Remembering the Fall of Singapore - papers of Corporal Alexander Johnstone Diary 1942-43 part 12

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

Page 1 / 20

NOTES 13202 SINDEL 2THI-DNY RON and gravy. a sie inspiction after dims by our a oppeinga instutian) a she waste of tie Had a lotting at 100 and played nlo wtil tea 1700 pice gquil (qel is now to be maid on uon warkingdays) and stew, Bought a pair 986p pais for 8s. after tee Heard teat the Givennor of Olmnen is aispieting the caup tomorrow, I suppose we will be out on working parter call so00, bidmaking lights ant ofa 161142 MOADAY 274th227 POW Bevallsogos rall call in Auho910, wool, beduskgete, 6 pr uand gra t Gager of soe is insperting the camp today. Iwos aly enoughnot to be inconting party tday and after offast anisted in trayuigup yor anpertion arot wne acpes up this maning lat cirtainly painer the tuee away and it way cam i sandys. Gou. qu cam though our but very quiskly with his entenrage, so tat is reat Dawier 1300 bread rile and gravy wrote more resips up after dinner, fiinshed the 296th. Had a shave and bee caked raind suet potaton (2) and a turnep and that was an afternion ten at 1600 Fea 1700 rice and grave are iue of a piece of fist and see saya sauce, Read and played sols after tear good wmle own it a esed at present one can hardly pake his wose autside, and if is not yet wenter till call saws Thu bedusking etcinbed immudiately t10,2100 NOTES 278HDAYPON TUESD 17:11:1412 falli agqnewll wht 0710, bedusking, work at, 6 fat 0800 me and gved bediget usane wand a fire murg I cre of talo. Aspast ty maning and un recived two anket of lumk lept anern, so wet to work fal fill working parly fillin OB0 dwasen the with works and lad a very gaad luying day, we wre enting and leasing eaith embankine Grane an arrival there at 0900, so rbeltued Wutil 1000 and then commaned work oue pt ieatered 50 and we sang and whistled whits marching through the streets of Guine, it certainly amues te Reds. Diner engol hread rell arargare and gravy Fraved the breadwel tiel tea) at 100. I bought 6 pusums us, I sweet pottin, pet caraucls and pean entur Savery Dour, 55 san and I5 senresp, so had as good auying day, the lias thew us and apply and potators and small caller. A 1530 we received from the faps. I loney biwt, or 2 showed say the Goran eswhact, sueclan wa daught an e99 for so sen. Returned to cat at 1700 fo teapie and grave, pla hear, persunmous suet potatacy bread rall, laid and caraut se went to bed feeling 10090, at Canter after tea and for the squad, picked up 36 plt ugs, 16 cake talit reap, and 13 be Hen order, 15 say 1sen 422 sepep. Rill all soso, bedmcking ligetent 2100
NOTES 18702 KEDLC 276 hDAYPON fwell ogos wee call in but 0710, bedmating wad ete B past o00que and graay Tellin again 4o day for working party at 0030 Mrilway again, a betterly cold day, Ievver teak my greatisat of, I hit my fuiger with a ppade and reeiived papreid atention. Dien wss biad roll and gravy Cagain savedig roll he photagaaphers were on Hhe job again and as we were working with wowen I well cosk firty if you me it in the paper, it you moing and aftenison we received bury re four nech, cold and doughy Returned to camp at 1700 had a sat trus and then teo 1730 price, enrry gravy (he malet of inue andwy frall from dier Jack unv had He yot of tihing our enarid leter ead that weast peice tie ago, in I hope that you have it syne lng. After teayread and played solo until rt call sno an wtho bedmating £/0.3100 THURSDAY 1794 D P0 19:11112 psle opersene in let 0910, wort, bedmarug, 6 fast 0000 pee and gavy our oguad in purtig today as after Creasfort I lapped into my working, a shirt, long panto, epaingros, Vile glaes twel and also lad a shave wrote a few wore ppes up before dier 1200 bind rele gury and laid Ofterhimearappd imayup is a blanket and sead Peter Juctn Ager mersantwtl tea 1700 rie and gravy, head & playednots writtl roce call 2000 tin bidmaking Agtont a I wei gave me a copy of my leter card written to you today, Heard rat 2P.0.W at deiso were killed an a waking party yeyerday NOTES 370h DAYPON FRIDE 20UF2 ouprequet 6545/700 ber and aey Bevulli 0700 pececall in Aut 0710, Cidmaking, wasb Si bfast 0200 re and gravy working paity today again 8820 to edy unloading cosl rams joh as proisul Duneer was oned race and gravy, plus on additiouse s tew frae tle contractor wark again from Bos wntl 145 at 1430 wegat a few boiled swest potatons eacl thy were enceclan avery coldday, returned to camp 1700 lad a bolting and then ten, consisting of me, gravy papans snow, lot saney aauge isue and my bread roce from dinner he so for another night this week, an going to bedfull (or feeling so Stayed on my back aftertea witle r call sooo bidmating 6103111 SATURDAY 279th DAY PON 31.11-42 fune 0700 wll call in but 0710, wirb besuakny st, 1fa t0600 me and gravy, working paty again 0000, in the rell Job scauating again, wery cold managed to buy 1pl 9 topee spsi) between Ious for to san a giena Annnt and an apple. Dinne 100 gravy and briak reeetai fraud) at 1500 we were issed with a dawl of boiled sweet potaton (about 6, I raved snce of them and the asple, arrived back in couh 730 tea rice and gravy, plu headroct, meet potatin and apply so again feel 100/0. We were inver with touight by the pap, Sanpaper, too th powder penul, cakeg toilet map and 3 wore pt 9 eg C0d,sa agood day. Played olo after te wt Rall call no, bedur aking the 103100 signed m liter cad o you oegh a ovry so here is lapen
NOTES 28oth DAY PON SADN 3113 Zwalle opqnee call u but 0710, word, bedmaking a be part 0000 ree guisl and gravy Paying Lt last wge Oact 8 days O 15 an, y0a and the canteeni sctoring t manong with s (qilts perman) apples ( perman) aut dest unto (about & opper man entarg 45,22, 32 and 20 sen perman, so all the boys onr fulungquis pleased gon wodle a lttle inta mats all eay aroup isp and ited wete dincer 00 buad pace and gravy Csaved the rerl, ate chistants and sarpe instead wrotsmoe mye afer awnne reaching 35sth (i that a grod appat) Hara trag ant 1500 and played aolo witit tea eoque and gravy, bread wel and an apple pom auns tudoro again, an falig full died pt. Playshsolo after tea until wllcall Mor Aidmakinglesteut S1co D8DAY POW MOADRY 231142 l o we callan be 070r besuaking wa 6 fr 0000 uise and gravy fapr Harvest Fistoal Woaday today so us wnkig party. After bpast I wasked asengest and upat spust te man reading untol dined 0o mravy and head rall I saved it again tel towight) Plegas nals in the sh antl ten pone and giavy and head wall from dinees also an inaey fire and suow bee in g colour again touight Plaged soloatenten wetl ree wall wso. Badnesking 40, 3100 WESSNE BNPON LANM Qedliogaapcain Aut 0/10, beduaking was tc, 6 fast 8300 rue and gravy, Caughed all night and felt a bit off calour this morning, so went an nt parade. ane of diy tel usnday ist and ane to go on to quil till then Bead and wrot up recpes until diner 1500 bread riell sined it agan) and gravy. after dinner wrote up same wae rnpe and san eted up i my blanket and reept, it is bitterly cold and a pursing wend is leaing. Tea 1700 puetquiel) and gravy and all from dier Cante after tea for squas pindon bag distients, Doopple &1bt edar Dishibued his and played solo until rol call 3000, beducaking, 4/02100 28zaDM RON 25:114/2 MESNESDAY Gunsli 0700 wel case in but 0710, bedmaling, ward tc, 6 fas 0000 milguie and gravy. At 1000 yestrday our presune at and tey wrtanly sared t bt wared clirtet w reroated oepused and we shap wre fried an egg on a plate you wauld have laughed at the sames nound te fire funded my reae has before dinne (450 reip hee mee and grang suad te rell again) poasted same do unto an the fire, others toarterells, casred apper ets. The washing this morning when hung on the lines mudead for wille and becauest (gives you ar ising the ietense coed. Head and played solo after dimen witil ten 1700 quiel and gravy, an inue o margan and mey bread reel Berted with margaine & closped cidn teryed solo ate tea wite rore ase was thre did making and bik 6/0 3100 tarking et Play awake planning our fatore mme awn, oner and ane again
NOTES 24142 KOR 284th Tay PON Ruvelli o 7os ws case in la 0910, bidncaking & fex 0000 quiel and gravy and our tern for turit are. Tideed up for insecton by 60 prison cavye Rorca Tiusbed ay repe bosk. 450 rpe, I way start andhr a A 1130 I wret ant on a ration paits to the railway sob betureed to covy at 1300 for di (hiagroll and & lviled potakeassta The ad Courenar out of stas oraningig apice, I had ptten and burnt pe pdiner, burled up in the afternoor and seetuntil tex 1730 uce quil, gravy and ampotas saed bunt ret raiid today had rase wte omorroa), Played rals after tea with roll call 2000 teu bediaking 4/02100 bspection did not eventate ERIDRY 185th DAY E.O.N. 27:11:42 Graulle ogoopel call in hest 0r/0, beduaking, work ato 6fas 0000 ver quiel and gavy. It iommunced moning wt night and the morning the was i sow in the groud ence to lost ab but good inuour it is soed, it is about yeng I saw sucue in such quantties. Dought & fate cimos bork the aconnug $180 played s0s0 until dinn 1000 gravy and briid rail (ats hal). The counting nde in litea wtte manke and the sion is a lung bulliantly. Played solo again during the afternoon. wht tea 1700 piquiel and gravy, a fe Dersi was also on. Played pols again ater tea uiti riel call sooo, then dedmaking tc 4/0,2100 York anne inter it uch cv supposed to be cold yot regudmmenly guarr what it is going to be lite whoe it den get ased NOTFE SOFUAL 226hYPON 28:1:12 Iwulli o700 pall call in But 0710, bidmasig ward et Cosyes us water this moriing taps ore praen, so warded after 8 prt oroque quisl and gravy to working party from our squ today, but I did phr wood vacking, the wood was covered with snow, so it was not a waim job, read and lazed cute din 000 brad role and gravy Iraves the rall with tea) Playedaes and read suring the afterons util tea 1730 re gruel and gravy and las a briadiall. at caute afterten for squal order o cigo and chirbits, epth eperman t and for perm Prayeda do wite rill call dooa, ten bedialing, 40 3100. On it styp of prequst 2100/3315 then bed 287th PAY PON 29:11:1412 JUNDRY Gisli 0700 rall call in hut 0710, bidmaking, etc. Iap frze again i un to an4 but so wut to No3 for a wark Greanfost 0800 me and gravy, Had a slave and we are atel unable to have a ho ting, He bats houses are out of comminion. Playedsdlo until dinner 1000 gravy and Readrce (raved again wit touight). Read and slept during the afternoon and a 1000 freed some vegitlly sawed from breakfart and diner and tearted half a bread roll, Tea 1730 pue quiel and gravy Played rols after tw wntl roal call 2000, tid 4102100 sope to have a good uight sleep. after doing prequet last wiget suow is still an the ground wen trough I ceased snowing on 27442 at 0300. Oh meie own low I ane dreading 442 awas away from you, at lest rmas 1941, I could communicate with you, but wine sire you will be repaid a Housandgold
NOTES 327772 MONDAY 229KYAY PON Sualls oyogrll call is but 0710, bidmaring wash to bpt 0200 rue guiet and gravy saw the doctor last uigh ane gave him bact any lget duty telit so ave pt for we and work again as working party to day, re read, gaied and played condiuntl desen son I did not ent any dinner, gave beiy ative and saved the bread wel, I feela bit queer in the tummy so courred ayyself with blankets and slept itil 1500 fack i made uea pair of blanket slippen. Read again until tea 1700 gravy and nie, Iate the rui lave got of sugaderue) and He liguid gravy. are my baid after he united rase call wooo thin bedmaking 4/0do 1:12:42 TUESDAY 189th DAY P.O.W. Reiieli ozoopllcall in but 0710, bideraguig wishet 6 for ocogrue and gravy late tre and aguid from the gravy wased pansn whic stwel and 2 scheep and gost, the water is just signid ic. sunaled another paing blanket slipper, yarned with a restman who wer an enqineer in ualaya and had been in aast last Nav. Dimer 1500 gravy and hread rll and ar ime of acargarine. D has given we no dutyuntil 8/12/40 and an to go on gruet again an ir had a shave and a bo touglbath wses working and played soloctiltea 1730 reand gravy. After tear yarned and played solo antil rall call wood, then bedmaking, light out 21000 oh wme owce, the days are passing and to me each one brings we closer to you. NOTES 290hDAYPOM NC 222 Buclli o700 wll call in Ret 0710 (bidmarig and warld before reeelle) Greager OD0ops and gravy, rained wit 3100 warking parti cansilled, except salt party. Fie again aogoo, reported not again at 1000 and playshods unto dimee 1000. At 0950 working parties were all ordered out again on yo it being pue. Dunior gravy I head rall, at some roll and signd gravy and tartet a rel for bee when lecouer back to ught also fried same vegitables during the afternoon I lave a good dose of diasrled I am apaid, but will hope for the bost. speet the afternoon muning back and fro to the law. Tea 700 mequil, firt stew, mow and a couple of seun of toased roll bee did the cautee order after tex for eegs Cven apple Cre and dutunts 33 for 1Ism. Rested wt roll call 2000, bedmaking et L102100, LAV 20 tunis in 24hn 29L DAYPON THURSDRY 3.12:42 Rule 0700 p call in but 6710, wark, bidmaking otc, 6 fort opdearie u quiel and gravy and our turn for kurnt rue at a small amount of guiet only and a sup of tea Felingush te same having had a biskeinglh scep. fired andread wutt duenr,200, fat no they with somanistance I made bee a ris of rue, guiee Io head roll grated, 1 natedapple and haded it. The Japs ordered our aquir out to work, but bix repused. Fea 1700 griel and sew, I picked at a bet, good cme aweit is preying and my tiing spend is tie upnde down urtd antie nelcall 2000 ths bid, lights out 2100
NOTES E2 MFo K.NY Baule 0700 woll call in hut 0710; bedmaking wast I, 6 fer 0750 quite and mary Fianage the may only). Had a gaod vomet eart aigat and subure so much better Tle tenge this mnvening at 0700 was 240/0 selow gue so yu can gue low cold I was fistng in but this morning whar the Jass cogtis caup oderdur to walk around the guadranle, the an and were promptly tacled are to arqual of oppein (hose who refused to work) and we were drided for anas and wete rick) wre only discumed when it inpremed ar the fap wajor tha we were not capable o dulling. Duriior 2200 head roce and grave Iaad te gravyanly this afernioon Imade and ther pie, the same as yesterday Capple charlote) and I wll procably participate to right Read unth tex 1750 rice griet, gavy and pie, I enjoyed my first full cucal for same time. Up to date the jobs around hne have been, steelwals, railway earthwal sactwals, doclyards and eoal disep: gerted until rell call 3000 bid making lights out 200 SATURDAY 293raDAY PON 5:12:10 wlti ofr call in hut o/10, biterly cold, wind all pye, kp 23d Breakfart o7o ue quil and gravy. an prequet last aght 2215/2330 Yesterday the gapmajor gave an enhibiton of acanuring the gorden by ua of a buclet andthe lase Healsomade the expres cach do 20 29 EAMY PON Sarveea 2242 a turn at it Larngh te ww dinded to refore to wak unless the oppen got beter treatment, the oppen would not allow us to go through with it as they said, thy will take what is evening until it gets too bad, then they will protest. It is allover, hem, refusing to go out to wal and not taking the oriqual oath ast 15 enape made apiey m, usetatle enasor and distrnte fo buigat and pisted until diin time ,200 head rill and gravy. After dinnn, we peayed solo util 1800, I lad as have, bat and anded a surgeet and underpants Bead until tea 100 guirel, gravy and the pic. Read until rall call 2000, bedmaking 4/0 2100 SUNDAY 29wth DAYP.ON 6.1242 Geoulli 0700 rall call in Aut 0710, bedmaking etc, 6 pt ocoquiel and gravy. Thng my was hug on at 1500 yesterday and at 1730 I was prozer like a boar) &6 tep this ureue, at 0700 war 11 below EP (217, afer bearast had a deputation about aur damp wall and eventially received permision to live entra fuel for the two firs at our end of the hist. I bought a lsttle of 8.1 Mann tablets 71.60 (g uwis and acy ay tummy is playinng up wale same clistin buter this morning (chertants grated and our insue guargarine. You will have a dimisticated husband after this war, nne anen Daner 1200 head wil (toared) and gravy, a good weae, Tins as much as we can gather appear
