COPY
Mr. Arthur Morse,
Chief Manager,
KUNMING.
March 26, 1942.
214
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation,
LONDON.
Dear Mr.Morse,
Have just arrived here after a fifty eight day trek from Hongkong, having escaped from North Point Jap military prison (having spent a month at the Shamshuipo prison on Kowloon previous to being transferred to the Hongkong side).
I don't know what news you have had from Hongkong so thought I'd drop you this short chit and tell you that most of the Bank boys are all right but am afraid Fielding is gone and possibly one more, though I hope I'm wrong. I saw Carruthers and Harrison in prison and I am certain that Tiny Gardner (reported killed) turned up just as I was being transferred to the other side, in fact I was told that he was definitely safe. Strong rumours from the city are that the Japs are being tough on Sir Vandeleur for not co-operat- ing with the Japs and that he is interned at Stanley with all other civilians (excepting the lily livered ones that are playing ball with the Japs and I'm told plenty are). I take it Lady Grayburn is interned with the other ladies at Stanley also. My wife and two sons are there also.
Some of those killed are Tam Pearce (J.J.Patterson is definitely safe now in Shamshipo prison although previously reported killed with Tam). Saw him at Shamshuipo. Old man Rogers the white haired American exchange broker and Des Voeux killed with Mr.Pearce at North Point Electric station during the landing. Old man Hance got out of that mess with Mr. Patterson. Viner Gordon died around Jan. 21st at Bowen Rd., from injuries. George Tinson got killed at his home. Mackinley and Winter-Blythe of Mike Turner's firm are killed and Mike is in military prison (he took a commission at the end in the Middlesex. Blaker of Gilmans is in there too, as he was a volunteer. Forsythe put up a really grand show and was killed. Scottish section of the volunteers made history and most were Wiped out.
Edmondston and his family are all right.
The
Many women were raped and murdered as you now know and it's all true. The atrocities you heard of are really true and it has all been a terrible mess and a rotten show. Dr.Black killed, also Dulley of Jardines and of course many others whose names I cannot recall at the moment. (Mrs. Black was killed along with her husband at Stanley during the raping there). I was ashore fighting with the
We lads and it turned in hillbilly fighting all over the hills. messed up the Repulse Bay Hotel a bit. When coming out through
-1-
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.