March 27, 1943 ...
From the diary directly as written that day.

27-3-43
My dear Freda:

I am afraid I have been compelled to allow a week to lapse before writing to you as I have been extremely busy. The journey was very long and arduous, the children took it very well. We had terrific receptions at Linsi and Tongshan Stations. At the former Mr Walravens, the Kelseys, and Dufrasne brought a huge quantity of food. Then at Tongshan, Miss Gunn, Miss Hill Murray, Vera Dutoff and Mr Ducuron came with 28 boxes of foodstuff, as well as cigarettes and tinned milk and biscuits.

The Consular Official who accompanied us from CWTao was a particularly nice chap and was extremely helpful. He allowed the foodstuff to be put on board on condition that he examined it to ensure that no booze was brought on. It was only perfunctory as after the first few he said OK.

We changed at Tientsin. etc. [excerpts]

8-4-43
The food here is most inadequate for hardworking men. Can you imagine what it must be like to begin the day with bread porridge (well cooked & nicely flavoured with orange peel, by the nuns) then stew, potato, leeks for tiffin, then spinach soup for supper? Fortunately, one can eat as much bread as required. This diet cannot be blamed upon the cooks - they have as a matter of fact produced the best result on the poor materials given.
[excerpts]

13-5-’43
7.30, when anyone requiring dry bread and water may do so. Lunch is at noon. Frost ulus (?) it is called. After lunch there is time for a short nap and without a single exception, everyone does hard manual labour for 2 1/2 hours. The supper, lecture prayers in the Church which ends with the Salve Regina and so to bed at 7 p.m. The Trappists endeavour to avoid being a burden on the other communities and towards this aim they work. They make the well-known cheese. They also endeavour to have sufficient to share their wealth with the local destitutes.

As regards food, they eat neither meat, fish nor eggs.This latter was after a slight pause, to which the audience responded with great gusto, as Father Scanlon is the Chief importer of black-market eggs. We all laughed heartily.

Their monasteries are surrounded by high walls and no women are admitted. At the word walls, we broke out into laughter again. As it over the wall that we do black marketing. The discipline is a handle with several knotted ropes which is used on themselves once weekly. It is not true that the monks beat themselves to blood. As a matter of fact Father Scanlon says that any man can hurt himself as hard as he likes.
[excerpts]

15th May 1943 ...
I have been conferred a great honour, Father Scanlon came along with 5 oranges and has asked me to make him marmalade. He gave me 3 lbs sugar (black-market) I succeeded in making about 7 lbs marmalade, as I took a lot of trouble with it. I think it is very good. One of the Trappists has been down with typhus and it is for him that I have been making it. Poor chap must have acquired the virus on his long journey from the Mongolian border.
[excerpts]

28-5-’43
The quality and quantity of food are going down day by day - I expect it must be the depreciation of the FRB.
[excerpts]

31-5-’43
Mr Shirekawa, now chief manager of the K.M.A., came to pay the ex.K.M.A. a visit yesterday and today. The rumour soon spread around that he had brought comfort parcels. Naturally, we were conjecturing as to the quantity of cigarettes, jam, etc. which would be coming our way. Went so far as to wonder whether the men would each receive a carton of cigarettes, we had much fun wondering and it eventually turned out that only a small supply of miscellaneous goods were brought by Mr Shirekawa. In fact, 3 ladies, Mesdames Pryor, Allen and Faulkner were requested to distribute them. It was decided that articles would be divided into units for fair distribution, 1 tin jam, 2 units, 1 tin *powdered milk, 7 units, 1 tin sausages, 2 units, 1 pkt cigarettes, 1 unit. We had 1 unit of a tin of sausages and 1 unit of *powdered milk (7 tablespoonsful). We were very happy. But the Wallingtons had a unit of milk and instead of being satisfied as expected were the contrary and exchanged their share for something else. The Wallises are dying for milk, and only got 1 unit of sausages and 1 unit of jam.

