Diary of Alexander Roland Campbell Johnstone, 1942-1943 - Part 6

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

Page 1 / 10

LFFER PAY NOTES 110 POW SORDE 20.63 &nulli 0800. Shavid and slavered weaeto, today we have been given a said to write cuet crssage on to our wext of Rum. we are all kneled naturally we can only more or less write what we are told, but i will be a relief for you to know by letter card how we were on such a date. We are only allowed are card so have written ine as NYDAREING WIEE LAM APRISONER O WA, IVE AN INAN VE. Hirmy Movours Aae e. eact Ano Evcay DAY MY FONDESL PE. L MHER KNnAAD AIVE HER MY LOUE. HORE ALL SDFE AND WELI ALEX That expresses all my feilieegs wethin the limts of our message. Ah wine ower I hope you get it soon and that you can read between the lines of my wusing you, wanting you and living you, thro up and smile (we are not accowed to write any phrase like that I have a feeling that our re-uuiin wele take peace soon and thei Pug, we can make up a Housandfold for our being separated, you cieed & for hapry days NOTES 20.6.43 Breakfast consisted of burnt rece and rece ueal, tea, pea-meal and ouetof bercin (not the lenst o crarasto) spent the morning anditing after had taken tirty cnventes (30) to write my letter. Dinver at 1330 consisted of me, sew greens 3 bismt state ouer) and tea. tried same blatchan paste on my in and was compilled to Loist the rest of it down the refuse hell, luckily bee was off his tucker and I had half. 7 his Played solo during ke afternoon and Ken tea at 1800 consisting of recimeal, custard (36eggs ex cautan between 100 veer and what a change), two (3) small raisi parties and tea. After tea we went for a neack to the cauteen, bec, Stan, Hirt and self. Bought two Br. cigan A Scts each and then saw the concert again. A chap has "drawn 30 (twenty) s Ketches of Chauge subjects and is taking orders at thirty shas per set I ordered mut and gave hun my addresse I dope that when this busiecess is over, tey turn up; they are excellact. an our way bask from the coucert we buad and ten had toasted £ ten bed No) to rilate g dynayers for you as
NOTES 36t PAY P.O.W. 6C Reaulle 0800. Shewered and then breakfast at 0930 cousisting rue meal, pea-uical, tea and oneby besant O for bacon and eggs I inished the hovrowed Roar OF HUAIAN DONDALE N.S moundy and toroughey enjoyed it. Cat up ane cigon with razor beade and nxed it with the rest of my tohaceo. Auditing wit agail witil 1200, then were down to Stan's and boiled all my clothes except my sox, also washed a couple of tawels for bee, who played ericket today. Had a toug and then dinner at 1320 consisting of rice Cursey), stan, two (2) lrants and tea. At dinier time. I was enjormed: I was on the palk water party at 1450. Ilew down to Sans, rused and dung up my clo this to dry and then off on the salt water party. Ded not have a surm, bu tried to get some coco- uith, got one myself and bought three B for 10ct dear, but they are a eadt god send, also purchased 10 chwese eakes a one O) cuct each, they were excellant. A man would not sat them in cwelian life, but then we ouer here are not cuverleaces so thats that NOTEE 126t OAYP.OM 46H2 SoNO went down to Saus on my way back, had my uup y afternoon tea and then collected my washing and had a toug (two tougs and a shower today what a thill a lot bath well be when the opportunity presents itself, a man will need a dozen twitz ish baths to get clean again). Bead and natched a solo fur until tea at 1800, year parade at 1700. Fea consisted of rui ueal, cocont grated in is own week, two slies of poh cake and ten Played Dolo after tea, Cec arrived back from cricket at 1330 and then had her tea, went for a stoll, youred to Stan and thur came back to our building nothing else to relate mure own my prayers for you as usual, there shut ey-
114 NOTES 127th PrY RON MONG 22.6. 42 Renneer 6800. Shewered and shaved, then very leavy rain before breanast. bec grated half a cois ant for breakfast at 0900 which consisted of me (not meal), pea meal, ten and anbiscint Had grated coco unt on the riil. Spink the morning auditing Dunver 1330 counrted of rue Cuosey, green, stene, tea and one 9 biscuit Did not go to the dentest in the morning on accau of tee ran ber was put on rations this afternoon, to arty square with trailw, weat and aigarettes came in so tomorrow shoued be a good day. Auditing again in the afternoon witht 1550 gave cy beck kaping pupil an hour, had afternoon tea and then played solo wntil tea 1800. yeass parade at 1700 and whele we plaged solo, duk terms on the lawn was in progress, Tea canisted of rue ucal, grated soco-iet, twoby psts cakes, onegbiscut and ten Dasked oner to the cantern and boughto fourt princappiles (a 10cens ea and a botle of Soya sance 45 cuto also three () agars in the black market for a Gach. Called in on San and played solo, had supper, tea and puce of parti, coconet bucint and one of our pursapples. Asking als to relate mens awen, hy prayers for you as ucal ten sbut eye NOTES 23643 TDESD 128th DAY FON Hinelle 