Diary of Alexander Roland Campbell Johnstone, 1942-1943 - Part 12

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

Page 1 / 10

NOTES SORA 2374 DAYP.OM B052 Gevcelli 0630 roll call 0040 in quad and was it cald another fine day; bed making and a work and then briakpot oporice and barley and gravy head this morninguihl 1030 ter appld to 4co ye Fere squet, our Iguad 101 with ve other uar, were called on 10 gread for a littere and then a demendation on haw to work for batnguis hors and a Hand Luny the gapane one mortally apaid o fre. Had a shave and then dier 1200, howr head roll and grany and negetables. Japs Satuiday afternoon inspection 300 (turned up at 1400) carter, for an howr during which time eversteed to attention and accutned in Jaxanese; the orderly opeer was made to count to 100 il frout of ns all but up a prrsoy mry blanket and made a pair of inseariers for the cold feet an tho shaw mats. Fea 1700 riee and larley and gravy. Canteen orders tonight I baught a bastle of cir (so called, just lemanade), oue appli(aper man) and one packet of cigo Cou perman) cosing 22, 6 and 15 son rop. Gee cne cain the appee was grand also the "so called adar. Played dommnoes until wee call(in fapaie) 3000. Bed making then lights out 3000. Our squad is on prequet to night, Ase and Idrew of 3o/0650 tomorrow morning so a broken wighto sleep. 11.10.42 238th 347 P.O.W SUNDAY Mansee 0630, I was an last shift of prequet-20 was already dressed, had a wast, then rall call on the guad at 8640. NOTES 338p27 P.ON 41002 S As from yesterday afternoon we have to salute all far qpursand were, in the annich care, the Caps say our lats CR.I.F irrue) one not mnelitary style the consequence is this, we must wear our hats every tiue we go outside the but, for a wash, walk, driel or cature and ten when Falens oy our lat we sight a pap, we have to bow, can you emagine it when we are going to the latims six or seven tuies a day, and out washing our plates &c, it will all keen. The temep this morning at 0700 was 510 (19 off preizing pt) and it fuls every bit of it bed waking then Buakort at 073orie and borley and gravy, it looks as if we will have a fine day again. Read and contined wriing up my Jap- Engdicty. Two rick s hosrital today from our squad, one with deptoria (ouspect and the other dranhea. cauteen before dinver, hurchaned cigareter and ragor alades for Hhe squad and managed to get one apple. Denver 1500 brown bread roll (apple in between, gravy and same rece from thesworn -cug. I have a darned cold in my head at present and feel very stiffy. Read until 1500, then a lot toug, collected the wasking, read again untl tea 1700. rice gravy and tea (discolured water after tea played domnnoes and read till role call 2000 tat cleaning and bed making then lights out 2100. I bough and sold a watch today the sory is on the vest page.
NOTES 239th Day P.O.W. 14-1942 EIAY yesterday afternoo an Englishman with a gred watcer was broke and out of surckes ot and wanted to sell his watch for $.15.00. I bough it for £10, 1 bladepazor (volued at $5.50 and ten packets of cegaretes $1 Fbaught at 1700, after ten at 1830 a pop came around and wanted a watch and I seld it to him for $25.00, $18.00 in case, $1.50 in eigarettes 10 packets, and appros 10 ebs sugar $5.50. Cleut worth so these days). Gee nenre own it must be my lucky day, what a break. Gavcilli 0630 raining, rell cace in hut 0040; wark de bed making, breakjart 0730 pice and gravy auatea, Sap vocal writing up until 8900 thenr drill until 1130 (his) o salutiug, believe me, we had enough. Denver 1500 bread roct and gravy At 1330 we were ordered bee the quad again and did another 3 hown saluting till 1630. Gee mul auece it has been a trying day. We were told the reason was for not obeying regulations. Aho knows). A days saluting for punishment. Shower and shave at 1700 thei tea rice and a pieci of fish and ships, the sug ar is a godrend Played dominoes and read after ten until roll call 3000 tin bed making un it light out 2100. The fapsmre apparently very pleased with Austracia's miletary funeral accorded to the papanise mbers of He subs which got in o Sydney Harbour JTES 13.10.42 240thDAY PON TUESDRY Raville 0050, parade in bat 0040, bed making and wast Breakfart rue and grave. A lousy cold morning Ane having a cap made out of the tail of my shor, 10 as it well do away with all this 6 - bowing, wist king cow, will be insuction in fapanise saluting It leaks like a fie day, so perhaps another day's salucting agains. Anohor 300 appers cause in this man to be devided amongst 500 mery so here's a raske, I way be Lucky Salute driel again this morning 0900/1115 just another 2h hes. ulauaged to draw an apple in the rapple, cov 6 sen. Dunier 1500 bread roll and gravy and a small dumpling. Salute driel again 1330- 1615, yes another 27/4 hrs. Shower and then tea 1700 rice guiet (hack on guiel again on ye y dipsentry) and gravy. A pease offering after tea, each man received two as pat (0d cegarethes pee can you beat St Yarned and played danemoes until Ball call 3000. Ded waking and ther lights out 9100. Bunsured that Rnona is likely to declare weron papan at any uoweet, Iwander. 34ISF DAY PO.W. WEONESDAY 14.10.42 Becille 0630, roll call in quad 0640, bed making and work, breakpt 0730 r guiel and gravy. There is supposed to be ar inspecion at 1500 and if we pam our drill exaucuation, drill is supposed to cease A 0900 driee again untl 1300 C.O Grisin Camps Gorea inspected the me drieling ut squads, we were given 6870 ohers 89 (officers 6670-last). The Co. through the interpriter said? he was very glad with the
NOTES 24POFPAY P.O.N. 410.42 WEDNESDR porade? I hope it wear the end of our drilling and saluting. C.o. also carried out a but inspection so it is a day of days. Every opportunity I get, I grab a Japt soedier and fiel in a bit of vey distimary. Dinver 1250(late on a/e o parade) brown bread roll and gravy Played dounicis after dinier, read, shaved and lad a lot shaw, runisured that we are to have a double ioue tea (Twonder) Got my hame made forage cap so from craw on, hawing will cease. Tea 1700 pii guul (double i) at 1750 grave and a fish dumpling, gost amos is not in d. yesterday and today 10 and so ween respectively were taken arross t the railway and did seme loading and unloading timber and rise respect and they received for their labours yeserday prts of rigarettes and today one pht of engareths or sappee, Ieolunterred today, but was nearly gilled in the rusk. Played dommoes witl To00 then ralcall, bed wraking, twth clearing and then leghtt out 200 THURSDAY SHEnd DHY.F.O.N 15.10.42 fane ob30 rall call in quad 0040, wark of, bid mading, ther breakjast 0730 rue guue (double woue for a week on trial and gravy 0900 on quad, dull unil 1000, P.T for 1hr Ren 1030/1100 sports. Sc, I huts, ten meen from each but 150yd relay, I represented our Rut (N01) and we came 2nd. Dunner 500 bread roll and gravy and same giuel from this morning,1330 drill again until 1145, ten P.T and gaves until SHZUxDAYPON 1 1-10-42 1545 (we must be good lays). Rotshower 1600 and played damnioes untl tea 1700. Rut quiel and gravy maraged to boy 10 small been biscuts today at 5sen Ca and they were wrishi. Denises after tea until roce cacl 3ovo, teeth cleanig, bed making then eights ont 5100. after tea, applis, cidor (lemsuade) and rigaretes arrived at the cautie, so bunew ceay have an apple again. Hard touught that officer are to receivet 30 per month and no work, oters (co and ener) wll be paid of they work Sard DAY PO.W FRILAY 16:10:821 Bauills 0630, rell call in guad 0640 bed making and ware, cauteen order ent comriled, hear or0730 re quiel and grany. as duel this moning, at cawteen beying sexisnal order of applis and ago shaved, read and played douenears until duner 1200. Bread rall and gravy, apple and some rue from this morning, ao driel again ths axterison played dammoes, read, had a Rot loug, then ten 1700 pice (adouble inue and more, as much a we could passibly eat) and gravy, gook I well be latuning and howing are night. Played dominon wte roll call 3000, bedmaking etc, lights out 3100. SATORDRY THtt DAY P.O.W 110:42 Rineele 0030 (and is it cold), wce call 0640, warks; bad matery then briakfost 0730 rice guiel and gravy. A beautiful fie day, 0900 on gaad for drill and prand then leap frog. an isue of angartiday (one disirppacceful) and in our but we all put in
