Remembering the Fall of Singapore - papers of Corporal Alexander Johnstone Diary 1942-43 part 10

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

Page 1 / 14

9 NOTES THURCDDY Dooth DNY PON 2942 and talk about lange at our little layess gap sunsion weals the came an yesterday, ad thee wcals a day again make us feel like sumans again The morning & bought a Formosan chape trent, I came back to the doot a k30 and after tea we had sone newhit I brongl tack in my dines from arkon) grase, print bananas bec bought our hundred to day) and mgan out pair of pyjamas) so wait to sed feeling $10070 The chiese coing aboud sevying shorts sshorts at clitarily forbidden for ags yeus, raw paws etc would make you meam, some of the Chaps have what tey sand up en F SOD POW 49:42 greevant day o day, early breakfor went a core in a lighten caund to te at dip, 100 y us SOALX and So British, loaded, weloaded, and stacked ael drums about so mus work lyse and after dinner an exullan pap quare were ever 19 NOTES SOMFDAYPON 2222 E2 as, had a great chat with oue, I taught live a you English words and le me a few sapanise words. A dinner time he gave are a reate of pap delivie cigaretes, bonanar and topfee we left the slep ab0000 and returned at 1620 Eaid grodlye to te fap guard shark lands and can houertly say he was a atte gentleman Had a slaver in return to be loat also a slave tea as usual, added lananas and gugor wat to bed afer having the last working day sae leaving Dimpore SeDND DAYPO 5:9:4- SATUEDRY an te skip today, working in No4 soed we apted i soxite before aie and was it hot, up and down the hold ladders weals the rir but bauauas and sugar leep a lot 7 alipping has left te port and it nearly semsempty. The iountains in Tkge are very slue and clar today. Five pish water slowers today, goot it was lot washedatowel. shorts and Reley our day torstay with them tel they dry these days, I therwise they walk am going to try and buy same bread Tomorrow if 190 arlore
198 NOTES L0raPM PON SNN &2 at ae say againtiday actore in. a neoter eighter at 000 weals the same, my gansoldior riend gave we since finh and piekess at dinner time I lad a chat with him for an Low and slawed lim all my photes. He persisted in taking one of you (the one taken on the beart at Coclaray), and we Japanire bed me that you were a beantyul woman, I in tin told him that there was only one Peg and one resuan - you! Anster hospital ship came it TALAO today Goe unodle we left change three wenk ago today and are still an our way to Jajan 79.42 MOHDAY D04th DAYPON ar shep tiday teading res (1304 dan we were in the seeas stasking, three A capanise womion were sewing the licken lags and you can quin se of the Kingo the says were saying. Blaying sun all day and with the sun shining into the loed it was like an aven aeals the came, managed to buy same more bananas tis morning over teside of the ship NOTES WUESI 305 4P. PO. N 2942 At coal dump today, weaks the same as usual whest at coal dun I gelt rather pit in the tuming and remained in the tent with the RaP. I purchased two pomellas (large grape fruet- red inside and one big bunk of Lananas, te bust wer lave sad Somellois cort I5en and Danaua 1704 per bunch CA2 aananas on it. The days on the coal do not overwork, two men to a basket and the coolu carry on a bar arron tee sinedin two ea, and ea one has your tiues that of one of ours we have been having uosey pak of cate and the whip of the repigerator when opened nearly fiels you. WEONESURY 206th DAY PON 9.9.42 an slip today, weals the same as wse we wore bading nie. I had to kunk of at 1000 as I sad a teryic sanny are. Dr Bruman examined me and think mat- I lave perpaps strained the will o ary ortenact Lasl up for the day and had no pie for din or tea I will wever ever joge te seat in TAROA, rennation just woass
200 NOTES THURS Lort TAYEO 12942 haid up one beat again today, coal, are and advehouse partes left in time but unexpectedly returned to ship at 1030 No1 Hold has two. can of deptoria as you as I can gatter. lince te upsel. very sick in the himing may, lad a muall mus if gravy fo beakfast and dinner and a small amount of gravy for ex. Cer bought five (52 hum and ten biscuits, he insisted on and laning I of the jormer and six of the later of unn sion, you lave as idea what they were like No5 1 and is rolds are prusted so she ald be rushing workward soon 119 42 FRIY 308 4 8y 10 anhip all day again, rained cats and dags, shyss ciew expect a ypher meals the same, ate two a small weak yie and lung on the wil est, I received a little esta grave. NoS. 13, and 4 Holds are now frushed loading. No 1 Hold has two 2 diptina cases and a Rost of gap doctors came aboard and tewo saals of teose in No.1 Hoed. Ave feeling nearly nounal again, but He trspical heat is erry is NOTES 208th DRYPON FRIVRY SaN2 Cer and I dought one of yous worth of Canana (ae), inchay ti of biicts (small very sweeet ones and one of the view bouge we 50 sen work of lolli, gie unncou it is greally like suas. Gumoured that we leave for Japan on 15.9.42 SATURDA 129.40 Logth DAY RON on ship again all day, raining cats and deg, tried to sleeps on dick eevtiight, but the gale made we male for downsairs uleals the same I will inver forget te pork on the FUKAI MARU whilst at TAKAO. Played solo all day, the first tine for ageo. tined with a disertapson pill of sugar. Had Hhe now timmed lost iget. Gee it will be grand to get off this ship, out of this post SUNDAY 210th DMYPON 139.42 on slip again all day again, Fauing again uleals the nawe Played solo all day Very giod day, ou and I bought from oveythe crew, one of bag of carewels se bagy biscu lite slor bead) for oue yen each, whach Leaded us firh, coal and aegetables aboard today so links like a mooe again; ou and I got sixt amony low
NOTES 21ETMPON MeN 4942 on ship all day, raining on and of soris all landed, looks like a move tamorrow. meals the same as mnuel Played arls all day, our agaritte ouer came to land to day o well lave os okes you awkely thy cost therteen cent an px1 bee and I ave bem inbbling a carouid and biwets, ger Key are good Some spiing amous fell kronge the latch covers and wha a run there was from the lad 315th Da P.O.W 15942 IUESDRY weel mire own, we have commenced anotther stge of our journey, which will, I lose and may brg as closes together we up anchored at 0900 this morning and said farewell ½ TALNO very alondy day again, we are lack on t owr two Ducals a day again This morning te purses seed briad and becuts for the last time bee and Eacanaged to buy 5osen worth o bisset and ty were good Sanitary paper is ingnounable and selling at a pemin this diary may consequently dis- appear tendiess of sampans poding) were arauned in all day as we kugged toe coastline & the i land Played solo suring te day and NOTES Te 22HOM FON 15242 speent the rest of it reading and resting I am linding "Saw iihile all round and getting oher ous as return, but some law I cannot concentrat, only being able to read sparmdically. The stay at TBEAO the days) was all too long, living condition are the boat were far from good and I sineually an darnes gead that we are under way again, to whre, nome y us know at 1700 we wst the convey after havelling up the west coast of Tormood twoas destroyers and wne oaant sap any ovn making welve bas in all I he ys we 0t LBESNPON 16:9:43 WEDNESDAY a 0000 this morning, from gaig worth we turnes about and to our surpise, ths worving we are leading south has on in the day we exentially arrived at our rendezaons of yesterday afternoon, so have spent a say doing usking, we are all wondeing whether there is a hitch in the proceed -ings, all sorts of furpries are perating around, i now number agat asly and we s disrayers. uleals He mie weather ternpially lot, did some warling Cud and shorts. Ame asoved in a beat rash, but most g us are Cerriberri at, beny prevalent we were paid twelve day paytday Yeu sove aloading
hN POW NUESTA 14942 our uondizeon was one of the Pescadous Growp of Eslands off the vent const of Fomenal At 1700 yesterday we set o on a northerly course, we now lave a convoy consisting of ten Co ships and ane a distroyer cat hast only one is new vssible The ships in the convoy are turning at all angus, so I guin it is a case ofa little way in a long Time? weals to same as usual, excet ing that at tea 1700, we had a fam y auted st in our sim Had few plowen tday, thre in bueket one in sast water lose. llayed wlo during the day. We are dipnately leading wort whether for Gorea or Japan, who Guaws a jaxauise paper I saw today has an artile on the ill treaturent of fap P.o.N an ther way to Austolia one your mordant sly in the canvey las a small red aon painted below the bridge although as wit all te uclaus ships, the carries guu fore, and ask At breagast 0g00, one of the fan cru gave in sime pawdered fir, it resemaled saw dust but tasted tike misked pish Had a slave and a rompadour hair cut today. NOTES 215th P 129:02 very rough sea, we apparenly stuck the Chula Sea in a bad mood and I believe from all accounts it can be had, we pitched and tried all day and our convoy expeased at sages t be lite cores we sapped several seas same of wheah in coming over th say ecupted himselves in our Rold, hoed No& Tle Kitchin stat 9ot several drincrings leciive me. A good number were sen sick including the pap quard commander small ands landed on our disk and the Jap cru caugat several, one as the crew had three in a bos and I saw him to a puing coon round sot its legs and in turn to it to a hastet- my two lawes of blankst I reved together in a sling bas sim The hopies must be well behind us by now, Hhe weathe in dindeaty caster and seee sees alort oweaters and greatonts all oeer t ship tRose who have not seld or traded ri being the lucky over we are only a couple of days railing disance from Japan, so ou hip must nearly be juss ted weaes to same excepting here being nore in back up on account of sea netuen
