COPY
July 7th, 1949.
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office,
London, S.W.1.
Hon: Capt. W.J. Scotcher,
11, Castle Terrace,
Edinburgh.
Orion 54453/1/25/48
sir,
Subject: Ford Car 4086
Ref: your letter No. 54453/1/25 dt. 27 April 1949, addressed to The Assistant Resettlement Officer The British Legion, Scotland.
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I have the honour to inform you that I have recently recovered my private papers from the British Legion Scotland, who approached you on my behalf in connection with among other items my Ford Car. Hong Kong Registration No. 4086 Blue Body Single door Saloon Ford V.8. of Canadian Manufacture.
Bought from Messrs. Gilman & Co. Ltd. and Insured with them and serviced by them until the outbreak of Hostilities.
Further the Car in question was registered with the Hong Kong Police,
It was taken over during the fighting by Major Burn, 2nd Royal Scots (killed) and I had a receipt to this effect, but when admitted to St. Teresa's Hospital, from the P.0.W. Camp, "The Japs destroyed all papers found on my person, they even ripped open my collars and the seams of such clothes as I was in possession of in order to make sure I carried nothing in the way of messages, In this way I lost the only authentic record I possessed.
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I have no doubt that many of the officers Senior and Junior who knew me in Hong Kong would witness the foregoing; and give proofs.
Other than the foregoing I cannot produce any receipt, papers or documents of the car or my personal effects.
I left Hong Kong a very sick man in a few rags and wooden sandals.
My health is such now, that I have extreme difficulty in following my present occupation as an Insurance Agent. I need
car or at least some compensation for this loss.
It is admitted that I have received £300/- from the Goods and Chattels Scheme, a poor return for 3 years and 8 months in a Jap Prison Camp, and the complete loss of my Home and Business, and Claims amounting to some £15,000.
I have the honour to be,
sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
(sgd.) W.J. Scotcher
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