Diary relating to service of Major Charles Patrick Tracey, 1942 - Part 6

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
  • Prisoner of War
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
AWM2019.22.139
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 11

Review the Vear! SSte x CS Ad M the opportunity of reriewing our peition and estimating what progres we have made. And perticularly in the mater of busines. Do we stand to day in a better and sounder psition chan we did on tot January laser Have we provided for contingencies! Hore we eiven sothiciene thoughe to the future! Are we forewarned and fore- armed against possible toss And 2 Christmas the cne of Coxt will co Mear appraches lee us thiat of those near and dear to us. II anyching hapoered to ME. would chey be lete in amiandtanten A Choughtess opunism may a Trst to Luck-the wise mas will mte proper provision through Lite Assurance with the A.M.P. Society. NOVEMBER, 194✓ o Ias a great lesture My Can. Sunne Pass o th Porth who was with her from the some she was commissioe ya cay all back 20 te an paraded t give a great fanwill t Lt So Baak 33d Coop cong & Boy manwell who let with a by batch for Japa (650p Nc) 2 nr gouneye t Sth Area prayed the yarks creturn beset all mateh Wa 193 It is becoming pefulas and we will sean save a lonp 30 4 rocal purcrang or again have pise baugh same leaneets and raises a le a peast for Paws.
DECEMBER, 19AF t Had a lecture by Htank van Dengen on the Leman moasion of Helland that doa a griat crove Playes the Raa cricket and sn compotably. Be confere and have the luday bt seadle I so th Deekt lecture by Bob Kyhoff on the int I campaign Itave sut oaie ivery well wit bis chaps and H Degong has given me a pesgn inditation to Batavia Ie is a famoris sutch surgeon. occemra 194 btered a class tounaney and rad a coulle o gaves wit Mrich W Eodouff of 5/98d and stertig special I wet weatt has bet in living canditions very difficult with bealing can + wet wosd. Neat to ramesa seightor with bet haffe sill no let up of rai dunch service made rstntary siving to carge number willeat a charg of clothing Carker at let treving bas now be peanerts, ooffer cresant and a fa eggs. We have thee mghts of sear out before sis
Orcar 1M Ranall day lecheves at night Last night one by michall NAVOR or balfing expersces sange JachKpracoy a mydl car stell saving. Be Batrett gave a talk on his two Credsel test Duos 1934. ten + stayed for a cupt ot Iain wosse if anything Bore Heles fall, Wwere wet clothing damp and every he meserabl A new cencerk fadgrance toght think I negth 90 y I can swim that far Rad MIck WOOORoEf a fleg sames of dess DECENBER, 194 Have the lads making tays for the sids at the sase for mas clanging are a crowd the gae party eae received letters for Rass & Robbie who are got nery Lafty in Law iving atis b next by the r Bgete e ace fotth2 Canball gae we men 96 making thee in a naw Duth have made us san dient lamps Kpei Cyday 1ener started a seares ceotues or malagan bo by se oee sapps an gou in ty my land at tucti it up
OECENPER 1SHI A eslisp that beas aursies are retusnin from Sugapor. Will bry out the accouedated new we Lame tI1 corps Java& & outh s afteroo at a continuation bee Kappes lectue a malayan caupaign will be able t ao on buas was to susy arranging to fut on a decent estow int weas we some Rd & comforts have been saved and it bely as sou we will be abe fill this sellies and give the caasin hospitne a pew boong sunches DECEMBER, 1941 m Iurhe stage in Calkaffes Cohun Back & the island new. Bn playes set cous ondhes natas beat so evight warnig of theretun &5000 ass for songalore eoung outon r batthes saking oue 11 snd Cops Blg and have a decent jos cleasing 2Semw by Buinch t avive until thmsre Busy spatng up 18/20 and Java &h theie irew guater suevig &2 t sew huiddng Raren 340 Oneg off By sanen marches in Place lkames heuse poinps bauht rey litle valung and asaptin comble