NOTES 244707PON 0 19 a3 usrom, but stll very windy and beowing a treat mean he same aul tday we aaed reseived a small pastet of angor coated unto camato also gave me a sene of yellow waterwclon believe i or ast soday is certainly a change in clunate, you can noice the dipference Had two shower and a plaveI still have my manstade Today the gaxance onw and the guard of the FURAI MARW had a sarwell party in NoL. Hold. The prisacion gave a coucost for an Lowt and then the gapt rendered a few sena aftertat te faps gave an extidition if writang (ToDe) and ken our chaps at so partuipated, dee ted it darted about tots Lours and tn all arit were given packets of segare ts, branty, only wat pie of pork and aman. we lave indeed bain triard very well considering that we lave secn P.0.W and the gap on occasion lave give ot of this way to so kings for u NOTFD SGEDAYPON 223 a break in the weather, but sill a very chappy sea, we are leading east so perhaps the furphy that we are going to EUSAN in. ROROA. true, it is said we borte tomorrow or early ttusday monning, we have been finet0 weeks on te PURAI MARS and now the weather is 00 much colder, one would knit that we are out of the equatorial reguais into the polar region. Played sold all day, weak buing the same. Eugar inue today and sweets ine yesterday, also had a peen of yellow sugor eelow lo ige Yovery 30th Day PON 31942 a fine day, but gee what a sea, the beat Ras doe every king but fly; the propetter has been out of the water nearly all day. We left the carvey al 1200 and are now travelling to what would appear to be Gaca, where we expect to betta tomorrow meals he same slayed mo all day and gee wine nre one can hardly get warm now, it sams so abswid.
NOTES 222112 TUEEDAY 2e9h MFO well nine oven after stopping and saving all through the night, this moring at 0700 we found that we were alongside what appear at this Sage to ae FUSANIN KOREAOVCHOSEN. a deligtful casking darbour with stepped gardens up the Reclsider The place is very insuntamcers and the weather, well ame awn we ned every ting in can pied to pet on to keep us warm, it in a very sudden chlange a faw pheps are in port and occesiuall seamer pulled ont as we pulled in at 0800. A 1700 a large Zed Gross ship and a merchan- shep put out 15 sea. deal were the same and after breakfar this morning pape doctors who had coue aboard, gave us a cursory iedical examination consesing of a look at the troa. Our haed was sumgates also the ie houser and we are stel on the boat not knowing our ultiate dismaion, but tarie well tell, goe s it cod Mayed solo all day and did a freeze NOTES 32ph DAYPON 32:9:121/2 Te at undinget we were told to report to No.3 Hoed for wedical inspection a0200 and at nine own was it cold, the examination consisted of benday and the gears tubetest. WEOESDMY BDO DAY PON 32243 a bean yul fee day just like a soing day in annie, played solo all day, lad a slave and the wcals were te same escepting tea, when they gave us backap once and port stew, apparently to peed us up for our long hyr by train amorrowl rumnour soo wiles). Hish gapanse ope weere are the bridge dick watding as eat, so perhaps the wcal was for their benep. Sea guier by the kundreds are around te teat and I amused wyseyf kowing thmn piices of port one your chaps was ufortunately caugh pueding aman and Reg kayter steod for one and onl hal rams on the bridge dick istare guard alongvide Rim in ril vew g all yur, lolding His lands out in pout of him with tomious terein.
NOTES BAnPHPON 4943 THIRSDH well mine own from today I lik I am giing to write the most eventful part of my time spent as a pap. AO.W, I sore I can keep tack o it all as it is cortainly the most interesting Gevelle at 060a and we received curplacerec to take wet i on awrhip. our busnast at0300 consisted y a double wice y rie and pork slew. We packed our lets, I had a kit sag, pack and Laveracl at 0900 we pulled in at the FUEAN wharf and it was enered with has late, provos and plotegraplers, it would appear that KoReA was seeing its pot F.O.W, which was proved later. 22 A.1.F. aut of the 93 were detained to remain in board as a daggage and deaning up party. The atters wint asbore at 1030. we swept the hold out and suering the laggage alore with the minch. Then bes another Awrru and a commy eifted a loard up in the hold and with a tich gerounged came sugar and MrV also shirt. The Jap. Grovost put in appearance and te led was ordered to be emptied. bee and the Auszie awepd to get wil but we had to leave the other chap down tere for about half an low wite we could get an axpostinity to get him out suskily the Brovost cene away for a while and we got him NOTES BSANEVRY POW 34942 TADE ont mnly to lave lis name taken by an Engisst major with ns as instrsses- winednt it. We were told we would be searded on saor, wo ber and I apenedte Max and examied ino ou travelling rue and the sugor we put ae and sandkerslup, also ater same Mer staight fom the tuus- At 1100 wi said jarewees to ou little fan piend a, he gave me a packet of ags and be has any address, and then we said fariwill to our prisonsay EURAT MARU after being on it suict 1800. 16.8.42, can you mnaguie it and today is 349.42, we lyp the boat and the crew sind up to say SarewellEayowong, we nearched dowce te gaug plank and were sprayed with a type of discupestant as our Lands, 6ooto and rit and closing, ten to a uneant bent for a kit inspection and here cime oven comes the sory of my quater. lor. Gold I have discovered i thoo in Eapan, your little walle with the Peg brock and the gold poss, in my bg wallet wa a instirted and the officers took the both brooch, you can magins my sarrow, o o mine anne I would soouer have last anything than tore as you can uage. They taok my NUNDER and
NOTES 3YAEPAYEON 24942 12802 the fap interpretor said Sance prisably get ten back, as sam I done I do, now I have dost your tebons panch, suke watch and the broodes. They took all playing cards and camn luse arous so that is that. on tee accant bleck wordsene unlitary exus and their lower and were they beautis, but you would know better than I. Then the warc through $05AN started, the erowds were willing enrywne, hams sopped and it was apubes Colday. Our jirst stay was about half an how after starting and we were rested on an Aero Seloat parade grounds lay of te P.O.W te0Aw eal disappeared we ate same your nee and M.V and to be uruial was most ruden, nen, wamen and lidden just and staod, and watched te proceedings. on the march again after an lours pest, we apparently marced in a circle about two a wnly, pap Soedurs, Jap Canatry and Jup pollcan all around us. Reg Hayter took ill on the warc and bee and I nearly carried lim tuel in the end be became delivens and was taken to the lospital, are larnt- later that io all told were taken to the Cospital. NOTES 24942 TORSO Bat DINEON Tee march puished at FUSAN railway sation at 1500 and we sat butside ree station aut 1600 then marched on to the plat form, we are certainly abjects for pubers gazing, incidentally same of the intabitants are white Burspeaus, but stll way wsory. A 1050 we hoarded our train, nost modan, excellant carriages, peusa seats - would shaw australia a pouet or two. Hhe rease on FOSAN just smack the kids aoron the gace or body with a riding crop 4 key get in the way. We were quen a fan piew g white called with Japauise writing and a nmber on it, iieis 519 and it was pinned on to our tmee. Tlehave apt at 700 and had 15 can in all for about n00an crowdswere as every sop and at every station (ause mcrilise). The carriages were leated and also had fans, also a double glan window for the cold and it can be intense fusan I am toed resembler H kong with its insuntais. the sie is a singer are and we were constantly pulling of on to leop lies to await ae down tains. At 2000 we were given two light wooden hosor for
NOLES NOTES 7442 2at PAYPON e BEAADNYRON sae 32942 surtea one contained in and don our amazement say tetrain went wnto otels the other want and aavams and our hay had an enquie stick on the back and we went south about 28 San, I do not cke bee coaling CTIYSEN 7 se country was deligatul at the ast o imentor kilouishes) to Con SIN. dow of course toe A1P party is speet, one the mountacs, raddy pldyvegetable lot the laggage part do is sere at garder, poplar him eiing the road clous growing on regnoy the village GrSIN, the others we delive are about imud buts also aheleas drying on Hanles worte of Rage at GIASIN 1300 the rean, guveg a red sase tep we douned our pack and lauersack appearance, appen and pean on & and did ano the warch through lined ag so lere in hoping. The guie steet to our pnson caup about. and macame I wnce sevver foget bay an eourr marching. our camp Tunnels were prejusl. At oux tea is aboat 4 acris, seeping but, wast Calsarauegrise and rugar, fap Grount luts, te tleus and panade ground and were on tea hrai and got out at is totally sheet out fom the outoide each sy, pap soediers were on cenely an eiget or ta caus eohig fancce guard in te train learbed were on Top. Ile scuping FEIDAY SORAA DAY ROW 259:42 huts are very grod, wooden, wated An uncomportable nights sleping as paised seaos and fourrstoues in we could not stretch, talk absut a last luty ot can be very cald, about change in temperatins, sopping and B5 uen in each dut and not to paring all igat At 0300 and N00 we crawded. At 1600 on the paratig want were issued wrk too hoses again a sega gan qqu gave a speech which so we are bung lasted after- a was in won interpreted to us. thongh heotegrapher and a rporter gave a mcrydone, the girt being that we bee and I an apple each and are POW, should uot have been P.0.N, gee was it good. At 1100 we percted mst sbeg disluve and be prepared to wal as sap swelians work. Soute Kagi approse 250 wilis from EUsAd we sat in the train and to Had to sign are oath that wee