NOTES 6:15:12 29rh7a P00 3220 to be and way of anything, we get sass anspapon about every so days, arceally 44/20 days old and reading between the enves we are holding an ows gd I encesup and sept and alipt unte 1000 had a acca a bauet wy was anigus. Tea 1700 gruely gravy, teared poet and surrnncture of clisant bute Cantan after tea fors Equad 101 steuh 8to bag &4do le for to wece Cosdistintied) youred and read wnt roll call sass th bidmaking, 40,400 Mony 295hA P.OM. 7:13:42 One year ago today nill tortlitis in Spore broke on Iwar at 0400 this morning, that I sow th first flight of fou Cembers come over spore, I was in camp at folore Barn time seems to heve flown in onr way, in another it has dragged, Gwilli 0700 rel call i hut 0710, bedaak wbit, breakfor 8300 guiel and gravy. uo wort today, made a negetable and riepre and had a shave before dincer 1200 gravy and head roll. also made a vegetable pit for another dan so have had a busy day cosking. Head et wtl tea,700 pire and gravy plu toarted cob and iestunt buthr and vegitablepis felt very camfortably fid, bu brought hame I mest speds and saxpeno we faredvery well after tea Tuade are appleacaate for a robber. the walls your but are greenmouldy spots and ai consequence we may be rlifting uto a new Rut. This mowing very lightly cice i. Rill call 2000, be danking 4/02100 NOTES IUESDAY 29thI1YPON 2:12:7 Cucelli ofo, rll case in lat ope work, ardreaking its brayant of rue and gravy. OBSfell in for warking party. Today is a natured wosshiping day at uariou shricces for te fap in comm comnation of Bcuso at war. working party today was at duk and Countly wine own, I have never ever been so ised, it was betterly ro, terep 210, I had every thing on and wew tough we let fin all over te peace it was cpmible to get wan. Denner 1000 me, gravy and nilfru is maid on set Guscked of at 1630 przer stipp and arrived back at camp 1700. Tea 1730 rice and gravy (received an ince of sugar and one briad rall to asted between bee and I. Heard that weare lising our pap 6.0 of this camp, we are not sarry, I have ofer heard about the Siberian wind but to day, I experienced them for the perst tius. After tix Ow and I made an apper aharlote Cus, teadement sugar and apple) and had it after wll call200000 at 2100 40, I retres to didfuling tired but ie no way. Lungry MESNESSNY 297 4 D P.ON 91242 Gascelli opo, wel call in bect o710 biduaking, wark at fart 0750 have a very stufp end on the head. An working party again to day at docks (black requid und and wend. Byad gravy and rich. 0830 feel in on working party parade at dals again. Mrilliant sunstine and not quite so cold Duner 100 ree and gravy and headpoll (oaved. Looding black rund ito tucks. At 1500 it immmeed mowing lightly and kept on This morning my tra ig
NOTES WEPUESDN 212 297h Day CO.V had a few drops in i after breakfast when I put ir my tacnack and a dinne time it hat turned to ree Canaguie tat. Quocked of at 1630 and arrived haik in camp at 1700. Our ame Jas cajor vested i on tlejol 10 day and at 1600 carried out an inspection of our hop He certainly laaks a more soldierly expec Tea 1o nea and gravy and fr brad roce with then our cibut Cante after te poreign spits per man 15 sen eo. Had a shave, mowing ceased, roll call ie ha 3000 40 D00 101242 THURDRY 29842ay RO. N. Rescills o7o0 rill casl in lut ogo, liduaking, wasb de 8art ops rue and gravy and our squade turn for burishrus as wak today for we, nisted i the morning bought & writing pad at so see ca and arade a clot bound wote boot for a dery and remeting up me wore recipes At 1118 bes and outwent out withrations to Zarlway job. not a0 cold today, but cold enough Returned to cop B00 for dusier, bread roll and gravy. are our way back, I was Nic 0 ye) Fcommented to our faps guard on sape too t powder and when we reached to first demest shop, he task ae in, but I told last that it was a mistake that I did not wan too to powder, Pinish it had ben a pueet or cake a leps, Gorted during te afternoon, read and had a not toug at 1600 Tea pogany ue and fapemnow, A serveno Jither answers to questions "(veryamusing Read until woll call 2000 kin bid making 1/02100 NOTES 22h Vay P.OW F224 NXX Caruile o700 rellcall in let opo, bediaking wart &o6 part o730 ree and gravy. aowerking party today again for ML Squad Dix question asled to saps was could we go to a ciiua to otidy Japanie buctore the gustons each week are imno and amussing, and te answers are given eash weik by the Japs an a typewritter wheck spirt the moring readay resting and wup a n ne been. At 1115 I was again Heo peration party for docks, nearly lose te he ket 9 head we going ever the bridge. Gatried to camp at 1300 dinner gravy and bread wlll after diner wrote i a few more senper and toasted a dad wee for ber and sey. dead witie ex 1700 me and gravy and toast and marganne Cume tight) Canteen for Squad chistunts and ags 11 sen and Bsen, res- Played solo until roee call 2000, bed making then 4/03000 12:1242 SArURDRY 200th DrY PON Saalle oges rll call in bat o710, biduaring was b ct, 6/o 60730 me and gravy, warking party o83o to docks, a wiild fine day for a changs, loading tuul with und. Dunnd 1200 pece, head rell and sew. Gusched of at 1630 and returned to cam at 1700. Had a let ting a shave then tex 1730 pice quiels curried gravy, and hread rell and marganine, 1830 to canteen for No Diphhora Tumanation (/c. we are to get onand No 3 later (30cs in all). Brademused Brose for tomorrow and gisted 20 chisrts, I intendiati a vegetatle pic. Bedmaking ae until soll call 2000 402100
NOTES 13:242 SUNDAY TAMFDAYROY Gueli ofos wecall in but 0710, bismaking wasscte jost quiel and gravy. I raved my guit o a vegpee and had prrose untrad Gota new pair of blark Costs 11.13.42 in liew ovey worn taw our audtery are every leght an the pet aired my lankets and did som wasking shirt, thce, te towel, s,Aey, supans and gordI was eswn I fused mae soe beter for a clap and rewrote seme uneyr wtl dien time 1000 grany and hread wil. ater dinee wrote up a few moerecip, casked a ueg pie for Jarey, brought in the washing, dared a pairg non had a haisent and read uit tea 1750 gravy and rie and veg pir, 9004 at least I fael full touight. The arm is a wee bit sore from the infection and I have a lonsy cold in the head. At canter for agread appli (half bad for 40 u 366 8 ame and 270snew Gared tel re call so 0.000 14.15 42 Mor BOdN DAY PON Geve 0700 race call in het opey wark sto b for opones and gravy. Ast feeling the bnst Fell we are working party parade 0830. Arailway a very easy day and ery uned: Dincer 100 rue and two newsand bread wll Ibaugh 10 small cargipon ball &5 am calverydear but gerl te were gaod also 6 candled gling) at 10 ren ea for an oppeir who was with un had an asperin pewder after dinner and it made one NOTES Le2 DRYPON N Henay feel much bete Getoried to camp at 1700 and an our way back, a Gorean awelian was urinating agains our prison camp wall and one of our guards syped into him propurly. Fea 1750 rere, gravy and some one we puched at dinner time. bee and I made two Capple, charlotes and gort we went to bed feeling very full Gall call 300o bed wraking ct 4/0.3000 202d DAY PON 15.1242 TUESDAY Reelt o go0 rececall i but o710, bisuaking wants Se,b far o7 nue and grany. 0830 fell in an working pary to Docks our amadied is under discursion, so we may get suething wha The 50 ope ane putting is 0 ld for 500 w, giving $1000 for exha, I hope it comes of At docts woring all day, a beautiful aemnday. can anine you little wark was done. Hhe wind lands the trucks up a gradmt and just as we latcarled the tip, the cable broke (haw) and away the trucks gallaped and muasded well and truly. At the esal yord the excalator fured (lon). Dunnymsgravy and brad wel Returned to comp 1700, teo 1730 re, gravy and a rall from duinit. After ten. I went to contine for squad No 1s order cliswt 32 for yae ader 16o per ma smen and Beup find sweet potaton 6 sar. Read ae tt rell call 2000 then sid making 6/02100
NOTES 6.2710 SorthDMYEON Deeveerey Bixcille 0700 pecall be 0710, bedmaking, was t ets, 6fort 0730 pe and gravy, last night inme eg were given out spets 920 per naw and aw paper 0030 fill uan working party at doen worked wtl war and returned to camp for dinen of gravy and bread roce barly return on yg ghawe carry uig for ut Coundevuate also a resluffle of sguads (5 wear custeed 7.40) reason bung sgreads were too craund Mlarganie ioue today, bar and I freed some ppungamion that we pincted and my vegetatle from th gravy th morning and ths dinned time we areguing to have it for tea. Spiek p Rr de buthirg eigarites for pipe tobacco, 1430/1500 antawn carrying Hax a hoting, the a parade at 1645 before aur n pap CO. Sugarini tin tea 1750 rice, gravy, toarted rall + margarine and fried ss. Afterten to canteen for eider for squad Then made a vegand ne dink, ane again I go to bed feeling full Grad inil roll call 3000 then beducaking 4/0.2100 THUKSDAY 305t DAY PON. 17:1242 Beouele op rolecallin hu opo, bideraking it bfor opsre and gravy on prequst lart night 0045/ 0200, also burnt m none this morning, s0 Spst was wore substautial, Workig party 8830 are docts again anoker pireday and bec and I were pointwere, the easint of Job Daer 1200 rue and grave and sall. Returned to camp NOTES LesBDAPON De 4242 1700 wash tto tea 170 pice and gravy and burnt rie bre and I raved newe rue and we had are appli eyt and with a small amount of mgay made an apple chalote again, bought a bottle of cider and the cauteen also sold pren worth of boiled necet potaties so oure more sad a good Tuming goug to bid. oue of our P.O.N broke his leg at the railwy warking pary todey. Zall call 2000, beduaking it lights out 3100 ERIDAY 30bt DAY RON 18:12:42 uli 0700 wel call in but opo, bedaking, was t i Epr opgren and gravy working party 0030 to railway very easyday twelling of a new rail road track but leeterly cold uaraged to buy 2 ptto carauish tda oer and so rec pr chertints, also did so rest i cold blow. Duneer 300 mis gravy Co lot) and head rall. Dehepouere rejured yesterday at the railway and this moneing before leaving, we were told to be careful and to stope work whel hrain were parsing, the instruction we cortainly carried out and a hain every do ci probably accounted for our easyday Dang suas carols in the afternoon and on the way have arrived back in camp 700, wark ot ted 1745 pice, gravy and I briad rall and meat extract (lifted pom the Gouan weman csoking on the railway) also somespiing omious (pinded Zead e wite race wll woo then bedinaling it 210.2100
NOTES 4212 SoTRDAY PON SowD2 Rescille o700 rsee call in bat 0710, beduaring past 0730 me and gravy psaved Boursice for a ig, ne and mo p fo suncex. All working parties canselled today for a big inspictions by opperats, but shaning up and ana daning oto the dozers, 1100 the inxecing party arrived, two Suter. Red from eqpucals and a returnef you exens and exenaly, goo wive own, it is gand to Gran that at last the JRC bung an the inspection angst mean letter fom have they carried out a quick inspection and soke to woeme, we are all buck at up Find sonce amsn and vegetable from this maning and wit saved my made a neg pie for diner. 1300 bad rall, gravy and ug rie at 350 we received an sand auhteria inmmmaton ecs, tink the east oe upret ue a Citse Ilge this ane does not gead and sited with 1500 then tasted a roll, received an inue queargane so added it and some weat extract to the toart. Tea 1730 piis griel and pasy toarEdralect Canteen for Squad order g loue blothes s and was towl0ea Played solo with ral wll 3000, ten bidmaliny 102100 veyarm ispariully one to ug st SoOHDAY PON 20:12:12 SUNDAY witle 070 roll call in but 07, tap prozen so us wash tel after breakfor 1 0730 puland gravy, managed a curded amount of gravy that was all. My back is acking my aro NOTES 209KVOYPON SONY 22:2:12 in sore and I feel a camplitewrist, rayed in bed all day inderllank its. Deccivr, 000 gravy and bread wll, at nothing. In the afterison be made we same tast and put ment potator and alat exhact o s Tea 1730 grave and ricall I could not was a small amount o gravy and same of the toast afr to bee gave any back arob with mentholatum ten woll call sooe 402100 Sait potities £0.25 t day at canteen MONDRY Togth DAY PON N14 Guners 0750 wll call o710 reported ak to M0 at 0915 Feel a bit acter but stel very of colour. Dard, bedmading Tt 6jest grave and rice, managed the gravy and bay the iue Gven a say off so this morning so Iwade a argitable aie for tought, I hope I can aat same. gead and inted wntl dinner woo gavy and had wse at hal the graves Lasking back on yesterdays note give you an idea as to low I felt. Ofter annor borlept antl 1800 warked my feet and atwwel, underpairts and mughet and it was an expct and a half sax a sleep with tea 1700 rece and givny and reg, fie ats mast of my tea. Goodwd owr a days to kuas and I hope auth all my heart and saul that it is and last swas apart, and that ant sman I will be asle to atone to you for all you have gave tnough, it will be the rappint of tims, yared and read with wall call soos the kedmaking at, 4/0 3100 aur gaing to bed touight feeling a good deal beter
SHVAY PON 165 Berulle 07o0 rall call in but 0710, Feel 10070 thi maning Cidmaking, work etc, fast 0730 pire and gravy, on working Party paraded 1030 to Dock, routman all day are easy jole, but gosd it was cold again Duncer, so me, grave and head roll Craved thl tead. geturned to camp 1700 wash It, tea 1730 me, mavy and teasted bread wll with He last your weat extrast. Afternac to canten 20 for squad order sapple per mas, 2 pkto of eeg per man and botle of eder costng yoe Isee and 22oeu ap Ason ofpe also noed in a ptt oeg sas for you on the yo today) Bill call sos bidmaking at 4105100. all sorts of talk about amas Day Coucert and uener but will wait and see before I note it in this deary WEDNESDAY SUHDAY PO.N 23:1542 Bwalli oporida 0710, bedmaking, warl et on prequet last igst 0500/031500 feeling a bit tired B part oporue and gravy, had 1/ toatedpree an prequet last eught. working par o 0830 to Cal York a fine day and thangs working in coal dinst. Planty o shipping about Dunner 100 rie (small noue) gravy and roll. Hands and feet were like in all day. At 1500 we were given 2 firm applis each. Returned to camp at 1700 had a wos Tca at 1720 rue, gravy and bread wall Brought back coal from the jole today in our overcoat pockets made an apple charlste after ea and good it was good Bailcall 2,000, bed caking at 4/02100 NOTES II2 HDAYPON THURSDRY 24242 Gwcell 10700, wel call 0710 bedmaking ward it. Tuar bue cumeo, or I feel so lonely and unverable wtout you, I hope that you are brave and che up and miling and firmin the biliy that soon and reuion will take place, I will leave all my toughts it tiel tomore and will ten pain it my incrmost feelings to you last uight a wuple g claps at up all uget and made a ruas pudding Gi of couse with soved apply and head rolly) acconts of talk about where will we kang our stocking Greakjast o7 so re and grany. Lucrily I driw a day off working partier and spent the morning reading and whys renfer wate myself a small veg and ne dirk., Dinver 100 rue and gravy. Ag our shaps were brought up before our own g0 for being under the influence Estight at 2400 (sive nle came in with the shes for suar and the claps admit that a fap expec gave them a drink) can you beat it. Had a showes a wro, played solo with 1650, hid read wit ea 700 gavy beyroll lo newkind) and buririe today onr own oppein(o) accompanced by Jap Office and guard went to the cimetory and aid I wreaths are the graves of tose P.O.W from this camp into paised away. Great couent relearal today for tencorrow well wuc suc 1800/2100 all vey thoughts were with you, you will sever know what a heartbeaking reparation this har been for we, bu I know only too well what you are going through too so tel tomsnow anne own goodinge and Gad be with you to give you the comage and faith to be ehin up and riuiling
25:1242 NOTES KMAS DAY 1942- 313th DAY P.ON. Fiaskyoy WisH to you mnae onn 1PRay To GOD THOT YOURa ORAVE AND gs Have ALNAYS WANTED yOTo BeCAIN UP AND SMILINE JCANNOT IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES NISH YONTHEHERRy TMAS NISH, BUT THIS FOLLONINE WISH 161TE 7o0 AAD TKRON ITiS BOTH OUR WISHES H WISH THAT HOPE AS F CMIDINC STDR MAY BRIGNTLY SHIRE OUERNEAD A HOPE, THAT SOON EARTNS WARs MAy CEASE AND THE WICE OF CHRIST ACRIN SAY PEACE OH AOAME IPM WITH YON IN HEART AND SOUL,ALL MY THOUGATS ARS of you. I Know WHar yos PRE GOME THROUGH, NE PaS BOTH ONE, S0 1SHOULD krow SE BRAYE AAD HRYE FRITH RND OUR DRY OF REUMor WILL Core, AAD YOU ANDI WILL TRRE OF HAPPINES In Born OUR HRNDS AND EATOY iT In ITS EAnner FaR THE REMAIRDER OF OUR DAYS. ON MIRE ON, Loe YO WIT Haa M HERAT RaD Sove,1 wonship youR MIND, YonRBoDy, YonR So AND YeuR SPIRIT, RRD WHEN AT THE HITER ON OuR MEDDIRC DAY,1Took yo To 86 My WIEE. REALISED THEN RS I RERLISE NOM, TAATSAyONe GaOS GRERTEST 6IEr TO MRN ISA NIEE IM MY CASE WAS IRDEED AEACT. ME PRE ONE, AAD OUR BEST DRYS GAC To Cre RAD I LOOK FORWRRD TO KNTS 194S WIThs (Ht Yo Toso) FRITH, COURRGS, GoeD Gete AnD A STeat HERRY NOTES MENU BREANFRST OYUG TTL HEARIRES, IRZ DESPFOL SOYA Oean SAIKE LCUR AICE. LEUB GAATY(Z MOcos OF PoaA) cve or TEA SAYED TENS HDDED, BURNTRICE RADL SRSAD RoLL DANER BSOC I TRIED PORR CHOP POTNTO CMIPS, AFLE SARE, TOMATO SAUCE STOWComns PornToer, ConRerS, CRoRet) SREAD ROLL. APRLE TORNOVER TEN, BUTTER, MARMDARDE TAM, CIDER, APPLERND ORANe 1730 4 Thied PoAN, STEW(A AeH one ACAIn) RICE. APPLE TURNOVER NIPPON CRKE TEA, OUrre, BReADRoE, APRLE CAARcorre(ovAou MIRE SAoEa