DECEMBER, 1947 heminal nells neae quarters belowes acag of ohs areas caterneen oe Afthe the bran will shand &. sul suea o wases fire &2 m think Establisting the fps and putg a f ideas of my own wto excastion wid have to afea a lot of tre sightering disciflie the sugafe to traught back av rations as a rastt t yna meal we had for the dange portion want by th heard bal she a bitt deseptentent for the lass after great ideas hewelous ccert of sene sacn masie thoroughly lame sick, husie & a full hem tve las silabeto terenade FEORUNRY, 1341 Wr aad Parky. 1 Sec. Shareman Pale 730 nes tis advise Sodo wo rdan) Wh reas Danky DCC noin Rall 1000 his see 0 Aedbank be singele sten
Decar 6.55 a bg 1 Eustany Church und geo talli and tr a march fast t sst Invites to Box 1o for a eand seced cougnats as the gros Buslow chedeately gaod sinch Prayed baritall wix ade and Lad fos hagary foe wves news jast heriedy & Jaha Names one for & gid do with are Joch Board roiry. Te weaked array on thereop by ayaof and pen a trought messrade leas & two Tank Las I have tho much work to spend much time a netesfeet Decar on T.H6. Insfecte Bareaad lad a yaush a st t the Laps I have not seen for eight ments &D. Gave a lecture a bentell a agst E Playes an sd Air wsa Basetall gave Pildes fall d poisted 15 all without time to play the entow sine organiing a st 4 By yex Mr& Trying to nerclasity the officers with a view gro andig th 10/32 an with the weeks a also to mack wag parly personal e9 disspte 52y all 438 ofss acaise by Gol and given a fet talk in eganntin a aam wth particular repaire to a future rall my lamg o confitined
L $20 22/2 at rlt and ut to be renganises sea most of day on officer senerity listeous the recevvary raying of at nee requiact 31 fw He old yea sut in fats style. Amore ang up a set Lifes and same tin cans and despite t Js of liget us as 2245 the was an inofficeul parade by the has in the square. The Japs issued sam sue at soner to a sotle sei was not anterely a day show. Tow le is not very exating and I am very busy so well not keep a day but will note OCTOBER, 1941 NOTES payleln f0 r of Tshs as wih secrg 9N so hovenst sand ac ca any exents of importance. of cousse thee is as much tat cannot be erecorded in any case,
NOrENOER 1SAI NOTES Peay 1 Ma t Do Co D coy1 1 till De krangs 2210 2225 A82225 20 19hme OECENPER, 1SHI NOTES Dr DE JoNG NOMNGSPLEIN OATT BATAYIA:C DH.YANDONGEN Go DARND DROGISTERD OAAN SOLRDONYA na
1I7 1 AORR on 42 ow SIONE mar NIY 5121926 12027 12220 615222 31815 1111825 Ocr 11110 3132 1942 FED 3122 MAY 3131017 11118 513233 AUOUST 302516 2131017 123 40 13 CaneCN own 32.22 NNE 81 31213 6132027 SEPT 13202 714212 15222 16233 5101724 5121823 DEC 1228 58 Postal Information TH ME CoMMONE ortol THE PRIR Eriara New Feland Toary Eand Neu, Eovesante and an ctt letters ood lenercards 2 As Doc 181 Recisvato Foc 281 Posicard-11d ext Second Clars Mall Matter, comprote. eis Cmaximum reish, S16a. CommercalPs Aterns, Sam es and Mercha a vn reistl 1181-14 pe 2 02 Cle Compriains Priaced M nlooves Crtich moy co of Cnser and Poots Cences Mecave misht s10a1 14 o 102 Nonce, ommr 10C me mm MC o we num reight 51621 18 oe 6 or C Tren am Dent Parcel 1o is addicon to ordiary pvar comoreamronr M MCmtk Forces A C mew weas oater eoquice os Bore Ottice. ared on wa me
orrow me comonneam iers and lettercards- To places will Fiish Bmpire-22 per or To all other paces- 10 Ars1ar, 2d eart additoa Of Rereraroo to Posteards top mib the Dett Anoir 18 eac6 To 211 other pax0 2d cach Commercial Papere- To New Lealand and -10 00 26 To Mllochee Placeo -id per 20s, With ament of 22 Pristed Matter - To plaees Within te Bruah mDe-101 To all other pices 14 orr 2 on ooper To Now Zesten and P- 1d the Vaes Kiagdom and Ersh Free SIal aneries 1d Dec402 vi Al1 ses Rovie 1d r M the Brnsh Bmpt-1d per 402 T0 P To Hother pscs 10 p 2 o2 ee- 1o qus ra e eraeaao 8 00 20 To Mlotherc- 1d par 20e, wilh ambl of 22 Merchandee To Es P1l-18 pe 20r Small Packets Comemnb to o ay2rd o 20 wth 1 m e win -1101o Othercou nanaca Oras D Blon Budge M ir ivrt Right po 2 quinie Saber Battler labelleg

Review the Year !

As the year draws to its end, let us take 
the opportunity of reviewing our 
position and estimating what progress 
we have made. 

And particularly in the matter of
business. Do we stand to-day in a better
and sounder position than we did on 1st
January last ? 

Have we provided for contingencies ?
Have we given sufficient thought to the
future ? Are we forewarned and forearmed 
against possible loss ? 

And as Christmas, the time of ''Goodwill 
to Men '' approaches, let us think of
those near and dear to us. If anything
happened to ME, would they be left in a
position of comfort ? 
 A thoughtless optimism  may say
''Trust to Luck''-the wise man will
make proper provision through Life
Assurance with the A.M.P. Society. 

NOVEMBER, 1941 2
F

27 THURSDAY Had a great lecture 

by Com. Gunner Ross of the

"Perth" who was with her

from the time she was

commissioned (No 3 Camp all back)
S

28  FRIDAY The Bn paraded to 

give a great farewell to Lt. Gen

Heath, 3 Ind Corps Comd & Brig 

Maxwell who left with a big

batch for Japan ( 650 from No 1)
SUN

29 SATURDAY Journeyed to Sth Area

played the Yanks return

baseball match Won 19-15

It is becoming popular and we 

will soon have a comp.
M

30 SUNDAY

Local purchasing on again

have just bought some

peanuts and raisins. What

a feast for POWs!

 

[*Hank*]    DECEMBER, 1941 2
T

1 MONDAY Had a lecture 

by Hank Van Dongen on

the German invasion of

Holland that drew a great 

crowd.
W

2 TUESDAY Played the

RAA cricket and won

comfortably. Bde. conference

and have the laundry blg

to spread the lads out
T

[*Brt*]  3 WEDNESDAY Further Dutch 

lecture by Bob Lyhoff

on the NEI Campaign.

These Dutch officers fit

in very well with our

chaps and Dr Der Jong has

given me a pressing

invitation to Batavia.

He is a famous Dutch 

surgeon.

DECEMBER, 1941 2
F

4 THURSDAY  Entered a chess

tournament and had a 

couple of games with

Mick Woodruff of 2/9 Fd

Amb. Starting special P.T.
S

5 FRIDAY Wet weather has set

in. Living conditions very

difficult with beating rain

& wet wood. Went to "Admiral

Deighton" with Col Kappe.
S

6 SATURDAY Still no let up of 

rain. Church service made

voluntary owing to large

numbers without a change

of clothing. Canteen stocks
M

7 SUNDAY

improving. Can now buy

peanuts, coffee, cocoanuts

and a few eggs. We have

three nights of black-out

before us.

 

DECEMBER, 1941 2
T

8 MONDAY  Rain all day.

Lectures at night. Last 

night one by Michael MAVOR

on Golfing experiences. Tonight

Jack KENNEDY on Middle East.
W

9 TUESDAY

Still raining. Ben Barrett

gave a talk on his two

cricket test tours 1934 & 8

then stayed for a cup of tea.
T.

10 WEDNESDAY 

Rain worse if anything.

Bore-holes full, wood 

wet, clothing damp and

every one miserable.

A new concert programme

tonight think I might go if

I can swim that far.

Played MICK WOODRUFF a 

couple of games of chess.

DECEMBER, 1941 2
F

11 THURSDAY Have the lads 

making toys for the kids

at the Gaol for Xmas.

Changing over a crowd

to the garden party.
S

12 FRIDAY Received letter from

Russ & Robbie who are

not very happy in Town.

Living conditions poor but

most of the Bn together.

13 S SATURDAY The Yanks over

for the 3rd Baseball game

We won 9-6 making three

in a row. Dutch have 

made us some decent lamps
M

14 SUNDAY King's Birthday

Started a series of Official

lectures on Malayan Campaign

by Lt Col Kappe. Am going

to try my hand at writing

it up

 

DECEMBER, 1941

T 15 MONDAY A whisper that

6000 Aussies are returning

from Singapore. Will try

out the accomodation now we 

have III Corps. Java E & Dutch

W 16 TUESDAY Afternoon at a 

continuation of Col Kappe's

lecture on Malayan 

Campaign. Will be able to

go on tour after war.

T 17 WEDNESDAY 

Busy arranging to

put on a decent show

for Xmas for the lads.

Some Red X comforts have

been saved and it looks

as though we will be able

to fill their bellies and

give the lads in hospital

a few boong smokes.

DECEMBER, 1941
18 F THURSDAY  Further stage in

Col Kappe's lecture. Back to

the island now. Bn played

first comp cricket match and

beat Sigs outright.

19 S FRIDAY  Warning of the return

of 6000 AIF from Singapore

coming out in Bn batches.

Taking over III Ind Corps Blg.

And have a decent job of cleaning.

20 S SATURDAY My Bn not to arrive

until tomorrow. Busy splitting

up 18/26 and Java E to their

new quarter & moving 26 Bn to

the new building.

21 M SUNDAY 540 Orig 2/26 Bn personnel 

marched in. Place like a mad

house. Tps m/i brought very

little rations and discipline

horrible.

 

DECEMBER, 1941 2

22 T MONDAY Nominal rolls, messes

quarters, latrines, areas, sports

areas. conferences. Jap check.

Hope the brain will stand it.

Full moon on - what does Jess 

think?

W 23 TUESDAY 

Establishing the Offrs and putting

a few ideas of my own into

execution. Will have to spend a

lot of time tightening discipline

T 24 WEDNESDAY The Singapore tps

brought back no rations as a

result the Xmas meal we had 

for the Changi portion went by

the board. Look like a bitter

disappointment for the lads after

great ideas. Marvelous concert of

semi-sacred music. Thoroughly

home-sick. Music & full moon

Even had Schuberts Serenade,

AAD Party      1 Sec.

Pde 7.30         1 storeman

2000. hrs advise

Bn HQ

No 2 Train 08.57

1 Ph rear Party D Coy

Nom Roll 1200 hrs

Sec T/O Redbank

re simpler shows

 

DEC 42 MARCH, 1941 

F
W. 25 A big voluntary church

Pde under Geo Polain and

then a march past the GOC.

Invited to Bde HQ for a

cup of cocoa and received

congrats on the good Bn show.

Moderately good lunch.

Played baseball with Bde

and had Ron Magarry (MC) 

over for mess. Jack Kennedy

& John Haines over for a light

"do" with Padre Jock &

Frank Rowny. Then sneaked

away on the roof by myself

and spent a thoroughly

miserable hour or two.

Thank God I have too much

work to spend much

time in retrospect.
DEC 42.

APRIL, 1941 
S 26  Inspected Bn area and

had a yarn to a lot of the

chaps I have not seen for

eight months or so. Gave a 

lecture on baseball at night.

S 27 Played  our 4th AIF & USA

Baseball game. Pitched ball 9

digs finished 15 all without

time to play the extra time.

Organising a lot of Bn sport.

M 28 Trying to re-classify the

Officers with a view to  re-linking 

the 18/26 Bn within three weeks and

also to knock wkg party personnel

into a sort of discipline

T 29  All AIF Offrs addressed by

GOC and given a pep talk

on organisation and again with

particular reference to a future

role. My Comd 2/26 confirmed

 

DEC 42
MAY, 1941 

W 30 22/27 Bde split and units

to be reorganised. Spent most

of the day on officers seniority

lists and the necessary

varying of it to meet requirements

T 31 Saw the old year out in

fair style. Someone dug up

a set of pipes and some

tin cans and despite the

Jap order of lights out at

2245 there was an unofficial

parade by the lads in the 

square. The Japs issued Sam

Sue at 10 men to a bottle

So it was not entirely a

dry show. POW life is not

very exciting and I am very 

busy so will not keep

a diary but will note.

Canteen

Offrs Drink
Priority of Tasks

Liason with Arty

Lights - Bearing

Movement round HQ.

Camp Tracks 

Any events of importance.

Of course there is so

much that cannot be 

recorded in any case. 

 

D Coy   → 1 Man to HQ Coy

D Coy        1   →       B Coy

[[Mell?]]  7th mins

West   D7

Kranzio

A

C   2210

D   2220

HQ 2225

B

30 ' 19½ MP

Dr DE JONG

KONINGSPLEIN OAST II

BATAVIA.   C.

D.H. VAN DONGEN.

c/o DARMO DROGISTER'S

DARMO.    SOERABAYA.    N.E.I.

 

Calendar  - see original document

Postal Information - see original document

 

BEYOND THE COMMONWEALTH - see original document

Order to Blow Bridge

Wire Priority

Diagram - see original document

Right

8

500

2 quinine Tablet

Bottles labelled

Diagram - see original document

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 
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Doug WhitfieldDoug Whitfield
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