4-3-45

My dear.

Most extraordinary for March, we awoke to a world aglaze. All trees, roofs, ground covered with ice - like a pretty Chinese ornamental tree looks like. We admired nature for hours. Then snow fell again, it doesn't look as though we are clear of snow yet.

Had an exciting time last night, which gave rise to much speculation, I awoke to hear ten revolver shots, much shouting, running about. This morning heard that the guard house window pains had been broken, and young Billy Waldan had found a fully loaded mauser pistol behind the Assembly Hall. Understand one guard is missing. Our room were searched during role call ostensibly for the missing man, or men. The Front Gate has been closed all day, so no garbage has been dumped outside. Understand riffle shots splinterd windows belonging to the Japanese. Truth will out, but meanwhile all homes which are habitually welcome to Japanese guards have been searched.

Our two parcels from Walravens were intact. What luck! But we are listed and dread this, I rather not receive a parcel at all than be listed and only get a lid or part of a parcel.

Just finished “Madame Curie” enjoyed it tremendously, but wept copiously. Am now reading “Failure of a Mission” by Neville Henderson. Paula Dreggs says that whatever I do say in Russian I say like a Russian and that although Marie Robinson is much more fluent her pronounciation is not good! Well, well.

Sid asked and received a pair of American boots and a suit of overalls. I received a blanket and a towel. We are very happy. Robbie was, justifiably, annoyed that he didn’t get an American pair but the South African boots. When the matter was discussed, I frankly told him that if his friend (Billinghurst) on the Committee couldn’t get him a pair as required what could be done. The reply was that he got himself a pair. There you are, said I, if Sid had been on the Committee and it was a question of one pair of USA and South African, Sid would have given the USA boots to Robbie, Marie’s retort was, ‘the 2 friendships are not compatible’ This remark was the confirmation I was requiring, and glad it came, as sometimes I felt ours was being sacrificed on the altar of the Billinghursts.

Cheerio my dear. Blessings upon you.

March 14, 1945 ...

14-3-45

My dear:

Received the South African boots yesterday. They’re biggish but will, I hope protect my feet on wet days. Fancy wearing men's boots size 40 but necessity needs must come before beauty.

Clemmie has been in the hospital with small pains. Created a scene when someone wouldn’t stay with her all night. Had hysterics this morning, and has been weeping since. Believe has gone into the theatre now 8 pm. Hope it will be a girl.

We're in a jam, except the Americans who have received money, peanut oil but we haven't been to buy any, no spondulux. It now costs $100 - a portion. Our soap was $8 – a portion – cost us $40 – another $20 for 2 hanks sewing cotton. Sid has been able to occasionally bring home a spot of oil that, that which he would have put into a date loaf, in this way I have been able to build up a reserve –

Have got my buttons together, and am classifying them in order to swap or sell at the Elephent Bell. Wonder whether tis wise to get money, have a hunch it is tumbling fast. The other day Chinese carters were seen being paid with sacks of flour!

The Welborne family were selected by the Powers that be to have disastrous March I5th. On the eve, Hughie, the only male of 4 children, fell into a cesspool; his life was saved by one of the Japanese guards. Then yesterday, he was lighting a match, when it lit, he threw it into a full corner, soon everything caught. He was shouting: how lovely, how lovely! His mother hearing this rushed into the room, the sight that confronted her made her shout. Mrs Evenson next door heard her and rushed in, and she in turn shouted. Buddy Price then dashed in and helped put put the fire. Practically all the eldest child's clothes were burnt, then father’s clothes which were contained in a suitcase above their hanging wardrobe. The damage was extensive.

Then at roll call, Hughie was absent, the guard calling the roll was furious, soon Hughie arrived dripping wet: he had fallen into the No 1 Kitchen water reservoir.

I had and have a dreadful headache. Have had to cancel my elevense and mahjongg, my inhalant, menthol and paikel, has a very strong suspicious odour naturally. Apparently the pharmacy ordered 100 bottles alcohol - and lo to the amazement of all concerned 100 bottles of paikel appeared in due course!

The great rumour is that the Allies have landed in Indo China following a 24 hour hiatus which was given to it to declaim its affiliation. In any case according to the Chronicle the Japanese expect to see big happenings within the next fortnight or so. I feel that if a landing were made on Shantung peninsular, we’ll all be evacuated-- to the States I hope. A military detachment protecting us here would constitute a military objective(?) and may then become the subject of Japanese bombing.

Exchanged 1lb milk Red X for 8 cakes Golden Sight soap. Probably good bargain.Time will tell.

The lights went out for half an hour, and they’re on again. What a difference electricity does to our lives. My back washing is piling up and I see no alternative but to wash tomorrow.

Cheerioh, my dear, Ida

P.S.
Re that guard incident the following is supposed to be the true chronicle of the incident.