NOTES SAPRON 17:10:17 2AWRDRYPOW a teaspsonful lact for a chap in Rospital who has had Cerri-arri, dipterea and desentery all at ance. He has aun given two blasd transprious and is on the uecied. Dinver 100 howr bread peet and gravy Iuspection 1300, much ado about nothing, fop major augoe we ale got our Lawr cropped as we will be here a ling hire Swonder and it how I paay for hence and Pug). A bigotick always accompanies the major and a Dat or cap gets quscked off ou occasions, today one jack Kuys was discovered and all knewer were proviptly canfiscated, those who had shaven deads were given are appli each; I think that most of us will steel to our law. Read and playd dounises, had a lot tug, a haw cuts tue tea at 1700 ine quiel and gravy, Playes dememser after tea, and also bought the secion apple order tb sen each) 13 apples for sxuem, I was again fortunat, Ball call Toos, bid making tiith clearing then eights out 500. Su5tDAYPOW 18:10.112 Seoy Reerle 0030 (temp 390 or 7aboue F.P.) roll call on quad 8640. Wast, bedmaking St, breakfart 0730 rice gruel and gravy. The colder morning yet, but a frew clear day. A working pary today again, five from our squad, but I wersed the draw. The faps have informed in that we cannot conduct a church service, we have no Padie, but are officer was going to take a service His morning NOTES 245thDAY POW 18:10:43 SUNTAY "washed a tewel and a pair of socks and aired ary too waslenningeits. Our blankets were all sprayed tis morning as a meantion against geabies, so we lave cases of deaenlea, dimentry digderea, malaria, lini-berri, and now seabies, sothings are not so lot Played dinnnce, riad and aned mry blankets dinrer s00 bread roll and gravy. gead, played domury and gave my blankets a shaking. After dinner we accresoued with a few Japanise papers, bu tey are not good reading. Did not have a Rot Toreg today on a/ & vy cold, I feel a bit clisy, Tea 1700 pee guiel and gravy. After tea went to the canteen and picked up three pkts geigo per man, this is the fifth peepht, they are plt of D0's and rom now on we are to receive 5 6d monthPlayed domnoes attestea and then roll call 3000, bid making tath cleasing and lights out d100. 246th DAY P.O.V MoNeRY 19.1042 Biulle 0650 (as so cald rall call in quad 0600 bediaking, wast etc, breakfost 0730 rice quiel and gravy Had a quiz cowest last night between the four ) squad in our fut we won (us.1squad) and the expeirs gave a prige of 45 so we splet I between 21 9 us. I bought a valit Razer $2 and 5 blades (a 5) 50 aen, so I should be right aew as far as shaving is concerned. Oce and I drew prequet-again last night, but sold ear shy $20430/0630 for 1 pkt of eigaretter Cea, bribery and corruption, 0930 I was one g a working party of 90
NOTES 246th PAy P. O.W 19:10:43 MONEAY en, we marched out of the camp and shwelled dirt dto anto suall trolly trucks, wwelling of ground, we waled for about two lours (wo ten inments suoton in between) and arrived back at camp at 1115. We were given a ppt of 30 egi Ea and the NCDs got an apple as well, I swoppid my appli for another pet of Jag,so for my monings work E which I enjoyed for a dange) I received 40 ugs. We were working practically in the sea whore among very fine aegetable gordens. Dinner 100 a biswn bread rell and gravy, 1300, in quad for PT then drell but I went of (excuse Baro) and wasted some lcheep and had a Rot torig also added a few words to my dictionary, Read until ta 1700 rue Cuorual wsile again) and gravy. Played dommas after tea wite roce call sooo, then bed making twth cleaning and lights ont 5000. or chap made are a cumber jacket on of pay of my own blanket. 20.10.42 TUESDAY Swrh DAYPOW Faner 0650, ralt call 0640 in quad, bid makng and wash, Hat beargart of30 rice and gravy, Awuld morning for a change. Late last night a list had to be conpiled showing, name, rank, service, mut and if we had ever been to Japan (Pucsuder what its for) 095 No1 H (our hut) only went into the grad and did two howr drill. Aiws furphies indicate that a ship load of priseners from spore to lapan were sunk of the 750 prisoners; only 240 were savid, also heard that greert and Amurrian togs from I ran were marching to NOTES Surk DN PO.D TUESDAY 20.10.42 the Concans towent the Germain. Diner 000 bread roll and gravy- 1330 a call for admitters for a digging part four (o) from each section in our but. I manages to get in and at 1345 wenty with guards and shouels set off in a lory and after going through the ter of gusen eventually stopped at a beach where we loaded sand and small ntowe anto a lorry (two lorry loads). Good unine aun, at the waters edge and in the beach, all any deares thoughts were of us in our old days Clevelly, Clifton Gardens, Galmoral etc. apparently a students gathering also that peace on the beach and hiso sudents together with other byrean aspectators vewed as at Po.W with great suriousily; the little kids leed Judo Anteing) conterts. we returned at 1700 and Ireally enjoyed the work. Tea rice, firhlagord selping our section won the Callet out of the four neceses in our hat and gravy. Had a ne Lo loug, donned ary blanket Lumber jacket and played downoes until roll call 3000, bed making at then lights out 3100. Received our aew Ro.W wember trught incely done on allulvid. the new mumber it 1-154 the old one mas 1519. WEONESDAY 34SthDAY P.O.N 2110.262 Rwllt 0030, we call in guad, bid making and wart Our wen doctor gave me sane creosote tablets fa my chest this marn. 3fortrice and gravy, we dricks
NOTES 22101 WESAESDAY SIISKEHPOI practially nothing these days on account of the ruc 0900 N.C.OJ. and officers on gread for dull until 1115 Dunner 100 head role and grave. Asthing daing after dinner autil 1600 when I gave a land to unclosd soure waod. Had a shave and a wast, uo tng are oe y mry cold. Tea 1700rice and gravy Accione of san paper Cappion 100 rlects) for a fortnight, also ataeleopionful of saya beav sauce but aur not interested in the latter. Playad downno is afrtea untl rell call soo then tech cleaning and ligtout 22:10:42 L41Y Lugth DAY P.O.W Oso revulle and cold good one are preizing osyo rell call in hut. Bedmaking, work Ir, brearot 0730 rice guiel and gravy. Played dommoes aut dinier 1300 bread roll and gravy. The major (gap) came through our but during dinner to see how we were gaing. No parades, jus- as well as it is a bitterly cold day (the first day of diter, the guard teld no), Played donncer after dicer good it is freening aubside 450, goodness Gusis "what I will be like in the undate of winter. Alore ear leads of wood arrived, cunt be soneg it ap. Hor Bath every sid day, so tomorrow is the day Fea 1900 pice (small quantily) and gravy and one pieceo firh Unleaded three drays of firewood, then played diminses intil race call 2000, bed making, lights ent 2000 FRIPAY 250th 347 P.O.W 23.10.42 Obserwvellle, 0640 rall call in but (not raining but just b cold 39 in the Rut, the cold is intense wash Cediaking, breakort 0730 riie and gravy, same NOTES FRITAY 350tDAY P.O.W 33-1043 beg inspiction today by Jap. yeu in charge of Prison Camps Grew another apple in the paple this morning- 17 for the aguad of 3l large mrs, 10 cts ed and was it good. The kinss this morning was only 10 fom preizing poent 320, and the worst is yet to camse, 0900 knt Tidying and I was detailed to fell in water holor on gread with rand. As 1100 those of us in the but (a working party went outside this morning) staod to attention whelst the Jap Gen and (his saff (a hass hats) caue through, Dunner 100 Ibread rall and gravy. Had a shave after dinner Gork anns own I have never ever been so cold it is retrifying, I now do believe Scboria in just acros the na sorted out my cxelection of eig: packet covers, had a aotting and believe it or not had to strip to be weighed 61.8 Kilogiam's or 9.a Dlbs ( Kilogram & 215 lhs) no parades today tea 1700 pire and gravy. Cold, ot gools 1730 and the temp is o10 car you iaguir it Read and played docnces untl roe call 5000, bed making and ligats out 5100. where it is so cold you notue the Eight rationg ticker. 25 DAY P.O.W. SATURDRY 24.10.42 Ranueli of so rall call in grad 6640. It was so cold last night that everyoue went to be drimed i pijanas, pullowe, balaelavas its. The tmp at 0400 wer 29 and the morning 0700,350, Bedmaking, wash &c, breatyar 9750 rice and gravy. Lost night te paper frances were pat over the mudaus inside and this morning te window pains wore couired in icl, us parades or drill this morning Gold a pair o shars to an English officer for $500, when he
NOTES SATURPRY 24-10.43 2514DAY P.O.S get paid and a tawel for $3.00, I did cot want them and the cas wice probably came in handy if we get the opportunity of Anying anything, beard that we are to receive free, a oot brush (evory two months) pkt of Taoth Powder (mnoutaly), a penci a lootheresh, so with san paper free and eigarettes (100 permonth) we will be lept in emenials by the Japr. SS9t. J James (Another Po.W at fuisen Can Englishman) diea this morn. Hhe had been taken outside to Roopital as it was ro serious and repaised away in that Rospital, Bead and played dounnais and tried to get warm. To apples at Esen in were anailable this morning for our oquad of 51 ween and beliive me tey were good. Dunner 300 bread well (apple in between) and gravy Us inspection tday, 30 frested afer dinner until 1400, then played has aball utl 1515 gooh it was at least wariing. At 1530 gravet spreading en gread wte 1630. wash then tea 1700 rin and pavy and then read, yorned and played domin fas wwkl sooo rce call, wast tuthclianing and 4/out 2100 25.10.42 252ndDAY P.O.N SUNDAY Bwielli 0630 roll call in but, the least said about the eold the better, it is imporsible to discribs aurs feelings bedmaking, wash et, treatyart 0750 pine and gravy. Read ato until 1030 Then parade for funeral service of the English R.O.W. H had been, cremated and te service was every imressive ance again we lied the pats to the gate. Rested until diner 300 bread rece and gravy. shave, read and no ted after dinner at 1400 another English rocdur dud in the camp hospital, you can well maguie Law we all fal, to deaths in I4 hown and making I NOTES 252uDNYP.ON 304924 22:10:413 acctoed for this camp, it is heart brearing, it would appear tha tere will be another funival tomorrow. Suiade a mathers our o vey ground shee and contents of Ret dag and it kelps to keep the ened out other haw pecoued my enample. Teargos rice and gravy. our joi isue of thush and to thy peneder was coreed this asternoon, I hope that I am not here lengenough to use either: Read until roll call d000 then bed making, thecleaning and ligat out ad 253rd DAY R.O.W MONDAY 26:10:13 Renicli 0650, rre care in hert 0640, ward, bedmaning etc, I far 0750 piee and gravy. Not so cold this morning, Played selo in a concer behind a custain wett 1050, then fineral nervice of Gur Poll in guad union gark is always to the fore, and thu impressive service and I hope it is the last we see in this canp. Played solo again uoil dinnier tiue 1300 bread roll and gravy. Aworkingpary was on this afternoon, I was not on the muning as Iam on prequit Bought Our CSM.NO.I Holues had dis arm baken and peset, just auhis bidi our Rect, semed crude, but us a ray plant is available I believe, imt it strange, warded a shert, twel, Kekey an rose, lad a Rotng and read and played nolo until tea 1700 srie and gravy, and a piece o froh. Have just learned that the dr could not break the love in the arm your C.SM so all that for uought. The oppurs had thei first yan asson today ORe are not in it, so am taking a copy of each lerson. Played solo after tea wntel roe call 3000, Bedmaking otc then lights out. 254th OA7 P.O.W WUESDAY 27:10:41/2 Garille 0030, reel call in but 0640, wark, bedmaking itc
