When a British army wife went on hunger strike in Singapore in housing protest, before move to Hong Kong and an apartment

When a British army wife went on hunger strike in Singapore in housing protest, before move to Hong Kong and an apartment

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“The 18-year-old blonde wife of a British soldier here has gone on a hunger strike because she claims the Army is not providing them with proper accommodation,” reported the South China Morning Post from Singapore on March 26, 1962.

“Mrs Cynthia Mitchell, of Durham, mother of a 15-month-old daughter, has lost 14lbs [6kg] since she stopped eating three days ago.

“‘We have had to live in hotels and hostels ever since we left England last October. They have just refused to put us into proper army accommodation,’ she said. ‘I have gone on a hunger strike in protest against this treatment, and I am not going to give in.’

“Tea and plain water are the only forms of nourishment she is allowing herself.

Mrs Cynthia Mitchell and her daughter, Carole, in the kitchen of their new home in Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP

“Her husband, Eric, a signaller, is due to be posted to Hongkong soon – but Cynthia said she would rather take herself and her daughter home than face similar accommodation.

“A British Army spokesman, asked to comment on Mrs Mitchell’s hunger strike, said: ‘The matter is under examination’.”

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On April 10, the Post reported from Hong Kong that “Mrs Cynthia Mitchell arrived yesterday afternoon by a military aircraft from Singapore with her husband, Signalman Eric Pirie Mitchell, and their 16-month-old daughter, Carole. Signalman Mitchell has been posted to Hongkong for two and a half years.

“The Mitchell family was taken from Kai Tak Airport straight to the flat which the Army had rented for them in Chungking Mansion, Nathan-road, Tsimshatsui.

“Mrs Mitchell went through the living and dining room, two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and servant’s quarter and expressed satisfaction with the flat. ‘It is very nice,’ she said.

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“Signalman Mitchell said the Army authorities deducted $16 from his pay every week for the rent.”

“Mrs Mitchell ended her strike because ‘I have proved my point to the Army’.”

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