Remembering the Fall of Singapore - papers of Corporal Alexander Johnstone Diary 1942-43 part 3

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Fall of Singapore
Status:
Finalised
Accession number:
AWM2019.22.189
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

58 E 2542 TYESL Benerei 0800 showred and reen agast ogeo. inalnonnes thi morning ground wheat (ane disertspionyall), tea and ore anant our co weajor atuison is seriously ill, tropical meningetus 8.08 for tima treatment, now nearly on, yo good I lape. usual morning water fatigue for te garden, then in tyical army styes we sput two hours waiting to do a fatique, vegetable atque or English can, then did not do it Diner Bso consisted of ricl, stew, tea and two pieces of bread. The 2000 HIF for the advance party for this enyusun distinaton were reacewed this morning Station clas again in the afternoon, saw Bran B, he gave we a wallet of Birt ins with two photes of cancy in it, in case I see Bart jorst At 1700 had a gaiie of solo again. Tea 1800 consisted of ricencal, men, tea and one rssale Atter tea cistened to Capt &en Barer givve a kea in sis onsker carier, then aee spaiks and seef went for a shall bepe terming in noking clse to relate mine own, my prayer for ee as usual, then whup eye NOTTE 2 22d Po Thne B months as a pissour 7 war today Pig and to we it is an stery anto be in tuck with you to gnove law you are bearing up, my one consdaton is tat you always mauised to lup a u and mule adituae for we. as cannot go an nener langer iine sion and ten you and for the cappiest of loppy days, remember ay own worses to you. Every unnts, howr day, week month or year rat you have been abseut from my side will be repaid a thousandfeld, I want to lave you as us ofer husband could you are my all woodle and & worshep your body your soue and ary wye for what she truly is sanne own you are brave I know lug and aving so, you will carry an though these anxious days so once again we can only lape and pray that onr re-union trouge Gad well be speedy. Zeveelli 0800. thaved and showered. Brear ast agoo comoed of ne aeat Cvery sman keeping, wc, tea and arel bisant usual morning watering
60 NOTES MOLECA coutuuned 13522 fatune and resking greetrg for the semn cad a slavios ad ken anner at 1330 consisting goic sew, tea and ane pase o bread after annwr with bee went to way. goodbys to Bue cnclolas and &any Taylor, thy are in this advance part seaving in the morning, for where ushody y hous hime pouard is also going. Bert sarry and winkic are in a working party in Seagapore leaving san, Reg and myself in samp have given Tony & Bill a mnage for you if they get an opportunit. Grian Badgery gave all the impression se in no going in the party. atroon lea 1600 and then a severagan with Oct. tea consisted of rece meal, week, two pt cakes and tea. after tea Ou I gacks and sey went for a stall to ser the cleaning out of Paddy's markat. Came back to our larracks and te turned i o wine own if only all this ainiess about gaing sone can be tue my a mayen for you as us as own, notling else to relate so sent eye NOTES 222aay Por $342 42220 advance pary rwvedi 0500 let building 0015- Bcts all arcund re pease that we will be in ansalis by 49.40, what do kink wm own, yf only it were true. Gineiels 0000 shaved and showered and briakjast at 0900. consisted of rue weal, unek, and taluste noking els). tied is stel warrying we, spent o the morning in the garden, watering and digging. From all account (purpries) we will be lome sam, law or way as one yuams depueately. howered and dinner unsing of ree, sew (including two o potators the first ever) tea and two pieses of bread. actided Italian clais in afernoon with blarrie and bec. Turply ins that & wehin 4 days we leave fortunor to be exclanged as B0.w and then to N.U.HAUSI to be enterned for 60 dayed, during which time we are to built up to normal t Pug you can quen low laid I am paying can't you, ot if only it were time. Tea consisted of nice meal, aud tea, two biscents (you could swell gai on then) A 8t concert tough an exceant ling nc. how, we enaye my prayers for cen to relate. me an you as usual, then shit eye
62 NOTES NOTES 39th aay 10 5522 902 day Por 6i222 Geveilli 0800. Guneli 0800 stewered and ther Crakjart at 0900. chaved and staveered. Af wine owr te Atter breadjer Oe and I gave a land surphies ae gattering mnmentum, this morning the catest in that the advance paror) at wrea th mading dee wanted to meake a wreath fr the majors mys se we gave that left yesterday have give to tunor as a land It is a tenday abserved in our Kisager, the remainder of the A.IF are to building to day, fureral bung at 1120. leave direct for ales aust within purtente Mreadgas consisted of rue meal, wiek days, pray enor so hard usodle want you tea and oe pt airent Breakjast censisted of niucal, tea, with bee and I ceded armuls of pranpac and an lunent secoms for the wreaths and gave a Land Hafor twen treatment. working in garden. as shower at dinnor tie, in making him. Fineral at 1120 I gave a land in giving my tinea a chance to dry up Dunnr 350 consisted of the uusual carrying wreaths well discribe funeral in full on wext page rice meal, tea, two pieces of buttered bread, Denner 1330 (an extrimely hot day) counsea and believe it or not me sivel disertspascful srice sewpr sou) tea and one nuce of sugar (we must be as runisured quists of the Japanise Gout). of bread Spent te attrnoon reading at Caucatonal & slayed sels in atternoon. Acquired a topiz and procuded to auto graph it Catre, has a cang dat with Dran B with detail Had a gaine o e before and after tea Tea consisted of rice (no ground rice on and then bee and I did a srote. Tea account of funerce) tea, welk and cocut censisted of rice, stew (dsable issue), ond shridded in i and one bisaut jat cake and cup of tea. after tea Cic, I faits iself went for very distessing and our O.C majrow a waek the camp is like a desered Atkuisa passed away this afternson, He bellage, enly about 2000 of us as finral is kmonou aating aese Saw a tuted frang iain blen kige to relate me own, my prayers for Uoking else to relate wine own you as usual, ten sent eye my prayers for you as usual then shut eye