NOTES 25:12:112 Bescille 0700, rill call in feet 0710 the Jap expiir wiled us a mny kas wasd, bedmaking at and te Cakjast 07456e w) ay jirst ruas aut mow, it commansed mowing at 0500 this moring and maned all day. Our he Frar and two fare ofpaiist colo adapted i came around at 0900 and gave ease annie an envelope with y2 and a note wirlig is a cney amaluste is in wellet at go alinney sweep commannd operations on our fa and the esuent stage was pinalised Clunck Service 1000, table, lemion gack and carusions ior flowers to Canteen for Squax Purclase of 1p2to better 73.50 (about 15l), eis marmalarea 65 rented, his of sordines 60nente, apple and naugersd oangs, & Edaple 8 6vented t pincapple gose and 1ast saki lap wind 6/2.50 and I bots were 872.80. we areve i our gread for the etems and I drive poth of the buter Bid jaig jain, to te of fish sowas thllex. Damn 1300 girk it was a spread ber, fackt and vey crease a telle and used our knipe, fork and uponn he first him for age) an teast was am lved ane at some After dinend bis, gair and I nt to and pupared an apple charlote fue, nadmnl, apply wil, uses, sug ungarance and types wetted Beaused a ougar inue at 1530, grodien only Busaesans ower as P.O.N we have fand very well, and I quin our laved os at hame NOTES 25:13:142 are imagining in saving nothing. At canteen 1600 for squad imee y free eigs pto 9204 sbag chirtc to between 35 wisl pet, apples pr man free, tes gsardines be tween 35 men prie and a coll of have $10.00 persquad so we in deed fared any wiel Tea 1730 ree werue and & sovetly felt ever jed and would laidly wsve after tea, we made samce sance for the apple charlate and it wn grand. Boucert in ou Reet 3030 /2300 and it was a camed good slaw laon fack an stage and all pap opeers and 4c0 of this camp sat in port row. One rang sang was Tlere will always be an bagland and for a fuals we had evr God Dave the King Dedmaking et, wll call 3315 403330 and our last nc apart cs awa. all my thoughts have been ant you as I have raid, and in ane way you and I have been together all day and Ielose with ig ovn Gx alsue Gusues las I seeen you How I want you inglt and day allay thoughts are of you deares bain tho Fi ules away Cles ap woadle and lost forward to Lusas 1943
NOTES 314th Dry P.O.N SArveray 2200 Terep 14 or 18 telew gero(FD) leterly cold. Geucle opo rollract ii Acct 0710 bedirany wark etc liator in mt loun tape prozen 1750 6 fart rece and guay plase dectagaine and I apple charlate from yesterday and sauce live made I applidarlatte yesterday) 000 to docks on working party a bitterly cold day and I had a tummy asce and the runs all days Binie Boqnce gravy and wll Betnd to camp at 1700,worby toasted o ie; an ioue of eargu touge Tea 1750 guil gavy and toast auother dipve wedll tought 1850, s0 will hope for the lest Re writie wl call son then beduaking 4/0400 31SHDAYPON 27:12:42 SUNDRY yesterday & fagot to receution tat the rea i the docks was prgew gaule of o r call opo, Admasirg, nart bayart 0745 guiel and grave snswed all wight, quite a leavy fall and this morning everywlre is a mantle of mow and letterly cold again foel a bet bughter this maning ackonge te appette has waned this morning. Had a shavl after breadfast and lived our Rets up for a fap 87 inspection of their merestip to us, blankets, howls ic waited until 1150 for pap return of inspicting of pe unauntile I was youig to a 6t Dutter, a teacher from Deot wlo yusuer Briaw Dadguy Dunier 530 grave and rell Fall wush beter even o the temp is just 15 and it in again walking NOTES 3t7AYPO 32202 27222 about on of doon. After dinner b, fue and reguate ts veg pus and at 1500 I wrnt to cantem to draw gread order of order (15 loh thn read and dized anto ten 130 rice and gravy and the two u pus Had a Not taug at 1000 and Aouistly wie own I cannot get warm, the tempratre is cruel. Bead after tex wtt rae call sass kin 4/0 5100 SIOth DAY PON Monoy 28:12:42 Temp 14 alove gor0 (18 below P), the wases inside te bet are freen, post is everywhere uside the Rect Belle Oporall call 0710, work, beduaking at, 1 past 0745 me and gravy 0830 working party on docts, it seared necuring yeserday but in and mowe was every where I wore ryaina pants, up pants, £ 5 parts and KDpauts, two pairs , niugeit, shirt, swater, blanket jacket time and great coat, a twwel arcund my dead, a balaclava and lat and coustly I was frome all day. A few of the boy repesed to go out and were clarged we were loading tueels, pasting tin about 100 yas and Hen enclosding. Duner 1500 gravy, rice and rell. Thre mew to a trusk and was I glad to ge back to caue at 1700. Fea 1750 rice, geavy and an isoue of seya beav parte. Also received auster mu yf white me and whete gloves, they were came in very landy. bee and I made and apple aarlote after ten and it was giad ysued on te rall wall saro thn hedmaking 40 b
NOTES 317th PaY PON 32:0: LUEEDRY Bencels oyas ror casl 0710 on rreques at night 035/04S0 Bedmaking, wart atc, Offart 0720 rue and gravy 0030 ar working party a doct nst so cred today bee got degg for a paid yro so will do some caoking to mt. Dunnr 1200 gravy me and rall. geturned to camp 1700 arm has been me and inflaused all day. Tea 1730 nee and gravy. To canteen for squad order of 35 appen ysen, 15 bots uder and 35 pkto of aigs a 900 be made sene toast and bailed an egg for me, good wnre own it was grand. I wasl same jam out of orange put, apple and action Burgh: Gead till wll call soro, thn bidmating liges out o0 30:1542 NEANESDRY 318 t DAY P.O.N. Gicelli 0700 pac call o70 be duaking, wark to 6 fert 1720 ree and gravy the sonamercan interpreter (Calferna fee was usved from this camp 24/1742 and we have a nie and (tere are always two of them). ane working earty prade 0030 to docks again a fie wild day agave, Denner 300 me gravy and head rill Leaded s trucks. Returned to camp 1700 work et sea 1730 pcand gravy Injormed tonight that te falnong days are ho edays 310t 121, 3id, St, 7th wlacks a spill will not do any harn, Casteen order again for squad truight Bapples & fren so and & bot of ader at 32. allowed to write and the atter touight(we words) go areat I luery, on vene even how I lose and pray it eaches you sson, gac call 2000, bedunaking &t 402100 cy of my ater is in 81/1742 deary NOTES THURSDRYTHETTYEARTEVE) SIARPAYRO 2400 Gwclle 0700 rue onl 0710 beduaring, wark it, 6 pprt 0720 mue and mravy Tuished my leter said to you wine own and handed it in the morning, you will read between He am of my conging for you, eny is in my wallet well rg He start of another year ir on us, we must pay for a cation of tostilities and aunerum in 1940 st cme own Ihave mch a lot to make up to you, for ar you lave gaue throughsd The saps ond oppen in pall call this morning told in to pray for our sellownen and country on the senve years I got a bucket of hos ten and warked two tewit and chie & pairs tenatns and spai pejan head withe dinner 1300 me, gady, we apined ane t of fish between 30 uo, us hread tday and for the anst 6 days on acount of gan soliday awe up a we more pape afer dies and played mounse ta oues gravy and bund rue, beeaud added Plotusercac and t an apple that was owr Ea. Read and youed aftertin until wall call saad the bidmaking et until 40 5000 I am getting the preguet to waken ore at 3355 to see the new year in, on wme owen anpy Low I ane so ferwently thinking of you, every inte my leart is with you, all my thoughts and y most imost feeling I bought os I should say bartered for a prisent for you today so in it goes with my big surprise present for you well mine own giodingh god been you and be with you at all tam
NOTES ✓11915 FR1PRy NEWYEO8P27 220t P27ROW 0001 I got the prequet to wale me and ben and I got up and gave you a toast with echraw, about 8 ofur sar the um yeari, are was quiet. It commenced snowing at 0000 and atppid at 0230. 04 Ag I feel so lovely and unserable without you and my tongat are full y you we oen, I said a npicial prayer it 0030 and sever ever have I have wth you wor i spirit and soule Geveuli 1700 me cad i heet 0710 bediaking wartset 6ast 1750 ure and pavy Amted H Grazer waps seve neards wtie use tha a u year pment from the gap & applis perman. To cautien for squad order spkt cgolo) pr man1 ex and 15 boteader ssen Diver w0opie and gravy Fraved the rice and with an appli grated and t lottle&n I made are apple pie for lea Gead and seept uitht 1500 then had a lot tng and warded a sing at, and underpart in warwater. Stll very ckilly but have been in widion all day tank gioduen Fea porce and grivy and any hame made apple and riee pic. Played nolo wut roll call sso then aid waking 2/05100 Will Engleasure anne Loresis 1945 and every day brings in aloser together, I feel congident Nat 1943 rocds for bot of us weat we treasure most teat ins ane anothw God be with you at see tives to sovort and nlase you and give you faith and courage NOTES 321OFUMYPON SHIENN 271913 Riveli o700 wll call ogo beduaking, wost et, 64 1 0730 pir and gravy, Bitterly cold this moning and at 830 feel i on waking pary for docts for vy first dew yoars working day it sed not have been colder 180y prost and a litig wend of the prozen salt water. Dincer seo m and gravy Getorud to camp 1700 prozen siff. Tea 1750 gueet and gravy gead and played solo after tea autit reel call wo ten bidmaking 4402100 32240DAYPOW SUnDAY 3.1.1913 Riesiofos rl casl o70, beduasig was it 2 fast of so me guiel and grave Bead and to cautier for Equar orderyappee per wan 7 sented and 15 bots of ade Essain, also did seme waod after and takl up a baard your pleas and did a few pieces aunation is speciispor day and e as esal it is not so much ir his end weather 10 aseve yer ths morning 7 ofprs Dinver Basriie and gravy and I bailed an apple and air orange and it peet for a cute for an appli pie for tea Touight on the Sirt I bought two serall jade dy and intendgeteng aring made up fo your they will have a gentimental nalue, bung krongh at O.Wcam slept and played odo uth tex 1710 ue buall wl) and gravy and my appli pit. Played solo after the until rall call so th beduaking ot 300 well wie swee the stat of awother wek in 1945. Oh mine sum be hrave and shiis up and swile.
NOTES 323rA DAYPOW MJONEA X1913 swalle oporll sill 0710 and ance we letterly onld. on pisqu last uight or I should say ths moriing 0430/0545. Bedmake war so Osest Opsrice and gravy. ac are waue on 140 grave o reiper weal persan & about 80y, a reduction and bee e notice D 0830 on docks working party, i hig thay has been better 180 prot, it is impossible to desiribe it, anes feet and suigen were numb and I mean S Dunver Boo ne and gravy lraved the nis for tomorrow to make a piss pie for my berteday pil saved from aas day), Returned to camp 1700, tea, 7ouie and mavy gead et with rsee call wo then bidmaling ets and then aid Carry wilcouse) 4/021.00 TUESDRY 324th DAYPO N 8:1:1913 Biscle ofograll aall 0710, bidmaking warts sto Caps all przen litterly wed again) wel ae own I have taken your wishes for any Sorthday today and feel confident that far my unt ane, we will be recunted enjoying lipes happins in tts sentirety. Bpas me and many (saved some more rue for the casking) at Sfer time ond of the blue J.P mewies cames along with an buen hay penal and a very inst he is a great mut can you beat fet a birthday present in Juiven Prison Caus reerday tday and after haxgart ay Dulner did te fut pio micture for bee, fai and seef. Drise the weed ration at 09o0 theee pree por squad Cactially ee of us dreae the same& and popped it in our seceet wasd house, a board remaned the ploor). Also an appleand mt pi and for dinver at 1200 we had grave, fish pie applepicant NOTES 2HUAYFON WE5D 2119113 cton and a cup of tea our quil ise for diired Fraved and with a lirsing wih seated it up for tea, After dimn Grad 1 Sia Dawk until 1500 t agogane we a lawent, I had a shave and a eotagaudried witten 100 riequilaus airring stene and rec. After tea I copied out a pece of pactry for you, I think it excellant in the circum stances. J.P.Mei, bee, save alliack and my seyf played contract bridge until rell call 2000 then bedmaking sh 405100 WEONEIDRY 3354 DAY PO.W. 6.119143 Beniille ozco roll call o910 biduaking, bark tc, 1 /ast 0730 rice and gravy. If it is not to cold this morning (our officer ife dieidrs) tone without full clothing staying in usually, will go out and our squad will have a day of No warking party for to1.50000. Played contras budge unth 130 and were show detailed (a party of 3 to empty the in mnerake and cat it to a rubbise dims outside the camp. We did 2 hips, I was the hase in the stafts. (a very nosey jos). Dinner 100 breadwel (first for 7 days) and gravy. After dinner I had a sleep until 1500 tew washed 2 bsheep, 3 pair gon and endet in the batt house at 1600 a firt and hot same mme wass on, also margarine so are gaing to make a fish pis after tea, Tea 1730 rue and gravy. After tea made a firh rir and bee Jack, and self had it after wll call sos. Bedmaking the lights out 2100
To PEC.A 6 ERAEONN Somewhere a woman thrustiing fear away Sau tho future bravely for your rake Foies on from dawn tildare; from day to day; fights back bixtears, un deeds the better acke our the lover you, trusts you, breater iee prayer y name cailnot her parth in you by sin or shaie. somewhere a woman wother sie heart; wife. Waits betwixt hopes and feer for your return Her hirs, her words will cher you in the ship When death itseyf comprouts you grim and sern, But let do imrage all yourmorce claim When bave temptations dench yeu with their places Sanewhere a woman walch- silled with pride Chricced in her heart, your share a place with noue The Fiils, se waits, she prays tl ide by side You stand together when the lattle s done O'keep for hor dear sake a starter name Brug back to her a mankasd free from aham Ex accrancey Honow Seerary P0 Box 2360 Cape Towr. S.R on wiile own have appropriate this is I had to espy it for you, it speaks volues for all that a woman gon through. NOTES Y VEASION OF !FO HONOUR AND FOR HER in Asstadia, A Honan, THRUSTIR& tega AwAy FACSS THs FurUaE GRAURLY FOR MY SARE. WokaiEs on FROM DOWN TILL DARK; FRom Day ToDAY FIAATS BACK HER TEARS NOR HEEDS THE BTTOR ACHE SHE LOUES ME, TRUSH ME, OREATHeS in PRAYea MY NANE Soi NOT HEA EArH In ME, OySIN OR SHAME. IN AUSTRALIR, AWOMAN, MY SWCETHERRT WIFE NAHS BETHIRT HOPES AND FEARS FOR MY RETYAN HER RISSES, HER WORDS WIILL CAEER ME IN THE STRITE MHEN DEATH WSELE CONERONTS ME, GRIM AND STERN. BUT HEa IMAGE, DOES ALL MYREYERENCE CLRIM WHEN BASE TEMPTMMONS SCORCH WE NITH MORRAME IH HUSTRALIR, GWIEE WATEHES- FILLED WITH PRIDE GHRINED IR HER HEART, ISHARE A PLATE NTTH NONE SHE WOKRIES, SHE WAITS, SHE PRRYS, TILL SIDe By SiDe ME STAND TOUGTHER WHEN THE BATRES DONE D KEED FOR HER DEAR SARE,A STAINLSS NANE TARE GACK TO HER H MANNOOD FRCE RROM SHAME Oanie own darling anse, I pray with all an deart and seul for a speciy reuon, I awe you so wucs and I feel I can give you so much happiness you have bavve the burden havely, as I wanted you to cp and sueling and your esurage and faith will be repaid ten thousanaped
NOTFE NOTEE SORRDE 326KPMY P.ON 329KSAYPON MONSNY 2 255 Gauilli o poopscall 0710, bidmaking wask S, pa 0730 Gase opsuca ogro besuinig ar 4 cts, &prs o7 so pat gay and buririe 0030 working rarly at docts, very rue and gravy. Ditterly cold again, as the back of this diary I save made a temp shart to give you are idea os the temps very esed. Hunorngs, badoand gravy The raxaremuning a bauhact Bridge Conneaum1 Farts sugged to six when avalable Gctured to tuorrow bee and I are playing together entrance fr cause 1700, my warking save yesterday was (10a the are appros so pain canteing 1830 working dry tragh &ea 17ouity leggy cp) gravy party docks fint but cold, leading trucks with muck and some bur en from this morning to Duner sso graay wall and small wsue of mee canter after to for squad odery ag,& returned to camp 1700, sugan imere (o disppue) tea slt per man to mu perplh Plaged inchact 1730 guiet and gravy gead and played cantiae budge autt so ll wll, th bedu aking Bridge after tea with rase call so a then bed and read aute you00 making st 403100 0u pugurt 0545/0700 s0 Bo7th DAH RON FaBay 2:143 aull be rising very early knorrow morning Rwele & porle call when 070 bedraturg, wat it 329th Day P.O.N. 10:1:43 SUNDRY Earted moring at 0500 and is snawing very Beculle opquecall 070 Caupugust uith 0700, i has nasded and made leave at breaujast turs of sanie and gravy. day today o uo work after prt and I wase did il before opo aso hoved alltps we no boud with a thi layer of shawe on te y fregug B fer 0730 aues and gravy On ananne a lote pomaned mollan to ree inspection is to take place to day from the Reigo 4.0, alsa andage go d to cante Cclorgt 12/ for wtock takuig) for oguad order of agavetes & a padie a couing from that cams to take a Communion 12 per in at 18 sen lp 1710) Played contract serice ISailed to meap the aut on this morning where tey had been papering wooden blinds for wendaw t bridge with diner 100 appeeaharlot, gravy Kep t weasture ond) Cat and waited patiently for the and enadroll Peayet coatast budge wute inspecionand read untl dinver 100 gravy and head Feo 1715 guiel and gravy. Gead and sauhow Fis hard work because all my thought wander roll. Played our first gaine in the Bridge Toursane and wan at 100 we were tild that there would be to you, ols mcs awn haw I dong to take you up in my arms to have you as a husbend as inspection after waiting t his (just like ourown army). Had a Eugat 100 and it was snowing would sve his augs. Gill call 2000 the like blazes tes opcorue and gravy (could sill eat brduraking and read Fel 4/03100 Yauly a harse) Played and ther infinished Guidge walc we could get seuce reliable wnnd in his place before well call 2000 ti bidmagug 4/02:00

