Remembering the Fall of Singapore - papers of Corporal Alexander Johnstone Diary 1942-43 part 9

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Fall of Singapore
Status:
Awaiting approval
Accession number:
AWM2019.22.189
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

174 NOTES th. INPON SATUE 8842 Galls 0200 Chowered and then breakfast at 1915 cousisting of m unsal (whie) one piece of briad, teaspoon of sugor and tea Cleaning satgus on the building second flanwith bee and another shap. At 1115 we went oner to HO to pick up two as erutirweats, on the way are chatted to als as l and picked sence quaners Dinner at 115 conserted of me, greet tea and oneo biscut after dinner we went up and put the criekit. inate down. I played for B PAEY agains A PAATYCAagor Ru Fagan was Captain) Tsey won 128 - 74 Ascored 46 yis believe it or not Came back to our building at 1750 had a alower and then tea at 185 cousising of rue meat, tea, ame rice seal and gruem on the ass parade the crickst ram Capan Party to play the Cow Depst temorrow was nad ont and I got in Cbee in arrelector so do ushd Ployed solo wre te durk then bid Had a chat with Mlajor Fagan. Asking ale to relate were own. All my magen for you as usual, then slut eye 175 NOTES FURDAY TYST DDYPON 2343 evl 0800. Showered and ten breakast at 0930 consising of brown we meal, sugar, tea and a pine of bread Dalt water fatgul at 1015, had a swen pund a cocount and pushed the tarler has arriving hre at 1200, Had a slave slever and then dimer at 1313 counte yrice, grave, tea and one or biscut. Iunisured that we are moning on husday. Cee is playing aricket at 10 Du all day to day and I am playing at the Cow Depot had our ericket match and we wan by two runn, I made 25 and I think it seeped. Oce won his watch o. Came back at 1800 had a quiet slower and tea at 1815 consisting of me, gren tea and one discuit Peaying crictet for two consecitive day las kuscked me out so afer tea promptly went 15 bed and read tree 2030l That which is Aidden Francis Brtt young notking alse to relate mine own all my prayers for you as usual n but eye
NOTES NOTES TTH DaYRO N 4 4242 TED Graulli 0000 Benuli 1000. clained and seen makast at 0918 wusnb very rtiand ore from encket, water ispict of hown me weal, tanion o ougar, me 4 on slowens, so lad a long walk to on ting. Cuayast 0915 cousirted of rue mal hs piece of bread and tex bee and I were on the waod sarting satgul one pin of bread and teea trun parade tei morning, left at 1015 and returned on cleaning until 1150, wasded a shirl at 130 las a aye of tea and a tireg and a pairgstart, two handkerchup, a tewel rsted wtil dnner tie and a shee, Peayed sate from 1215 Duncer at 1315 connioted of rice, gravy and jutil 1315 then dinner comisting of Griee, gravy, one and ane half bunts ten for egaing audes there in a and tea, J8f.6. bought a tie of truats puntial rope sugpeded fom te map and that Deeped grafters quite unique Plaged lo after dinner un tit 1046. Played nold after diner until 1646 X then grated saue, weo ant and at 1700 I th grated same cocount before had amr usual drile parade autit 1750 am dull parade at 1700. Tea at 1815 consested of nice, gravy Duisparade uith 1750, Lad a shower minewcat party and one of beswit nd teen tea at 1815 counsting y nee, and tea mary, one and we lal biseits, and After tea te crutet team to play kons tea, each ight we have a small mae, was cloven and got a game, wa after tea wite 130 Ou and I went tomorrow we lope to lave a win. you a shall after some quaners, ran went to the concort after tea, 1915- into a picket so thats that 2015 and it was a grod o Law Came lack to eur building and bee Cause back to our buildig, Lad caired some browned me, 9186 a crep o tea and then to Odd lothing added save date and grated coas unt and we had supper with a de to relate iie anin, all my ap of tex nothing also to relate payers for you as us ade ther stuk eye anne own, all my prayen for you an usual ther or but eya
178 NOTES ITTHDRYPON 13:2:42 WIDIEEPN A gaueli 0000 o tanged and then breada t at 0915 acausistng of biswned ne meal, sugar, ae & pine of bread and tea area cleaning jatque again to day. puushed at 1130, Occ and I went avnr to be canteen and laught tao & cales a of persent texpee 65 its each and two 14 cocounts yead wntil dnner tme. Duner at 1315 consisted of rice, gravy tea and one of biscent. Criket match started at 1430, we ayt lere at 1400 to put the mat dawee, boe was captain, House 44 latted last and saned 9 for 6 we hat 9 yor 103l I made mc and peded like on ald sen) we are to play them again on Satterday cuamsances permiting. Ducked up in the no tourght to see a luge eiver all let up on the longor I wonder just what si Tea 1915 cousisted o recl, qreen stew tea and two bs we paties, Played solo util 2030 and ther had a teng, had a cup of tea and then to bed, gee am I tred and stx. nothing else to relate wnme own. all my prayers for you as usual, the slut eye NOTES 179t DAYPON THUPEPNY 1802 Bevelli 0800 Tonged and the beakast at 0915 cousisay of browned rue wcal, sugan, piece of bread and tea very stps to day after cricket and I lave a cold on my lip Cleaning jatque ti morning, et ramed eats and dogs, so the dann cleaned himselves Peayed solo from 1500 until 1300 Duner 1315 cansisted of me, gravy and ten we had a tw of sardwees between your of u Played sals again after lunch will 1530, I then - laved and grated samce cocount and 9ot drissedo take over the duties & Ord. Sat at 1700 Fhaded an ounze of loong tobacce for a blade razor to day, razor blades are geting low. Tea at 1815 consisted of me, fiol rary, Ex and qriens. Played solo after teo uit 3030 and then wen ovnr to the roy of 39th amb to see a few English artst in acton (a geod show to Hospital was lighted well and truly als the gadl and a ship at sea dsking else to relake nine ower all vy prayer for you as usual then sent eye