64 NOTES Passed away afternoon of 165.42 sial party moved of pom and Dw so at 450. Appros six 6 wreates and Staf, wye Enchelon, Pay, Goe and Building 44). cuarched to Hospital (bailing not day) bee, weay was seet and a conple of others acted as wreak carries tacted at 10 agk mortiarg and then with the body strouded inRe amion jack, wreats peaced terion, and a guup of six (0) ofpeer as rall learers, we maned off we marched hay pace to the A.1.P Cametery Cabout. S4 wile) where the servce was read by Padie Benjamin, very emprissive indeed ak a large gatering of wen and oppurs. well Pug one feels very much for all those laned ones at live, who lave given their loved on for the cause of Gad, Eingand Country, but they can always ful justly proud of the dieds of aalow and the cause they died yor May God comprt and solace all rase whose laved anes have been called to the colours in the greater beyand. NOTES Gisday PON Bweilli 0800. Shawered and a haved. Breasfor 0930 converted of me no ne meal wilk, reaunt ueal, te and ane gat aisw Priorto breakfast bes and I had a clear up + edds and ends or we leard last ingl. that we are an twelve (o) loms ustice to mave, I wonder if when and where we wll move to After breakfast One and I were an the usual watering answess, we aid owr wasking and ten had a ting Dinner consisted of rice, ste, ten, years and ane puse of bread. Played solo tal afternoon tea 1600, Ken bee and I went for a stiell in our divered camp. Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, custord (yes onel ni pre, and tea. After tea had a bet of oucket practire and then bee, jair9 and self went for a mack. Carrything is very gent. Chaps in camp well do anything for a moke trade their favertp (weals) and it is cried to see tim pisking up agarete buth nothing else to relate wine once all my trayers for you as usual, the shut eye, but what a time it takes to get to seup.
66 NOTES MMSH BuddeyP of 12242 sleep would not come last inght it was about 0000 this morning byfore managed to get to seap. I had to smore one of my few eigarittes, it was te lotort aigat I dave ever experienced and mosquites by the wlm wll 0w0. Chawered and due beakor 0900 consisting of rue meal, guund wheat mk tea and one bisunk hasos turs parade only a slight touch opt saw cnnal matering ptique and kin the gardnors rat and spirulated on the innders, as rain for about two weeks now and the meather is exhemely ed and sultry Dinnor Bro connsted of rise, stow, ten and one piie of bread after dinner bee + I wagged licture and went serounging, I managed to get an officers rain coatand bee got a pair of long pants. Played solo till 1800 and then tea which consisted of pue ueal as uen) sugart one aisertspsonal), tea, and ane biscuet- also three deserbpoon- fuls of peawnt (green) After tea, bec G and l wen for a strall, discovered a garden of camalias, the suce otee uene own, law & rougat-of you loking alse to relate mine owen my mayers for you as usual, reen shut eye WEC Bxday PoN 9302 Toe Reneithi 0800 chavea and glaved and then treakfast at 0900 consisting of me weal perent meal, wek, we lents and tha has fr tiea treament 1000 and thn usual watering aatgue in garden at 11so disappeared to tug, to wask my serounged clothes, to towels, one parson ane pair uedupants, and two pyjama pant. Denver 1300 eansisted of rul, New meatters) tea and are piece of hread, te the afternoon bey plarre and self went serounging again managed to get a good pair of rubber soled ohoes and one long pair of rauts: Played solo pon 1700 to 1750 and ten had rex at 1600 consiring of rc meat, ak, tea and ove rissale. Afer tea played solo again for about 10 minutes and then went serounging again, got a nit beg and same soap a particularly caal night again, so seap came pucher -noting else to rlake wie own, I have been anlding caskes in the oir ael lay in you payen usual ten ole ye
NOTES 2032 GhdeyPON Renvell 0800 showered and then araxas at 0900 which consisted of rie oeal, uer tea and ane linent wat fox ti teatments usual morning watering fatgus, then more sronnging but down a pair of insoguite paints for shorts Dave Grian Badgery and had a yarn. a mode for the jrsto as is iemenent, bu to we stll yusunot where Denner 1350 consisted of nce, atene, tea and are piece of bread went servunging again with bes, managed to get a pair gade ornaments, two (2) small ares, some soap, to pare and two (a) lensevyis Had a slower and played solo will 1800. Tea consisted of nee ueal, soup, tea and to jat cales. Went for a still with ou until dust met San weatterby and had a few 4 sols Had a cup of tea and a biscut and then returned for sluep Thy are all talking about our wove and you can well iaguie all our eym in te matter. nothing dse to slate nine ower my prayen for you as usual ter sut eye NOTES La002 25th day P04 2212 Rennds 0309 staved and slowered and then breayast at 0900 which couristed of rice meal, wed, tea and anet ansant Hagaely just enpormed me that in a day of so I may be doing a few days auaiting yes even tough we are PO.NJ, Thismorning went to our old building and collected a cay bran ang of rea-cucal, we lave reme out, so more serving in again Boiled a shect and a pair of ryjamas. Daner counsted of rice, sew, tea and onet pice of bread Bee and I went serounging again, with unc surcen, tuo tookenishes, sete bast polish, tabe too th pare, Iaue pain of sox), whach a mine every your lubly is getting already to come some to you, note my close of rais on He subject on the wixt rage Played sold fo 1700 t 1800 then tea 1800 consisted of rueweal wnek, tea, two (o) ft cakes and ae tl of pincapple between purto) weercie enbis each). Had ashower after tea Concert was on in our area a good sow too. Went for stak st nothing else to date mene own an mayers for you as usual, then shet eye
NOTES Pe 2842 To MnC ONA Oh my live is are a ned red rose Thats newly sprung in June my lime is like a melsdie thats sweetly played in tume As faur art thou, my bonnie wife So deep in eave am and I will live the sill wine own Till a he seas gaug dry. Till a He seas gang dry, anie own and the rocks welt we the sun and I will livve seee stll mine own while the sands of life shall run and fare- the well, my only have, and fare tee- well awhill, and I well return again, my have Though twere in Housand will Robut Durns. with perhaps a seight variation by HeX NOTEE FR 90day P0N 22522 Gulli 0000. chawered and then awept and cleaned up Malast 0900 cansised of me weal, tea, ane lneet and in line of pea-nnt ineal we has anled whiah this moming Oee and Faussed our gordening duter this morning and collected some towels ot for our weet gueed a pair of sents, so wlativer wentiaby ergss up naw, move or us move, I am right for clothing Dunner 1300 consisted of me st Coup suet pine of bread and Tea Leved an wone of aigaretes, one packet of ten wordane, we have seen receiving our te eigantes nearly requearly each week kank goodness. dinted axuean aDong Kamon in wagx has a long yarn with then and an going up again tmorrow Lowered and play ed solo from 700 to 1800 Tea 1800 cousisted of ruimeal wek, ten and one ly rnde After tha Oes and I went for a stroll and called in on Stan w, had a gaive of solo and he turned in a cup of ta and a piece of sread, came bac to cam about 3140. noking else to relats mine own mly prayers for you as usual ten sent eye