...
Managed to buy some black-market strawberries at $6.00 per lb. Got 2 lbs. and Marie made jam. It is a little runny but just the same they are delightful. We have absolutely run out of money, I think Sid has borrowed $30. from A.C. Hennings.
[excerpts]

17-6-’43
So today we had a tea party for which Oswald Dallas baked as marmalade cake and Gracie Lambert presented a chocolate cake. We also had egg and cucumber sandwiches and rock cakes. Mr. & Mrs. Henning, Gracie and Betty and Father Ziggenhorn was asked. The party was held outside our home, but, of course, we are exposed to all the people who have to pass us on their way to the ball field. It was a little too “on view”.

That night we had salmon mayonnaise and cucumbers. Father Heier, Oswald Dallas and the Hennings came, of course, the Robinsons are always the principal guests when we have any “do”. I think Gay had quite an enjoyable time.
[excerpts]

19-6-’43
I applied to the Swiss Consul, the Red Cross Representative armed with a certificate from Robbie stating that I required additional food, e.g. cheese, milk & jam. I ordered 2 cases of evaporated mi1k, 3 Dutch cheeses and 1 can assorted jams. I wonder whether any of these items wi1l be sent in to me. We now have only $700 odd in the Camp Bank which I hope will be sufficient to cover this order.
[excerpts]

29-6-’43
Several more parcels have reached people. Bill Chilton has been distributing them – not to us as we are not from the “Mines” proper. He seems to think that Captain Costain would be sending us parcels and that these would be divided between people from Chinwangtao. I wonder? I can’t see Dairy or Eva doing any such thing. David Heyman sent us a post card telling us that he was sending us 5 tins jam, 3 pkts of sugar as well as a pot of honey. We are looking forward to the parcel, not so much for the articles as the thrill of receiving proof that people are thinking of us. I am not expecting anything.
[]excerpts

17-7-’43
Rumour is persistent that Benito Mussolini has flown. Many parcels are reaching folks here. Apparently, large K.M.A. subscription parcels, some only for K.M.A. and some only for the whole community. The latter being Nathan Pryor’s headache. Although, I do think that the best scheme would be to distribute the foodstuff through the kitchen, to ensure that everyone will receive a share.

...
3 big cases were received from the K.M.A. and destined for people who are not receiving any comfort parcels. Haven’ t heard who and what the folks were getting. We ourselves, being considered as three adults, 3 tins Blue Cross condensed milk, 2 tins pineapple, 1 tin Delmonte Heinz sardines, 3 Tim Lithy’s cornbeef, 2 jars malt, 2 tins fruit salad, 1 tin liver paste, about 12lbs dried fruit, 8 yds mosquito netting, 2 boxes matches; it was indeed a grand parcel.

The Robinsons have been receiving parcels whenever parcels have come in and so we have done quite well – on their tins.

There is an aeroplane buzzing overhead – How long will it be before an American fly overhead.

The canteen now is functioning extremely well and they are receiving a continual flow of goods, and are eating on an average of either fresh fruit to tomatoes twice weekly, so are doing well. We are very well, I am afraid we are inclined to feel sorry for your life being so expensive and so lonely.
[excerpts]

6-8-43
My dear Freda:
The 3 parcels of biscuits arrived, unfortunately they are practically pulverised. However I managed to secure some swole gingernuts which were delicious.
[excerpts]

6-9-’43
Marie received, or rather rescued her parcel from the Lowensens. There must be a systematic method of pilfering, sugar, cigarettes & cheese from parcel Tisha Metcalfe was sent a round of Trappist Cheese, the lid of the box was all that came.
[excerpts] ...