                                    NOTES
15.11.42            SUNDAY           271st DAY P.O.W
and gravy.  A kit inspection after dinner by our 
own officers (Jap instructions), a sheer waste of time.   
Had a hot tang at 1500 and played solo until tea 
1700 rice gruel (gruel is now to be issued on non 
working days) and stew.  Bought a pair of B.E.F. 
pants for $4. after tea.  Heard that the Governor 
of Chosen is inspecting the camp tomorrow;  I 
suppose we will be out on working parties 
Roll call 2000, bedmaking, lights out 2100

                                _______________ 

16.11.42           MONDAY         274th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast 
0800 rice and gravy.  The Gov. Gen of Chosen is inspecting 
the camp to day.  I was lucky enough not to be on working 
party today and after b/fast assisted in tidying up for 
inspection.  Wrote more recipes up this morning
(it certainly passes the time away and it may 
come in handy).  Gov. Gen came through 
our hut very quickly with his entourage, so 
that is that.  Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy. 
Wrote more recipes up after dinner, finished the 
286th.  Had a shave and Cec cooked some 
sweet potatoes (2) and a turnip and that was 
our afternoon tea at 1600.  Tea 1700 rice and 
gravy an issue of a piece of fish and some 
soya sauce.  Read and played solo after tea. 
Gosh mine own it is cold at present, one  
can hardly poke his nose outside and it is 
not yet winter.  Roll call 2000 then bedmaking 
etc in bed immediately L/O. 2100 
                               _______________

                                     NOTES 
17.11.42          TUESDAY          275th DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0800 
rice and gravy.  Last night we each received a free issue of 1 cake 
of toilet soap.  At b'fast this morning our men received two 
buckets of burnt left over rice, so went to work feeling 
full.  Working party fell in 0830 I was on the earth 
works and had a very good buying day.  We 
were cutting and leveling earth embankments. 
It rained on arrival there at 0900, so sheltered 
until 1000 and then commenced work.  Our party 
numbered 50 and we sang and whistled whilst 
marching through the streets of Jinsen, it certainly 
amused the Kids.  Dinner on job bread roll,
margarine and gravy (I saved the bread roll 
till tea) at 1200.  I bought 6 persimmons, 2 sweet 
potatoes, 1 pkt caramels and 1 pear, costing 50 sen, 
10 sen, 25 sen and 25 sen resp. so had a 
good buying day, the kids threw us odd apples 
and potatoes and small cakes.  At 1530 we 
received from the Japs 3 lousey biscuits, or I 
should say the Korean contractor, one chap even 
bought an egg for 20 sen.  Returned to 
camp at 1700 for tea rice and gravy, plus 
pear, persimmons, sweet potatoes, bread 
roll, lard and caramels so went to bed 
feeling 100%.  At Canteen after tea and  
for the squad, picked up 38 pkts cigs, 16 cakes 
toilet soap, and 13 bottles cider, 15 sen, 11 sen 
& 22 sen resp.  Roll call 2000, bedmaking 
lights out 2100 
                               _______________ 

 

                                          NOTES 
18.11.42       WEDNESDAY       276th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc 
B'fast 0800 rice and gravy.  Fell in again today for 
working party at 0830. at railway again, a bitterly 
cold day.  I never took my greatcoat off.  I hit my 
finger with a spade and received Jap. med. 
attention.  Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy (again I 
saved my roll).  Press photographers were on the job 
again and as we were working with women, 
it will look fishy if you see it in the paper, oh 
yes.  Morning and afternoon we received lousey  
rice flour rolls, cold and doughy.  Returned to 
camp at 1700 had a hot tang and then tea 1730 
rice, curry gravy (the smallest of issues) and my 
roll from dinner.  Jack [[Mewies?]] had the job 
of typing out our censored letter cards that we wrote 
some time ago, so I hope that you have it before 
long.  After tea, read and played solo until roll 
call 2000 and then bedmaking L/O 2100. 
                                    _______________ 

