Unit diaries relating to service of Geoffrey W. Fennell - Wallet 2 - Part 12

by the phrase "prevailing in May 1944". He said that Heoki and he himself both

understood what we meant, in fact the Commandant intended to improve on those

conditions. He asked us to delete this, and said that he was sure it would go

through and gave his word of honour that things should be as we wished. Our faith

was somewhat shaken by the fact that the newcomers found themselves working

morning and afternoon. They received full BOR Rations of 590 Kg and were told that

they were being fittened and fattened up for their journey to Japan.

After more discussion, it was decided to risk it and we agreed that we would delete

the phrase. Almost immediately, we heard that 100 pigs, 100 fowls and 12 eating

buffaloes were to arrive shortly. Any buffalo eaten would be replaced. On

Saturday Nov 18th "policing" started, indicating Inspectionitis. Sure enough

out on the work on Monday, "the Field Marshall*" said that the Colonel was coming on

Wednesday. It will be very interesting to see if (a) The canteen fills up on

Tuesday (b) if the tea-party round-table conference is reconstituted (c) What the 

proposals regarding Farm work are. Incidentally, we were allowed to write a 100

word letter, though the Interpreter said that he did not know when they would leave

the island! Some of the Camp Staff were allowed to submit 40 word messages to be

broadcast. Col Jephson and Q Horner were the lucky ones in the Regiment. Col

Jephson had retired to hospital with gangrene in the foot.

On Nov 23rd the CCMA visited the camp. He first visited the newcomers and gave them 

his set speech about Utopia, Paradise, Health, Co-operation etc. His war news had

altered somewhat as he said we should shortly be restored to our loved ones, and used

neither the expression "God Knows who will win this war", or "Japan can fight for

100 years!" Afterwards he saw American, British, Australian, Dutch Senior officers

and made a speech in which the following were the main points. He stressed that we

should look after our Health and on his part he would do all in his power to provide 

food. The farm produce would be entirely for our use. He asked why we wouldn't

volunteer before, and was told that we objected to presenting him with a blank

cheque, saying we would work, with no check on what sort of work there might be.

He said he had met the Colonels party when they set sail, and the Senior of the party

had said that they had been wrong in their attitude. (We didn't believe this!)

He had no intention of driving us like cattle, but the work would be in accordance

with our age and ability and physical fitness. We should be grateful that we had

his permission to return to work. We had suffered in mind and body owing to the

closing of Yasume Park and getting less food. He had been very pleased with the

manner we had stated our intentions. Not being able to gauge our true feelings, he had

had to close Yasume Park, increase sentries and prevent visiting. These restrictions

would now be relaxed. His idea however was not that we should just do enough work

to fill our stomachs and then go for a walk in Yasume Park! The speech ended on a 

note of good will!

*The Medical Sgt

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On Nov 24th, things started with a bang. 75 officers were ordered out to work in the

morning, and we were told that there would be work in the afternoon. The work

consisted of removing the grass from the track leading through the farm and the

goons were non-existent. In other words, the same conditions as before the Strike. 

Meanwhile, Harold Lloyd called a meeting of "Agricultural Experts" to draw up a 

scheme for the running of the farm. The Almighty then took a hand, having a sense 

of humour, and sent a heavy shower of rain so that we didn't work in the afternoon

after all! Lastly, a canteen lorry arrived full of syrup, ketchup, sauce, salt,

and sugar. On this one could hardly say that Nippon was not trying to keep its word

about improving conditions.

The Agricultural Meeting went according to plan. As a result 2 officers were put in

charge of potatoes, tomatoes, and odds and ends such as beans, peanuts, etc. They

would be responsible for organising their respective departments and have small

squads allotted to them permanently. The remainder would be allotted to Departments

as required. At present, the cry was sweet potatoes, and it was expected that most

of the work would be in connection with them. The sweet potato "Drill" was as

follows: The BORs, a party of officers and the "Goon" with the plough prepared the

drills on which the sweet potatoes were to be planted. Teams of 3 started planting.

