm again, all day yesterday we left our front door open, the flies buzzing indoors was not so pleasant, but it was indeed pleasant to hear them buzzing out of doors.

The school is a largish wall enclosed playground. Miss Clarke was in charge, Lucy Attree & Christiane Chatham are helpers. Today being the 1st day there was much crying. The helpers were continually having to chase the little ‘uns. But Christine who, at home is toy-less, became immediately absorbed in the various toy and much to Gay’s and my expectation were able to leave her there without trouble. But apparently she cried when the other children had their “lunch” as she didn’t have any. So tomorrow I’ll have to take lunch for her.

I’ve screened the window, repaired the screen door and screwed it on. The warmer weather has truly come.

We turned the room around, washed all the curtains & draperies and all in all, had our spring cleaning unexpectedly. Caught up with all the washing, so will start Tuesday all clear - at scratch.

How I am longing for a chiropodist. My toes and feet ache so. Wearing ill - fitting shoes. The big job now is now to sort out the winter and summer clothing, almost too big a job for me.

Peter, I fear, must still have worms. He is quite hysterical at times.

Cheerioh, my dear, chin up. You seem so down in the mouth - I don’t think this can last much longer.

Love
Ida.

April 19, 1944 ...

19-4-44

My dear Freda:

We have had a little excitement. Five alien wives (Russian), Mesdames Rogard, Richardson, Mostaert, Bonner, Ridgeway (French) and several Italians, including Polette, Niolis, Seitori have come in. But felt disappointed in the lack of news - the type of news we wished to hear.

Have heard snatches meted out to us that W. of Guam is the scene of the new naval battles. That the Phillipines have been bombed from the air and by sea. That the Japanese say that after all they are a small nation and their output cannot compete with that of such a big nation as the States. That it was only rumour that 2 Chungking planes overflew very high over Tientsin. That half of Hungary has been evacuated, and the Crimea is practically rid of the Germans.

Clemmie & Bill came today and brought us biscuits from M & Mrs. Walravens.

The Robbies are paying their call on the newlyweds. We will later, perhaps Sunday.

I went along and finally got the correct interpretation of the Elephant Bell. Hear that there are no hopes for comfort money- so Sabarwal says.

We rearranged our room to the pre winter style, and thanks to the space restored by the stove, we feel a little more roomy. Christine wasn’t very tractable at school.

Love Ida

April 20, 1944 ...

20-4-44

My dear Freda:

Rumours are simply rampant that Burma is a failure, that Burma is a success. That Mussolini is dead, that he isn’t. That we will be here for another year at least, that we will be out by September. We are feeling somewhat bewildered Nicolas M.(Mihailoff) says that the Russians are advancing in Central Europe an a 200 mile front. That the Russians have cut the Presti pipeline.

The kids are about in their sleeveless pullovers and in the case of Christine in her summer dress, but she did fuss so at school, she cried from the moment she stepped onto the playground, poor Miss Clarke. The children were particularly difficult due to the unpleasant weather, J.W.G. brought a carton of Revivals of which Sid had half, e.g. 5 packets at $4 per. We seem to have spent an awful lot of money on cigs.- but they are uncontestably a nerve soother and a necessity. Cigarette smokers wouldn’t be able to stand this life without them.

The Italian Marines were asked to sign the oath allegiance to Mussolini. Which they did, but after which they were disarmed and put out into the street. They have become bandits, pickpockets etc..Tientsin has now become a city of lawlessness, we hear!

Much love Ida.

April 21, 1944 ...

21-4-44

loss of a tooth.

My dear Freda:

Today is a red letter day indeed. We have received our pay of $50 each. Next month the Robbies will have $5 - to draw and us $18 - We will be in a sorry plight.

Started our Fourth Part in Russian today. I wonder if we will see the end of it?

Dreamt last night that I was having my fourth baby. Most realistic. And also the loss of a tooth.

Mrs Hubbard has asked me to sponser the sewing class for girls. Details haven’t been worked out yet. I have to get into touch with Mrs. Telfer who is willing to direct and help.

Hope I’ll receive some mail tomorrow, a huge foreign mail came in yesterday but we weren’t the lucky recipients.

Love Ida.

April 23, 1944 ...

23-4-44

My dear Freda:

Today is St George’s Day. The Guides, Scouts etc. had their Chuch Parade. The R.C.s had theirs at 7.45, after the sermon by Father Hanquet all paraded up to the Altar and made their Scouts & Guides promises. It was very impressive, I understand.

It is rumoured that we have 65 ships of a convoy either leaving from or sailing to Rangoon. Besides that port has been retaken.

The children have discarded their winter underwear and are now wearing rompers & beach suits &shirts.

The girls have received blouse & shirt outfits kindly sent us by Mrs. Walravens. We are very grateful for them as our children are rapidly outgrowing their dresses. Christine is wearing a romper of Gay’s, when she was that age, of Peter’s when he was that age.

Memories of their babyhood come gushing to my mind.

Cheerioh, love Ida.

April 28, 1944 ...

28-4-44

My dear Freda:

Saw Preston today and tells me that he knows he has several letters from Suna awaiting him. The Authorities are being petty, fancy holding our mail back. I had rather a peculiar dream about you.

We had returned to Chinwangtoa, I suppose and for some reason there was an estranged feeling between us, however after about a fortnight to your home willy-nilly, I went in the back way, went through a room in which Od was lying in the bed with a little kerosene tin fire beside him. I went through the nursery, your babies were asleep in prams. Then into the living room, where you were seated, we conversed about old times, then you jumped up and said you had a date with an Italian and would I wait for you! Whenever I dream of you there is always an astrangeness between - dreams being always the opposite, I do hope it will be the opposite.

The Chinese coolies digging the ditch on Main street are very cautious, however when the Japanese contractor in charge of them was asked why the Japanese were spending so much money in doing this. He took up the cue and replied to the effect that the internees needn’t think they would be out so soon, the Germans may be out of the war in a few months, but Japan would join up with Russia and fight us. It was rumoured yesterday that Rumania is absolutely out of the war and that Germany is suing for peace from England & America but not from Russia.

I am anxious about my footwear again, have one pair of oversize black plimsoles and a pair of beige & blue canvas soled sandals bought off Mrs Adams, prior to her departure for America. I threw all my white shoes away, mostly over the wall as I did not for a moment think that we’d be here still this time of the New Year.

Hope to read a letter from you tomorrow.

Ida.

April 30, 1944 ...

30-4-44

My dear Freda:

It was so hot yesterday that we had to get into out summer “fripperies”.

The children have discarded their winter vests early in April. We are already anxious over the coming fly menace. We have had flies till January and in March they returned in their buzzing tens.

Last night went to see “Distinguished Company”- all I could say about it was “dull”. Gerry Thomas perhaps was the best. Betsy Kerridge in the star role was painful, she couldn’t be heard and obviously trying to make herself scarce. Jo Kemball looked magnificent, but was also disappointing. Shireen Talati, I suppose was passable. But the players on the whole seemed dry in the mouth and the dialogue difficult, like the way we used to react to poems crowded with meaningless lengthy words.

The Girl Guide patrols and leaders have been given permission to camp over the weekend. Gay as patrol second was invited to a tea party and later in the evening to a camp fire.

The papers once again proved a disappointment that’s how life is here, a series of disappointments.

Love
Ida.