Diary of Alexander Roland Campbell Johnstone, 1942-1943 - Part 15
NOTES
29/12/42 TUESDAY 317th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710. On picquet last night
0315/0430. Bedmaking, wash etc, b/fast 0730
rice and gravy. 0830 on working party at docks
not so cold today. Cec got 3 eggs for a pair of sox
so will do some cooking tonight. Dinner 1200 gravy,
rice and roll. Returned to camp 1700. Arm has
been sore and inflamed all day. Tea 1730 rice
and gravy. To canteen for squad order of 35
apples @ 7 sen, 15 bots cider and 35 pkts of cigs.
At 1900 Cec made some toast and boiled an egg
for me, gosh mine own it was grand. I made
some jam out of orange peel, apple and citron
tonight. Read till roll call 2000, then bedmaking
lights out 2100.
30/12/42. WEDNESDAY 318th DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc b'fast 0730
rice and gravy. The Jap/American interpreter (California
Joe) was moved from this camp 24/12/42 and we have
a new one (there are always two of them). On working
party parade 0830 to docks again. A fine mild day
again. Dinner 1200 rice, gravy and bread roll
Loaded 6 trucks. Returned to camp 1700 wash etc
Tea 1730, rice and gravy. Informed tonight that the
following days are holidays 31st, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th
whacko a spell will not do any harm. Canteen
order again for squad tonight. 35 apples @7sen ea and
15 bots of cider at 22. Allowed to write another letter
tonight (140 words) gosh aren't I lucky, oh mine
own how I hope and pray it reaches you
soon, Roll call 2000, bedmaking etc
L/O 2100, copy of my letter is in 31/12/42 diary.
NOTES
31/12/42 THURSDAY (NEW YEAR'S EVE) 319th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730
rice and gravy. Finished my letter card to you mine own
and handed it in this morning, you will read between
the lines of my longing for you, copy is in my wallet.
Well Peg the start of another year is on us, we must
pray for a cessation of hostilities and our re-union
in 1943 oh mine own I have such a lot to make up
to you, for all you have gone through. The Jap. ord.
officer on roll call this morning told us "to pray for
our fellowmen and country on the new year". I
got a bucket of hot tea and washed two towels,
shirt, h'chief, 2 pairs sox, tea towel and 1 pair pyjamas.
Read until dinner 1200 rice, gravy, we opened one
tin of fish between 3 of us, no bread today and
for the next 5 days on account of Jap holiday.
Wrote up a few more recipes after dinner and played
solo until tea 1730 rice, gravy and burnt rice, Cec and I
added ½ bot cider each and ½ an apple that was our
tea. Read and yarned after tea until roll call
2000 then bedmaking etc until L/O 2100.
I am getting the picquet to waken me at 2355 to see
the New Year in, oh mine own wife, how I
am so fervently thinking of you, every minute
my heart is with you, all my thoughts and
my most innermost feelings. I bought or I
should say bartered for a present for you
today so in it goes with my big surprise
present for you. Well mine own, "goodnight
God bless you and be with you at all times"
NOTES
1/1/1943 FRIDAY (NEW YEAR'S DAY) 320th DAY P.O.W
0001 I got the picquet to wake me and Cec and I got up
and gave you a toast with citron; about 8 of us saw the
new year in, all was quiet. It commenced snowing
at 0100 and it stopped at 0230. Oh Peg I feel so lonely
and miserable without you and my thoughts are
full of you mine own. I said a special prayer at
0030 and never ever have I been with you more
in spirit and soul. Reveilli 0700 roll call in
hut 0710 bedmaking, wash etc b'fast 0730 rice
and gravy. Assisted Lt Frazer w/up some
records until 1100 then a New Year present from
the Japs, 2 apples per man. To canteen for squad
order 2pkts cigs (20's) per man @ 16 sen ea and
15 bots cider @ 22 sen. Dinner 1200 rice and gravy
I saved the rice and with an apple grated
and ½ bottle cider I made an apple pie for
tea. Read and slept until 1500 then had a
hot tong and washed a singlet, and underpants
in warm water. Still very chilly but have been
in indoors all day thank goodness. Tea
1730 rice and gravy and my home made
apple and rice pie. Played solo until roll
call 2000 then bedmaking L/O 2100. Well
Peg treasure mine here is 1943 and every
day brings us closer together, I feel confident
that 1943 holds for both of us what we
treasure most that is "one another," God
be with you at all times to comfort and solace
you and give you faith and courage
NOTES
2/1/1943 SATURDAY 321ST DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast
0730 rice and gravy, Bitterly cold this morning and at
