A Settler's Story 移民者故事

British History

Time

A Settler's Story

1914-1918: World War One

1910s

1919: Yew Chang was born in Hong Kong. 

1921 Census: 2,419 Chinese in England & Wales

1920s

1931 Census: 1,934 Chinese in England & Wales

1930s

1938: Start of World War Two

1938: Yew Chang joined a Dutch shipping company and began his career as a sailor.

1940s 

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.

1942: Yew Chang joined the Chinese Seaman's Union in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

1945: End of World War Two

1947: Yew Chang was working as an assistant cook on board the SS Coal Stone.

1951 Census: 12,523 Chinese in England & Wales

1950s

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.

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.

1961 Census: 38,730 Chinese in England & Wales

1960s

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

1971 Census: 96,030 Chinese in England & Wales

1970s

1970s: Yew Chang managed to open his own restaurant.

1981 Census: 154,363 Chinese in England & Wales

1980s

1980: In the year 1980-81, Yew Chang made £1,405.

1984: Sino-British Joint Declaration

1991 Census: 159,936 Chinese in England & Wales

1990s

2001 Census: 247,403 Chinese in England & Wales

2003-2013: Yew Chang contributed to many oral history projects, preserving his experiences and recollections for future.