Memoir of a Civilian POW: An Oral History

Memoir of a Civilian POW
December 7, 1999, served as the occasion for an oral history experiment on SCORE History/Social Science that we hope was the first of many. James Allen is the grandfather of one of SCORE's technical staff. The memories that this World War II civilian POW had to share about his experience as a prisoner of the Japanese offer an opportunity for students today to connect personally to history and to come to realize the depth of sacrifice made by many who came before them. Would you like to ask Mr. Allen a question? Send your messages to webmaster@rims.k12.ca.us

Last update: Thu, Mar 16, 2000, 12:10:35 PM PST.

Introduction

Introductory Text

Interview Transcripts

Day One
Hear the first few questions with Mr. Allen, including his description of what it was like for the inhabitants of Wake Island on December 7, 1941.
Day Two
The next portion of Mr. Allen's interview, including what happened when Wake Island was captured by the Japanese.
Day Three
Mr. Allen talks about internment on Wake Island, then his trip to Shanghai and the first days of prison camp there.
Day Four
The fourth part of our interview, in which Mr. Allen discusses how conditions changed over the years of his internment, and being moved from China to Japan.
Day Five
Part five of our interview. Mr. Allen describes what they did for extra food in the prison camp in Niigata, Japan, and how they found out the war was finally over.
Day Six
The last part of our interview transcripts -- Mr. Allen talks about how the Japanese and American prisoners interacted after the was was declared over, and his liberation.

Also...

Questions & Answers
Would you like to ask Mr. Allen a question? Send your messages to webmaster@rims.k12.ca.us

James Albert Allen [Bio]

Other Resources

Links to Related Resources
Travel Chronology of James A. Allen
"Artifacts" page -- scans of letters and photos from Mr. Allen's captivity
Map of Japanese Expansion in the Pacific, 1941-45
Regulations for Prisoners

Address technical questions on the "Memoir of a Civilian POW" website to webmaster@rims.k12.ca.us

Sound files on this website are in QuickTime format and require the QuickTime 3 (or newer) browser plugin or player. If you don't have these, visit the QuickTime website to download. Our sound files are provided in two versions, "Good" or "Better." The former is a faster download (suitable for home modems) but of lower quality than the latter.




Memoir of a Civilian POW December 7, 1999, served as the occasion for an oral history experiment on SCORE History/Social Science that we hope was the first of many. James Allen is the grandfather of one of SCORE's technical staff. The memories that this World War II civilian POW had to share about his experience as a prisoner of the Japanese offer an opportunity for students today to connect personally to history and to come to realize the depth of sacrifice made by many who came before them. Would you like to ask Mr. Allen a question? Send your messages to webmaster@rims.k12.ca.us Last update: Thu, Mar 16, 2000, 12:10:35 PM PST. Introduction Introductory Text Interview Transcripts Day One Hear the first few questions with Mr. Allen, including his description of what it was like for the inhabitants of Wake Island on December 7, 1941. Day Two The next portion of Mr. Allen's interview, including what happened when Wake Island was captured by the Japanese. Day Three Mr. Allen talks about internment on Wake Island, then his trip to Shanghai and the first days of prison camp there. Day Four The fourth part of our interview, in which Mr. Allen discusses how conditions changed over the years of his internment, and being moved from China to Japan. Day Five Part five of our interview. Mr. Allen describes what they did for extra food in the prison camp in Niigata, Japan, and how they found out the war was finally over. Day Six The last part of our interview transcripts -- Mr. Allen talks about how the Japanese and American prisoners interacted after the was was declared over, and his liberation. Also... Questions & Answers Would you like to ask Mr. Allen a question? Send your messages to webmaster@rims.k12.ca.us
		`James Albert Allen [Bio]`
	Other Resources Links to Related Resources Travel Chronology of James A. Allen "Artifacts" page -- scans of letters and photos from Mr. Allen's captivity Map of Japanese Expansion in the Pacific, 1941-45 Regulations for Prisoners Address technical questions on the "Memoir of a Civilian POW" website to webmaster@rims.k12.ca.us Sound files on this website are in QuickTime format and require the QuickTime 3 (or newer) browser plugin or player. If you don't have these, visit the QuickTime website to download. Our sound files are provided in two versions, "Good" or "Better." The former is a faster download (suitable for home modems) but of lower quality than the latter.