0800 Raining cats and dogn, so ber and Irhavered under the draie pipe. Briakast 0900 consisted of re weal, peameal, tea and one biscuit Stan gave Oe and I a small loaf of suad last aigh so we had a piece of brad and two (s stries of puccapple as well Baming cats and dogs again, so well try the dentort tomorrow. Anditing by myself antil 100, agoet, Oe and Barney were over at the canter andiing, shaved, and then read till dine 1330 which censired of ruicuosey) gravy greens, one biscent and pht of ergarites. bee and I puushed off our bread ex Stan. Auditing again with Aljde L, until 1700 atternoon tee at 1600 then yeasl parade at 1700. Played solo util 1800 then tea consisting of rice (uosey), grave and two ()pasties and teaCrialmeaty parties) dery evercast all day and a bit ckeely, have had a phort on all day Down to Stans with bec after tea, played 500 and Stan repaired a gramophoue, we then lis eveed to senval records. All my thoughts were of you in vey arms anne suem,what would I give to be with you. ohIug I pray to God to posen you of good faith, courage and a stoat heart Came back to our bilding at2200 AoKinga to reats iie owe, my prayin for you as usual then shut eye
NOTES 116 BARDRYPON 2642 EAESSN Railli 0800. apueday, showered, grated cocont and then breakjast at 0900 counsting of burit nee weal, pea-ical, one O biscuit, tea and grated coco-weet. Auditing this morning with A Gac L again until dinner 1330 which consisted of rice, grav green, tea and such biscuit. very extravagant morning, suoked three half eigaretter; must have thought it was duas Day Ca up a purcapple after dinner; but bee and I both agree that Malayan pruopples are not as good as aurtialian. auditing again with agae f, until 1700. Afternoon tea and yeast parade at-1600 and 1700, then played solo until 1800 ea consisted of ground rere Cruce uical, grated cocout and week Carmy issue) wo psh sen and tea bee and I went donen to Stans and then ouer to a diserted building and cooked levring rissoles and puccapple rissiles we are them straight off the top of the stove, Weet back to Stant and had same gramophoue ceusic, I dwceloped a seris of pains in the turnney, so came have to beed, felt quite of then after being on my back, nothing else to relate we own aly prayers for you as usual thew shut eife 11 NOTES 256.42 HCCOR 130th DAYPO Gwulle 0800 ghaved and showered, grated coco-uut and then breakjast at 0900 consisting of rie weal pea-uical, tea and grated coco-unt (uote (us bsant this morning) auditing with aggait again this moning until dinner tume. 1330. Dunner consisted of me, gree, gravy and ten (uok no bescet thes meal either). Furnst tell you about the drazan feus over here, thy are all colours of the raihou, especially at our toug in the late afternoon auditing again until afternoon tea 1600 ten watched and scorld for bee in a solo your wite pa. 1800. usal yeart parade at 1700. Fea courited of rue meal, two biscuits, tex and oue.G) tire of pureapple between thie of us. Purchased 38 agareter B8cts), 10 sherroots (40 for 35cents) and oue 01pl of cigarete paper15 cents). The cherroots wen though Tey have weards wo kim lyes we get weavels in every king over here, that is where we get our meat ctamen from) but make a good out up smoke balled i on San and bec and I weet to to the concert. Came back to Staus had a cup o hea and played a few records, then to beo uoking else to relate wim wwere. ane inshe cal mayers for you as it
118 NOTES 1310FDAY P-ON 26.6.42 FRIPAY Banlli 0800 showored and then breakfast at 0900 consisting of nice weal, one as bescit and tea, we had grated coco-wet on our iial bee did the coco wet grating this monig auditing again this morning untie 1300 Insidentally working wnth agde & auditing is an easy past ture, we certainly are not over working oursclues Dinner 1350 cemisted of rise, serring same, ea greens and oue 67 bisaut. bec, Clarrie and sey spened one of ourtis of sardines as well on the strength of another pay- day tomarrow, so let us hope it is correct, it will be a gid seid Auditug at Cauteen with agae L; this aternoon, bough one o) poied of dates o 5 cents. Returned to unit 1650, had atternoon tea and then played solo wnte-tea 1800 year parade. 1700 Tea consisted of rue, soup, one date pary, two biscuits and ten, bee pened a cocount so we had coco-wit wiek and sance dates on our rece, so you can see that for our last Two a) weals we have fared very well, Played soloweth ose after tea until dust then for a stroll, called in on Stan and sat in the mooclight until 3315 and egained noking dre to recate mine wre my prayers for you as usual, tin shut eye OTR LND PAY DAY HS. P.O.W 119 NOTES 13Zud PAYPON SArURDA 376.17 Bineilli 0800. Believe it or not Irhaned and cleaned my teeth before reveilli and then had a shower, He reasor liing the cnorquitos at the trug, they nearly eat you alive and I do not want another dose of dengue (there is quite a lot of it about) Breakfast consested of rice ueal, peaweal, tea and sue ) beseut and we had "grated coco-wet on our rice-weal. auditing again with agdit wite dinner time. Dunnr 1330 consisted of ne, terring sance qeens, tea and one O biscuit. Saltwater fatigue has been cancelled daily "and is told by the Japs that there has been three (3rcases of cholera due to using the s.w, I sincerely hope that it is wrong Payparade 1445, rec's received $1.50 (one deceas and ply rents) hovent as yet plawued how Saugoing to spend it. bee and I went dowe to Etans for the afternoon and played solo whl tea 1800l cause back to our building at 1700 to collect our years) Tea 1300 consisted of rie weal, puit- symp, tea, one O biscent and two fish cakes Played solo unil 2030 and then went for our usual uightly stroll, it was a perfect full icon and to sand on our Calcony
