Remembering the Fall of Singapore - papers of Corporal Alexander Johnstone Diary 1942-43 part 11

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

Page 1 / 18

Arigo
NOTES X00 231 DRY F.ON Reverle 0630 Roll call 0040 ward ot, bedmaking then Dreakar 0730. Que gruels grany and vegetable and tea very secas coldmorning. Then ore 31 cases y diptheres or suspected aiptheres and numerous cases of revere diantea e are only approse 500 strong in this camp, so tings are not too hight, hart aght. the cauken got in a supply of wk, pincils, rad note books, last cream, come, aurrow, shaving buished but whel ns satables. Rauid during the awuing ceade a sit of dimmses oct of paper, suig that we can not play eards now, had a couple of games, then a shave, bought a pos of after shaving cream sen and anotherpacket of toot powder. Gead wte dine 1000 breas rece and gravylaegtat sirbantt 1530, hotting and then isted and read again uto tha 1700 pire (uo quie) and grave and ta. went for a stroll in the guad atter teo her played dominses with rell call 30o0 for 1agaitte per 100 up. made the hid so then lisht out 2100 5-10:42 eBY Boud SOY POW aute oso ye call 0000 on quad. I washed and drssed and made my bid byore sulle tiday, leave te water in the rece for early piring. Of ar opo nieand barly and aeg gravy, a gaod seeping of rece and barley se feet will fed I cleaned two paing book before 6fort, as at this stage we inver wear tind, Ftlonge it a good idea to clease them and pack them away. NOTES BueDAY PON 51043 0900 -1120 aquad drell, all in fapanise orders, goot me at least gets a laugh out 9it and so do the Jo Tabaccowondegosewen maymore) was given at 1030 and duge crockery asd tays were placed on the ground, countly thy are seared stp of woe. Played dominner and read tel dinner 1400 brown head rell and gravy and vegetables. Had a seax after dinee uth 1330 ten another too a hown in te quad and gee wine own ane I Buocked up. Had a shower 1000 ken rested wetl tea 1710 Fish i bater 2 /2, a rpen o sot rance and rice and barley. Lights failed to shew until roll call 5000, bu pom 1800 - 430 lad quite a ling chat with a jap quard (Rimura) lengeing to teach me Japanise After rce cale, teekcleaning, bedmaking Light out 2100 Bre DAYRON 6:1042 TUESDAY Guulle o630 Goll call in quad Ou40 Didmaking and wosk before percelli. Greaty ant apsopes and forly and gravy, & good issul, 0900 Drill again on quad w 1130 900hd 6 hre 0we were given form to fill in regarding our hau address as I do lope wine am it means i for you and a man of leter writing. Had a shave and then dinewr 1200 gravy and vegotables and a frown bread rell also some ri I lept rom this marning at 1330 we were ancced for and ther guad alaing but atthr yortday, I dicided to renain in te OfHouse as aid toenty three other NCOIse hat or that, at 1430 I wasked a pair of shorts, towel and two Rseep and a $1500 had a be boig Read tel tex 1700 pice and Carley and gravy head until roll call 3000, then bid making today we received an and lights out D0 P.0.W) swe 15 the Omperor art an