0830 fell in on working party for docks. For my first
New Years working day it could not have been
colder 18o of frost and a biting wind off the frozen
salt water. Dinner 1200 rice and gravy. Returned
to camp 1700, frozen stiff. Tea 1730 gruel and gravy
Read and played solo after tea until roll call 2000
then bedmaking L/O 2100
3/1/1943 SUNDAY 322ND DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc b'fast 0730
rice gruel and gravy. Read and to canteen for Squad
order of 2 apples per man @7 sen ea and 15 bots of cider
@ 22 sen, also did some wood lifting and took up a
board of our floor and hid a few pieces our ration
is 6 pieces per day and 54 lbs coal it is not so much
in this cold weather 15o above zero this morning (17o
of frost) Dinner 1200 rice and gravy and I
boiled an apple and an orange and its peel for
a centre for an apple pie for tea tonight. On the 31st
I bought two small jade chips and intend getting
a ring made up for you. They will have a
sentimental value, being through at P.O.W camp.
Slept and played solo until tea 1700 rice (small.
issue) and gravy and my apple pie. Played solo
after tea until roll call 2000 then bedmaking
etc 2100. Well mine own the start of another
week in 1943. Oh mine own be brave and
"chin up and smile".
NOTES
4.1.1943 MONDAY 323rd DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 and once more bitterly cold. On picquet
last night or I should say this morning 0430/0545. Bedmaking,
wash etc b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. We are now on 140 gramms
of rice per meal per man = about 5oz, a reduction and believe
me we notice it. 0830 on docks working party, oh Peg today
has been better 18o frost, it is impossible to describe it, one's
feet and fingers were numb and I mean it. Dinner
1200 rice and gravy (saved the rice for tomorrow to
make a fish pie for my birthday) (fish saved from
Xmas Day). Returned to camp 1700, tea, 1730 rice and
gravy Read etc until roll call 2000 then bedmaking
etc and then bed (very welcome) L/O 2100
5.1.1943 TUESDAY 324th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc (taps all frozen
bitterly cold again). Well mine own I have taken your wishes
for my Birthday today and I feel confident that for my next
one, we will be re-united enjoying life's happiness in its
entirety. B'fast rice and gravy (saved some more rice
for the cooking). At b'fast time out of the blue J.P. Mewies
comes along with an Eversharp pencil and a
very nice note, he is a great scout, can you beat
it a birthday present in Jinsen Prison Camp.
Holiday today and after breakfast Alf Bulmer did the
fish pie mixture for Cec, Jack, and self. Drew the wood
ration at 0930 three pieces per squad (actually ten of
us drew the same 3 and popped it in our secret
wood house, a board removed the floor). Also
an apple and rice pie and for dinner at
1200 we had gravy, fish pie, apple pie with
NOTES
5.1.1943 TUESDAY 324th DAY P.O.W
citron and a cup of tea. Our gruel issue for dinner
I saved and with a herring in it heated it up
for tea. After dinner I read "Sea Hawk" until 1500
then Alf B gave me a haircut. I had a shave and
a hot tang and rested until 1700 rice gruel and
herring, stew and rice. After tea I copied out a piece
of poetry for you. I think it excellent in the circumstances
J. P.Mewies, Cec, Dave Allcock and myself
played contract bridge until roll call 2000 then
bedmaking etc L/O 2100
6.1.1943 WEDNESDAY 355th DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc, b/fast 0730
rice and gravy. If it is not too cold this morning, (our officer
i/c decides) those without full clothing staying in usually, will
go out and our squad will have a day off. No working
party for No 1. SQUAD. Played contract bridge until 1030
and were then detailed (a party of 5) to empty the
incinerator and cart it to a rubbish dump
outside the camp. We did 2 trips, I was the horse
in the shafts. (a very nosey job). Dinner 1200
bread roll (first for 7 days) and gravy. After dinner I
had a sleep until 1500 then washed 2 h'chiefs; 3 pairs
of sox and a shirt in the bath house. At 1600 a fish
and hot sauce issue was on, also margarine
so ^we are going to make a fish pie after tea. Tea
1730 rice and gravy. After tea made a fish
pie and Cec, Jack, and self had it after roll
call 2000. Bedmaking then lights out
2100
To PEG. MY WIFE
NOTES
"FOR HONOUR AND FOR HER"
Somewhere a woman, thrusting fear away
Faces the future bravely for your sake
Toils on from dawn til dark; from day to day;
Fights back her tears, nor heeds the bitter ache
She loves you, trusts you, breathes in prayer your name
Soil not her faith in you by sin or shame.
