5-9-44

My Dear,

Rumours are flying fast & furious.
1) half Japan in flames.
2) commando raid on Nagasaki
3) capitulation of Rumania (substantiated in Chronicle of week ending August 29th)
4) Belgium freed from Germany, Schackles
5) Today, that Germany has capitulated.

The Authorities seem more kindly disposed somehow. The Commandant had a ‘chemise’ made for his wife, and since then, one week he sent into sewing room 5 eggs & a huge mellon. The eggs were given to those with children. The following packets of cigarettes were sent in for everybody.

A couple of days at roll call, one of the guards brought out a packet of cigarettes and asked Voyce to distribute it to the men around. And yet an internee went outside a gap in our wall to look at the new outer wall which is being built, as well as the moat. Before we go, says the J. you will all be thrown in there!

Parry tells us too that a J. told him that they know they have lost the war and when word is received that the Mikado has committed harakiri, they would follow him, before they do so they would bump off a couple of guys.

Christine has decided that she is not a girl. ‘Are you a good girl?’ No. Are you a good boy?- Yes, What is your name? Bobby.

Love Ida

P.S. Preston Lee tells a yarn that he has received a letter from Joan in which she says that she will be having her last bath with the J.Army Controlled K.M.A. We are all wondering what this means whether
1) the Berents are out of the K.M.A.~
2) the Chinese have taken over the K.M.A.

Our parcel from Heymans came intact, 1 tin, 2 oats , 7 cakes soap, 1 tin meat, 2 tins Salmon. This week we are expecting a parcel from Walravens. There is conjecture to the contents & whether it will arrive whole.

We have also drawn one lb of Tang His. $12-

Hear Today that in Tsingtao the C.N.C. $ is worth F.R.B. - $38.50-

September 6, 1944 ...

6-9-44

My dear:

Egger has been in today and has brought comfort money to the Belgians, Norwegians etc, ‘twas time too as we had ours on the 18th of last month.

Had very exciting rumours, supposing to be 3 days old;
1) the resignation of J. Cabinet.Shigomitsu asked to form new cabinet.
2) All French ports in allied hands, except Brest,
3) new towns of Belfort, Nancy & Metz taken. Rhine crossed.
4) Serb partisans taken Belgrade
5) Russians well in Czechoslovakia
6) Two armies met in Pô valley
7) V-1, menaces ceased.
8) Brussels in aIlied hands

We are expecting capitulation of Germany end of this week.

In last week’s papers, there was an article to the effect that Wavell had been released from India to some appointment of importance in Occupied Europe.

Our new evening roll call time is 5 p.m. Not so pleasant now, as it is pretty hot sitting in the sun for an hour. The roll call twice a day is a blessing for me, as I get all my knitting done. Have knitted to date, 2 pairs sox, 2 prs knee stockings Gay, 1 cardigan Peter, 1 cardigan Christine & 1 jersey. Now am starting sweater for Gay.

Helped in Kitchen with sweet scones today, for 5 hrs. Worth it as I can make dough now. Also baked 2 apple pies & 1 jam for selves. Am enjoying this baking.

Love Ida.

September 8, 1944 ...

8-9-44

My dear:

We have had much excitement today. At noon just as we were busily ladling out the food which Gay had brought suddenly the drone of planes was heard, we all rushed out, and up in the sky were 2 beautifully slim, silver coloured dragonflies. A Jap. was watching too, when suddenly he gave a yell & dashed off at top speed into the guard house. Soon the air raid alarm was sounded.

It is supposed to be in J.Papers that Bulgaria & Finland out of war. Landing at Bremen. Also Americans & free Italians in S. Germany. This I do not believe.

The local Amateur Dramatics put on Roundabout. V.good indeed. Hilda Hale produced. M. Thomas A.Muncy. A. Porter U. Simmonds, D. Brycott, G. Gardener, Bassett, J.Kemball. All v. good. Excellent casting. Enjoyed very much.

K.M.A. Pool gave each adult 1/4 lb tea & 1 tin jam and 1 package oats each child.

Paid $150 for 1 lb sugar.Voyce mediated. Had to borrow $100 from E. Henning to pay $81 for 1 tin ‘My Mothers’ milk. Mrs J. lent me $100 - too. Absolutely broke. Will try sell something or other at E. Bell Exchange. Comfort Money will only be paid on or about 18th -will be broke story by then. Particularly if cigs come in earlier.

Love Ida.

September 9, 1944 ...

9-9-44

My dear:

See that on Sept.5 the Belgian Exile Gov. returned to Brussels (according to Chronicle.) Cheers ad infinitum.

1) that Bremen has been taken
2) that the Americans & Free Italians are in S. Germany.