NOTES 2232 234t DAY PON POR AA THESE -LONELY HOURS OF SORROW Iult VoU, WYLOVE, ANDI ENOURE TODAY HoW Geear WIL OUR REUNIN TOR OW HAIn6 Al THe ToyS WE KNEW OF VESTERVAY Hhh MY LOUINE THOUAHTS ARE OFYOU INTHESE, YOUR DRYS OF STRESS ANDSTRIFE Alt MY FERUENT PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU, J00, MINE ONN BELOVED NIPE 30 CHIN UR PUG AND ALWAYS SMILE OUR PAYSDE BEING APART RRE NUMSERED Ove RE.UMION WE WILE MAKE. WORTH NHILE H DAYS THAT NNLANAYS SE REMEMDERED GOONIOHT BELOYED AND GOD BE WITH YOU To EASt YOUR MIND AND GIVE GOOD (HEER GoOD FAITH, SOUF HERRT AN C Tv J00 MY NITE WHSS AANAYS NEAR. After Pea 6 1042- HBEX. Obundle I wrot the above with all my feeling, its you and you alone who pee my thoughts, I long 20 a for my reumor and our tappiness in the ttue, you must as I, aho, be have and have emrage and paith on the ce tat in the end and noon everytting well be abrigat Bauille 0630, rill all 0040 and a very old morning, but promises a just day bid made and wasly before rulli. Dadms, at 0400 this moring a young Englishman in hech 10& with depentry, rawved away, we all beet ritty unnerable os the are about forty other cases besides the diptheris caset Another Englishman in leise camp also died the day wore yesterday. NOTES SWhEMY PON 2002 HE Grealyar 0730 rice and barly and uegtabls gravy has i94/ managed to get hay an apple offcer (you appaiinly can any puit and unto ontside, goe wine own aer giving be aquanter, te monthful of aale tasted like unstar Carried Esday that the pop. dr here vsluneered to give a bleod hampsion at andiiglt last wight to the dead saldir Sguad duce again 9-11.50, very trying, we were duels before te camp commandant at 1030 prior to discuussar and made sush a bast of it, we drieled and waited until all other squads ever pushed because of lon dull Diner 1500 ham head rell gravy and ugeabler an issue & ts dasous of sugar and I lext same ree fom this morning. a te aparade was caceen in he quar for the diressed neaur, we have u pame wit us, but an exqies conducted tho parade and te cup was covered by a amon fack. After the service we lined the pat to the gat, it was ged te gapanre leane was waiting and te pall beares went with other hansport together will fan erent. Insidenally the japs did everything txpossitly could both before and after the wldien death bstinoted a con word puzzle and had a lstong then tea 1720 one piece o firh each for o we h are our recien and a drew ou of te lat, I aussed the bus so only had rue and grave, Played domeinges after teo read and went to the caneen and tought aiqwenolat, ileVicks. Bal ead at wo Bedwaking and light ont 200
NOTES 8100 MURS DAYPOD twille oose me wall on the quad 0040 and i is getting solder with a vengeame, ad neaking and a wark, then treatort 0200 rece and barley and gravy late last wuglt 3000 te allies offec in charge of u wrote a seter to te lap commandart Rauling him for their efforts on lelay ythe descaned reldeer Papper Emit R.5. an te quar again at 1000, but ram interrupted i so we wre discumed to eve luts. aade up a gas cscabulary note bast and playes dounan wtt dire 100 dradnl and gavy, gire, thee and days, we could cat et woe, but wlll, Hada rlave attdinsy,te raming anoter dysenty te is be made today, by mam of alsplane bags, any andword but then again it is for the by t Canyil is cuiledup in their blank to seping or reading I did a bet y each and thee a lot try and a cold lyes and on cod)tong after I, th nad tel teo 1700 pie and buby and gravy. After too read and played dammon willl re call 3000. Cairnight and morning nowe I clease my tak as we can buy toot powder in the cauteer. Bed making then lights out 2100. 