NOTES 254 M DAY P.O.W WESOAY 271602 8fart 07 30 rec and gravy. Oa preqeet last night $2300/0100 a lousy shipt, so do not feel os ofnightly, this morning. Nw order came out last night no washing or taeth cleasing between lights out and revelle, the penalty is a slapped face. not allowed to surske between those hours either, but the sap guards comt in and avail themselves of hut and the cigorette lighter Played solo in the morning, mase a bay pallease and a sueall pielow, our own pp examined aur alos and throat Dunier 1200 pread rall and gravy and at Boo was detailed for a working party, 20 of us went to a tiubor yard and stacked steel bars, started at 1430 and krocked off at 1600, thres surs Rob, the grard suppeied the jago and we were marched back to camp at 1615 and O/R's received 7f sen NEOs 121 Cery first Jap. working pay). Had a shave, a wash and thir tea 1700 rice and gravy, also an issue of sugar and salk. Payed solo after tea wntil rele call w0oo then heduaking, tutelianing and ten 1/Oor 2100. 28510.1121 WEONESDRY 255th 347 P.O.W. Rauele 8030, roll call 0640 on quad, bedmaking, was etc, 6fast 0730 pice and gravy - my ma thess was the auts pants cast iight, very warm and as sore hips this morning. A werlingparty was on again today but I cussed out Played solo tel dinner time woe head rall and gravy. Played salo again until 10.00 then yarned with an English officer about poulby farming writt, to 17.00 rice and gravy. A gop quard bonge. weapkt of Guitaris today (sonvenier in walle) 0.50 sent They are good for the troat. Solo afoer tea wntl roee call 2000, tekeleaning, bed neaking & put 2100. NOTES 2354 747 P.O.N THURSUR 29:10:41/ Reacelle 0650, will call 0040 i Rut, wark, bedmaring et, 6 Jart 0730 rice and gravy (he gravy there times is just water almost) at 0830 I was on a warking party 1o the quarry, we set of and aster going about 172 unles out of the course eventually read the quarry women were engaged alongside us and our gite was for three of us to load a truck and puesh it down a reclaimed paddy field and cuuply the truck. The women pust the same truck and same quantity of rock, gravel and sand, goodreen knows houe they do S. Our party was 90 P0.W (30 HeOs and 6ouri) our guards were two Bs to each socem and a lst class prevate. We did your trips before anner 1200 gravy only I sarted to day giving my briad roll at 1300 for day an inne quee in the morning and kalf an inne at night) I will see how shaved at, 1330) long can make it sast& at 1300 of again to the quarry untl 1630 this trip we did six loads and when I returned to camp at 1700, I was abso lutdly doue. Teat gravey and rie. During an day at the quarry, managed to get eight (3sturnips and a five exchilots, puuched most of them, you would have laughed. Spoke to a knear owilian and be ir gaveg to get all 10 bread rales to morrow again woads Canteal orders tenight cigaretter yser, noap I sen and eider Is sen in the drain £9o one 01 pkt of ags and a hottle of erder 6 cakes of soap for DS eeer. Roce call sw0o, bedmaking 405000 and Loueslywoodle I tumbled into bed and wor chsdutely done. I was paid 55 sen teday.
NOTES 30.10.3 Fe 237th PY P.O.W. Gevulli oEsqnce call i but 0640, bidmiaking, wast y/o, 6 fort Opgrisland grave. Last night a few of the A.I.E chaps were issued with aiptheria warks, our are yet to came. Am giig on a working party today and hope to get on the guarry job and see if the head roles turn up. A wnother wade ot of a sheet and shaw is my ambition today, an Englishman is sewing Hhe sheet for me this morning. another oue is washing a shirt, singlet and oron for me. 0830 on warking party, mned out on the quarry job and fruished up at the railway, making a new pailway die, loading trucks, only this truie we did not have to pirsh them, returned to comp at B0o denner, rue and gravy (bread roll to be insued at ingat new). 300 fell in for work again and byswapping numbers, I became a private and got on to the quarry joh, aut no bread. Came back to camp at 1630 received 15sen (private's pay), had a tong and then tea 1700 gravy and breadrell (toasted it in bathhouse fire). Gave toophts of args to the chaps for do ing my washing and meaking my mathers. Youed after teo ner til rall call D000, bedmaking it lights ont 2,100, Fought cnie own I bought a present for you. An Englishment Ienemes was going to sell ouething to an oppear, but I imediatly Hought g you, so I got it preces cannot be wenhoved, but I know you will love it 31.10 42 SATURDAY 236th DaY P.OW Revedle 0630 role call in but 0040, bedmaking wish atc, 6 fast 0/30 rece and gravy. Standing by for a making NOTES 256HDAY R.O.W SATUREN 2-20-6 party today. We were told this morning that we will be able to write a eitter card home within a week, good I hope its true, and dow I would lave to have one from you. 3owen including of H.S.F all from this camp are standing by to leave the camps, they are tradesman, so that will leave only 17 A.1F P.O.W in this camp. o wort this morning, played downses uith dinner 100 rue and gravy. No work again ths afternoon waites for the Bo0 inspection antit 1500 bul nothing was doing head and played dommons and youd to Guewne Tea 700 riec (I gave my roll away) and gravy. Yold luc allabant you and we are trying to work out a sehime whereby I eace take you to England, Read uute roe call dooo, bedinaking ate then lights out NLo. Therunare oney araitable every second day 359t DMY P.O.N SUNPAY 111:42 The sar of another mont wine seon, gort I sare it is wearing the end of our separation. Fat prieling wa in operation cort night, everyone gathers arouned and gapes. a livt was taken today of those ereen who had articles taken at Fusan, so wine own, you can imagine hawe I am hoping and praying that my beg hank and goed fist will be returned to me. Revelli 0700 "(halfare hour later), rell call 0710 i but. A very bleak and cold day, 6 fort 0800 pice and gravy, Nothing daig tis morning, beterly cold, yaured wit fack uewies for a couple of hours about Eugland, I have nearly dicided to take you to England uine own solack on1. Issued with a burge cake of warking
NOTES L.43 SUKE 259MPAYP.ON soap, a pair of whiterson and a pair of white gloves, the sor are uselis, but the gave are reasonably warm. Dunn Boore and gravy. Ao ting doing in, the afternoon we were issued with and ter blanket, a thret: one, and those witou great coats were insuid with a Jas roedeers great coal, my little fan guard friend. getting copis of gosz songs in our kut. I win shirs were distributed amongst our squad of 36 but I unoed the draw. Tea oquis (owapped bnad rece) and gravy. Yarned again with Jack unwis aftr tea, diine oucl pair of underants in another raffle. Yoee call Dovo. Bedneaking et 200 then light out 400 2,11.42 260th DAY P.O.W. MONAY. Reveeli 0700, roce call in bnt 0710, bedmaking, wast i Jast 0800 rue and gravy, 0820 on parade ground fo working parties, I was detailed for Nox party, ten (10pen (4 Nedsand 60R5) our jol was cutting a bauk away for building purposes, a suisho and ala (ha) every hour, dinver (broughtou to usuke joh) prie and gravy, Rids all roued He place and we 9ot a gaod laugh ant 9 tem. They amuggled us apply at tn (10/sen a piece, and a bescent and same leathery rue and feour (like a divefiling) Had two a goods guards on with in. We are to be paid every ten 60/ days for work done in that puiod. Returned to camp at 1630 had a hot tiug and was ready for tea at 1700. A good plateful of rice and firh NOTES HOAPAY 26t UAYPON 2:71:1:2 and alips (Ihaded Hepirt for rue). Icw up are apple in the rice and added ralt and negar and had a darved 9ood tea, a gapt. guard today gave we rave of his pare at dinner time rice, youed and read after tea until rece call 3000, bed waking light out 8100 HIAF DAYPOW TUESDRY 2.11:42 Reverle 0700, wel call in hut, 0710, bedinaking, warss etc, bfor OBoorue and gravy, no work today and this morning we wrote our letter card, copy hereuuder, how I hope it reachs you for xwas because I know what it would ucan to you; I hope that you can read between the luis of my longing to be with you, Dearn beg. te excellant hearth, we are being were treated; quarters comfortable for reasonably good. Very cold here, but have plusty warv clother. If accoved send pincils, send only consutated foods, cho colate. bigarettes are avoilable work occasionally, exerise or much a possible. Allowed write me eard, love mother, ores, wyreond and others. see my thoughts are of you every day and you knew jut have I long for a litter and our peunion. all my love and deared thoughts. Your worrying mustcease keep your chin up and suute and remember I am with you at all tims. I pray that you are fit and well an. Dinver Dooi and gravy shaved and read afer dineer wnitie tea 1700 (Jap holiday to day, Rre and gravy. Clestnts Calready wasted) were avolable at the cauteen 12 for gren and they were good. Read oc after tew antil roce call 2000, bedmaking etc light out 2100. on prequet again 0100/1300.

