4/4/46(sic)

My dear:

Do you know that the ‘Ideal Homes Committee’ have selected us, the Talbots, as one of the 25 representatives of this Camp. Mrs Hubbard, at out Home Committee meeting said that, I should be honoured(?), the only other person she knows as having received a similar questionnaire was Pryor. On the strength of this I was chosen to represent the Homes Committee at the Ideal Homes Committee. Tomorrow I go to the first meeting tomorrow. I didn’t bargain for that.

I awoke with a very badly swollen gland as well as a swollen half face, after shivering all night. Cancelled my elevenses as well as mahjongg.

I’m afraid Elsie is not at all pleased with me. Mihailoff, I understand has been repairing a radio and was able to get some news that

I) a large naval fleet of over a 1700 ship off Liuchen
2) Rangoon occupied
3) British occupation of an island belonging to the southern half of Liuchen
4) Allies 90 miles across the Rhine
5) 200,000 Germans surrounded in Rhur
6) German refugees fleeing into Switzerland, Holland, Sweden, Denmark.

A portion of cigarettes costing $106 last month now costs $3I6 - to date only seven people in Camp were able to put down deposit.

A camp which is supposed to be broke, subscribed $1500 in ticket prices for the ‘Red, Hot and Blue’ - in aid of the Soft ball fund.

A fourth shift of bakers has been called, and Sid, much against his will, has been elected Master Baker, he in turn nominated Father Palmers his Captain. I think he’ll get Stan Avery too, but somehow I feel Stan is not too certain about the transfer.

Sid, after suffering all day, eventually had to have two of his teeth pulled out after roll call yesterday, he behaved most lamblike. I was surpirsed.

The problem, which we are comforted, is that of Catherine Waldman and Wayne Adams, a coloured gent. Poor Dilly Waldman is completely neglected, goes around in dirty pants, smelling pretty high. Auntie More is in hospital and expected to die momentarily. My suggestion was that Old Man Cooke be requested to take up his abode with Catherine.

My head is still pretty bad which prevents me concentrating so adios

Love Ida

April 5, 1945 ...

5-4-45

My dear:

Had my first fracas today. It was enjoyable.

I was taking Mary Jamieson home by way of the Lavatory, which is situated between tops of alleys 6,7, & 8. She was going straight towards Marshes which is the last house, and beyond which is a deep incline, so in front of Barnes, I said: “No, this is way”, and we used the Barnes bricked path to reach the back path leading out of the alley to the Lavs. When I rounded the corner on my way back, Barbara popped out and put a bench at the top of the path as a hint. I took it all right. But I decided that the matter of the usage of the back path was to be threshed out.

I asked Freddie Marsh’s opinion on the matter, and ended up by saying “it’s stupid to make things more difficult, particularly now that we’re so close to the end of the war”. Stodgy and silly, what, but nevertheless he concurred with me. After roll call I tackled the Barnes – the sum total “was it their intention to close the front path to the public and for the back path to be used”.

They agreed, vaguely quoting 31st March as being the date given by their warden by which the path had to be completed. So I said that it must cut both ways, they will have to respect our front path. The fact that only the Barnes & Marshes had demarcated their plots, then the Carters, but between which are the undulating untidy plots of the Coles, Ladows & Joneses, after Carters come the Robinsons, then Danielson also unkempt - so what - They have willed it, so now they are having to use the would be path - it won’t be pleasant in the rainy season – I am waiting to see what will transpire then. I have informed the Joneses, Carters, Coles, Ladows, Danielson & Robinsons. Carter, very obviously tried to keep strictly aloof, which made it amusing. I told him that there was no authority in camp to force the Danielsons, Robinsons, or anybody to build a path if they decided otherwise, so what! No where I should imagine.

I went to my first meeting of the Ideal Home Commiittee. I added a little something by saying that there in no reason why it should not be possible to have recipes and samples displayed. I was asked to take responsibility for that fulfillment.

Today’s true yarn is:

I) the British are now 80miles from the Russians in Germany through which German refugees are pouring into Denmark. The latter country is now frightened of possible panic.
2) The Canadians are now lining the Swiss frontier to prevent refugees from pouring into Switzerland.
3) Mr Winston Churchill has flown to Moscow to meet the released British prisoners of war – 200,000 - possibly Arthur is there. Hope he in well, please God. Understand they are in bad state.

The lights are out, good night.

Love Ida.

April 10, 1945 ...

April 10th

My dear:

Heard a sudden terrific roar eminating from the ltalian Concession: followed by much shouting and applause. Apparently this was due to the announcement that the wall separating them from us will be torn down tomorrow morning after roll call. I shall make it a point of being there to see the first stroke of the pickaxe. We are not thrilled: the great question is this - as they are to be incorporated with us under the care of the nine committees, to share our kitchens and showers - are they going to work too?

Sid seems quite pessimistic.

Took Myra Williams’s place in the Duplicate Bridge Competition. Frank Taylorson was my partner. I don’t think we did anything startling.

Although I must tell about one hand in which we missed slam, due I feel, initially to my chichenheartedness. I had 6 clubs ace high, 1 diamond, 1 heart & 4 spades ace, jack to which I passed. My opponent passed. Frank bid one club. I jumped to 3 clubs. He went 3 no-trumps. I 4 spades in which he left me. Apparently Dora Harper opened with one club (holding my hand) and finally, went to 6.

Went to Mrs Ore this a.m. she was being visited by Dr Chan. She is suffering from something bronchial - but nevertheless she made me stay. I recited Gucark and Papric, by Lermontoff. She thought I did very well, but I feel she is being kind. I have a feeling that she is not at all pleased with Marie having lessons with Mme Ladow. As she implied that Marie’s Russian is not improving: deteriorating as she is imitating Mrs Ladow’s cheap, pseudo intelligentsia patter. The day will come, I’m afraid when the break must take place, perhaps it will be a relief reciprocally.

The news this morning is that the large island at the tip of Korea has been landed upon. It looks as tho’all will be over v.v. soon. Egger came in this morning without money. I personally,feel that we will no longer get it.

Swapped one cube Rechitts Blue for one packet Chesterfields. I hope to sell one packet of Camels for $50 - I am absolutely broke, feel I must have some in the house.

Am reading Nichol’s Down the Garden Path, it is making my heart simply ache for our garden plot in 33, Chinwangtao. What I wouldn’t give to be back there again. Oh the plans I have, for the house, and for the garden.

Cheerioh Ida

April 14, 1945 ...

14-4-45

My dear:

The shocking news was confirmed generally today of the death of F.D. Roosevelt. Balliang told Sid last night but I refused to believe it, thought it was a deliberate hoax on somebody’s part. However, sadly, we learnt today it was true. Mihailoff had another radio to repair. After listening to eulogies of F.D.R. from Moscow by Stalin, Winston etc. ... he fiddled around. Then out boomed : This is Los Angeles speaking broadcast from portable field radio with the United States Army in China. Sounded as though it were about 60 miles away only. But unfortunately it was the end of the broadcast, so he missed the news. However he knows the position and he’d tune in as soon as oppportunity offers. Possibly once a week he’ll have a radio to repair – he’s keen to that.

He told us that the people of Hanover only realised the occupation of their territory after the panzer divisions had swept through followed by the infantry and the arrival of the Allied Commission. Sometime ago, it was recalled, that in the United States a recruiting of 10,000 German speaking Americans took place. We now see the importance of that step. A definite endeavour to prevent misunderstanding between conqueror and conquered by the language difficulties. A wise move indeed. Understand that the only territory left in German hands is that lying between the Elber and the Eder.

Hear Tokyo & Yokohama are in flames, worse than the earthquake. What a state the population must be in.

Received 3 tins of butter for 2 of Christine's dresses and $80 – for 2 of Gay’s playsuits. Whilst re-fixing my trunk discovered $30 so we are again flush. Having altogether $120 Mrs Andrews may produce $100 - for a pinafore, which I received from the Mines. If she does, it will set us on our feet quite comfortabley. Will be able to buy a couple of eggs for the children.

Hiawatha and all sports were cancelled -but not by the Nine Committee. In the morning MacLaren went into his office and there, Pander, his assistant told him that the sports had been cancelled. MacLaren thought that at least John Stewart should have consulted with him. Pander said that Stewart was not responsible, but Martin, a teacher of the C.I.M. School. I think Howard Smith cancelled Hiawartha. We are waiting to see if Martin & H.Smith will be asked to explain themselves, or will the Nine Committees take this lying down. God bless Roosevelt.

Love Ida

April 15, 1945 ...

15-4-45

My dear:

The R.C. Memorial Service for F.D.R.was understand to have been extremely impressive. Father Rutherford devoted his sermon to a forn of meditation on F.D.R. Delagaspi blew his cornet with Nearer my God to Thee, and God Bless America. Mass ended with Star Spangled Banner. Many people shed tears. The Cornet in bound to do this.

Heard over the radio - that 1400 aeroplanes bombed Tokyo for 8 hours; the Russians have stopped at the Oder to synchronised with the Allies next move. They have made a plan for Berlin/Dresden line.

Japanese have lost 200 planes in one aerial combat.

Heard for the first time that the U.S. Consul at 9.00 p.m. on the 7/12/41 knew about the Japanese premeditated move for the 8th.

He & the staff spent all night destroying important papers, the French consul had warned.

Father Rutherford arriving in Tsinan from Peking on the 28th Nov. landed straight into the outstretched arms of a Japanese Gendarme. The Chinese told him war had been declared! So why, was the Land Commander and the Naval Commander asleep at Pearl Harbour – and 700 men killed whilest having breakfast at Schoffield Barracks?

