Diary of Alexander Roland Campbell Johnstone, 1942-1943 - Part 5

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open to contributions
Accession number:
AWM2019.22.189
Difficulty:
5

Page 1 / 10

90 NOTEE or 10 Bencelli 0300 slaved and wasked. Last oght was anoter oppressive ught perspiration literally ran offue and all this weith no clo thes on. Breakfast -0gos consisted of re ueal peaual tea and one biscut ev feeling much beter tiday anne owre out am not to see the doctor again antil Msuday (C.6.AD) Played patience with myself this morning then with another coupee of berre-berre inmates we discussed the going hawe furphy! Duncer 1350 cusisted of rice, quen stew, Fea and one C) piice of bread. Played solo in the afternoon and at 1600 went and had a yarn to Stan W. Had a tong and then tea at 1800 which consised of rire, green sewn, tea and two O brsouts After tea we played solo again until dust and then sat and yarned in the parch. nothing else to relate in me awn my prayers for you as usual then shut eye. 91 NOTES 7642 SUNDAY IIZHDDAY PON Our andceedding Anniversary Today is our second (nd) weading annoersary, on wine own hreasure iine law fervently all my roughts are of you This day espicially, but then again all my thoughts are always of you are ut they How I wish I could be with you on this our annuersary. Lasking back iine own in our two A years of married lyfe; I say to mysey what have I as a custand given you Firstly you had a swilian husband for seven (I days and the remainder of the twote years he was a soldier As a wye Rig you lave received nove of the sourely Kings that you are eutitled to, but you have had, you have and always will have the most fervent and sincere loving husband that it is possible for a wife to have. Yes wine own you have aussed a cot of the jays attributed to wedded bless, but if I am spaied, you will be rewarded a thousandfold then we can get all kere is to be get out of married life your firs O anniversary gift to ae
92 NOTES SANDRVICONMUED) I2PPRYYN 4622 the wrislet watch has gaue, through enemy action as also has my wallet, my thacco pouck and a lot yoke personal belongings, my watch was my severel lon I can assure you, I have waited until today to tell you, because it was in rememberance of to day twelve C2) months ago thatI 901 it, do you remember law Lappy arwere, low Lappy we always were and ce own how dapry we will always be Will woodle two 121 years of our weedded eye has gone, but such a lot of years remain for us to wake up for what we have aured in tose two years all my places for the fiture are basee on car happiness and that alone and in vy prayers each ingat Vast "that I may return to wine own to give her all the Rappiness that she so richly deserves, May we live happily together. the two of us and onr Kiddies i we are so blessed? at this sage & feel beg that I want to take you away all to mysey perhaps to some uene State, Qmeinsland or Aestein Aushalia, where we can NOTES Sacoc 112OFOH £6.42 settle doma and live for ane anoher and our lappness and contintment alone together with our Riddues. Obnnie own, Tis separation has coot we dearly, I spend each and every day in your arms, your thoes are alwayss he and out of my walle and my day dreams are of our future and our postponed honeymson I guaw what you have goue through and i my prayers are answered, and never ever have I wissed saying tem since I became a risoner of was you will stel be possemed of good paith and cheer w there your nost anxious days, but chie up and suule for me woul you noodle Thow Wexr MITE OUN S TITE BEN Thow MY BEROVED- WOMAN, F TY MAN Bevlle 0800. Our wedding Anc werran day started with a tropial storm blaving and raining. wasled and tidied up (yes & quess you will have a domesticated Rubby iwhen he returnr to you and ten breakfest at 0930 consisting of me weal, tea one 11 biscuit
94 NOTES 112th PaY POM SPAL SI 7:6:112 Today, last year, do you remember and drinks at Ushon, just you and I, Cae met ws uscan) our dinner at Cahills and you had an orchid and chocelates I can only tiday this year express as I have done all my thoughts of you and of us wine saen, but am primsing another frangz yrai Alsom lere, for [o are over here it is such a pire, white and sweet bloom and to we reat represents you. If I am with you this tll wext year Iug I intend to have a plate of me with just everything I want on it, so as I will be able to say, my firs meal on any secoad annwersary was plan rice by itself, what and Dinner 1350 consisted of nce, greens tew tea and ouet pine of briad. Played solo during the afternoon boe was playing cricke for the H.1.F. Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, two 6) Cescuits, tea, ground wheat and puisapple sice Played solo after tea again and then sat and yarved, well nine own our second wedding annwersary has passed but wait tel our knd one we will make it a grand one wowt we aotking else to relate inen sce ty prayers for you an usual then stut eipe 95 NOTEE Demeded f a in case I lorget them these events being an to this date excent toe diaried Farwwell Sydney Dugants. adds and wens - dice serrival jremanie Adinght (Paper boy) Aeix McBean train to Perth. Buan Badgery Departure Gremantle Burial at sea-2dapon Baccep to Bukit Tunah CHolland Road Canvey arrives Dingapor Franzipauc Camiliar Forieutial Rain truces to te soon well for tong purposes Enginsh Barrack do. Deuque -10 aGN. Ult Bora precing tents. Kelling and Bambing Scornious, Monkeys Cow Depot Orcheds Departue (hurried] First leave to Suigaper Gatang-Cou Depot Buying excevrsion Cathay Theatie Sungapon Auzac Busser Felling and Bambing Rickshaw hep Cauep to Tampin Pecidents in and Trep by uhlity. around Cathay shell though rog of Lampen Camep theae. Chruese Reture Slew Harvest Festral Flats left in a burry Tigershot weals in Cakay swallows Capitalaticu 133. 42 Leave to Ruala Lumpar Marcher to Prisau Caup transfor to Audit S41 blauge Station Hotel Duier Deary newcovery Dance at Mayestie the rest of events. Dance at Eastern Caup to Johore Fobaces manna Fur 50 en taween in caut
96 BSWHTTYPON. 2643 MeD Renclle 0800 ranged and had a shave. am to see the M.O again this marning. Briakfast 0900 consisted of nce meal pea ccal, ten and cuety biscunt Deported 2aP. Aue To have another five 133 days on the sick list, given another supply of tablets (year). Turply has it that we are stel going herre Played gw ont this morning and bee came back from a gardining pary having serounged two O coco wits, twol guavers and a few puces of sugar cauc. Dunver 1350 consisted of rie, green stew, tea and aredpiice of bread. after Edever bec and I had a piece of suga cane eadh and was it good played seld in the afternoon and read and yarned until. tea 1800 consisting of grice meal, gren sew, two (3) biscuits and tea. Meat came into ingat so tomorrow we should see a meat stew. Played sals after tea again and then yaced and to bed. Another very oppress we night. Ao King doe to relate woe own iy payer for yeu as usual. Thenshut eye. NOTES Mt MAY PON 9.642 TE Benulli 8300 Thowened and then Creakast at 0900 consisting of re weat pea meal, ten and one of disaut bracked ove of the young cocowis and had to jelly and week. We had to furnish a list of surpens kit which we cannot carry on a march, cast inglt so a camp move is unmanent. & Played solo before luncer with same other invalids, read and had a chat with agde o, also pluched a fin wild gooseberus Dunns 1300 cousisted of rice, sew (the list stow we have had, I actually go a piece of meat too, as bigar a sp prece) tea and one o piece of bread. Also cigantes (10) today inrtead of next friday. Played slo in the afternoon, Alexuers called about 1600, we sat sisked and talked for alont an howr then. he went back to Con. Depot. Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, ground wheat tea biscent and one of pirole (exha good Coucert ii our area tonight, quite good Yarned be dusk. Aoking ase to relate we ower ay prayers for you as usual; then sent eye
98 15H7N PON 10.642 160 Bielli 8300 Bhaved and showered, feeling much better last iight again an oppressive one, I sat after mying my prayers, my head on my kines, thinking of laving and wanting you eve so much. Breakfast 0900 consisted of me meal pea-nical (I give bic BM and le gives we his ground wheat), one t biscint, Tea and Bec and sey had a cun of coco-out ues on our rue Heard this morning that we are to have purchasing canteen rights and the paps one paying N.C.OS.D4 (/0) per month (out of which 31 (op) is deducted for nent cock houses, so going home fuerphy is temporanly wipid. Went doven tM.0 to collect a sruple of days supply of years tableto. balled on and saw staw wt had jus returned from Sack water party hegave we day a coco-wit. Spent the rest of the morning giving a hand in the office. Diner Bso consisted of rice, vegitable stew, tea and anc C, peece of bread, bee is playing cricket again this afternoon- Played soll are the tables in the sin witil 99 carn) 115 p 227 P.OM 10.6.42 46901 1745 then tea at 1800 consisting of burn rue meal, punapple june, tea and twoto biscuits We have our year now at 1700 and does it give one an appette. Played solo ater tea wite anoy and then to bed, another very oppressive night. Noking cese to relate mine suece, my prayers for you as usual then shiet eye
