1942年1月1日: 賴廉士在戰俘營中的記事
- On January 1, 2022
- 0
1月1日新年,不少人會許下願望,期盼新一年有新氣象。但1941年12月香港淪陷後,守軍被送到戰俘營,在1942年面對的是沒有自由,黑暗無光的未來。
情況絕望,不代表可以喪志放棄。香港義勇防衛軍戰地救護隊指揮官賴廉士(Lindsay Tasman Ride)中校就積極設法逃走,更成功說服他人加入。
根據她女兒Elizabeth Ride Archive公開的戰時日記,賴廉士進入戰俘營之後很快就計劃逃走,更提及他的學生兼部下-港大醫學院文員、戰地救護隊代理下士李耀標(Lee Yiu-piu)。以下為日記內容:
「深水埗戰俘營
星期四,1942年1月1日。
陽光普照,仍吹着西北風。我檢視了營內情況,發現大部分地方都很骯髒。廁所恐怖,水渠淤塞。米杜息士團第一營情況最嚴重。
日本人今日未有兌現承諾來巡視處理問題,亦沒有帶來設備。他們只有空洞的承諾,沒想過做事。
我安排與温尼伯營用膳。開設了隔離醫院,隔離患上痢疾的人,讓亞伯特做主管。
我與庫姆斯(Coombes)詳談逃走計劃,並踏出了第一步,把李耀標調過來方便他逃走。我又跟比法士准將(Brigadier Peffers)談及計劃,獲他批准。
我們解決了供水問題,好好洗澡。近圍欄那邊有很多買賣,一元三個包,兩元一瓶啤酒,五元兩瓶。珀維斯(Purves)用五元買了一個水壼,然後我們發現水壺穿了一個洞。
今晚有白飯和一些豬肉,我們加一些鹹牛肉,吃了不錯的一餐。早上10時的早餐,我們食了一些自己的米和昨晚剩下的飯餸。中午12點正,我們收到分發給我們做早餐的米、餅乾和一些茶。
入黑之後我散步良久,想到最好的逃走辦法就是待月圓之夜從碼頭乘船離開。
我今日搜集到一張鐵床架,希望比睡在混凝土上舒服。
今日把李耀標調過來,表面上要他為病人煮白飯,實際上是讓我們更容易逃走。」
1月9日,賴廉士和另外兩名任職港大的軍官,在李耀標的協助下成功逃出戰俘營,到西貢再獲紅軍游擊隊接應,北上逃出香港。當時這三位洋人如果沒有得到身為華人的李耀標協助,相信就算成功離開戰俘營,亦難以掩人耳目。
同年5月,賴廉士於曲江成立英軍服務團(British Army Aid Group),致力營救在港戰俘和政商要人,並進行情報工作。
“SHAMSHUIPO P.O.W. CAMP.
Thursday 1st January 1942.
Very bright clear day. N.W. still blowing. Inspected camp and found it for the most part in filthy condition. Latrines terrible and drains blocked. 1st Mx easily the best.
Nips did not come today as they promised, to take the cases away, nor did they bring the equipment. They are full of empty promises but never intend to do anything.
Arranged to feed with Winnipeg Grenadiers. Opened Isolation Hosp for dysenteries and put Albert in charge.
Had long talk with Coombes re moving [escaping] and took 1st step and had Lee transferred over here so that he can slip away easily. Told Brigadier Peffers of the plans and he approved.
Had water fixed up, and enjoyed a good wash. Much buying going on through the fence 3 buns for a dollar 1 bottle of beer $2 or 2 for $5. Pur ves bought kettle for $5 and then we found it had a hole in it.
Had some pork with our rice this evening so put some bully with it and had quite a good feed. Breakfast we had some of our own rice and made it with remnants from last night. We had this at 10 a.m. At 12 we had the rice issued to us for breakfast along with biscuits and some tea.
Had walk round after dark and think best way is by boat from the pier after full moon.
Scrounged an iron bed today and hope it will be more comfortable than the concrete.
Had Lee transferred to us today ostensibly to cook rice for patients but actually to make get away easier.”
參考資料:
Elizabeth Ride Archives
https://www.elizabethridearchive.com/diaries
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