NOTES
10.10.42  SATURDAY 237th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630 roll call 0640 in quad and was it cold
another fine day; bed making and a wash and then
breakfast 0730 rice and barley and gravy. Read this
morning until 1030 then apptd to NCO 1/C Fire Picquet, our
Squad (No.1) with nine other men, were called on to
quad for a lecture and then a demonstration on
how to work Fire Extinguishers and a Hand Pump.
The Japanese are mortally afraid of fire. Had a
shave and then dinner 1200, brown bread roll
and gravy and vegetables. Jap Saturday afternoon
inspection 1300 (turned up at 1400) lasted for an hour
during which time we stood to attention and numbered
in Japanese. the orderly officer was made to count to 100
in front of us all. Cut up a piece of my blanket
and made a pair of moccasins for the cold feet
on the straw mats. Tea 1700 rice and barley
and gravy. Canteen orders tonight I brought
a bottle of cidar (so called, just lemonade), one
apple (one per man) and one packet of cigs (one
per man) costing 22, 6 and 15 sen resp. Gee
mine own the apple was grand also the
so called cidar. Played dominoes until roll
call (in Japanese) 2000. Bed making then lights
out 2100. Our squad is on picquet to night,
Cec and I drew 04.30 / 0630 tomorrow morning,
so a broken nights sleep.
11.10.42  SUNDAY 238th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630, I was on last shift of picquet so
was already dressed, had a wash, then
roll call on the quad at 0640.
NOTES
11.10.42 SUNDAY 238th DAY P.O.W
As from yesterday afternoon we have to salute all
Jap officers and men, in the Aussie's case, the
Japs say our hats (A.I.F issue) are not military
style the consequence is this, we must wear
our hats every time we go outside the hut, for a
wash, walk, drill or latrine and then when
we sight a Jap, we have to bow, ^(taking off our hat) can you
imagine it. when we are going to the
latrines six or seven times a day, and out
washing our plates etc, it will all keep. The
temp. this morning at 0700 was 51° (19° off freezing
pt) and it feels every bit of it, bed making then
breakfast at 0730 rice and barley and gravy, it
looks as if we will have a fine day again.
Read and continued writing up my Jap- Eng dicty.
Two sick to hospital today from our squad, one
with diptheria (suspect) and the other diaorhea.
Canteen before dinner, purchased cigarettes and
razor blades for the squad and managed to
get one apple. Dinner 1200 brown bread roll (apple
in between), gravy and same rice from this morning.
I have a darned cold in my head at present
and feel very stuffy. Read until 1500, then a hot tong,
collected the washing, read again until tea 1700.
rice, gravy and tea (discoloured water). After
tea played dominoes and read till
roll call 2000. Teeth cleaning and bed
making then lights out 2100. I bought
and sold a watch today the story is on
the next page.

