WR Lynch, American Consulate in Shanghai, China

These are the obituary and eulogy for Will Lynch, who spent nearly 30 years with the US State Department in the Consular Service.  I have enjoyed his company through his diary--his lifetime interest and curiosity about all things, his sense of humor, his intelligence and my memories of him when he seemed to be a larger than life presence during his times home from China.  He was certainly a relative to remember!

OBITUARY

     William Ruben Lynch, son of James and Caroline Lynch, was born on a farm north of Miller, Kansas, June 5, 1885, and passed away in his home in Long Beach, California, on July 14, 1956.

     He was a graduate of Kansas Normal College of Emporia, (now Emporia State University), and taught in Kansas  schools.  In 1913, he went to the Philippine Islands as a government teacher.  Later, he took a position in the United States Consular Service in Canton, China.  From there he went to Shanghai, China, where he became Vice-Consul.  He remained there until he was taken prisoner by the Japanese in World War II.   

     After he was released in the prisoner exchange, the United States government sent him to Cairo, Egypt, for a year and to Istanbul, Turkey, for a year, before he was returned home when the war was over.

     After furlough, he was sent back to Shanghai to reestablish the Consular Service, where he remained until his retirement in 1950.

     He was united in marriage to Miss Christie P. Campbell, who survives.  Besides his wife, he is survived by one sister, Mrs. Hazel Skonberg of Osage City, three brothers, Carl Lynch and Frank Lynch of Miller, and Floyd Lynch of Reading, all of Kansas.  He is also survived by many relatives and friends.

     Mr. Lynch was a member of the Congregational Church of Long Beach and was a Mason.

EULOGY

William R. Lynch--

     His early boyhood was a typical pioneer life--chores at home and an ambition for an education for a useful life.  During his recent retirement he recalled his high school and college years with these words:

     "I swept the dormitory, washed dishes and tended furnaces for my board and room, and thought I was a lucky fellow.  I didn't know I was underprivileged".

     This philosophy of work and self improvement continued throughout his life.  His political curiosity was world wide.

     After he graduated from Emporia State Normal, it was his first teaching assignment in the Philippines that gave him his first taste of life in the Orient and led to his interest and life long connections with the government foreign service.

     He served in the American Consulates in Canton and Shanghai before World War II and was interned there during the Japanese Occupation.  Upon release he was assigned to Cairo and later Istanbul, before returning to Shanghai after World War II ended.

     The gentler side of his nature was evidenced in his love of fine music and his companionship with little children.

Hazel Lynch Skonberg, sister of Will Lynch.

WR Lynch and American Consulate in Shanghai, China

This is information from the US Department of State Web Site:


Rebirth and Renewal 

American Consulate in Shanghai, China

     Shanghai itself came to symbolize the normalization of Sino-U.S. relations in 1972, with the issuance of the Shanghai Communique'.  On April 1980, almost exactly 30 years after it closed, the United States Consulate General in Shanghai reopened at its present location at 1469 Central Huai Hai Road.  A member of the old Consulate's Chinese staff later presented Consul General Donald Anderson with the same flag that his predecessor had lowered three decades earlier.  It now hangs in the Consulate's reception rooms as a symbol of the historic ties between the old Consulate and the new.  
     The current Consulate property was built in 1921.  The main house is a villa in the French Renaissance style.  It sits on three acres, and includes several outbuildings, an orange grove, a Chinese rock garden, and a carp pond.
     As Shanghai continues to grow, and Sino-U.S. relations develop deeper and broader linkages, the work of the u.S. Consulate General in Shanghai also continues to grow and expand.  Shanghai has again become a major center of commerce and trade, and is a potent symbol of China's rising status.  American businesses and citizens have returned to the city in large numbers.  The Consulate General's large staff works to support and promote American interests, assist U.S. companies and private American citizens, and promote exchanges and dialogue between Chinese and American individuals and institutions.  Much has changed in the past century and a half since the United States established a consular presence in Shanghai, but much has also remained the same:  the relationship between the Consulate and Shanghai is as vibrant, dynamic and durable as Shanghai itself.


     Will Lynch did not live to see the reopening of the Consulate in Shanghai, but I know he would be pleased to see what is happening in that city at the present time.  I will print a little more about him and his obituary in the next and last post.

