Posted by Michael Sutherland-Cook on November 29, 2002 at 03:34:37:
In Reply to: prisoners of war in Shanghai posted by marigoldhogan on August 19, 2001 at 13:25:23:
I have just read your emails and hope the following will be of some help, especially to Marigold.
Your father, Inspector John M (Wally) Watson is sighted on three pages of Hugh Collar's book 'Captive in Shanghai'. As far as I know the book is out of print, but if you live in England it is certainly available through the libraries service. Hugh Collar was a Director of ICI, and from 1942 Chairman of the British Residents Association.
Haiphong Road Camp was predominantly for British civilains and the British Officers of the SMP all of whom were classified as 'dangerous' by the Japs.
My great uncle Johnny A Cook had worked for British Intellagence and at sometime SMP was his cover, like Marigolds father he was tortured at Bridge House. He unfortuatley died of injuries sustained under torture in Feb 1944. If you have not been contacted by Dr Robert Bickers, who is an expert on SMP matters if you email me back I will pass on his email address - he is intending to write a book about SMP. Another good source is the 'Bamboo Wireless'at www.abcifer.com it is a site for ex POWs.
Best wishes
Michael