 

NOTES
12.10.42 MONDAY  239th DAY P.O.W.

Yesterday afternoon an Englishman with a
gold watch was broke and out of smokes etc
and wanted to sell his watch for $15.00.
I bought it for $10, 1 blade razor (valued
at $3.50 and ten packets of cigarettes $1.50
I bought at 1700, after tea at 1830 a Jap
came around and wanted a watch and
I sold it to him for $25.00, $18.00 in
cash, $1.50 in cigarettes 10 packets, and
approx 10 lbs sugar $5.50. (but worth
$20 these days). Gee mine own it must
be my lucky day, what a break.
Reveilli 0630 raining, roll call in hut 0640, wash etc
bed making, breakfast 0730 rice and gravy and tea.
Jap vocab. writing up until 0900 then drill until 1130
(2½ hrs) of saluting, believe me, we had enough.
Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy. At 1330
we were ordered on the quad again and did
another 3 hours saluting till 1630. Gee mine 

own it has been a trying day. We were told
the reason was for not obeying regulations. (who
knows). A day's saluting for punishment.
Shower and shave at 1700 then tea rice and
a piece of fish and chips, the sugar is a godsend.
Played dominoes and read after tea until
roll call 2000 then bed making until
lights out 2100. The Japs were apparently
very pleased with Australia's military funerals
accorded to the Japanese members of the subs.
which got into Sydney Harbour
NOTES
13.10.42  TUESDAY  240th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630, parade in hut 0640, bed making and wash.
Breakfast rice and gravy. A lousy cold morning.
Am having a cap made out of the tail of my shirt, so
as it will do away with all this b- bowing, next
thing now, will be instruction in Japanese saluting.
It looks like a fine day, so perhaps another day's
saluting again. Another 300 apples came in this morn.
to be divided amongst 500 men so here's a raffle, I may be
lucky. Salute drill again this morning 0900/1115 just
another 2¼ hrs. Managed to draw an apple in the raffle,
cost 6 sen. Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy and
a small dumpling. Salute drill again 1330 - 1615,
yes another 2¾ hrs. Shower and then tea 1700
rice gruel (back on gruel again on a/c of dysentry)
and gravy. A peace offering after tea, each man
received two (2) pkts (20's) cigarettes free, can you
beat it. Yarned and played dominoes until
Roll call 2000. Bed making and then lights
out 2100. Rumoured that Russia is likely to declare
war on Japan at any moment, I wonder.
14.10.42  WEDNESDAY  241st DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0630, roll call in quad 0640, bed making and
work, breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy. There is
supposed to be an inspection at 1500 and if we pass
our drill examination, drill is supposed to cease.
At 0900 drill again untl 1200. C.O Prison Camps Korea
inspected the men drilling in squads, we were given
68% others 89% (officers 66% - last). The C.O. through
the interpreter said " he was very glad with the

 

NOTES
14.10.42 WEDNESDAY 241st DAY P.O.W.
parade". I hope it means the end of our drilling and
saluting. C.O. also carried out a hut inspection so it
is a day of days. Every opportunity I get, I grab a Jap
soldier and fill in a bit of my dictionary. Dinner
1230 (late on a/c of parade) brown bread roll and gravy.
Played dominoes after dinner, read, shaved
and had a hot shower, rumoured that we are
to have a double issue tea (I wonder). Got my
home made forage cap so from now on, bowing
will cease. Tea 1700 rice gruel (double issue) at 1730
gravy and a fish dumpling, gosh xmas is not in it.
Yesterday and today 10 and 30 men respectively
were taken across to the railway and did some
loading and unloading timber and rice respect.
and They received for Their labours yesterday
2 pkts of cigarettes and today one pkt of cigarettes or
1 apple, I volunteered today, but was nearly
killed in the rush. Played dominoes until 2000
then roll call, bed making, teeth cleaning and
then lights out 2100.