WR Lynch and American Consulate in Shanghai, China

     The American Consulate General in Shanghai, China, is among the oldest American diplomatic and consular posts in the Far East, and the second oldest in China, dating to the mid-nineteenth century, following the conclusion of a treaty of "peace, amity and commerce" between the United States and the Qing Dynasty in 1844.  American businessman Henry Wolcott--local agent for a Boston trading company--raised the Stars and Stripes above his company office near the Bund and became the first Acting U.S. Consul in Shanghai.
     In 1854, the United States Government appointed Robert Murphy the first professional American Consul in Shanghai.  His offices were located at 36 Huangpu Road, in the area that would soon become the center of Shanghai's American Settlement.    
     By the early twentieth century, more than 1,500 Americans called Shanghai home.  The American Community contributed to the economy and life of the city, founding businesses, hospitals, schools, and educational exchanges.  In 1916, the Consulate General moved to new buildings at 13-14 Huangpu Road.  These buildings--at a cost of $355,000, were the most expensive U.S. Embassy or consulate in the world at that time.  By the 1930's The Consulate General hosted a staff of ten State Department officials, (Will Lynch was there beginning in 1921) a trade commissioner from the Department of Commerce, and an agent from the Department of Agriculture, as well as the U.S. Court for China, a jail, wharf, post office, and a parade ground for visiting Navy and Marine detachments.
     In the years prior to World War II, Shanghai was the seventh largest city in the world, and had become the financial and commercial center of Asia.  Years of trade and interaction with the West were thrown into disarray, however, beginning with the 1932 Japanese attack on Shanghai's Zhabel District.  In 1933, events pushed the U.S. Consulate General south of Suzhou Creek, leaving the old American Settlement for the first time in nearly 80 years.  By December 1941, however, Japanese advances into Shanghai forced the closure of the Consulate for the duration of the war. 
(Taken from "The Consulate General of the United States Shanghai, China")

           As you have read in the diary, Will Lynch was taken prisoner in 1941 and repatriated in 1942 off the coast of Portuguese East Africa.

 During the rest of World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Will Lynch served in posts in the American Consulates in Cairo, Egypt and Istanbul, Turkey.  As the War was ending, he returned home, married and expected to be sent to Belgrade Yugoslavia.   Instead when the war ended in late summer of 1945, Will and his wife, Christie, moved back to Shanghai, where he was instructed to reopen the Consulate there.   

    They found Post-war Shanghai a different city; the foreign settlements had been abolished and civil war soon engulfed the country.  No letters from Will Lynch to the family remain, but I can remember reading letters from his wife Christie saying that she feared for his life.  Inflation was so bad that employees were paid daily, with large trucks filled with bags of worthless cash for their pay.  The Communists were becoming a strong force in the city, and Will Lynch became very frustrated with having to deal with them.     

     On May 1949, the People's Liberation Army entered Shanghai.  The new Communist government did not recognize the diplomatic status of the Consulate staff, and on April 26, 1950, Consul General Walter McConaughy lowered the American flag and closed the Consulate.  

     In 1950, Will Lynch retired from his nearly 30 year career in the American State Department Consular Service, and he and Christie lived in Long Beach, California the rest of their lives.

     The Consulate was not reopened until April 28, 1980, almost exactly 30 years after it closed. 

    


     

WR Lynch WW II Diary

     Sometime near the end of World War II, Will Lynch was able to come back home to America.  He had a surprise for us.  The confirmed bachelor announced that he was being married, and we all wondered who could "tame" this adventurer.  The family lore was that he had been engaged to a young woman after college, but that when he decided to go to the Philippine Islands to teach school, she refused to go.  He was unhappy, but at that time the Philippines were newly opened to the world and it was like going to the moon. 
     Christi Campbell was a good match, retired from teaching and happily living in California with a busy life and many friends.  They may have met just before the war when she was on a tour of China with a group of retired teachers.  I assume the American Consulate had some kind of event for them in Shanghai, and they met there.  He did mention in his diary, shortly after the war began, wondering what the "California teacher was thinking".  They had apparently argued about the intentions of the Japanese and she seemed sure the Japanese would not attack.
     The whole family liked this very independent spirited outspoken lively retired teacher who was the perfect match for Will Lynch.  She could match wits with him and even beat him at some of the games they played.  They had similar cultural interests, both enjoying classical music, ballet, etc.  I am not surprised that he was drawn to this woman, who was not the least intimidated by him.  My parents visited them at their home in Long Beach, California, several times.
    

Letter from Will Lynch to his sister (My Mother) Hazel Lynch Skonberg

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 241 and 242.

The last diary entries by Will Lynch, telling of his experiences when the Japanese took over the American Consulate in Shanghai on December 7, 1942.   He receives his British visa, so is able to travel in Africa and to Cairo for his new post at the American Consulate there.  I will write more of the years after the war.  Roselyn


August 5-6, 1942.  Wednesday and Thursday.   241st and 242nd Days.
     Got British visa on 6th.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 236 to 240

Will Lynch arranges for more passports to include Africa and Near East.  His language shows the racial attitudes of those times.  He finds he has lost about 5 pounds.  Roselyn


July 31, 1942.  Friday.  236th Day. 
     Darky boys are coal black. 
     They bring strong tea to my room each morning.
     Got passport amended to include Africa and Near East.
     Must get a "Union of S.A." visa so we can go to Kruger Park and a return visa for Portuguese East Africa.
     Weighed 189.5 pounds--down from 195!
     Had some dental work done.


August 1-3, 1942.  Saturday,Sunday and Monday.   237th to 239th Days.  August 4, 1942. Tuesday.  240th Day.
     Dental bill Escudos  300.00 or about US$12.00

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 233, 234, and 235.

Will Lynch moves to a hotel nearer the Consulate.  He can't leave until Lisbon gives permission.  Roselyn


July 28, 1942.  Tuesday.  233rd Day.
     Warm. Sunny.
     SS Gripsholm is anchored "in the stream". 
Moved to Hotel Cordoza, nearer the Consulate, and weekly rate is Escudos 450.00 vs. 700.00 at Polano.  Effective at noon.     
     Got a glimpse of ship slowly putting out to sea at 3:00 p.m.
     Don't know how long I'll be here, as I can't leave until Lisbon permits.
     However, it's nice here.  Hotel is on upper level, some 200 ft and overlooks busy port and city below.
     Bought 2 straps for my suit case to replace some "taken" by Italian 
"gentleman" (sic) on the CONTE VERDE-the dern thief.  Cost was Escudos 27.50.


July 29, 1942.  Wednesday.  234th Day.
      Still at Lourenco Marques--L.M.


July 30, 1942.  Thursday.  235th Day.
     Aired and sunned clothing.  All is o.k.
     Heavy wind about 7:00--8:00 p.m.
     Cooler.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 231 and 232.

Will Lynch takes a "Safari" trip to see an animal reserve 20 or 30 miles out of Lourenco Marques, Portuguese East Africa.   Roselyn


July 26, 1942.   Sunday.   231st Day. 
     Trip by motor to Vila Luisa on Incomati River, some 20/20 miles out of Lourenco Marques.
     Saw native dances, a la Duke Ellington, and native kraul-huts, but no wild Hippo, due to lack of time.
     Drivers held to 20 miles per hour.
     The ASAMA MARU and CONTE VERDE ships left about 10:00-11:00 a.m. for Japan. (These were the ships that took American and other diplomats and families to the area of repatriation).
     Tried to chow on the GRIPSHOLM, but could not, as they have a check system now in force and it debars me.


July 27, 1942.  Monday.  232nd Day.
     Fine weather.
     Began eating at this Hotel Polana.
     All ships' leave finished by 1:00.  I left about 5:00 p.m.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 228, 229, and 230.

Will Lynch changes boats as the hostages are exchanged.  He stays at Polana Hotel at Lourenco Marques, Portuguese East Africa.   Roselyn


July 23, 1942.  THursday.  228th Day.
     At Lourenco Marquest, changing boats.
     Am informed I must leave this boat as I will get no berth.
     Left at 9:00 p.m., and went to Polana Hotel.


July 24, 1942.  Friday.  229th Day.
     Warm and pleasant.
     Still at Polana Hotel, with part of gear.
     Trunk and 2 duffel bags yet to come.
     Portuguese national holiday.


July 25, 1942.  Saturday.  230th Day.
     At Polana Hotel.  Prepared many letters to go back on Gripsholm (Ship returning to America.  As I remember, he often came back on the Gripsholm ship.)
  

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 225 through Day 227

Will Lynch spends his last three days on the ship taking him away from captivity in Shanghai to East Africa. He does not report on how the exchange of diplomats was done. He learns that he will be going to a State Department Post in Cairo, Egypt.  He is now safe in Portuguese East Africa, ready for whatever happens next.  There will be a break, and the rest of the Diary will continue in about a week.  Roselyn


July 20, 1942.  Monday.  225th Day.
     Nice weather.
     We must be around the south end of Madagascar.
     Got my bill amounting to Japanese Yen.  3.18.  Sevena's was 2.77.  We used the alphabet system, and he won mine.  
     So, he pays.


July 21, 1942.  Tuesday.  226th Day.
     Cool.
     Saw a bird aft of ship, so must be near land.
     Turned 2 suitcases back to the baggage room.
     Turned in Military Yen 40.00.
     Supposed to be reimbursed from Washington at 3 1/3 rate.


July 22, 1042.  Wednesday. 227th Day.
     Chilly.
     Picked up pilot boat about 7:00, so Lourenco Marques (Africa) can't be far away.
     Arrived at 12:00 noon at Lourenco Marques.  Nice town.
     Weather fine.  I Hear I am to go to Cairo.






        
     
   

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 219 through Day 224

As Will Lynch continues on his Indian Ocean trip away from Shanghai and captivity to the East of Africa, he thinks they are not far off of Madagascar.  He does not hear any news of the war, or much else, since this is an Italian ship.   He continues his games of cribbage, rummy, etc with passengers on board.  Roselyn


July 14, 1942.  Tuesday and Wednesday.  219th and 220 Days.
     Bit rough, "monsoony".
     Won 3.00 Japanese Yen at cribbage.


July 16, 1942.  Thursday.  221st Day.
     Chilly.
     Bit rough.
     Sighted a freighter, "riding high"--empty.