No 1 with a chankul to make a hole, No 2 to put in the plant (right way up for

preference!) No 3 standing on the drill and treading the earth down. By the end

of November 30,000 plants had been put in. Lt Col Dalby of the Malaya Police was in

charge of this Department.

Lt Col Fasson of the Lanarkshire Yeomanry had a party of 12 officers working in a 

small glen at Beans, Bringals, cabbage and chillies. The remainder under Lt Col Drost

of the Royal Netherlands Army dealt with Tomato production. This intensive planting

involved us into working morning and afternoon, but each officer got a half day

after working 3 periods. The rice ration was increased from 390 to 590 grams per

day. In other words "leggies" were more frequent, but the amount of rice did not

seem very different from what we had when we were not working. So ended November.

We felt that Germany might well be out of the war by now, and that the day of our

release was not far distant. News Flash. Capt Pearson took over the Milk distribution

and was hailed with shouts of "Dolly the Dairymaid" or "Klimm" (?) by his

friends!!

December 1944

December started cold and wet. When bedtime came it was not a question of what should

be taken off, but what should be put on! Expeditions to the Benjo increased,

particularly for those who suffered from cold feet! However we had glass in the

windows, better than Taihoku. The rain lasted for 3 days and there was no work,

and the rations were cut as usual. Apart from this, the farm work went with a swing,

everyone was keen and by Dec 10th the whole of the far field of about 15 acres had

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been planted with about 50,000 sweet potato plants. This part was known as Shath Dalby

In Fassondale, the rain did the Bringals a power of good. The beds had been tidied

up the banks cleared of vegetation and the whole place looked well cared for. At the

far end, a number of beans were planted. On the slopes of "Ben Drost" tomatoes

were put in, which would produce 200 a head! Two byles(?) arrived, one 15 years old

and the other 4 years old, were taken on the strength for ploughing, and for the pot,

later we hope! Half day respites continued at one after every 3 working periods.

The hours of work were 8.30-11.30 in the morning and 1.30-4.30 in the afternoon. We

had complete control as regards the work, and the Goons never interfered.

Heoki, the Camp Commandant, went away to Taihoku for a 5 day Conference with the

Chief Commandant. Our suggested items for the agenda were (a) What to do if the Island was attacked (b) Demobilisation plans (c) General cherishing (???) instructions

before our release!! The Interpreter got a sore throat, thereby delaying once more 

the issue of our 3 months old mail. The Boy Bastard disappeared completely for a 

space.

Grumpy and Joe and some goons returned for escort duty with the Colonels Party. It

was believed that they landed at Shanghai and went on to Manchukuo by train. There

were also stories of the ship being torpedoed and limping into Port. A story went

round that the ship which brought them back from Japan had brought Red X stores

for issue at Xmas. Oh that it may be so! We shan't believe it till we see the

parcels actually issued. Roosevelt had said that as we were only receiving 10% of what

was being sent, he wouldn't send any more. We had received up to date 1.2/3 parcels

at Taihoku, 1½ American ones here, and a Canadian Parcel 1 between 6. In Thailand

they only rceived 1 parcel between 6. The Nips were all smoking Red X cigarettes 

on the voyage from Singapore to Manila and Taiwan??????

The TB Patients were lucky in that among the recent arrivals there was a Capt Donovan

of the US Medical Service. He was a TB expert. Lt Armstrong and Gnr Bottomley were

both put back to bed. In the main Hospital Sgt Elliott was discharged, Sgts Scott and

Wersby had both improved considerably. Sgt Hoy and Bdr Trew were both still suffering

from very bad beri beri in the legs, but were getting on as well as could be expected.