Had an explosion outside the Camp during roll call. The guards closed the gates & dashed out with their revolvers. Have’nt heard anything more.

Mrs Shoemaker & Mrs Waddell were absent from roll call the day before yesterday. After the count was made they appeared. Their explanation was that bell hadn’t been heard nor did they hear the buzz of voices, before & after roll call. The Police Captain declared that they had to stand during roll calls for a week. Many people are of the opinion that this sentence is too easy.

Swapped with Jean Milne my tin of American butter 1/4 lb for 1/4 sugar. I was desperate for sugar, but thank goodness the sugar condition has improved.

Received 2 – I/4lb packets tea, 2 tins Marmalade & 3 pkts oats from K.M.A. Pool. We are well stocked for tea now, having 2lbs.

(FLASH) It is now 10 to five, and have just heard that theYanks at Haipong).

FLASH & FLASH, it had been rumoured all day that Frankfurt & Stuttgart had either been heavily bombed or taken by us. Freeger tonight confirmed the latter. It looks v. much as though the Germans are trying to hold the Russians off until we get in. Are expecting to hear at any moment that Germany has thrown the sponge in.

Marie witnessed an abdominal operation today, Dr Vio was surgeon, Robbie anaesthetist Mrs Mina was the performer. An inoperable cancer was discovered so they sewed it all up again. Poor lady, it’s a case of a few days or a couple of weeks.

Baedon says he bought 1lb sugar from Italians for $200, then swapped it for 2 1/2 pkts American Chocolate.

Love Ida.

September 12, 1944 ...

12 -9-44

My dear:

No rumours at all today all are of the opinion that this is a good sign.

Yesterday Bremenhaven was supposed to have been the scene of fresh allied landings.

Mr Joerg’s present of eggs was duly delivered children up to 12 received 2 and 13 upwards to 18-3. So, us parents are having an egg breakfast or two, too. Even gave the Hennings 2 eggs. They were pleased and so were we to be able to do this.

Lost 26 points at bridge today. Percy played for Sid. Think perhaps we wouldn’t have lost so much, if we had played together.

Rained again together. Expect cool weather to definitely settle down. Won’t mind it as now that the 2nd roll call is at 5p.m. it is hot sitting out there with the sun burning our backs.

Love Ida.

September 13, 1944 ...

13-9-44

My dear:

Today’s rumoured is that Hambourg has fallen!!

Had my fortune read by Bridie MacPherson by tea leaves. Sometime at later date will live in India

Have surprise parcel coming.

Letters upon letters will be received. Annoyance, due to chit chatter will be involved Always have money, but never wealthy Very pronounced 'V' in my tea cup. Some one has lost his heart to me. Good fortune. All clear.

Went to Eileen Calvert’s this a.m. Bridie & Jean McConnell were there. V. enjoyable, too.

Love Ida.

September 15, 1944 ...

15-9-44

My dear:

Today is the deadline for the Germans to get out of Finland. Haven’t heard yet whether they have done so or not.

Rumoured
1) bad bombing of Mindanow & Celetes by 450 bombers.
2) Rumania & Bulgaria declare war on Axis.
3) Spearhead of British troops in S.Germany via Alsace.
4) Queen W. back in Holland
5) King Haakon back in Norway.

Extreme shortage of milk. Dr Grice went to Tsuhigawa & suggested that as the J. milk supervision had left, as well as the head Chinese perhaps an internee be in charge: No said Tsuhigawa too dangerous. Have now discovered Hummel & Tipton escaped by cowshed wall. One way of escaping without being shot at. Dr Grice gravely nodded to all this, which may have appeared as acquiecence or confirmation as to place of escape. Japanese guards asked to take about 4 large bottles, are now taking 14.

Have made ginger biscuits & apple & dried apricots pies. Am enjoying baking as so far every thing successful.

Cigarettes have at long last come $61.6o for one portion of 280 cigarettes. We’re unable to take up ours as no money. However Mr Nathan heard Sid talking about it has lent him $200- with which he will purchase his & my portions tomorrow.

At the Homes Committee meeting on Wednesday, 13.9.44, I was elected Vice Chairman to assist Mrs Hubbard, chairman. The new committee’s first problem was to cope with the Bickertons who are being discharged from hospital and over 80. Have arranged for Stocker to empty slops & sweep. Mrs Shragges will keep motherly eye.

Love Ida.

September 16, 1944 ...

16-9-44

My dear:

Heard at Showers that the war is over! It is impossible but highly improbable yet!

Although Mrs Renotte told me, at the Showers, that she had received a letter from her brother in Tientsin that he was expecting her for Xmas! How good.