July 17, 1942.  Friday.  222nd Day.
     Sunny and a bit warmer.
     Checked with baggage master about my baggage.  Must return 2 pieces to baggage room by 20th, next Monday.
     Have not yet found my trunk.


July 18, 1942.  Saturday.  223rd Day.
     Cool.
     Not too far off Madagascasr.
     Seas are not so rough.
     Won Japanese Yen 6.00 at cribbage.


July 19, 1942.  Sunday.  224th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Sold Japanese Yen 30.00 for US$5.00.
     Got a Nobleze Corona (cigar), gold foil wrapped, off of Mr. Severa, ex radio man from Amoy Consulate.
     Will smoke it at Captain's dinner, and pretend I'm a "Burgossey".
    






     

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 216, 217. and 218

Will Lynch says he thinks the ship he is on is close to Krakatao Volcano.  The Japanese ship accompanying them is having trouble keeping up.  Minister preaching at Sunday services becomes political and is stopped by the Italian Captain.  Roselyn


July 11, 1942.  Saturday.  216th Day.
     Buried Mrs. Roberts at 5:00 a.m.  I was not up in time, but was awake.  I had forgotten.  
     Krakatao Volcano is hearabouts.


July 12, 1942.  Sunday.  217th Day
     Warm.     
     Am reading "Oliver Wiswell".
     Cut suspender buttons off khaki shorts as they were not needed and stuck into my body.  (In those days, men of a certain size and weight wore suspenders.  Men's trousers had buttons on the inside of the waistband--two in front and two in back, so suspenders with loops could be hooked to those buttons. Will Lynch had lost enough weight that he did not need suspenders, and the buttons at his waist bothered him so he cut them off. Though he had chosen a far different life than that of his father and brothers, loved the culture of ballet and symphony, and never regretted that life, he still enjoyed thinking of himself as a farmer.  His favorite attire, when visiting us on the farm was bib overalls and a straw hat--a real sight to see!)
     Bishop Billman, Hankow, sermonized, but went off the deep end on a political angle, and the meeting was stopped at the direction of Swiss Consular representative, via Italian Captain;  much talk aboard.


July 13, 1942.  Monday.  218th Day. 
     Seas a bit heavy.
     Rainy.
     Won Yen 13.00 at cribbage.
     The Japanese ASAMA Maru is in engine trouble and can't keep up.
     My "tummy" isn't too good.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 214 and 215

Ship taking Will Lynch from captivity in Shanghai to East Africa, crosses the equator.  Another death on board--wife of another Consul.   Roselyn


July 9, 1942.  Thursday.  214th Day.
     Sailed from vicinity of Singapore between 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., the Asama Maru leading.
     Never saw Singapore, now called by Japanese, Shonan.
     All glad to be moving again.
     9:00 p.m.  The ASMA is lit up like a High Mass, about a mile ahead.
     Crossed equator in afternoon, my first;  usual certificates by Neptune Rex are being prepared.


July 10, 1942.  Friday. 215th Day.
     Good weather.
     Our route is southerly, to pass between Java and Sumatra.
     Clocks were set back one hour.  Heretofore we've had Tokyo day-light saving time, and it was "cockeyed".
     Another death, Mrs. Roberts, wife of Consul Roberts, Chefoo, China, hailing from Texas.     
     9:00 a.m.  Rainy and squally.  Must be nearing Sunda Straits, between Sumatra and Java.     12:00 Noon.  
     Quite cool.   

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 210, 211, 212, and 213

Will Lynch on "Repatriation Ship" stops at Singapore.   Japanese fly over. Roselyn


July 5, 1942.  Sunday.  210th Day.
     Arrived at Singapore, anchored, several miles out, about 12:00 noon.
     Supposed to stay several days until Asma Naru arrives with its repatriates from Japan, Hong Kong and Saigon.
     Lit an Insular Corono (cigar) after luncheon.  Thought of Captain Giliberto, the donator of cigar, last April, and the job I did for him about renewal of his master's license.


July 6. 7. & 8, 1942.  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.  211th, 212th, 213th Days.
     Took on fuel oil.
     Still here.
     Many Japanese airplanes in formation came over.
     Took on water and fruit.








     

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 204, 205, 206207, 208 and 209

Will Lynch finally boards the ship that will take him away from Japanese captivity in Shanghai, China.    Roselyn


June 29, 1942.  Monday.  204th Day.
     Rain!
     Up at 4:30 a.m.  Sailing for repatriation via Lourenco Marquest Portuguese East Africa, on Italian SS Conte Verde.
     Said to be 636 passengers aboard.
     Good ship, good food, good cabin.  Cabin mate is Mr. Altaffer, American Consul from Amoy.
     Table mate is C. H. Williams, Clerk American Consulate, Shanghai.