NOTES 97/2 day P0A S 23523 Zevclli 8800 a beautifully cad morniing for a clange. Gaved and odowered and then breakfont at 0900 whch consisted of rise weal tea, wilk peaut weal and one (1) deset after beatyast bee and self went on a gersunging tur to try and get a few Kings for Alix and Dong in Rospital Dunver s consisted of rice, sene, tex and auc rine of hread wct a suy of gam on it A cal so aday after dinner so I had a game of solo, did not go u to the cospital tis afernoon as I lave arranged to go us amorrow Tea 1800 consisted of rue meal, unes, tea, twole) ancents and a sreanal of roared pea unto had a bit of an argument with I9 tis atemooon, can no longer call him a fair in wed indivedual Attertea musded of a gaine of solo, had a teng made a smake and went for a walk with bee Oh noodle & know you can undersand low I am mssing you sowe I am longing to NOTES 29342 SArverAycarnuer) 47 dayo take up in my arms, wine own wife and to hold der and be with her yor ever and evor niver to be parted again. Tug I am going trough again, wanting you so very cunck at all tins my one and only consolation is that I know that you are being brave out in Austalia and that you will contive to be that way wlh our glorious reumon, and it caush be wuch langer before it takes place. Guut de Little our remaining of pur was taken to hospital to day with dingue fever, also three other shaps with berre-berre, so kings are ask the best. It makes aell wonder when you walk through our hospital, just low all the soldier patients over sere will get ony we are here much longer. wce mine wer, nothing clse to relate dly mayen for you as usual, then slnt eye.
NOTES 922 ac D 244213 Genlli O300 shawered and the ccented the weekey cot of clothes for the usual sunday moni wask. Greatast agoo consisted of ace meal wek, tea and ouel besant Oe and self were taken off gardining fatigue today and put on to the ration fatigue Trushed at 1300 and then procueded to do the usual week end was ding. howered and ten diner at 1300 consisting of rice (ursey) stie, tea and suel piese 7 bread Irawed cats and dogs during diver Ing I am keeping my wails and the qurts of my jingers in good order, each day I file and clan my wails and I am sure you would be pleased, what say you Played sols fom 1400 Fill 1800 then ten which consisted of ane weal, ground what, two (a) discts, ten and one tet of pincapple subes between Your (a) ween Capprose 8 each.) I did not go up to the hospital on account of the weatan, but will try and get there to-marrow, played solo afer tea untl 2030 the bee and I wen for a sholl. noreing use to relate weme can my prayees to yeu as mual ther shat eye NOTES 20th day Po 2342 MeNDL Geveilli 0800 gared all ingat tank gaodness we ueided it hadly-Cee is not the best this morning has a leadache and pains in the back showered and then breakast at 0900 consising of rice meal, ground wheat wilk and tea also one C) anet bee could not eat his breakfast so I gave him my biscent and taded a uigarite for anoherane, so be lad three bescuts and a mp of ten (uot enough to kup a bly alive). has a harvent during the morning, us fatque tel this afternoon then it is to be recegunding. ber reported to Rat tey rublied him down and wrapped lin up and he is spinding the day resing Danver 150 cousisted of rice Cassey) t ta and one pnce of bread. bec could not eat at all, so I had half re and Sew Did the rice guuding jot from 1415 to 1515 and then had a well carried shower auned the hopital tip again so well try 15-morrow Rayed solo po 1700 tel 1800 ten tea where t consorted of te meal, soup, tea and oud bra 915 the rayed so again from 1631 to Capt Barnett lecure on his Saprian our. asting dre t relate mine own. an mayers for you as usual, tei she
NOTES 100H DAYPON 26542 Reverli 0300 another extenly appreniveingt very very hot, it cisled op towards morning and it commenced t rain. Cu senus a bit better this morning, at least se is up and about chaiered and ten breakfast at 0900 comisting of rue ueal, wick, tea, ground wheat (ane desirts oonal) and ouel br Today 36.5.42 is our 100th day as Prisoners of alar, and wine own each one of those days lar rained an eternity to me, as you can understand. Of Rg it cannot go on mudr longer, so cave more kant over dircy and suicle for we want you, we will sam be peunited for I will return again my live. Though twere in housand mile. Cu could not eat his breaspsh again and las reported to the Ras again, the result to remain on his back for andther day I was put on the ration fatique this morning, but us rations are available until 1600 this afternoon, so spent the morning reading and dozing. I reported to the Rad tn morning for turia and quent that I have senided feet with codluel, Diner 1320 cansied of rile meal, wnlk, tee and wel) pince of biead 235 Comnur Cook2ey POM 26542 Png I am keeping here resards of my daily doings but guiss that my are not very interesting, some low me begins to foel very unserable at times, try as one may to kup buight, the spasins coue and go so if my dearied doings appear disjointed at tirs, put it down to our existance, in any case from ths diary, I will be alle to represt my wind (y it ever uceds represting) as to my doings whilst a pinanr of wartsoue thing I koped and prayed I would inver be) in fapanise hands. I am very proud of my ropied (very sincerely, werse on page 70 and am sure you aud agree that it is an excellant expression of a husland's live for "his own wife). when we are together again mg, you wiell always get a nerse from me, a verse depecting the lone of a man for his wepe. Oh nime own low very often, your law, your lips, your eyes and you yourself came veaidly before ace, as I wrie in thes diary each day, I live and long only for the day when we can give one another all our love in all its entirity culminating in joyful