3oth Day RON 9:1042 Ma6 FRIDM qmetteof so we ase owom guad, betterly oned but a dear fie day, bmaring and warting bie revelle, 6pr OBorice and barley and gravy Eguad wrill 0900 on gaad autil 1100, we put on a good desplay and were discussed nowo, diiver 1200 head race and gravy wease a medin at i dawnean, had a gave, read risted and hoting at 1500, made up two ode for you, by are my taughts for you weene seen NOTES Brth PAy PON 9:10:12 Anoher parting ede Farwellaiine own beloved Ris-farewell The parting lowr has come the tie is shod The boat seams away- forwell Falways thuk, that notking warso sad As our last tess your arms around my wect your eyes so wet with tears your lens that suiiled to dide the sigh The smothered ery of pain, our parting Our last goodleye is alix 9,10.42 a greeting ade. O Pugiin belad Iin same again. Our days of lung apart are at an end I long to have you in my arm To kess your leps your eyes your lav to seed you done and jeel you near For now and every other year Our being apart is at an and ou Cappy days are here and ance more chow up and swill my dear tis our reucion. ix Alix 9.10.42 wrote up a gap artisuery in a note bask, tea 1700 a picgnt, a few dip pottes, ae and a disirnionul & tuat ance, playis domains afer, did a bet wore distinny writng to redl call 000, bid making and the uneal englis sholl to ligth ant 3100 Coter atts fom the surperor today, also kept it as a sonverur
NOTES 500 2SAEON 2.222 Gevcille 0039 rell eace 0040 in guad and was ik ened another fi day; bid making and a war and roe heagast aporice and baley and gravy lead th morning untl 1030 ther appt to 400 ye fer Agust, an Sgud o with e other cen, were called on 1o gread for a litter and ten a dimannation in lave to work fer batngurs ter and a Hand Su, te sapauere are wortlly apais y fire Had a slave and then dinuer 1200, howr head roll and grave and negotables. Jap Satuiday asternoon inspection 500 (trned up at 4100) carted for an Low during which true corsteod to atttiction and ruiudeed in faraue the ranly pewes made to counte to 100 i prost o us alls but up a piris of my slanket and made a pair of unovers for Hhe cold feet an the shaw mats. Tea 1700 pice and larley and gravy. Canteen order tonight I bought a lattle of ca (so cased, just cmonade, oue applitacper man) and oueparsest of eg love perman) coving , 6 and 15 son nsp. Gee cum sam the appee was grand also the lled odar. Played common until wel caellin fapanne) 3000. Bed waking ther lights sut 200 Our squadl is on pequct to night oc an dreve o3 of 0650 tomorrow morning so a braken uge to sleep 11:10:42 SUNEAY 228th 2A7 PO.W 0630, was an last shift of august 20 was already drissed, had a ward, then. rall call on the grad at 0640 NOTES 338HMY PON N00 SerD as rom yorterday afternoon w have to slute all for quun and ws, in the annes case, the lap my our late (AIkinue) are wst military style the consequnce is this, we must wear our hats every true we go outside the buty for a ceast, walk, duce or cature and then when valing yan we sight a pap, we have to low, ca emasins it when we are going to the catis ne or seven tins a day and anud washing our plates &c, it will all keys the temp this morning at 0700 was 510(19 of preiing pt) and it pls every bit of it bed making then Banor at 07Dqre and barley and gravy it laoks as if we will have a fine say again. head and contiiued writing up my Jap bus dicy Tworick s tosrital today from our squad, one weh autors Couspect and th other dianter cauten before dinner, uurchased eigante and rayor aladn for te ruad and manager 10 get me apple. Dunnr 500 brown hiad rell Capple in between gravy and same recepom thran -cg. I have a darned cold in my head a present and feel very stipy. Read until 1500, then a lot tang, exeted to wasking read again wt tee 1710. ree pavy and tea (discuured water after tea played dominoss and read till roce call 2000 tath sleaning and bed making their lights out 2100. I boug4 and sold a watch today the dory is on the vest page.