June 30, 1042.  Tuesday.  205th Day.
     Warm, cloudy, but no rain.
     Can't locate my trunk, but many thousand or so pieces are in freight hold, so mine must be there.  If not, ye Gods!  I'll be short of winter gear.
     Met fellow from Canton, China, named Maiskie, I knew there in 1920-21.  He beat me badly at cribbage.
     Orchestra, some 5 or 6 pieces, gave good 1 1/2 hour concert of salon music at 9-10:30 p.m.
     No war news.


July 1, 2, 3, 4,  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.  206th, 207th 208th, 209th Days.
     Buried a missionary one day.
     No celebrations on 4th.  In fact, I quite forgot till July 5th.

WR Lynch Days 200 and 203

Will Lynch is packing to leave his Shanghai "jail"  and has his cabin assignment on the ship leaving soon.  Roselyn


June 27, 1942.  Saturday  202nd Day.
     Fine weather.
     Though I applied yesterday for a pass, none was granted.  Went down town anyway.  All afternoon leave cancelled.
     About 6:00 p.m., 2 men from Swiss Consulate brought down our tickets and red ribbon badges--to indicate "Officials".  I have Cabin 201, Bed A, on B Deck, First Class, with bath and toilet.  Seems ok.
     Killed time by winning cribbage from Messrs. Groves and Hinke, and checkers from JBS.  Lost a rummy game to JBS, supposed to be Championship of Cathay Mansions.  (Where he was living during captivity by Japanese in Shanghai).
     War news from North Africa continues "lousy".
     I'll probably draw Cairo as a post, in time to get "captured" again.
     I weigh 185 pounds, or a loss of 25 pounds.  Walking did most of it.  
     Feel fine.


June 28, 1942.  Sunday.  203rd Day.
     Wet.
     Had roast goose with J.J. James, wife and daughter, Henry Frances Parks and Hal Mills in Jimmy's Kitchen, owned by Mr. James.
     Movie in afternoon with A.M.  
     Whew!  Packing!  What a job to get all in 3 pieces.
     1:00 a.m., in morning.  
     Bath and to bed as will be wakened by 4:30 a.m.
     
     

WR Lynch Days 199, 200 and 201

Will Lynch buys more shorts, preparing for warmer weather in new post--perhaps Cairo, Egypt.  He hears that probable sailing date for repatriation of diplomats will be June 29.  Roselyn


June 24, 1942.  Wednesday.  199th Day.
     Good weather.
     Sailing date still indefinite.
     Called at American School where Farina, Rolled Oats and Cracked Wheat are still being doled out.


June 25, 1942.  Thursday.  200th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Delivered another suitcase to Schrapf-Guenther & Co., as only 3 are said allowable on the bus to the boat, now said to sail next Monday, 29th of June.
     Bought from Wm. Yu, for CRB$20.00 (China Bank), another pair of khaki shorts.  He will put on a buckle strap and another hip pocket, and have it ready tomorrow by 10:00.
     Beat A.M. at rummy.


June 26, 1942.  Friday.  201st Day.
     Nice weather.
     Got another pair of shorts, khaki from Wm.Yu--CRB $20.00 .  Seems we are to embark next Monday, 29th--maybe?
     British in North Africa seem to have taken a licken'.  Wonder what ails 'em?


     

WR Lynch Days 197 and 198

Will Lynch says there is still much conjecture about the sailing date for exchange with Japanese diplomats.    Roselyn


June 22, 1942.  Monday.   197th Day.
     Big news is postponement from Wednesday to Saturday, maybe, of sailing of SS Conte Verde.  We are all agog as to reason and much surmising.
     Deadline for conversion of "old money" to "new money" at 2 old for 1 new has been extended a few days.  It's equal to a 50% capital levy, a slick trick if it works, but brought with an awful headache - if?  It is "major chizzlin".  (Meaning cheating or taking advantage.)


June 23, 1942.  Tuesday.  198th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Went to 69 Chusan Road with A.M. and got CRB$80 (Chinese Bank) refused from Mr. Turner in Room 4, House 47, 1285 Joffre.
     Walked aplenty.
     Thence back and A.M. bought a quart brick of what is called "ice cream" and 1/2 pound of wafers, and we had a feed at A.M's room No. 1, No. 12 Seymour Road, The Berkeley.
     Chusan is in Jewish refugee sector, Honkew.
     Much conjecture regarding our sailing date!
     Washed out a pair of sox, a handkerchief and a coat shirt.  I'm some "washee man"!  (Will Lunch was used to having his laundry done by a Chinese man servant).

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 195, 196 and 197.

As the American Consular diplomatic exchange in Shanghai nears, the people are exchanging "gifts" to "remember you by".   The definition of a "topee" is that it is a pith helmet.  I never did learn the identification of A.M.  Roselyn


June 20, 1924.  Saturday.  195th Day.
     Warm.
     Recovered my topee, and will give it to Bg. for similar one received from him.
     With A.M., saw "Private Life of Henry VIII" at Cathay.  
     A.M. now lives at the Berkeley and is more content.
     Tomorrow is last day to exchange old Fapi for new Chinese Bank money.


