Will Lynch sells his binoculars to get a little extra money. His account was frozen when the banks were taken over by the Japanese. Roselyn
January 26, 1942. Monday. 50th Day.
At 5:00 p.m., asked for a pass for tomorrow but Stanton said: "Sorry, no can. Must submit requests by 4:00 p.m. New ruling." I asked then for pass for Wednesday. Phoned Langley re sale of binoculars. He said the Chinaman would offer but Chinese $300. I accepted. I paid Chinese $70.00, or about US $21.00 in 1936. Chinese $300.00 equals about US $16/17.00. Besides, I can now use the money.
January 27, 1942. Tuesday. 51st Day
9:00 a.m. Still abed. (???) banged on the door to get Chinese $15.00 as my share of cumshaw (tip?) for dining room boys for January, the last here.
About 11:00 a.m., Collins came with a notice re obtaining passes in future. Must apply day before, and give name, destination, purpose, time desired as 12-6, and whether alone or with another. Seems it's the gendarmes bright ideas.
Sunny and warm today.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Days 48 and 49
Two more days in "captivity" for Will Lynch in Metropole Hotel in Shanghai as a diplomatic prisoner of the Japanese Army, waiting for exchange he hopes will come. I never did learn who A.M. was--perhaps a lady friend who had "ambitions" about this confirmed bachelor. Roselyn
January 24, 1942. Saturday. 48th Day.
Rainy. Had "shore leave". A.M. and I saw a movie, "That Uncertain Feeling" at Nanking Theatre. A bit "screwy" but good entertainment and plenty comedy. AM.'s getting to be a bit of a nuisance, sort of ambitious. Then had Chinese chow at Sun Ya's. Not too good.
Then called on Captain Tornroth. He's on the mend after a close call---heart attack, a la bacillary dysentery.
Beat JBS at Rummy. Then Brookhart beat me 3-0.
January 25, 1942. Sunday. 49th Day.
Just another day. Walked half hour on verandah of 7th floor with Hinke and Drumright.
A.M. called in p.m. and I won a game of Rummy. Also did an hour of another game.
Mrs. Van Hengel and Miss L. Johnson of Y.M.C.A. called to see JBS but he had no leave on a pass.
Some of the Japanese guards very noisy at midnight--apparently celebrating some victory.
January 24, 1942. Saturday. 48th Day.
Rainy. Had "shore leave". A.M. and I saw a movie, "That Uncertain Feeling" at Nanking Theatre. A bit "screwy" but good entertainment and plenty comedy. AM.'s getting to be a bit of a nuisance, sort of ambitious. Then had Chinese chow at Sun Ya's. Not too good.
Then called on Captain Tornroth. He's on the mend after a close call---heart attack, a la bacillary dysentery.
Beat JBS at Rummy. Then Brookhart beat me 3-0.
January 25, 1942. Sunday. 49th Day.
Just another day. Walked half hour on verandah of 7th floor with Hinke and Drumright.
A.M. called in p.m. and I won a game of Rummy. Also did an hour of another game.
Mrs. Van Hengel and Miss L. Johnson of Y.M.C.A. called to see JBS but he had no leave on a pass.
Some of the Japanese guards very noisy at midnight--apparently celebrating some victory.
Monday, October 24, 2011
WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Day 47
A man, claiming to be an American sailor, just out of jail, comes to Will Lynch to ask for help to get in a soup line. It seems strange that the Japanese let him in. Roselyn
January 23, 1942. Friday. 47th Day.
Nice day.
About 10:45, got two raps on the door. And---darned if it wasn't a fellow who said his name was Vogler, claimed he was an American citizen sailor, just out of Ward Road Jail, after a year for smuggling. He wanted me to give him a letter to American Relief Com. as identification, so he could get into the soup line.
Vogler claims his birth is in San Francisco, but has a definite German Hamburg accent. He, as per usual, had no papers, except a statement on jail paper, that he had been released from jail on ?? ?? 1942. I did not get the date. As I don't recall the man, I could do nothing.
Broadcast tonight says some 1200 American war prisoners, ex Wake Island, are to be paraded through Shanghai streets tomorrow.
Beat Mr. Grove at Cribbage 3-2, last game by a "skunk". Rummy with JBS--1-1, and he left for bed at 9"40 p.m.
January 23, 1942. Friday. 47th Day.
Nice day.
About 10:45, got two raps on the door. And---darned if it wasn't a fellow who said his name was Vogler, claimed he was an American citizen sailor, just out of Ward Road Jail, after a year for smuggling. He wanted me to give him a letter to American Relief Com. as identification, so he could get into the soup line.