2 Guard were boozing in the Italian Conc. one of whom was the constant object of Soapy Sam's venom. The other his friend had a loaded mauser, and proclaimed that ‘this is for Soapy Sam’

The hosts became alarmed and ordered the pair home as they had had too much to drink. When they reached the main road they decided to look for Soapy Sam, so they rolled up to his house but could not get in. They then fired at his windows (which accounts of the splintering of windows heard by people living close by) Meanwhile Soapy Sam decided to look for a safer spot, so in his carpet slippers and pyjamas he dashed out of the back window, threading his way in and out of alleys.(This accounts for Jimmy Windsor thinking he had seen a Chinese amah about). However the 2 guards found Soapy Sam in the Guard Room. He was thrown on to the floor, and as one guard had raised his sword with which to slay him when in enters King Kong and his satellites which put an end to a game of ‘evens’. We hear King Kong, Soapy Sam and Bushing deh will be leaving shortly.

Love Ida

March 19, 1945 ...

19-3-45

My dear

The much looked for news did not appear in print. We see that the Germans are still fighting- will do so to the last German to make victory that much more costly. In the way of parcels we have been lucky - five parcels in two weeks, all in good condition. Now,of course, we are rich in bacon, perhaps too much so, seems somewhat indecent somehow. At the K.M.A. Draw we drew 1 pkt tea(excellent, far superior to Nittoh) 1lb sweetened Cocoa, 2 slabs bacon, 1slab ham (excellent) and for ‘B’. 2 pks cigs, 2 cakes of soap and 1 tin Golded Lion.We are so lucky. We don’t seem to have been without much.

Hear that possibly the Consular police will go and Japanese civilians to be our custodians, as in case of Americans coming Consular folk, as belonging to Military Party, would have to fight - the Tsingtao Consul was here and the Authorities in general seem to be taking a very serious view of that fracas – as 2 men are about to be tried.

Had coffee at 3 p.m. with the Balliany senior. They seem to have taken a shine to Sid, and they’re interesting folk - of Armenian stock.

At the Elephant Bell on Saturday, 4 suits rompus were exchanged for 1 coffee and 3 tins butter. Much to the envy of all the folks around. But people don’t realise at what premium are crawlers to parents of whose children are a year old.

Went to Duplicate Bridge on Thursday to take Mupa’s place. Tommy Attree was my partner. One outstanding hand which has gripped my memory, my partner opened 2 Clubs with A.K. and 3 others, K.Q spades, K.Q. J.& rag hearts and A diamonds bare. I responded 2 spades with A. J. & 3 other spades, A. 10 hearts, Q 10, 2 other diamonds and 2 small clubs - Then I bid 4 hearts to show Ace - My partner jumped 6 hearts. I was astounded. Having only 2 hearts and counting honours held in both hands bid 6 no trumps. Tommy scared with only Ace diamond bid 7 clubs.

We’re doubled and down 3. According to the book seven no trumps was the call. Jean Milne in that hand went 6 spades and made seven. Taffy Williams bid 6 spades and was one down.

My hair is growing fast and so curly. Gay starts her term exams today. I hope she comes out top and passes to higher class with flying colours.

Percy returned to duty today after five weeks leave of absence due to Meta’s miscarriage.

You weren’t an invalid too long were you? Understand all french disarmed and segregated - is it possible they are confined to either French Barrack Peking or East Arsenal? What further changes will we see.

There is a hidden current of some involvement in camp which we have not been able to diagnose - The authorities are still going around sizing up rooms and checking up on number of occupants. Hope it is not their intention to bring in fresh blood - or perhaps to move some away to fill up vacancies in other camps.

Longing to see you all Ida.

March 28, 1945 ...

28-3-45

My dear:

We celebrate our fifteenth wedding anniversary today. Father Rutherford came in this a.m. and brought us a little present: a tin of special luncheon and coffee real. It was sweet of him. We had also asked him to offer up today’s Mass. I myself have tried to keep this Holy Week, have cancelled all games- Mahjongg and bridge – instead have been atttending Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

Yesterday was the ninth anniversary of Johnny Robinson’s birth. We all went to tea. There was a marvellous spread, a chocolate layer cake, a huge raisin, cape cod cookies, tanghsi flap jacks and salmon and corn beef sandwiches. It was indeed a feast. We gave him a pair of braces, which I made, and a sleeveless pullover made by Mrs. Guardsman Cooke.

There are many rumours: last week heard that Loyang and Karfeng had fallen and today Partingfu. Also that a guard is supposed to have told Louis Ladow that the Allies are dropping 500 ton incendiary bombs, which had an ultimate radius of one mile, anything within which being burnt and the temperature of 3200'. What a dreadful calamity. When I was told of this, I shuddered as I could a1most hear the cries of the victims and feel the fear and trepidation of the anticipation of those still alive with more to come. I feel quite sick today.

I started on my lavatory duties on Monday. I am on with Mrs Rev Garton. She cleans the two down her way and I do the two up here. 0ne has to go to the shower to fetch the pail, broom and cloth. The pail is filled in No 2 Boiler, then carried to the Lavatory, where the passage is swept and the wooden floors of the cubicle washed - by hand - then another pail of water has to be fetched and the other one done similarly. Then the pail and etc are returned to their places on the showers, after which one has a nice show. It doesn’t do to dwell on it, I must say the shower cleanses one completely: mentally and physically. Went to bed that night completely fagged out. Yesterday Sid carried the water for me. But I was tried too.