15.10.42 THURSDAY 242nd DAY. P.O.W.
Reveilli 0630 roll call in quad. 0640, wash etc, bed making, then
breakfast 0730 rice gruel (double issue for a week on trial)
and gravy. 0900 on quad, drill until 1000, P.T for
1/2 hr then 1030/1100 sports etc, 3 huts, ten men from
each hut 150yd relay, I represented our hut (No 1)
and we came 2nd. Dinner 1200 bread roll and
gravy and some gruel from this morning. 1330
drill again until 1415, then P.T and games until

 


NOTES
15.10.42 THURSDAY 242nd DAY P.O.W.
1545 (we must be good boys). Hot shower 1600 and
played dominoes until tea 1700. Rice gruel and gravy.
Managed to buy 10 small bun biscuits today at 5 sen
ea and they were urishi. Dominoes after tea until
roll call 2000, teeth cleaning, bed making then
lights out 2100. After tea, apples, cidar (lemonade)
and cigarettes arrived at the canteen, so tomorrow
may have an apple again. Heard tonight that
officers are to receive $120 per month and no work,
others (NCO's and men) will be paid if they work.
16.10.42 FRIDAY 243rd DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0630, roll call in quad 0640 bed making and
wash, canteen order list compiled, breakfast 0730
rice gruel and gravy. No drill this morning, at
canteen buying sectional order of apples and cigs.
Shaved, read and played dominoes until dinner
1200. Bread roll and gravy, apple and some rice
from this morning. No drill again ths afternoon
played dominoes, read, had a hot tong, then
tea 1700 rice (a double issue and more, as much as
we could possibly eat) and gravy, gosh I will
be latrining and bowing all night. Played dominoes until
roll call 2000, bedmaking etc, lights out 2100.
17.10.42 SATURDAY  244th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630 (and is it cold), roll call 0640, wash, bed making
then breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy. A beautiful
fine day. 0900 on quad for drill and PT and
then leap frog. An issue of sugar today (one
dessertspoonful) and in our hut, we all put in
 

 

NOTES
17.10.42   SATURDAY   244th DAY P.O.W
a teaspoonful each for a chap in hospital who has had
berri-berri, diptheria and dysentery all at once. He
has been given two blood transfusions and is on the
mend. Dinner 1200 brown bread roll and gravy.
Inspection 1300, much ado about nothing, Jap major suggests
we all get our hair cropped as we will be here a long
time (I wonder and oh how I pray for home and Pug).
A big stick always accompanies the major and a
hat or cap gets knocked off on occasions, today one
jack knife was discovered and all knives were
promptly confiscated, those who had shaven
heads were given an apple each. I think that most
of us will stick to our hair. Read and
played dominoes, had a hot tong, a hair cut
then tea at 1700 rice gruel and gravy. Played
dominoes after tea, and also bought the
section apple order (6 sen each) 13 apples
for 24 men, I was again fortunate. Roll call
2000, bed making teeth cleaning then lights
out 2100.      
18.10.42     SUNDAY    245th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630 (temp. 39 o or 7 o above F.P.) roll call on
quad 0640. Wash, bedmaking etc, breakfast 0730
rice gruel and gravy. The coldest morning yet, but
a fine clear day. A working party today again, five
from our squad, but I missed the draw. The
Japs have informed us that we cannot conduct
a church service, we have no Padre, but one
officer was going to take a service this morning. 
 

NOTES
 18.10.42    SUNDAY    245th DAY P.O.W
washed a towel and a pair of socks and aired my
two (2) woolen singlets. Our blankets were all
sprayed this morning as a precaution against
scabies, so we have cases of diaorrhea, dysentry,
diptheria, malaria, berri-berri, and now
scabies, so things are not so hot. Played dominoes,
read and aired my blankets dinner 1200
bread roll and gravy. Read, played dominoes
and gave my blankets a shaking. After dinner we
were issued with a few Japanese papers, buy they
are not good reading. Did not have a hot tong today
on a/c of my cold, I feel a bit chesty. Tea 1700 rice
gruel and gravy. After tea went to the canteen and
picked up three pkts cigs per man, this is the fifth
free pkt, they are pkts of 20's and from now on
we are to receive 5 ea month.Played dominoes
after tea and then roll call 2000, bed making
teeth cleaning and lights out 2100.
19.10.42    MONDAY    246th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630 (not so cold) roll call in quad 0640
bedmaking, wash etc, breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy
Had a quiz contest last night between the four (4) squad
in our hut, we won (no.1 squad) and the officers gave a prize
of $5 so we split it between 21 of us. I bought a Valet
Razor $2 and 5 blades (ea 5 sen) 50 sen, so I should
be right now as far as shaving is concerned.
Cec and I drew piquet again last night, but sold our
shifts 0430/0630 for 1 pkt of cigarettes ea, bribery and
corruption, 0830 I was one of a working party of 90
 

 

NOTES
19.10.42    MONDAY    246th Day P.O.W
men, we marched out of the camp and shovelled dirt etc
onto small trolly trucks, levelling off ground, we worked
for about two hours (two ten minute smokos in
between) and arrived back at camp at 1115. We
were given a pkt of 20 cigs ea and the NCO's got an
apple as well, I swapped my apple for another pkt
of fags, so for my morning's work (which I
enjoyed for a change) I received 40 cigs. We were
working practically on the sea shore among
very fine vegetable gardens. Dinner 1200 a
brown bread roll and gravy. 1300, in quad for
PT then drill but I went off (excuse Banjo) and
washed some h'chiefs and had a hot tong also
added a few words to my dictionary. Read until tea
1700 rice (normal issue again) and gravy.
Played dominoes after tea until roll call 2000, then bed
making, teeth cleaning and lights out 2100. A chap made
me a lumber jacket out of half of my own blanket.
20.10.42    TUESDAY.    247th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630, roll call 0640 in quad, bed making and
wash, them breakfast 0730 rice and gravy. A mild
morning for a change. Late last night a list had to
be completed showing, name, rank, service, unit and
if we had ever been to Japan (I wonder what it's for).
0915 No. 1 HUT (our hut) only went into the quad and did
two hours drill. News furphies indicate that a ship
load of prisoners from S'pore to Japan were sunk
of the 1150 prisoners, only 250 were saved. Also heard that
British and American troops from Iran were marching to
NOTES
20.10.42    TUESDAY    247th DAY P.O.W.
the Caucasus to meet the Germans. Dinner 1200 bread roll
and gravy. 1330 a call for volunteers for a digging party.
four (4) from each section in our hut. I managed
to get in and at 1345 twenty with guards and
shovels set off in a lorry and after going through
the town of Jinsen eventually stopped at a
beach where we loaded sand and small stones
on to a lorry (two lorry loads). Gosh mine
own, at the water's edge and on the beach, all
my dearest thoughts were of us in our old
days. Clovelly, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral etc.
Apparently a students gathering also took
place on the beach and these students together
with other Korean spectators viewed as a
P.O W with great curiosity; the little kids
held Judo (wrestling) contests. We returned at
1700 and I really enjoyed the work. Tea
rice, fish (a good helping our section won
the ballet out of the four [[?]] in our hut)
and gravy. Had a nice hot tong, donned
my blanket lumber jacket and played
dominoes until roll call 2000. bed making
etc then lights out 2100. Received our new P.O.W
numbers tonight nicely done on celluloid. The
new number is 1 - 154 the old one was 1. 519.
21.40.42    WEDNESDAY    248th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630, roll call in quad, bed making and wash
Our own doctor gave me some creosote tablets for my
chest this morn. B'fast rice and gravy, one drinks

 

21.10.42    WEDNESDAY    248th DAY P.O.W
practically nothing these days on account of the rice. 0900 N.C.O's
and officers on quad for drill until 1115. Dinner 1200 bread
roll and gravy. Nothing doing after dinner until 1600 when
I gave a hand to unload some wood. Had a shave and
a wash, no tong on a/c of my cold. Teas 1700 rice and gravy.
An issue of Sanpaper (approx 100 sheets) for a
fortnight, also a tablespoon of soya bean sauce
but am not interested in the latter. Played dominoes
after tea until roll call 2000 then teeth cleaning and
lights out.
22.10.42    THURSDAY    249th DAY P.O.W
0630 reveilli and cold gosh we are freezing 0640 roll call in hut.
Bed making, wash etc, breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy.
Played dominoes until dinner 1200 bread roll and
gravy. The major (Jap) came through our hut during
dinner to see how we were going. No parades, just
as well as it is a bitterly cold day. (the first day of
winter, the guard told us). Played dominoes after dinner,
gosh it is freezing outside 45o, goodness knows
what I will be like in the middle of winter. More
cartloads of wood arrived, must be storing it up.
Hot bath every 3rd day, so tomorrow is the day. Tea
1700. rice (small quantity) and gravy and one piece of
fish. Unloaded three drays of firewood, then played
dominoes until roll call 2000, bed making, lights out 2100.
23.10.42.    FRIDAY    250th DAY P.O.W
0630 reveilli, 0640 roll call in hut ( not raining but
just b- cold 33o in the hut, the cold is intense. Wash,
bedmaking, breakfast 0730 rice and gravy. Some

NOTES

23.10.42   FRIDAY   250th DAY P.O.W

big inspection today by Jap. Gen in charge of Prison Camps.