Received letter from Walravens and you undated, although you acknowledge therein my letter of July. Haven’t received any of your parcels. Hope they’ll come, badly in need of toilet paper.

Made fried pao chow-tzers with bread dough, 1 egg & oil. I used for filling Benzatis meat & onions & also salmon. They were good.

It’s10.l5. so goodnight.

Ida.

September 17, 1944 ...

17-9-44

My dear:

We were in much fear & trepidation that for some reason Egger would be prevented from coming in yesterday. He had been expected as early as Friday. However he came in last night, bringing in with him our comfort money & news that we were 50 miles in Germany & war expected to end momentarily.

According to Japanese yesterday Yap & Palu have been retaken by allies and a landing made in Mindanao.

It is also locally rumoured that the Js. are building an aerodrome in Erhshihlipu. MacLaren got into dutch with the Js because people were taking earth from ramps.

MacLaren retorted that in any case this was a case for Engineering to cope with and besides this was being done within perimetre from the Camp No 2, Iso, and if the Chief of Police felt like it, he could arrange with Labour, but he (MacLaren) wouldn’t. The Chief got up & left the room, he was so speechless with rage.

The guards were carousing till 3 a.m. & in one section the guard was so drunk he couldn’t call the roll. One told someone that it was because the war was nearly over - good for you (internees) but bad for us!

So I feel sure that my conviction in the belief that the Gates would be opened before Xmas will be a reality.

Margaret Bishop out of the blue on Friday whilst elevensing with her gave me her smokey grey coat. I am altering it to fit me with the assistance of Mrs. Mihailoff

For the last week there has been a ramp on the milk supply.
1) because the Js now take 14 large bottles instead of'4.
2)the 2 J. inspectors were returned to Tsingtao as they were costing the Authorities $1000 - over a month.
3) the Chinese headman is away too, leaving the dairy to 3 coolies. A sad state of affairs.

Yesterday Buddy Price & Miss Greening announced their engagement. I invited them to tea for tomorrow.

From the canteen we got 2 rolls of toilet paper at $4.50 per. Also apples have gone up to $8.00 per lb.

During the last week there was a cup of illicit love exposition: Taffy Williams & Mrs Smurthwaite. Dolly Pearson & Jimmy Bar.

Agnes Black & Quarez - were caught by the Japanese in very obvious circumstances.

I forgot to mention that the Chief of Police has threatened to shut down all private cooking.

Egger came in again this a.m. but have not heard whether he has enlarged on his information.

Understand Linsi was bombed again. What does it mean? Will we be homeless & jobless after this? God forbid.

Love Ida.

September 20, 1944 ...

20-9-44

My dear:

We are now having Indian summer at midday the temperature is 92º 1 am glad I did not pack away my shorts etc as planned.

Unpicked Peter’s airforce pull ups, knitted by Tsai Nai Nai in order to knit up a jersey for Peter. However I am faced with the ordeal of having to split the wool.

Rumours today, rather news from J. papers & relayed by Dalliancy.
1) 3 Russian columns driving on to Vienna.
2) Russian offensive in Latvia, mopping up.
3) Parachute troops landed N.of Rhone in Holland.
4) Expected attack on Germany through Denmark.
5) Allies have captured Bingan, 65 miles inside Germany.
6) Heavy bombing in Mindanoa.

A Chinese was wandering about the Camp drunk last evening. He was shouting at the top of his voice that the Germans were practically beaten, and the Russians were about to interfere with the Js in Manchuria. And soon the Chinese would be able to eat the Japanese bodies & drink their blood! Several missionaries tried to calm him but without success.

I have finished the coat I’ll have something warm to wear this winter inside or outside camp.

Hear a small quantity of pool parcels have come eg tea, soap & oats. There is a strong feeling that the war is over. Paid $100 for 1lb sugar.

We’ll see tomorrow,

Love Ida.

September 23, 1944 ...

23-9-44

My dear:

Went to lotto last night, Marie was supposed to have come too, but Sid’s Thursday original four was a trifle changed: Sid being on duty, Teddy Nathan was invited to take his hand. Bil1 Chilton was ill with fever, and Marie insisted upon playing. Should have thought it politic to have invited Percy Jones or Alan Henning. However I was a little late, but was permitted to buy a card although the first game was in progress. Didn’t make any headway at all.However for the jack pot games I bought one for Marie, one for the children & 1 for self - The last number of 58 brought me the prize of $200, which I am going to invest in a pound of sugar. Was thrilled over the win.

This morning I went to Mrs Shoemaker to fit on the skirt which she cut for me from an old cast off coat of mine. It looks dandy. She has taken to me, it seems.

