A Settler's Story 移民者故事
English
A timeline of the life history of Yew Chang (1919 – 2014)
This timeline is drawn from two oral history interviews with Yew Chang. One took place in 2009 as part of the Evolution and History of the British Chinese Workforce project; the second in 2012 as part of the British Chinese Workforce Heritage project interviews.
British History |
Time |
A Settler's Story |
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1914-1918: World War One |
1910s |
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1919: Yew Chang was born in Hong Kong. |
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1921 Census: 2,419 Chinese in England & Wales |
1920s |
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1931 Census: 1,934 Chinese in England & Wales |
1930s |
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1938: Start of World War Two |
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1938: Yew Chang joined a Dutch shipping company and began his career as a sailor. |
1940s |
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1941: Yew Chang arrived in England for the first time. During the Second World War, he worked in a ship as the one who lit the fires. |
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1942: Yew Chang joined the Chinese Seaman's Union in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). |
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1945: End of World War Two |
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1947: Yew Chang was working as an assistant cook on board the SS Coal Stone. |
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1951 Census: 12,523 Chinese in England & Wales |
1950s |
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1953: After the war, Yew Chang left service and in 1953 settled in east London. At that time, it was difficult for foreigners to become naturalised and to settle in London. However, Yew obtained a recommendation of a colonial minister who could speak Chinese and helped Yew to become a naturalised British citizen. |
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1959: Yew Chang was working as assistance cook on board the Alma Star. His wages were £70 for over one month's duty at sea. |
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1961 Census: 38,730 Chinese in England & Wales |
1960s |
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1960: After settling in Britain, Yew Chang tried many kinds of jobs. He worked in a restaurant in Birmingham where he earned £4 a week. |
1962: New Immigration Law |
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1971 Census: 96,030 Chinese in England & Wales |
1970s |
1970s: Yew Chang managed to open his own restaurant. |
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1981 Census: 154,363 Chinese in England & Wales |
1980s |
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1980: In the year 1980-81, Yew Chang made £1,405. |
1984: Sino-British Joint Declaration |
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1991 Census: 159,936 Chinese in England & Wales |
1990s |
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1997: Hong Kong Handover |
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2001 Census: 247,403 Chinese in England & Wales |
2000s |
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2003-2013: Yew Chang contributed to many oral history projects, preserving his experiences and recollections for future. |
(Compiled by Rosa Kurowska)