PAY DAY 180 NOTES FED 180th DOY PAN 41482 Rivelle 0000 A/ord Egh Wxay a Lowered at 0700 and durned as I am ord Sq Breakfast at 0900 comisted of hawer ri wed, Tea, sugar and head & gre Sq dutes this morning until dnnier truue 1200 Danver consisted of nce, gravy and ten. Parade at1243 yor D Parly Japan for uudical suspection again at Engaiza Avy Equare arrived there at 1330 and were puushed a 1500, inspection was as before except see blood saide We stayed there or fiee to1 ous had taken a tiel o cold browned ocal between fine and a bottle of grated caco ont westayed in order to see Daven Boad and an excellan slew to We ate eur me and cacount at 1730 and went into the sow at 1830, Tlrie acts and with ten minute intewals it junted at 3145. we arrived dack sere a 215 and a party had aen kept for us, was it welcoule noting else to relate mine own all my prayers for you as usual ther shut eye. 12 MOS IN MRLEYE 181 19183 1EIOFDAYPON 10:3 15841 lefs Sydney, of anne own on 3274 and landed hire 158.41, twelve months today and to me I has been an sternity, but I pray to God Rat B. 843 will see us, you and I with all our happinion in our reinuen in fuel siving Bevlli 0800 Thawered and then to the & a.8 to get a cold are my lip teated Brakjast at 0915 consided of havre we mcal tea and one pine of bread I am playing crectet again today for gapan party against House all cleaning jatiqus again this moring with 1130 then had againe of solo wntl diner Denner 1215 counsted of me, gravy and tex gaued eats and dogn after dinnerso onclet is of we played solo until 1000, word came through that 6 Fone leave or gapan to uarow, unagis He rush bee and I few overto wth 4t for a Lawat and I week and said gaod bye to agaiL. well min owre we pasked up, were paid and ten tea at 1915 canonted of me, gravy, one bisant and Tea, Atter ten we were issued with our touse wel gift, a paket of ciguete d) a bose of matches and a caheg
182 NOTES 18 PAPON 1842 SATUCRY sapy three pkt of arsants (39) between pu yur and a tie of sardins between your also. went se to the canter and bought eigpapers and raw ito Woug Baunon, said goodlye to be and then back to oux building a cot of koase an were there to say gaod bys to us. well wine awn whore this kip is all going to end only our Laid knoas, an rise at 0400 to awnow and leave at day break 0815, I well uot make any entrus untl we reach our ultimali distination fo obvianreasons, so tis entry will le te east for a compley eks re baving after i oe 20/0/42 s out well mine awn, alt my prayn a usual are for you, I have no other news to relate so will have shah eye you can guin nine awe loaw I am loping that all my moves encan and thing and one king only, a quiak re-merow wth you NOTTE B22ud DAYPON 4e23 Gause 0500, treanart 0000, packed and with our lets st paraded for the last true on the Barrack square at Blaugi at 0730 all call and at 000(puncual) three Bhu g ats i are cised oy awedst groddyer and joured the English "D Party" carasy (00 at 0830 il pout of our Extention Danail at 0845 we weved of and leaded for Singapoe. We stopped at Claugi Gasl to pick up the fanaure Officer in clarge your party and to see the English and other ewilian internus waving to us through the ears of Blange gaol, made sue jeel very sorry indeed for all the en, women and Giadnes in there, but thy are being heated reasonably well we reached surgapne whar at 0935, Neels and sacks of bisken up orn eanguhirn Cals paired plases in crates on Suigapor drame by the dazons) went absard te ELISTOL MARDCured o a fumigation ship) at 1315. Our Ret rags were sacled for jumigation i the doed aud as we walked up te gand peane an to te last our boots were sprayed with diswecant We stipped and were given a discuper out bath, then a shower and we sat on wrats on te dick, waiting for our gear
184 NOTES 1Ua VPO Y to csme out of the hold isterilized. We 9ox drirsed and with our gear warded ofan trough the boat on to the whay. We apened a hil of bully bey and packet o bescuits between your of us and waited writel 1800 before giing on our shyt FoX1. MARD of the Gavernor of Eeggapore, Sir Slinton touas and tar goot opperals are going to the governor lasked like one of the usys, having soap in pocket it Theshep, 3750 tous used as a gap troop carrier, iaquit thei, carreed 400 toops. Well Hey parked 1500 gus on it and were tey paiked in the yaa solds I was bined in aft held. 6x 18. The Asid was fall. We had a ueal at 003017.842 and the slept on the roy of an Couthaise on te dick 185 NOTES rM PON 7842 Men up at an engadly howr, stel at the whay. had a dave and shswer an the whay at 0700. From uoue an we are to receive two necalsy uce per day 0900 and 1700(ge the turnny well be smaming out Gue and a suaet keeping o saeted fish for 090a the cran bats and then adds and ends, also the swilion personael were hanskiped to another boat (400 of Kem) so we now have 1100 aboard - 9241F and the remainder Englishman At 500 we left Surgapore Larbaur and auchored outidt gree and gravy (incending sea weed and onon) at 1700 one king, one can get as much Fea as one wants you can quen the eightly expect. 18.842 IVESS 184th DAY PON gaied eats and dogs and itis hard to describe what our doed is ale, hate cover on ite meal 0900 and 1700 courired of me and gravy we arere issued with four (4 packets of Loadon Eigortes each tday Shee anchored autride and acking else to relate
186 NOTES 185th VAYPON WENEEPTY 19242 635 We up auctor and away, we were the last of the consy three D sly Oaits are amount of sunken ssliping avisible incending te. Supress of Asia. Tsiss eight cruisin pulled no along side in at down, we thought tat key were for work, but as we left teem at audos Fanwell Eongapore, sor did wman and we are all wondering where to now! urcals the saie at 0900 and 1700. We pained dlring at 1800 and are daing about 912 kuots gaured cats and dags after tea so lad an interrupted ught accoueed an dick at interals and can swake tere until dint 2000 THURSANY 186thDAYPON 20842 a seangan, even and Goois on the pays can you bear is Feeweals the same again but at 1500 we were iued with sweet tea and a plend lareit. 24842 FRIDAY 1874247POW atsea again, wcals rice and gravy agann. Passed Rondor Esland Cat Tedo China), was used as a Peual Deritude island once. 187 NOTES 22231 2000 128th VoY PON meals the same again. At 1200 we PNOLON andored off SUNYAK on the Sangak Your. Five shyps and one distroyer were there wlen we arrived, but left headed for with, that afternoon SUnYAK is approx D5 wlls from Sayon and has te appearance of a madom trued seande resort (Palu Beark Tere are many prety brown and white willas truith is the language although it is pap occupied now of course 33842 SUnDRY 189th D PON wean the same again. we said gudbye to Sunjall at 1400. In the morning, boats came alongeeds selling ogs Boch-30) eggr sauanas and grape put, ouly fap money used, so most of us were shp except thore who had 90t11 changed ie Surgapore, the boats also soed bear lottles of French Brandy De setsail N.E, six sheps and one destroyer this left un after a matter of tree or your lown MONDAY 190th DAY PON 24842 aecats the same again, caurse F.E we are in te ypran nea, dere in haping we do not stule one Sweet tea and the gelleed biscutat 1300