NOTES Hewvay 2a2 229EDMYPON yestrday afternoos an Enginhman with a gied ware was hike anx out y sucher ot and wanted to sell his watch for £:15:00: I beugh it for £10,1 lladerezor (volued at $5:50 and ten packet & cegarete &1:3 Flought at 1700, after tea at 1830 a pp came around and wanted a watch and I sold it to him for $25.00, $1.00 in casl, $1.50 in eigareter 10 packets, and appros 10 As sugar $5.50.C but worth so these days). Ge neme swn it wust be vy lusky day, what a break. Garcilli o6soraning, rill cast in but 0040; wart it be realiy, beatart oropie and gravy audtes fap ureat writing up until 5900 thenr arill iil 130 hr) 9 salutig, seceive ue, we had enough Deiver 1500 bread roce and gravy At 1800 we were ordered be the quad again and did another 3 laun raliing till 1630 Gee uu auice it has been a trying day. We were tild the reason was for not obeying regulations (who knews). A days saluting for punishment Glawer and shave at 1700 then Tea rue and a peemg firh and ship t sugar is a godicua Played domnoss and read after ten until role call 3000 the bed making unit ligh4 aut 3100. The sapmore apparently very rleased with Australia’s mletary pmed accorded to the papanere sbers of the subs which got in o Sydney Harbour NOTES 13.10 42 2HOHDAYPON TEEN fauilli 0010, rade in bat 0040, bed making and wash Greatart rue and grave a loury cold unring Ane having a cap made out of the tail of vy she 10 are well ao away with all ths&- bowing, un king uns, will be woncton in fapan saluting Ileks like a fine day, so perhaps another days saleting agains. Anoher soo appen cause in this man to be divided amongst 500 mine so lord a ras Iway be Acky Saente drill again this morning 0900/ 1115 just another 2/ he mlauaged to draw an apple in the raple, en 6sen. Dunier 100 bread rill and gravy and a small dumpling. Salits drice again 1830- 165, yes another 244 hrs. Lowex and then tea 1700 rice gueet (back on quiel again on ye y depenty, and gravy. A pease offering after tea, each man received two as pets lass cigaretes per can you beat it youd and played damencey until hall call sooo Ded waking and then aghts out 9100. Bunsurex that Mnona is Ately to declare wer on papan at any iowent, Swonder. S41SF DAY POW. 1410 42 WEONESDAY Bralli 0630, rall call in quad 0640, bed making and word, beakpt 0750 r guest and gravy. hei supposed to be are inspicion at 1800 and if we can our dice examination, drill is supposed to cease A 09oo driee again wntl 1500 C.O Prisin Camps race inspected the w drieling in squads, we were given 6870 Ther 89s (afficers 66 to-larg. The Co through the interpreter said le was very glad with the
NOTES LHIFDRY P.ON 4.10.00 porade? I hope it wear the and of our drilling and seuting Co also carried out a det inpetion so it is a day of day. Every opportunity &ge I grab a pap oedier and fiel in a bit of my didtimary, Dinner 1280 (late on as & parade) brown siend role and gravys Played dawncis after dinner, read, shaved and rad a lot shaw, runoured that we are to save a double inie teatTwonder) Got my hame made forage cap so poo caw on, lawing will cease. Tea1700 peri grue (double ime) at 1740 grave and a fish dumpling, goot amos is not in it yeterday and today 10 and so ween rexpectively were taken arron t the railway and did sae coading and unleading terbes and rise resect and they received for their leboure yeirday a ptt o regaretes and today one ppt o ugarts or apple Icluntered today, but was nearly giceed in th rusk Payed deuiwoes wt Dov0 thepeccall, bed wraking, twt cleasing and then eight out go0 THUISDAY SHLAL DAY F.ON 15:10:42 favce abse rall call in guad 3040, wark it, bid mading, then brealjast 0730 ure gruet (double noice for a week on hrat and gavy 0900 on quad, dull intil 1000, P7 for hr ten 1030/1100 sports so, 3 hets, ten seen from eash Aut 150yd relay, Iremereuted our Aet vay and we came end. Dever 500 bread rell and gravy and same qure from this morning, 1330 ard again until 14415, Ken PT and gavenuni NOTES LAZuxDAYPON TUREIRY 15:10:112 1545 (we must be good lays). Notshower 1200 and plased damnioss uith ta 1700. gii guiel and gravy. managed to bey 10 small bun biscuts today at Sam a and tey were wrishi. Danioes after tea unil rae cace Dooo, teeth cleaving, bed making then eigct ond 3100 after tea, apper, eidor (lemmase) and ugantes arrived at the