120 NOTES B3nd DAY P.O.N SARRDN 27643 facing te sea rung with coco-wit-palms and a silver stan on the occan, one perds it lard to realise that we are in a prison can. bic and I had a showeer about 3500 in the inconlight as it was very Rot. Of cere how you fill all my thoughts, I think of you every wremt, wondering where you are and what you are doing, you are always wit me in sirit. lloking alse to relate mine owr, I nicrely hope that our separation does not east long enough to enable me 5 write many more pager in this my il kept Corint) deary by mayen for you as usual, my darling weife, then shut eye 1211 NOTES 133rdDNYP0D 23-643 Senpa Baneli 0800 Sowered and then breakfast at 0930 counsting of rixecucal tea, pea mial, one biscent and I grated soue coco ct for our rice ncal Did some wasking until 1100, ther auditing again with agaiLuntil 1230, all the building was washed out this morning to de-bug. Read until dnnier time 1330 dinner consisted of ne, gieens, fish same, tea and one leisent. bee is playing crecte again today with the A.T.&. Played solo after dinner until 1600 Atternoon tea at 1600, years parade ab 1700. Alex came around about 1530 and sat along side me whilst we played solo, he left about 1730 after a deluge of rain Yea consisted of rice, tea, freit june twoo biscents and one 1 pasy (date find the dates). went for a strell and then bee and I called in on Stan, we played 500 on the cement floor (it is always lot) in the insouliget a perfect full wear and not a cloud) Caine back to our building at 3215. noting use to relate iine awe. all my mayers for you as usual then shut eye
122 NOTES 134th pry P.O.M MonDA 27642 Rencilli 6800. staved and showered and then break ast at 0900 cousisting of rice mial, rea-weat, one 110 biscuit; tea and our oven grated soco-cnt. It is eleven (11) mon ths today since I left you wie own and to me it has been eleven years, but you will be repaid a thousandy old, you and I well get all the sappiness possible out of life after our peunion It is raining cate and dags again, but went over to the dentst this morning and got any toot fixed, it was only a puce of enamel of, not a filling out, it is gust as well decause they have no filling material available. as work this morning s. I read till duiner tuie. Denver 1330 coussted of rice greens fiom sauce, tea and one o1 biscuet. Hagae L our cooks were unnoculated today against that dreaded disease cholera, at this stage they are only innoculating those handling fod, ber being on the rice guuding fatigue was also done, I am hoping that I can get it, I would certainly like t and I believe we are will eventually when the serum is available, Had a hair cut during the afternoon and played sols untl tea at 1800 12 NOTES HONPAYCCONTINVED) 134HDNYRO 39-623 to yeast porade to day and bec and I (believe it or not) bought 10 ten coro. wits pour canteen, Staw gave us one O last night and he is trying to buy six 6) for us through his west order, so Regais ghast we will have enough coco. un to east us for weeks (seventant). Tea consisted of rie weal(very eight) saya samce, tea, two ) biscuits and one a1 small rie cale or ball Playes welo after Ex, Stan came up and aaust bee and I waiked back with hin, had a cup of ten and pieked up another five (3) cocounts (gave Staw oned and came back to bed. Had a chat in the mooutight with a Gds Ly until 1100 then beed loking else to relate mene sivce, ace vey prayers for you as usual then shup eye
124 NOTES 135th 7AY P.O.W. 386-42 16 Janieli 0800 haved before evelle (to n the iosquites) showered grated same coca cnt then breakfost at 0900 consisting of rue weal (ligat wine du to ouordrawing of ration) pee neal, ten and ie a biscuit, had grated coco-wet on our rui nal Coe and Thouga a nati of peasuts each the morning (shelled) for sscents, we intered to reas sen. A rate of weight is about ove and a third Cs (1B Anditing again this morning with Agact wtl dinws tine 1330. Boasted my pea-writs during the morning and again and seyf ats pea-unto and audited Denver 13o consisted of me, greens, gravey, bicent and tea. an exhemily Lot day today I feel like something the cat brought in Auditing again with aggde t this afteroon Afternion tea at 1600, year parade at 1700 at which tine dec and I watched a solo your and then had a slower before tex at 1800 which consisted of rice decal, tea, and a party weat pee in a berring ti, bee and I also had grated coco-unt on our rue meal Te my name in for a criefet mach to be played see juday, I would like 125 NOTES 30:6:113 135tp DAY P.OW TUESUNYCCON to get againe bee and I played solo after tea wetl 3000 at which ture agde of and self went around to the cauteen to take stock (oo.0.40) Returned to building at 3500. Nothing else to relate nime sion ay prayers for you as usual, thensdut eye
126 NOTES 136pDRY P.O.N NEENESPRY 1742 Renellli 0300. Jineny Britz early this morning. About 0630 great air activity and at 0745 three B) Ruge flying boats went over our camp. Showered and then breakfst at 0900 consisting of relreduced quantity), tea, pea-meal and ave (Obissu, grated pra wuts and coco nut Couvenen Yesterday we got our pea anto poarted and I ane agraid Leuir ate te darnied things, heure the J.Bs tis morning Staektaking again at caneer this morning with agdef counting eggs, wighing fish i esturned to building at 1130 and andiing again until dinner 1330 consisting of rice (smac quantity), greens, fish sance and teo. anditng with agai o again this afternoon autil 1600, therr afternoon tea and no more work for the rest of the day Played acto untl 1745 (year parade at 1700) and Henten consisting of me weat, picaple junce, two to fish cales, tea and our own grated cocount tibed out gave of solo after tea- al 1900 then san w came up and we listened to of becture by Brig. Taylor on Malayan campaign, walked back wira Ean and had a cup atea, talked wt 3130 then back to our building. Aoting else to relae annown all ay prayers for you as usual then shut eye 121 NOTES 22:0: THPRERL 137t UAY PON Genulli 8800. shaved byon revuele again this monning sowered and gatd same cocount, then breakjast at 0900 consiring of me weal pea-uical, ten tusts besouts and grated cocoun anditing with agdot again this morning wnte 1330 Ken dinner consisting of oue small spoon of ne Cuosey), grees, soup one biscut and tea, let in hope we can dang out hee towight. Anditing again this afternoon with agaity ute 1700. Afternoon ten at 1600 year parade at 1700, then after watching a gaine of solo, bee and I went down for a tong. Tea at 1800 cousisted of ne weal (this tie a reasonable issue) tea, three () biscuct, puercapple jurce and we had our care graved coco unt, so all kings leing considered, I really enjoyed vy ueal tugh. & scored for a polo four until 1900. Stan we came up and he, sec and self watched the coucert from our balcouy. After the concert weel for a shell and joined by Harry Lougay we sat on the middle of the road and discussed the war ntuations, bee and I bought 25 cents worth of pepper touigat noting else to relate anie onere. Mly prayers for you go usual, then slut eye
128 NOTES 473 23th 24Y P.O N FRP Quuuilli 0800 Slowered and ken buakfast at 0900 consrting of rie weal, piameal, tea, one o tiscint and grated cocoun. (Ow did the grating). auditing again this morning with agait untl B00. Early dnnier pday 100 on account of the cricket watch PAY V HUDIT, FSCHCLON and POSTAD. Duncer 1300 consised of rue, greens, gravy, me bt and ta, tried some ripper on our rice and stew, it was excullant on the ucal. went over to collect the cruce gear at1545 we reayed on H. a ground, hut the weate down (wsiels for stumps) and our team won by 91 to 36. I made two (37, last latoman in and weaketlept, bee captained our side, so we were all pleased with our nctory. The match pcuvited at 700, so we came back to our building, showered and then teo at 1800 couritig oriimcal, tea, one of biscnt and a ti wcat pee(in a pardine tee) and grated oscount on our ne necal bee and I played solo until dusk, then went for our neightly stroll, ceet Stan and yarned and caun back 1o our building at 3130. Uoking elx to relate cme ouce, my prayers for you as usual then sheet eye 120 NOTES 1oth HAY-ROM £:7:42 SATHEPD Beveilli 0800 shaved and showered and oh gorl aur I stipf from yesterday, I feel as if I have sorri-berri in every jaint, Breakfark at 0900 consisted of nue wcal (watery and ust too much), pea nical, tea and two B bixents. bee did "the corount gratng this morning so tat cmproved the briakfast a bit auditing again with agdit until annu time 1350, dinner consisting of rie, giens tex, onea biscut and pepper. As work this afernoon, played solo willl 1800 Afternoon tea at 1600 and year parade at 1700. Tea 1000 consisted of ne neal, custard (aggs and condunsed wick), two takes and oned biscuit and tea, grated coconet also made it very appetising. I inished a book today "The Patrio" by Pearl S. Buck, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have often icont to say tat our regular sologanies (even though the cards are like soiled paper) wake a great twie occupier, and bee and I always play in the same four (4). Stan, Cec and I listereed to a talk by Capt unthell entitled shring around the world and thoroughly enjoyed at; went or a stroll and thin to bed. loking else to relate mine aven. My prayers for you as usual, then shut eye