June 21, 1942.  Sunday.  196th Day.
     ?     ?   Missed!


June 22, 1942.  Monday.  197th Day.
     Warm.
     Capt. Tornroth wanted my parasol to "remember you by".  I similar countered, and he gave me a good suit, 2 pieces, of silk pajamas, pongee (silk).  A.M. got a big doll, Chinese, rag.  A.M. somehow had a pair of men's silk pajamas, and insisted I take 'em.  I did.
     At 6:00 had tea at Circle Sportif Francaise.  Did quite well today.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 192, 193 and 194.

Will Lynch is late reporting in, and found Japanese guards were looking for him.  Roselyn.


June 17, 1942.  Wednesday.  192nd Day.
     Rained.
     Had super-excellent chow at Jimmy's "Mandarin Inn".  Gorgeous joint.  Present were Mr. and Mrs. James, A. Murphy, Mr. Parks and myself.
     Was late reporting back and Japanese guards were looking for me at my room 903.


June 18, 1942.  Thursday.  193rd Day,
     Some rain.  Warm.
     Tonight's paper says we embark June 24, next Wednesday.
     Helped A.M. move today to "Berkley", No. 12 Seymour Road.
     Won cribbage 3-2 from Mr. Groves and lost one, tied one and won 3 checkers off JBS.
     
June 19, 1942.  Friday.  194th Day.
     Rainy and warm.
     Had new rubber heels put on my shoes.
     Saw G. Giliberto, 112 Vallon.
     Much talk anent impending repatriation, now scheduled for next Wednesday, 24th June.
     Am not sure how much Military Yen to take as I don't know whether stewards will be Japanese or Italian.  (I assume he means for tips and paying the stewards).

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 189, 190 and 191.

Will Lynch buys clothes more suitable for the warmer climate he expects later.  He sees Japanese planes fly in formation over his hotel in Shanghai.  Roselyn


June 14, 1942.  Sunday.  189th Day
     Cooler.
     Saw the movie "Hollywood Party" at Roxy.  It was for the "eye and ear".
     Played checkers with JBS.  I won 4 games and drew 1 or 2, forget which.


June 15, 1942.  Monday.  190th Day
     Warm.
     Wore first "shorts" today and like them o.k.
     Had one pair of khaki long pants cut down.  Plus a Hawaiian coat shirt and am quite cool.
     Beat JBS at checkers 3-1.  
     Got two free tickets for chorus at Roxy next Sunday morning, 10:00 a.m.
     Butterscotch at Chocolate Shop is CRB (China Bank) $18.00 a box.  I got 1/4 pound today for CRB $3.60, as it was sale day, at 20% discount.


June 16, 1942.  Tuesday.  191st Day.
     Warm.
     Bought coat shirt for CRB $3.30.
     Omitted dinner (supper) as tummy wasn't too good.  Also bad throat.
     Much talk of date of departure.
     Saw 14 Japanese planes pass over our hotel in formation about noon.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 186, 187 and 188.

To his dismay, Will lynch learns departure date has been postponed for 10 days.  Roselyn


June 11, 1942.  Thursday.  186th Day.
     Warm to hot.
     Our baggage was taken by Schraff, Buenther to their godown.  I had 1 trunk, 2 bags, and a suitcase.
     In afternoon we were informed sailing date postponed from 16th to 26th.   Darn!  I have retained enough gear, so I can "live out of my retained gear", fortunately, for a while.
     A.M. called
     I still have a bit of a sore throat.


June 12, 1942.  Friday.  187th Day.
     Hot.
     Bought a Hawaiian "coat shirt" for CRB $28.50 (about US 80 cents.) at Wing Sun Co., 155 Seymour Road.  Quite a good garment.
     Good chow at 3:00 p.m., at Mrs. J.J. James.  A. Murphy and 2 James girls present.
     Back to cell 903 (his hotel room) by 7:30 p.m.


June 13, 1942.  Saturday. 188th Day.
     Nothing to report.
     Cocktail party at Stanton's to "drink up the remains".

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 184 and 185.

Will Lynch was notified State Department was asking for volunteers for reassignment to posts in Africa, Near East and India.   Roselyn


June 9, 1942.  Tuesday.  184th Day.
     Warmer.
     Had tiffin with Reni Nieh.  
     Tea at French Club with Mrs. M. Krahmaloff, a widow of a bit over a year.
     Got mimeo copy of notice regarding leaving for repatriation, to be about 16th.
     And C.G. informed me of receipt of inquiry from State Department for volunteers for reassignment to posts in Africa, Near East and India.  I agreed to go any place, but suggested a salary readjustment.  He said he'd take it up when he arrived in Washington.


June 10, 1942.  Wednesday.  185th Day.
     Hot.
     Packing, packing!  Gosh!  What a job.
     Sore throat.
     Musical supper tonight.
     I ought to be better tomorrow.
     Station from Hankow called.
     Later I went out to American School site, as Red Cross doles out cracked wheat, Farina and Rolled Oats gratis to American citizens.  Lots of people are discovering they are Americans that didn't care much previously.
     