We heard, through letters received, of the good work done by the Red Cross in

keeping relatives informed as far as possible about POWs by publishing booklets

and supplements for distribution to the various Red Cross Centres. Hope this may 

be so. It was evident that our continued Rice and Veg diet was well known. However,

we hope to get a bit more for Xmas this year. The great question is "Is Germany in or

out of the War". We all believe she is out. Anyhow, a Nip policeman came and took

the Wireless set away from the (?) (illegible)

Xmas 1944

The Colonel commanding all the Camps decided to pay an inspection on Dec 24th, chiefly

for the benefit of the Nips. Owing to the work on the Farm, the usual 'policing' was

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cut down and only one day was devoted to it. The Rumour regarding Red X stores for

Xmas proved to be a false one and at one time the outlook was pretty grim as the

Canteen was empty and there was a great shortage of Salt. The great man duly arrived

but except for walking through the Huts he did not worry us at all and left about

10.30. Things then began to move. There was an issue of Mail from the OD Room,

30 sweets and two round sweet cakes came from the Canteen. In the evening a Carol

Party went round and gave Hark the Heral Angels Sing, Little Town of Bethlehem,

Nowell, Holy Night, God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, and Good King Wenceslas. Lights

out was at 2200 hrs.

After Roll Call on Xmas Day there was much visiting and then up came the Breakfast.

Owing to the bad vegetable issue, it was decided to dispense with stew and extra

sweet "lugar" was issued. Holy Communion was at 8.30 for CofE and 0900 for the

Anglicans. At 1000 there was a Combined Service in Yasmai Park with Carols and

"Joy to the World" and a special Carol words by Padre Bindeman and Music by

Frank Grazebrook. Readings were given by Lt Col Jephson, Lt Col Hostead (US)

Lt Col Drost (Dutch), and Wing Commander Davis (Australia). The Service was conducted

by Padre Hallard and Lt Zimmerman, the American Missionary. The day was a fine one

and the service was much enjoyed. Prayers were offered, for our men at Kinkasaki, Hait

and Thailand.

The lunch consisted of a good ration of Rice and a rabbit stew, very tasty but full

of bones! It was said that the Rabbits had been attacked with sledgehammers! At

1.30 there were Pagal Sports, much on the lines of last year, and an inter-Squad Volley

Ball competition. While this was going on, the arrival of a Cart caused the Canteen to

wake up again and there was a very welcome issue of Sugar and Salt and Bananas.

At 1600 hrs, we all went to the Pantomime, Dick Whittington, produced by Capt Bevan

and written by Capt Forbes, who appeared also with Lt Traherne as a most intelligent

horse Goofy, who in due course won the Derby and enabled Dick to marry Polly (Sgt

Van Naersen)! With the aid of 2 White Rails a most realistic Racecourse scene

provided the Finale. Roll Coll was at 6.30 and then came Xmas Dinner.

No less that 5 Containers were required:

A good thick flour Pork and Veg stew.

Good Rice Ration ("Leggys" for all).

Thick Pork Gravy.

Extra Ration of Beans cooked with Ketchup.

Fried Potatoes!!!

The meal was voted a great success and everyone went to bed at 22.30 or before, with

a really full stomach for a change! As a result of getting the unaccustomed fat,

many people slept soundly till the following morning, without having to pay their

usual 2 or 3 visits to the benjo! When we get on decent food again, we should sleep

the clock round! After dinner there was a lot of visiting, singing and games and the

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day was voted as having been a great success.

The officers of the Regiment had decided to give the men a Xmas Box and every

man received 3 Yen in Canteen tickets to help them get the full amount of

cigarettes available etc. On Xmas Eve, the men signified their appreciation

by sending the officers a beautifully decorated Xmas Card designed by Driver

Robinson. It was much admired and greatly appreciated, and will I hope, together

with this Note Book, find a safe resting place in the Regimental archives.

The week following was spent in farm work. The only excitement was that the

American Party were warned that they would be leaving shortly, and were warned

to get warm clothes - in fact a pretty unpleasant look-out! On Dec 30th, the

Nips started to cook the sacred "Mooji" in a special oven and bowl near the tool

shed. The rice is soaked and lightly boiled and then put into a large bowl

and beaten with wooden mallets. The result is a sort of dough which is made into

small cakes and dusted with rice flour and sugar. If it meant that the rice was

cut in proportion it would be a pleasant change. As it was the ration was too small

to be filling.

So we came to the end of 1944 - a much better year than 1943. Since the newspapers

ceased, we have had no news except from the recent arrivals. The Nips have given out

no news - thereby telling a tale. When things were going bad for us, news was read

out on parade! However, we feel that Germany is as good as out and Nippon will

have to face the world - an unenviable position - so Roll on 1945 for Victory and

Freedom.

A few details of the number of occasions we get various common or garden foodstuffs

and happening during 1944 may be of interest in future years. Red X Parcels 1½ .

Egg 1! White Bread Nil Cake NIL Matches NIL

Milk roughly 6 bottles Buns About 50 Jam 1½ lbs Razor blades 6

Meat about 5 lbs Newspaper 4 months Soap 4 cakes

Rides in train 0 Rides in Car NIL Rides in Lorry 12

Spoken to Female NIL

Times of being hungry 365 days (Leap year). Letters received 10 Deliveries.

Ride on bicycle NIL Seat in armchair NIL Fishes eaten about 5 lbs

However, cigarettes have been reasonably plentiful s we must be thankful for small

mercies, look forward to making up in 1945.

New Year's Day

The chief problem was how to get over the "ceremonial mooji" problem. Major Ferris

O/C Cook House solved it by putting a little rice by each day since Xmas and giving us

some very sweet lugar for breakfast for the three days. The "Mooji" was used to

thicken the stew. It had been made with some ceremony with the aid of a specially

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constructed oven and large tub. The Rice was soaked for 24 hours, lightly

boiled, put into the tub and beaten into a paste with wooden mallets. All

the goons took a hand, rather like stirring an Xmas pudding. It was then rolled

into slabs and then into small cakes and covered in flour. The Day was a

holiday and the Pantomime was given to the incoming squads in the afternoon.

There was no extra food, in fact "the rats" got at the lunch ration!

Air Raids.

We were just thinking of going out to work on Jan 2nd, when at 7.30 the Air raid

siren went. Some rumbling was heard far to the South and two planes flew low

over the camp later, said to have Red Circles on them. The All Clear went at 9 pm.

Next morning the alert went at 6.15, the show started at 8.30 and continued

till 11. The rumbling was much longer and they were noises which sounded like big

guns firing. Jan 4th was a repetition only more so. On Jan 5th about 10 TB cases

arrived from Taishu and included Clements and Petherick. They said that the South

had received a good plastering. They also said that Gunner Williams of 73 had

turned up from Sgt Archer's party in Thailand. On Jan 7th No 1 Squad was isolated

owing to having a suspected case of Enteric (Lt Col Scott). Col Lynham, Majors Sherry

Pedley, Vineycombe were all in Hospital with fever. There was an inspection of the

Staff and the changes were announced by Heoki at a parade on the Padang. He

appealed for Co-operation during the rest period on the Farm and promised the

numbers would be reduced later. he said that Germany was still fighting and Japan

was fighting desperately and we should have time to eat the produce. After April

1st the camp would have to be self supporting in vegetables. Capt Pearson lost his

job on the farm, but Hogshaw remained in charge of the Bamboo Workers. His leg

was well pulled at being classed among "the old and weak" who Heoki referred to

as being now on the Staff!

On Jan 9th we had a surprise Roll Call at 1 am! As the BB was on duty, we thought

it was a punishment for slack numbering. The real reason (was) that one of the

doors in 12 Squad had fallen down. The Nips thought someone had escaped and even

sent out a search party. At 0615 the Alert went and raid started just after

breakfast, and continued on a very heavy scale during the day. There was a new

noise like a heavy MG or cannon firing. 9 4 engine Liberators were seen indicating

that land bases were being used. The noise was the heaviest yet and continued

tll nearly 5 in the afternoon. Jan 10th was spent at the Alert, but nothing was

heard. Perhaps our old friends Taihoku and Keelung were receiving a visit. There

was no doubt that the South, probably Tainan and Takao had received a real good

plastering and we were very pleased that Taiwan (?) was again in the War area,

together no doubt with Japan Proper.

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On Jan 15th Capt Hammon, the OD with Col Glattly MO, had an interview with Heoki

and presented a written statement signed by Col Jephson, Col Halstead (US) W/C Davis 

(Australia) and Col Drost (Dutch). The statement said that the food was not

sufficient for the work we were doing and asked that the basic ration should be

increased to 570 for non workers. Variations in Diet such as Fish and Beans and

Fruit were asked for also supplies for the Canteen, particularly Salt, Sugar,

Syrup, Ketchup and Cigarettes. It was asked that afternoon work should be at

1.30 to give more time to masticate the rice. Heoki appeared pleased that the matter

had been brought up but said that he could do very little as the Ration figures came 

from Tokio. He had put us on the maximum scale for working rice as he realised we

were not getting enough to eat. Fish and Beans were not obtainable. He could get

articles for the Canteen which were unpopular with the civilians and he had

definitely got Sugar, Salt, Syrup, Tea and Coffee, which would arrive in a day or

two. He and his wife only got 300 Kg. As nothing would come in from outside after

April 1st, he was very anxious about the farm and we should get full value for it. He

gave no answer as to why the new arrivals were on a basic ration of 570. He had

had an offer of 3 horses for food. We had Horse Stew for supper and it was a pleasant

change!

Jan 14th was a good day and started peacefully, but the Alert went about 11 and as

soon as lunch came up the Red was sounded. A very satisfactory bombing on the local

aerodrome started and the whistle of bombs could be heard distinctly. A real good

noise which lasted off and on for near 2 hours. One particular series of crashes

was judged by the experts as the Bomb Store going up. We felt that the job had been

well and truly done. On Jan 15th raids started at about 7.45 and continued until 11.

They were taking place some distance away but it was obvious that many planes were

taking part as the shouts from the crows-nest of "Shikoko" were continuous. Lunch

was dished up early at 11. The same thing took place on the 17th and only a very few

solitary planes came our way. As it was beautifully fine, the mission may have been

photographs. On Jan 19th the original transit party from Malaya and the Philippines, 

about 150, were warned to leave. They were paid out in Japanese money and the Formosar

issues were taken away. They were given enough food for 2 meals, sugar, sweets, and

cigarettes and finally left about 10 pm - very cold no doubt. Looks like Japan or

Manchukuo. We hope their ship won't be sunk if a convoy goes. Rumours that 90 sick

are coming and the old 7 & 8 Squad hut is to be a hospital. On Jan 21st, a General

Post was scheduled but Air Raids started after breakfast and continued all day. There

was a lot of dive bombing, South, West and North also ordinary bombing. Very little

opposition. Move before dinner. No 1 Squad now Lt Cols', 5 British Majors, the Yanks,

Australians, and Dutch. Balance of No 1 Squd to 2 & 3 Squad Rooms, No 3 to 2 Squad

Rooms. New 5 Squad of the 12 Lts in converted 7 Squad hut.

Jan 22. Short Raid 1 - 2. Extra Rice Conference.

Taihoku 1945. Latest News from Taihoku and Taichu (Gnr Clement)

Aug 20. Officers Party leaves. Draft arrives from Kinkasaki. 23 - start of intensive 

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cultivation sweet potatoes. Sept 6. Rabbits arrive for breeding needs, also Table

Tennis Table. 14 - Civilians start repairing Typhoon damage to Camp. 22 Inspection

by Neutrals. Officers Mess boarded off for the day. (Window curtains: shelves

flower)??

Oct 3. Lt Reeve wins table tennis championship. 6. "The Kipper" leaves for Kinka

in exchange for the Interpreter there. Oct 10. Start of breadbaking. 15. Start of

issue of diligence tickets for work. B (Brumelow) saw Tea bowl of Rice.

Nov 12. 2 Drafts sick men made up (50 men each). 4. L/Bdr Berry and Molyneux leave

for unknown destination. Nov 8th 50 strong men leave presumably for Kinkasaki.

Nov 11 50 sick leave for Wall Camp, Taichu. Party from Mine arrive.

Wall Camp Taichu. Nov 13. Work starts on gardening. Dec 1. Fittest men on digging

monsoon channels in riverbed. Dec 25. Breakfast Rice & Veg with bones.

Tiffin. 2 loaves bread and sweet pork stew. Dinner. Rice and Pork and one

fried rice fritter. Free issue 2 packets Caramels, 2 Cakes, 5 Bananas, 2½ oranges,

1½ tomatoes, 8 banana chews and ½ pineapple.

... (illegible)... in afternoon. Jan 7th. 1944. Arrival of Nikobar and Yamayuchi,

the old Taihoku Medical Orderlies - much improved.

19. Start a farm with 5 piglets.

Feb 9th. Barley issue stops. March 29. 48 men to Taihoku as motor drivers.

March 30. 50 sick arrive from Taihoku. May 15. American Red Cross arrives - 

1½ parcels per man issued as individual tins.

May ? Boots and Medical stores arrive. May 31st. 25 motor drivers leave for Taihok

June 9. River dyke bursts and camp evacuated to School Camp.

June 17. Draft of fit men leave for Kinkasaki (?)

June 28. Draft leaves for HITO. July 1. 100 men left by lorry about 40 miles south

to a one storey wooden house said to be a Hotel.

School Camp, Taichu said by MOs to be a Sick Camp. Work, Gardening and farm work.

Prisoners Hospitals on ground floor but remainder in an Annex. 2 acres of field and

cement swimming pond.

July 27. Canadian Red X parcels received.

October 10. Intensive air raids over period of 8 days starts

Nov 9. 382 prisoners arrive and put in school. (This was the combined Malaya,

Philippine and Colonels Party from Shirakawa.) 

Dec 25. Breakfast. Rice & Cabbage Soup. Tiffin Rice Pork Cabbage Soup. 1.1/4 Rice

beef pasties. Dinner Rice & Cabbage, Bean Soup. 

Free issue 2 oranges, 1 pineapple, 20 sweets.

Jan 3rd 1945. Second intensive Air raid starts. Lasts 2 days. Planes seen dive bombing

about 15 miles to the West. Jan 5. Left for Shirakawa. Wardele, Laycock and Holds 

at Hotel. Williams from Thailand in American Camp.

(the above notes refer to the Parties from Haito and Taichu mentioned earlier)

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SHIRAKAWA continued

Jan 23. Short Raid 11.30-12. No planes seen. Col Jephson sent for by Heoki.

American Red X have sent 19,000 Yen for buying stores. HQ Taihoku are buying in

bulk, Sweets, Vitamins, Cigarettes etc. The balance @ 3 Yen a head would be sent

for local purchases. Heoki said it was very difficult to get anything and transport

difficult but would do what he could. TBs allowed to fish in Fish Pond but caught

Nowt! Heoki suddenly had an idea to construct a dam the far side of the farm and

all men were to work on it. The first day 'Tomatoes' and 'Mixed Veg' were left off,

but on Friday all officers and men were on it. Most amusing. Far too many people

so plenty of rest for basketeers waiting. The "Goons" did chunkeling and filling

and were absolutely wacked the time work ended. Good news about the losing side.

Still no canteen salt or sugar, but cigarettes came up after a very long wait.

On evening Jan 27th, Heoki went round the men's huts and selected about 30 fit

men to go away? Kinkasaki? On Jan 29 the Warbler went at 10.30 and

on the way in a large formation of heavy bombers passed overhead. We couldn't

see owing to clouds. BB very windy about black in evening.

Warbler cut a 22.30 and we heard AA fire and again at 0300 hours on 30th and

heavy bombing fairly close. Revielle at 7.30 and work on the Dam started. 9. Warbler

at 10. so back to camp. This night bombing has now gone on for a week. Letter from

Swiss Protective power offering to send urgent private or business messages.

Moving Again

At 13.15 hrs on Feb 3rd, the news broke that 145 officers and 80 other ranks would be leaving in the near future. We were divided into 4 Parties, No 1 Lt Cols

and Majors. No2 Capts & Lts. No 3 "The Internationals", No 4 BORs, so now we knew

why Heoki was so anxious to get the Dam and planting finished. It also started to

rain. On Feb 4 owing to the rain, the Heavy Kit was inspected in the BORs hut (in

the old days it would have been in the wet!) They did not worry about books etc and

were concerned with the removal of Nip property. Most grey shirts had to be returned

except by those absolutely destitute. On Feb 5th the food gates started to open.

Potatoes and peanuts were brought in from the farm. There was a salt and double

sugar issue and a pony was killed. The peanuts were boiled and when shelled and

mashed up make a very good pudding with 4 bananas mashed up!

The Horse stew for dinner was excellent and we had about 2 large potatoes each

served separately. Capt Forbes got up a sing song as we were expected to leave next

day. On Feb 6th it was still raining and we were very thankful when Heoki announced

there was now no immediate hurry. He said that we should be going by ship marked

suitably and it was being broadcast that the ship contained POWs. It was very cold.

Rumours suggest that we are bound for Manchukuo and so may link up again with

the Generals, Colonels, and maybe other POWs from Taiwan and perhaps Hong Kong!

Wouldn't it be a reunion! Roll Call at 6.30 and Lights Out 7 pm.

Feb 7 Still here. More potatoes and a pig has been killed. Issue of Mail, all very

old 1943 and early 1944. Rain now just a drizzle. Our credits are being issued in the

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form of a sort of certificate and for spending money later we were made to produce

a small "chop" for YI consisting of a small piece of smooth bamboo about the size

of a cigarette with one's number in Chinese red characters at the end which, when

breathed on, produces a Menogryph (??)

Feb 10th. Still here. Owing to the efforts of Col Jephson, Heoki allowed us to draw

working Rice and there was also an issue of 60 cigarettes, much needed.

We still have an Air Alert every day but the heavy business is evidently elsewhere

which is just where it should be. A Nippon Times Review of Aug 1944 came into

circulation which gave interesting news about the landing in France on June 6th,

Manchukuo and the new Japanese Cabinet. A whole week passed, packed up without work and

with working rice but the weather was abominable being very wet and cold. There were

daily Air Raids morning and afternoon at a distance but there was no doubt that a

lot of heavy stuff was coming down either on the railway or the ports! Roll Calls

remained at 7 pm with Lights Out at 9.30 so we certainly got plenty of sleep.

There was a considerable cigarette famine as we had been supposed to draw 5 Yens worth

at Taihoku. On Feb 16th we went to work on digging an irrigation ditch alongside Yasmai

Park and were allowed to open our heavy kit which had been stored in an empty hut.

The search had not been very serious and they seemed to be only looking for Nip property

and empty tins and bottles. On Feb 17th the order came that the heavy kit had to be take

back again and a different label was put on it. It was taken away in lorries on the

night of the 17th. On Sunday 18th the morning service had to be put off owing to a 

heavy air raid but it was held in the afternoon. On Feb 19th we were warned we should be

moving and great were the adjustments of carryable kit! There was a row in the cookhouse

as certain rackets were suspected and a completely new staff was put in and Capt

Scholey, US was rightly sacked. We continued to draw working rice, but unfortunately it

was of the white kind of which 7 Kg were drawn as against 10 Kg of unpolished rice.

To prevent beri beri the doctors had started to issue yeast culture

for lunch which went quite well with rice. We expect to be taken by the night train to

a Concentration Camp at Taihoku and there be joined by parties from other camps. From

there we shall probably be rushed to Keelung to catch a boat when and if an opportunity

offers. Just before lunch a large force of our aircraft went over the camp quite low,

which made us wonder whether there would be any boats as it was quite obvious that the

ports must be claiming plenty of attention! The betting as to whether the Island

would be invaded shortly showed that most people, including the Nips, thought it most

probable. From the Regimental point of view, all were going except Lt Armstrong and

Bottomley, Petherick and Clements the TB patients Wersby, Noble, Robinson, Hoy, Sgt Masc

Early in Hospital, and Scriven among the fit men, also Casey.

Meals were at 11 am and 3 pm.

Finally left at 1600 hrs on Feb 19 and marched to Kagi carrying Kit, a distance of

about 7 miles. Fortunately no rain and fairly cool but all pretty tired. After some

preliminary shuffling, we entrained in a carriage which was made to exude about 300

chattering natives!

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