cautie, so anew cesy have an appleagain, hard tugh tat oppen are to peenvit 30 per month and us work, oler (scos and came) will be paid of they work 161002 FRI Sar DAY PO.N Gasills 0650, will call in quad 0040 bex making and ware, wrten order bnt comriled, hearar 0730 mguiel and gravy as and this maning, at canteen buying secisual order of apply and ega shaved, read and played douenay until dinnr 1200 Breadrell and gravy, apple and some rue from ths morning, as duel again ti axternoon played dammoes, read, had a hot toug, then ten 1700 pieeladmible ie and more, as much a we could passibly ca) and gravy, gook I will be latuning and howing arl eght Played dominanwte rell call dow, bedmaking it, ligets out o00 SATORDAY SHH DAY PON 17:10:42 Rinl 0050 (and is iared), we call 0640, work; bidmatary then Madest 0730 ps quiel and gavy, A beautiful fine day, 0900 on quad for drill and Prand then heap poy. an iue of angariday (one disirgracpl) and in our but, we all put in
NOTES SOREO LWDAYPON 1.1. 12 a teaspsonset eact so a da in Rorpital weo has sad bareare, diteree and sysentery all at ouse & has been grain too beasd tangurion and is on the receed Dinver 100 hav sread per and gravy Iuspection 1300, acust and alsat nothing, fon majoraugont we megotour lair propped as we wisee de here: a bing hee Peonder and it how I pany for house and Pug) a bigsteel always accompanies the major and a lat or cap get quscked y an accasious, today one saek kuys was discovered and all knever were mvnty canfiscated, thre who had glasen deads were given an apple aack, I tank that mor of us will steel to our Law Read and plane douever, had a lot bug, a Law out tur tea at 1700 we quet and gravy, Playes dememses after tea, and also bouget the recton apple order t 6e eash) 13 apples for sxu I was again forteas, Ball call Tose, bid making with cleaning then eights cut 200 18:10:112 LuStDAYPOW Serva Raell 0030 Cterrp 390 or 7 aboue Es) rall call on quad 0440 wark, seauaking To, baart o730 rice giuel and gravy. The corder morning yet, but a fiwe clear day. A working pary today again, five from our squad, but I wised the draw, The faps have informed in that in cannst conduct a church service, we have no cade, but are offier was going to take a service ths morning NOTES TuFthDMYPON 13:10:4 SUNDAY warled a twel and a pair of socer and aind my too a waclningets. Our slanketo were all guayed an morning as a meantion against geatier, so we lave care of diaented, dyentry, dyanea, malaria, lineline, and now seabies, sothings are not so tot Played dime read and aned my blankets dinne woe bnad ice and gravy gua played demun and gave my blankets a staking. After dinner ie amewoued with a few sapanne rapes, but they are aot gaod reading. Did not have a lot toreg tiday in g xay cold. I feel a sit clesy, Tea yoopl guiel and gravy. after tea went to the canteers and pictes up three ptto gregs per sar, this is the ffth peept they are plt of sos and pawr uow on we are to mase 5 hd month Plaged douoe atistea and then roll call 3000, bid sealing tat cleasing and lights out dwoo. 246t DAY POW 19.1042 Movery Gwuels 00s0 last socsld wall call in quad o600 beduaking, wart its, breakfast oyso re quiel and gravy sad a guit couest esst ight between the four rquad in our lut we won (assquad) and the expeirs gave a prige of 45 so we spleI between 21 9 us I bought a valet Rayer 42 and 5 bladesa 5a 50 aen, so I should be ngat anw as far as shaving is concerned On and I diew prequet again last night, but sold eas sli0430/0650 for 1 ph & eigaretter Cea, bribery and corruption 0930 I was one 9 a warking party of 90
NOTES 191003 MoNERY 246th PAY PON wen we warched out of the camp and rewessed dut dto anto suall trally trucks, wwelling of ground, we waled for about two lours o ten iiats soton in between) and arrives lack at camp at 1115. ie were given a ppt of sougi ed and the Hedgot an apple as well ssppt iy apple for auothe plt o saaso vy wonngs work (which I enpayed for a dange Ireceived 40 ups. We were worling procically in the sea shore among eery fine acgetable gardins. Dinner Doo a brseen bread rell and gravy 1300, in quad for PT then drell but I went of (excuse Bano) and warked some Icheep and had a lot ting also addes a few wads to my dictionary, Read untl to 00 rue Cusnual me again) and gravye Played dammon after tea wnte wel cull saso, then bed making te t claning and light out 3000 a chap made are a aumber jacket on of Ray of my nww blanket. 