NOTES FEDO 35:9:3 Baad PAYROY would not by to esease wdels 1 a PO.N in Jazan. Several Engind expens rejured at just but cate did so. After the talk we were dismuned and taken to and Carracks, Austo 4e08 in ane anw and auster na in the opposite carnety boots must be taken oft before walking on the nats. Electric lega and also an electue eigartte legats on each sartch, fire is a dread will see fap. Tea at Doooconsested of a head woel you a real one and a dissie of broth and vegeable gravy very appetiving. After tea we were wsaed with t blankets (3 agat and I leave) they are large oner so I can be folded into too giving us actually 8 blankets, thare and te orton ever tough the building is wooden, should len us war in the winter, lights out at 3130, but I made ay hed may quckly and was soon as leep after living wasted et SATURDRY BSGEDAYROW 26942 Bweelle doo, afer a very good, uighs rest even though a bit NOTES 222lPAYPON 26922 stilly, stel, our alood will sam thicken up hall cale at 0610, reports and atention as gap oppier ye and the entepreter ot to but our ket dags have not yet turned up but they should act be long. Had a slave, did my now in, then a teek and a wark and breakfast at 0050 aegetable stere (good) and rie bee and I added sugar and fex well, 0900 auster parade for ofpicr ox o RON-RORDD more rundly than yesterday, addressed as, interpretedagan then dismusal and now I have writen up my deary we were also would wite tucts aluminum bauts and you fork for eating, so stel cooks more hopeful gisted weth 1230 tee dinver curried grave and bilnve it or not another bread rell. Slyt after dinner until 1600 ken had a slower and read until 730 then tea consisting of me and barley and curried gravy. Dead after tea and yound will rell call at 2030, ken to bed. Lights out at 5130 but too tered to witness. He ceremany.
NOTES San SI S Gislle 0000. fe ca wo was at and then fas at oponiand soy and vegitable seo. vary cold wight, but a glorious day. men unto trades filles in paress this morning. went for a strac in the guadrangle, t mind, shirl my scankets disted wte dinner at 1330, ms. and aud gravy and negatables. At cantere fom 15 pily eigs for rectre and seap Kren, Sanpaper Brun, cigs 15sin and too tpowder 1sen for uysey. Had a warm bug and at 1520 played rolo suitl yo0 to canteen again for inta order tew tea at 1800 mee and curried gravy and vegitables at can tem again for section cig uunclase, waited for one lour Hall rath at 2030 ten to bed read hel light out 3130 28912 D6BDAY PON MoNDAY evelle 0600 and in it cold, rill call 8610 Kenyor a wark, bcd making th bfart at 0715 counsting of rice and Carley Eadly carred) and gravy and regitables shaved afor tappst in wast couse and sa at og mating at cann of unt reprisentatioes. Did tae around the quad for exiran. Playes odo until dinver tme s00 consisting of rur and barley and gravy, undersand that we are to get oned head rul every a ther day. Played +lo attr lunch after NOTES 206t PY PON 389:10 10 leaving instructons read out ie our acts as PoN. At 1500 mort of the ket bags arrives and were stewn all over the place for insection, wy kB is still to came. Had a cold ting at 1700 and believe we it was cold. Tea at 1000 consisted of gravy and a bread roll, very ince but not enoughs. we awe also issued wit ane disert spacuful and a say of sugar, it will keep tell the morning. The balame o our M. bogs arrived at 1930 but well be given out tmones Started our own prequet for the buts lustinge g on at two as a tine for two eater revee yeunitated 10en) hours ed. Oee and & drew 2-4s byt you camest smake, n daun, tack a go antride bost just stand or walk up and sown in te bee wet reaying eards it is very finny, reguards ceep on taking and returning ken, as we dond know of i can dificately play or ust Tle guard lep caming in fom outside wher you are on perquet and reen an eye on your UESDAY BtKDAYRON 39:2:0 Bavulle 0600, rell call 0010, we did at made upbids, had a hst raining early this moning. Briagast 0700 mi(gency) and regetable gravy. Got my not this moning, did some seveing, stortened my F.S pants and drice pants also put bu yous on
NOTES 26h 107POW 30900 a persinged whrt, a raiy day for severig. When I is pue well have a stack of wasking to do. head then wntl dincer 1300 which consided of rice and barlry and gravy with plent of vegetable and tea Carry weak in tereat. Playedals in the afternoon eads bung kept under the blanket, we lase tem ance or tece sony day) had a lot teng and was the ateosloe cold entrete. Tee 1200 riis and Anley and curried grasy and tea anather attempt at solo, but lost me41 pack of cards Gead tel rall call 3030 then to acd hights out 3130 309.45 3894h Day C0.W WESAEDAY Giels 0000 hill call 0010, warket and bid making it reading until hearyort 0700 rice and gravy. Had to get up at 0400 for the Curual and good was it cold, the temp here in middle winter is raid to be 170 beeow giewell we preize I cannot unagusi we are only about soo wen from the Bussian sorder and I can understand the intense cold. Did some markig after breakfor, sheet towel ox pai, and shist and spants. A glonisday again, head wite dinner at 1300 curry gravy and bown head wall. Did same wap work after dinner and read NOTES 30942 NEI Codies working alongoide the C0.W camp here for the lest couple of days have been carrying Fgraph pass an to tucks and singing like te wolga dsativen fouruem to a pale in pavists), they must be stong Fat. Had a shave and another hot tong Fiished a map of akyp from Sugapor to Gona-guisen prison camp, year witl ta 1800 onea pis o fioh (wit a millin souis init rueguel (starting touget. for two days to try and quell dysentry and gravy and tea. Gead and yourd after tea witle wll call at 3030 then to did. Had a successful washing day all kings are dry. am now sleeping with give blankets (ave of my own) and a ground slaet- Ground slaet- and we blanket undirneae, four anty B8RPRYROW THUESA 110:42 Gennlle 0030 (Oct rising half an how later and light out 200 half an Low carlier). Ral call 040. cashed at and ten breakfast 070 rue gruett, gravy and regetables (plent of then) and ta Another glorious day, bluesty and warm sun shine at 09oo were 19 sections unluding aurselves (No Sten were taken into the quadrangle for drill and PT for oue hour we did t hour dull with an Enguse officer and Ishour trotng and PT given to us in
NOTES 2022 v 28th Day P.Ox papanise, we were told that all on don ature corder in back t diary) will be grave in garancce. Ile muruss was good, but it certainly shows that in the man we are not in very good cck, Read wnte anneer 1500 brown head roll (yor two days in susunion) and gavy and vegitatle Geas and seept afterdinner wett 1420 ten had a not ting perted and read again wet tea 70 nce quiel, gravy and to remsed an issue of pap unopapes and magages, ws popers are about 33 wak oid and came thing & us good ve trya aloue for some sis to read. Gucall soo ten t bed Ligl& out 2100 210.42 RIDRY 2294 DAY.F.O.N. Gerete 3030, Bell call 0040 warked it and bed making Greatjent ogo re guie and ueg gravy. Had a shave after briakert and warked a whert, hair of sore and a weaking belt, A genisu suny day as ane Did te eig. order for the squad today allowed & pats per man, this tie perpet oso cat you compared with 13 re per pkt 9 10 last tre. Dunier 1500 grang and head brown rell and Eo gerted until 4t00 then on to the quad for drill in Japauise Cauguage very edqcatinal, marching and number ing in gapanere, did this for Mx A Ken had a lotting my wasking was dry and & mended a pair of son. Read NOTES 2304 P27 PON E e some more papanise iwos papers then tea at 1720 and 27 chip a pice atea muel to to nana it we way Fefet am reading a book Esque Herries by Hugh Waepole neverever well I trn my nose up at any food, gee wodle it will be grand being with you and you lisking after me, I will be aike a baby, Idreame and plan each and every day. afertes, went to the canters and bought a fexthings for our section. foll call 3o00, bid making then lighs out 2100 330tDAY PON 10:42 WTU Gunille 0630 Zie aac 0040 wask et, bid meaking Breatast 0730, guiel and gravy and tea us fatgue today only to lidy our but and kits for inspection at 1300. Read and pired unil dinier 500 ane1 bread rell and gravy. A listure at 1000 today by Jewsen Prison Camp Co to all the oppeors of his caup. Inspection a 1300 we said by our Git like giod soldeers and apparently caned satsfactority, head and yaued until 1500 Had a lotting and then a scap until 1630. T len. had a temp. filling again pu in te toath teat I had trouble arik a Clangis. Tea 1700 rew guiel and gave. After ted Cic and I did we or an hos around the guadranges thi gead wnit rell call 2000. unne ower life undeorable wehow you, you fill all my toughts all day each and every day. made vy bed then light out 2100