Vogler claims his birth is in San Francisco, but has a definite German Hamburg accent. He, as per usual, had no papers, except a statement on jail paper, that he had been released from jail on ?? ?? 1942. I did not get the date. As I don't recall the man, I could do nothing.
Broadcast tonight says some 1200 American war prisoners, ex Wake Island, are to be paraded through Shanghai streets tomorrow.
Beat Mr. Grove at Cribbage 3-2, last game by a "skunk". Rummy with JBS--1-1, and he left for bed at 9"40 p.m.
Friday, October 21, 2011
WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Days 45 and 46
Will Lynch gets a pass, buys his new luggage and is moved to another room in the hotel where he is being kept. Roselyn
January 21, 1942. Wednesday. 45th Day.
Warmer. Overcast. Walked about 5 miles and am weary.
Bought the trunk for Chinese $170.00 or about US $10.00. Appears to be a proper "Indestructo". Got two new dry cells for my flash light for Chinese $5.70--about US $0.30. Got back my glasses, repaired.
Walked out to French Town with Mr. Magill. He produced a libation. Got back by 5:15 p.m. Plenty tired.
Beat Mr. Groves 3-1 at Cribbage. After dinner beat JBS at Rummy. Went 13 innings, and 1 1/2 hours.
Radio from FFZ, the French local station, did much of CARMEN. Very good.
Moved from room 312 to 316, a smaller room, but am still solo, thanks.
No news yet re repatriation. I'm ready any time.
January 22, 1942. Thursday. 46th Day.
Just another day. Oh, no, I worked in the morning. Both shroffs Lin and Chen came and we separated november, 1941 accounts. Lin has still to type forms 333 and 334, and the attendance report and assignment of quarters for November.
One Japanese Consular minor stated we are to move to Cathay Mansions on Friday, January 29, 1942. Seems true, as Stantor at dinner showed me a floor plan, and offered me a choice of one of two rooms.
Played Rummy with Br. He got tight on Vodka and didn't leave until after midnight.
January 21, 1942. Wednesday. 45th Day.
Warmer. Overcast. Walked about 5 miles and am weary.
Bought the trunk for Chinese $170.00 or about US $10.00. Appears to be a proper "Indestructo". Got two new dry cells for my flash light for Chinese $5.70--about US $0.30. Got back my glasses, repaired.
Walked out to French Town with Mr. Magill. He produced a libation. Got back by 5:15 p.m. Plenty tired.
Beat Mr. Groves 3-1 at Cribbage. After dinner beat JBS at Rummy. Went 13 innings, and 1 1/2 hours.
Radio from FFZ, the French local station, did much of CARMEN. Very good.
Moved from room 312 to 316, a smaller room, but am still solo, thanks.
No news yet re repatriation. I'm ready any time.
January 22, 1942. Thursday. 46th Day.
Just another day. Oh, no, I worked in the morning. Both shroffs Lin and Chen came and we separated november, 1941 accounts. Lin has still to type forms 333 and 334, and the attendance report and assignment of quarters for November.
One Japanese Consular minor stated we are to move to Cathay Mansions on Friday, January 29, 1942. Seems true, as Stantor at dinner showed me a floor plan, and offered me a choice of one of two rooms.
Played Rummy with Br. He got tight on Vodka and didn't leave until after midnight.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Days 43 and 44.
Two more days in captivity for Will lynch. Is ready for repatriation, he says. The "Indestructo" must be a sturdy piece of luggage. Roselyn
January 19, 1942. Monday. 43rd Day.
Rather drab today. Not even rumors to enliven things. Delivered my old trunk to Mr. Daley. Said he'd pay me the Chinese $75.00 tomorrow.
I had hoped to get a pass for tomorrow to see about buying the "Indestructo" but Berger has something in mind about the November accounts.
January 20, 1942. Tuesday. 44th Day.
Warmer, overcast. We got the November to December accounts from the office.
Mr. Daley paid me Chinese $75.00 for my old trunk. Hope I can get the "indestructo" on Peking Road. Will see tomorrow.
Beat Mr. Groves 3-2 at Cribbage and JBS 2-0 at Rummy.
Our war news is "lousy", via Domer, Havas and occasionally, Reuter. Very little from U.S.A. and it is highly "off color".
I have a bit of a cold in the head.
January 19, 1942. Monday. 43rd Day.
Rather drab today. Not even rumors to enliven things. Delivered my old trunk to Mr. Daley. Said he'd pay me the Chinese $75.00 tomorrow.
I had hoped to get a pass for tomorrow to see about buying the "Indestructo" but Berger has something in mind about the November accounts.
January 20, 1942. Tuesday. 44th Day.
Warmer, overcast. We got the November to December accounts from the office.
Mr. Daley paid me Chinese $75.00 for my old trunk. Hope I can get the "indestructo" on Peking Road. Will see tomorrow.
