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| - Dark Side of the Sun - George Palmer's Journey From Prince Edward Island to Hong Kong and the Omine Camp in WWII His Story Chronology Capt. Wilson Interview Dr. Gingras Interview |
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| ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am very grateful for the contributions made by each of the individuals below. These contributions, whether big or small, were equally important because they all helped shape my grandfather's story. I also feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview some of the Hong Kong veterans. They have my highest respect and admiration - they stand seven feet tall and are as tough as nails as far as I'm concerned. During my research, I had asked various veterans many questions about the horrible hardships they experienced during the Second World War. It must have been very difficult for many, if not all, of the veterans to try and relive memories and experiences that are very painful. However, the results of their efforts will not go unnoticed. Their words, and the efforts of the other contributors, will bring enlightenment and closure to family members, friends, and future generations. Thank you. 1. Catharine Maxwell-Palmer (wife). For her unconditional love and support during the times when I was either researching, typing, or editing this manuscript. Although she holds no interests in war-related topics, she supported my efforts day in and day out. 2. Mary Anita and Louis Joseph (Kilmer) Palmer (mother and father). My mother's unconditional support and patience was very comforting. It must have been exhausting for her to hear dad and I talk about war details on so many occasions. Yet, she never complained once. Quite simply, I never would have gotten this project off the ground without my father's help. He was a most important link between the present and the past. He provided much insight, depth, and credibility concerning facts about George's history. As well, he brought me into contact with some veterans and veterans' families in the Maritimes while managing to salvage much of Grandpa's war memorabilia including documents, pictures, and letters. On top of all this, his editing skills, suggestions, patience, and support were invaluable. 3. Robert Barter, Allison 'Bunny' Pollock, Graham Boudreau, Peter J. Allain, Ed Shayler, Ralph MacLean, George MacDonell, Bob 'Flash' Clayton, and Bill MacWhirter (Canadian Hong Kong Veterans). Whether they knew my grandfather or not, they all contributed enormously by answering many questions and offering up stories, documents, diaries, facts, and contacts. I enjoyed many letters, e-mails, and phone conversations with these men. Many thanks to Ed and Ralph for inviting me into their homes for hours of wonderful conversations - great hospitality. I would also like to thank Bill MacWhirter for traveling all the way to P.E.I. from his hometown in Gaspe, Quebec, to visit our family in August 2004. 4. Phil Doddridge (Canadian Hong Kong Veteran). I would have been severely restricted in my research if not for Phil. He was the 'Jack-of-all-trades' - he provided suggestions, important commentary, pictures, contacts, and facts. He is a very pleasant, helpful, and delightful man to correspond with. 5. George Coutts (Canadian Hong Kong Veteran). George was very generous with his time and sincere with his words. He went above and beyond the call of duty by providing Omine Camp pictures, detailed explanations of the Omine Camp layout, and explanations of daily life at Omine. He brought the big picture of Omine to life for me. 6. Lance Ross (Canadian Hong Kong Veteran). There is so much I can say about him. He is a wonderful man and I truly feel honored to have been in touch with him. He still has a sharp awareness for details that have happened sixty years ago. I must say, without Lance and his diary, I would still be lost in my research and I wouldn't have had a clue about many details of my grandfather's journey. I feel very fortunate to have come across Lance. 7. Ron Parker. George's story would never have been created and put to print if it wasn't for Ron's dedication web site about his father, Major Maurice Parker - a Canadian Hong Kong Veteran. His web site was a wonderful inspiration for me. 8. Tony Banham. Of all contacts, I probably e-mailed the most questions to Tony during my research. He responded with an answer and with patience every time. He is truly an expert on the Hong Kong battle and his contributions to my story are enormous. I'm sure many veterans and descendants of veterans appreciate his efforts with the Hong Kong story. On a side note - I've read his book, Not The Slightest Chance: The Defence of Hong Kong. It is worth its weight in gold. His research methods are sound - it's an in-depth, factual, and true account of the big picture of the Hong Kong battle. At this point in time, I doubt there is a book out there about the Hong Kong battle which surpasses the qantity of factual content stated in Tony's book. 9. Father Francis Corcoran, Peter MacAdam, Jane (Palmer) MacAdam, Kris MacDougall, Cindy Palmer, Mary (MacAulay) Palmer, Joan (Palmer) Larkin, and Lawrence MacAulay. I enjoyed my correspondence with them as they spoke about George and/or provided documents concerning his experiences. Their offerings shed much light on the 'man' my grandfather was. 10. Wes Injerd and Roger Mansell. Wes is the Fukuoka area (Japan) POW Camp expert and Roger is the Director for the Center for Research: Allied POWs under the Japanese. They were both instrumental in providing details to me on Omine Camp. They sifted through all the confusion with respect to camp names, numbers, and locations. Not only did they provide facts on the specific whereabouts of the camp, but, they also managed to uncover rare aerial photos, maps, pictures, and documents. 11. Charles Roland and Grant Garneau. Without their respective books, A Long Night's Journey Into Day and The Royal Rifles of Canada in Hong Kong: 1941-45, I would not have been able to place Grandpa's journey within the context of the 'bigger picture'. They contain a wealth of information and cover many aspects of the POW's experiences in Hong Kong and Japan. Both books are a 'must-read' for anyone attempting research in this area. 12. Michael Hurst MBE (Founder and Director, Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Society). Many thanks to Michael who's dedication to his Memorial Society in Taiwan took him on a journey in March 2005 to the Omine Camp area in Kyushu, Japan. His description of the present-day Omine area provided much insight to the overall story of Omine. 13. Carol Hadley, Bjorn Larsson, John Mundie, Dave Murray, Ken Skelton, Randall Ross, Mitzi Ross, Vince Lopata, Derrill Henderson, Jenny Smith, Neil Darrah, Tony Boudreau, Emily MacAdam, Don Josey, Joyce (Josey) Aitkens, Elisabeth Pollock, Dick Keiper, Cliff Morris (British ex-Omine POW), Jim Erickson, John Lewis, and Pam Broadhead. They were all great to deal with. They answered many questions and provided general information and aid to me. |