Description
Object description
Ms diary, in two bound volumes (189pp and 135pp), kept by him from January 1942 to August 1945 and recording in closely observed detail the Japanese occupation of the International Settlement in Shanghai, conditions and life there with increasing Japanese regulations and restrictions, the question of repatriation of Allied civilians/diplomats (rumours of which permeate the whole diary) and his and his family's lives as civilian internees in the 'civilian assembly centres' at Yangchow B (March - September 1943) and Pootung (until August 1945). He describes their organisation and democratic self-government, schooling, medical facilities, entertainments, food and finance (including Red Cross supplies of both), prices, bartering, the black market and shortages, social aspects and relations with the Japanese and also refers to escapes from other camps, the keeping of dogs in camp (June 1945), the gradual progress towards Japan's surrender and a demand by the Japanese (8 May 1945) for the surrender of internees' title to property in Shanghai, as well as giving a complete list (pp116-121) of all internees in Yangchow B and statistics for the population of Pootung camp. Also a copy of the family's call up notice and the regulations of the Yangchow Civil Assembly Centre (6pp). Gander had lived in Shanghai, where he was a member of the Chinese Maritime Customs, since 1915.
Content description
Ms diary, in two bound volumes (189pp and 135pp), kept by him from January 1942 to August 1945 and recording in closely observed detail the Japanese occupation of the International Settlement in Shanghai, conditions and life there with increasing Japanese regulations and restrictions, the question of repatriation of Allied civilians/diplomats (rumours of which permeate the whole diary) and his and his family's lives as civilian internees in the 'civilian assembly centres' at Yangchow B (March - September 1943) and Pootung (until August 1945). He describes their organisation and democratic self-government, schooling, medical facilities, entertainments, food and finance (including Red Cross supplies of both), prices, bartering, the black market and shortages, social aspects and relations with the Japanese and also refers to escapes from other camps, the keeping of dogs in camp (June 1945), the gradual progress towards Japan's surrender and a demand by the Japanese (8 May 1945) for the surrender of internees' title to property in Shanghai, as well as giving a complete list (pp116-121) of all internees in Yangchow B and statistics for the population of Pootung camp. Also a copy of the family's call up notice and the regulations of the Yangchow Civil Assembly Centre (6pp). Gander had lived in Shanghai, where he was a member of the Chinese Maritime Customs, since 1915.
History note
Cataloguer PHR
History note
Catalogue date 1986-01