194 
                          NOTES 
3.9.42         THURSDAY         200th DAY P.O.W
and talk about laugh at our little
boyish Jap overseers. Meals the
same as yesterday, our three (3)
meals a day again make us
feel like humans again. This
morning I bought a Formosan
Grape Fruit, I came back to the
boat at 1630 and after tea, we
had some rice (which I brought  
back in my dixie from ashore)
 grape, fruit, bananas (Cec
bought one hundred today)
and sugar (one (1) pair of
pyjamas) so went to bed
feeling 100%. The chinese coming
aboard buying shirts, shorts etc
(militarily forbidden) for cigs,
yens, paw paws etc would
make you scream, some of the
chaps have what they stand up
in 
_______________ 

4.9.42       FRIDAY    201st  DAY  P.O.W
Excellant day to day, early breakfast
went ashore in a lighter launch
to the oil dump, 100 of us, 50 A.I.F. and
50 British, loaded, unloaded, and
stacked oil drums about 20 mins
work before and after dinner.
An excellant Jap guard were over 

197
                        NOTES
4.9.42       FRIDAY        201st DAY P.O.W
us, had a great chat with me, I taught
him a few English words and he
me a few Japanese words. At dinner
time he gave me a plate of Jap delicacies
cigarettes, bananas and toffee. We left
the ship at 0800 and returned at
1630. Said goodbye to the Jap guard
shook hands and can honestly say
he was a little gentleman.
Had a shower on return to the boat
also a shave, tea as usual, added
bananas and sugar. Went to bed
after having the best working day
since leaving Singapore. 
 _______________ 