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 181, 182, and 183.

Will Lynch receives notice to have heavy trunks ready to put on ship by June 10, 1942.  Roselyn


June 6, 1942.  Saturday.  181st Day.
     Warmer.
     Rained all afternoon.
     Went to town and got CRB$37.50 net from furniture auction.
     Bought some silk goods at Sea Captain's Shop.
     Played rummy with Brookhart 3:00 - 12:00 and lost super series.
     Notice was circulated to have our heavy trunks, etc. ready by June 10, 1942, as Scharp-Guenther would take delivery.


June 7, 1942.  Sunday.  182nd Day.
     Warm.  
     A.M. called.  Has very small room.  Seems to be in a mental fog.
     The gang is getting its "gear" ready to move out.
     I called on Miss Nieh, 1187 Joffre.  Will have Chinese chow on Tuesday 9th, at her place.


June 8, 2942.  Monday.  183rd Day.
     Fine weather.
     Got gear---dishes and kitchen wear---and sent to 1285 Joffre, House 47, Room 4.
     Six months ago the war started.
     Did some packing tonight.  What a job!
     Lost two dollars "FAPI (about US 3 cents) playing dominoes.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 178, 179, and180.

Will Lynch "celebrates" his 57th birthday in captivity by Japanese Army in Shanghai, China.  Roselyn.


June 3, 1942.  Wednesday.  178th Day.
     Wet today.
     Forgot to turn in pass until 8:00 p.m.
     A.M. called.  Needs some furniture for new small room.
     Looks like Axis powers are not winning in Africa or Russia.


June 4, 1942.  Thursday.  179th Day.
      Warmer and cloudy.
      Looks like we'll be leaving Shanghai shortly.


june 5, 1942.  Friday.  180th Day.
     Warm.
     Am 57 today!   Wow.
     Repatriation talk is gaining speed.  
     Apparently Germany is getting bombed plenty.  Seems she isn't winning in Russia nor North Africa.
     Japanese seem to be winning against Chinese, but at a price.  Seems Chinese are fighting a delaying fight, with idea of causing Japanese as much trouble as possible.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 174, 175, 176 and 177.

Will Lynch auctioned off his household furniture, hoping that repatriation is soon, and he will be released from captivity by Japanese Army in Shanghai.   Roselyn


May 30, 1942.  Saturday.  174th Day.
     Fine weather.
      No news.  Local German radio claims big victory at Karkov.  If true, wonder???


May 31, 1942.  Sunday.  175th Day.
    Cloudy, but no rain.
    Japanese were to have a big rally on the Race Course.
     I had no pass, for some reason unknown to me, so took only a short local walk.
     My rented radio is "lousy".
     Lost rummy to Brookhart 2-0, and checkers to JBS 1-3 and drew one. 
     A.M. did not call today. Wonder why?


June 1, 1942.  Monday.  176th Day.
     No record.


June 2, 1942.  Tuesday.  177th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Auctioned off my house furniture for some CRB $2,300/2,400, or a bit over US$100.00 at Canton Road place.
     Forgot to turn in yesterday's pass until this morning.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 172 and 173.

Will Lynch, in captivity in Shanghai, puts his furniture up for auction, sailing date may be June 14, so repatriation may be near, found a worm in his oatmeal!  Roselyn


May 28, 1942.  Thursday.  172nd Day
     Fine weather.
     Sent my furniture to Central Auctioneers and Adjustors, 160 Canton Road, to be sold next Tuesday, June 2nd.
     Mr. Lockhart showed me a typed notice he is circulating.  Sailing date is stated to be June 14th or 15th.  We are to submit by tomorrow, a luggage statement.  Looks like we may be going ere long.
      Found a worm in my oatmeal at breakfast--after eating all--less the worm.  Showed it, the worm, to the Chinese waiter and he showed the worm to head waiter, a Russian, and he took up matter with the chef.
     Couldn't get to sleep till 3:00 a.m., 29th.


May 29, 1942.  Friday.  173rd Day.
     Nice weather.  
     Got vaccinated for small pox.
     Walked downtown and back.  Coat--CRB $10.00.  Borrowed off JBS.
     Beat Brookhart 2-1 at rummy and JBS 1-0.  Beat JBS at checkers.  He won one game and I won several games.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 170 and 171.

Will Lynch gets his furniture out of the Consular Office so, he can put it in an auction.  He reports the the war news is "definitely bad".  Roselyn


May 26, 1942.  Tuesday. 170th Day

     Cloudy.  Rain in evening.
     Chinese chow (tea) at King Kong on Rue Wayron.  
     CRB money fast replacing Chinese dollars.  I have Chinese $145.00 left.  Old value was about US$43.00.  Present value is about US$3.00. Sure is "hell" on people with Chinese money, and an awful swindle on the Chinese people.
     Tonight's radio says vessel to repatriate will sail about middle of June.  What a hope.
     Got a replacement radio today, and it does very well.
     Beat JBS badly at checkers 5-1 and rummy 2-0.  Is that an omen?