19.11.42.        THURSDAY         277th DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking, b'fast 
0800 rice and gravy.  Our squad is resting today, so after 
breakfast I hopped into my washing, a shirt, long pants, 
2 pairs of sox, 1 h'chief, gloves, towel and also had a 
shave.  Wrote a few more recipes up before dinner 
1200 bread roll, gravy and lard.  After dinner wrapped 
myself up in a blanket and read "Peter Jackson Cigar 
Merchant" until tea 1700 rice and gravy.  Read & 
played solo until roll call 2000 then bedmaking etc 
lights out 2100.  J [[Mewies?]] gave me a copy of my 
letter card written to you today.  Heard that 
2 P.O.W at Keijo were Killed on a working 
party yesterday. 
                                      _______________

                                           NOTES 
20.11.42          FRIDAY        278th DAY P.O.W. 
On picquet 0545/0700 Cec and self.  Reveilli 0700. 
roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash, etc, b'fast 0800 
rice and gravy.  Working party today again 0830 
to wharf, unloading coal, same job as previously. 
Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy, plus one 
additional stew from the contractors.  Work 
again from 1300 until 1645.  At 1430 we got 
a few boiled sweet potatoes each, they were 
excellent.  A very cold day, returned to camp 
1700 had a hot tang and then tea, consisting of 
rice, gravy, Japanese snow, hot sauce, a sugar 
issue and my bread roll from dinner time 
so for another night this week, am going to 
bed full (or feeling so).  Stayed on my back 
after tea until r/call 2000, bedmaking L/O 2100 
                               _______________ 

21.11.42.        SATURDAY         279th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast 0800 
rice and gravy.  Working party again 0830, on the Hill Job 
excavating again, very cold.  Managed to buy 1 pkt of 
toffee (20 pieces) between 3 of us for 30 sen, was given a 
biscuit and an apple.  Dinner 1200 gravy and bread 
roll (which I saved).  At 1500 we were issued with 
a bowl of boiled sweet potatoes (about 6, I saved 
three of them and the apple.  Arrived back in camp 
1730 tea rice and gravy, plus bread roll, sweet potatoes, 
and apple, so again feel 100%.  We were issued 
with tonight by the Japs, San paper, toothpowder, 
pencil, cake of toilet soap and 2 more pkts of cigs 
(20's), so a good day.  Played solo after tea until 
Roll call 2000, bedmaking then L/O 2100. 
Signed my letter card to you tonight, mine 
own, so here is hoping.
                                 _______________

 

                                                 NOTES

22.11.42          SUNDAY              280th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking etc  
b'fast 0800 rice gruel and gravy. Pay night, last night, 
I got 5 days @ 15 sen, 75 sen. and the canteen is 
functioning this morning with cigs (3 pkts per man) 
lemonade (2 bottle pr man), apples (3 per man) and chestnuts
(about 20 per man) costing 45, 22, 22 and 20 
sen per man, so all the boys are feeling quite 
pleased, gosh noodle a little extra makes all 
the diff. Wrote up more recipes and rested 
until dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy. 
(Saved the roll, ate chestnuts and 2 apples 
instead). Wrote more recipes after dinner 
reaching 354th (is that a good effort). Had a 
tang at 1500 and played solo until tea 
1700 rice and gravy, bread roll and an apple 
from dinner time so again, am feeling full 
and fit. Played solo after tea until roll call 
2000, bedmaking lights out 2100. 
                                    _______________ 

23.11.42              MONDAY           281st DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc  
b'fast 0800 rice and gravy. Jap. Harvest Festival 
holiday today so no working party. After b'fast I 
washed a singlet and u'pants. Spent the morning 
reading until dinner 1200 gravy and bread roll (I 
saved it again till tonight). Played solo in the afternoon 
until tea 1700 rice and gravy and bread roll from 
dinner also an issue of fish and snow. Cec is off 
colour again tonight. Played solo after tea until 
roll call 2000. Bedmaking L/O, 2100. 
                                      _______________

                                         NOTES 
24.11.42       TUESDAY                282nd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0800 
rice and gravy. Coughed all night and felt a bit off 
colour this morning, so went on sick parade. Am off duty 
till Monday next and am to go on to gruel till then. 
Read and wrote up recipes until dinner 1200 bread 
roll (saved it again) and gravy. After dinner wrote 
up some more recipes and then curled up in my 
blankets and slept, it is bitterly cold and a piercing 
wind is blowing. Tea 1700 rice (gruel) and gravy and 
roll from dinner. Canteen after tea for squad purchase, 
4 bags chestnuts, 28 apples & 1 bot cider.  Distributed this and 
played solo until roll call 2000, bedmaking, L/O 2100 
                                         _______________ 

25.11.42            WEDNESDAY               283rd DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0800  
rice (gruel) and gravy. At 1800 yesterday our fires were lit and 
they certainly warmed the hut, roasted chestnuts were reroasted, 
rolls toasted and one chap even fried an egg on a plate. 
you would have laughed at the scenes around the fire. 
Finished my recipe book before dinner (450 recipes) bread  
roll and gravy (saved the roll again) roasted some chest 
nuts on the fire, others toasted rolls, cooked apples etc. The 
washing this morning when hung on the lines immediately 
form icicles and became stiff (gives you an idea of the 
intense cold. Read and played solo after dinner 
until tea 1700 gruel and gravy, an issue of margarine 
and my bread roll (toasted with margarine & chopped 
chestnuts. Played solo after tea until roll call 
2000 then bed making and bed. L/O 2100. 
Each night I lay awake planning our future 
mine own, over and over again 
                                                   _______________

 

                                           NOTES 
26.11.42             THURSDAY.             284th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, b'fast 0800 gruel  
and gravy and our turn for burnt rice. Tidied up for 
inspection by C.O prison camps Korea. Finished my 
recipe book. 450 recipes, I may start another one. 
At 1130 I went out on a ration party to the railway job. 
Returned to camp at 1300 for dinner (bread roll and 
4 boiled potatoes (as stew)). The cook house ran out of 
stew, so (saving my b/roll, I had potatoes and burnt 
rice for dinner. Curled up in the afternoon and  
slept until tea 1730 rice gruel, gravy and some potato 
and burnt rice (saved today's bread roll until  
tomorrow). Played solo after tea until roll call 2000 
Then bedmaking L/O 2100. Inspection did not eventuate. 
                                      _______________ 
27.11.42        FRIDAY            285th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast  
0800 rice gruel and gravy. It commenced snowing last 
night and this morning there was 4" snow on the ground, 
nice to look at, but gosh mine own it is cold, it is about 
15 years since I saw snow in such quantities. Bought 
a Jap. lesson book this morning ¥1.80, played solo until 
dinner 1200 gravy and bread roll (ate half). The country 
side is like a white mantle and the sun is shining 
brilliantly. Played solo again during the afternoon. 
until tea 1700 rice gruel and gravy, a fish issue 
was also on. Played solo again after tea until roll 
call 2000, then bedmaking etc L/O. 2100. Gosh 
mine own it is not even supposed to be cold yet, 
so goodness only knows what it is going to be  
like when it does get cold. 
                                    _______________

                                            NOTES 
28.11.42         SATURDAY            286th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc (oh yes) 
no water this morning taps are frozen, so washed after b'fast  
0800 rice gruel and gravy. No working party from our squad 
today, but I did 1/2hr wood stacking, the wood was covered 
with snow, so it was not a warm job, read and lazed 
until dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy (saved the roll until 
tea). Played solo and read during the afternoon until tea 
1730 rice gruel and gravy and half a bread roll. At canteen 
after tea for squad order of cigs and chestnuts, 2 pkts 
cigs per man @ 7 sen ea and chestnuts 2 for 1 sen (22 per man). 
Played solo until roll call 2000. Then bedmaking, L/O 
2100. On 1st shift of picquet 2100/2215 then bed.
                                      _______________ 

29.11.42.             SUNDAY            287th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, etc. Taps frozen 
again in our No. 1 wash hut, so went to No. 2 for a wash. 
Breakfast 0800 rice and gravy. Had a shave and we 
are still unable to have a hot tang, the bath houses are out 
of commission. Played solo until dinner 1200 gravy and 
breadroll (saved again until tonight). Read and slept 
during the afternoon and at 1600 fried some vegetables 
saved from breakfast and dinner and toasted  
half a bread roll. Tea 1730 rice gruel and gravy. 
Played solo after tea until roll call 2000. Then 
L/O 2100. Hope to have a good nights sleep. 
after doing picquet last night. Snow is still 
on the ground even though it ceased snowing 
on 27.11.42 at 0300. Oh mine own how I  
am dreading 1942 xmas away from you, 
at least xmas 1941, I could communicate with 
you, but mine own you will be repaid 
a thousandfold. 
                                      _______________

 

                                            NOTES 
30.11.42            MONDAY.            288th DAY P.O.W  
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc b'fast  
0800 rice gruel and gravy.  Saw the doctor last night and 
gave him back my light duty ticket, so am fit for rice 
and work again. No working party today, so read, 
yarned and played cards until dinner 1200. I did 
not eat my dinner, gave Cec my stew and saved 
the bread roll, I feel a bit queer in the tummy so covered 
myself with blankets and slept until 1500. Jack M. 
made me a pair of blanket slippers. Read again 
until tea 1700 gravy and rice, I ate the rice (we got a 
sugar issue) and the liquid gravy. on my back 
after tea until roll call 2000 then bedmaking L/O 2100 
                                           _______________ 

1.12.42          TUESDAY              289th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast  
0800 rice and gravy. (ate the rice and liquid from the gravy).  
Washed 2 pairs sox, 1 shirt, 1 towel and 2 h'chiefs and  
gosh, the water is just liquid ice.  Finished another 
pair of blanket slippers, yarned with a scotsman 
who was an engineer in Malaya and had been 
in Aust last Nov. Dinner 1200 gravy and 
bread roll and an issue of margarine. Dr 
has given me no duty until 8/12/42 and am 
to go on gruel again on 3/12/42. Had a shave 
and a hot tang (bath now working) and played 
solo until tea 1730 rice and gravy. After tea 
yarned and played solo until roll call 
2000, then bed making, lights out 2100.  
Oh mine own, the days are passing and 
 to me each one brings me closer to you.  
                                     _______________

                                           NOTES 
2.12.42         WEDNESDAY      290th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, (bedmaking and wash before 
reveilli). Breakfast 0800 rice and gravy, rained until 2100, 
working parties cancelled, except salt party. Fine again 
at 0900, reported sick again at 1000 and played solo 
until dinner 1200. At 0930 working parties were all 
ordered out again on a/c it being fine. Dinner gravy 
& bread roll, ate some roll and liquid gravy and 
toasted a roll for Cec when he comes back tonight, 
also fried some vegetables during the afternoon.  
I have a good dose of diaorhea I am afraid, but 
will hope for the best. Spent the afternoon running 
back and fro to the lav. Tea 1700 rice (gruel), fish 
stew, snow and a couple of slices of toasted roll. 
Cec did the canteen order after tea for cigs (15 sen) apples 
(8 sen) and chestnuts 22 for 11 sen. Rested until roll call 
2000, bedmaking etc  L/O 2100, LAV 20 times in 24 hrs 
                                         _______________ 

3.12.42.             THURSDAY                 291st DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast 
0730 (earlier) rice gruel and gravy and our turn for burnt 
rice, ate a small amount of gruel only and a cup of 
tea. Feeling much the same having had a broken night's 
sleep. Rested and read until dinner 1200, I ate nothing. 
With some assistance I made Cec a pie of rice, gruel, 
1/2 bread roll grated, 1 grated apple and baked it. The 
Japs ordered our officers out to work, but they 
refused. Tea 1700, gruel and stew. I picked at 
a bit, gosh mine own it is freezing and my tummy  
spends its time upside down rested until roll call 
2000 then bed, lights out 2100 
                                              _______________

 

                                        NOTES 
4.12.42          FRIDAY            292nd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash 
etc, b'fast 0730 gruel and gravy (I managed the gravy 
only).  Had a good vomit last night and feel ever 
so much better. The temp. this morning at 0700 
was 24° ( 8° below zero) so you can guess how  
cold it was. Resting in hut this morning when the 
Jap. CO of this camp ordered us to walk around the 
quadrangle, this we did and were promptly 
tacked on to a squad of officers (those who 
refused to work) and we were drilled for 
an hour and we (the sick) were only dismissed 
when it was impressed on the Jap major that 
we were not capable of drilling. Dinner 1200 
bread roll and gravy (I had the gravy only). This 
afternoon I made another pie, the same as 
yesterday (apple charlotte) and I will probably 
participate tonight. Read until tea 1730 rice 
gruel, gravy and pie, I enjoyed my first full 
meal for some time. Up to date the jobs around 
here have been, steelworks, railway, earthworks,  
saltworks, dockyards and coal dump. Rested 
until roll call 2000, bed making lights out 2100. 
                                _______________ 

5.12.42            SATURDAY          293rd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bitterly cold, windows 
all frozen, temp 23°. Breakfast 0730 rice gruel and 
gravy. On picquet last night 2215/2330. Yesterday 
the Jap major gave an exhibition of manuring 
the garden by means of a bucket and the 
lavs. He also made the officers each do

                                   NOTES 
5.12.42          SATURDAY            293rd DAY P.O.W. 
a turn at it. Last night, the men decided to refuse 
to work unless the officers got better treatment,  
the officers would not allow us to go through with 
it as they said, they will take what is coming 
until it gets too bad, then they will protest. 
It is all over, them, refusing to go out to work 
and not taking the original oaths "not to 
escape". Made of a pie of rice, vegetable, breadcrumbs, 
and chestnuts for tonight and rested until dinner 
time 1200 bread roll and gravy.  After dinner we 
played solo until 1500. I had a shave, bath and 
washed a singlet and underpants. Read until 
tea 1700 gruel, gravy and the pie.  Read until 
roll call 2000, bedmaking L/O 2100. 
                                    _______________ 

6.12.42             SUNDAY           294th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking etc, b'fast 
0800 gruel and gravy. (I hung my washing out at 1500 
yesterday and at 1730 it was frozen like a board.) The 
temp this morn. at 0700 was 11° below F.P. (21°). After 
breakfast had a deputation about our damp walls 
and eventually received permission to have extra 
fuel for the two fires at our end of the hut.  I bought 
a bottle of B.1 VITAMIN tablets ¥1.60 ( J.[[Mewies?]] and self) 
as my tummy is playing up Made some chestnut 
butter this morning (chestnuts grated and our issue 
of margarine). You will have a domesticated 
husband after this war, mine own. Dinner 
1200 bread roll (toasted) and gravy, a good meal. 
The news as much as we can gather appears 

 

                                        NOTES 
6.12.42            SUNDAY             294th DAY P.O.W 
to be our way if anything. We get Jap newspapers 
about every 10 days, usually 14/20 days old 
and reading between the lines, we are holding 
our own.  After dinner I curled up and slept and 
slept until 1600, had a wash and brought my 
washing in. Tea 1700 gruel, gravy, toasted roll and 
our mixture of chestnut butter. Canteen after tea 
for Squad No 1. chestnuts 3 1/2 bags at ¥1.20 ea for 40 men 
(22 chestnuts ea). Yarned and read until roll call 
2000 then bedmaking, L/O. 2100. 
                                     _______________ 

7.12.42.            MONDAY           295th Day P.O.W.  
One year ago today since hostilities in S'pore broke out. 
It was at 0400 this morning, that I saw the first flight of  
Jap bombers come over S'pore , I was in camp at Johore 
Baru, time seems to have flown in one way, in another  
it has dragged, Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmakg. 
wash etc, breakfast 0800 gruel and gravy. No work 
today, made a vegetable and rice pie and had  
a shave before dinner 1200 gravy and bread 
roll. Also made a vegetable pie for another  
chap so have had a busy day cooking. Read 
etc until tea 1730 rice and gravy plus toasted cob 
and chestnut butter and vegetable pie felt very 
comfortably fed, Cec brought home 3 sweet spuds and  
3 apples so we fared very well. After tea I made  
an apple charlotte for a cobber. The walls of our  
hut are green mouldy in spots and in consequence  
we may be shifting into a new hut. It is snowing 
very lightly since tea. Roll call 2000, bedmaking  
L/O 2100. 
                                       _______________

                                                  NOTES 
8.12.42             TUESDAY         296th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking etc , breakfast 0730 
rice and gravy. 0825 fell in for working party. Today is a national 
worshipping day at various Shrines for the Japs in commemoration
of "12 mos at war". Working party today was at  
dock and honestly mine own, I have never ever been 
so cold, it was bitterly so, temp 21° , I had everything on 
and even though we lit fires all over the place it was  
impossible to get warm. Dinner 1200 rice , gravy and  
roll (rice is issued on job) . Knocked off at 1630 frozen 
stiff and arrived back at camp 1700. Tea 1730 rice 
and gravy (received an issue of sugar) and one 
bread roll toasted between Cec and I. Heard that 
we are losing our Jap C.O of this camp, we are 
not sorry. I have often heard about the Siberian winds, 
but to day, I experienced them for the first time. After tea 
Cec and I made an Apple Charlotte. ( rice, breadcrumbs, 
sugar and apple ) and had it after roll call 2000 so at 
2100 L/O, I retired to bed feeling tired but in no way  
hungry. 
                                         _______________ 

9.12.42.                       WEDNESDAY        297th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710 bedmaking, wash etc b'fast 
0730. Have a very stuffy cold in the head. On working  
party again to day at docks (black liquid mud and  
wind.  B'fast, gravy and rice. 0830 fell in on working  
party parade at docks again. Brilliant sunshine 
and not quite so cold. Dinner 1200 rice and  
gravy and bread roll (saved). Loading black  
mud into trucks. At 1500 it commenced snowing  
lightly and kept on. This morning my tea cup 

 

                                            NOTES 
9.12.42                      WEDNESDAY                    297th DAY P.O.W. 
had a few drops in it after breakfast when I put  
it in my haversack and at dinner time it had  
turned to ice (imagine that). Knocked off at 1630 
and arrived back in camp at 1700. Our new 
Jap. Major visited us on the job today and at 
1600 carried out an inspection of our hut. He 
certainly looks a more soldierly officer. Tea 
1730 rice and gravy. and 1/2 bread roll with 
the last of our chestnut butter. Canteen after tea  
for cigs. 2 pkts per man @  15 sen ea. Had a shave,  
snowing ceased, roll call  in hut 2000 L/O 2100 
                                    _______________ 

10.12.42                       THURSDAY                       298th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc 
b'fast 0730 rice and gravy and our squad's turn  
for burnt rice. No work today for me, rested in the 
morning, bought 2 writing pads at 20 sen ea. 
and made a cloth bound note book for a diary 
and rewriting up some more recipes. At 1115 Cec and  
self went out with rations to Railway job. Not so 
cold today, but cold enough. Returned to camp 1300 
for dinner, bread roll and gravy. On our way back,
(I was N.C.O 1/c) I commented to our Jap guard on 
Jap. tooth powder and when we reached the first  
chemist shop, he took me in, but I told him that 
it was a mistake that I did not want tooth powder, 
I wish it had been a fruit or cake shop. Rested 
during the afternoon, read and had a hot tang at 1600. 
Tea 1730 gravy, rice and Jap. snow. A session of [[1/4hr?]] 
"answers to questions" (very amusing). Read until  
roll call 2000 then bedmaking L/O 2100 . 
                                         _______________

                                          NOTES 
11.12.42.                          FRIDAY.                              299th Day P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking wash etc. b'fast 0730 
rice and gravy. No working party party today again for No 1 Squad 
Our question asked the Japs was "could we go to a cinema to 
study Japanese Culture". The questions each week are numerous 
and amusing, and the answers are given each week by 
the Japs on a typewritten sheet. Spent the morning reading, 
resting and w/up a new recipe book. At 1115 I was 
again NCO 1/c ration party for docks. Nearly lost the  
basket of bread rolls going over the bridge. Returned 
to camp at 1300 dinner gravy and bread roll. After 
dinner wrote up a few more recipes and toasted a  
bread roll for Cec and self. Read until tea 1700 rice 
and gravy and toast and margarine (issue tonight). 
Canteen for Squad chestnuts and cigs 11 sen and 
15 sen resp. Played solo until roll call 2000, bed 
making then L/O 2100 

12.12 42                       SATURDAY                            300th Day P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730 
rice and gravy. Working party 0830 to docks, a mild fine day 
for a change, loading trucks with mud. Dinner 1200 
rice, bread roll and stew. Knocked off at 1630 
and returned to camp at 1700. Had a hot tang 
a shave, then tea 1730 rice gruel, curried gravy, 
and bread roll and margarine. 1830 to canteen 
for No. 1 Diphtheria Immunisation (1/2 c.c), we are to get 
No 2 and No 3 later (3c.c's in all). Breadcrumbed 1/2 roll 
for tomorrow and grated 20 chestnuts, I intend making 
a vegetable pie. Bedmaking etc until roll call 
2000 L/O 2100 . 
                                           _______________

 

                                          NOTES 
13.12.42                       SUNDAY                        301st DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, 
wash etc b'fast gruel and gravy. I saved my 
gruel for a veg. pie and had 1/2 roll instead. 
Got a new pair of black boots 11.12.42 in lieu 
of my worn tan ones and they are very tight 
on the feet. Aired my blankets and did 1 hours washing 
1 shirt, 1 towel, 1 tea towel, 3 prs sox, 1 h'chief, 1 upants and gosh I  
was frozen stiff when I finished. Made some chestnut 
butter for a chap and rewrote some more recipes until 
dinner time 1200 gravy and bread roll. After dinner  
wrote up a few more recipes , cooked a veg. pie for 
myself, brought in the washing, darned a pair of  
sox, had a haircut and read until tea 1730 gravy 
and rice and veg. pie, gosh at least I feel full 
tonight. The arm is a wee bit sore from the injection 
and I have a lousey cold in the head . At canteen 
for squad apples (half bad) for 40 men 36 @ 8 sen and  
27 @ 3 sen. Yarned till roll call 2000 L/O 2100 
                                     _______________ 

14.12.42                    MONDAY                302ND DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash etc. b'fast 
0730 rice and gravy. Not feeling the best. Fell 
in our working party parade 0830. At railway, 
a very easy day and very mild. Dinner 
1200 rice and two (2) stews and bread roll. 
I bought 10 small marzipan balls @ 5 sen 
ea. (very dear but gosh they were good) 
also 6 candles (gluey) at 10 sen ea for our  
officer who was with us. Had an Aspirin 
powder after dinner and it made me 

                                           NOTES 
14.12.42                  MONDAY                     302ND DAY P.O.W 
feel much better. Returned to camp at 1700 and  
on our way back, a Korean civilian was  
urinating against our prison camp wall 
and one of our guards hopped into him 
properly. Tea 1730 rice , gravy and some onion 
we pinched at dinner time. Cec and I  
made two (2) apple charlottes and gosh we 
went to bed feeling very full. Roll call 
2000 bed making etc L/O 2100. 

15.12.42                        TUESDAY                       303rd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 7010, bedmaking wash etc, b'fast 0730 
rice and gravy. 0830 fell in on working party to Docks. 
Our xmas dinner is under discussion, so we may get 
something extra. The 50 officers are putting in ¥20 ea for 
500 men, giving ¥1000 for extras. I hope it comes off.  
At docks working all day, a beautiful autumn day. I 
can assure you little work was done. The winch 
hauls the trucks up a gradient and just as  
one lot reached the top, the cable broke (how) and  
away the trucks galloped and smashed well  
and truly. At the coal yard the escalator fused  
(how) . Dinner rice, gravy and bread roll,  
Returned to camp 1700, tea 1730 rice, gravy 
and a roll from dinner. After tea I went  
to canteen for squad No.1's order, chestnuts 
22 for 11 sen, cider 1 bot per man 22 sen and  
1/2 cup fried sweet potatoes 6 sen. Read 
until roll call 2000 then bed making 
L/O. 2100. 
                                       _______________

 

                                             NOTES 
16.12.42                        WEDNESDAY                304th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli  0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking , wash etc , b'fast 
0730 rice and gravy. Last night issue cigs were given 
out, 3 pkts of 20 per man and san paper. 0830 fell in on  
working party at docks. Worked until 1200 and  
returned to camp for dinner of gravy and bread  
roll. Early return on a/c of straw carrying for  
huts (to go under mats) , also a reshuffle of  
squads (35 men instead of 40) reason being,  
squads were too cramped. Margarine issue 
today, Cec and I fried some spring onions  
that we pinched and my vegetables from 
the gravy this morning and this dinner time 
we are going to have it for tea. Spent 1/2 hr de- 
butting cigarettes for pipe tobacco. 1430/ 1500 
on straw carrying. Had a hot tang, then a parade 
at 1645 before our new Jap. C.O.  Sugar issue then tea 
1730 rice, gravy, toasted roll & margarine and fried  
onion. After tea to canteen for cider for squad. 
Then made a veg and rice dish , once again I  
go to bed feeling full. Read until roll call 2000 
then bedmaking. L/O.  2100.
                                         _______________ 

17.12.42.                           THURSDAY             305th DAY P.O.W.          
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking etc b'fast 
0730 rice and gravy. On picquet last night 0045/ 
0200, also burnt rice issue this morning, so b'fast  
was more substantial. Working party 0830 on docks 
again. Another fine day and Cec and I were 
point men, the easiest of jobs. Dinner 1200 
rice and gravy and roll. Returned to camp

                                             NOTES 
17.12.42                             THURSDAY                       305th DAY P.O.W. 
1700 wash etc tea 1730 rice and gravy and burnt rice. 
Cec and I saved some rice and we had one apple 
left and with a small amount of sugar, made an 
apple charlotte again, bought a bottle of cider and the  
canteen also sold 7 sen worth of boiled sweet 
potatoes so once more had a good tummy going  
to bed. One of our P.O.W.' broke his leg at the railway 
working party today. Roll call 2000, bedmaking etc 
lights out 2100. 
                                            _______________ 

18.12.42                                FRIDAY.                              306th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking ,wash etc, 
b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. Working party 0830 to railway. 
Very easy day levelling off a new rail road track but 
bitterly cold. Managed to buy 2 pkts caramels @ 20 
sen and 20 sen for chestnuts, also did 20 sen in  
cold blood.  Dinner 1200 rice , gravy (2 lots) and bread 
roll. 2 chaps were injured yesterday at the railway 
and this morning before leaving, we were told to 
be careful and to stop work whilst trains were  
passing, this instruction we certainly carried  
out and a train every 20 mins probably accounted  
for our easy day. Sang xmas carols in the  
afternoon and on the way home. Arrived back 
in camp 1700, wash etc. tea 1745 rice , gravy and  
1/2 bread roll and meat extract (lifted from  
the Korean woman cooking on the railway) 
also some spring onions (pinched). Read etc 
until roll call 2000 then bedmaking etc 
L/O. 2100. 
                                       _______________

 

                                          NOTES 
19.12.42                        SATURDAY                   307th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking , b'fast 0730 
rice and gravy (saved 1/2 our rice for a veg, rice and onion  
pie for dinner). All working parties cancelled today 
for a big inspection by officials, hut cleaning up 
and area cleaning 6 to the dozen.  1100 the inspecting 
party arrived, two Inter. Red Cross officials and a  
retinue of Jap. Officers and officials, gosh mine 
own, it is grand to know that at last the IRC being 
on the inspection might mean letters from home. 
They carried out a quick inspection and spoke 
to us all, we are all bucked up. Fried some  
onions and vegetable from this morning and  
with saved rice, made a veg pie for dinner. 
1200 bread roll, gravy and veg pie. At 1330 we 
received our second diphtheria immunisation 
1 1/2 C.C.'s, I think the last one upset me a bit, so 
I hope this one does not. Read and rested  
until 1500 then toasted a roll, received an issue  
of margarine so added it and some meat  
extract to the toast. Tea 1730 rice gruel and gravy,  
toasted roll etc. Canteen for Squad order of [[?]] 
Clothes 15 sen ea and wash towels 20 sen ea. 
Played solo until roll call 2000 , then bed making 
L/O 2100. My arm is painfully sore tonight. 

20.12.42                              SUNDAY                 308th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710. Taps frozen, so  
no wash till after breakfast 0730 gruel and 
gravy, managed a small amount of gravy
That was all. My back is aching , my arm

                                      NOTES 
20.12.42                   SUNDAY                            308th DAY P.O.W 
is sore and I feel a complete wreck, stayed in  
bed all day under blankets. Dinner 1200 gravy 
and bread roll, ate nothing. In the afternoon Cec 
made me some toast and put sweet potatoes and  
meat extract on it. Tea 1730 gravy and rice all 
I could eat was a small amount of gravy and  
some of the toast . After tea Cec gave my back 
a rub with mentholatum Then roll call 2000 
L/O 2100. Sweet potatoes ¥0.25 today at canteen 
                                      _______________ 

21.12.42                        MONDAY                      309th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710. Reported sick to M.O at 0715. Feel 
a bit better but still very off colour. Wash, bedmaking etc, 
b'fast gravy and rice, managed the gravy and half the  
rice. Given a day off so this morning so I made a  
vegetable pie for tonight. I hope I can eat some. 
Read and rested until dinner 1200 gravy and  
bread roll, ate half the gravy. Looking back 
on yesterday's note gives you an idea as to how 
I felt. After dinner I slept until 1500 washed my feet and  
a towel, underpants and singlet and it was an effort 
and a half. Had a sleep until tea 1730 rice and  
gravy and veg. pie, ate most of my tea. Gosh mine  
own 4 days to Xmas and I hope with all my heart  
and soul that it is our last xmas apart, and  
that next xmas  I will be able to atone to you 
for all ^that you have gone through, it will be the  
happiest of times. Yarned and read until roll 
call 2000 then bedmaking etc . L/O 2100. Am going 
to bed tonight feeling a good deal better 
                                       _______________

 

                                                 NOTES 
22.12.42                              TUESDAY                             310th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710 . Feeling 100% this morning  
bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. On 
Working Party parade @ 0830. To Docks, pointsman 
all day an easy job, but gosh it was cold again 
Dinner 1200 rice, gravy and breadroll (saved 
till tea). Returned to camp 1700 wash etc, tea 
1730 rice, gravy and toasted bread roll with 
the last of our meat extract. After tea to canteen 
for squad order 1 apple per man, 2 pkts of cigs all ^(20's) per 
man and 1 bottle of cider costing 7 sen, 32 sen and  
22 sen resp (a Jap officer also sold us a pkt of cigs  
20's for 7 sen on the job today). Roll call 2000 
bedmaking etc L/O 2100. All sorts of talk about  
Xmas Day Concert and menu but will wait 
and see before I note it in this diary 
                                         _______________ 

23.12.42.                        WEDNESDAY                       311th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 , bedmaking, wash etc 
On picquet last night 0200/0315 so feeling a bit 
tired. B'fast 0730 rice and gravy. Had 1/2 toasted roll 
on picquet last night. Working party 0830 to Coal Yards 
a fine day and though working in coal dust. Plenty  
of shipping about. Dinner 1200 rice (small issue)  
gravy and roll. Hands and feet were like  
ice all day. At 1500 we were given 2 firm 
apples each. Returned to camp at 1700 had a  
wash etc. Tea at 1730 rice, gravy and bread roll. 
Brought back coal from the job today in our 
overcoat pockets. Made an apple charlotte after 
tea and gosh it was good. Roll call 2000, bed  
making etc L/O 2100.  
                                          _______________

                                                NOTES 
24.12.42                          THURSDAY                        312Th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 , roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc. Xmas Eve 
mine own, oh I feel so lonely and miserable without you. I  
hope that you are brave and "chin up and smiling" 
and firm in the belief that soon our re-union will 
take place. I will leave all my thoughts etc till tomorrow 
and will then pour out my innermost feelings to you. 
Last night, a couple of chaps sat up all night and made 
a xmas pudding (rice of course with saved apples  
and breadrolls). All sorts of talk about "where will 
we hang our stocking". Breakfast 0730 rice and  
gravy. Luckily I drew a day off working parties and  
spent the morning reading and w/up recipes. Made 
myself a small veg. and rice dish. Dinner 1200 
rice and gravy. 4 of our chaps were brought up 
before our own C/O for being under the influence  
last night at 2400. (Some saki came in with the  
stores for xmas and the chaps admit that a Jap officer 
gave them a drink) can you beat it. Had a shower 
at 1400, played solo until 1630, then read until tea 
1730 gravy, breadroll (a new kind) and burnt rice 
Today our own officers (5) accompanied by Jap Officer 
and guard went to the cemetery and laid 3 
wreaths on the graves of those P.O.W from this 
camp who passed away. Great concert rehearsal 
today for tomorrow. Well mine own 1800/2100 all 
my thoughts were with you, you will never know what  
a heartbreaking separation this has been for me, but 
I know only too well what you are going through 
too, so till tomorrow mine own, goodnight and  
God be with you to give you the courage 
and faith to be "chin up and smiling".  
                                      _______________

 

                                     25.12.42. 
                                         NOTES 
XMAS DAY 1942.                                       313th DAY P.O.W. 
FIRSTLY MY WISH TO YOU "MINE OWN". 
                  " I PRAY TO GOD THAT YOU ARE BRAVE AND AS I HAVE  
ALWAYS WANTED YOU TO BE "CHIN UP AND SMILING". 
I CANNOT IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES WISH YOU THE HEARTY  
XMAS WISH, BUT THIS FOLLOWING WISH I GIVE YOU 
AND I KNOW IT IS BOTH OUR WISHES 
        " A WISH THAT HOPE AS A GUIDING STAR 
           MAY BRIGHTLY SHINE OVER HEAD 
           A HOPE, THAT SOON EARTH'S WARS MAY CEASE 
           AND THE VOICE OF CHRIST AGAIN SAY "PEACE" 
OH, NOODLE I AM WITH YOU IN HEART AND SOUL, ALL 
MY THOUGHTS ARE OF YOU. I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE 
GOING THROUGH, WE ARE BOTH ONE, SO I SHOULD  
KNOW. 
BE BRAVE AND HAVE FAITH AND OUR DAY OF RE-UNION 
WILL COME, AND YOU AND I WILL TAKE UP HAPPINESS 
IN BOTH OUR HANDS AND ENJOY IT IN ITS ENTIRETY 
FOR THE REMAINDER OF OUR DAYS. 
OH MINE OWN, I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND  
SOUL, I WORSHIP YOUR MIND, YOUR BODY, YOUR SOUL 
AND YOUR SPIRIT, AND WHEN AT THE ALTER ON  
OUR WEDDING DAY, "I TOOK YOU" TO BE MY WIFE, I 
REALISED THEN AS I REALISE NOW, THAT SAYING, 
"GOD'S GREATEST GIFT TO MAN IS A WIFE" IN  
MY CASE WAS INDEED A FACT.  
WE ARE ONE, AND OUR BEST DAYS ARE TO COME 
AND I LOOK FORWARD TO XMAS 1943 WITH (AS  
I WANT YOU TO ALSO) FAITH, COURAGE, GOOD CHEER  
AND A STOUT HEART 
                                     _______________

                                           NOTES 
                                           MENU.
BREAKFAST. 0745. 
                     1 1/2 HERRINGS,  1 1/2  DESP'FUL SOYA BEAN SAUCE. 
                                       2 CUPS RICE. 
                                            2 CUPS GRAVY ( 2 PIECES OF PORK) 
                                                    CUP OF TEA 
            SAVED ITEMS ADDED, BURNTRICE AND 1/2 BREAD ROLL. 
  
  
  
DINNER. 1300. 
                      1 FRIED PORK CHOP 
                             POTATO CHIPS, APPLE SAUCE, TOMATO SAUCE. 
                                 STEW (ONION'S, POTATOES, CARROTS, CABBAGE.) 
                                       BREAD ROLL. 
                                                     APPLE TURNOVER. 
TEA, BUTTER, MARMALADE JAM, CIDER, APPLE AND ORANGE. 
  
  
  
TEA. 1730. 
               FRIED PORK, 
                        STEW (A RICH ONE AGAIN) 
                               RICE, 
                                      APPLE TURNOVER  
                                            NIPPON CAKE  
TEA, BUTTER, BREAD ROLL, APPLE CHARLOTTE (OUR OWN). 
WINE SAUCE. 
 

 

                                              NOTES 
25.12.42.     
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710 the Jap. officer wished  
us a "Merry Xmas". Wash, bedmaking etc and then 
breakfast 0745 (see menu). My first Xmas with 
snow, it commenced snowing at 0300 this morning 
and snowed all day. Our Lt Fraser and two foster  
officers (who adopted us) came around at 0900 and 
gave each Aussie an envelope with ¥2 and a  
note wishing us a Merry Xmas (note is in wallet).
At 09.30 chimney sweep commenced operations on 
our fires and the concert stage was finalised. 
Church Service 1000, table, Union Jack and carnations 
for flowers. To Canteen for Squad Purchase of  
1 pkt of butter ¥3.50 (about 1-1 1/2 lbs), 4 jars of marmalade jam 
@ 65 sen ea, 8 tins of sardines @ 60 sen ea, apples  
and oranges 1 ea orange, 2 ea apple @ 6 sen ea 
1 tin pineapple @ 90 sen and 1 bot saki (Jap wine) 
@ ¥2.50 and 3 bots wine @ ¥2.80. We drew in 
our squad for the items and I drew 1/10th of the butter, 
1/3rd jar of jam, 1/2 tin of fish so was thrilled . Dinner 
1300 gosh it was a spread.  Cec, Jack and self 
made a table and used our knife, fork and  
spoon (for the first time for ages). Our toast was "  
our loved ones at home". After dinner Cec, 
Jack and I set to and prepared an apple 
charlotte (rice, breadcrumbs, apples, wine, cider, 
sugar, margarine and toffees melted). 
Received a sugar issue at 1530, goodness only 
knows mine own as P.O.W we have fared  
very well, and I guess our loved ones at home

                                     NOTES 
                                    25.12.42. 
are imagining us having nothing. At canteen 1600 
for squad issue of free cigs, 2 pkts of 20's, 5 bags of chestnuts 
between 35 men free, 2 apples per man free, 9 tins  
of sardines between 35 men free and a roll of  
have ¥ 10.00 per squad so we in deed fared very 
well. Tea 1730 see menu and I honestly felt over 
fed and could hardly move after tea, we  
made some sauce for the apple charlotte and it 
was grand. Concert in our hut 2030/2300 
and it was a darned good show. Union 
 Jack on stage and all Jap officers and NCO's 
of this camp sat in front row. One song sang 
was "There will always be an England" 
and for a finale we had our "God  
Save the King". Bedmaking etc, roll call 
2315 L/O 2330 and our last Xmas apart 
mine own. All my thoughts have been  
with you as I have said, and in one way 
you and I have been together all day. 
and I close with my own 
         " God alone knows how I miss you 
            How I want you night and day 
            All my thoughts are of you dearest 
            Even tho' I'm miles away" 
Chin up noodle and look forward to  
Xmas 1943.  
                                  _______________

 

                                  NOTES 
 26.12.42         SATURDAY      314th DAY  P.O.W. 
Temp 14° or 18° below zero (F.P) bitterly cold. Reveilli 
0700 roll call in hut 0710 bedmaking, wash etc 
(water on cook house, taps frozen) 0750 b'fast 
rice and gravy (plain diet again) and 1 apple 
charlotte from yesterday and sauce (we made 
3 apple charlottes yesterday.) 0830 to docks on 
working party a bitterly cold day and I had 
a tummy ache and the runs all day. 
Dinner 1200 rice gravy and roll. Returned 
to camp at 1700. wash, toasted a roll, an 
issue of margarine tonight. Tea 1730 gruel, 
gravy and toast. Another diptheria needle  
tonight 1830, so will hope for best. Read  
until roll call 2000 then bedmaking L/0 2100  
_______________ 

27.12.42.       SUNDAY          315th DAY P.O.W 
Yesterday I forgot to mention that the sea in  
the docks was frozen. Reveilli 0700 roll call 
0710, bedmaking, wash breakfast 0745 gruel and gravy. 
Snowed all night, quite a heavy fall and this morning 
everywhere is a mantle of snow and bitterly cold 
again. Feel a bit brighter this morning although  
the appetite has waned this morning. Had a shave 
after breakfast and lined our Kits up for a Jap. QM 
inspection of Their misc stuff to us, blankets, bowls etc. 
Waited until 1130 for Jap. retinue of inspecting officers. 
meanwhile I was yarning to a Lt Butler, a teacher 
from Scots who knows Brian Badgery. Dinner 
1230 gravy and roll. Feel much better even tho' 
the temp. is just 15° and it is agony walking

                                   NOTES 
27.12.42.                 SUNDAY                 315th DAY P.O.W 
about out of doors. After dinner Cec, Jim and self made 
two (2) veg pies and at 1500 I went to canteen to draw 
squad order of cider (15 bots). Then read and dozed 
until tea 1730. rice and gravy and the two veg. pies. 
Had a hot tang at 1600 and honestly mine own I cannot 
get warm, the temperature is cruel. Read after tea until  
roll call 2000 then L/O 2100. 