5.9.42         SATURDAY         202ND DAY P.O.W
on the ship today, working in No4 Hold
we emptied it of boxite before dinner
and was it hot, up and down the
hold ladders. Meals the same, but
bananas and sugar help. A lot of
shipping has left the port and it
nearly seems empty. The mountains
in TAKAO are very blue and clear
today. Five fresh water showers
today, gosh it was hot. Washed a towel,
shorts and k'chief, one has to stay with
them till they dry these days, otherwise
they walk. Am going to try and buy
some bread Tomorrow if I go ashore.
_____________

 

198  
                        NOTES
6.9.42         SUNDAY         203rd DAY P.O.W
At oil dump again today ashore in.
a motor lighter at 0800. Meals the same,
my Jap soldier friend gave me some
fish and pickles at dinner time.
I had a chat with him for an hour
and showed him all my photos
He persisted in taking one of you
(the one taken on the beach at
Collaroy), and in Japanese, told
me that you were a "beautiful
woman", I in turn told him
that there was only one Peg and
one woman - "you". Another
hospital ship came into TAKAO today.
Gee noodle we left Changi
three weeks ago today and are
still on our way to Japan. 
_______________ 

7.9.42         MONDAY         204th DAY P.O.W
On ship today loading rice (120 lb bags)
we were in the holds stacking, three
(3) Japanese women were sewing the
broken bags and you can guess
some of the things the boys were
saying. Blazing sun all day and
with the sun shining into the
hold it was like an oven. Meals
the same, managed to buy some
more bananas this morning over
the side of the ship.
_______________ 

199 
                         NOTES
8.9.42         TUESDAY         205th DAY P.O.W. 
At coal dump today, meals the same as
usual Whilst at coal dump, I felt rather
sick in the tummy and remained in
the tent with the R.A.P. I purchased
two pomelloes ( large grape fruit- red inside)
and one big bunch of bananas, the
best we have had. Pomelloes cost 25 sen
ea and bananas 1. YEN per bunch. (42 
bananas on it). The boys on the coal
do not overwork, two men to a basket
and the coolies carry on a bar across 
their shoulders two ea, and ea one 
has four times that of one of ours
we have been having nosey pork of
late and the whiff of the refrigerator
when opened nearly kills you. 
_______________ 

9.9.42        WEDNESDAY      206th DAY P.O.W 
On ship today, meals the same as usual
we were loading rice. I had to
knock off at 1000 as I had a
terrific tummy ache. Dr Brennan
examined me and thinks that
I have perhaps strained the wall
of my stomach.  Laid up for the
day and had no rice for dinner
or tea. I will never ever forget the
heat in TAKOA, perspiration
just pours off me. 
_______________ 

 

200 
                          NOTES
10.9.42     THURSDAY      207th DAY P.O.W.
Laid up on boat again today,
coal, oil and warehouse parties left
on time but unexpectedly returned
to ship at 1030. No1 Hold has two cases
of diptheria as far as I can gather.
hence the upset.  Very sick in the
tummy today, had a small issue 
of gravy for breakfast and dinner
and a small amount of gravy for
tea. Cec bought five (5) buns and
ten biscuits, he insisted on me
having 3 of the former and six of the
latter. Oh mine own, you have no 
idea what they were like. NoS  1 and
4 Holds are finished so should be
pushing northward soon 
_______________  

 11.9.42                    FRIDAY           208th DAY PO.W
On ship all day again, rained cats
and dogs, ships' crew expect a typhoon
Meals the same, ate two (2) small
meals of rice and being on the  
sick list, I received a little extra 
gravy. NoS. 1, 3 and 4 Holds are now 
finished loading. No 1 Hold has two  
(2) diptheria cases and a host of 
Jap doctors came aboard and took 
swabs of those in No. 1 Hold  Am 
feeling nearly normal again, but 
the tropical heat is terrific.

 

                           NOTES
11.09.42            FRIDAY       208th DAY P.O.W 
Cec and I bought one (1) yen's worth
of bananas (48), one half tin of 
biscuits  (small very sweet ones) and
one of the crew bought me 50 sen
worth of lollies, gee mine own it is
really like xmas. Rumoured that we
leave for Japan on 13.9.42 
_______________ 

12.09.42         SATURDAY        209th DAY P.O.W
on ship again all day, raining cats
and dogs, tried to sleep on deck
last night, but the gale made me
make for downstairs. Meals the same
I will never forget the pork on the
FUKAI MARU whilst at TAKAO. Played
solo all day, the first time for ages.  
Issued with a desertspoon full of
sugar. Had the mow trimmed last
night. Gee it will be grand to get
off this ship, out of this port. 
_______________ 

13.09.42          SUNDAY   210th DAY P.O.W
On ship again all day again.  Raining
again. Meals the same. Played solo all
day. Very good day, Cec and I bought
from one of the crew, one (1) bag of caramels,
one (1) bag of biscuits, (like short bread) for
one (1) yen each, whacko.  Loaded ice,
fish, coal and vegetables aboard today
so looks like a move again. Cec
and I got six (6) onions , how? 
_______________ 

 

                                 NOTES
 14.9.42          MONDAY       211TH DAY P.O.W. 
On ship all day, raining on and off,
stores all loaded, looks like a move
tomorrow. Meals the same as usual,
Played solo all day, our cigarette
order came to hand to day so
will have smokes for awhile, they
cost thirteen cents per pkt. Cec and
I have been nibbling at caramels
and biscuits, gee They are good.
Some spring onions fell through
the hatch covers and what a run
there was from the lads.
 _______________ 

15.9.42       TUESDAY      212th DAY P.O.W 
Well mine own, we have commenced another
stage of our journey, which will, I hope and
pray bring us closer together. We up anchored
at 0900 this morning and said farewell to
TAKAO. Very cloudy day again, we are
back on to our two (2) meals a day again.
This morning the purser sold bread
and biscuits for the last time. Cec and
I managed to buy 50 sen worth of biscuits
and they were good. Sanitary paper is
unprocurable and selling at a premium
this diary may consequently disappear.  
Hundreds of sampans (fishing)
were around us all day as we
hugged the coastline of the island.
Played solo during the day and

                            NOTES 
15.9.42     TUESDAY     212th DAY P.O.W
spent the rest of it reading and resting.
I am lending "San Michele" all round
and getting other ones in return, but some
-how I cannot concentrate, only being able
to read spasmodically. The stay at TAKAO  
(16 days) was all too long, living conditions
on the boat were far from good and I
personally am darned glad that we are
under way again, to where, none of us
know. At 1700 we met the convoy after
travelling up the west coast of Formosa
Two (2) destroyers and nine (9) merchant
ships, our own making twelve (12) in  
all. Then off we set.  
_______________ 

16.9.42     WEDNESDAY     213th DAY P.O.W
At 0200 this morning, from going north we turned
about and to our surprise, this morning we
are leading south. Later on in the day we
eventually arrived at our rendezvous
of yesterday afternoon, so have spent a
day doing nothing, we are all wondering
whether there is a hitch in the proceedings, 
all sorts of furphies are floating
around, we now number eight (8) ships
and two (2) destroyers. Meals the same
weather terrifically hot, did some washing
(towel and shorts). Are covered in a
heat rash, but most of us are
berri-berri etc, being prevalent. We
were paid twelve days pay today
1 Yen 80 sen for loading etc.
  _______________ 

 