16/10-’43
In the afternoon, after Robbie had just gone to a violin practice, Marie to veg, a stone came over and the gent popped his head suddenly & said quick, quick and handed 10 bottles brandy. The 1st 4 I took and hid under the pillow, and Sid, whom I shouted for took the rest and hid them in the hamper, then he came in and took away the bundle I had, but just as he was concealing then in the hamper, the guards were heard clattering down the alley, unfortunately facing the lean-to where Sid was busy. Whatever transpired, Sid dashed (unfortunately) out and accompanied the guards in their search around the house, they did not find anything, but one gent remembered the lean-to, and when he was there Sid handed out the stuff, seeing, as he thought the game was up. He called out to me, I was busy with Christine, and asked me to tell what had happened that the gent handed the stuff, which he had not ordered. The gent became quite cross and wanted to know why we should have hidden it. Because, said I, we were frightened of them. He then demanded a basket, and started marching off with “if there is any trouble your husband may have to explain.” I thought the matter was shelved, but Sid, wanting to cut his losses, dashed off ahead and said “I’ll go to the guard room,” on the way he popped into Discipline and informed, Mr MacLaren who got the interpreter, Mr Sabouval and went to the guardroom. Meanwhile all the alleys up to 11 were searched thoroughly. Mrs Hares had to explain her stock of sugar- she had 30 lbs. Many people were trembling in their boots, as there were black-market eggs, condensed milk, etc.

Apparently, the interview was very pleasant, with Mr MacLaren refusing to budge unless Sid was restored safely in the bosom of his family.

All day Friday, he was jittery, having a premonition that something was befalling, the stupid gent popped his head over at the usual, and was quite incensed when told to go away. I felt very unhappy too, feeling the impending doom. This morning Sid woke me, at with the dog barking in the village and we were prepared for the gent’s reception - he was going to get a ticking off. Sid said at about 10.30, that if nothing happened this morning that all would be well.

At 10.45 3 Japanese came, and my heart dropped, I promised the Virgin Mary a novena of Masses if Sid were OK. At about 11.30 Sid returned, I was glad but my joy turned to sorrow when I heard that he was sentenced to 7 days. All sorts of wild ideas passed through my head, retaliations, splitting to the guards, etc. I wept buckets and poor Sid had no time to feel sorry for himself - perhaps it was all to the good.

Before 2, Bill, Harry Faulkner, Robbie and Father Rutherford helped carry his things to the guardroom, but again Sid was inopportunely anxious to do the right and suggested search of his suitcase and person. But he refused to allow them to take his braces, which they wanted to do. His shaving tackle was extracted as well as cigarettes. However all is well, Bill Chilton has organised a programme, whereby a K.M.A. individual carries Sid’s food to him from the Hospital Diet Kitchen. Actually if Sid were not in jail, he would be a hospital case as he is with dysentery.
[excerpts] ...

8-12-’43
Vera’s parcels to Marie & me arrived - I had a portion of the lid and Marie had some portion of the box that’s all. We were frightfully disappointed. We were looking forward to the bacon.
[excerpts] ...

Another unlucky parcel day for the menage. Marie’s 2 parcels from Lowensen’s were listed on the broken list, but it was worse than that, one was practically empty and the other with more than half missing. Al1 the Xmas gifts were lost Marie was extremely distressed, shedded tears, but Robbie a trump and cheered us up considerably. But I got 2 red cross letter, from Ena dated 26/8/4 3 and 1from Arthur’s dated 27/7/43, Elsie came along, and gave us a piece of bacon We’re too sad for words.
[excerpts] ...

22-12-’43
Our mail day was disappointing. I was hoping to hear from you, Divert and Mother. Instead p.c.s or Xmas cards from Sister Agnes Loyola, Father Legrand,Vera D. & the Walravens. However this disappointment was counterbalanced by the news that we have 4 parcels to come & so have the Robinsons. 2 from Suzanne Simon, 1 from Walravens & 1 from Ducuion. I do hope they’ll be okay. The biggest list of parcels ever 340, but the General Affairs Dept. are not so happy as they are apprehensive of broken, pilfered or lost parcels.
[excerpts] ...

8-1-’44
We have run completely out of tea, and it is unobtainable - except from a friend - we asked Elsie Henning and she very sweetly let us have some. She has been our angel of help on many an occasion.
[excerpts] ...

