Diary of Alexander Roland Campbell Johnstone, 1942-1943 - Part 8

150.
17. 7. 42  FRIDAY  152nd DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Showered and then breakfast at 0900
consisting of rice meal, pea meal, tea
and one (1) biscuit, we added grated coconut,
dripping and pepper
Auditing again this morning with AG de L,
Cec and myself are with the party leaving
for Japan (we are told) on the 22.7.42,
so we are partly excited yes and no,-
we did not volunteer so will take
what is coming, there is great excitement
in the building.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, greens,
gravy, biscuit and tea, we added
dripping, garlic, soya sauce and
pepper.
Auditing and played solo from 1600
until 1800. Afternoon tea 1600, yeast parade
1700.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice, two (2) meat
pasties, gravy and tea, we added chili
sauce, grated coconut, raisins and cocoa.
Played solo after tea until dusk, we are
all excited about our move, we sat
and yarned until lights out about
where we might be going etc, oh mine
own if it were only home. Nothing else
to relate mine own. All my prayers
for you as usual, then shut eye.
 

151
18.7.42  SATURDAY  153rd DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800
Showered and shaved and then breakfast
at 0900 consisting of rice meal, pea meal,

one (1) biscuit and tea, we added dripping,
pepper, grated coconut and cocoa.
Emptied the old kit bag out after breakfast
and repacked it prior to our move
Auditing this morning until 1330 with
[[?AC/de]] L. Jack Barnes of G.P.O died in
hospital last night, his funeral is
this afternoon.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, greens,
gravy, and tea, we added soya sauce,
chili sauce, pepper and garlic.
Heard at dinner time that we are to be
issued with F.S uniform, greatcoat and
two (2) sets woolen underwear, so this
party must certainly be going to a
cold climate.
Auditing with AG de L until 1530 then
went to the funeral of JB, the march
to the cemetery left me like a wet rag,
arrived back at our building at
1730 had a tong, then tea at 1800 consisting
of rice meal, soup, one and a half
coconut slice cakes, one biscuit and
tea, we added grated coconut, pepper,
coco, raisins and dripping and
finished up with a good meal
 

152
18.7.42  SATURDAY(CONTD)  153rd DAY P.O.W.
Played solo after tea until dusk and
then went for a stroll to look at some
Dutch soldiers who were brought across
from Sumatra this morning. Our move
to Japan is still on Wednesday
and it looks as if we will finish
up in an internationally run
prison camp with representatives of
British, Austn, Dutch, American and
Canadian soldiers.
Played solo after dusk with our Camps
until 2215 in between we had same
cold rice, grated coco-nut and
cocoa.
Nothing else to relate mine own
All my prayers for you as usual
then shut eye.
 

153
19.7.42  SUNDAY  154th DAY P.O.W.
Reveille 0800
Raining cats and dogs, showered under
drain pipe, then breakfast at 0930 consisting
of rice meal, pea meal, dried milk, one (1)
biscuit and tea.
After breakfast went over to Ordnance with
the trailer and six of us got the "going
away "clothes, returned to building at
1230 had a tang and then dinner at
1330 consisting of rice, greens, fish sauce
one biscuit and tea we added garlic
pepper and soya sauce.
Auditing with ag de L until 1700 and
in between times put metal buttons
on my F.S uniform and greatcoat
and did some sewing of stripes
on tunic and greatcoat.
Had a tang a 1730, afternoon tea
at 1600 and yeast parade at 1700
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal,
one and one half coconut sweet
pasty and one (1) biscuit and tea,
we added grated coconut and
cocoa
Played solo after tea until dusk
and then yarned and talked
at 1030 we were notified of an
early reveilli at 0700 for Japanese
medical inspection in the morning.
 

154
19.7.42   SUNDAY (CONTINUED)   154th DAY P.O.W
Great excitement, the numbers have
gone up and Cec and I are
both included only a failure in
our medical Examination, what
ever that aught consist of can
stop us now.
It seems strange to have been issued
with greatcoat, F.S uniform, singlets
and pullover, we certainly must be
going to a cold climate
Well mine own I have nothing else
to relate, will try and go over to
the hospital tomorrow and say
goodbye to Alex and Doug. all
my prayers for you as usual, Then
shut eye.
 