Somewhere a woman ,mother sweetheart; wife -
waits betwixt hopes and fear for your return
Her kiss, her words will cheer you in the strife
When death itself confronts you, grim and stern,
But let her image all your reverence claim
When base temptations scorch you with their flame.
Somewhere a woman watches - filled with pride
Shrined in her heart, you share a place, with none
She toils, she waits, she prays, till side by side
You stand together when the battle's done
O'keep for her dear sake a stainless name
Bring back to her a manhood free from shame
Ex "Alliance" of Honor
Secretary
P.O. Box 2260
Cape Town.S.A
Oh mine own how appropriate this is
I had to copy it for you, it speaks volumes
for all that a woman goes through.
NOTES
MY VERSION OF "FOR HONOUR AND FOR HER"
IN AUSTRALIA, A WOMAN, THRUSTING FEAR AWAY
FACES THE FUTURE BRAVELY FOR MY SAKE,
WORRIES ON FROM DAWN TILL DARK; FROM DAY TO DAY
FIGHTS BACK HER TEARS, NOR HEEDS THE BITTER ACHE.
SHE LOVES ME, TRUSTS ME, BREATHES IN PRAYER MY NAME
SOIL NOT HER FAITH IN ME, BY SIN OR SHAME.
IN AUSTRALIA, A WOMAN, MY SWEETHEART WIFE
WAITS BETWIXT HOPES AND FEARS FOR MY RETURN
HER KISSES, HER WORDS WILL CHEER ME IN THE STRIFE
WHEN DEATH ITSELF CONFRONTS ME, GRIM AND STERN.
BUT HER IMAGE, DOES ALL MY REVERENCE CLAIM
WHEN BASE TEMPTATION'S SCORCH ME WITH THEIR FLAME
IN AUSTRALIA, A WIFE WATCHES - FILLED WITH PRIDE
SHRINED IN HERE HEART, I SHARE A PLACE WITH NONE
SHE WORRIES, SHE WAITS, SHE PRAYS, TILL SIDE BY SIDE
WE STAND TOGETHER WHEN THE BATTLE'S DONE.
O' KEEP FOR HER DEAR SAKE, A STAINLESS NAME
TAKE BACK TO HER A MANHOOD FREE FROM SHAME.
Oh mine own darling wife, I pray with all
my heart and soul for a speedy re-union,
I owe you so much and I feel I can give
you so much happiness. You have borne
the burden bravely, as I wanted you to
"chin up and smiling" and your courage
and faith will be repaid ten thousand fold.
NOTES
7.1.43 THURSDAY 326th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730 rice
gravy and burnt rice. 0830 working party at docks, very
very cold. Dinner 1200 rice, bread roll and gravy.
Hugged the fire when available. Returned to
camp 1700, my washing done yesterday was
dry tonight. Tea 1730 rice (1 [leggy cup), gravy
and some burnt rice from this morning to
canteen after tea for Squad order of cigs. 2
pkts per man 16 sen per pkt. Played contract
bridge until 2000 roll call, then bedmaking
and read until L/O 2100.
8.1.43 FRIDAY 327th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc,
Started snowing at 0500 and is snowing very
heavy at breakfast time 0730 rice and gravy.
Holiday today so no work. After b'fast Cec and I made
an apple charlotte from saved rice (hard to save)
and 2 apples for dinner. To canteen (closing till
12/1/43 for stocktaking) for squad order of cigarettes
1 pkt per man at 15 sen (pkt of 10). Played contract
bridge until dinner 1800 apple charlotte, gravy
and bread roll. Played contract bridge until
tea 1715 gruel and gravy. Read and somehow
it is hard work because all my thoughts wander
to you, oh mine own how I long to take
you up in my arms, to have you as a husband
would have his wife. Roll call 2000 then
bedmaking and read till L/O 2100. If only
we could get some reliable news in this place
NOTES
9.1.43 SATURDAY 328th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730
rice and gravy. Bitterly cold again, at the back of this diary
I have made a temp. chart to give you an idea of the temps.
The P.O.W are running a Contract Bridge Tournament starting
tomorrow. Cec and I are playing together enhance fee
10 sen. There are approx 30 pairs contesting. 0830 working
party docks fine but cold, loading trucks with muck
Dinner 1200 gravy, roll and small issue of rice.
Returned to camp 1700, sugar issue (2 desps'ful) tea
1730 gruel and gravy. Read and played contract
Bridge after tea until roll call 2000. Then bedmaking
etc L/O 2100. On picquet 0545/0700 so
will be rising very early tomorrow morning.
10.1.43 SUNDAY 329th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0700 roll call 0710 (on picquet until 0700, so had washed and made
bed etc before 0700 also shaved). All taps are now bound with a thick
layer of straw on a/c of freezing. B'fast 0730 gruel and gravy. An
inspection is to take place today from the Keijo C.O, also
a padre is coming from that camp to take Communion
Service. Detailed to sweep the hut out this morning where
they had been preparing wooden blinds for windows. (to
keep the moisture out). Sat and waited patiently for the
inspection and read until dinner 1200 gravy and bread
roll. Played our first game in the Bridge Tournament
and won. At 1500 we were told that there would be
an inspection after waiting 6 hrs (just like our own
army). Had a tang at 1600 and it was snowing
like blazes. Tea 1700 rice and gravy (could still eat
a horse). Played another unfinished Bridge match
before roll call 2000 then bedmaking L/O2100
PayDay. 60 sen
NOTES
11.1.43 MONDAY 330th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, all taps frozen (not withstanding
straw). Temp 12o (20o of frost) bedmaking, wash etc. B'fast
0730 rice and gravy. Gosh there is a North wind blowing
and is it cold (3 pairs of pants is the order of the day). 0830
working party at docks and as for cold well mine
own today 11.1.43 will live in my memory for ever,
it was so bitterly cold (10o) that at 1200 we knocked
off, had dinner rice, gravy and roll and returned
to camp petrified, frozen and chilled to the bone.
There was a north wind blowing and with ice
and snow about, it was agonising, all the
clothes in the world would make no difference.
I wanted to go to the lav, but I was not game
to, he would have dropped off. Returned to camp
1300, made myself a mattress of straw and then
sat by the fire to thaw out. Read and had
a friendly game of contract Bridge until tea
1730 rice and gravy and oh mine own, our
meals at times would give you the impression
"that a hunger strike is on", I noticed it especially
today probably on a/c of the cold, but for tea
to have 1 ½ cups boiled rice and 1 cup watery gravy,
it leaves you as you as you were before you had it.
Read after tea and played our unfinished
Bridge game from yesterday and we
won. Roll call 2000 then bedmaking
etc until L/O 2100. Well mine own today
as I said has been the coldest even at 1200
it was 2o and a wintry wind. 30o of frost.
NOTES
12.1.43 TUESDAY 331st DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710. Temp 3o this morning (29o
of frost) can you imagine it, only 3o lower and it is at
zero. Yesterday at docks the cold water froze in the
buckets after being there 15 min. The huts in the camp
are frosted inside on the walls, these are some
cold facts 0830 on docks working party, not so bitter
as yesterday but gosh it was cold. Dinner 1200 rice,
gravy and roll. Returned to camp 1700 wash, then tea
1730 rice and gravy and toasted half a roll from
dinner time. Only those will full set of clothes went
out today. There was also an inspection by a Jap
Maj.Gen at 1400. Read and played cards until
roll call 2000 then L/O 2100.
13.1.43 WEDNESDAY 332nd DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast
0730 rice and gravy. Very cold again 4o. 0830 working
party on docks, it is a trying job honestly, if we were
well fed, this would be a good climate. Dinner
1200 rice, gravy and bread roll. Cec narrowly
missed being hit with a fall of earth after
dinner. Whilst digging we unearthed a family
of mice in a nest. Returned to camp 1700 had
a hot tong then tea 1730 rice, gravy and bread
roll from dinner, also all issue of fish batter
and margarine so I dined well. Informed
we are not allowed a straw mattress
so I have to empty mine again. Yarned and
read until roll call 2000 then bedmaking
L/O 2100
NOTES
14.1.45 THURSDAY 333rd DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, wash, bedmaking etc b'fast
0730 rice and gravy. 0830 Docks working party again.
We were to start on a new inside job today, but it
was cancelled at 0800. A very mild day today
and quite pleasant working. Dinner 1200 rice
gravy and roll, saved roll and rice for tonight.
Returned to camp 1700, wash etc tea 1730 rice,
gravy and tea and saved bread roll. Cec and
I made an apple charlotte the last of our 2
apples and gosh it was good. The topic at present
is ration pinching (of our rations) burnt rice,
fish batter and the stew ration being re warmed
on the docks job. Played bridge until 2000 then bed
making. Free issue 2 pkts cigs (20's) per man and 1 tin
of sardines costing 60 sen between 3 1/2 men L/O 2100
15.1.43 FRIDAY 334th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730
rice, gravy and our squad's turn for burnt rice. 0830
Docks working party, another mild day and we
all worked with a will, a good team unloading
steel trucks of earth. Dinner 1200 rice, gravy and
roll, we ate it around the fire. Returned to
camp 1700 had a wash then tea 1730 rice and
gravy. I finished off my burnt rice from the
morning, odd bits of food are appreciated these days.
Had a shave and played bridge after tea until
roll call 2000 then bedmaking L/O 2100. On picquet
tonight 2100/2215. Oh mine own the last letter I had
from you as my diary shows, was 12 mos on 19.1.43.
You will never realise what a heart breaking
time it has been for me. Oh darling, treasure
mine "chin up and keep smiling" wont you.
NOTES
16.1.43 SATURDAY 335th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730 rice
and gravy. 0830 Docks working party, another fine day
but this afternoon the Siberian wind arrived and it
turned quite cold. Dinner 1200 rice, gravy and bread
roll. Whilst waiting at the docks to return to camp
there was a huge fire, we thought at first it was
our camp, but it was next door, quite exciting.
Had a wash and then tea 1730 gruel, gravy
and toasted roll and 1/5th tin of sardines, so
again feel quite well fed. Played contract
bridge after tea until 2000 roll call then bed
making L/O 2100
17.1.43 SUNDAY 336th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730
gruel and gravy. Blackout practice for a week starting
from last night, with the black curtains and electric
light shades, the hut looks like a morgue. JP M and
I bought another bottle of Jap. VITAMIN B tablets last
night ¥1.80, I hope they are doing some good. Played
bridge during the morning at 1000 there was a parade
called for the Jap CO who distributed 11 presents of
100 cigs ea for good work at the docks (oh yes). Dinner
1200 gravy and toasted bread roll. Played bridge
after dinner and won 30 cigs (Cec and I). At
1500 had a hot tong and washed 1 pr u/pants, 3 prs
sox, 1 shirt, handkerchief and a towel. Toasted a
roll and put my fish issue on it. Canteen
after tea for Squad [[?]]. 10 cents per man. Won
our 3rd successive round in bridge tournament.
Roll call 2000, bedmaking L/O 2100.
NOTES
MONDAY 18.1.43 337TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, wash, bedmaking, b'fast
0730 rice and gravy. Had a shave then 0830 docks
working party. A mild day and it was not so
bad, pushing steel trucks again. Dinner 1200 rice
gravy and roll. Returned to camp 1700 had a
wash and then tea 1730 rice, gravy, roll from
dinner time and another 1/5th tin of sardines.