12-1-’44
Yesterday Sid celebrated his birthday in good style. He had several slices of bacon for breakfast, we didn’t, but he was privileged. I made a blancmange pudding for tiffin, and for tea we did have a sumptuous spread, Marie had made an excellent birthday cake - icingless - and a red apple pie, Gay made some peanut cookies, and Wendy some excellent biscuits. Then we were busy as we had a dinner party, it being Bill Chilton’s birthday too - I made the tomato soup and for some reason it curdled, perhaps it was the Benyake beef or perhaps the onions which I put in. Marie prepared the pork and beans. As guests we had Elsie & Alan Henning, Clemmie & Bill. They came at 7.30. At 8.45 Sid acquired a bottle of Port (?) with which we had some curried tuna. Then tomato soup, pork & beans & corn beef, pineapple tart, birthday cake, etc, with coffee - Bill & Clemmie left at 9.40 straight from the dinner table. Then we had snort-os. It was good and deliberate.
[excerpts] ...

24-1-’44
Last night the Hennings brought cheese, real butter, 2 tins pineapple & Morton’s custard for their Sunday night supper. It was a feast. We played Vingt-et-un, and at about 9, I started cooking the cheese for the cheese toast, then the feast started. The kids had pineapple & custard, so did we, after the cheese toast.

Father Rutherford came to tea. He was much depressed. Dr Vio came for coffee at elevenses, Stan gatecrashed & so did Elsie. Today my big wash is still hanging outside as it’s been raining all day. Hope it’s safe. The Elephant Bell brought me $50 -$30 for cod liver oil & $20 for soap powder. I hope to buy a clock from the Italians with it, as our prize clock has been damaged by Christine.
[excerpts] ...

16-2-’44
We had decided that “Valentine’s Day” would be the family birthday, and have a family party to which the kids would be invited. So we killed the fatted Coq, had salmon canapes, fried ham steaks, peas & fried s potatoes, custard pies. We did have a very enjoyable supper. It had to start at 8, as I had to attend an emergency meeting of the executive committee of the Homes Committee to discuss “serious” complaints against the Elephant Bell which had been received by the said committee. We decided to advise Mrs Wright, the lady manager of the Elephant Bell to refrain from reselling or exchanging goods purchased at the Canteen.
[excerpts] ...

25-2-’44
Cigarrettes were issued today after a wait of almost 5 weeks. People were becoming desperate. Twas no longer safe to walk about smoking one. But what a blessed relief this evening, like gentle rain falling on a thirsty soil. 200 each adult at $8.80. Pretty cheap when it is considering that a Mercury packet costs $7.00 in town, and amongst these 200 are 4 packets of Mercury.
[excerpts] ...

5-3-’44
There has been tremendous activity on the part of the Authorities to nab black marketers. They nabbed one. He is a missionary, Helsby by name. He was waving a white flag to the Chinese outside, when the white flag was spotted by a Jap. Meanwhile Helsby stuffs the offending white kerchief into his pocket, with a corner hanging out - down main street .The Jap jumped the wall and spotted him right away. He apparently told 2 yarns, and eventually broke down & confessed to his guilt. All row No. 14 was searched and I believe some sugar & rice were found in Helsby’s which the Authorities donated to the hospital. Helsby was sentenced to solitary confinement for 2 weeks.
[excerpts] ...

Goyas had a shipment, of sugar - 11 bags being delivered over the wall in the Japanese compound only a Jap passing saw the stuff, and took it. Goya was helplessly to watch $2310 worth falling into the wrong hands, but he was lucky not to have been caught. He was also warned by Discipline regarding the import of Pai Kel.
[excerpts] ...

13-3-’44
We are receiving 3 parcels this week, and Robinsons 2. One containing pig brawn. Our kitchen food has been on the retrograde, so we are grateful for this present and hope that they will all arrive safely.
[excerpts] ...

[further reading] copy/paste this URL into your Internet browser ...
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