188 NOTES 19PY POY 25 842 7188297 meals the same again. Duty today Lature N10, ane owe joh, the lass are built for 5 Jap Iam and squares all day, peat of swallow around 192u M PON WEDNESDAY 26842 mean the same. Iamn again, we ried our trree puting on and taking ohateh sever. Our washing paidie are woodirs buclets and same twes the set water lore. We are given great catitude as P.0 wi a prison shy, and the goards and gan rew treat us reasonably well Play sold each day you a while, the same your Had my law. cropped to day; eiving to the heat, te rice begs it ao with my mow, I guiss you would not know we, but soot at maker short Law; descrable THURSEY 193id DrY PON 27.842 Gain again, wear the name. At w00 a licture by Capt Beater of the Leyals our hold campanious - on Skanghar at te tie of the pas atack on that city and it cortainly was gnusane NOTES 22342 194th DrY PON mai the same. A day of soot, we anst serinning out of case. we expect to reach post 598.42. very acg swell and we pitched and tossed all day. At 1400 Capt Geldard AIF Gave the Engiishmen a clat on Austalia 39:845 SATURDNY 1954 DAYRON mean the same. At 1300 we anchond of TAKAO, Formaral at 1400 we entered its lardour, a prity one Tas, very bung rot, tue were about 18 sly at anchor including a Jax Hospiae ship and timy slips with toops alwoard, boused for where, I wonder Benga about pty Canana for (or yen) and ou and I had a feed and a days cut up same manme and we were mnnid with a desert poonful of sugar and a landful of sums (Laid edly balts were we pleased, hasting at the sea came ond He rail an several occasions 308:10 SUNDAY 196h227 PON meals te same, but as we were unloading today, were gien a small keeping of n aitd a salt place peus sweet tea at 1400
190 NOTES 19H M PON 30842 we were imployed in emprying and lold (No4) Rire, harley and actnite aced grave rom which is entacted alluminim #x75 were wre eyt on laard to work the Calane went ashow in ligaters racked like sardies we waled be low on, the ytle din on the sigater alongode in were very readly & was ove torail without a lat and wll give me a palm weton, I raed an seaden and a gai of short for 5 Formoran yer (ward eucky iacaged to Oct sawe mgar for ee and ou ron a bosen bagsured Bongat a fin raile of far agaretes i10 for 5axen Tea war at 1800 tonight, after tea bewand I went for a nhate awaid the Roat Catioat 1007 ar have rded rouce danmo fom toe mnnr so and toting for a good seed tought NOTES 528 147th Da7PON Yoose bre went as lore today with the others an lighters, but I was detailed to act as pequet ue our Roedy so hie am I siting in the dold, the Pommin are shouilling allumite and I have brought any drar up to date Of anne own eash night all my ferwst prayers 90 to God for you and for us. You are never out of any Roughts I have reconstructed this dary rom 15842, so do dope that I save enluses everything of importance well une acn, I lask at this move as one nearer to you, line I am at mesent anchored in a harbow al Formane, are expect to be dere another mue or six days, then of to fapan (who by nowe The gaps have treated in very well, ond up of coppe banancs or a aegarthe or two Last uight a olige dixerence arose between 3AIF and J.PEE. came to beas and one of our claps got stt. The pap guard came dower and the Capt of the Coat nar told it was an accidet, that one your chaps tripped and Rent Runrey so the Captain an end the bridge in broken Engush
792 NOTES SarthIy PON 318112 Mor27 I Wl over oN THE LIGATS, SOAS YOU EAN SEC, Do Nor WAar ByronE To HORT THEMSELNES, FALLING IN THE DARK and beleeve we so did floa light the deck Muse two meals of rice today, but an extra aue of dry ane for tase on board at widday. Ceegraturned at 1700 and had am ansy working day as hore carrying pieses of timber. the stup we have been getting out of the soeds in soute not alliite I have rkintrouble on my jace and under my orms Cuupitage) and when I am painted I resenble a red indear 198th DAY P.ON. 1942 Toe32AY As hore today in eighten (ouly 31 H.LC) bee and I got among the H. Remind me to tell you of nor m complaint comp-inalingerisation, He If were ack and rested aslone in a but and were given mats to sleek on Had rue at uedday (dry) and returned to eur ship at 1630 usual other two accals, our rigs and banates that we ordered came to day o had a suffer of saved, riefom asoe and sanan as NOTES 922 198227 PO 200 I struck a very une fatique last ight latne picket, duty to wast the lahin with no tank water available a bucket. in aryne, anor the side is the answeer. Claend precautions are on in TAKAC and wre are very caregulr of the water are use for drueking and batting 3948 MEDNESPAY 199th PAY PO.N Ashore again in agates today all gus in our party were C.Ms, the balance of te A.IF (oo) were ashore in lighten also, only ty worked on carrying coal caslie farion &ie and gravy at 2000, cold re and I lad your (a1 Cananas at 1300. Did same washing ashow, but fram upset things, no bought it have both wext and dort. I have a leavy cold today so auth my cupetage as wlt, do ust feel 10070 Returned to our alip at 1646, shi certainly camne and go from this port in great numbers. Tea and support fremsaved rue Elept i the soed tenight on account of the weather very sot ught. HURSDRY D00th DAYPOW 3:9:42 Askore again teday (39H.IF of whoe seven y worked, I was amon He seven we ented crated waity

174 

[centred] NOTES

8.8.42       SATURDAY         174th DAY P O.W

Reveille 0800. Showered and then breakfast at

0915 consisting of rice meal (white) and 

piece of bread, teaspoon of sugar and 

tea.

Cleaning fatigue in the building second 

floor with Cec and another chap. 

At 1115 we went over to HQ to pick 

up two (2) cricket mats. On the way 

we chatted to [[AG L?]] and picked 

some guavers.

Dinner at 1315 consisted of rice, greens, 

tea and one(1) biscuit. After dinner 

we went up and put the cricket
mats down. I played for "B PARTY"

against "A PARTY (Major Kevin Fagan

was Captain). They won 128 - 74

(I scored 46 yes believe it or not)
Came back to our building at 1730
had a shower and then tea at

1815 consisting of rice meal, tea,
one rice slab and greens. On

the mess parade the cricket team
(Japan Party) to play The Con Depot

tomorrow was read out and I

got in (Cec is a selector so do not wonder)

Played solo until dusk then bed.

Had a chat with Major Fagan. Nothing

else to relate mine own. All my

prayers for you as usual, then

shut eye.

[centred] _____________

 

175

[centred] NOTES

9.8.42        SUNDAY         175th DAY P.O.W.

Reveille 0800. Shower and then breakfast at

0930 consisting of brown rice meal, sugar, tea

and a piece of bread.

Salt water fatigue at 1015, had a swim, 

found a coconut and pushed the trailer

back arriving here at 1200. Had a shave

shower and then dinner at 1315 consisting 

of rice, gravy, tea and one (1) biscuit.

Rumoured that we are moving on 

tuesday. Cec is playing cricket at

18 Div in all day to day and I am

playing at the Con Depot.

Had our cricket match and we

won by two (2) runs, I made 23

and I think it helped. Cec won

his match too. Came back at 

1800 had a quick shower and tea

at 1815 consisting of rice, greens, tea

and one biscuit.

Playing cricket for two consecutive days

has knocked me out so after

tea promptly went to bed and 

read till 2030 (That which is Hidden 

 - Francis Brett Young).

Nothing else to relate mine own.

All my prayers for you as usual 

then shut eye.

[centred] _____________

 

176

[centred] NOTES

10.8.42 MONDAY 176th Day P.O.W.

Reveille 0800 

Very stiff and sore from cricket, water restrictions

on showers, so had a long walk to our tong.

Breakfast 0915 consisted of rice meal (browned)

one piece of bread and tea.  Emu parade

on cleaning until 1130, washed a shirt, 

a pair of shorts, two handkerchiefs, a towel

and a sheet.  Played solo from 1215

until 1315 then dinner consisting of

rice, gravy, one and one half biscuits

and tea.  JJJC. bought a tin of tomato

soup and that helped.

Played solo after dinner until 1645

I then grated some coconut before

our drill parade at 1700.

Drill parade until 1730, had a shower

and then tea at 1815 consisting of rice,

gravy, one and one half biscuits, and

tea, each night we have a small issue.

After tea until 1930 Cec and I went

for a stroll after some guavers, ran

into a picket, so thats that.

Came back to our building and Cec

cooked some browned rice, JJJC

added some dates and grated coco

nut and we had supper with a

cup of tea. Nothing else to relate

mine own, All my prayers for 

you as usual then shut eye

[centred] _____________

 

177

[centred] NOTES

11.8.42       TUESDAY       177th DAY POW

Reveille 0800.

Showered and then breakfast at 0915 consisting

of brown rice meal, teaspoon of sugar, one (1)

piece of bread and tea.

Cec and I were on the wood carting fatigue

this morning, left at 1015 and returned

at 1130 had a cup of tea and a tong and

rested until dinner time

Dinner at 1315 consisted of rice, gravy and

tea. For lighting smokes There is a

perpetual rope suspended from the

rafters, quite unique.

Played solo after dinner until 1645, I

then grated some coco-nut and at 1700

had our usual drill parade until 1730.

Tea at 1815 consisted of rice, gravy,

mince meat pasty and one (1) biscuit

and tea.

After tea the cricket team to play House

44 was chosen and got a game, so

tomorrow we hope to have a win.

Went to the concert after tea 1915 - 

2015 and it was a good show.

Came back to our building, had

a cup of tea and then to bed. Nothing

else to relate mine own, all my

prayers for you as usual then shut

eye.

[centred] _____________

 

178

[centred] NOTES

12.8.42        WEDNESDAY        178th DAY P.O.W.

Reveille 0800

Tonged and then breakfast at 0915

consisting of browned rice meal, sugar, one

piece of bread and tea.

Area cleaning fatigue again today,

finished at 1130, Cec and I went over

to the canteen and bought two (2) cakes

of peanut toffee @ 5 cts each and two (2)

coconuts. Read until dinner time.

Dinner at 1315 consisted of rice, gravy

tea and one (1) biscuit.

Cricket match water started at 1430, we

left here at 1400 to put the mat

down, Cec was captain, House 44

batted last and scored 9 for 83 we

had 9 for 103 (I made one (1) and 

fielded like an old hen). We are

to play them again on Saturday

circumstances permitting.

Ducked up on the roof tonight to 

see a huge liner all lit up on

the horizon (I wonder just what it is)

Tea 1815 consisted of rice, green stew,

tea and two (2) rice patties. Played

solo until 2030 and then had a

tong, had a cup of tea and then

to bed, gee am I tired and stiff,

nothing else to relate mine own. All

my prayers for you as usual, then

shut eye.

[centred] _____________

 

179

[centred] NOTES

13.8.42  THURSDAY  179TH DAY P.O.W.

Reveille 0800

Tonged and then breakfast at 0915 consisting

of browned rice meal, sugar, piece of

bread and tea.

Very stiff today after cricket and I have

a cold on my lip.

Cleaning fatigue this morning, it

rained cats and dogs, so the drains

cleaned themselves. Played solo

from 1200 until 1300.

Dinner at 1315 consisted of rice, gravy,

and tea we had a tin of sardines

between four (4) of us.

Played solo again after lunch until

1530, I then shaved and grated

some coconut and got dressed to

take over the duties of Ord. Sat at

1700. I traded an ounze of boong

tobacco for a blade razor today,

razor blades are getting low.

Tea at 1815 consisted of rice, fish

pasty, tea and greens.

Played solo after tea until 2030

and then went over to the roof of

2/9 Fd Amb to see a few English

artists in action (a good show too)

Hospital was lighted well and truly

also the gaol and a ship at sea.

Nothing else to relate mine own

all my prayers for you as usual

Then shut eye.

[centred] _____________

 

[centred] PAY DAY

180

[centred] NOTES

14.8.42        FRIDAY        180TH DAY P.O.W

Reveille 0800 A/Ord Sgt today.

Showered at 0700 and dressed as I am

Ord Sgt.

Breakfast at 0900 consisted of brown

rice meal, tea, sugar and bread.

Ord Sgt duties this morning until 

dinner time 1200.

Dinner consisted of rice, gravy and

tea. Parade at 1245 for "B Party Japan"

for medical inspection again at

English Arty Square.

Arrived there at 1330 and were finished

at 1500, inspection was as before except 

the blood slide.

We stayed there as five (5) of us had

taken a tin of cold browned meal

between five and a bottle of grated

coco-nut, we stayed in order to

see "Dover Road' and an excellent

show too. We ate our rice and

coco nut at 1730 and went into the 

show at 1830. Three acts and with

ten minute intervals it finished

at 2145. We arrived back here

at 2215 and a pasty had been

kept for us, was it welcome.

Nothing else to relate mine own.

All my prayers for you as usual

then shut eye.

[centred] _____________

 

[centred] 12 MOS. IN MALAYA

181

[centred] NOTES

15.8.42         SATURDAY         181ST DAY P.O.W.

15.8.41. I left Sydney, oh mine own on

29.7.41 and landed here 15.8.41, twelve 

months today and to me it has been an

eternity, but I pray to God that 15.8.43

will see us, you and I with all our

happiness in our re-union in full 

swing.

Reveille 0800 Showered and then to the

R A P to get a cold on my lip treated.

Breakfast at 0915 consisted of brown rice

meal, tea and one (1) piece of bread

I am playing cricket again today for

the Japan Party against House 44

Cleaning fatigue again this morning until

1130 then had a game of solo until dinner.

Dinner 1315 consisted of rice, gravy and tea.

Rained cats and dogs after dinner so

cricket is off. We played solo until

1600, word came through that "B Force"

leave for Japan tomorrow, imagine 

the rush Cec and I flew over to

4th M.T for a haircut and I went

and said goodbye to [[A Gde L?]]

Well mine own we packed up, were

paid and then tea at 1815 consisted 

of rice, gravy, one biscuit and

tea. After tea we were issued with

our House 44 gift, a packet of cigarettes

(20) a box of matches and a cake of

 

182

[centred] NOTES

15.8.42        SATURDAY       181ST DAY P.O.W.

soap, three pkts of biscuits (39) between four

of us and a tin of sardines between four

also. Went over to the canteen and

bought cig papers and ran into

Doug Shannon, said goodbye to him

and then back to our building, a 

lot of House 44 were there to say

good bye to us.

Well mine own where this trip 

is all going to end only our Lord

Knows, we rise at 0400 tomorrow

and leave at day break 0815, I

will not make any entries until

we reach our ultimate destination

for obvious reasons, so this entry

will be the last for a couple of

weeks (AForce leaving after us "see 20.10.42" ship sunk)

well mine own, all my prayers as

usual are for you, I have no other

news to relate so will have shut

eye.

You can guess mine own how

I am hoping that all my moves

mean one thing and one thing

only, a quick re-union with you

[centred] _____________

 

183

[centred] NOTES

16.8.42          SUNDAY          182ND DAY P.O.W.

Reveilli 0500, breakfast 0600, packed and with

our kits etc paraded for the last time on

the Barrack square at Changi at 0730.

Roll call and at 0815 (punctual) three (3) trucks

(92 Abt in all) moved off amidst goodbyes

and joined the English "B Party" convoy

(1100) at 0830 in front of our Detention Barracks

at 0845 we moved off and headed for 

Singapore. We stopped at Changi Gaol,

to pick up the Japanese Officer in charge

of our party and to see the English and

other civilian internees waving to us

through the bars of Changi Gaol, made

me feel very sorry indeed for all the

men, women and kiddies in there, but

they are being treated reasonably well.

We reached Singapore wharf at 0935, stacks

and stacks of broken up iron everywhere

(also passed planes in crates on Singapore

drome by the dozens).

Went aboard the ELISTOR MARU (used as

a fumigation ship) at 1315. Our kit

bags were stacked for fumigation in the

hold and as we walked up the gang

planks on to the boat our boots were

sprayed with disinfectant.

We stripped and were given a disinfectant 

bath, then a shower and we sat on

mats on the deck, waiting for our gear

 

184

[centred] NOTES

16.8.42        SUNDAY       182ND DAY P.O.W.

to come out of the hold sterilized. We

got dressed and with our gear marched

on through the boat on to the wharf.

We opened a tin of bully beef and a

packet of biscuits between four (4) of

us and waited until 18.00 before

going on our ship (FUKI MARU)

The Governor of Singapore, Sir Clinton 

Thomas and other Govt officials are

going to. (The Governor looked like 

one of the boys, shaving soap in

pocket etc) The ship, 3750 tons used

as a Jap troop carrier, imagine this

carried 1400 troops. Well they packed

1500 of us on it and were they packed

in the four (4) holds. I was bunked 

in aft hold 6' by 18". The hold was full.

We had a meal at 0030 17.8.42 

and then slept on the roof of our

outhouse on the deck.

[centred] _____________

 

185

[centred] NOTES

17.8.42        MONDAY       183RD DAY P.O.W.

Up at an ungodly hour, still at the

wharf. Had a shave and shower on

the wharf at 0700. From now on we 

are to receive two meals of rice per

day 0900 and 1700 (gee the tummy

will be screaming out).

Rice and a small helping of salted

fish for 0900. The brass hats and

their odds and ends, also the civilian

personnel were transhiped to another

boat (400 of them) so we now have

1100 aboard - 92 A.I.F. and the remainder

Englishman.

At 1500 we left Singapore harbour

and anchored outside.

Rice and gravy (including sea weed 

and onion) at 1700. One thing, one 

can get as much tea as one wants

you can guess the nightly effect.

centred] _____________

18.8.42          TUESDAY        184th DAY P.O.W.

Rained cats and dogs and it is

hard to describe what our hold is

like, hatch covers on etc.

Meals 0900 and 1700 consisted of

rice and gravy.

We are issued with four (4) packets

of London Cigarettes each today.

Still anchored outside and

nothing else to relate

[centred] _____________

 

186

[centred] NOTES

19.8.42        WEDNESDAY       185TH DAY P.O.W.

0815 We up anchor and away, we

were the last of the convoy, three (3) ships.

Quite an amount of sunken shipping

visible, including the Empress of

Asia. Two (2) light cruisers pulled

in alongside us at dawn, we

thought that they were for escorts, but

no, we left them at anchor.

Farewell Singapore, sordid memories

and we are all wondering "where

to now"

Meals the same at 0900 and

1700. We passed [[Mursing?]] at 1800

and are doing about 9 1/2 knots.

Rained cats and dogs after tea

so had an interupted night.

Allowed on deck at intervals and

can smoke there until dusk 2000

[centred] _____________

20.8.42        THURSDAY       186th DAY P.O.W.

At sea again, even Ord Rooms on

the ship (can you beat it).

The meals the same again, but

at 1200 we were issues with

sweet tea and a jellied biscuit.

[centred] _____________

21.8.42           FRIDAY          187th DAY P.O.W.

At sea again, meals rice and gravy

again. Passed Kondor  Island

(oppt. Indo China), was used as

a Penal Servitude island once.

[centred] _____________

 

187

[centred] NOTES

22.8.42        SATURDAY       188th DAY P.O.W.

Meals the same again. At 1200 we

anchored off CHOLON SUNYAK on the Sunyak

River.  Five ships and one destroyer

were there when we arrived, but left

headed for south, that afternoon. 

SUNYAK is approx 25 miles from Saigon

and has the appearance of a modern

French seaside resort (Palm Beach).

There are many pretty brown and

white villas. French is the language

although it is Jap occupied now of

course.

[centred] _____________

23.8.42          SUNDAY         189TH DAY P.O.W.

Meals the same again. We said goodbye

to Sunyak at 1400. In the morning, boats

came alongside selling cigs (20 cts - 20), 

eggs, bananas and grape fruit. Only

Jap money used, so most of us were

stiff except those who had got it 

changed in Singapore. The boats also

sold beer bottles of French Brandy.

We set sail N.E., six ships and one

destroyer (this left us after a matter of

three or four hours)

[centred] _____________

24.8.42          MONDAY         190th DAY P.O.W.

Meals the same again, course SE-E

we are in the typhoon area, here is

hoping we do not strike one

Sweet tea and the jellied biscuit at 1200

[centred] _____________

 

188

[centred] NOTES

25.8.42          TUESDAY           191st DAY P.O.W

Meals the same again. Duty today

Latrine NCO, nice sweet job, the lavs 

are built for 5' Japs

Rain and squalls all day, plenty

of swallows around

[centred] _____________

26.8.42          WEDNESDAY        192nd DAY P.O.W

Meals the same. Rain again, we

spend our time putting on and taking

off hatch covers. Our washing facilities

are wooden buckets and sometimes 

the salt water hose. We are given

great latitude as P.O.W's on a prison

ship, and the guards and Jap

crew treat us reasonably well

Play solo each day for a while,

the same four. Had my hair

cropped today, owing to the heat, the

rice bugs etc, so with my mow

I guess you would not know me,

but soot etc makes short hair

desirable

centred] _____________

27.8.42         THURSDAY        193rd DAY P.O.W

Rain again. Meals the same. At

1400 a lecture by Capt Beattie of the

Loyals - our hold companions - on

slaughter at the time of the Jap

attack on that city it certainly

was gruesome

[centred] _____________

 

189

[centred] NOTES

28.8.42          FRIDAY          194th DAY P.O.W

Meals the same. A day of soot, we

must be running out of coal. We

expect to reach port 29.8.42. Very

big swell and we pitched and

tossed all day. At 1400 Capt Geldard

A.I.F Gave the Englishmen a chat

on Australia.

[centred] _____________

29.8.42          SATURDAY         195th DAY P.O.W

Meals the same. At 1200 we anchored

off TAKAO; (Formosa). At 1400 we entered

its harbour, a pretty one too, very

busy port. There were about 18 ships

at anchor including a Jap Hospital

ship and troop ships with troops

aboard, bound for where, I wonder.

Bought about fifty bananas for

$1  (or 1 Yen) and Cec and I had

a feed and a half, cut up some

on our rice and we were issued

with a desert spoonful of sugar and

a handful of sweets (hard lolly balls)

were we pleased. Last night the

seas came over the rail on several 

occasions

[centred] _____________

30.8.42         SUNDAY        196th DAY P.O.W

Meals the same, but as we were

unloading today, were given a

small helping of rice and a salt

plum plus sweet tea at 1400

 

190

[centred] NOTES

30.8.42         SUNDAY        196th DAY P.O.W

We were employed in emptying our

hold (no 4) Rice, barley and alluminite

a red gravel from which is extracted

alluminium 4 x 75 men were left

on board to work the balance

went ashore in lighters packed

like sardines.

We worked 1/2 hour on, 1 hr off. The

Chinese on the lighters alongside

us were very friendly. I was over

the rail without a hat and one

gave me a palm stetson, I sold

an old shirt and a pair of shorts

for 5 Formosan YEN (was I lucky)

Managed to get some sugar

for Cec and self from a broken

bag (secret). Bought a few

packets of Jap cigarettes 4 x 10 for 

50 sen.

Tea was at 1800 tonight, after tea

Cec and I went for a stroll around

the boat (about 100 yards).

Have ordered some bananas from

the purser so am hoping for a

good feed tonight.

[centred] _____________

 

191

[centred] NOTES

31.8.42         MONDAY         197th DAY P.O.W

Cec went ashore today with the others

on lighters, but I was detailed to

act as piquet in our hold, so here

am I sitting in the hold, the Pommies

are shovelling allumite and I have 

brought my diary up to date. Oh

mine own each night all my ferverent

prayers go to God for you and for

us. You are never out of my thoughts

I have reconstructed this diary from

15.8.42, so do hope that I have included

everything of importance. Well

mine own, I look at this move

as one nearer to you, here I am

at present anchored in a habour

in Formosa, we expect to be here

another five or six days, then off

to Japan (who knows). The Japs 

have treated us very well, odd

cup of coffee, bananas or a cigarette 

or two. Last night a slight difference

arose between 3 A.I.F and 3 B.E.F,

came to blows and one of our chaps

got hit. The Jap guard came down

and the Capt of the boat was told

it was an accident, that one of our

chaps tripped and hurt himself,

so the Captain announced from

the bridge in broken English

 

192

[centred] NOTES

31.8.42          MONDAY         197th DAY P.O.W

"I WILL TURN ON THE LIGHTS, SO AS YOU

CAN SEE, I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO

HURT THEMSELVES FALLING IN THE

DARK" And believe me he did

flood light the deck.

Usual two meals of rice today, but

an extra one of dry rice for those on

board at midday.

Cec returned at 1700 and had

an easy working day ashore

carrying pieces of timber.

The stuff we have been getting out

of the hold is boxite not allumite

I have skin trouble on my face

and under my arms (impetago)

and when I am painted I resemble

a red indian.

[centred] _____________

1.9.42         TUESDAY        198th DAY P.O.W

Ashore today in lighters (only 21 A.I.F)

Cec and I got among the 21. Remind

me to tell you of our new complaint

comp - malingerisation, the 21 were sick

and rested ashore in a hut

and were given mats to sleep on

Had rice at midday (dry) and

returned to our ship at 1630. Usual

other two meals, our cigs and bananas

that we ordered came today so

had a supper of saved rice (from

ashore) and bananas

 

193

centred] NOTES

1.9.42          TUESDAY         198th DAY P.O.W

I struck a very nice fatigue last night,

latrine picket, duty to wash the latrines

with no tank water available, a bucket

on a rope, over the side is the answer.

Cholera precautions are on in TAKAO

and we are very careful of the water

we use for drinking and bathing

centred] _____________

2.9.42          WEDNESDAY         199th DAY P.O.W

Ashore again in lighters today. All of us

in our party were C.M's, the balance of

the A.I.F (60) were ashore in lighters also

only they worked on carrying coal

coolie fashion. Rice and gravy at 

0800, cold rice and I had four (4) bananas

at 1300. Did some washing ashore, but

rain upset things, so brought it home

both wet and dirty. I have a heavy

cold today so with my impetago as 

well, do not feel 100%. Returned to

our ship at 1645, ships certainly

come and go from this port in

great numbers. Tea and supper

(from saved rice). Slept in the

hold tonight on account of the 

weather, very hot night

centred] _____________ 

3.9.42         THURSDAY        200th DAY P.O.W

Ashore again today (29 A.I.F of whom

seven (7) worked, I was among

the seven, we carted crated wacky

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last edited by:
Judy HayesJudy Hayes
Last edited on:

Last updated: