5-7-45

My dear:

There’s been so much pleasant anticipatory news these days, Egger has been in and out of camp, for about 5 days.

Engstrom was in one day, he thought that this would be the last as the American planes are too active on the line, it took him 2 weeks to get here. And during the bombing & machine gunning of his plane, he hid for an hour.

Subsequently we heard that his compartment companions was killed.

Joerg did not arrive on the day anticipated, but the following day. He brought gifts for his friends included in parcels marked for the hospital.

Elsie gave the children half a block of chocolate. We enjoyed it, but it was definitely synthetic.

People are saying that it was stupid of Joerg to have come at all, he has laid an aura(?) of depression which will take weeks to disappear. Apparently McLaren told him that Joan was expecting a baby and would he send the little boys clothes in a trunk which was in Joeg’s care. (This being a cue).Upon being told that it was not expected until December, Joerg replied that he would see that the clothes reach Joan in good time and by safe hand, McLaren takes this statement to infer that we’ll still be here in December.

We are all depressed beyond words, the very thought of spending another half year of our life here is more than can be some by human nature.

The No 2 kitchen celebrated the first lap of the 4th July celebrations by having a supper dance on the evening of the 3rd. The sight of the young girls in their ball dresses was good for the eyes. But unfortunately it started raining about ninish, they continued to dance in No 2 Kitchen, but the party broke up.

Dennis Carter & Stanley Fairchild brought in the biggest consignment of hooch in the history of the camp.Pa was very proud of this achievement.
George Wallis, Jr, became soucy and had to be manhandled before he could be put to bed. The paokel was sold by the J.’s for $250, 220, I70 and resold by the retailers for $600----What will the future of these lads be?

At our seventh duplicate bridge tournament on Monday night, I rose to 3rd place in the aggregate score. Jean Milne 1st, J. Hilburn 2nd. Playing with Tommy Cobbley next Monday, I don’t know how I will do.

It has been raining off and on for several days, but when the sun its dreadfully hot, almost unbearably so.

Had to borrow $400 to order dates & peanuts. But yesterday I received $500 for the cotton yarn you gave me and $100 for 11/2 yd lace, so was able to repay the loan fortunately.The price of tangshe jumped from $90 – to $180 fortunately we had not ordered any, had we had the money I would have ordered l0Ibs.

Received a surprise gift from the Neybuchen, a huge tin of apricot jam. What a gift, the children and adults are overjoyed. We haven’t had sugar from the kitchen since June 10th and we miss it, as I have had to use up a good deal of the tangshi to sweeten our palate.

Sid gave Father Palmers a pair of army boots - Dr Cooke’s underground boots. He has been so grateful that it is most embarrassing, he gave us 4 pks Red X cigarettes, 1 cake laundry soap,6 eggs and 1/4lb sugar.

Kogo was here for a few days. He is supposed to be quite a changed man, he is no longer arrogant and unapproachable. He went to tea with the Gerbers, and upon being asked “You must know now that you cannot win the war?”- He said, “of course but we must fight to the last man in view of what is happening to Germany.” He was present during the pow wow the Committee of Nine had with Egger & Joerg, and volunteered the information that the Authorities were doing everything possible to obtain cereal & sugar. He also stated that the Military ….Japan and that we were receiving the rations of each individual in Japan no less, no more.

Chapman told Joerg that he would have none of his Comfort money but wanted Comfort parcels instead! We are about to receive our last sum of Comfort money. The prospect there after will be none too bright.

On Monday night as I was leaving the Hospital I noticed several guards and other people on the little balcony leading to the entrance. This morning I heard the reason therefore. The cowman got caught in the barbed wire which must have been suddenly juiced. He has cut his face, his arms and testicles, so he was brought in to be attended to. Dr Grice was called and when he got into the theatre he chased everyone away, but the No 2 was adamant, he would not leave to prevent communication with the Chinese, so he sat himself down on a stool, put his sword on his knees, folded his arms and looked important. Dr Grice stitched up the facial cuts etc then selected a foot long needle with which to stitch the testicles, as he was preparing this operation he suddenly heard a rustle behind him, the No 2 had gone green in the face, jumped up pushing over the stool and dashed out!

We gather that the cowman was with the help of several guards, trying to do ‘business’. But the official excuse is that he was trying to get out to visit his wife. The cowhouse is outside the camp but inside the barbed wire.

Love Ida.

P.S.
1) Tsingtao supposed to be bombed
2) A Jap Guard told Altree that soon there will only be Watanabe abd a few civilians to look after us as the Guards will have to go to the front – and we will be free to go and come as we please! Oh yeah!

We have been in No 1 Alley 6 for one year now. We are still friendly with the Robinsons but had we stayed on it would not have been possible.

– I am glad that this move has preserved our friendship, but everything in camp is now coloured by that poisonous vice, selfishness.

Practically rob to obtain unto one’s own the necessities, or the enar luxuries. This is my only regret for having been here, I hate the exposition of the soul and the baring of the soul - !

P.P.S.
Rumoured Penang, Sourabaya & 2 other points on which landings were made!

Stan Avery has just been and tells us that he had received a red x letter from his father dated October, that he was expecting his brother Bob’s wife & child for Xmas.

Bob was construction engineer on the fortifications along the Siamese border. They had to escape in the clothes they stood in.

His sister escaped to England from Celito where her husband was wireless engineer with all her goods & chattels. George Heathcote had given them a dimple/silver filigree belated wedding present for which she could have sold for an untold sum of money due to the novelty of the gift.

He also told us that in Batavia is a small cannon close to that famous Banyan tree, this cannon was used by the Javanese against the Dutch. There is another cannon placed atop a mountain in the interior. Their legend is that there guns are husband and wife, and as soon as they are united the Javanese will be free! Have they been united?

July 6, 1945 ...

6-7-45

My dear:

Today’s real mackay news hot from Domes are
1) transferred their senior general from Japan to China to organise defences against anticipated landing by Americans.
2) Allies plan to make six landings.
... a) Okinawa already completed
... b) Shantung peninsular
... c)Kynsu (2)
... d) Hongs (2)
3) landed with heavy American forces, Palt? On Java Japanese disvursed them to all direction then they (Japanese) retired to third line defence
4) Convoy of 2000 ships via Suez to Bombay
5) Conservatives in by 300 odd but not a working majority so we, out of touch folks, anticipate either that
... 1) the Government resigns
... 2) the Government forms a Coalition Government in order to conserve continuity of government till end of war.
... 3) Aim to beat Japan.

Am reading Katherine Mansfield’s letters, am wondering who she is. Her letters make extremely light reading - and quite enjoyable like watching mimosa blooms floating in the air or a beautiful blue day. We have had so much rain already, although the rain whilst it is falling helps to keep temperature, the steam arises and activates as soon the sun appears.

Have had to pay $50 extra on my half pound of walnut meat – the total $300 per lb instead of $200 –

We bought 2 boxes of ‘flying duck’ cigarettes from Weihsien at $105 per for 50 – had to borrow $100 from Stan to pay for the 2nd box.

Gerry Thomas stopped me this a.m. and asked whether I still kept up my (dixing?) and whether I was accessible to others barring myself. I said definitely, “no”.

Tsukigawa wants to give a gift of sweet buns to children under even. Cherry Billinghurst has the job of making them.

Tomorrow is Marie’s wedding anniversary and we are to celebrate it in style. Have drawn our rations most impressive slab of meat. Will write about after the party.

George Simmons seems convinced we will leave this place about end of August, which tallies with the rumour that the final stage of this eastern war will take two months.

Joey told Margaret Bishop, Iris Ledow(?) & Retzke that their husbands were transferred away from Shai – He saw them personally at Tientsin Station, when he also delivered gifts to the three men.

Understand the Italian Naval men are with the group. There are three Italian women in camp whose husbands are interened or were. The Wireless Engineer was on board the ship at Singapore entertaining Japanese officials when it came over ther wireless that Italian was split into 2 factions pro king or pro Mussolini.

The guests, numbering 8 were carried away to Colombo. So the wife is here . Her baby is hardly 11/2 yrs, born after 10 years married lief, extremely attractive is the memsahib.

The Geroni girl’s husband was shipped of the ship which was scuttled in Shai. And another Signora…..her husband was Commander –in-Chief of the Navy. He was interned presumably with the Yankees.

Sid, Peter & Christine are sound asleep although its only 9.20 p.m. Gay is at the “The Way Men Live”presented by Mr McDonald of the Religious Dormitory Society. Will know result when she returns.

Love & goodnight, Ida

July 8, 1945 ...

8.7.46(sic)

My dear:

Radio news of yesterday stated that 2 large convoys are waitng to set off from Frisco and Seattle. The Americans are expected to land on Shai, Shantung Peninsula, Kysya, and 2 other places on J. mainland. The estimate is that this was will be over in 2 months.

Our new Chief of Police is cooling his heels in jail in Peking. Apparently at the farewell party on the eve of his departure,Ke(?) became botle and had a fight, his opponent dying as a result there of.

Robinsons’ anniversary party consisted of us four and was hilariously & happily spent by us. The Paikel was watered but fortunately it was my strength, although during the night I had terrific indigestion and had to take bicarb. Even now, after alight supper of half a cucumber; a tablesp. beans, 3 tablesp string beans, a small rice/egg fritter, may sound a lot but actually not so, I am suffering with an overloaded duct.

Several old guards are back again.

I have asked Father Rutherford to request Mrs. Grant assess two gold chains and a locket as we are terribly short of cash. Had to borrow $100 from Stan to pay for cigarettes and $15 from Freddy marsh to pay for an egg. And we do not have any more funds at the hospital for the children’s eggs. You can see how desperate the situation.

It hasn’t rained all day, and the weather is deliciously too cool. Christine is here by me trying to blow bubbles with a castor oil tree branch. ‘Tis the craze.

Sister Bede gave me a huge parcel of discarded clothes sent her by the German doctor’s wife in Tsinan. I have been able to make excellent use of the clothes sent. Made 2 short/suntop suits for Gay, of which I am very proud. Several pairs of panties cut down to fit Christine. I unpicked a baby silk yarn matinee coat and out of which I have been able to knit a pair of socks for Gay, Peter and 2 for Christine.

The Salvation Army Band is playing so will stop as I have not got sufficient stamina to prevent the music from interfering.

Love & God bless you.

Love Ida

July 10, 1945 ...

10-7-45

My dear:

It does seem incredible that I am feeling cold. We have had showery weather for three weeks now, although there is the discomfort attached to it of clothes not drying, but it is cool; nights are definitely pleasant.

Heard that Japan has been given three days to decide whether
a) to capitulate, or
b) to face complete annihilation.

Today, understand, is the second day. And yet Barton is spreading the yarn that a small landing had been made on the Japanese mainland?

Valerio Matrosso had a fancy dress birthdya party, and all the little children in their fancy togs walked around the camp, the Italians are exhibitionists aren’t they?

Saw Preston Lee – He says he has had assurances from Joerg that Suna & Joan are safe – at Chungking.

Had a most disastrous bridge evening, last night with Tommy Cobbley as my partner. We just didn’t click from third place. I dropped to 6th on the aggregate – expect is to be easier.

Our morning glory fence has developed into a marvellous living object. The leaves atremble and such dainty blooms – of all delightful shades. The white lady is most beloved. This showery weather is making my garden grow apace – I only regret that I did not grow neither tomatoes nor lettuces – I fear I was somewhat over optimistic.

Old man Stolke at the dinner queue tells me that Hongkong has been retaken, but I somehow can’t place much credence on this. Have just come across a strawberry jam recipe. ¾ lb sugar – 1lb fruit left ovenight to sweat then cooked over a slow fire, it was in ‘Letters of Katherine Mansfield’.

Al Voyce & Kimfoull(sic for Kimfull) have had fisticuffs. Voyce has broken the top of his left hand on the knuckle and Kimfoull has had a nasty cut under the nose. The fight was over gold, I believe. Will probably get details tomorrow.

Gay asked Peter how much he loved her – he answered 3 dipperfuls.

Goodnight.

Love Ida

July 13, 1945 ...

13-7-45

My dear;

‘Tis truly Friday 13th I started the day by spilling my precious oil, and then all the omelette. Needless to say my temper was trying.

Christine griselled she has done so for several days, has not been well and off the Weihsien Fever but a good dose of asprin seems to have the desired effect.

We had our cholera inoculation yesterday despite all Dr Howie injected his needle absolutely painlessly, it was short of a miracle. Christine, I am afraid was not as brave as her daily behaviour indicate.

Several fantastic stories are being circulated.
I. that Hongkong has been evacuated by the Japanese and allowed us to retake it.
II. that Shai internees, due to the shortage of food they are free to forage for themselves but must be in by nightfall.

Father Rutherford was called to give in the names of the nuns & priests in camp, on Iso’s desk were spread numerous passports, British & American. The story chasing around now is that the priests & nuns are about to be freed.

We received $3,900 in payment for Gay’s locket which her godmother gave her. I regretted having to part with it - but it was necessary. Hope to be in the draw for surplus Tangshi. We didn’t order any as we were broke.

Gladys Hermann caused much laughter in the queue waiting for tangshi. Peter Doering was at the desk taking the name of the orderers off. He asked her where she lived, “Good heavens, you ought to know you came often to see me.” She glanced down and said “do you know Pete crosses stand for kisses, are those all for me. Then she called out Freezer! Freezer! Upon reply she asked “is the Tangshi frozen? She is a jolly person and gets on with the kindergarten children too. Although her manner is unorthodox and sometimes embarrassing.

“Come on, you little macaronis!” The children take it and love her all the more.

Sid trumped his partner’s trick last night – after a whole night’s indifferent play - so a result he was unable to sleep till 2a.m. blushing & burning over his play.

Tomorrow we are having only one meal - the noonday meal. The Japanese themselves must be feeling the pinch as they now consume 28 loaves per diem as compared to 7 of former days.

The painting class made a presentation to Peter Travers Smith of a picture early. I was requested to paint the break in the wall by the rain on 4-7-43. He liked it well.

Had to air my cereals as they have become the breeding places of weevils & maggots - horrid.

The camp is again optimistic & feel we are about to leave soon.

Love Ida.

July 17, 1945 ...

17-7-45

My dear:

At last the new Chief of Police has arrived a different bloke - he has been in Moscow University for 3 years and several years a business in Vladivostock. He arrived yesterday p.m. when there had been much bowing & scraping. He came round during the roll call rounds and we were all quite pleasantly impressed.

He sent for Goyas - and told him how Mrs Goyas was worried about him and wept on his shoulder etc. Then Captain asked Goyas how was his health. Not enough food was the gist of his reply. Later Goyas relating this interview tells us that his Russian(?) is better for me" – “such a gentleman” – “when he says yes, he means yes”- This story is racing around camp. I heard it in the shower too.

Betty Lambert is celebrating her 15th birthday in the Diet Kitchen Dining room. A dance & supper party. Gay & Hazel Hock are the youngest guests. I hope Gay has a good time, we peeped in and saw the tables simply laden with food. Gay also started French with Father Unden, which is promising - he is such good natural teacher.

Unfortunately had to cross swords with Marie. All over a silly book. Marie took umbrage somehow, that’s just what makes relations so difficult with her these days, she cannot take adverse comments - and unfortunately for me the strain of living here has become so great that I simply cannot, despite everything, to continually placate.

The rumour is that all able bodied men will be sent to Manchuria and the women & children will be returned to their homes!

Food is terribly short. Our Kitchen of 750 received 192 lbs meat, after trimming off utmost essential cuts, which were burnt, only 126 lbs remained. Less than that has been received for tomorrow - Fortunately our TN friends have been helping us out and we’re managing - will be able to do so for a little while longer.

Am trying to obtain sugar. It is now $2000 per lb or 2lbs for 1 tin red x milk.

Jean swapped 10 cakes.

Love Ida

July 19, 1945 ...

19-7-45

My dear:

Today was to have been the day of days but so far 9.15 p.m. nothing has happened. Heard from P.Cobb that a landing has been made in the Shai Area - Our food has decreased tremendously, the Committee of Nine have had several meetings, but at the last one - of this p.m. Iso did not turn up!

The rumour is prevalent that all men of fighting age will be taken away with the retreating army, but what will happen to us? I can’t believe it.

The Barnes & Marshes have had a spot of bother – over a clothes line. The Barnes line is strung over a patch where the Marshes have planted Castor trees - they have asked for them to be cut down. Result is – surprisingly - a threat from Freddy to knock O.J. on jaw. Discipline was called to arbitrate. Marie pointed out that the Barnes’ were truculent people as Mrs. Tallent wasn’t allowed passage to the lavatory!

Eggs have appreciated to $250 - made some date compote – amazing how sweet they are

- I appreciated their sweetness on my bread. Till now I was snobbish about dates and felt superior to people who had to resort to date jam - and we are now enjoying.

Gave the Pearsons about 5lbs of the Chinese Quaker oats in order that he constructs gifts for Christine for me. He has already made camp stool - and have requested him to make a hobby horse and a tray with handle.

Some Japanese - not guard - is supposed to have said that in one month’s time this camp will be non-existent - Hope he’s right.

Went to elevenses at Vi Vio’s. I now feel a total outsider, there is an undercurrent in which I do not share. Dr Vio is supposedly well interested in Mrs Alessie and spends much time in her room - but I do not think it’s her but the refuge. He is dead nuts on Bridie McPherson.

‘Twas Ve Jenkinson’s birthday; Ethel Blake, Eileen Calvert & Bridie contributed 2 extra toothsome cakes – Dr Vio when he came in, kissed the birthday girl and said “I must kiss Bridie too.” He did and did she blush!

Heard it said that it looks as though the Vios will part company after the camp breaks up. So will the McPhersons. So will the Murrays! I do not think so - on the contrary, after this hiatus has been left behind life will be renewed. Marie R. says that Dr Vio is the only man who knows more than Robbie and with whom she can discuss in and speak the same language.

The Watson children are thrilled about the coming of the new - Young Jacky went down on his knees and thanked Jesus!

Jennifer McLaren is thrilled to bits too. Won’ t allow her mother to carry heavy things. Yesterday our young Jewish mother par excellence brought her second camp baby into the world – a little girl. Dr Grice has that over, Dr Corkey - is that he’s had seconds on babies here.

Love Ida

July 24, 1945 ...

24-7- 45

My dear:

The last two days have been unbearably hot and as for the nights - there are no words to describe them - and matters worsened for me as I caught a chill which brought on my sinuses, so what with effedrene, aspirin & heat I became a lifeless, useless bag of bones & skin. However during the night we had a down pour and it looks as though the day will not be quite as hot. The children slept out on Sid’s bed for one night and last night his knee indicated to him that it would rain, so when I returned from my duplicate bridge competition, I had to assist in getting the family, beds, bedding in. Robbie scoffed - Sid laughed last as at 4a.m. he took Johnny home.

Rumours are running fast & furious that

1)Shai had been taken (literal translation of Chinese “hsiah di” by Chinese contractor coolie
2) Landing on Hakodate
3) The removal from Weihsien of all able bodied men. Egger came yesterday conflicting reports of what he had said:
... 1) Optimists give 3 months}
... 2) Pessimists give 6 months} will see end.
... 3) His private opinion of 1 to 2 months
He brought in comfort money for Belgians & Norwegians but none for us.

The children have just come in, covered from head to foot in mud. They have been paddling & falling in the mud & slime on the ball field.

Ordered 5lbs Tangshi at $200 per. Raked up all the money we had e.g. $906 owing balance to Freddy Marsh. Prices are soaring: have been paying $23 - per egg for the last week. Have been trying to negotiate a pair of knickerbockers of Van der boyhts(?) through Mrs Grant - are hoping to get money before the close of the morning, as I want to increase my tangshi order –

The new C.of Police is supposed to have said that he does not mind his guards doing “trade” but taboos hooch. Now "they’re all in the business.

The Robbies were having 40 winks yesterday afternoon, when a knock was heard, Robbie shouted “who’s that” when to the consternation of the Robinsons in walks a Jap.guard, to view their full nudity. He had mistaken their cell for either Carters or Ladows.

Now Peking residents are all het up as the Japanese have been checking up on their Peking addresses all morning. May be just co-incidental with the rumour that we’ll all be sent to Peking.

Sold my Golden Lion for $I500 - thus augmented my Tangshi order by five pounds. At the Canteen they’ve already taken in 300,000 in Tangshi orders. Who says there is no money.

continued 25-7-45

Had to chase round like mad to raise money with which to place oil order @ $470 per pound. The R.H.A. scheme whereby money is accessible to employees, could not help us as all the money had been called up. So Pryor made me a personal loan of $2000 repayable when we receive our allotment on August 1st.

Today we have had to pay $35 per egg. Something big must have occurred.

I am going ahead with my knitting of children's socks as they’ll need them whether we’re still here or not, probably have more time to knit now.

At last have rid myself of sinus & cold - a good dosage of effedrent for 2 days did it, but the net result is tremendous headache, so I live on asprins and getting my Comfort B deduction’s worth.

‘Tis hot again; Bless you Ida.

July 26, 1945 ...

26-7-45

My dear:

Sitting under the Assembly Hall trees listening to the band, I felt a terrific urge to show your niece Muriel the 2 snaps we had had taken by Od in Chinwangtao. I wanted to show her that quite possibly you might be the haven Missionarie which I understand she detests. At the Salvation Army Sunday evening get together her mother ranted & shouted & exhorted like a maniac - how Muriel must have suffered. She has blossomed into a very attractive girl - perhaps a little heavy – in her manners - to which you could tend! Poor, poor girl.

Rumours are coming in fast & furious:

1) Nanking Gov. want the Jap. Gov to withdraw all troops in order to save their cities from air raid destruction.
2) In any case, the reply was, there was no transportation
3) in any case there is no armistice between USA & Japan
4) After the war it would take Jap Army 18 months to clear out of China
5) Now that USA Gov admitted sinking of Awa Maru, comfort parcels will be despatched to internees(? Ida)

Have been fighting practically a week now against sinus & cold, the effredrene has dried up mucuous but half my face is still swollen & painful. Am dosing myself with bicarb (indigestion) & asprin.

The No 2 kitchen last night lost 30 kilos of meat from their Kuoks. Things have now come to a scandalous pass - but wonder what steps have been taken to prevent recurrence.

Am now busy obtaining data regarding Bridge school for youths. Seems the most popular activity amongst the youth of the camp.

Heard Bassett & Joan Turner expect get married soon! Couldn’t they wait - perhaps it is wiser.

Sid & Robbie were talking very seriously and when I entered Sid ended by “Seal of the Confessional - I am not telling Ida”- I was somewhat intrigued - but also realises that no secret remains a secret for long here in camp.

Apparently Gerry Lucker, Richardson, Rogard & 3 other Americans went up to Iso and told him that they no longer wished to receive Comfort money that they would endeavour to look after themselves. Iso was livid and raged like a lion in its last agony. Apples are $200 per lb and oil $470 – as against our Comfort Money - senseless.

‘Tis late now, love Ida.

July 27, 1945 ...

27-7-45

My dear:

Had the Bazires & Toscanis for a cup of coffee. I prepared 2 American Red X Peer meat & rice stuffing pies & a steamed pudding or cake but unfortunately it didn’t rise. But the coffee was good - we had a good evening.

Today the parcels list is up,but our name does not feature - and it looks as though there are many pool parcels - hope peanut butter is the answer. We received some clothes from the Mahilles, with some alteration they’ll fit me.

Today’s rumours are that:

1) a landing has been made on Kysya
2) shelling of the Japan Coast
3) 200 planes bombing Shai
4) 2500 planes bombing Japan.

Had pork again for lunch. We couldn’t face it so sent a portion to Stan and opened a tin of corned beef. Heard a can of Carnation Milk for $700 - it is expect that the price will rise to $1000 by next week.

Love Ida.