May 27, 1942.  Wednesday.  171st Day.
     Heavy rains and wind in morning.
     At 2:00 p.m., several of us with 3 Swiss Consular men got into the American Consulate.  I put my furniture out into the corridor, and will later send it to auction.
     War news is definitely bad.
     Repatriation is all the talk.
     Am reading "Tobacco Road".
     Hole Cripes!  US $1.00 equals Chinese $42.30 or CRB $19.00!


     

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 168 and 169.

Will Lynch speaks of at least three value denominations of money in Shanghai during this time: US (united States), Chinese (Old Chinese), and C.R.B. paper money (Chinese Reserve Bank).  Another is called "FAPI, and seems to be some kind of paper money issued by the Japanese.  This causes the "money situation to be very bad."   Roselyn


May 24, 1942.  Sunday.  168th Day.
     Too warm.
     Attended a party at 4:00 p.m. at Mr. and Mrs. Fowles, Nanking Road.  Good eats and drinks.  A group picture was taken.
     At 7:45, a cocktail party at Room 924, by Mr. Hunt.
     At 2:00 - 3:40, won 2 games of Rummy off A.M.


May 25, 1942.  Monday.  169th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Couldn't get Swiss Consulate on the phone, so went down, but as it was a holiday (Whitsuntide) Mr. Essig and Ruf were not in.  So I could make no arrangements to get my furniture out to send to auction.
     Money situation here is bad.   Chinese $ is being replaced by CRB, (Chinese Reserve Bank) paper money, and is adding untold misery to the populace.
     In afternoon, went to Route D four to a tea party.  
     Am renting, at Ch $40.00 a month, a little radio.
     Was a bit wet this afternoon.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 165, 166 and 167.

Will Lynch writes about the prices of things in Shanghai, where he is being held by the Japanese along with other State Department people.  As an unattached bachelor, he seems to be invited to quite a few teas, parties and other social events.  Roselyn


May 21, 1942. Thursday.  165th Day.
     Fine weather.
     Sold radio for Chinese $600.00.  Bought it in November 1938, for US$20.00.
     Had tea with Mrs. Mary Kramahdoff, a widow with two daughters in early 20's, at French Club.
     Repatriation looks like a possibility in June, but uncertain.


May 22, 1942.  Friday.  166th Day.
     Fine weather.
     Mr. Howe of Cathay Theatre gave me a pass, and we saw "Blood and Sand", a wonderful picture.   Best I've seen in a long time.
     Bought a used leather suit case for Chinese $210.00, about US$7.00.
     I must rent a radio.  
     C.R.B (Chinese Bank) against FAPI (old Chinese $$) was 77/100 (1.30)
     Today it is 66/100 (1.51) and falling.  It is a racket.  A loaf of bread formerly Chinese $4.00 is now Chinese $6.00.


May 23, 1942.  Saturday.  167th Day
     Rainy.
     Met A.M. at Sea Captain's Shop, where her friend sold check of $200.00 by Mr. C.G.  We then walked back via wet streets.  Celebrated ABC's birthday.  
    FAPI vs Chinese Bank is 1.90, though it is supposed to be 66 or 1.66. Looks like NCS will pass out.  I have Chinese about $400.00 left.  Darn it!
     I won several sprigs of mint at ABC's cocktail party and many women swiped the leaves, leaving me only the stem.  They liked the odor.
     Looks as thought we sail June 15th.  Mebbe. (Maybe)
     Tried to rent a radio, but the shop was closed.  Price quoted a few days ago was Chinese $.35--(35 cents) a month.

WR Lynch WW II Diary Days 163 and 164..

Will Lynch hears more news about repatriation.  Cereal still being issued to Americans who need food.   He is a farmer's son, long removed from the Kansas farm but he always gives the weather conditions!  Roselyn


May 19, 1942.  Tuesday.  163rd Day
     Cool and Sunny.
     Much repatriation talk, via Italian SS Conte Verde, said to being readied to sail about June 14, 1942, or later.
     Bought 6 bananas for Chinese $.30 and 40 cents, or thereabouts.
     Tonight's broadcast on French station seems Russians are winning around Kharkov.


May 20, 1942.  Wednesday.  164th Day.
     Nice weather.
     Was offered Chinese $600.00 for my radio.  May accept.
     Walked out to American School where cereals were being issued to Americans by Red Cross.
     Met A.M.  We walked down LaFayette.   Stopped in at Mrs. Bell's, 1261 LaFayette.  Mrs. B. had us stay for tea. I got some mint.
     Much talk about repatriation.
     I hear Mr. McMun, a Standard Vacuum (Oil Company) accountant, had committed suicide, as he had been summoned to the Bridge House, in Hongkew, for questioning by the Japanese.