156
20.7.42    MONDAY    155th DAY P.O.W
ReveiIle 0700 (dark)
Dressed and then breakfast parade at
0745 (no shower yet). Rice meal, pea meal
one (1) biscuit and tea added grated coconut,
Parade 0800 and we moved [[?]] to join
the rest of the A.I.F "B Force" (one hundred
(100) strong and marched to Artillery Square
in English lines, waited in queues of
100 for medical inspection by our own
and Japanese Med officers.
We reached the MO at 1130, a test with a
needle for a blood slide in our right
ear and a test for dysentery, will tell
you what that was later.
Marched back to our building and
arrived here at 1045, Bob Leslie had
commenced boiling some of my clothes,
so I hopped in and stoked the fire
until dinner a 1330.
Dinner consisted of rice, greens, fish
sauce one (1) biscuit and tea we
added soya sauce, pepper and
garlic.
Caught the 1445 ferry to the hospital and
spent an hour with Alex and Doug,
said goodbye to Doug and Alex is
coming over to see me tomorrow
afternoon to say goodbye and pick
up a few things.
 

156
20.7.42    MONDAY (CONTD)    155th DAY P.O.W.
Returned to building at 1615 in time for
a cup of tea, picked up a piece of aluminum 

for Doug to make a few odds and
ends out of.
Had a haircut and hung my washing
out then a shower
Chat by one (1) of our officers in "B Force"
for a quarter of an hour before tea at
1800 as to the move on Wednesday
Tea consisted of rice meal, soup,
tea, one (1) biscuit we added grated
coconut and cocoa
Went to the concert after tea, a good
show, our G.O.C. said farewell to
those we are leaving behind and
a Dutch General was also in attendance
Returned to our building at 0900 and
yarned till lights out.
Nothing else to relate mine own, all
my prayers for you as usual then
shut eye.
 

OUR 4th PAY DAY AS P.O.W

157
21.7.42   TUESDAY    156th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800
Showered and then breakfast at 0845
(early in order to get "A Force" away to their
medical inspection).
Breakfast consisted of rice meal, pea
meal, ten and one (1) biscuit we added
cocoa and grated coco-nut.
Japanese inspection at 1130. Dressed in
shorts, shirt, hat, boots, long socks and
puttees we stood lining the road
from 1100 until 1345 in the sweltering
heat and then came back to dinner
late at 1400.
Dinner consisted of nosey rice, gravy,
and tea, we added soya sauce and
pepper.
After dinner we were paid, those going
away on "B Force" $3.30 and we went
over to the canteen and I bought one
iii tin of sardines 65 cents, Cec and I
bought a tr of prunes between us for
$1.50, I also bought one (1) packet of
cigars (10) for 35 cents, four (4) pkts of
cigarette papers 42 cents, two (2) boxes
of matches and one (1) ounce of cigarette
tobacco, leaving me where I started.
(broke).
Arrived back at our building at
1530 and Alex and a friend of
 

158
21.7.42   TUESDAY (CONTD)    156th DAY P.O.W
his From the Hospital were waiting
for us. Gave him all our odds and
ends, aluminum, (1)coconut, chili
sauce, pants etc
Said goodbye to Alex at 1645, then
had a shower before tea.
Tea at 1800 consisted of rice (nosey)
gravy, one (1) meat and rice pasty
and tea, we added garlic and pepper.
Played solo after tea until dusk, then
yarned till lights out at 2000 we
were told that our move has been
postponed for two or three days so
that's that we can only wait and see
Nothing else to relate mine own,
all my prayers for you as usual
then shut eye.
 

159

22.7.42    WEDNESDAY    157th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800
Shaved and showered then breakfast at
0900 consisting of rice, pea meal, tea and
two (2) meat pasties (intended for us when
moving out today), added cocoa and
grated coco nut.
Wood fatigue this morning nearly to the
beach, twelve (12) men and our trailer, left
at 1030 and returned at 1230, was I
soaked in perspiration. Had a tang,
did some washing, (dries in no time over
here in this climate), a lecture to "B Force"
an discipline, then dinner at 1330.
Dinner consisted of rice, fish sauce, tea
and we added garlic and pepper.
Afternoon off, Cec did the rice roasting
for the morning and I played solo
from afternoon tea 1600 until 1800.
Tea consisted of rice meal, soup,
tea and two (2) pasties we added
grated coco nut to the soup, it goes
A.1 with it.
Played solo after tea until dusk
and then yarned until lights out
I have a bit of a heat rash that
is very irritable at times, it comes
and goes, one day I hope it goes
for good. Nothing else to relate mine own,
my prayers for you as usual then
shut eye.
 

160
23.7.42  THURSDAY  158th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800
Showered and then breakfast at 0900
consisting of rice meal (browned), pea meal,
tea and one (1) biscuit, we added grated coco nut
Last night at lights out we had supper

including rice, tea, sugar (Ray Mc Dermot)

and a tin of soap (Jim Chute) between

four of us, whacko, was it good.

Auditing again this morning with

agde L until 1300. Rained cats and

dogs, rushed out and brought the

blankets and bedclothes in.

Dinner at 1330 consisted of rice, greens,

gravy one (1) biscuit and tea we added

dripping, pepper and garlic.