Cheers, my dear, will be meeting you soon, Ida

April 25, 1945 ...

25-4-45

My dear:

Today, at last, the Japanese have taken back their iron stoves, pipes, trays etc. It started the day by looking like rain and a low temperature, but now, at 4.30p.m. it must be over 90 in the shade.

Many Japanese soldiers are about. The children simply flock in their wake. A couple of days ago the antiquated machine gun, arms & ammunition were seen being taken out of the camp. Yesterday the Chief of Police explained to MacLaren that arms and ammunition belonged to the Weihsien Garrison, now they are about to have a new garrison so these have to be returned. In due course the new Commander will let us have them back. O yeh!

The papers gave us particularly optimistic news. We feel that the European war must be over any day now.

Saw Marie Robinson in ‘George & Margaret’. Her debut was splendid. Jenkinson was the father & he was definitely the best. Couldn’t enjoy it to the hilt as our seats were at the back of the hall and I did not have a full view of the stage, in instalments, Roy Chu etc. were in front of me. The more I speak to Howard Smith, the more he brings to my mind the ‘Rev. Davidson’ of Sadie Thompson’s! Jo Greenland was ‘Frankie’ in G & M. She looked the part & in all justice to her she acted the part, but her voice was dreadfully high pitchedly monotonous.

The morning glories I planted a week ago are coming out.

Went to tea with Rex & Mrs Bazaire. Had an enjoyable hour with them. Suppose it was a relief to entertain non-musical peopele.

Entertained the Rev & Mrs Hubbard on Friday night. Learnt many things. Had an amusing night. He certainly has a fund of experience to draw from.

Nelma Shanks’ wedding was very pretty. She dressed at the hospital and walked there in procession to the Assembly Hall. As the procession got settled down to being in step, the Father saw Robbie, who halted to allow the procession to pass, greeted him with “How are you, Doctor”, thereby throwing the whole procession out of step and once again had to halt and start marching in step ‘ left, right, left, right’.

Made a brick stove for Mrs Davidson today. It works alright. I was rather apprehensive at first.

Egger brought in the Red Cross shoes – and the Talbots received five pairs, being gifts from the Red cross. I understand many people are extremely peeved. He brought in no news – and here we are with our tongues hanging out for news. Also built myself a stove of 21/2 roof tiles three bricks 7 four fire bars. It works like magic.

Think Cobbley and I played a better defensive game last night at Duplicate Bridge.

Perhaps one day we’ll be top.

Love Ida

April 27, 1945 ...

27- 4- 45.

At last I have parted with my sovereign. Tommy Wade weighed it and the result is it weighed 2.1 as against 2.2 the correct weight of golden sovereigns. He gave me $7,800 – to cover the cost of gold edge & locket latch 18k. I farmed out $2000 to Robbie for U.S. $10.00 – Frankie Turner $2000 for U.S. $ 20.00 and Margaret Bishop another U.S. $10 – worth – repaid a few small debts and bought 6oz sock wool for $384. Feel a little easier with the cash on hand.

Heard today that the Authorities have informed the Camp that there will be a further cut in our rations.

Also swapped 1 pkt fags for 4 pkts Chewing gum.

The children love Gum so I feel that they are a entitled to a little exchange for their cigarettes.

The heat today has been intense. Seems incredible that this year we have had to go into summer clothes so early. I started wearing shorts before Easter (April 1st) as against last year of about May 10th – Christine had her bath outside and after it went into a sunsuit – this at 5pm.

Heard on Wednesday that there are 16 expectant Mothers. Seems incredible.

The Inter School Sports took place today. If the Weihsien school children have not come first, at least they are a close second, a vast improvement over last year.

There is a strong yarn that the Russians have entered Berlin, and the Germans suing for Peace.?.
That Okajima is not finished and the Japanese have sunk 500 vessels?.

A packet of Red Cross Cigs now gets $60 – what a price.

My border is coming a pace.

Love Ida.

April 29, 1945 ...

29-4-45

My dear:

We are much impressed by the confirmation of rumours which we have had. In the Chronicle of the 24th it gives that the Russians entered Berlin on the 22nd. That the French have taken Stuttgart – The allies & Russians have met in Dresden.

But we hear that:
1) the War is over.
2) Otto Strassen appointed the Leader of the German State.
3) that 6,000 Japanese massacred in Kaifeng
4) that the Chinese Army has now passed Kiafeng and 150 miles from Tsinan
5) Himmler has been arrested!

Today the sky is overcast and we are hoping for rain. The heat these days have been intense.

Sid’s first day on as Master Baker of the 4th shift, but unfortunately the bread didn’t rise till about 3p/.m. instead of 7 a.m. He has five lads such as Alfi Dreggs, Finlay, Vinder, Costuron and a 4th and Ted McLaren, Father Palmers (captain), Bob Walsham & Cockburn. ‘Twas a disappointing Day.

I hope his next will be normal.

Love Ida