Colin Gimson research notes on Hong Kong during Japanese occupation
Scope and Contents
The collection of research notes on Hong Kong during Japanese occupation, 1941-1945. Documents originally collected and arranged by Mr. Colin Gimson, cousin of Sir Franklin Charles Gimson who came to Hong Kong as Colonial Secretary in December 1941 but was immediately interned in Stanley Prisoner of War Camp. The collection is filled with stories of Hong Kong people during Japanese occupation, lists of internees at Stanley Camp and other detention locations, correspondence, historical documents, Sir Franklin Gimson's account of internment in Stanley, copies of published/unpublished manuscripts. Key components include:
- Biographical files on Sir Franklin Gimson: Correspondence, family charts, and his personal account of internment.
- Internment Records: Comprehensive lists of internees across various locations (Stanley Camp, Peak residents, hotel detainees) and lists of births, deaths, and executions.
- Civilian Narratives: Stories from various residents, including local Chinese, Portuguese, and Jesuit priests.
- Camp Life & Ephemera: Minutes of the British Women's Group, sketches by Ionie Stops, music scores, and "Stanley Magazine" copies.
- Military Records: Reports on the Battle of Hong Kong, casualty lists, and records from the Sham Shui Po POW Camp.
- Research & Manuscripts: Unpublished works by Bernice Archer and John Stericker.
Dates
- Majority of material found within 1883 - 1995
Creator
- Colin Hugh, Gimson (1890-1975) (Person)
Biographical / Historical
Colin Hugh Gimson was the cousin of Sir Franklin Charles Gimson (1890–1975). Sir Franklin arrived in Hong Kong to take up the post of Colonial Secretary in December 1941, just hours before the Japanese invasion. He was subsequently interned at Stanley Civilian Internment Camp, where he acted as the representative and leader of the British community. Colin Gimson meticulously collected these research notes, correspondence, and primary documents to preserve the history of his cousin’s experiences and the broader civilian and military life in occupied Hong Kong.
Extent
1.8 Linear Feet (9 folders)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into 9 series corresponding to the original folder structure
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script