100 NOTES 116thn P.ON HHUROOR Ricilli 0800 showered and then bieakfast of- 6900 consisting of rue ual, pea meal, tea and one C) biscut. Bas and exected anothe supply of years tablets. We believe we are now going to be paid and have accers to a can cen, I wonder Bead and played solo until 1350 then dinver consisting of me, green stew, tea and arech piece of bread. Played solo again in the afternoon cutil yeast parade 1700 then laved and shonured and Quocker down a couple of wek unto (green coco-uts Tea 1800 consisted of rue, green stew, two biscets and ea ane feeling fit but am still on the oick list. I have a beight rast on my chest Calways was a Rarry brute), it is a heat rash I think, but inany case I will see the M.O. in. the morning Played sclo for a while after ten and then bee and I went for a short stoll (yfirst) nothing else to relate mine ower my payers for you as usual then sent eye 107 FX 1226.43 WITtDRY FOY Ravulli 0800 shawvred and Ken Creakfast at 0900 consisting of rueceal, pracueal tea and aue 10leisant Bam the mo, ths morning am now on D.7C seven (4 days Agl. duty). Dad a cairout and shower during the morning and datted with a shap about Pastoral accounting (ac Capt Packham). Denver 1350 consisted of rice, green siw oned perce of bread and tea Ddeay and self went around to the cauten this afternoon and did same auditing, a canteen is going to juuction from tomorrow and are are going to be paid (H.C.0.83 per month) tomorrows. Tea 1800 consisted of ne meal, pucapple jce, ten, ground wheat and two biseut. Aftertaa bcc and I sholled around to see Brean at Edue Ceutie, I was after a coople of joueane peus for auditing. Shnick Stan W. Reg. and Harry Laugley are our way back yaued and then returned to huilding, Rotking else to relate inneawee. My prayers for you As usual, then shut eye.
BRIS-PAY-DAN ASD.O.W 07 NOTES 113t PAY P.ON SMURPRY 13.643 Reneilli 0800 Showered and ken break fast at 090o consisting of nice meal, pea-mcal, tea and oned biscuit. Spened a week unt and had same uned in our eal, it giies added flandir at least to the ucal. We were paid at 1000 (three Gapanise "docears). I gave a land in collecting orders for the cauteen, Ose and I pinceased two 2) tuis of puncapple culees and two () this of herrings in tomats sance, two (3) ripe coco-cuts and two () packet of cigarite papers, pillapple cost- 35 cts pertice, herrings 65 suts, wuts 5cts and eig papers 10 cents. we are like shoolk ids now Dunver 1330 consisted of riee tea, green stew and one & piece of bread we understand that todays pay of 85 is for the month of day and from 1.6.42 we are to receive 10 cuts (3d) perday payable every ten (10) days whachs if it is carrect). Played solo until 1630 and then had a shower and a clear up yeas parade at 1700 and then 10 136.42 SATURDRY CCOr 118t P2YPSI read and yarned to Agde4 for a while Tea (agala meal) 1800 consisted of roasted pieceal, a ressole, two3) cheese biscuits and a cup of tea alent for a strace after tea and clibed a cashew uut hee and got soue puits (the nut grows on the extremity of the friit. came bast to building yarned and then bed. loking else to relate unne own my prayers for you as usual then sheet eye. Sensen PSW.C 30 July. 1943. Alex Im writing this on our bed in Jursen rson Camp; in the hope that when you read it you will have a puit of beet in Your hand and an early prospect of seemy Peg. When you read this we shall have parted - perhaps for ever, tough I hope not. You and I were great, pats. Our friendship was born in adversity and will contiiing in prospent. my wish for you is the same as for myself Home soon & a long life with the wife. Your friend Jack
104 NOTES 119t DAYP.O.Y SUAO 622 Bailli 0300 Baming cats and dogs, showered atc and grated some coco wnt for brskfos Greanfast consisted of rice ueal, to pea-meal and oucd bescuit Poured cocount unek on the riee neal and added same graved wo wit gave the rue a good, plavour Drain sweeping this morning and then collected some more caslew unt for a chew. San why was cooking a rice plum pudding this morning as an experiment. head a cowbey yarn and then dinner at 1850 cousistd of rice, green stew, tea and oneC) pence of bread after cund Stan, Beb fere anrel went conetng cashew dut fruits (bie is playing sricket today) Got quite a jew Cauts in ours pants) called at canteen, then have for yeasl parade 1700. Srowered and played solo until 1800. Tea consisted o ruecueal, ieapple tea, gravnd wheat two 21 bescuits After tea Coc and I went down to Sanss and played solo wntil dusk loking else to relate mine own Aly prayers for you as usual ten shart eye 10. NOTES 126.42 70 120th PAY P.OI Gevellc 0800 shaved and showered and then breakfast at 0900 cansisting of rece ueal, pea wea tea and suct biscuit added sowe ground coco wut again to our cucal. commenced andiing his morning and worked until 1300, during. the morning, mry bock-keeping pupel came around and I gave him an lowr Denver 1330 consisted of rice, geen Sew (water) and tea note No DRERD. so we opened a ten of serrings be ween dore andiing in the apornoon witie afternoons tel 1600, Ren played olo until yeas parade 1700 Cec and & then had a shower Tea 1800 consisted of me, tea sterved pencapple (small keeping) and two B date pastier, whach Anglie ccfeod lit me a book "of Human Boudage! in exclauge for my cory of San michele? lay awake for howr wene own, thinking loping and plancing for us, on if only I could learn, how you are, where you are, that is my one warry, s0 earnestly each night T. ask God. to give you caurage, yaith and good cleis Noking dse to relate anin owe. Aly prayers for you as usual then shut eye
106 NOTES 21FDAYPON 164A2 LUEERR Ricelli 0800 Shewered and then breakart at 0900 consisting of rice necal (taasted.) pea -cual, tea and one 4) bircnt, poured saure grated colo-unt over ke rice again auditing again teis morning until $1000 then polished my hasts and show Sanw has been ojered the pel of ac our cook douse, but do not know yet will came off or not Denver 1350 consisted of rie, stene onet bicut and teaPt of ergarettes Auditig ankt 1000 with agde t then afternoon tha. O went around to ordnance to get his repaired booth I went around to the canteen wkagdef to pick up unit-orders, but noking doing Came back to cunt at 1700, had vey year is see and playeed solo until 1800 Baining cats and dogs txcicant tea consistng of rice aical, pincapple jiice, tea, ouc biscunt and twos firt resoles Rawing afer tea, no concert, so played solo againwite dink. nothing else to relate arure own aly prayers for you as usual, then skut eye VOTES HEYNE 13Lud BAY POM 7643 Bavilli 0800 chowered and then grated another one your cois wnith. Breakfart ogoe cousiste of rue ual, pea-aical, lea and sees 6) biscuet, had grated coco- unit on our mue spent the morning auditing with agaid and then divuer at 1330 which consisted yrice, greens, stew, tea and oue () lenant Auditing again in the afternoon on and off Atmnoon tea 100 and yearparade 1700. Tea 1800 cousirted of rice, pork stew (we got a pig), two bescuts and bee and I opened a till of pirccapple between us, whachs a good tea went gathering cashew writh for layf an lowr in the afternoon, 901. quite a few Gave Etan the unto to cook. After tea I grated some more cocout and then bee, and I called on Stan. We went over to the cauteen weet accx and Doug, bought a Katty of ped-wuts, s5 cents, then went to the concort, just started and astorm finished it, Played solo in Stant room until 5130, then to bed. Uohin elseto relate win own my pay for you a
108 NOTES 3rAVAYFON 16 Gaueli 0800 shaned and shocred and then breakfast at 0900 consisting of rie ueal, peaccal, tea, oue a) biscut and grated cococut Did some more auditing this-morning went our to te canteen to do aropot of auditing but to bury, so came back and ber and I did aspot of work here, till again gave boc a speel. Danir consisted of rue (uosey) ea stew greens and one o biscuit. Cigaretes for pale at 1415. D. 10 cuts for a packet often today. went over to the canteen again with Cec and Barny, nlowed them a couple of books and then I came back to our building. Played sole until 600, Alix and Dong came around we lad afternior tea and yor ued tiel 1700 then Cec and I walked part of the way back wit them and got some cashew ind frnits, alix is going to experimen. Showered and then tea at 1800 consisting of rue weal, soap; tea and two raisin pastit, bee and I wint down to Stan's, wasted and ate some cashew unto (exculant). Played solo and Stan gavens supper consisteng of tea, rirote, pre and bread we caull sack to our bulding at 2200 pali ane rings. nothing alse to wlate wine own. My mayors for goud wnce then sheel cye 100 Ki OES BHH DAYPO 19642 Ganlli 0800. Shewered and then breakfast at 0900 consisting of Cruce cal (teared) wt (n caution funds) tea, se At lnout, hearual, and ourown grated exconvut (a Aithigh). Discovered this worning that I have lost a filling from one of my back Teeth, I do not thrnt anything can be done about I, but am going to make inquiries. Reported to wo about my. Evore- berre, now owme owe and I waezed over to He dental weet about my tooks, ane to go Con inderday morig next acct Bran ou the way hark and had a chat. Also gave my pupit a book keeping lin on for an Lour whilst waiting for the doctor Anditig with alff with 130 then deier consisting of rece, sten (gravy) greens, tea and one C Ciscut Andeting again in Heatemouruntil 1700 ten yeast poade Played solo until 1800 then tea consisting of me weal, stan, pirsole and tea slyted reats and tabler for concert at our building, played solountil concertstarted 1715 then enjoyed it. went for a stoll ater nards and then to bes Rothing else to relate nine own. My prayer for you as usual then shut sy

90 
NOTES
6.6.42    SATURDAY   111th DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Shaved and washed. Last night was another
oppressive night perspiration literally ran
off me and all this with no clothes on.
Breakfast 0900 consisted of rice meal
pea-meal, tea and one (1) biscuit
Am feeling much better today mine own
but am not to see the doctor again until
Wednesday (6.6.42)

Played patience with myself this morning
then with another couple of berri-berri
inmates we discussed the going
home furphy!
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, green stew,
Tea and one (1) piece of bread.
Played solo in the afternoon and at
1600 went and had a yarn to Stan
W.
Had a tong and then tea at 1800
which consisted of rice, green stew,
tea and two (2) biscuits.
After tea we played solo again
until dusk and then sat and
yarned in the porch.
nothing else to relate on my own
my prayers for you as usual then
shut eye.
 

91
NOTES
7.6.42   SUNDAY 112th DAY P.O.W.
Our 2nd Wedding Anniversary
Today is our second (2nd) wedding
anniversary, oh mine own treasure mine,
how fervently all my thoughts are of you
This day especially, but then again all
my thoughts are always of you aren't they
How I wish I could be with you on
this our anniversary.
Looking back mine own in our two
(2) years of married life; I say to
myself what have I as a husband
given you. Firstly you had a
civilian husband for seven (7) days
and the remainder of the (2) two years
he was a soldier
As a wife Peg  you have received
none of the lovely things that you
are entitled to, but you have had,
you have and always will have
the most fervent and sincere loving
husband that it is possible for
a wife to have.
Yes wine own you have missed a
lot of the joys attributed to wedded
bliss, but if I am spared, you will
be rewarded a thousandfold, then
we can get all there is to be got
out of married life
your first (1) anniversary gift to me
 

 

92
NOTES
7.6.42    SUNDAY    (CONTINUED    112TH DAY P.O.W.
the wristlet watch has gone, through
enemy action as also has my wallet,
my tobacco pouch and a lot of other
personal belongings, my watch was
my severest loss I can assure you,
I have waited until today to tell you,
because it was in remembrance
of to day twelve (12) months ago that I
got it, do you remember how happy
we were, how happy we always were,
and mine own how happy we will
always be.
Well noodle two (2) years of our
wedded eve has gone, but such a
lot of years remain for us to wake
up for what we have missed in
those two years.
All my places for the future are based
on our happiness and that alone
and in my prayers each night
I ask  "that I may return to mine own
to give her all the Happiness that she so
richly deserves, May we live happily
together. the two of us and our
Kiddies if we are so blessed"
at this stage & feel Peg that I want
to take you away all to myself
perhaps to some new State, Queensland
or Western Australia, where we can
 

93

NOTES
7.6.42    SUNDAY (CONTINUED)    112TH DAY P.O.W.
settle down and live for one another
and our happiness and contentment
alone together with our Kiddies.
Oh mine own, This separation has
cost me dearly, I spend each and
every day in your arms, your photos
are always in and out of my wallet
and my day dreams are of our
future and our postponed honeymoon.
I know what you have gone through
and if my prayers are answered, and
never ever have I missed saying
them since I became a prisoner of
war you will still be possessed
of good faith and cheer in these your
most anxious days, but "chin up
and smile" for me would you noodle


"THOU WER'T MINE  SINCE TIME BEGAN

THOU MY BELOVED WOMAN, I THY MAN"


Reveille 0800. Our wedding Anniversary
day started with a tropical storm
blaring and raining.
washed and tidied up (yes I guess
you will have a domesticated Hubby
when he returns to you and then
breakfast at 0930 consisting of rice
meal, tea, one (1) biscuit.
 

 

94  
NOTES    
7.6.42   SUNDAY   (CONTINUED)    112TH DAY P.O.W.
Today, last year, do you remember our
drinks at Ushers, just you and I, (We
met Mrs Nolan) our dinner at Cahills
and you had an orchid and chocolates.
I can only today this year express as I
have done all my thoughts of you and
of us mine own, but am pressing
another frangipani bloom here, for to
we over here it is such a pure, white
and sweet bloom and to me that 

represents you.
If I am with you this time next year
Peg, I intend to have a plate of rice with
just everything I want on it, so as I will
be able to say, my first meal on our second
anniversary was plain rice by itself, what [[?]].
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, green stew
tea and one (1) piece of bread.
Played solo during the afternoon
Cec was playing cricket for the A.I.F.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, two (2)
biscuits, tea, ground wheat and pineapple
juice.
Played solo after tea again and then
sat and yarned, well mine own our
second wedding anniversary has
passed but wait till our third one
we will make it a grand one
won't we. Nothing else to relate mine
own. My prayers for you as usual
then shut eye.
 


95
NOTES
Reminder of events since leave Aussie

in case I forget them. These events being

up to this date except those diaried.


Farewell Sydney
Odds and ends - dice
Arrival Fremantle.

Train to Perth.

Depart Fremantle

Burial at sea - 2 days out

Convoy arrives Singapore
Torrential rain

Trucks to Au Soon

English Barracks  do.

Erecting tents

Scorpions, monkeys

Orchids

First leave to Singapore

Buying excursion

Anzac Buffet

Rickshaw trip

Camp to Taupin

Trip by utility

Taupin camp

Chinese Picture show

Harvest festival

Tiger shot

Swallows

Leave to Kuala Lumpar

Transfer to Audit staff

Station hotel Damiers

Dance at Majestic

Dance at Eastern

Canteen in camp

Dugouts

Midnight (Japor bay)

Alex McBean

Brian Badgery

Camp to Buklt Tunah

(Holland Road)

Frangipani, Camelias

Will for tong purposes

Deugue 10 AGH , Mt Rosa

Shelling and Bombing

Con Depot

Departure ( hurried)

Katang - call depot

Cathay Theatre. Singapore

Shelling and Bombing

Incidents in and

around Cathay

Shell through roof of

theatre.

Flats left in a hurry

Meals in Cathay

Capitulation 19.2.42

Marches to Prison Camp

Changie

Diary now covers

the rest of events.

Tobacco manufacturing.

Scrounging.
 

 

96
NOTES

8.6.42     MONDAY    113TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Tonged and had a shave. am to see
the M.O again this morning.
Breakfast 0900 consisted of rice meal, pea
meal, tea and one (1) biscuit
Deported RAP. Am To have another five
133 days on the sick list, given another
supply of tablets (yeast).
Furphy has it that we are still going
home.
Played [[Jed?]] crib this morning and
Cec came back from a gardening party
having scrounged two (2) coco-nuts,
two (2) guavas and a few pieces of
sugar cane. 
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, green
stew, tea and one (1) piece of bread. after
dinner Cec and I had a piece of sugar
cane each and was it good
played solo in the afternoon and
read and yarned until tea
1800 consisting of rice meal, green
stew, two (2) biscuits and tea.
Meat came into night so tomorrow
we should see a meat stew.
Played solo after tea again and
then yarned and to bed. Another
very oppressive night. Nothing else
to relate mine own, my prayers for
you as usual. Then shut eye.
 

97

NOTES
9.6.42      TUESDAY     114TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Showered and then breakfast at 0900
consisting of rice meal, pea meal, tea
and one (1) biscuit.
Cracked one of the young coconuts and
had the jelly and milk. We had to
furnish a list of surplus kit which we
cannot carry on a march, last night
so a camp move is immenent.
Played solo before lunch with some
other invalids, read and had a
chat with AG de L , also plucked
a few wild gooseberries.
Dinner 1300 consisted of rice, stew (the
best stew we have had, I actually got
a piece of meat too, as big as a 2/- piece)
tea and one (1) piece of bread. Also
cigarettes (10) today instead of next friday.
Played solo in the afternoon, Alex Wertz
called about 1600, we sat smoked and
talked for about an hour then. he
went back to Con. Depot.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, ground
wheat, tea, biscuits and one (1) rissole
(extra good) Concert in our area
tonight, quite good.
Yarned till dusk. Nothing else to
relate mine own.  My prayers for
you as usual; then shut eye.
 

 

98
NOTES
10.6.42     WEDNESDAY     115TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Shaved and showered, feeling much better
last night again an oppressive one, I
sat after saying my prayers, my head
on my kines, thinking of loving and
wanting you ever so much.
Breakfast 0900 consisted of rice meal,
pea-meal (I give Cec PM and he gives
me his ground wheat), one (1) biscuit,
Tea, and Cec and self had a cup of
coco-nut milk on our rice.
Heard this morning that we are to have
purchasing canteen rights and the
Japs one paying N.C.OS. $4 (1/9) per month
(out of which $1 (2/11) is deducted for
rent cook houses, so going home
furphy is temporally wiped.
Went down to  M.0 to collect a couple
of days supply of yeast tablets.
Called in and saw Stan W, had
just returned from Salt water party,
he gave me day a coco-nut.
Spent the rest of the morning giving
a hand in the office.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice,
vegetable stew, tea and one (1) piece
of bread, Cec is playing cricket
again this afternoon- Played solo
on the tables in the sun until
 

99  
NOTES

10.6.42    WEDNESDAY (CONT'D)     115TH DAY P.O.W.
1745 then tea at 1800 consisting of
burnt rice meal, pineapple juice, tea
and two (2) biscuits.
We have our yeast now at 1700 and
does it give one an appetite.
Played solo after tea until dusk and
then to bed, another very oppressive
night. Nothing else to relate mine
own, my prayers for you as usual
then shut eye
 

 

100    NOTES
11.6.42      THURSDAY      116TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
showered and then breakfast at- 0900
consisting of rice meal, pea meal, tea
and one (1) biscuit.
RAP and collected another supply of
yeast tablets. We believe we are now
going to be paid and have access
to a canteen, I wonder
Read and played solo until 1330
then dinner consisting of rice,
green stew, tea and one (1) piece of bread.
Played solo again in the afternoon
until yeast parade 1700 then
shaved and showered and knocked
down a couple of milk nuts (green
coco-nuts
Tea 1800 consisted of rice, green
stew, two (2) biscuits and tea
am feeling fit but am still on
the sick list.
I have a slight rash on my chest
( I always was a hairy brute), it is
a heat rash I think, but in any
case I will see the M.O. in. the
morning
Played solo for a while after tea and
then Cec and I went for a short stroll
(my first) nothing else to relate mine
own my prayers for you as usual
then shut eye.
 

101
NOTES
12.6.42      FRIDAY   117th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800
Showered and then Breakfast at 0900
consisting of rice meal, pea-meal, tea
and one (1) biscuit
Saw the MO, this morning am now
on D.7  (seven (7)  days light. duty).
Had a haircut and shower during
the morning and chatted with a
chap about Pastoral accounting (ex
Capt Packham).
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, green stew
one (1)  piece of bread and tea
Lt dealy and self went around to
the canteen this afternoon and did
same auditing, a canteen is going
to function from tomorrow and
we are going to be paid (N.C.0. $3 per
month) tomorrow.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal,
pineapple juice, tea, ground wheat
and two biscuits.
After tea Cec and I strolled around
to see Beau at Educ Centre, I was
after a couple of fountain pens
for auditing. Struck Stan W. Reg.
and Harry Laugley on our way
back, yarned and then returned
to building, Nothing else to relate
mine own. My prayers for you
As usual, then shut eye.
 

 

OUR 1ST PAY-DAY AS P.O.W.

102   
NOTES
13.6.42     SATURDAY     118TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Showered and then breakfast at
0900 consisting of nice meal, pea-meal,
tea and one (1) biscuit. Opened a milk nut
and had same milk on our meal, it
gives added flavour at least to the
meal.
We were paid at 1000 (three Japanese
dollars). I gave a hand in collecting orders
for the canteen,
Cec and I purchased two (2) tins of
pineapple cubes and two (2) tins of
herrings in tomato sauce, two (2)
ripe coco-cuts and two (2) packets
of cigarette papers, pineapple cost-
35 cts per tin, herrings 65 cents, nuts
5cts and cig papers 10 cents. we
are like school kids now.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice
tea, green stew and one (1)
piece of bread.
We understand that todays pay of $3
is for the month of May and from
1.6.42 we are to receive 10 cents (3d)
per day payable every ten (10) days
(whacko if it is correct).
Played solo until 1630 and then
had a shower and a clean up
yeast parade at 1700 and then
 

103
NOTES
13.6.42    SATURDAY (CONTN'D)    118TH DAY P.O.W.
read and yarned to Ag de L for a while
Tea (a gala meal) 1800 consisted of
roasted rice meal, a rissole, two  (2)
cheese biscuits and a cup of tea
a went for a stroll after tea and climbed
a cashew nut tree and got some
nuts (the nut grows on the extremity
of the fruit.
Came back to building yarned and
then bed. Nothing else to relate mine
own. my prayers for you as usual
then shut eye.


Jinsen P.O.W.C
30 July. 1943.
Alex
I'm writing this on "our"
bed in Jinsen Prison Camp; in
the hope that when you read it
you will have a pint of beer in
your hand and an early prospect
of seeing Peg.
When you read this we
shall have parted - perhaps for
ever, though I hope not. You
and I were great, pals. Our
friendship was born in adversity
and will continue in prosperity.
my wish for you is the same
as for myself -  Home soon &
a long life with the wife.
Your friend Jack.
 

 

104
NOTES
14.6.42     SUNDAY     119TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Raining cats and dogs, showered etc
and grated some coco-nut for breakfast
Breakfast consisted of rice meal, tea,
pea-meal and one (1) biscuit.
Poured coconut milk on the rice meal
and added same ground coco nut, 
gave the rice a good, flavour
Drain sweeping this morning and
then collected some more cashew nuts
for a chew. Stan Wiley was cooking
a rice plum pudding this morning
as an experiment. Read a cowboy
yarn and then dinner at 1330 consisted
of rice, green stew, tea and one (1)
piece of bread.
after lunch Stan, Bob Leslie and self
went collecting cashew nut fruits (Cec
is playing cricket today) Got quite a
few (ants in our pants) called at
canteen, then home for yeast
parade 1700. Showered and
played solo until 1800. Tea
consisted of rice meal, pineapple,
tea, ground wheat two (2)  biscuits
After tea Cec and I went down to
Stan's and played solo until dusk
nothing else to relate mine own. My
prayers for you as usual then
shut eye
 
105
NOTES
15.6.42   MONDAY    120TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
shaved and showered and then breakfast
at 0900 consisting of rice meal, pea meal
tea and one  (1)  biscuit added some
ground coco-nut again to our meal.
commenced auditing his morning
and worked until 1300, during. the
morning, my book-keeping pupil came
around and I gave him an hour
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, green stew
(water) and tea note No BREAD. so
we opened a tin of herrings between 3.
More auditing in the afternoon until
afternoons tea 1600, Then played
solo until yeast parade 1700.
Cec and I then had a shower
Tea 1800 consisted of rice, tea
stewed pineapple (small helping)
and two (2) date pasties, whacko
HUghie Mcleod lent me a book
"of Human Bondage! in exchange
for my copy of "San michele"
lay awake for hours mine own, thinking
hoping and planning for us, oh if
only I could learn, how you are, where
you are, that is my one worry, so
earnestly each night T. ask God. to
"give you courage, faith and good
cheer" .  Nothing else to relate  mine
own. My prayers for you as usual
then shut eye.
 

 

106 
NOTES
16.6.42    TUESDAY    121ST DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Showered and then breakfast at 0900
consisting of rice meal (toasted.) pea
-meal, tea and one (1) biscuit, poured
some grated coco-nut over the rice again.
auditing again this morning until
1200 then polished my boots and shoes
Stan has been offered the job of
ac our cook house, but do not know
if it will came off or not
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, stew
one (1) biscuit and tea & pkt of cigarettes.
Auditing until 1600 with agdeh
then afternoon tea. Cec went around
to ordnance to get his repaired
boots. I went around to the canteen
with Agdeh to pick up unit orders,
but nothing doing.
Came back to unit at 1700, had
yeast issue is see and played solo
until 1800. Raining cats and dogs
Excellent tea consisting of rice
meal, pineapple juice, tea, one (1)
biscuit and two (2) fish rissoles.
Raining after tea, no concert, so
played solo again until dusk.
nothing else to relate mine own
all prayers for you as usual, then
shut eye.
 

107

NOTES
17.6.42       WEDNESDAY    122ND DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
showered and then grated another one
our coco.nuts. Breakfast 0900 consisted
of rice meal, pea-meal, tea and one
(1) biscuit, had grated coco-nut on our
rice.
Spent the morning auditing with agdeh
and then dinner at 1330 which consisted
rice, green stew, tea and one (1)
biscuit.
Auditing again in the afternoon
on and off Afternoon tea 1800 and
yeast parade 1700. Tea 1800 consisted
of rice, pork stew (we got a pig), two
biscuits and Cec and I opened a
tin of pineapple between us, whacko
a good tea.
Went gathering cashew nuts for
half an hour in the afternoon, got
quite a few. Gave Stan the nuts to
cook. After tea I grated some more
coconut and then Cec, and I called
on Stan. We went over to the canteen
met Alex and Doug, bought a Katty
of pea-nuts, 25 cents, then went to the
concert, just started and a storm
finished it, Played solo in Stan's
room until 2130, then to bed. Nothing
else to relate mine own my prayers
for you as usual, then shut eye.
 

 

108  
NOTES
18.6.42     THURSDAY     123RD DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Showered and shaved and then
breakfast at 0900 consisting of rice
meal, pea meal, tea, one (1) biscuit and
grated coconut.
Did some more auditing this morning
went our to the canteen to do a spot
of auditing but to busy, so came
back and Cec and I did a spot
of work here, till agdeh gave
Cec a spell.
Dinner consisted of rice (nosey) tea,
stew greens and one (1) biscuit.
Cigarettes for pale at 1415. @  10 cents
for a packet of ten today.
Went over to the canteen again with
Cec and Barney, showed them a
couple of books and then I came
back to our building. Played solo
until 1600, Alix and Doug came around
we had afternoon tea and yarned till
1700 then Cec and I walked part of the
way back with them and got some
cashew nut fruits, Alex is going to
experiment. Showered and then tea
at 1800 consisting of rice meal, soup; tea
and two raisin pasties, Cec and I went
down to Stan's, roasted and ate some cashew
nuts (excellent). Played solo and Stan gave us
supper consisting of tea, rissole, pie and bread
we went back to our building at 2200 feeling
like Kings. nothing else to relate mine own. My
prayers for you as usual then shut eye.
 

109   
NOTES

19.6.42    FRIDAY    124TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800.
Showered and then breakfast at 0900 consisting of
rice meal  (toasted) milk (ex canteen funds) tea, one (1)
biscuit, pea-meal, and our own grated coco-nut
(a bit high). Discovered this morning that I have
lost a filling from one of my back Teeth, I do
not think anything can be done about it, but
am going to make inquiries.
Reported to wo about my berri-berri, now
oh mine own and I walked over to He
dental unit about my tooth, am to go
on Monday morning next week. Met Brian
on the way back and had a chat. Also
gave my pupil a book keeping lesson
for an hour whilst waiting for the doctor
Auditing with agL until 1330 then dinner
consisting of rice, stew (gravy) greens, tea
and one (1)  biscuit. Auditing again in
the afternoon till 1700 then yeast parade.
Played solo until 1800 then tea
consisting of rice meal, stew, rissole
and tea. Shifted seats and table for
concert at our building, played
solo until concert started 1715 then
enjoyed it. Went for a stroll afterwards

 and then to bed. Nothing else
to relate mine own. My prayers
for you as usual then shut eye.
 

 

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