                            NOTES 
17.9.42     THURSDAY     214th DAY P.O.W
Our rendezvous was one of the Pescadores
Group of Islands off the west coast of
Formosa. At 1700 yesterday we set off
on a northerly course, we now have
a convoy consisting of ten (10) ships and
one (1) destroyer (at least only one (1) is
now visible.) The ships in the convoy
are turning at all angles, so I guess it
is a case of "a little way in a long
time". Meals the same as usual, excepting 
that at tea 1700, we had a form of
smoked fish in our stew. Had four
showers today, three in buckets one ex
salt water hose. Played solo during
the day. We are definately heading
north whether for Korea or Japan, who
Knows. A Japanese paper I saw today
has an article on the ill treatment of
Jap P.O.W on their way to Australia.
One of our merchant ships in the
convoy has a small red cross
painted below the bridge although  
as with all the merchant ships, she
carries guns fore and aft.  At
breakfast 0900, one of the Jap crew
gave us some powdered fish, it
resembled saw dust, but tasted
like smoked fish. Had a shave and
a pompadour hair cut today. 
_____________ 

                      NOTES
18.9.42     FRIDAY     215th DAY P.O.W
Very rough sea, we apparently struck
the China Sea in a bad mood and
I believe from all accounts it can be
bad, we pitched and tossed all day
and our convoy appeared at stages to
be like corks. We shipped several seas
some of which in coming over the ship
erupted themselves in our hold, Hold
No4. The Kitchen staff got several
drenchings believe me. A good number
were sea sick including the Jap guard
commander. Small birds landed on
our deck and the Jap crew caught
several, one of the crew had three in
a box and I saw him tie a piece of
cotton round both its legs and in
turn tie it to a basket. My two halves
of blanket I sewed together in a sleeping
bag form. The Tropics must be well
behind us by now. The weather is
decidedly cooler and one sees shirts,
sweaters and greatcoats all over the
ship (those who have not sold or
traded them being the lucky ones).
We are only a couple of days sailing
distance from Japan, so our trip
must nearly be finished. Meals the
same excepting there being more in
back ups on account of sea sickness. 
_____________

 

                            NOTES
19.9.42     SATURDAY     216th DAY P.O.W
No rain, but still very windy and
blowing a treat. Meals the same,
but today we each received a
small packet of sugar coated nuts.
Okamato also gave me a slice of
yellow watermelon believe it or not.
Today is certainly a change in
climate, you can notice the difference
Had two showers and a shave, I
still have my moustache.
Today the Japanese crew and
the guard of the FUKAI MARU had a
farewell party in No.3. Hold. The
prisoners gave a concert for an
hour and then the Japs rendered
a few items. After that the Japs gave
an exhibition of wrestling (JUDO)
and then our chaps also participated.
All told it lasted about two (2) hours
and then all artists were given
packets of cigarettes, brandy, vichy
water, pieces of pork and onions.
We have indeed been treated very
well considering that we have
been P.0.W and the Jap on occasion
have gone out of their way to do
things for us.
_____________

                       NOTES 
20.9.42     SUNDAY     217th DAY P.O.W
A break in the weather, but sill a
very choppy sea. We are heading
east so perhaps the furphy that we
are going to FUSAN in KOREA is
true, it is said we berth tomorrow
or early tuesday morning, we have
been five (5) weeks on the FUKAI
MARU and now the weather is so
much colder, one would think
that we are out of the equatorial
regions into the polar region.
Played solo all day, meals being
the same. Sugar issue today and
sweets issue yesterday, also had
a piece of yellow sugar melon last
night. 
_______________ 

21.9.42     MONDAY     218th DAY P.O.W
A fine day, but gee what a sea, the boat
has done everything but fly, the
propeller has been out of the water
nearly all day. We left the convoy at
1200 and are now travelling to what
would appear to be Korea, where
we expect to berth tomorrow. Meals
the same. Played solo all day
and gee mine own one can
hardly get warm now, it seems
so absurd.
_____________

 

                              NOTES
22.9.42     TUESDAY     219th DAY  P.O.W
Well mine own after stopping and starting
all through the night, this morning
at 0700 we found that we were
alongside what appears at this stage
to be FUSAN in KOREA or CHOSEN.
A delightful looking harbour with
stepped gardens up the hillsides.
The place is very mountainous and
the weather, well mine own, we
used everything we can find to
put on to keep us warm, it is
a very sudden change. A few
ships are in port and one small
steamer pulled out as we pulled
in at 0800. At 1700 a large
Red Cross ship and a merchant
ship put out to sea. Meals
were the same and after breakfast
this morning, Jap doctors who
had come aboard, gave us a
cursory medical examination
consisting of a look at the throat.
Our hold was fumigated also
the outhouses and we are
still on the boat not knowing
our ultimate destination, but
time will tell, gee is it cold
Played solo all day and did
a freeze.
 

                             NOTES
22.9.42     TUESDAY     219th DAY P.O.W
At midnight we were told to report to
No.3 Hold for medical inspection at 0200
and oh mine own was it cold, the
examination consisted of bending
and the glass tube test. 
_______________ 

23.9.42     WEDNESDAY     220th DAY P.O.W
A beautiful fall day just like a
spring day in Aussie, played solo
all day, had a shave and the
meals were the same excepting
tea, when they gave us "backups"
of rice and pork stew, apparently
to feed us up for our long
trip by train tomorrow (rumour
300 miles). High Japanese Officers
were on the bridge deck watching
us eat, so perhaps the meal was
for their benefit. Sea gulls by
the hundreds are around the
boat and I amused myself
throwing them pieces of pork.
One of our chaps was unfortunately
caught pinching onions and
Reg Hayter stood for one and one
half hours on the bridge deck
with the guard alongside him in
full view of all of us, holding
his hands out in front of him
with the onions therein.
_____________

 

                        NOTES
24.9.42     THURSDAY     221st DAY P.O.W
Well mine own from today I think I am
going to write the most eventful part of my
time spent as a Jap. PO.W, I hope I can
keep tack of it all as it is certainly the most
interesting. Reveille at 0600 and we received
our plain rice to take with us on our trip.
Our breakfast at 0800 consisted of a double
issue of rice and pork stew. We packed our
kits, I had a kit bag, pack and haversack.
At 0900 we pulled in at the FUSAN wharf
and it was covered with brass hats, provost
and photographers, it would appear that
KOREA was seeing its first P.O.W, which
was proved later. 22 A.1.F. out of the 93
were detailed to remain on board as
a baggage and cleaning up party. The
others went ashore at 1030. We swept the
hold out and swung the baggage ashore
with the winch. Then Cec, another Aussie and
a Pommy lifted a board up in the hold
and with a torch scrounged some sugar
and M&V also shirts. The Jap Provost put
in appearance and the hold was ordered
to be emptied. Cec and the Aussie managed
to get out but we had to leave the other
chap down there for about half an hour
until we could get an opportunity to
get him out. Luckily the Provost went
away for a while and we got him
 

                             NOTES 
24.9.42     THURSDAY     221st DAY P.O.W
out, only to have his name taken by an
English Major with us as witnesses -
wouldn't it. We were told we would
be searched on shore, so Cec and I
opened the M&V and crammed into our
travelling rice and the sugar we put
in our handkerchiefs, also ate some
M&V straight from the tins. At 1100 we
said farewell to our little Jap friend Q,
he gave me a packet of cigs and he
has my address, and then we said
farewell to our prison ship FUKAI MARU
after being on it since 1800. 16.8.42, can
you imagine it and today is 24.9.42. We
left the boat and the crew lined up to say
farewell - SAYONORA, we marched down
the gang plank and were sprayed with a
type of disinfectant on our hands, boots
and kit and clothing, then to a vacant
block for a kit inspection and here
mine own comes the story of my greatest
loss. Gold I have discovered is taboo in
Japan, your little wallet with the Peg brooch
and the gold fish, in my big wallet was
inspected and the officers took the both
brooches, you can imagine my sorrow,
oh mine own I would sooner have
lost anything than those as you can
image. They took my NUMBER and
 

 

                             NOTES
24.9.42     THURSDAY     221st DAY P.O.W
the Jap interpretor said I will probably  
get them back, oh how I hope I do, now
I have lost your tobacco pouch, knife,
watch and the brooches. They took all
playing cards and even loose onions
so that is that. On the vacant block
were some military officers and their
horses and were they beauties, but you
would know better than I. Then the march
through FUSAN started, the crowds were
milling everywhere, trams stopped and
it was a public holiday. Our first stop
was about half an hour after starting and
we were rested on an Aero School
parade ground- half of the P.O.W the other
half disappeared. We ate some of our
rice and M&V and to the urinal was
most public, men, women and kiddies
just and stood, and watched the
proceedings. On the march again after
an hours rest, we apparently marched
in a circle about two (2) miles, Jap
Soldiers, Jap Cavalry and Jap policemen
all around us. Reg Hayter took ill on
the march and Cec and I nearly
carried him till in the end he became
delirious and was taken to the
hospital, we learnt later that 10 all
told were taken to the hospital.

                        

                         NOTES  
24.9.42     THURSDAY     221st DAY P.O.W
The march finished at FUSAN railway
station at 1500 and we sat outside the
station until 1600 then marched on to
the platform. We are certainly objects
for public gazing, incidentally some of
the inhabitants are white Europeans, but
still why worry. At 1630 we boarded
our train, most modern, excellant
carriages, plush seats - would show
Australia a point or two. The police
in FUSAN just smack the kids across
the face or body with a riding crop if
they get in the way. We were given
a Jap piece of white calico with Japanese
writing and a number on it, mine is
519 and it was pinned on to our
tunic. The train left at 1700 and
had 15 cars in all for about 1100 men,
crowds were at every stop and at
every station (bush wireless). The
carriages were heated and also
had fans, also a double glass window
for the cold and it can be intense.
Fusan I am told resembles H Kong
with its mountains. The line is a
single one and we were constantly
pulling off on to loop lines to await
the down trains. At 2000 we were
given two light wooden boxes for 

 

                        NOTES

24.9.42     THURSDAY     221st DAY P.O.W
our tea, one contained rice and chop
sticks the other meats, and savouries 
(Jap, I do not like the cooking).
The country was delightful at the foot of
the mountains, paddy fields, vegetable
gardens, poplar trees lining the roads
melons growing on roofs of the village
mud huts also chilies drying on
the roofs, giving a red house top
appearance, apples and pears are
growing so here is hoping. The sunset
and moonrise I will never forget.
Tunnels were profuse. At our tea
also some rice and sugar. Jap Provost
were on the train and got out at
each stop, Jap soldiers were on
guard in the train.
_______________ 

25.9.42     FRIDAY     222nd DAY P.O.W
An uncomfortable nights' sleeping as
we could not stretch, talk about a
change in temperature, stopping and
starting all night.  At 0800 and 1100 we
were issued with two boxes again,
so we are being looked after. A
photographer and a reporter gave
Cec and I an apple each and
gee was it good. At 1100 we reached
South Kaji approx 250 miles from
FUSAN. We sat in the train and to

                       

                        NOTES 
25.9.42     FRIDAY     222nd DAY P.O.W
our amazement half the train went north 
and our half had an engine stuck on 
the back and we went south about 28 
miles (or kilometres) to GIN SIN (JINSEN). Now of 
course the A.I.F party is split, one 
lot the baggage party 22 in here at 
GIN SIN, the others we believe are about 
4 miles north of Kaji. At GIN SIN 1200 
we donned our pack and haversack 
and did another march through lined 
streets to our prison camp about 
half an hours marching. Our camp 
is about 4 acres, sleeping huts, wash 
huts, kitchens and parade ground and 
is totally shut out from the outside 
world by an eight or ten foot fence, 
barbed wire on top (and electrified). The sleeping 
huts are very good, wooden, matted 
raised floor and four stoves in 
each hut, it can be very cold. About 
85 men in each hut and not too 
crowded. At 1600 on the parade ground 
a high Jap officer gave a speech which 
was in turn interpreted to us through 
a microphone, the gist being that we 
are P.O.W, should not have been P.O.W, 
must obey discipline and be prepared 
to work as Jap civilians work. 
Had to sign an oath that we

 

                    NOTES
25.9.42     FRIDAY     222nd DAY P.O.W 
would not try to escape whilst a
P.O.W in Japan. Several English
Officers refused at first but later
did so. After the talk we were
dismissed and taken to our
barracks, Austn NCO'S in one corner
and Austn men in the opposite
corner, boots must be taken off
before walking on the mats.
Electric light and also an electric
cigarette lighter on each switch,
fire is a dread with the Jap.
Tea at 2000 consisted of a bread
roll (yes a real one) and a
dixie of broth and vegetable gravy,
very appetising. After tea we were
issued with 4 blankets (2 light
and 2 heavy) they are large ones
so it can be folded into two
giving us actually 8 blankets, so
those and the stoves, even though
the building is wooden, should keep
us warm in the winter. Lights out
at 2130, but I made my bed very
quickly and was soon asleep
after having washed etc. 
_______________ 

26.9.42     SATURDAY     223rd DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0600, after a very good
nights' rest even though a bit
 

                      NOTES 
26.9.42     SATURDAY     223rd DAY P.O.W
chilly, still, our blood will soon thicken
up. Roll call at 0610, reports and
attention as Jap officer I/C and the
interpreter enter the hut. Our kit bags
have not yet turned up but they should
not be long. Had a shave, did my
mow in, then a teeth and a wash
and breakfast at 0830 vegetable stew
(good) and rice. Cec and I added
sugar and fed well. 0930 another
parade for Officer I/C of P.OW - KOREA
more friendly than yesterday, addressed
us, interpreted again then dismissal
and now I have written up my
diary. We were also issued with
three (3) aluminium bowls and spoon &
fork for eating, so still looks more
hopeful. Rested until 1230 then dinner
curried gravy and believe it or not
another bread roll. Slept after dinner
until 1600 then had a shower and read
until 1730 then tea consisting of rice
and barley and curried gravy. Read after
tea and yarned until roll call at
2030, then to bed. Lights out at
2130 but too tired to witness the
ceremony.
_____________

 

                         NOTES
27.9.42          SUNDAY           224th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0600. Roll call 0610 wash etc and the b'fast
at 0730 rice and barley and vegetable stew. Very cold
night, but a glorious day. Men with trades filled in
papers this morning. Went for a stroll in the
quadrangle, twice round, shook my blankets.
Rested until dinner at 1230, rice and
curried gravy and vegetables. At canteen
from 1315 [pckg?] cigs for section and soap
11 sen, San paper 13 sen, cigs 15 sen and
tooth powder 11 sen for myself. Had a
warm tong and at 1530 played solo
until 1700. To canteen again for extra
orders then tea at 1800 rice and curried
gravy and vegetables. At canteen again
for section cig. purchase, waited for one
hour. Roll call at 2030 then to bed, read
till lights out 2130
_______________   

28.9.42       MONDAY       225th DAY P O.W
Reveille 0600 and is it cold, roll call
0610 then for a wash, bed making then
b'fast at 0715 consisting of rice and
barley (badly cooked) and gravy and vegetables.
Shaved after breakfast in wash house and then at
0930 meeting at canteen of unit representatives.
Did twice around the quad for exercise. Played
solo until dinner time 1300 consisting of
rice and barley and gravy, understand that
we are to get one (1) bread roll every other
day. Played solo after lunch after 

 

                               NOTES
28.9.42       MONDAY       225th DAY P.O.W
hearing instructions read out re our acts
as P.O.W. At 1500 most of the kit bags arrived
and were strewn all over the place for
inspection, my KB is still to come. Had
a cold tong at 1700 and believe me it
was cold. Tea at 1800 consisted of gravy
and a bread roll, very nice but not enough.
We were also issued with one desert-
spoonful and a half of sugar, it will keep
till the morning. The balance of our kit bags
arrived at 1930 but will be given out tomorrow.
Started our own picquet for the huts last night.
Eight men on at two at a time for two
hours ea. (later reveilli necessitated 10 men) Cec and I drew 2-4 shift, you
cannot smoke, sit down, talk or go outside
but just stand or walk up and down
in the hut. With playing cards it is very
funny, the guards keep on taking and
returning them, so we do not know if we
can definately play or not. The guard keep
coming in from outside when you are
on picquet and keep an eye on you. 
_____________

29.9.42     TUESDAY     226th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0600, roll call 0610, washed etc made
up beds, had a trot, raining early this morning.
Breakfast 0700 rice (gluey) and vegetable
gravy. Got my Kit this morning, did
some sewing, shortened my F.S pants
and drill pants also put buttons on

 

                            NOTES  
29.9.42     TUESDAY     226th DAY P.O.W
a scrounged shirt, a rainy day for sewing.
When it is fine will have a stack of washing
to do. Read then until dinner 1300 which
consisted of rice and barley and gravy with
plenty of vegetable and tea (very weak in
Korea). Played solo in the afternoon
(cards being kept under the blanket, we
lose them once or twice every day).
Had a hot tong and was the atmosphere
cold outside. Tea 1800 rice and barley
and curried gravy and tea another
attempt at solo, but lost one (1) pack
of cards. Read til roll call 2030 then
to bed. Lights out 2130 
_____________

30.9.42     WEDNESDAY     227th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0600, roll call 0610, washed etc and
bed making etc, reading until breakfast 0700
rice and gravy. Had to get up at 0400 for the
usual and gosh was it cold, the temp here
in middle winter is said to be 17° below
Gee will we freeze I cannot imagine it.
We are only about 500 miles from the
Russian border and I can understand
the intense cold. Did some washing
after breakfast, sheet, towel, sox (2) pair, and
shirt and u'pants. A glorious day again,
Read until dinner at 1300 curry gravy
and brown bread roll. Did some
mop work after dinner and read. 

 

                            NOTES
30.9.42     WEDNESDAY     227th DAY P.O.W
Coolies working alongside the P.0.W camp here
for the last couple of days have been carrying
t'graph poles on to trucks and singing like
the volga boatmen. Four men to a pole
in pairs (2), they must be strong.
T o T. Had a shave and another hot tong.
Finished a map of our trip from Singapore
to Korea - Jinsen prison camp. Read until
tea 1800 one (1) piece of fish (with a million
bones in it) rice gruel (starting tonight
for two days to try and quell dysentry)
and gravy and tea. Read and yarned
after tea until roll call at 2030 then to
bed. Had a successful washing day
all things are dry. Am now sleeping
with five blankets (one of my own) and
a ground sheet. Ground sheet and
one blanket underneath, four on top 
_____________

1.10.42     THURSDAY     228th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630 (Oct rising half an hour later and
lights out 2100 half an hour earlier). Roll call
0640. Washed etc and then breakfast 0730 rice
gruel, gravy and vegetables (plenty of them) and tea.
Another glorious day, blue sky and warm sun
shine. At 0930 nine (9) sections including
ourselves (No 1 SECTION) were taken into the
quadrangle for drill and PT for one hour.
We did 1/4 hour drill with an English officer
and 3/4 hour trotting and P.T given to us in

 

                                 NOTES
1.10.42     THURSDAY     228th DAY P.O.W
Japanese, we were told that all orders in future  
will be given in Japanese. (orders in back of diary) The exercise  
was good, but it certainly certainly shows that in the
main we are not in very good nick. Read  
until dinner 1200 brown bread roll (yes two
days in succession) and gravy and vegetables.
Read and slept after dinner until 1430 then
had a hot tong rested and read again until 
tea 1730 rice gruel, gravy and tea
Received an issue of Jap newspapers and
magazines, newspapers are about 2 - 3
weeks old and even though not good news 
they are welcome for something to read.
Roll call 2000 then to bed. Lights  out 2100. 
_____________

2.10.42    FRIDAY     229th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0630. Roll call 0640. washed etc and bed making.
Breakfast 0730 rice gruel and veg gravy. Had
a shave after breakfast and washed a shirt,
pair of sox and a webbing belt. A glorious 
sunny day again. Did the cig. order for the
squad today allowed 2 pkts per man, this time  
per pkt of 20 cost 7 sen compared with 15 sen per
pkt of 10 last time. Dinner 1200 gravy and bread
(brown) roll and tea. Rested until 1400 then on
to the quad for drill in Japanese language 
very educational , marching and numbering 
in Japanese, did this for 1 1/4 hrs then
had a hot tong, my washing was dry  
and I mended a pair of sox. Read 

 

                              NOTES 
2.10.42     FRIDAY      229th DAY P.O.W
some more Japanese newspapers then tea at 1730
rice gruel, tea, 6 or 7 chip potatoes, a piece of fish and a tea 
spoonful of tomato sauce, gee was it grand. 
Am reading a book "Rogue Herries" by Hugh Walpole.
Never ever will I turn my nose up at any food,
gee noodle it will be grand being with you and
you looking after me, I will be like a baby,
I dream and plan each and every day.
After tea, went to the canteen and bought a
few things for our section. Roll call 2000, bed
making then lights out 2100.
_____________

3.10.42       SATURDAY           230th DAY P.O.W
Reveilli 0630. Roll call 0640. Wash etc, bed making
Breakfast 0730, gruel and gravy and tea. No fatigues
today only to tidy our hut and kits for inspection at
1300. Read and rested until dinner 1200 one (1)
bread roll and gravy. A lecture at 1000 today
by Jinsen Prison Camp CO to all the officers of
this camp. Inspection at 1300 we stood by our
Kits like good soldiers and apparently passed
satisfactorily. Read and yarned until 1500. Had
a hot tong and then a sleep until 1630. Then
had a temp. filling again put in the tooth
that I had trouble with at Changi. Tea 1700 rice
gruel and gravy. After tea Cec and I did
five or six trots around the quadrangle, then
Read until roll call 2000. Oh mine own, life is
unbearable without you, you fill all my
thoughts all day each and every day.
Made my bed then lights out 2100
_____________

 

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