Walked over to the canteen after dinner

 and climbed a rambatan tree and

collected some fruits. Came back to

our building and played solo

until 1800, afternoon tea at 1600

and a quick shave before tea.

Tea at 1800 consisted of rice meal, gravy, 

two rissoles and tea, we added, pepper,

garlic and grated coco. nut. A concert

in our area tonight and a good show too.

Jim Chute put on a supper consisting of

fried rice, sardines and tea and it

was A.1 Nothing else to relate mine own.

all my prayers for you as usual then 

shut eye.

 

161

 24.7.42   FRIDAY   159th DAY P.O.W

Reveille 0800. Showered and then breakfast

at 0900 consisting of rice meal, pea meal

and tea we added grated coco nut

Dengue is very prevalent, several of our chaps
have contracted it. Finished what I hope is
my last job of army auditing this morning
and read till dinner time
Dinner at 1330 consisted of rice, gravy,
greens and tea, we added garlic and pepper
GOC's parade at 1400 for an inspection of
A.I.F. "B FORCE", had a shave and a shower
prior to dinner.
Paraded at Con. Depot at 1415, inspected
by GOC and returned to our building
at 1615 had afternoon tea, yeast parade
at 1700 (the first for some time). Not
feeling 100% today, but guess I will be
alright tomorrow, I took two (2) aspros
Dengue is running riot in the building.
Tea at 1800 consisted of rice, gravy, one

(1) biscuit, one (1) pasty and tea, we

added grated coconut and pepper.
Played solo after tea until dusk
and then to bed, felt a bit feverish
so wrapped myself well up.
Nothing else to relate mine own
All my prayers for you as usual 
then shut eye.
 

162
25.7.42   SATURDAY   160th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800.
Feeling a bit off, so stayed in bed for
a while until breakfast at 0900 which
consisted of rice meal, pea meal, one (1)
biscuit and tea we added dripping
pepper and grated coconut. I only
ate a small portion, rested during
the morning took four (4) aspros
and my temperature dropped from
102 to 98.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, gravy
greens, one (1) biscuit and tea, we
added pepper.
Laid up again during the afternoon
until tea at 1800. Had a cup of
afternoon tea and a tang before
tea, my temp. is back to normal,
but I am feeling far from 100%.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, gravy,
one (1) small rissole and tea, I gave
my rice away and just added pepper
to the balance.
Got straight into bed after tea, we
yarned until dusk, nothing else
to relate mine own, except that
the "B Force" Japan party will not.
move before 31.7.42. All my
prayers for you as usual Pug
then shut eye
 

163
26.7.42   SUNDAY   161st DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800.
Shaved and laid up till breakfast time
0930, had a small quantity of rice and
spent the morning on my back. My
temperature is down but the pains
in my back are cruel. Breakfast
consisted of rice meal, pea meal
and tea, we added grated coconut
Cec went on the compulsory church
parade.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, gravy
and tea, I drank the gravy only.
Remained on my back all the
afternoon with terrific pains in back
my temp is down, but I feel like something 

the cat dragged in.
Oh mine own my thoughts are so full
of "you" and "us", it is twelve months on
wednesday 29th since I last spoke to
you and said goodbye, to me it has
been almost as if ten (10) years had
elapsed, but we will soon be
re-united again.
Tea consisted of rice meal, two (2) prunes

and juice, one (1) pasty, one (1) biscuit and
tea, l managed to eat everything but
the rice.
Got on my back again and stayed there.
Nothing else to relate mine own, all
my prayers for you as usual
then shut eye.
 

164

27.7.42    MONDAY     162ND DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800.
Felt a bit better this morning, the temp is
down and the pains in the back are
improving. Had a swill at the wash
basin and rested until breakfast
at 0900 which consisted of rice meal, pea
meal, one (1) biscuit and tea, we added
grated coconut and I ate a small amount.
The proposed Japan party it seems,
has been postponed indefinately.
Spent the morning in bed and my
temp and pains are improving.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, greens,
sauce (fish), one (1) biscuit and tea. I
ate the biscuit and had the sauce and
tea.
On any back in the afternoon again
and am feeling much better. Had a
shave and a cup of afternoon tea
and am feeling nearly normal,
but of course a bit weak in
the limbs.
Yeast at 1700 then tea at 1800 consisting
of rice meal, tea, one (1) biscuit, one (1)
prune pasty, I could only eat the biscuit
and the pasty and then to bed again
Nothing else to relate mine own,
I am feeling a good deal better, all
my prayers for you as usual, then
shut eye.

 

12 MONTHS APART

165

28.7.42    TUESDAY    163rd. DAY P.O.W.

My first thoughts today is of our last day

together before I embarked, oh mine own

wife to think it is twelve months today since

I was last with you, it seems like ages,

when I look back on this day last year

I recall every little incident before our

parting.