Had a nogging of the Paikel as sold by Goyas. But this morning I passed a clot of blood, probably due to the overstrain. But Sid seems to think it may be to pregnancy - I hope not. It would be the culmination of an already over-flowing bowl - I couldn’t stand it. I am suffering very badly with sinus and nerves, and am finding relief in smoking, I trust I am not getting into the habit although ‘tis quite pleasant.

Saw Mona Chilton last week. She is tiny no bigger than the doll Christine calls Polly Dolly. Mona will be the image of her Pa; Clemmie is radiant. She looks magnificent. Clair Abbiss Birse is doing the nappies. Bill is so pleased, but he gives the impression that he doesn’t want to give that impression. When he was told that he had had his wish, Clemmie is happy’- as though he wouldn’t have minded, when we all knew that she was praying with all her might for the infant to be a female, because he wanted one. Oh dear, I am tired.

Cheerioh, my dear. Love Ida.

P.S. Hear that there won’t be any more parcels! So that’s that, Tsinan was bombed by nineteen planes on Saturday.

Heavens I forgot to mention the two spiciest incidents of the week. Vicky Waters and Louis Ladow of the Reserve Gang were caught pinching coal by Miss Philimore. One was outside the Grices’ wall and the other inside. The stupid thing about it is that Vicky was stealing it for his Light & love, Mrs Fairchild. He tried to appeal. Got Kamal as Defense etc., but on the Day of the Trial, Kamal and delegation walked in, where the Nine Committee were seated and said that they were cancelling the appeal as they were convinced that the appeal would not be read with any fairness; ‘Good morning, gentlemen’ and filed out.

Then on Monday, Vicky was caught by the Japanese reading out his news condensations to the Itailans. He was taken to the Guardhouse, but fortunately for him he proved to them that he had picked out all the news from the Chronicle, also fortunately for him he had restrained himself from adding his own ‘sassy’ comments.

So his punishment was to move away from his present room mates to the Dormitory in Basement 24.

Understand that Muri, his roommate, was pretty wide awake, so as soon he wa s nabbed the Jap. came to search his room. He refused admittance on the grounds that the room was shared by three men all three would have to be there for the search to take place. Then the copies of all his former news items were put into the stove, on top of which were laid wood & coal, and to make it appear more convincing, Muri swept up the floor and poured the dustpan contents on top of it all. It did the trick.

March 31, 1945 ...

31st March

My dear.

Egger came in yesterday morning. As soon as the children saw him at the Guard House, they dashed across the Assembly Hall Court shouting: Mr Egger had brought the eggs. He didn’t bring other news but that we were receiving our Comfort Money soon - $I000 each January/February combined in a lump sum. He told Gervasi that we would be here two months. so we are anticipating to leave this Camp in June. ‘Twould suit me. Hear today that landing has been made on Ningpo. In the papers the J .Gov. states that Japan will retake Guadacanal, Awajima Tsaipan. all task forces on Japanese mainland will be drastically dealt with.

The children went to the Parcels Office to receive their various gifts: Christine had 2 tablets chocolate and chewing gum from the Red Cross excess parcels, 2 marzipan eggs, 2 tablets chocolate, 2 hard boiled coloured eggs, from Joerg, Vas Eregstrom and the Swedish C.I.M. Peter received a packet of prunes & chewing gum from Red X and balance same as Christine. Gay only received the Tientsin gifts. I was pleasantly surprised about the children’s participation in the Red X parcel. I understand the Japanese Authorities undertook to decide on the distribution, they checked on the number of each article, and allocated them to responsible authorities who handed them out.

Sid and I also received 4 packets each Old Gold, from Canadian Red X . As there were so few packets, the Jap authorities requested that only smokers give their name to wardens. Understand Mrs John Ladow is a spasmodic smoker but who never smokes outside as Johnny Milne had never seen her, refused to give her the cigarettes. In Mihailoffs Alley, as the Warden and his wife are not smokers and wanting cigarettes he gave cigarettes to all who wanted them.

There was a bit of stink about the liberal way people handed in their names as smokers, so an appeal was posted to the effect that only smokers should be considered as eligible to receive this gift. I understand 120 people cancelled their names.

I am at last on my last day for lavs - Easter Sunday. Hilda Travers Smith asked me to assist with shortbread making - I did - after lavs, and received 2 shortbreads for my pains. I took a ball of raw mixture home. In this way instead of getting 5 large ones, and wasting a lot by cutting into smaller squares, I made 16 fingers.

I have been busy today baking.made a chocolate/biscuits layer cake, chocolate oil cake, sponge/raisin fingers, chocolate blanc mange for tiffin. Fortunately we received 71/2 oz sugar today which had helped a long way to making the cakes. We also received one raw egg each for tomorrow’s breakfast. I will enjoy my bacon now.

What a busy day I will have tomorrow! Mass at 6.45. Sid absent as baking. Father Rutherford will come for breakfast aftr Mass. A tea fight with the Jamiesons & Allens and evening our ‘at home’. I will be tired, but love it.

Love Ida