LETTER DAY

 

110

20.6.42                  SAATURDAY                 125th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille  0800.

Shaved and showered , whacko, today we

have been given a card to write one (1)

message on to our next of kin.  We

are all thrilled.  Naturally we can only

more or less write what we are

told, but it will be a relief for you

to know by letter card how we were 

on such a date.  We are only allowed 

 one card so have written mine

as:

MY DARLING WIFE.

I AM A PRISONER OF WAR, UNINJURED, AND FIT AND WELL.

ALL MY THOUGHTS ARE OF YOU EACH AND EVERY DAY.

MY FONDEST LOVE PEG. LET MOTHER KNOW AND

GIVE HER MY LOVE. HOPE ALL SAFE AND WELL

ALEX.

 

That expresses all my feeling within

the limits of our message.  Of  mine own

I hope you get it soon and that you

can read between the lines of my

missing you, wanting you and loving

 you, "chin up and smile"  (we are

not allowed to write any phrase like that).

I have a feeling that our re-union will

take place soon and then, Pug, we

can make up a thousandfold for our

being separated, "you and I for

happy days".

 

 

 

20.6.42      SATURDAY (contd)     125th DAY P.O.W.

 

Breakfast consisted of burnt rice and rice

meal, tea, pea-meal and one (1) biscuit

(not the best of breakfasts).

Spent the morning auditing after I

had taken thirty minutes (30) to write

my letter.

Dinner at 1330 consisted of rice, stew,

greens & biscuits (stale ones) and tea.

tried some blatcham paste on my rice

and was compelled to hoist the rest of

it down the refuse hole, luckily Bec

was off his tucker and I had half of

his.

Played solo during the afternoon and

then tea at 1800 consisting of rice meal,

custard (36 eggs ex canteen between 100

men and what a change), two (2) small

raisin pasties and tea.

After tea we went for a walk to the

canteen, Bec, Stan, Herb and self.  Bought

two (2) cigars @ 5cts each and then

saw the concert again.  A chap has

drawn 20 (twenty) sketches of Changi

subjects and is taking orders at

thirty shgs per set.  I ordered mine

and gave him my address, I hope

that when this business is over, they

turn up, they are excellent, on our

way back from the concert, we

had toasted bread and tea at Stan's

Then bed nothing else to relate mine own

[?] prayers for you as usual, then shut eye.

 

 

 

112

21.6.42            SUNDAY                126th DAY P.O.W.

Reveille 0800

showered and then breakfast at 0930 consisting

rice meal, pea-meal, tea and one (1) biscuit

Oh for "bacon and eggs"

finished the borrowed book "OF HUMAN BONDAGE" W.S.

MAUGHAM and thoroughly enjoyed it. Cut up one cigar

with razor blade and mixed it with the rest of my

tobacco.

Auditing with a [A G de?] until 1200, then went

down to Stan's and boiled all my clothes

except my sox, also washed a couple of 

towels for Bec, who played cricket today.

Had a tong and then dinner at 1330

consisting of rice (uosey), stew, two (2)

biscuits and tea.  At dinner time I was

informed I was on the salt water

party at 1430.  Flew down to Stan's,

rinsed and hung up my clothes to

ry and then off on the salt water

party.  Did not have a [?], but

tried to get some coco-nuts, got one

myself and bought three (3) for 10cts

each b_________ dear, but they are a 

god send, also purchased 10 chinese

cakes @ one (1) cent each, they were

excellant.  A man would not ear

them in civilian life, but then we

over here are not civilians so

thats that.

 

 

 

21.6.42            SUNDAY            126TH DAY P.O.W.

 

Went down to Stan's on my way back,

had my cup of afternoon tea and

then collected my washing and had

a tong.  (two tongs and a shower today

what a thrill a hot bath will be, when

the opportunity presents itself, a man

will need a dozen turkish baths to

get clean again).  Rea and matched

a solo four until tea at 1800, yeast

parade at 1700.

Tea consisted of rice meal, coconut grated

in its own milt, two slices of fish cake

and tea.

Played solo after tea, Bec arrived back

from cricket at 1830 and then had his

tea, went for a stroll, yarned to Stan

and then came back to our building

nothing else to relate mine own. My

prayers for you as usual, then shut eye.

 

 

 

22.6.42            MONDAY                   127th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille  0800

Showered and shaved, then very heavy rain

before breakfast. Bec grated half a coconut

for breakfast at 0900 which consisted of

rice (not meal), pea-meal, tea and one (1) biscuit.

Had grated coconut on the rice.  Spent the

morning auditing.  Dinner at 1330 consisted of

rice (uosey), greens, stew, tea and one(1) biscuit.

Did not go to the dentist in the morning on account

of the rain.

Bec was put on rations this afternoon, to

Arty Square with trailer, meat and cigarettes

came in so tomorrow should be a good

day.

Auditing again in the afternoon until 1530,

gave my book keeping pupil and hour, had

afternoon tea and then played solo until

tea 1800.  Yeast parade at 1700 and while

we played solo, [?] [ter?] on the [law?]

was in progress.

Tea consisted of rice meal, grated coco-nut,

two (2) fish cakes, one (1) biscuit and tea.

Dashed over to the canteen and bought

four (4) pine apples @ 10 cents ea and a

bottle of soya sauce 45 cents also three (3)

cigars in the black market for a G each.

Called in on Stan and played solo, had

 supper, tea and piece of pastie, coconut biscuit

and one of our pineapples.  Nothing else

to relate mine [?]. My prayers for

you as usual then shut eye.

 

 

 

23.6.42             TUESDAY            128th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille  0800

Raining cats and dogs, so Bec and I showered

under the drain pipe.  Breakfast 0900 consisted

of rice meal, pea-meal, tea and one (1) biscuit.

Stan gave Bec and I a small loaf of bread last night,

so we had a piece of bread and two (2) slices of pineapple

as well.

Raining cats and dogs again, so will try the dentist

tomorrow.  Auditing by myself until 1200,

[Agde?], Bec and Barney were over at the canteen

auditing.  Shaved and then read till dinner

1330 which consisted of rice (uosey), gravy,

greens one biscuit and pkt of cigarettes. Bec

and I finished off our bread ex Stan.