                           ___________________

28.12.42                    MONDAY            316th DAY P.O.W 
Temp 14° above zero (18° below F.P.), the walls inside the 
hut are frozen, frost is everwhere inside the hut. Reveilli  
0700 roll call 0710, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast 0745 rice 
and gravy. 0830 workers party on docks, it ceased 
snowing yesterday but ice and snow was everywhere.
I wore pyjama pants, u/pants, FS pants and  
KD pants, two pairs sox, singlet, shirt, sweater, 
blanket jacket, tunic and great coat, a towel 
around my head, a balaclava and hat and 
honestly I was frozen all day.  A few of the boys 
refused to go out and were charged. We were  
loading trucks, pushing them about 100 yards and 
then unloading. Dinner 1200 gravy, rice and  
roll. Three men to a truck and was I glad to 
get back to camp at 1700. Tea 1730 rice, gravy 
and an issue of soya bean paste. Also received 
another issue of white sox and white gloves. They 
will come in very handy. Cec and I made an  
apple charlotte after tea and it was good. Yarned  
until roll call 2000 then bed making L/O  
2100 
                                 _______________

 

                                       NOTES 
 29.12.42         TUESDAY      317th DAY  P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710. On picquet last night
0315/0430. Bedmaking, wash, etc. b/fast 0730
rice and gravy. 0830 on working party at docks
not so cold today. Cec got 3 eggs for a pair of sox
so will do some cooking tonight. Dinner 1200 gravy,
rice and roll. Returned to camp 1700. Arm has
been sore and inflamed all day. Tea 1730 rice
and gravy. To canteen for squad order of 35
apples @ 7 sen, 15 bots cider and 35 pkts of cigs.
At 1900 Cec made some toast and boiled an egg
for me, gosh mine own it was grand. I made
some jam out of orange peel, apple and citron
tonight. Read till roll call 2000, then bedmaking
lights out 2100. 
                                _______________ 

30.12.42.         WEDNESDAY      318th DAY  P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc b'fast 0730 
rice and gravy. The Jap/American interpreter (California
Joe) was moved from this camp 24/12/42 and we have
a new one (there are always two of them). Our working
party parade 0830 to docks again. A fine mild day
again. Dinner 1200 rice, gravy and bread roll. 
Loaded 6 trucks. Returned to camp 1700 wash etc
Tea 1730 rice and gravy. Informed tonight that the 
following days are holidays 31st, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th
whacko a spell will not do any harm.  Canteen
order again for squad tonight 35 apples @ 7 sen and
15 bots of cider at 22.  Allowed to write another letter
tonight (140 words) gosh aren't I lucky, oh mine
own how I hope and pray it reaches you
soon. Roll call 2000, bedmaking etc
L/O 2100, copy of my letter is in 31/12/42 diary.
                              _______________

                                     NOTES 
31.12.42.         THURSDAY (NEW YEAR'S EVE)      319th DAY  P.O.W  
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 , bedmaking, wash etc, b’fast 0730  
rice and gravy. Finished my letter card to you mine own 
and handed it in this morning, you will read between  
the lines of my longing for you, copy is in my wallet. 
Well Pug the start of another year is on us, we must 
pray for a cessation of hostilities and our re-union 
in 1943 oh mine own I have such a lot to make up 
to you, for all you have gone through. The Japs. ord. 
officer on roll call this morning told us "to pray for 
our fellow men and country in the new year." I 
got a bucket of hot tea and washed two towels, 
shirt, h'chief, 2 pairs sox, tea-towel and 1 pair pyjamas. 
Read until dinner 1200 rice, gravy, we opened one 
tin of fish between 3 of us, no bread today and 
for the next 5 days on account of Jap holidays 
Wrote up a few more recipes after dinner and played 
solo until tea 1730 rice, gravy and burned rice,  Cec and I 
added 1/2 bot cider each and 1/2 an apple That was our 
tea. Read and yarned after tea until roll call 
2000 then bedmaking etc until L/O 2100. 
I am getting the picquet to waken me at 2355 to see 
the New Year in, oh mine own wife, how I  
am so fervently thinking of you, every minute 
my heart is with you, all my thoughts and 
my most inner most feelings. I bought or I  
should say bartered for a present for you 
today so in it goes with my big surprise 
present for you. Well mine own, "goodnight 
God bless you and be with you at all times".
                                 _______________

 

                                  NOTES 
1.1.1943        FRIDAY (NEW YEARS DAY)      320th DAY  P.O.W  
0001 I got the picquet to wake me and Cec and I got up 
and gave you a toast with citron; about 8 of us saw the 
New Year in, all was quiet. It commenced snowing 
at 0100 and stopped at 0230. Oh Pug I feel so lonely 
and miserable without you and my thoughts are  
full of you mine own. I said a special prayer at 
0030 and never ever have I been with you more 
in spirit and soul. Reveilli 0700 roll call in 
hut 0710 bedmaking, wash etc. b'fast 0730 rice 
and gravy. Assisted Lt Frazer w/up some 
records until 1100 then a New Year present from 
the Japs, 2 apples per man. To canteen for squad 
order 2 pkts cigs (20's) per man at 16 sen ea and 
15 bots cider @ 22 sen. Dinner 1200 rice and gravy. 
I saved the rice and with an apple grated 
and 1/2 bottle cider I made an apple pie for 
tea. Read and slept until 1500 then had a  
hot tang and washed a singlet, and underpants 
in warm water.  Still very chilly but have been 
in indoors all day thank goodness. Tea 
1730 rice and gravy and my home made 
apple and rice pie. Played solo until roll 
call 2000 then bed making L/0 2100.  Well 
Pug, treasure mine here is 1943 and every 
day brings us closer together, I feel confident 
that 1943 holds for both of us what we  
treasure most That is "one another", God 
be with you at all times to comfort and solace 
you and give you faith and courage

                                 NOTES 
2.1.1943.         SATURDAY      321st DAY  P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 
0730 rice and gravy. Bitterly cold this morning and at 
0830 fell in on working party for docks. For my first 
New Years working day it could not have been 
colder 18° of frost and a biting wind off the frozen 
salt water. Dinner 1200 rice and gravy. Returned  
to camp 1700, frozen stiff. Tea 1730 gruel and gravy. 
Read and played solo after tea until roll call 2000 
then bedmaking L/O 2100 

3.1.1943                    SUNDAY        322ND DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc b'fast 0730  
rice gruel and gravy. Read and to canteen for Squad  
order of 2 apples per man @ 7 sen ea and 15 bots of cider  
@ 28 sen, also did some wood lifting and took up a  
board of our floor and hid a few pieces our ration  
is 6 pieces per day and 54 lbs coal it is not so much  
in this cold weather 15° above zero this morning (17°  
of frost). Dinner 1200 rice and gravy and I  
boiled an apple and an orange and its peel for  
a centre for an apple pie for tea tonight. On the 31st  
I bought two small jade chips and intend getting  
a ring made up for you, they will have a  
sentimental value, being through a P.O.W. camp.  
Slept and played solo until tea 1700 rice (small  
issue) and gravy and my apple pie. Played solo  
after tea until roll call 2000 then bedmaking  
etc 2100. Well mine own the start of another  
week in 1943. Oh mine own be brave and  
"chin up and smile".      
                                _______________

 

                                      NOTES 
4.1.1943                      MONDAY                       323rd DAY P.O.W                                           
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 and once more bitterly cold. On picquet 
last night or I should say this morning 0430/0545. Bedmaking, 
wash etc b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. We are now on 140 gramms  
of rice per meal per man = about 5oz, a reduction and believe  
me we notice it. 0830 on docks working party, Oh Peg today  
has been bitter 18° frost, it is impossible to describe it, one's 
feet and fingers were numb and I mean it. Dinner  
1200 rice and gravy (saved the rice for tomorrow to  
make a fish pie for my birthday) (fish saved from  
Xmas Day). Returned to camp 1700, tea 1730 rice and  
gravy. Read etc until roll call 2000 then bedmaking  
etc and then bed (very welcome) L/O 2100 
                                  _______________ 

5.1.1943                     TUESDAY                324th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc (taps all frozen  
bitterly cold again). Well mine own I have taken your wishes  
for my birthday today and I feel confident that for my next  
one, we will be re-united enjoying life's happiness in its  
entirety. B'fast rice and gravy (saved some more rice  
for the cooking). At b'fast time out of the blue J.P [[Mewies?]]  
comes along with an Eversharp pencil and a  
very nice note, he is a great scout, can you beat  
it a birthday present in Jinsen Prison Camp.  
Holiday today and after breakfast Alf Bulmer did the  
fish pie mixture for Cec, Jack and self. Drew the wood  
ration at 0930 three pieces per squad (actually two of  
us drew the same 3 and popped it in our secret  
wood house, a board removed the floor). Also  
ate apple and rice pie and for dinner at  
1200 we had gravy, fish pie, apple pie with

                                    NOTES 
5.1.1943.                  TUESDAY               324th DAY P.O.W 
citron and a cup of tea. Our gruel issue for dinner  
I saved and with a herring in it heated it up  
for tea. After dinner I read "Sea Hawk" until 1500  
then Alf B gave me a haircut, I had a shave and 
a hot tang and rested until tea 1700 rice gruel and  
herring, stew and rice. After tea I copied out a piece  
of poetry for you, I think it excellant in the circumstances.
J.P [[?Mewies?]],  Cec, Dave Allcock and myself  
played contract bridge until roll call 2000 then  
bedmaking etc. L/O. 2100 
                                _______________ 

6.1.1943.                   WEDNESDAY         325th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730  
rice and gravy. If it is not too cold this morning, (our officer  
I/C decides) those without full clothing staying in usually, will  
go out and our squad will have a day off. No working  
party for No. 1. SQUAD. Played contract bridge until 1030  
and were then detailed (a party of 5) to empty the  
incinerator and cart it to a rubbish dump  
outside the camp. We did 2 trips, I was the horse 
in the shafts. (A very nosey job). Dinner 1200  
breadroll (first for 7 days) and gravy. After dinner I  
had a sleep until 1500 then washed 2 h'chiefs, 3 pairs  
of sox and a shirt in the bath house. At 1600 a fish  
and hot sauce issue was on, also margarine  
so we are going to make a fish pie after tea. Tea  
1730 rice and gravy. After tea made a fish  
pie and Cec, Jack, and self had it after roll  
call 2000. Bedmaking then lights out  
2100 
                                    _______________

 

TO PEG - MY WIFE 
                                         NOTES 
"FOR HONOUR AND FOR HER" 
Somewhere a woman, thrusting fear away 
Faces the future bravely for your sake 
Toils on from dawn till dark; from day to day; 
Fights back her tears, nor heeds the bitter ache 
She loves you, trusts you, breathes in prayer your name 
Soil not her faith in you by sin or shame.
  
Somewhere a woman - mother, sweetheart, wife -  
Waits betwixt hopes and fears for your return 
Her kiss, her words will cheer you in the strife 
When death itself confronts you, grim and stern. 
But let her image all your reverence claim 
When base temptations scorch you with their flame. 
  
Somewhere a woman watches - filled with pride 
Shrined in her heart, you share a place with none 
She toils, she waits, she prays, till side by side 
You stand together when the battle's done 
O' Keep for her dear sake a stainless name 
Bring back to her a manhood free from shame 
  
Ex "Alliance of Honour" 
Secretary 
P O Box 2260 
Cape Town. S. A. 
  
Oh mine own how appropriate this is 
I had to copy it for you, it speaks volumes 
for all that a woman goes through. 
                                 _______________

                                        NOTES 
MY VERSION OF "FOR HONOUR AND FOR HER" 

IN AUSTRALIA, A WOMAN, THRUSTING FEAR AWAY 
FACES THE FUTURE BRAVELY FOR MY SAKE, 
WORRIES ON FROM DAWN TILL DARK; FROM DAY TO DAY 
FIGHTS BACK HER TEARS, NOR HEEDS THE BITTER ACHE. 
SHE LOVES ME, TRUSTS ME, BREATHES IN PRAYER MY NAME 
SOIL NOT HER FAITH IN ME, BY SIN OR SHAME. 
  
IN AUSTRALIA, A WOMAN, MY SWEETHEART WIFE 
WAITS BETWIXT HOPES AND FEARS FOR MY RETURN 
HER KISSES, HER WORDS WILL CHEER ME IN THE STRIFE 
WHEN DEATH ITSELF CONFRONTS ME, GRIM AND STERN, 
BUT HER IMAGE, DOES ALL MY REVERENCE CLAIM 
WHEN BASE TEMPTATIONS SCORCH ME WITH THEIR FLAME. 
  
IN AUSTRALIA, A WIFE WATCHES - FILLED WITH PRIDE 
SHRINED IN HER HEART, I SHARE A PLACE WITH NONE 
SHE WORRIES, SHE WAITS, SHE PRAYS, TILL SIDE BY SIDE 
WE STAND TOGETHER WHEN THE BATTLE'S DONE. 
O' KEEP FOR HER DEAR SAKE, A STAINESS NAME 
TAKE BACK TO HER A MANHOOD FREE FROM SHAME. 
  
Oh mine own darling wife, I pray with all 
my heart and soul a speedy re-union,  
I owe you so much and I feel I can give 
you so much happiness. You have borne 
the burden bravely, as I wanted you to 
"chin up and smiling" and your courage 
and faith will be repaid ten thousandfold. 
                              _______________

 

                                    NOTES 
7.1.43       THURSDAY           326th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730 rice 
gravy and burnt rice. 0830 working party at docks, very  
very cold. Dinner 1200 rice, bread roll and gravy.  
Hugged the fire when available. Returned to 
camp 1700, my washing done yesterday was 
dry tonight. Tea 1730 rice (1 leggy cup), gravy 
and some burnt rice from this morning. To  
canteen after tea for Squad order of cigs. 2 
pkts per man 16 sen per pkt. Played contract 
bridge until 2000 roll call, then bedmaking 
and read until L/O 2100. 
                             _______________ 

8.1.43        FRIDAY                   327th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc 
Started snowing at 0500 and is snowing very 
heavy at breakfast time 0730 rice and gravy. 
Holiday today so no work. After b'fast Cec and I made 
an apple charlotte from saved rice (hard to save) 
and 2 apples for dinner. To canteen (closing till 
12/1/43 for stocktaking) for squad order of cigarettes 
1 pkt per man at 15 sen (pkt of 10). Played contract 
bridge until dinner 1200 apple charlotte, gravy 
and bread roll. Played contract bridge until  
tea 1715 gruel and gravy. Read and somehow  
it is hard work because all my thoughts wander  
to you, oh mine own how I long to take 
you up in my arms, to have you as a husband 
would have his wife. Roll call 2000 then  
bedmaking and read till L/O 2100. If only 
we could get some reliable news in this place 
                            _______________

                                   NOTES 
9.1.43            SATURDAY           328th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730 
rice and gravy. Bitterly cold again, at the back of this diary 
I have made a temp. chart to give you an idea of the temps. 
The P.O.W are running a Contract Bridge tournament starting  
tomorrow. Cec and I are playing together entrance fee 
10 sen. There are approx 30 pairs contesting. 0830 Working 
party docks fine but cold, loading trucks with muck 
Dinner 1200 gravy, roll and small issue of rice. 
Returned to camp 1700, sugar issue (2 desp'ful) tea 
1730 gruel and gravy. Read and played Contract 
Bridge after tea until roll call 2000. Then bedmaking
etc L/O 2100. On picquet 0545/0700 so 
will be rising very early tomorrow morning. 

10.1.43.                 SUNDAY                    329th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 (on picquet until 0700, so had washed and made 
bed etc before 0700 also shaved). All taps are now covered with a thick 
layer of straw on a/c of freezing. B'fast 0730 gruel and gravy. An 
inspection is to take place today from the Keijo C.O., also  
a padre is coming from that camp to take a Communion 
Service. Detailed to sweep the hut out this morning where 
they had been papering wooden blinds for windows. (to 
keep the moisture out). Sat and waited patiently for the  
inspection and read until dinner 1200 gravy and bread 
roll. Played our first game in the Bridge Tournament 
and won. At 1500 we were told that there would be  
no inspection after waiting 6 hrs (just like our own 
army). Had a tang at 1600 and it was snowing 
like blazes. Tea 1700 rice and gravy (could still eat  
a horse). Played another unfinished Bridge match 
before roll call 2000 then bedmaking L/O 2100 
                                      _______________

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