Drew another apple in the raffle this morning - 17 for the

squad of 21, large ones, 10 cts ea and was it good. The temp

this morning was only 1° from freezing point 32° and

the worst is yet to come. 0900 hut tidying and I was

detailed to fill in water holes on quad with sand. At

1100 those of us in the hut (a working party went outside

this morning) stood to attention whilst the Jap Gen and

his staff (4 brass hats) came through. Dinner 1200

bread roll and gravy. Had a shave after dinner

Gosh mine own I have never ever been so cold it is

petrifying, I now do believe Siberia is just across the way.

Sorted out my collection of cig. packet covers, had a

hot tong and believe it or not had to strip to be weighed.

61.8 Kilogram's or 9 st 10lbs (1 Kilogram = 2 1/5lbs). No

parades today tea 1700 rice and gravy. Cold, oh gosh

1730 and the temp is 41° can you imagine it. Read and

played dominoes until roll call 2000, bed making and

lights out 2100. When it is cold you notice the light

ration of tucker.

24.10.42    SATURDAY    251st DAY P.O.W.

Reveilli 0630 roll call in quad 0640. It was so cold last

night that everyone went to be dressed in pyjamas, pullovers,

balaclavas etc. The temp at 0400 was 29° and this

morning 0700, 35°. Bed making, wash etc, breakfast 0730

rice and gravy. Last night the paper frames were put over

the windows inside and this morning the window panes

were covered in ice. No parade or drill this morning.

Sold a pair of shoes to an English officer for $15.00, when he

 

 

NOTES

24.10.42    SATURDAY    251st DAY P.O.W

gets paid and a towel for $3.00, I did not want them and

the cash will probably come in handy if we get the opportunity

of buying anything. Heard that we are to receive free, a toothbrush

(every two months), pkt of tooth powder (monthly), a pencil,

a toothbrush, so with san paper free and cigarettes (100

per month) we will be kept in essentials by the Japs.

Another P.O.W at Juisen (an Englishman) S/Sgt J. James. died this morn.

he had been taken outside to hospital as it was so serious

and he passed away in that hospital. Read and played

dominoes and tried to get warm. 30 apples at 8 sen ea

were available this morning for our squad of 21 men

and believe me they were good. Dinner 1200 bread roll

(apple in between) and gravy. No inspection today, so

rested after dinner until 1400, then played baseball

until 1515 gosh it was at least warming. At 1530 gravel

spreading on quad until 1630. Wash, then tea 1700

rice and gravy and then read, yarned and played dominoes

until 2000 roll call, wash, teeth cleaning and L/out 2100

25.10.42    SUNDAY    252nd DAY P.O.W

Reveilli 0630 roll call in hut, the least said about the cold the

better, it is impossible to describe one's feelings. bedmaking,

wash etc, breakfast 0730 rice and gravy. Read etc until 1030

Then parade for funeral service of the English P.O.W. He

had been cremated and the service was very impressive.

Once again we lined the path to the gate. Rested until

dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy. Shave, read and

rested after dinner at 1400. another English soldier died

in the camp hospital, you can well imagine how

we all feel, two deaths in 24 hours and making 3

NOTES

25.10.42    SUNDAY    252nd DAY P.O.W

all told for this camp, it is heart breaking, it would appear

that there will be another funeral tomorrow. I made a mattress

out of my ground sheet and contents of Kit bag and it helps

to keep the cold out, others have followed my example.

Tea 1700 rice and gravy. Our first issue of t'brush and tooth

powder was issued this afternoon, I hope that I am not

here long enough to use either. Read until roll call 2000

then bedmaking, teeth cleaning and lights out 2100

26.10.42          MONDAY            253rd DAY P.O.W

Reveilli 0630 roll call in hut 0640, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast

0730 rice and gravy. Not so cold this morning. Played solo in a 

corner behind a curtain until 1030, then funeral service of

Gur Poll in quad. Union Jack is always to the fore, another

impressive service and I hope it is the last we see in this

camp. Played solo again until dinner time 1200 bread roll

and gravy. A working party was on this afternoon, I was not

in the running as I am on piquet tonight. Our CSM No II

[Holmes] had his arm broken and reset, just in his bed in

our hut, seemed crude, but no x-ray place is available, 

I believe, isn't it strange. Washed a shirt, towel, h'chief and

sox, had a hot tang and read and played solo until tea 1700

rice and gravy, and a piece of fish. Have just learned that the

dr could not break the bone in the arm of our C.S.M so all

that for nought. The officer's had their first Jap lesson today

OR's are not in it, so an taking a copy of each lesson. Played

solo after tea until roll call 2000. Bedmaking etc then

lights out.

27.10.42           TUESDAY                   254th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630, roll call in hut 0640, wash, bedmaking etc

 

NOTES

27.10.42           TUESDAY                   254th DAY P.O.W
b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. On piquet last night 2300/0100 a lousy

shift, so do not feel so sprightly this morning. New order came

out last night no washing or teeth cleaning between lights out

and reveilli, the penalty is a slapped face. Not allowed

to smoke between those hours either, but the Jap guards come

in and avail themselves of hut and the cigarette lighter.

Played solo in the morning, made a hay palliase and

a small pillow, our own Dr examined out chest and

throat. Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy and at 

1300 was detailed for a working party. 20 of us went

to a timber yard and stacked steel bars, started at

1430 and knocked off at 1600, three smokos, the

guard supplied the fags and we were marched back

to camp at 1615 and O/R's received 7 sen NCO's 12

( very first Jap working pay). Had a shave, a wash

and then tea 1700 rice and gravy, also an issue of

sugar and salt. Played solo after tea until roll call

2000  then bedmaking, teeth cleaning and then L/Out 1200

28.10.42               WEDNESDAY              255th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630 roll call 0640 on quad, bedmaking, wash etc,

b'fast 0730 rice and gravy - the mattress was the ants pants last

night, very warm and no sore hips this morning. A

working party was on again today but I missed out. Played solo till

dinner time 1200 bread roll and gravy. Played solo again

until 1600 then yarned with an English officer about poultry

farming until tea 1700 rice and gravy. A Jap guard bought

me a pkt of Juitaus today (souvenier in wallet) 0 5 sen

They are good for the throat. Solo after tea until roll call

2000, teeth cleaning, bedmaking L/Out 2100
 NOTES

29.10.42            THURSDAY                256th DAY P.O.W

Reveilli 0630 roll call 0640 in hut, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast 0730

rice and gravy (the gravy this time is just water almost). At

0830 I was on a working party to the quarry. We set off and

after going about 1 1/2 miles out of the course eventually

reach the quarry. Women were engaged alongside us

and our job was for three of us to load a truck and

push it down a reclaimed paddy field and empty

the truck. The women push the same truck and same

quantity of rock, gravel and sand, goodness knows

how they do it. Our party was 90 POW (30 NCO's and

60 men) our guards were two (2) to each 30 men

 and a 1st class private. We did four trips before

dinner 1200 gravy only (I started today giving my

bread roll at 1200 for half and issue of rice in the 

morning and half an issue at night) I will see how

long I can make it last ^ (shaved at 1230). At 1300 off again to the

quarry until 1630 this trip we did six loads and

when I returned to camp at 1700, I was absolutely

done. Tea ^1700 gravy and rice. During our day at 

the quarry, managed to get eight (8) turnips and

five eschelots, pinched most of them, you would

have laughed. Spoke to a Korean civilian and he is

going to get all 10 bread rolls tomorrow (I again [?])

Canteen orders tonight, cigarettes 7 sen, soap 13 sen 

and cider 22 sen in the draw I got one (1 pkt of

cigs and a bottle of cider. 6 cakes of soap for 23

sen. Roll call 2000, bedmaking, L/O 2100 and

honestly noodle I tumbled into bed and was

absolutely done. I was paid 25 sen today.

 

NOTES

30.10.42                 FRIDAY                  257th DAY P.O.W

Reveilli 0630 roll call in hut 0640, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 

0730 rice and gravy. Last night a few of the A.I.F chaps were

issued with diptheria masks, ours are yet to come. Am

going on a working party today and hope to get on the

quarry job and see if the bread rolls turn up. A mattress

made out of a sheet and straw is my ambition today, an

Englishman is sewing the sheet for me this morning.

Another one is washing a shirt, singlet and sox for

me. 0820 on working party, issued out are the

quarry job and finished up at the railway, making

a [?] railway line, loading trucks, only this time

we did not have to push them, returned to camp

at 1200 dinner rice and gravy (bread roll is

to be issued at night now). 1300 fell in for work

again and by swapping numbers, I became a

private and got on to the quarry job, but no

bread. Came back to camp at 1630 received 15 sen

(private's pay), had a tang and then tea 1700 gravy

and bread roll (toasted it in bathhouse fire). Gave

two pkts of cigs to the chaps for doing my washing and

making my mattress. Yarned after tea until roll call

2000, bedmaking, etc lights out 2100. Tonight mine

own I bought a present for you. An Englishman

G [?] was going to sell something to an officer, but

I immediately thought of you, so I got it, prices

cannot be mentioned, but I know you will love it.

31.10.42             SATURDAY               258th DAY P.O.W 

Reveilli 0630, roll call in hut 0640, bedmaking, wash etc, 

b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. Standing by for a working

 

NOTES

31.10.42                 SATURDAY              258th DAY P.O.W 

party today. We were told this morning that we will be

able to write a letter card home within a week, gosh I

hope it's true, and how I would love to have one from

you. 50 men including 7 A.I.F all from this camp are

standing by to leave the camp, they are tradesman,

so that will leave only 17 A.I.F P.O.W in this camp.

No work this morning, played dominoes until dinner 1200

rice and gravy. No work again this afternoon waited

for the 1300 inspection until 1500 but nothing was doing.

Read and played dominoes and yarned to [?]

Tea 1700 rice (I gave my roll away) and gravy. Told

him all about you and we are trying to work out a

scheme whereby I can take you to England. Read

until roll call 2000, bedmaking etc then lights out

2100. Showers are only available every second day.

1.11.42              SUNDAY                   259th DAY P.O.W

The start of another month mine own, gosh I hope it

is nearing the end of our separation. Teeth pulling was

in operation last night, everyone gathers around and

gapes. A list was taken today of those men who had

articles taken at Fusan, so mine own, you can imagine

how I am hoping and praying that my Peg broach

and gold fish will be returned to me. Reveille 0700

(half an hour later), roll call 0710 in hut.  A very bleak

and cold day, b'fast 0800 rice and gravy. Nothing

doing this morning, bitterly cold, yarned with Jack

[Mewies] for a couple of hours about England, I have

nearly decided to take you to England mine own

so look out. Issued with a huge cake of washing

 

NOTES

1.11.42            SUNDAY               259th DAY P.O.W

soap, a pair of white sox and a pair of white gloves, the sox

are useless, but the gloves are reasonably warm. Dinner

1200 rice and gravy. Nothing doing in the afternoon

we were issued with another blanket, a thick one,

and those without great coats were issued with a Jap

[?] great coat. My little Jap guard friend is

getting copies of Jazz songs in our hut. Seven shirts

were distributed amongst our squad of 26 but I issued

the draw. Tea 1700 rice (swapped bread roll) and gravy.

Yarned again with Jack [Mewies] after tea, drew one (1)

pair of underpants in another raffle. Roll call

2000. Bedmaking etc 2100 then lights out 2100.

2.11.42       MONDAY               260th DAY P.O.W

Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, 

b'fast 0800 rice and gravy. 0820 on parade ground for

working parties. I was detailed for No 4 party, ten

(10) men (4 NCO's and 6 ORS) our job was cutting a

back away for building purposes, a smoko

and oha (tea) every hour, dinner (brought out

to us on the job) rice and gravy. Kids all round

the place and we got a good laugh out of

them. They smuggled us apples at ten (10) sen

a piece, and a biscuit and some leathery

rice and flour (like a dumpling). Had

two (2) good guards on with us. We are

to be paid every ten (10) days for work done

in that period. Returned to camp at 1630

had a hot tang and was ready for tea

at 1700. A good plateful of rice and fish

NOTES

2.11.42       MONDAY           260th DAY P.O.W

and chips (I traded the fish for rice). I cut

up an apple in the rice and added salt and

sugar and had a darned good tea. A Jap

guard today gave me some of his spare

rice ^ at dinner time, yarned and read after tea until

roll call 2000, bedmaking lights out 2100

3.11.42   TUESDAY           261st DAY P.O.W

Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut, 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast

0800 rice and gravy. No work today and this morning we

wrote our letter card, copy here under, how I hope it 

reaches you for xmas because I know what it would 

mean to you. I hope that you can read between the

lines of my long [?] to be with you. "Dearest Peg.

In excellent health. We are being well treated, quarters comfortable, food

reasonably good. Very cold here, but have plenty warm clothes. If

allowed send parcels, send only concentrated foods, chocolate.

Cigarettes are available. Work occasionally, exercise as much as

possible. Allowed write one card, love mother, sisters, [?]

and others. All my thoughts are of you every day and you

know just how I long for a letter and our re-union. All

my love and dearest thoughts. Your worrying must cease

Keep your chin up and smile and remember I am 

with you at all times. I pray that you are fit and well.

Alex

Dinner 1200 rice and gravy, shaved and read after

dinner until tea 1700 (Jap holiday today). Rice and gravy.

Chestnuts (already roasted) were available at the canteen

12 for 7 sen and they were good. Read etc after tea until

roll call 2000, bedmaking etc lights out 2100. On piquet

again 0100/0300.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last edited by:
Tracy WrightTracy Wright
Last edited on:

Last updated: