Unit diaries relating to service of Geoffrey W. Fennell - Wallet 2 - Part 14

Before leaving the journey, which was really a most pleasant trip, the intensive
cultivation and pretty scenery of Korea certainly impressed us. Blossoming, flowering
trees and the "Canterbury Bell" heather bushes were the chief feature. Regarding
the Railway, there were no engines seen below 4-6-0, a very few of them, the goods
trucks were all bogey type open and closed, the features of the Railway alignment,
Night signalling on parts of the track. Very frequent goods services proceeding
South. The windows clean but the lavatories were mostly filthy!  However, we can
always say that we travelled from Fusan to Mukden stopping at all stations except
for the final stretch! For lunch we had another loaf and a good onion and CARROT(!)
stew but there was no Red X for us. The men in the Camp had a cigarette whip-round
for us which worked out at 8 each - a very acceptable gift. Needless to say we all
slept like logs! April 30th Reveille was at 6.00 with Roll Call 6.30. Breakfast came
up about 8 consisting of Bread and a kind of porridge made of a kind of barley
called Kaolin. It hadn't much taste but was quite sustaining. We were not worried
at all during the morning and spent the time talking until a huge soya bean and leek
stew turned up providing the most satisfying meal we have had for months. During
the afternoon most of us slept but later on we were allowed to talk to the other
ranks. The only gunners in the Camp belonged to 122 Fd Regt and mustered 5.
For dinner we had a loaf and a half, onion, goat, and carrot stew and very good baked
potato cake. May 1st Labour Day, but we did none!  During the morning the Japanese
asked how much Red X parcels we had received.  As far as we were concerned it was 1½
Easter 1943, 1½ 1944 at Shirakawa and 1 at the mining Camp - not very much! We shall
hear the result soon. The Camp staff have some for issue provided that permission is
given. May 2nd we laze about all day waiting for baths and delousement, but it was
cold and wet and it was postponed. We met an officer who had been in Thailand and what
he told us about F & H Force, who left Changi for Thailand in May & June 43 made us
very anxious for the men of the Regiment whom we had left behind in Changi, as all
fit, semi-fit, and even invalids had been sent up there. The details this officer
gave and a map of the Railway are given earlier on together with the notes got at
Shirakawa. On April 4th they started to make our exercise ground into beds, but
more important, the Red Cross issue started with a can of Butter between two and
we are promised something every night for 30 days. The Bully is being held over for
the present owing to diarrhoea. On May 6th the Japanese scheduled the following Red X issues:
6. Butter ½, Coffee 1, Sugar 2, 7. Prem ¼, Sugar 2.  8. Butter ½, Soap 2, Sugar 2
9. Corn Beef ¼, Sugar 2.  10. Butter ½, Cheese 1/3, Sugar 2, and so on, giving
¼ tin of Prem, Bully or Spam every other day. Packet cigarettes on the 18th and
½ pkt Chocolate on 26th and 10 Cigarettes 28th.
May 9th. Still in quarantine. Bully issues very good. Lectures Snakes, & Grand
Cooly Dam. May 10th. Great Treat Red X Butter & Cheese as great saving of Bread
necessary. Rumors 15th. Classes Spanish, Russian, French and German, Lectures Snakes (

273

India, New Guinea, Mexico(?), Grand Cooly Dam. May 13 - Washing and delousing.
Rumours regenerated. May 18th Yasmai Day. Told move to another room imminent.
Issue non-fiction Library Books. No extra food or special speech. A very 
peaceful time was spent until May 21st which proved to be a great day. The whole
of the Generals, Brigadiers and Colonels party, who left Shirakawa 8 months ago,
turned up all looking a picture of health and we were delighted to hear that the
whole party was intact. They were all in very good spirits and sure that things 
would not be long now. The old inhabitants moved to the bottom floor so that our 
Hut now consisted of Americans on the top floor, and British, Australians and Dutch below, swing 
doors being fixed between the nationalities.
May 23rd. Weighing, but not much difference during the last fortnight though no
doubt foundations laid for future rises as the food had improved and we were 
getting "Bake" of vegetables each night and sometimes spinach. May 26. Issue 
2 pkts of cigarettes and 36 Caramels. Red X Chocolate and Bouillon. Trading value 
2 squares Chocolate, 20 Nip cigarettes
25 Caramels - 5/6 buns
Trading values on June 6 were as follows:
Milk 1/4 tin = 10 or 12 buns, Red X Cigs = 9 buns for 20, 1/2 bar Chocolate = 5 buns
Coffee 1/2 tin = 10 buns, Meat and Butter 4 Buns, Sugar 2 lumps = 1 Bun and no 
takers for Chewing Gun; Cheese 1/2 = 6. 20 Nip cigarettes 4 or 5.
It was suggested that half our raisins should be handed in to make a raisin bread 
and this was carried. June 7th Issue of Service Clothing Drill Tunic and Jacket 
for those who required them and so thin muslin shirts and trousers which will do 
very nicely for pyjamas - a very scarce form of nightwear now!  June 16th - Issue 
of Red X Raisins. Most officers subscribed their sugar ration and half the Raisins 
to the Cook House and the result was a thick, sweet, gruelly raisin pudding and 
was voted as good as the currant rations(?) June 23rd - Inspection by the Colonel 
but it involved no bother as he just walked round the rooms with us lined up as 
for Roll Call. Rumour that he is leaving and a General is taking over! With the 
reduction of the bean ration the popularity of buns is increasing. What a joy it 
will be when one can definitely say that one is not hungry! Believe me, even two 
buns a day extra would make a difference! July 3rd was a Yasmai Day so the Celebrations 

on Independence Day were held. There was a double issue of Prem and 
a concert by the Camp band in the afternoon. For supper there was some very good 
corn soup and a bean bake. We have had two Air Raid practices. Alert Top barrack 
rooms come downstairs. Alarm All  out to slit trenches. Planes over All bob down.
They were carried out by the various interpreters with the minimum of fuss, a very 
welcome change from Taihoku and Shirakawa. The weather is now getting hot and 
inclined to be stuffy at night. July 6th Death of Col Pigton, the Australian Doctor.  
Funeral Service in Assembly Hall. July 9th - Reveille 5.30 and extra hour's work 

in MKK Factory.
July 16th New Ration scale 2 buns a day, cut in flour and beans, but extra issue of 

corn-meal, potaoes, green beans and millet.
274

On July 20th there was an inspection of the Factory by the Colonel. Immediately
after it, some typists were summoned to the Main office and set to work on
the Geneva Convention as regards POWs, and that certainly started off a lot of
rumours. On July 22nd, there was a big dinner, Corn-bread and Sweet-corn extra.
The Beginning of the End
From the beginning of August, things really began to get exciting. Every day rumours
came in from the Chinese in the Factories that Chungking Radio had given out that
Japan was undergoing terrific punishment. In addition, "The Official News" told
us that over 1000 planes were bombing Japan every day, and the Japs believed that
an invasion was imminent, and the end of the War was in sight. We heard about
the General Election at Home and were much puzzled by the defeat of Churchill and
the Conservatives, and wondered what it was due to.
Everybody was very optimistic but we had heard so many rumours before that we
hardly dared hope! However, it was very evident that the Nips had something very
much on their minds, and were decidedly jittery!
On August 8th we had a terrific thrill as we heard both from Chinese sources and the
"Official News" that Russia had come into the War and had invaded Manchuria. Rumour
followed rumour, culminating with the Chinese and Japanese soldiers saying that the
War was over.
On August 15th we had our first real Air Raid Warning during the afternoon and the
3 Branch Camps started to come in. Were all POWs being concentrated for evacuation?
However, on August 16th we had our first genuine thrill. About midday, a large
bomber was seen approaching from the South. It dropped 6 white parachutes and
abuut 14 red ones. Was it a Nip anti-parachutist practice?
About an hour later, a rumour came from the Hospital, which overlooked the Main
Office, that 6 Americans had arrived in a truck containing red parachutes and
containers, and they were obviously not Prisoners of War!! They had been met by
the Colonel and had been treated with deference, and a tea and cigarette party was
in progress. A large American officer had produced a cigarette and had lit one -
a most un-POW like action! We went to bed that night full of excitement and many
could not sleep. Incidentally, the buns for dinner were extra large!!
After breakfast on August 17th , AVM Maltby was sent for. We fell in and on his
return he told us that Japan had surrendered to America and Britain. The parachutists
had come from Lt Gen Wedemeyer's HQ in China, and had nearly been shot up on the
aerodrome by the Japs, who had NOT read the programme. A Major Hennessey was in
charge, his job being to contact POW Camps, and to make preliminary arrangements
275

for evacuaton. For the present, the ordinary routine would be followed, but
Nip supervision would be reduced to a minimum.
The situation between the Russians and Japanese was still rather obscure, and it was
understood that fighting was still continuing although the Japs had offered to
surrender. We were to remain in camp, as trouble was expected between the Japs and
the local Chinese and Manchus. Rations would be put up to full scale, and it was
understood that cigarettes had arrived in the plane!! We all went nearly mad with
joy, as 31/2 years, almost to the day, had been a very long time!!
During the afternoon there was an issue of 2 packets of Nip cigarettes, and 2 Red
Cross parcels between 3. After dinner we all walked about smoking outside - one of
the first fruits of Freedom!
Major Henessey's party erected a Wireless Set, and the first Real News Bulletin was
circulated later. That night, GHQ Okinawa, was informed as to our whereabouts, and
a request was sent for more smokes and American food. Nominal Rolls were made out,
and sent there for onward transmission to the War Office. It was then we first
heard of the Atomic Bomb, which had just destroyed Hiroshima and then Nagasaki, and
finally did the trick! What with excitement and the fleas, we didn't sleep much
that night either!!
The next thrill occurred on the evening of August 20th. A concert was in progress,
when a car drew up containing some officers in dark green uniforms with Red Cap bands.
A rush was made to the Square by the Hospital. Just previous to this, a large
Liberator 4-engined  bomber had  flown low over the Camp, and we cheered madly.
Pamphlets were dropped, which said that the War·was over, and was signed by
Lt Gen Wedemeyer O/C US Forces in China.
Presently, a group appeared on the steps of the Hospital.The largest Red Cap, who
who turned out to be the Chief Civilian Commissar, accompanylng the Russian Aircraft,
stepped forward and said:
The Soviet Red Army has now captured Manchuria and you are free (Deafening Cheers)
On behalf of the Soviet Red Army I congratulate you that you are now free and
have been delivered from Japanese oppression. The Soviet Forces only came into
the War just over a week ago, but have advanced over 1000 Kms over all sorts of
country, driving the Kwangtung Army before it. I have come to make arrangements for
your repatriation to your homes as soon as possible. (Terrific cheers)
Major General Parker, the senior US General, then dropped a No 1 brick by
congratulating the Russian IMPERIAL Army on their Victory!!! Fortunately, Sgt Hersey
was interpreting and corrected this hideous blob!
276

The Japanese Surrender
We were then told to line the square and see the surrender of the Japanese.
They were formed up and laid down their arms. An American  Guard was mounted
and the Russian handed the ammo over. Through Col Hoffman, an interpreter,
he said:"The Japanese will now march round in front of you never to return."
This they did, led by the Colonel and the other officers.
The NCOs and rnen were put into the Guard Room for the night. The officers were put
into 3 Rooms (a) The good ones, Lt Oki, the Doctor, Hijikata, the lntendent (?)
and the Colonel, (b) The Nondescripts (c) The Bad boys including Morata and
"One bun Charlie" the Messing Officer. By the time the parade was finished, it
was dark, so they were spared much humiliation. Except for a few cat-calls, the
disarmament was carried out in silence.
The Camp Staff here had been pretty good towards POWs. One wonders what would
have happened at Kinkasaki, Shirakawa - Myata, where there were several black
sheep. On August 21st, we had the refreshing sight of seeing the bad NCOs and
Goons working on coal fatigues, and the remainder on digging potatoes for us.
Late in the evening it was given out that a plane had arrived from China to
evacuate the worst sick cases. It had also brought cigarettes and food.
Evacuation Plans
During the morning, the final party from No 3 Camp arrived.Their Camp was nearly
a Brewery, and they had had a terrific party with the Russians, and some of them
were still as whistled as coots! There was a story that there was now a Russian
Division in Mukden, and that the Japanese Quarter had been handed over to the
Chinese for 3 days, to recoup the losses of the last 10 years!!
About 12 o'clock some Russian Generals arrived to pay their respects.They were
Lt Gen Turchenkov, Major Generals Toomanyan and Putsola, the representatives of
Marshal Malinovsky. With them came a female interpreter in uniform. When they
left she said "Goodbye and all the best!" Lunch then came up - our first
European meal and it turned out to be Curried Chicken and Rice, tinned, but very
good indeed.
After lunch, Squad-leaders had some interesting information to impart. We were
to be evacuated by air very shortly in C47's by the followng stages (a) MUKDEN
to PEKING  (b) PEKING to HSIANG (c) HSIANG to CHUNGKING (d) CHUNGKING to KUNMING.
From then the British Government would take charge and it was imagined that we
should go along the normal transport route to DIGBOI and India. We could send as
many Air Mail letters a day as we wished, and three Jap message forms and
envelopes were issued. It did not take us long to set to work letter writing!
What a joy to write what we wanted, and to know that lt would go!!
277.

During the afternoon there was an issue of Warm battledress, grey-back shirts, Nip 
shirts and slacks (good for pyjamas!) thick pants, socks, pullovers, and greatcoats. 

What a blessing as most of us had nothing warm at all. Most of the clothing 
had been captured at Singapore or Hong Kong, so how happy it must have been to be
recaptured! Even a grey-back shirt has a soul!
On August 24th, the gates were thrown open, and WE COULD GO FOR A WALK! Some
dashed off to Mukden, others climbed the tower of the Fire Station "to view the
landscape on", while others wandered off in small groups into the country to get 
away from their fellow men! There was a very pleasant shady lane alongside a canal 
bank.
That evening, the camp was full of people carrying about Jap swords obtained from
the disarming dump at the Railway Station and crates of beer obtained from a Jap
Brewery very conveniently near the Station.  A good time was had by all until a
very late hour! There was also an issue of Vodka, Beer, Jap Wine, and Whisky sent 
in by the Russians. The beer was really very pleasant. Most prisoners will agree 
that we had missed our beer much more than spirits during our enforced teetotalism.
On August 25th, we had an issue of "The China Lantern", a newspaper printed in
English and published in Calcutta at the Amrit Patuka Press for issue to American
troops in Burma and the Far East. They were August papers, and were most
interesting. There was also an issue of Time for 1945. Next day there was another
issue of 2 packets of Chesterfields and Camels together with MATCHES!!
A Visit to Mukden
I shall now describe a visit to Mukden, as it will give a general idea of the
conditions pertaining. It will be remembered that Manchuria belonged originally to
the Manchu Chinese Empire. The Russians held Port Arthur and controlled the Chinese
Eastern Railway. In the Russo-Japanese War, Port Arthur was captured and Russian
influence decreased.
About 1934 "The Manchurian Incident" took place. Japan invaded Manchuria, drove out
the Chinese forces, and set up a puppet state called Munchukuo, under a puppet
President Pin Yin, the only survivor of the Manchu Dynasty. The population therefore
consisted of Japanese colonists, mostly business men, Manchurians, and Chinese.
Neither of the latter had any cause to love the Japs, as they were exploited to the
full.
During the last 4 years, Manchuria had been held by the Kwantung Army, which was
supposed to have been the most efficient of all the Japanese Army. By the time we 
arrived, however, it was believed that the Japanese had gambled on the non-entry of
Russia, and had sent part of the Kwantung Army to reinforce Taiwan, Okinawa, and 
Japan proper. Certainly the soldiers we saw appeared to be very well equipped,
278

smartly tumed out and looked pretty tough and efficient.
On August 8th, the Russians made a 5 point drive; 3 from the North, with Manchouli
on the West, to the Coast on the East, 1 from Vladivostok on the Manchurian Korean
border, and the fifth from the direction of Mongolia.This latter proved to be
a big surprise, and took the Kwangtung Army in the rear. Stalin had promised
Churchill that Russia would attack Japan 3 months after the Fall of Germany.
The Armies advanced 1000 Kms in a week, and defeated the Kwangtung Army completely
The chief cities of Manchuria are Harbin, Sinkiang, Tsitsihai, and Mukden. A map
of Manchuria was found on the back of a souvenir cigarette case presented to
travellers on "The Asia Express", a streamlined train de luxe which ran on the
South Manchurian Railway between Danen and Harbin, where it connected with the
Trans-Siberian Railway from Vladivostok.
Hoten Camp was about 1/4 mile from the Main road running North from Mukden. The road
ran for about 2 miles through a rather squalid bazaar with small eating houses and
roadside food-vendors selling fruit, eggs and cakes.
Mukden is a walled city, with an imposing gateway in the centre of each wall. The
gates were very high, and reminded one of the elephant gateways of India. The bricks
varied from 3 or 4 inches to 6 inches in width, and the wooden gates covered with
rusty iron, were obviously very old.
Proceeding South, the road passed through a crowded main street though most of the
shops were still boarded up. Chinese National (Red with Blue Star) and Manchurian
Flags (White Star on Blue ground) were everywhere. There were a certain number of
Russians racing about in trucks, and the remainder of the visitors consisted of
British, Australian, American and Dutch POWs walking, or driving about in somewhat
decrepid 4 wheel"victorias". All vehicles homeward bound were laden with crates of
beer, of which more anon!
Passing through the South gate, the Modern City was reached. The roads were very
wide, and there was many big buildings. Most of the houses sported a Red Flag,
and there seemed to be a certain number of Japs about, all of whom had a piece of
red cloth pinned on them. In the centre of a very large circular "Square", a number
of Japs were seen filling in large holes, which looked like tank-traps. On the
far side of the Square stood the Yakamata Hotel, obviously a **** one in peace-time.
It was now the Russian GHQ. Though no food was available, POW officers could enter
and remind themselves what it felt like to sit in a comfortable armchair and sofa!!
All round the Railway Station were Japs, some disarmed soldiers, and others obviously
refugees. There were a rew Russian traffic police about armed with Tommy-guns, but
apart from them the Nips appeared to be under the charge or individuals wearing
279

wide straw hats - Chinese probably. Japanese civilians seemed to have kept indoors
and they could be seen now and then looking mournfully through the windows.
Two miles from the Station stood the Japanese Brewery. It was noticed that outward
traffic had ceased, and it was hoped that the supply had not run out! The gates

were closed. Presently a Jap civilian came out, and with much bowing, scraping
and in-taking of breath, pointed to a Notice written in Russian, which obviously
meant "Keep Out". The Main gate remained closed. Luckily a truck full of Americans
and Russians drove up from the inside, and beckoned the newcomers to drive in. They
went to a large go-down which had been full of beer, but was now nearly empty.
3 crates were loaded up, some stationery was "borrowed" from the office, and
rather a nice looking ledger into which the Regimental History may be copied some
day.
The return journey proved uneventful. POWs were evidently very popular with the
locals and were met with smiles and cheers wherever they went. On return to No 3
Squad, it was found that the Scroungers had obtained plenty of beer, and a large
sack of sugar, and a case of sweetened condensed milk! Our companions expressed
some surprise that we had got any beer. Apparently, about an hour before these
arrived some Russians had got rather nasty, had shot about 4 horses in 4 carriages,
and had put up the notice forbidding us to enter! And we knew nothing about it!!
The Exodus
On August 27th, there was an issue of scrounged sugar crystals to the Squad. After
breakfast there was a sudden rumour that General Wainwright had arrived. It was
untrue but on the other hand the Senior American Generals and Generals Keith-Symons,
Key, Sitwell, Maltby and AVM Maltby got orders to leave at once. Brigadier Torrance
went with them and saw Sir Lewis Heath and Gen Percival at the aerodrome. They
were both well. The whole party were being flown to Chungking, so let us hope that
now the evacuation has started, things will move more quickly. Incidentally, we
heard that the evacuation of Japan had been put off for bad weather.
On the evening of August 29th, there was quite a thrill. 3 B29s were seen cruising
round the Camp area, and as soon as groundstrips were put out, they flew low over
the camp and started to drop clothing and foodstuffs, but a few parachutes did not
open, and one box crashed through the roof of the cookhouse!
On August 30th, 2 planes left early in the morning with a mixed bag of British,
Australian, American and Dutch Senior Officers. Some say they were bound for
Chungking, whilst others said that the pilots told them they were going to Shanghai.
An American "Processing Party" arrived and started interrogating everyone regarding
atrocities as all the Japanese Commanders are to be brought to justice and shot if
necessary. There was also a rumour that they had brought a Cinema projector
280 

with them and films. Oh! That it may be so!

News was received regarding the landing on Japan, and intensive mine sweeping
round Port Arthur, Danen, Japs ports, and the Singapore Area. Till this is
completed, evacuation of POWs by sea cannot be started. Visitors to Mukden
report that many more shops are open, and lots or pavement trading. Outside the
barrack gates, Jap issue blankets are fetching abuut 200 yen, and eggs cost 5 yen
eaeh.

During August 30th rurther supplies were dropped oy B29s. There are no complete 

details as to foodsturrs, but clothing has been dropped in bundles for 50 or 500

men on the following scale: Drawers 2 prs, undershirts 2, Socks prs 2, Fatigue coat
and trousers 1 each, Boots 1 pr, Handkerchiefs 3, Bath Towels, 1,  Shoe laces 1 pr, Soap
Insecticide 1.
During the afternoon we were medically inspected and divided into the following
categories:
PNA    Patient without ailment who merely needs to be fattened up.
PBI    Patient requiring Hospital treatment but who will recover
PB2    Patients requiring Hospital treaetent of a more lengthy nature, and may be
permanently disabled
After that we went to the Process office, handed in our particulars and addresses

of next of kin, and fllled in a form about atrocities. YAMAGUCHI, the Medical 

Orderly at Taihoku received the highest award as far as we were concerned.

In the evening we went to the Pictures !! The first for nearly 4 years. It was a Warner
Bros Production with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall (a new one on us!) in To Have and
Have Not by Ernest Hemingway. We hope there will be some News Reels. There are two
houses every night, whieh should be a blessing for those who can't sleep!

For breakfast on August 31st, we had some excellent sweet milky cocoa from the
supplies dropped, and there was an issue of 2 packets of Raleigh cigarettes, 2 boxes
of good thick safety matches(!!) some chewing gum, and two slabs of almond chocolate. 

After a Squad Leaders Conference we were told that a Col Donovan had arrived to carry

out the orders for our evacuation.We were to be taken to Shanghai as a preliminary
stage. The state of roads and railways were unknown at present, but the Russians
had offered all facilities at the Port of Danen, and it was hoped to fix up an air 

Ferry Service between there and here, thence to Shanghai by sea. At Shanghai we 

should get a thorough medical examination, which was a very good thing. We  should

be properly clothed, inoculated, and wash-and-brushed up generally, before being

sent home. We should receive £10 when we left here.

Sept 1st produced eggs, bacon and cocoa for breakfast followed by an issue of 

American vests, pants, socks, and 10 packets of cigarettes, with chewing gum and

candy. In the evening we saw Ceneral MacArthur landing on the Philippines, also

281

"Hollywood Canteen" and "29 Men" featuring the various nationalities fighting

in Italy. Sept 2nd. Visit by French, Dutch and Belgian Missionaries. Fine news

films of artificial Harbours on the Coast of Normandy. Capture of Aachen, and

also of Tengyang on the Burma Road.

In addition to the films a remarkable man called Sgt Friendly was dropped from

the clouds. He was a newspaper reporter and had covered Europe, Burma and the

pacific for "Yank" the GIs' paper. He was a mine of information, and spoke for an 

hour every night before the pictures.

On September 10th, the great day arrived. Col Donavan had managed to contact the

7th American Fleet at Dainen and they were making the necessary arrangements. We

started to leave about 4 pm in Russian lorries. On our way to the Station we

passed a very long column of Japanese being marched off towards Siberia** They

had some horse transport with them and looked very tired and dejected.

Our train left at 8pm.Next day we passed many Russian troop trains. At all Stations

there were Chinese selling eggs, fruit, chupatties, and cakes. We reached Dainen in

the dark. There was some difficulty in getting the train down to the docks, as all

points had to be worked by hand and the Chinese guard had some difficulty in 

getting his orders through to the Japanese engine driver, who was being guarded by 

Russian sentries. At last the train came to a halt, we had a short walk, turned

a corner, and there before us was a beautiful white Hospital Ship USS Relief.

Orderlies helped us to carry out kits, and we got into a lift which went up instead

of down!

Our 5 day trip to Okinawa was a thing of joy. Real beds, a Red Cross bag with Pyjamas

and toilet requisites. Plenty of cigarettes, ice cream at 11, and the pictures in

the evening. Tales from Manhattan with Charles Boyer, Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers,

Cesar Romero, Edward G Robinson, Charles Laughton, and Roland Young was very good.

We spent the time lolling about in pyjamas and writing letters by the Photo Mail

Service.

The ship's newspaper published an account of a banquet given in New York on Sept 13th

to General Jonathan Wainwright of Corregidor. In his speech he made the following

remarks which hit our feelings about the Japs right on the head.

"Before the Japanese again are allowed to take their place among other respected

nations, they must be made to realise that their mediaeval ways have no place in our

modern world. Japan must be made to realise on every step of her long road back to

acceptance among civilised nations, that government does not indulge in excesses she

**They went to Transbaikal District and are not expected to be repatriated, say the Russians.

282