Beat Mr. Groves 3-2 at Cribbage and JBS 2-0 at Rummy.
Our war news is "lousy", via Domer, Havas and occasionally, Reuter. Very little from U.S.A. and it is highly "off color".
I have a bit of a cold in the head.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Days 41 and 42
Will Lynch is trying to get the right luggage for if and when he moves. He has to pay for his meals while being held diplomatic prisoner. Roselyn
January 17, 1942. Saturday. 41st Day.
Cold and clear. Out from 12:00 til 3:00 p.m. Left glasses at National Optical Co. to fix left arm. Will get it next Tuesday, 20th.
Saw "Dark Command" at Roxy. It is a "hoss opera" re Quantrell during early Kansas. Not so good.
Then ate too much Chinese chow at Sun Ya. Coldest weather so far this winter.
January 18, 1942. Sunday. 42nd Day.
Still here at Metropole.
Breakfast--Chinese $10.00. Lunch and dinner--Chinese $18.00 each. I could get by on half the sum at several "beaneries" and get better food. We get margarine now for butter.
Won again at Rummy. Sold my old wardrobe trunk for Chinese $75.00 to Mr. Daley. It cost me US $15.00 on August 18, 1931, in New York. I saw an "Indestructo" on Peking Rd. at about Chinese $125 or $150. Or I can get a canvas duffel bag.
January 17, 1942. Saturday. 41st Day.
Cold and clear. Out from 12:00 til 3:00 p.m. Left glasses at National Optical Co. to fix left arm. Will get it next Tuesday, 20th.
Saw "Dark Command" at Roxy. It is a "hoss opera" re Quantrell during early Kansas. Not so good.
Then ate too much Chinese chow at Sun Ya. Coldest weather so far this winter.
January 18, 1942. Sunday. 42nd Day.
Still here at Metropole.
Breakfast--Chinese $10.00. Lunch and dinner--Chinese $18.00 each. I could get by on half the sum at several "beaneries" and get better food. We get margarine now for butter.
Won again at Rummy. Sold my old wardrobe trunk for Chinese $75.00 to Mr. Daley. It cost me US $15.00 on August 18, 1931, in New York. I saw an "Indestructo" on Peking Rd. at about Chinese $125 or $150. Or I can get a canvas duffel bag.
Monday, October 17, 2011
WR Lynch WW II Diary re Japanese Take-Over in Shanghai China. Days 39 and 40..
Will Lynch writes that the room is colder each day as fuel becomes more scarce. Plays games with anyone who will play. I imagine that by this time there were those who would not play! When he came home after the war, he would talk my sister, Joan, then about 10 or 11, to play Chinese checkers with him. He always cheated and she ignored it but finally refused to play any more. He pouted and had a long face, until he promised not to cheat any more. Joan will have to comment if that is not the correct story! Roselyn
January 15, 1942. Thursday. 39th Day.
Beat Mr. JBS badly at Checkers. In p.m., beat Mr. Groves 3--1 at Cribbage and got 3rd game of Rummy from JBS.
A. M. called. Getting to be a bit of a problem. Coal is apparently scarce, or likely too costly, as in my room I wear my overcoat nearly all day.
If we can get by February, we'll be 'over the hump" of winter--I hope.
No more talk re repatriation. What's matter?
January 16, 1942. Friday. 40th Day.
Colder. In afternoon, donned my Chinese $16.00 long undies. Quite a help.
Beat JBS badly at checkers. Mr. Groves won--series of a Cribbage, one a "skunk" but I "skunked" him one, so my escutcheon ain't too badly besmirched. Beat Hinke 2--1. Then after dinner beat JBS at Rummy.
Didn't read much today. Good music (recording) over radio FFZ, French Station, tonight. Chopin and Liszt.
January 15, 1942. Thursday. 39th Day.
Beat Mr. JBS badly at Checkers. In p.m., beat Mr. Groves 3--1 at Cribbage and got 3rd game of Rummy from JBS.
A. M. called. Getting to be a bit of a problem. Coal is apparently scarce, or likely too costly, as in my room I wear my overcoat nearly all day.
If we can get by February, we'll be 'over the hump" of winter--I hope.
No more talk re repatriation. What's matter?
January 16, 1942. Friday. 40th Day.
Colder. In afternoon, donned my Chinese $16.00 long undies. Quite a help.
Beat JBS badly at checkers. Mr. Groves won--series of a Cribbage, one a "skunk" but I "skunked" him one, so my escutcheon ain't too badly besmirched. Beat Hinke 2--1. Then after dinner beat JBS at Rummy.
Didn't read much today. Good music (recording) over radio FFZ, French Station, tonight. Chopin and Liszt.
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