[[?Brig]] I know God will answer my prayers,

I have wanted you at all times, I have

prayed that you are of stout heart and

courage and being of good faith. Oh

mine own, no husband could love

his wife greater than I do you. During

our twelve months apart, I have always

thought of you as "chin up and

smiling" and noodle when we are

re-united, what a wealth of loving

happiness we will have ahead of

us, just the two of us and our

kiddies if we are so blessed.

Today also marks the stage of me

leaving for Japan, wherever I am,

what ever I am doing my thoughts

are all of you mine own. I ask God

each night to ease your mind and

endow you with courage and faith

and I know that my prayers will

be answered. I am pressing another

frangipani leaf here to day.
 

166
28.7.42    TUESDAY (CONTINUED)    163rd DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800.
Feeling much improved, have lost my back
ache pains and now only feel a bit weak.
Had a wash and then breakfast at 0900
consisting of rice meal, pea meal, one
(1) biscuit and tea. I ate most of my
breakfast. Am spending today on my
back again and try and shake it off
all together as we heard last night
that we leave for Japan on friday.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, gravy, one
(1) biscuit and tea (have given up greens).
Managed to eat a small amount
had a tong after dinner and now
feel 100% better, rested again during
the afternoon.
After July mine own, I will have to give
one of these pages to two days, otherwise
I will be out of paper.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, gravy,
one (1) biscuit, tea and a tinned pie,
I ate and enjoyed. it all except the
rice meal.
A lecture by an R.A.A.F. Sgt on the air
Forces work in Malaya at 1915 and
very interesting too; Nothing else to relate
mine own. All my prayers for you
as usual then shut eye.
"Our one and only separation anniversary has
passed"
 

EMBARKED AT SYDNEY 29.7.41
167
29.7.42    WEDNESDAY   164th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800.
Feeling 100% better washed and then breakfast
at 0900 consisting of browned rice meal,
pea meal, grated coconut, one (1) biscuit and
tea and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rested again during the morning, but had
an opportunity of mending my second
pair of boots and then a shower.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, greens, gravy,
and tea and apart from the rice, I enjoyed.
be meal.
Rested again this afternoon. Bought three
(3) coco-nuts to carry us over as it is
rumoured we move tomorrow or friday.
Played solo until 1600, only for half an
hour and then had a cup of tea. Cec
is in me of the long wood parties and
it is a particularly hot day.
Tea 1800 consisted of gravy, rice meal,
tea and two (2) rissoles (not the best).
I only ate a small amount of rice
After tea we went for a stroll, looking for
sugar cane, but only found young stuff.
Returned to our building at 2030 and
yarned until lights out.
Nothing else to relate mine own. All
my prayers for you as usual then
shut eye.
 

168
30.7.42   THURSDAY   165th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0800.
Back to normal again, only thing wrong is just a
bit weak. Showered and then breakfast at 0900
consisting of brown rice meal, pea meal, tea,
we added grated coco nut.
Although available for light duties, I was
not given any so spent the morning sleeping
etc.
Dinner 1330 consisted of rice, greens, gravy
and tea, I managed to get through the
gravy and tea.
Spent the afternoon lazing again, played
a couple of games of German whist, read
and slept.
Had a tong at 1700 then tea at 1800
consisting of rice meal, soup, one (1)
biscuit, one and one half meat pasties
and tea we added pepper, soya
sauce and grated coco nut.
Latest information is that the Japan
party has been postponed indefinately.
Concert tonight in our area and
even though a few of the "stars" are
absent with dengue, it was a good
show. Cooked some rice and coco
nut cakes in dripping for supper
Nothing else to relate mine own. All
my prayers for you as usual, then
shut eye.
 

169
31.7.42    FRIDAY     166th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0800
Showered and shaved and breakfast at
0900 consisting of rice meal, pea meal, one (1)
biscuit and tea
No work today as the Japan party is to move
to a central building and we are to pack.
Gave my bed away and odds and
ends and packed my belongings, Kit
bag, pack and haversack.
Dinner 1330 at our old building consisted
of rice gravy, tea and one biscuit.
We left our building at 1515 and our
trailer shifted our gear etc to the old
2/18th building
We are on the second floor, sleeping on
the cement floor. Spent the afternoon
working and went back to our old
building for tea.
Tea 1800 consisted of rice meal, gravy,
and one and one half pasties and
tea, I could only manage the tea
and the pasties.
Came back to our new building, gave
a hand in washing utensils in our
new kitchen. Finished at 2100 and
lay down to sleep. Nothing else to relate
mine own. All my payers for you
as usual then shut eye.