My eyes are playing up on me and I have bouts
of headaches. Read and played our 4th Bridge
Tournament game which we won. Bedmaking
roll call 2000 L/O 2100
TUESDAY 19.1.43 338TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash
etc b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. Well mine own,
today 1 year ago you wrote your 52nd letter
to me, the last I had from you, and to think
of the eternity it has been; oh mine own I
cannot stick it out much longer without hearing
from you, it is getting me down and I am
afraid that it is making me bad company
for my fellow P.O.W., I am going through a
stress that I never thought possible. Received
a butter issue last night. 0830 Docks working party
another mild day, but have a persistant head
ache. Dinner 1200 rice, gravy and roll. Pushing
trucks all day. An issue of 1 pkt per cigs (7 sen) per
man was sold on the job. Returned to camp 1700
wash etc, tea 1730 rice, fish and gravy. TOM.O for
headache powders. Canteen 2 pkts cigs @ 23 sen per
pkt per man (inc in price N.B.) also 1 apple at 8
sen per man. Roll call 2000 L/O 2100.
NOTES
WEDNESDAY 20.1.43 339TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc,b'fast
0730 rice and gravy. Headache is better for a change.
0830 Docks working party. Am loading steel trucks
again and felt done in at the end of the day. Dinner
1200 rice gravy and roll. A fine mild day and
the weather has been A.1 for a few days. Returned
to camp 1700 had a wash, bedmaking then tea
1730 rice and gravy. After tea I got a few recipes
of curry etc from Capt Sinclair and had a long
chat with him. Roll call 2000. L/O 2100.
THURSDAY 21.1.43 340TH DAY P.O.W.
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking wash etc, b'fast 0730
rice and gravy. A couple of our chaps have got frost bitten
toes, they are shocking feet to look at. Received a pkt
of tooth powder as an issue from the Japs last night.
0830 new working party at a Timber & Railway
workshop, a change from the Docks, but a
terrific distance from camp and the job entails
walking around in circles carrying timber and
on return to camp at 1715 I was absolutely
done in having, I reckoned and walked 25/30 miles..
Dinner 1200 rice (bread rolls off for 5 days, no
flour in the summer) and gravy and a leggy
gravy from the contractor. Tea 1730 rice and
gravy and then a hot tang. After ten I rewrote
the curry recipes and to canteen for
4 reels of cotton and 35 needles costing 10 and 1
sen resp. for our squad of 35 men. Pay night
$11.20 for me and then bedmaking etc roll
call 2000 L/O 2100. On picquet 1015/1130
NOTES
FRIDAY 22.1.43 341st DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc. Breakfast
0730 rice and gravy. 0830 Docks working party, a cloudy
day but not cold. Loading wooden trucks ( souvenir
work ticket in wallet). Dinner 1200 rice and gravy.
Rumoured that there are to be no more bread rolls.
After dinner the temps dropped 25o and started to
snow . We were bustled back to camp 1500,
cooked some rice and veg. saved from dinner
time, had a wash, bedmaking and then read
until tea 1730. rice, gravy and burnt rice also my
veg. and rice pie so am feeling well fed once
more. Read after tea until roll call 2000 L/O 2100
SATURDAY 23.1.43. 342nd DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc b'fast
0730 rice and gravy. Last night after roll call the canteen
had 5 small hams per squad costing $25.25 or 80
sen per man, gosh it was a break. I still have mine.
Temp this morning is well down 17o of frost. 0830 Docks
working party bitterly cold wind blowing Loading
wooden trucks. Cec had a day off. dinner 1200
rice and gravy. I sent my rice back to camp
and Cec made me a rice, ham and vegetable
pie for tea. Returned to camp 1700 wash etc
Tea 1730 gruel, gravy and my pie. A butter issue
was on also, so feel quite full even though
the gruel was like water. Played bridge after
tea until roll call 2000. An issue of toilet
soap tonight, whacko. Gruel and rice are a
wonderful bladder exercise. L/O 2100
NOTES
SUNDAY 24.1.43 343rd DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc. B'fast 0730
gruel (an extra issue on a/c last night) and gravy. Gosh it
is a cold morning 9o (23o frost). Played our 5th bridge t'ment
game and won our opponents went to church service
at 1030 during he watch. We were weighed again this
morning and for the 1st time showed an increase
of 1.5 kilos (61.5 kilos or 9st 9lbs). Dinner 1200 rice
and gravy. After dinner to canteen for squad
order of 1 pkt cigs @ 23 sen per man and 30 c/nuts
@ 10 1/2 sen per man. Had a hot tang at 1500 then
read until tea 1730 rice, gravy, a few pieces of fried
potatoes and a piece of fried whale meat, believe
it or not and it was quite OK "whale up" was the
gell. After tea we had an impromptu concert in our hut
1830/2030 then roll call, bedmaking L/O 2100
MONDAY 25.1.43 344th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730
rice and gravy 0830 Docks working party loading
iron trucks. Dinner 1200 rice and gravy. Saved
some rice and vegetable for a pie tonight. Returned
to camp 1700 had a wash, bedmaking and made a
pie for supper, Tea 1730 rice and gravy. Heard tonight
that we are to have fingerprints etc taken. I wonder
what for. Played our 6th bridge t'ment game and
won. Had my pie for supper and a cup of tea
then roll call 2000 L/O 2100. Oh mine own
I am finding the days very long and trying
and my heart is aching for you and my
thoughts are filled with you and you alone.
NOTES
TUESDAY 26.1.43 345th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 (I went for a wash on the blast
of reveilli 0700 and a [?] slap bang into Jap O. Officer, I
bowed and dropped towel and t/brush). B'fast 0730
rice and gravy, 0830 Docks working party, pushing
steel trucks. A very cold day again and slight snow.
At 1100 I was on ration party and came back to
camp, at 1200 we returned to docks and then
dinner of rice and gravy. Brought empty gravy
buckets back to camp and returned to docks at
1330. Came back to camp 1700 wash and tea 1730
rice, gravy and [JP M) made me a rice and veg
pie. After tea we each had to extract our hair from
our head, and from our arm and from our
groin and place them in an envelope.
Played our 7th bridge match and lost for the first time. Capt
Sinclair lent me a watch tonight. Roll call 2000 L/O 2100.
WEDNESDAY 27.1.43 346th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast
0730 rice and gravy. Docks working party 0830. Loading
iron trucks. Dinner 1200 rice and gravy. After
dinner press photographers arrived and took
photos with a band of school kids carrying
flags, wooden swords and rifles were propa
ganda for contented P.O.W. It turned bitterly cold
at 1600 and my feet were like ice. Returned
to camp 1700, bedmaking and then tea 1730 rice
and gravy and another [JP. M] vegetable pie. Signed
my No 2 letter card to you tonight mine own.
1 Apple per man from canteen 8 sen. Roll call 2000
L/O 2100
NOTES
THURSDAY 28.1.43 347th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710 bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast
0730 rice and gravy. On piquet last night 1130/1245.
Yesterday [JP M] went out to pick up some bags of spuds
and the baseball arena neat our camp has been
flooded and is in use as a skating rink, the ice
stays thick around this country. Docks 0830 a fine
but cold day. Loading steel trucks again. Dinner
1200 rice and gravy. Returned to camp 1600 (an
early day) had a hot tang then tea 1730 rice and
gravy. Saved some rice and veg. for a pie
tomorrow. washed a pair of u/pants and singlet after
tea in the bath house. An issue of 3 pkts of cigs (20's) per
man. Filled in another form relating to name, age
nationality. Yarned to Capt Sinclair till roll call
2000 then bedmaking L/O 2100
FRIDAY 29.1.43 348th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0700 roll call 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 0730
rice and gravy. Hung my washing out. 0830 Dock working
party. For those light duty and no boot or clothes seen,
the Japs have set them on watch box waking in camp.
A good day loading iron trucks again, I also had
my number taken. Dinner 1200 rice and gravy.
Returned to camp 1600, another early day, we now
have so much work to do then awarie. Wash
etc, bedmaking then tea 1700 rice and gruel and
a veg. pie, saved from yesterday. Played bridge
after tea until roll call. 2000. after roll call I went
and had a yarn with Capt. Sinclair until L/O 2100
Snowed lightly from 2000 until 2100
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