58 
NOTES
12.5.42         TUESDAY         86th day POW 
Reveilli 0800
Showered and then breakfast 0900. 
Rice meal (no milk this morning) ground 
wheat (one desert spoonfull), tea and 
one biscuit.
Our CO Major Atkinson is seriously 
ill, tropical meningitus. R.AP for 
tinea treatment, now nearly ok, for 
good I hope. Usual morning water 
fatigue for the garden, then in 
typical army style we spent two 
hours waiting to do a fatigue, vegetable 
fatigue in English camp, then did not do it.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, stew,  
tea and two pieces of bread. The  
3000 A.I.F for the advance party for  
this unknown destination were 
reviewed this morning.  Italian class  
again in the afternoon, saw Brian B,  
he gave me a wallet of Bert M's with  
two photos of Clancy in it, in case I see  
Bert first. At 1700 had a game of solo  
again. Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal,  
milk, tea and one rissole.  
After tea listened to Capt Ben Barnett 
give a talk on his cricket career, then  
Cec & Jacks and self went for a  
stroll before turning in. Nothing  
else to relate mine own, my prayers  
for you as usual, then shut eye 
 

59 
NOTES 
13.5.42        WEDNESDAY         87th day POW
Three (3) months as a prisoner of war 
today Pug and to me it is an eternity. 
Oh to be in touch with you to know 
how you are bearing up, my one consolation 
is that you always promised to keep a 
"chin up and smile attitude" for me, 
it cannot go on much longer mine 
own, and then you and I for the 
happiest of happy days, remember 
my own verses to you. Every minute, 
hour, day, week, month or year that 
you have been absent from my side  
will be repaid a thousandfold. I  
want to love you as no other husband  
could, you are my all noodle and
I worship your body, your soul and  
my wife for what she truly is 
"mine own". 
You are brave I know Pug and 
being so, you will carry on through 
these anxious days so once again 
we can only hope and pray 
that our re-union through God  
will be speedy.
Reveille 0800.
Shaved and showered. Breakfast 
0900 consisted of rice meal (very 
small helping), milk, tea and one
biscuit. Usual morning watering.