Auditing again with Alyde L until 1700

afternoon tea at 1600 then yeast parade

at 1700.  Played solo until 1800 then tea

consisting of rice (uosey), gravy and two

(2) pasties and tea (real meaty pasties).

Very overcast all day and a bit chilly,

have had a shirt on all day.

Down to Stan's with Bec after tea, played

500 and Stan repaired a gramophone, we

then listened to several records.  All my

thoughts were of you in my [arves?] mine

own, what would I give to be with you.

Oh Pug, I pray to God "to possess you of

good faith, courage and a stout heart"

Came back to our building at 2200.  Nothing else

to relate mine [?]. My prayers for you

as usual. Then shut eye.

 

 

 

24.6.42              WEDNESDAY                   129th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille 0800

A fine day, showered, grated coco-nut and

then breakfast at 0900 consisting of burnt rice

meal, pea-meal, one (1) biscuit, tea and

grated coco-nut.

Auditing this morning with A Gae L again

until dinner 1330 which consisted of rice, gravy,

greens, tea and one (1) biscuit.

Very extravagant morning, smoked three half

cigarettes, must have thought it was Xmas Day

Cut up a pineapple after dinner, but Bec and 

I both agree that Malayan pineapples are not

as good as Australian.

Auditing again with A Gde L until 1700.

Afternoon tea and yeast parade at 1600

and 1700, then played solo until 1800

Tea consisted of ground rice (rice

meal), grated coco-nut and milk (army

issue), two fish slices and tea.

Bec and I went down to Stan's and then

over to a deserted building and cooked

herring rissoles and pineapple rissoles,

we ate them straight off the top of the

stove.  Went back to Stan's and had

some gramophone music, I developed a

series of pains in the tummy, so came

home to bed, felt quite OK then after

being on my back.  Nothing else to relate

mine own, My prayers for you as

usual then shut eye.

 

 

 

25.6.42             THURSDAY                         130th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille 0800

Shaved and showered, grated coco-nut and

then breakfast at 0900 consisting of rice meal,

pea-meal, tea and grated coco-nut (note

no biscuit this morning).

 

Auditing with AGach again this morning

until dinner time 1330.  Dinner consisted 

of rice, greens, gravy and tea (note no

biscuit this meat either).

I must tell you about the dragon flies over

here, they are all colours of the rainbow,

especially at our tong in the late afternoon.

Auditing again until afternoon tea

1600 then watched and scored for Bec

in a solo four until tea 1800. Usual

yeast parade at 1700.  Tea consisted of

rice meal, two biscuits, tea and one (1)

tin of pineapple between three of us.

Purchased 28 cigarettes (28cts), 10 cherroots

(40 for 25 cents) and one (1) pkt of cigarette

paper (15 cents).  The cherroots [?] though.

They have weavels in them (yes we get

weavels in everything over here, that

is where we get our meat vitamin from )

but make a good "cut up smoke".

Called in on Stan and Bec and I went to

to the concert.  Came back to Stan's had a cup

of tea and played a few records, the to bed.

Nothing else to relate mine own. My

prayers for you as usual then shut eye.

 

 

 

26.6.42                  FRIDAY                   131st DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille  0800

Showered and then breakfast at 0900

consisting of rice meal, one (1) biscuit

and tea, we had grated coco-nut on our meal.

Bec did the coco-nut grating this morning

Auditing again this morning until 1300.

Incidentally working with Agde L auditing is

an easy past time, we certainly are not over

working ourselves.

Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, herring sauce,

tea, greens and one (1) biscuit. Bec, clarrie and

self opened one of our tins of sardines as well

on the strength of another pay day tomorrow,

so let us hope it is correct, it will be a

god-send.

Auditing at Canteen with A Gde L this

afternoon, bought one (1) pound of dates

45 cents.  Returned to unit 1630, had

afternoon tea and then played solo

until tea 1800 yeast parade 1700.  Tea

consisted of rice, soup, one (1) date pastry,

two (2) biscuits and tea, Bec opened a

coconut so we had coco-nut milk

and sauce dates on our rice, so you

can see that for our last two (2) meals

we have fared very well.

Played solo with Bec after tea until dusk

then for a stroll, called in on Stan and

sat in the moonlight until 2215 and

[?].  Nothing else to relate mine own

My prayers for you, as usual, then shut eye.

 

 

OUR 2ND PAY DAY AS P.O.W.

27.5.42                    SATURDAY            132ND DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille  0800

 

Believe it or not, I shaved and cleaned my teeth

before revielle and then had a shower, the reason

being the mosquitoes at the tong, they nearly eat

you alive and I do not want another dose of 

dengue.  (there is quite a lot of it about).

Breakfast consisted of rice meal, pea-meal

tea and one(1) biscuit and we had

grated coco-nut on our rice-meal.

Auditing again with A Gde L until dinner

time.  Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, herring sauce,

greens, tea and one(1) biscuit.

Salt water fatigue has been cancelled daily,

as it is told by the Japs that there has been three

(3) cases of cholera due to using the s.w., I

sincerely hope that it is wrong.

Pay parade 1445, N.C.O's received $1.50 (one

dollar and fifty cents). haven't as yet planned

how I am going to spend it.

Bec and I went down to Stan's for

the afternoon and played solo until tea

1800 (came back to our building at

1700 to collect our yeast)

Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, fruit

syrup, tea, one (1) biscuit and two (2)

fish cakes.  Played solo until 2030 and

then wait for our usual nightly

stroll, it was a perfect full moon

and to stand on our balcony

 

 

120

27.6.42                SATURDAY (contd)              132 ND DAY P.O.W.

 

facing the sea ring with coco-nut palms

and a silver sheen on the ocean, one

finds it hard to realise that we are in a 

prison camp.

Bec and I had a shower about 2200

in the moonlight as it was very hot.  Oh

lassie how you fill all my thoughts, I

think of you every minute, wondering

where you are and what you are doing,

you are always with me in spirit.

Nothing else to relate mine own, I sincerely 

hope that our separation does not last

long enough to enable me to write

many more pages in this, my ill kept

(or not) diary.

My prayers for you as usual, my darling

wife, then shut eye.

 

 

28.6.42                  SUNDAY                    133rd DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille  0800

Showered and then breakfast at 0930 consisting

of rice meal, tea, pea-meal, one biscuit

and I grated some coco-nut for our rice

meal.

Did some washing until 1100, then auduting

again with AgdeL untill 1230 all the building

was washed out this morning to de-bug.

Read until dinner time 1220 dinner

consisted of rie, greens, fish sauce, tea

and one biscuit.  Bec is playing cricket

again today with the A.I.F.

Played solo after dinner until 1800

afternoon tea at 1600, yeast parade at

1700.  Alex came around about 1530

and sat alongside me whilst we

played solo, he left about 1730 after

a deluge of rain.

Tea consisted of rice, tea, fruit juice,

two (2) biscuits and one (1) pastry (date

-find the dates).

Went for a stroll and then Bec and I called

in on Stan, we played 500 on the cement

floor (it is always hot) in the moonlight.

(a perfect full moon and not a cloud).

Came back to our building at 2215.

Nothing else to relate mine own.

All my prayers for you as usual

then shut eye.

 

 

 

29.6.42                 MONDAY               134th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille 0800

 

Shaved and showered and then breakfast

at 0900 consisting of rice meal, pea-meal,

one (1) biscuit; tea and our own grated

coco-nut.  It is eleven (11) months tody since

I left you mine own and to me it has

been eleven (11) years, but you will be

repaid a thousandfold, you and I will get

all the happiness possible out of life after

our re-union.

It is raining cats and dogs again, but

went over to the dentist this morning and

got my tooth fixed, it was only a piece of

enamel off, not a filling our, it is just as

well because they have no filling material

available.  As work this morning as I

real till dinner time.

Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, greens, fish

sauce, tea and one (1) biscuit.

lt AGdeL, our cooks were inoculated today

against the dreaded disease cholera, at

this stage they are only inoculating those

handling food, Bec being on the rice

grinding fatigue was also done, I am

hoping that I can get it, I would certainly

like to and I believe we all will eventually

when the serum is available.

Had a hair cut during the afternoon

and played solo until tea at 1800

 

 

 

29.6.42    MONDAY (CONTINUED)          134TH DAY P.O.W.

 

No yeast parade today and Bec and I

(believe it or not) bought 10 (ten) coco-nuts

from canteen, Stan gave us one (1) last

night and he is trying to buy six )6) for

us through his unit order, so "Rogans

Ghost: we will have enough coco-nuts

to last us for weeks (seventeen (17)).

Tea consisted of rice meal (very light)

soya sauce, tea, two (2) biscuits and one

(1) small rice cake or ball..

Played solo after tea, Stan came up and

at dusk Bec and I walked back with

him, had a cup of tea and picked up

another five (5) coconuts (gave Stan one)

and came back to bed.  Had a chat

in the moonlight with A Gde L until

1100 the bed.

Nothing else to relate mine own, all

my prayers for you as usual then

shut eye.

 

 

 

30.6.42  TUESDAY                135th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille 0800

Shaved before reveille (to miss the mosquitoes),

showered grated some coconut then breakfast

at 0900 consisting of rice meal (light issue doe 

to overdrawing of rations), pea meal tea and one

(1) biscuit, had grated coconut on our rice meal.

Col and I bought a Kati of peanuts each this

morning (shelled) for 85 cents, we intend to roast

them.  A Katie of weight is about one and

a third lbs. (1⅓).

Auditing again this morning with Agdeh

until dinner time 1330.  Roasted my

pea-nuts during the morning and Agdeh

and self ate pea-nuts and audited.

Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, greens,

gravey, biscuit and tea.  An extremely

hot day today. (I feel like something the

cat brought in).

Auditing again with Agdeh this afternoon.

Afternoon tea at 1600, [c/east?] parade at

1700 at which time Bec and I watched

a solo four and then had a shower

before tea at 1800 which consisted of

rice [?], tea, and a pastry meat pie

in a herring tin, Bec and I also 

had grated coco-nut on our rice

meal.

Put my name in for a cricket match

to be played on Friday, I would like

 

 

30.6.42                TUESDAY (Cont)       135th day P.O.W.

 

to get a game.

Bec and I played solo after tea until

2000 at which time Agdeh and self

went around to the canteen to take stock

(30.6.42).

Returned to building at 2200. Nothing

else to relate mine own.  My prayers

for you as usual, then shut eye.

 

 

 

1st.7.42               WEDNESDAY                136TH P.O.W.

 

Reveille 0800

[Jine?] Britz early this morning.  About 0630

great air activity and at 0745 three (3) huge

flying boats went over our camp.  Showered

and then breakfast at 0900 consisting of

rice (reduced quantity), tea, pea-meal and one

(1) biscuit. grated pea nuts and coconut (our own)

Yesterday we got our pea-nuts roasted and I

am afraid Cover ate the darned things, have

the C.B's this morning.

Stocktaking again at canteen this morning

with Agdeh, counting eggs, weighing fish etc.

Returned to building at 1130 and auditing

again until dinner 1330 consisting of

rice (small quantity), greens, fish sauce

and tea.

Auditing with Agheh again this afternoon

until 1600, then afternoon tea and no

more work for the rest of the day.  Played

solo until 1745 (yeast parade at 1700) and

then tea consisting of rice meal, pineapple

juice, two (2) fish cakes, tea and ur own

grated coconut.

Finished our game of solo after tea at 1900

then Stan [?] came up and we listened to

a lecture by Brig. Taylor on Malayan

campaign.  Walked back with Stan

and had a cup of tea, talked until 2130

then back to our building. Nothing else to

relate [?].  All my prayers for you

as usual then shut eye.

 

 

 

2.7.42                  THURSDAY                    137th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille  0800

Shaved before reveille again this morning.

Showered and grated some coconut, then

breakfast at 0900 consisting of rice meal,

pea-meal, tea, two (2) biscuits and grated

coconut.

Auditing with Agdeh again this morning

until 1330 then dinner consisting of one

small spoon of rice (uosey), greens, soup,

one biscuit and tea, let us hope we

can hang out tree tonight.

Auditing again this afternoon with Agheh

until 1700. Afternoon tea at 1600 yeast parade

at 1700, then after watching a game of

solo, Bec and I went down for a tong.

Tea at 1800 consisted of rice meal (this

time a reasonable issue) tea, three (3)

biscuits, pineapple juice and we

had our [?] grated coco-nut, so all

things being considered, I really enjoyed

my meal tonight.

Scored for a solo four until 1900.  Stan [?] came

up and he, Bec and self watched the concert

from our balcony.  After the concert went

for a stroll and joined by Harry Langley

we sat on the middle of the road and

discussed the war situation.  Bec and I

bought 25 cents worth of pepper tonight.

Nothing else to relate since once .  My

prayers for you as usual, then shut eye.

 

 

3.7.42             FRIDAY                     138th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille 0800

Showered and then breakfast at 0910 consisting

of rice meal, pea-meal, tea, one (1) biscuit

and grated coco-nut (Bec did the grating).

Auditing again this morning with Agdeh

until 1300.  Early dinner today 1300 on

account of the cricket match.  PAY V AUDIT,

ESCHELON  and POSTAL.

Dinner 1300 consisted of rice, greens, gravy, one

(1) biscuit and tea, tried some pepper on our

rice and stew, it was excellant on the

meal.

Went over to collect the cricket gear at 1345

we played on R. A. ground that the

[?] down (sticks for stumps) and our

team won by 91 to 36.  I made two (2), last

batman in and wicket-kept, Bec captained

our side, so we were all pleased with

our victory.  The match finished at 1700,

so we came back to our building,

showered and then tea at 1800 consisting

of rice meal, tea one (1) biscuit and

a tin meat pit (in a sardine tin) and

grated coconut on our rice meal.

Bec and I played solo until dusk, then

went for our nightly stroll, met Stan

and yarned and came back to our

building at 2130.  Nothing else to relate

mine own, my prayers for you as

usual, then shut eye.

 

 

 

4.7.42              SATURDAY                   139th DAY P.O.W.

 

Reveille 0800

Shaved and showered and oh gosh am I

stiff from yesterday, I feel as if I have berri-berri

in every joint.  Breakfast at 0900 consisted of

rice meal (watery and not too much), pea-

meal, tea and two(2) biscuits.  Bed did

the coconut grating this morning so that

improved the breakfast a bit.

Auditing again with Agdeh until dinner

time 1330, dinner consisting of rice, greens,

tea, one (1) biscuit and pepper.

No work this afternoon, played solo until

1800.  Afternoon tea at 1600 and yeast parade

at 1700.

Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, custard

(eggs and condensed milk), two (2) cakes and

one (1) biscuit and tea, grated coconut also

made it very appetising.  Finished a book

today "The Patriot" by Pearl S. Buck, I

thoroughly enjoyed it.  I have often meant

to say that our regular solo games (even

though the cards are like soiled paper) make

a great time occupier, and Bec and I 

always play in the same four (4).

Stan, Bec and I listened to a tack by Capt

Untchell entitled "skiing around the world"

and thoroughly enjoyed it, went for a 

stroll and then to bed.  Nothing else to

relate mine own, my prayers for you 

as usual, then shut eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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