December 8, 1941
December 8, 1941
On Monday morning, December 8 (it was still Sunday, December 7, in the U.S.), I was up early because my husband was out of town
Elizabeth Vaughan
Elizabeth Head Vaughan (1905 - September 29, 1957) journalist and Sociologist. Interned in the Bacolod Internment Camp and Santo Tomas internment camp in Manila, 1942-45.
December 9, 1941, Tuesday
December 9, 1941
No telegram. I waited all day for the “other telegram.” I tried again to call Manila; tried so many times that the operator became impatient
December 10, 1941, Wednesday
December 10, 1941
No telegram. Telegraphed Eddie Best and Mr. Booth. Mr. Wiley telegraphed Mr. Schick (P.C.C.) to ask about Jim. I sent three telegrams to him asking
December 11, 1941, Thursday
December 11, 1941
Servants all said they were leaving, but when I told them there would be no pay till Mr. Vaughan returned, they grudgingly returned to work.
December 12, 1941, Friday
December 12, 1941
Still no word. Called North Negros to ask Mr. L.O. if he knew whether Jim would be located at Manaplat when he did return. (Jim
December 13, 1941, Saturday
December 13, 1941
No message from Manila. Afraid at night, servants are always threatening to go and sending clothes away already. When Elsa Huni offered to move in
Monday, December 15, 1941
December 15, 1941
More normal life with Elsa as companion. Iloilo-Bacolod air express resumed on Saturday and people more calm.
Tuesday, December 16, 1941
December 16, 1941
President Quezon’s first nationwide talk at 3:30, daylight saving time (changed clocks at midnight last night). Everyone listening. Had told servants to come to listen
Wednesday, December 17, 1941
December 17, 1941
Announced this afternoon that inter-island ship bound for Visayas from Manila struck mine in Manila Bay, sinking within 10 minutes. Casualties high. Was Jim on
Thursday, December 18, 1941
December 18, 1941
Quezon’s speech on radio—first mention of it since first blocked-out broadcast. Evidently broadcast had been blocked by American headquarters, not Japanese. Puppy lost. Loss seemed
Friday, December 19, 1941
December 19, 1941
Took children with me to see Captain Richard Jones to try to get word of Jim. Got permission for telephone call on second visit in
Saturday, December 20, 1941
December 20, 1941
Sit in complete darkness every evening, even put papers over radio on porch so light inside will not show. All windows not yet covered with
Sunday, December 21, 1941
December 21, 1941
Shortest day in year, yet it Seemed interminable. Thoughts of Jim and realization that my conversation answered none of the important questions going through mind
Monday, December 22, 1941
December 22, 1941
Noon broadcast announced 80 Japanese transports sighted off northern Luzon, obviously for major offensive against Philippines. Japanese troops in Davao engaged in heavy fighting. Most
Tuesday, December 23, 1941
December 23, 1941
Called Mrs. Woods, Hawaiian-Philippine Central, to ask about using vacant staff house after talk with Captain Jones. Captain Jones advised me chances of getting to
Wednesday, December 24, 1941
December 24, 1941
What a Christmas Eve! Morning broadcast that Port Area, Manila, heavily bombed and civilian casualties high. No thought of Christmas. Jim’s office is in heart
Thursday, December 25, 1941
December 25, 1941
To Hawaiian-Philippine Central at Silay in afternoon. Spent morning watching things loaded on truck and furniture stored in Bacolod. Took Jim’s clothes from suitcases packed
Friday and Saturday, December 26 and 27, 1941
December 27, 1941
Unpacking at Silay. One day without radio tantalizing but quickly installed by Central electrician—all at no cost. Salaries at Central for servants amazingly low: lavendera
Sunday, December 28, 1941
December 28, 1941
Manila heavily bombed yesterday after having been declared an open city. Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros (Walled City) destroyed by a direct hit. (Santo Domingo,
Monday, December 29, 1941
December 29, 1941
Cholera, typhoid, and dysentery shots (first of series of three) for Beth, Clay, and me. First air raid shelter completed—blocks of pressed sugar cane residue,
Tuesday, December 30, 1941
December 30, 1941
Dinner at the McMasters’. A real rolled roast, drinks before dinner, Christmas pudding with whipped cream (canned Nestle’s, of course). Bridge game on Central in
Thursday, January 1, 1942
January 1, 1942
No Happy New Year today! Manila radio stations quiet during morning. Last station (government operated) 12:45 news broadcast was heartrending. Tears in announcer’s voice as
Friday, January 2, 1942
January 2, 1942
No news. London broadcasts and Singapore broadcasts not clear. KGEI (General Electric, San Francisco) announces Manila still holding out.
Saturday, January 3, 1942
January 3, 1942
Manila in hands of Japanese, also Cavite naval base, though ships and supplies moved. Lt. Arnold (real name Archangelski), Russian from Manapla Central, sent word
Sunday, January 4, 1942
January 4, 1942
Dinner—delayed Christmas dinner of “American milk-fed capon” at McMasters’ house. All talk of the new airport being built at Bacolod to accommodate large bombers. Since
Monday, January 5, 1942
January 5, 1942
On Saturday there was a call (indirectly from Lt. Arnold) that I had a letter salvaged from the S.S. Panay in Bacolod. Hoping that it
Tuesday, January 6, 1942
January 6, 1942
Learning to use and to cook native vegetables. My boast always: “I shall never have to cook.” Studied as many vocational subjects as possible in
Wednesday, January 7, 1942
January 7, 1942
Received solution to put on gauze gas masks today. As planes approach we must apply solution to masks and tie over nose and mouth. Have
Wednesday, January 14, 1942
January 14, 1942
An uneventful week. A game of bridge where we gave IOU’s instead of money, as cash on Central is most limited. People playing for “pink
Friday, January 16, 1942
January 16, 1942
Letters to Mom and Aunt Susie censored here and mailed January 14. Wonder when they will be delivered. A letter from Dr. Hallaner on January