 

60 
NOTES 
13.5.42         WEDNESDAY continued 
fatigue and picking greenery for the  
stew. Had a shower and then dinner 
at 1330 consisting of rice, stew, tea and  
one piece of bread.
After dinner with Cec went to say 
goodbye to Bill Nicholas and Tony 
Taylor, they are in this advance 
party leaving in the morning, for 
where nobody knows. Vince Leonard 
is also going. Bert, Harry, and Winkie 
are in a working party in Singapore, 
leaving Stan, Reg and myself in 
camp. Have given Tony & Bill a 
message for you if they get an 
opportunity. Brian Badgery gave 
all the impression he is not going 
in the party.
Afternoon tea 1600 and then a 
shower again with Cec.
Tea consisted of rice meal, milk, 
two fat cakes and tea. After tea Cec 
2 Jacks and self went for a stroll to 
see the cleaning out of Paddy's market. 
Came back to our barracks and 
then turned in. On mine own 
if only all this business about 
going home can be true. My 
prayers for you as usual mine 
own. Nothing else to relate so shut 
eye. 
 

61 
NOTES 
14.5.42        THURSDAY        88th day POW 
Advance party reveilli 0500.
Left building 0615. Bets all around the 
place that we will be in Australia by 
31.7.42, what do I think mine own, if 
only it were true.
Reveilli 0800 shaved and showered and 
breakfast at 0900. Consisted of rice meal, 
milk, and tea (note nothing else).
Tinea is still worrying me. Spent 
the morning in the garden, watering and 
digging. From all accounts (furphies)
we will be home soon, how or why, 
no one knows definately. Showered 
and dinner consisting of rice, stew, 
(including two (2) potatoes, the first ever) 
tea and two pieces of bread. 
Attended Italian class in afternoon 
with Clarrie and Cec. Furphy is that 
within 14 days we leave for Timor to be 
exchanged as P's.O.W' and then to N.W.W AUST 
to be interned for 60 days, during which 
time we are to built up to normal. Oh
Pug you can guess how hard I am 
praying can't you, oh if only it were 
true. Tea consisted of rice meal, milk 
tea, two biscuits (you could smell jam on 
them). AIF concert tonight, an excellent 
show, we enjoyed it very much. Nothing 
else to relate mine own, my prayers for
you as usual, then shut eye. 

 

62 
NOTES 
15.5.42         FRIDAY         89th day POW
Reveilli 0800. 
Shaved and showered. Oh mine own the 
furphies are gathering momentum, this
morning the latest is that the advance party (6000) 
that left yesterday have gone to Timor as 
Hostages, the remainder of the A.I.F are to 
leave direct for West Aust. within fourteen (14)
days, pray ever so hard noodle won't you.
Breakfast consisted of rice meal, tea, milk, 
and one biscuit.
RaP for tinea treatment. Working in 
garden. No shower at dinner time, 
giving my tinea a chance to dry up.
Dinner 1330 consisted of the unusual. 
rice meal, tea, two pieces of buttered bread, 
and believe it or not one level desertspoonful 
of sugar (we must be as rumoured "Guests 
of the Japanese Govt).
Spent the afternoon reading at Educational 
Centre, had a long chat with Brian B. 
Had a game of solo before and after tea 
and then Cec and I did a stroll. Tea 
consisted of rice, stew (double issue), one 
fat cake and cup of tea. 
Very distressing news our O.C Major CW 
Atkinson passed away this afternoon, the 
funeral is tomorrow. Nothing else 
to relate mine own. My prayers for
you as usual, then shut eye. 
 

63 
NOTES 
16.5.42         SATURDAY        90th day POW 
Reveilli 0800. 
Showered and then breakfast at 0900. 
After breakfast Cec and I gave a hand 
at wreath making, Cec wanted to make 
a wreath for the Major's wife so we gave 
a hand. It is a holiday observed in our 
building today, funeral being at 1130. 
Breakfast consisted of rice meal, milk, tea 
and one fat biscuit. 
Cec and I collected armful's of franzipani 
 blooms for the wreaths and gave a hand  
in making them. 
Funeral at 1120. I gave a hand in 
carrying wreaths. Will describe funeral 
in full on next page. 
Dinner 1330 (an extremely hot day) consisted 
of rice, stew (poor soup), tea and one piece 
of bread. 
Played solo in afternoon. Acquired a  
topez and proceeded to autograph it 
with detail. 
Tea consisted of rice (no ground rice on  
account of funeral) tea, milk and coconut 
shredded in it, and one biscuit. 
After tea Cec, 2 Jacks & self went for 
 a walk, the camp is like a deserted 
village, only about 2000 of us left. 
Saw a tinted franzipani bloom tonight 
Nothing else to relate mine own. 
My prayers for you as usual 
then shut eye. 

 

64 
NOTES 
MAJOR C.W. ATKINSON'S FUNERAL
Passed away afternoon of 16.5.42.
Funeral party moved off from our
Div HQ at 1130. Approx six (6) wreaths
(Audit Staff, Wife, Eschelon, Pay, GOC and 
Building 44). Marched to Hospital, (boiling
hot day) Cec, Wally, Mac, self and a
couple of others acted as wreath carriers
Halted at 10 AGH mortuary and
then with the body shrouded in the
Union Jack, wreaths placed thereon,
and a group of six (6) officers 
as pall bearers, we moved off.
We marched half pace to the A.1.F
Cemetery (about 3/4 mile) where
the service was read by Padre
Benjamin, very impressive indeed
with a large gathering of men
and officers.
Well Pug, one feels very much
for all those loved ones at home,
who have given their loved ones
for the cause of God, King and
Country, but they can always feel
justly proud of the deeds of valour
and the cause they died for.
"May God comfort and solace
all those whose loved ones have
been called to the colours in the
greater beyond." 
 

65 
NOTES 
17.5.42          SUNDAY          91st day P.O.W
Reveilli 0800.
Showered and shaved. Breakfast 0930 consisted
of rice (not rice meal), milk, pea nut meal, tea
and one fat biscuit
Prior to breakfast Cec and I had a clean up
of odds and ends as we heard last night
that we are on "twelve (12) hours notice to
move", I wonder if, when and where we
will move to.
After breakfast Cec and I were on the usual
watering business. we did our washing
and then had a tong.
Dinner consisted of rice, stew, tea, yeast
and one piece of bread.
Played solo till afternoon tea 1600, then Cec
and I went for a stroll in our deserted
camp.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, custard
(yes), one (1) mince pie, and tea. After
tea had a bit of cricket practice and
then Cec, Jack G and self went for a
walk.
Everything thing is very quite. Chaps in
camp will do anything for a smoke,
trade their foodstuff (meals) and it is
cruel to see them picking up cigarette
butts. Nothing else to relate mine 
own. All my prayers for you as
usual, then shut eye, but what a
time it takes to get to sleep. 

 

66 
NOTES
18.5.42         MONDAY        92nd day P.O.W
Sleep would not come last night it
was about 0300 this morning before I
managed to get to sleep. I had to smoke
one of my few cigarettes, it was the hottest
night I have ever experienced and mosquitos
by the million.
Reveilli 0800. Showered and then breakfast
0900 consisting of rice meal, ground
wheat, milk,  tea and one biscuit.
RAP 1000 tinea parade, only a slight
touch of it now.
Usual watering fatigue and then 
the gardeners sat and speculated on
the rumours. No rain for about two
weeks now and the weather is
extremely hot and sultry.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, stew,
tea and one piece of bread.
After dinner Cec & I wagged lecture and
went scrounging, I managed to get an
officer's rain coat and Cec got a pair of
long pants. Played solo till 1800 and
then tea which consisted of rice meal 
(no milk) sugar (one desertspoonful), tea,  
and one biscuit also three desertspoonfuls
of pea-nuts (green). After tea, Cec, JG.
and self went for a stroll, discovered a
garden of camelias, the smell of them, 
oh mine own, how I thought of you
Nothing else to relate mine own. My
prayers for you as usual, then shut eye. 
 

67 
NOTES 
19.5.42         TUESDAY         93rd day POW
Reveilli 0800.
Shaved and shaved and then breakfast
at 0900 consisting of rice meal, pea-nut
meal, milk, two biscuits and tea
RAP for tinea treatment 1000 and
then usual watering fatigue in garden.
At 1100 disappeared to tong, to wash
my scrounged clothes, two towels, one
pair sox, one pair underpants and
two pyjama pants.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, stew
(meatless) tea and one piece of bread,
In the afternoon Cec, Clarrie and self
went scrounging again managed to get
a good pair of rubber soled shoes
and one long pair of pants.
Played solo from 1700 to 1750 and
then had tea at 1800 consisting of
rice meal, milk, tea and one
rissole.  After tea played solo again
for about 10 minutes and then went
scrounging again, got a kit bag
and some soap.
A particularly cool night again, so
sleep came quicker. Nothing else
to relate mine own.  I have been
"building castles in the air" all
day. My prayers for you as
usual then shut eye. 

 

68 
NOTES
20.5.42          WEDNESDAY        94th day P.O.W
Reveilli 0800.
Showered and then breakfast at 0900
which consisted of rice meal, milk,
tea and one biscuit.
RAP for tinea treatment
Usual morning watering fatigue, then more
scrounging. Cut down a pair of mosquito
pants for shorts.
Saw Brian Badgery and had a yarn.
A move for the rest of us is imminent, but
to, we still know not where.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, stew, tea and
one piece of bread.
Went scrounging again with Cec, managed
to get a pair Jade ornaments, two (2) small
ones, some soap, toothpaste and two (2)
housewifes'.
Had a shower and played solo until
1800. Tea consisted of rice meal, soup,
tea and two fat cakes. Went for a stroll
with Cec until dusk.
Met Stan Weatherby and had a four
of solo. Had a cup of tea and a biscuit
and then returned for sleep.
They are all talking about our move
and you can well imagine all our
hopes in the matter. Nothing else to
relate mine own. My prayers for
you as usual. Then shut eye. 
 

69 
NOTES
21.5.42          THURSDAY          95th day P.O.W
Reveilli 0800.
Shaved and showered and then
breakfast at 0900 which consisted of rice
meal, milk, tea and one (1) biscuit.
Lt AG de L just informed me that in a day or
so I may be doing a few days auditing
(yes even though we are P.O.W). This morning
went to our old building and collected
a half bran bag of pea-meal, we have
run out, so more scrounging again
Boiled a sheet and a pair of pyjamas.
Dinner consisted of rice, stew, tea
and one (1) piece of bread
Cec and I went scrounging again,
with much success, two toothbrushes,
one tin boot polish, tube tooth paste,
3 (three pairs of sox), whacko mine
own, your hubby is getting already
to come home to you, note my choice
of poems on the subject on the next
page.
Played solo from 1700 to 1800 then
tea 1800 consisted of rice meal,
milk, tea, two (2) fat cakes and one 
tin of pineapple between four (4)
men (nine cubes each). Had a shower
after tea. Concert was on in our area,
a good show too. Went for short stroll.
Nothing else to relate mine own. My
prayers for you as usual, then shut eye. 

 

70 
NOTES
A Red, Red Rose       To PUG 21.5.42

TO MINE OWN
Oh my luve is like a red, red rose
That's newly sprung in June
my luve is like a melodie
That's sweetly played in tune. 

As fair art thou, my bonnie wife
So deep in luve am I
And I will luve thee still mine own
Till a' the seas gang dry. 

Till a' the seas gang dry, mine own
And the rocks melt wi' the sun
And I will luve thee still mine own
While the sands of life shall run. 

And fare - thee - well, my only Luve,
And fare - thee - well awhile,
And I will return again, my Luve
Though 'twere ten thousand mile 

Robert Burns.
with perhaps a slight variation by ALEX 
 

71 
NOTES 
22.5.42         FRIDAY         96th day P.O.W 
Reveilli 0800.
Showered and then swept and cleaned up
breakfast 0900 consisted of rice meal, tea,
one biscuit and in lieu of pea-nut meal
we had boiled wheat this morning.
Cec and I missed our gardening duties  
this morning and collected some towels
etc for our unit 
Boiled a pair of shorts, so whatever eventually  
crops up now, move or no move, I am  
right for clothing.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, stew (soup), 
one (1) piece of bread and tea. Received  
an issue of cigarettes, one (1) packet  
of ten Woodbine. We have been  
receiving our ten cigarettes nearly  
regularly each week thank goodness.  
Visited Alex McBean & Doug Shannon  
in 10 AGH had a long yarn with  
them and am going up again tomorrow  
Showered and played solo from 1700  
to 1800. Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal,  
milk, tea and one (1) rissole 
After tea Cec and I went for a stroll  
and called in on Stan W, had a game  
of solo and he turned in a cup of  
tea and a piece of bread, came back  
to camp about 2145. Nothing else  
to relate mine own My prayers  
for you as usual, then shut eye. 

 

72 
NOTES
23.5.42          SATURDAY         97th day P.O.W 
Reveilli 0800
A beautifully cool morning for a change. 
Shaved and showered and then breakfast  
at 0900 which consisted of rice meal, tea, 
milk, pea-nut meal and one (1) biscuit. 
After breakfast Cec and self went 
on a scrounging tour to try and  
get a few things for Alex and Doug  
in hospital 
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, stew, 
tea and one (1) piece of bread with  
a sniff of jam on it 
A half holiday after dinner so I had 
a game of solo, did not go up to 
the hospital this afternoon as I have  
arranged to go up tomorrow. 
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, milk,  
tea, two (2) biscuits and a spoonful 
of roasted pea-nuts. 
Had a bit of an argument with  
J.G this afternoon, can no longer  
call him a fair mined individual. 
After tea finished off a game of  
solo, had a tong, made a smoke  
and went for a walk with  
Cec. 
Oh noodle I know you can 
understand how I am missing  
you, how I am longing to  
 

73 
NOTES
23.5.42          SATURDAY (CONTINUED) 97th day P.O.W 
take up in my arms, mine own 
wife and to hold her and be with  
her for ever and ever, never to 
be parted again. Pug I am going  
through agony, wanting you so very  
much at all times, my one and  
only consolation is, that I know  
that you are being brave out in  
Australia and that you will continue 
to be that way until "our glorious  
re-union", and it cannot be much  
longer before it takes place. 
Lieut de Little our remaining officer 
was taken to hospital today with dengue 
fever, also three other chaps with 
berri-berri, so things are not the  
best. It makes me wonder, when you 
walk through our hospital, just how  
all the soldier patients over here will  
get on if we are here much longer. 
Well mine own, nothing else to relate.  
My prayers for you as usual, 
then shut eye. 

 

74 
NOTES
24.5.42          SUNDAY         98th day P.O.W 
Reveilli 0800.
Showered and then collected the weekly  
lot of clothes for the usual Sunday morning  
wash. Breakfast 0930 consisted of rice  
meal, milk, tea and one (1) biscuit. 
Cec and self were taken off gardening fatigue  
today and put on to the ration fatigue. 
Finished at 1200 and then proceeded  
to do the usual weekend washing. 
Showered and then dinner at 13330  
consisting of rice (nosey), stew, tea  
and one (1) piece of bread 
It rained cats and dogs during dinner 
Pug I am Keeping my nails and the quicks  
of my fingers in good order, each day 
I file and clean my nails and I am  
sure you would be pleased, what say you. 
Played solo from 1400 till 1800 then  
tea which consisted of rice meal,  
ground wheat, two (2) biscuits, tea and  
one tin of pineapple cubes between  
four (4) men (approx 8 each.) 
I did not go up to the hospital on  
account of the weather, but will  
try and get there to-morrow. Played  
solo after tea until 2030 then Cec and I  
went for stroll. Nothing else to relate 
mine own.  My prayers for you
as usual then shut eye. 
 

75 
NOTES
25.5.42         MONDAY         99th day P.O.W 
Reveilli 0800.
Rained all night thank goodness we  
needed it badly. Cec is not the best this  
morning has a headache and pains in  
the back. 
Showered and then breakfast at 0900 
consisting of rice meal, ground wheat,  
milk and tea also one (1) biscuit. Cec  
could not eat his breakfast so I gave  
him my biscuit and traded a cigarette  
for another one, so he had three biscuits  
and a cup of tea (not enough to keep a  
fly alive). 
Had a haircut during the morning, no 
fatigue till this afternoon then it is to be  
rice grinding. Cec reported to RAP, they 
rubbed him down and wrapped him  
up and he is spending the day resting. 
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice (nosey) stew, 
tea and one piece of bread. Cec could  
not eat at all, so I had half his rice and 
stew. 
Did the rice grinding job from 1415 to 1515 and 
then had a well earned shower. Missed the 
hospital trip again so will try to-morrow. 
Played solo from 1700 till 1800 then tea which  
consisted of rice meal, soup, tea and one (1) biscuit. 
Played solo again from 1530 till 1915 then listened  
to Capt Barnett lecture on his S'African tour. 
Nothing else to relate mine own. My  
prayers for you as usual, then shut eye. 

 

76 
NOTES
26.5.42         TUESDAY         100th DAY. P.O.W.
Reveilli 0800
Another extremely oppressive night very very
hot, it cooled off towards morning and it
commenced to rain. Cec seems a bit
better this morning, at least he is up
and about.
Showered and then breakfast at 0900
consisting of rice meal, milk, tea, ground
wheat (one desertspoonful) and one (1) biscuit
Today 26.5.42 is our 100th day as Prisoners
of War, and mine own each one of
those days has seemed an eternity to me,
as you can understand. Oh Pug it cannot
go on much longer, so now more than
ever "chin up and smile"  for we want you,
we will soon be re-united "For I will
return again, my luve. Though 'twere
ten thousand mile".
Cec could not eat his breakfast again
and has reported to the RAP again,
the result to remain on his back for
another day.
I was put on the ration fatique this morning,
but no rations are available until 1600 this
afternoon, so spent the morning reading
and dozing. I reported to the RAP this
morning for tinea and guess that I have
scorched feet with iodine. Dinner 1330
consisted of rice meal, milk, tea and one (1)
piece of bread.

77 
NOTES 
26.5.42          TUESDAY (CONTINUED)        100th DAY P.O.W  
Pug I am keeping these records of my daily
doings. but guess that they are not very
interesting, some how one begins to feel
very miserable at times, try as one may
to keep bright, the spasms come and go
so if my diaried doings appear disjointed
at times, put it down to our existance,
in any case from this diary, I will be
able to refresh my mind (if it ever
needs refreshing) as to my doings
whilst a prisoner of war (some thing I
hoped and prayed I would never be).
in Japanese hands.
I am very proud of my copied (very sincerely)
verse on page 70 and am sure you
will agree that it is an excellant
expression of a "husband's luve" for
"his own wife).
When we are together again Pug, you
will always get a verse from me,
a verse depicting the love of a man
for his wife. Oh mine own how very
often, your hair, your lips, your
eyes and you yourself come vividly
before me, as I write in this diary
each day, I live and long only for
the day when we can give one
another all our love in all its
entirity culminating in "joyful

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