Had Mrs Cullen in to tea and for the occasion I baked 2 date tarts. Father Rutherford dropped in too. Discussing schools, he thought the Chefoo C.I.M. much too narrow advised me to take Gay to England. Talked about Siberian Route etc. my knowledge of Russian will serve me in good stead me seems.

Yesterday I painted the avenue of trees leading to the Auxilliary Sewing room at the West entrance of the Assembly Hall. I am pleased with it.

Yesterday too a guard is supposed to have ventured to say that the other guards who are being transfered say they’ll see us internees again in six months’ time. He is not as foolish as they. This camp will be non existant in six months. As a matter of fact we will awaken one morning to find that there are no guards. Too good to be true, I fear!

In J. papers today,
1) Riga taken
2) Cracow taken
3) Massing troops on Western troops by both sides.

Elsie Henning & Marie planning joint party on their husbands’ birthdays to be held on Sunday, 0ctober 1st - (Alan’s) Promises to be a grand party! I will be a real guest for a change. Am glad will not have the responsibilty & anxiety of hostess. Will just take all that’s coming in the fun line.

Gay being unmercifulIy ragged in school. CaIled ‘swotter’, because she enjoy learning & wants to get on. During break the other girls hid her books in various desks. Most unhappy as feels all class plotting against her. Told her had to take it.

Heard Father Delaine & 3 sister going to Peking next Thursday. Unfortunately Sister Julyan is going.

Love, Ida.

September 27, 1944 ...

27-9-44

My dear:

There has been a dearth of rumours these few days. I am feeling extremely depressed. Have a hunch now that Xmas will still find us here. So will busy myself with house slippers. Will make them out of felt hats and heavy woollen cloth for caps.

Voyce apparently was told by a guard that both sides are massing troops and are having a breather.

It is rumoured (fabricated perhaps) that the Japanese cabinet has had a secret session and immediately afterwards Kiso & Ihyemitsu went to the Soviet Ambassador. This must be pure camp fabrication as the Soviet Ambassador was recalled several weeks ago.

As the schools note books are costing $20. The whole of the lower school has resorted to slates. But I believe the C.I.M. school are worried for the older children!

Briddy Grice & Muriel Greening came to tea. I had made an apple pie, marmalade tarts, tartlets, cookies, cheese and peanut butter spread on bread. Elsie helped me entertain.

Also visited Clemmie in hopital. She is in high spirits and has recovered from her operation of haemorroyds, or vulgarly known as piles. Had a house to house roll call as it has been raining all day. The lights are out so adios.

Ida.

September 30, 1944 ...

30-9-44

My dear:

I forgot to mention that on 25-IX-44 we had a very quaint exhibition of all the various ‘good & useful ideas’ of internees. There was a good sized stove made of sheets of tin made from tins. The piping -a goodly length - from milk tins. Peanut oil wicks - coal shovels, padded over shoes a la chinoise mounted onto clogs - shirts made from towels, coats from blankets - and sketches by all of us.

On Thursday 28 th, sisters Esther, Mercedes & Julian & Father Delaire, S.J. left for Peking. The Js purposely told those concerned that they would be leaving by 2 p.m. However the examination was perfunctory everything hurried through. It was even given out that the internees were not to go near the departees, but of course this was not taken notice of. The Hawaiian String band almost missed the departure, however there gas ample time for ‘God bless our Weihsien friends’ which never fails to bring up a tear. I was washing up and dashed across when I heard ‘should auld acquaintance’ and was just in time to see the car drive off. Fortunately on Tuesday night I went to their room & asked Sister Esther to deliver some messages to Sister Sophie, Precious Blood,& Sister Agatha, Providence.

No mail at all today - even no papers - and no news - really means that the chappie who visit Ballany & give him news did not visit him. I am despondent, however as feel that we will now have to spend Xmas here, why I don't know. Feel as tho’ something has happened.

Have had rain again since Wednesday, and the temperature has dropped fearfully. It was devilish cold at roll call this a.m. Thank goodness as from tomorrow roll call will be at 9 a.m. breakfast 7.45 instead 8 a.m. at 7.15 respectively.

Tomorrow after a big spell, we will receive 1 egg each from the Kitchen, and also our weekly sugar, 11/2 o per head, instead of sweetened Kaoliang. I shall put the sugar by in a tin and will see how all this mounts up and whether it will total 6oz per head per month.

Played bridge with Louis Wulfohn & wife last night. Enjoyable but played extremely badly, simply unable to concentrate. Lost 19pts at 10 cents per.

Gay has been nominated chairman for the J unior club. She is budding and seems extremely popular. Has received certificate for another badge – scribes’. Feel she deserves these rewards she does work hard and promises to be a very useful citizen.

Cheers,Ida