20:10:412 Swrth DAYPOW TUESDA fae owo, rll call 0640 in quad, sid making and wark, that hearert of30 ree and gravy, awild morning for a change Late last night a list had to be compiled showing, wame rank, sirvice, nut and of we had ever been to Japsan (Tuesuder what it for 095 No1 Hor (our hut) only went into the guad and did hss hown drill. anos furphus indicats that a ship lead o prisoners from spore to pepan were sunk of the 750 prisoners, only 240 were savid, also heard that gret and Amrrian hogs from I ron were warching to NOTES Jrk NN POD TEEDAY 20142 the Comanstoment the Germais. Duncer o00 head rll and gravy 1330 a call pradlunteers for a sigging pary four to) from each section in our lut I managed to get in and at 1345 wenty with guards and stouels set of in a long and after going through the tewn o guinen evewually stopped at a bear where we loaded saved and small toe anto a lorry (wo lov leads). Good unne avrry at the waters edge and io the beach, all any deares thoughts were of us in our oea days Sewvelly, beifton Gardens, Galmoral etc. apparently a ctudents gathering also tok peace on the beach and heso sudents together with other tyrrean expectitors uewed as a B0W with great auriousily; the litle yias leed guds cmking) conterts we returned at you and Greally enjoyed the work tea re, publagud selping our rection won the ballet ant of the four wecoses in our laty and gravy. Had a mie Lot tong, donned ary Clanket lumber sactt and played donemses uil roll call d00o, bed making ot ten ligate out 5000. Received our ae No anaber tught maly done on allulved the and number it 1 154 the old one was 1619 21:10:42 WEANESDM SHEtDAYPON Billl oso, me call in guad, bid making and wart Our wen doctor gave me sams cressate tablets fa my chest this morn, 8fortrice and gravy, we druils
NOTES N04 NEEnCDAY S0W prastially nothing these days on account of there Ogo0 N.C.O). and qpeers on gead for dull until 415 Dinner was head prace and gravge astig daing after dinner anil 1200 when I gave a land to unclosd soue wood. Had a shave and a wark, uo tr are & y my cold. Tea 700 rie and gravy annows of saupape Coppion 100 slats) fo a fortnight, also a taleopionful of saya beav same But an not intered i the litter played ds afertea wth rell son the tiok clean and eigtont 22:10:42 THURSDRY LAgHhD PON Osdoresulte and cold goot are are prezug oys rill call in hut Bedneaking, work st, brearest o po rce guiel and gravy Payed domuses aute diner 1300 bread roll and gravy. The major (gas) came though our but suring dincor to see low we were gaing. No parades jur as well as it is a literly cold day (the first day of wly she guard teed n Payed domoes after dine good it is freezing anhid 450, goodren Gusius what I will be like in the undale of wenter. Mlore earlaads of wood arrived, cnst be strig it up. Hor Aath very sid day, so torarn is the day Fea 1900 pice (small qautily) and grave and one piece o fish Ulosded thee drays of firewood, then played dimnises until race call 3000, bid making, light ant 2000 ERIAY 2504 DAY POW 22:10:41/ obsgrivitle, ano wll call in but (ust raining but just he cold 39 in the Ret, the cold is intense wask bedmaking breayer 0730 pis and gravy. Sime NOTES FRITRY 23OhDAYPON 3210 42 beg inspiction tday by fap yenie clarge of Prison Cap Gree and ther apple in te raple this morning 17 fo the aguad & at large ours, 10ch e and was it gaod. Te king this morning was only 1s fom pering roent 320, and the wont is yet to come, 0900 but tidying and I was detailed to fill is water holo on grad with rand, at 1100 there of us in the but (a working party went outside the morning) steod to attention ws het te sap gen and his staff (a har hate) came through Dunner w00 hread rece and gravy Had a shave after dinen Gord anns own I ave never ever been no and it is rstriping I now do delive 5ibnia in just anote soted ut ay exclection of cig pack covers, had at atng and delieve it or not har to strip to be weighd 61:8 Wlogam's o 9 10lls C Kilggram & 2t ls) wo parades today tea 1700 pe and gravy bold, 9oods 1730 and tetemp is ae care you iaguect Gead and playes doveveers uto suralt 5000, bid rusking and ligats out 8100. where it is so cold you notee the eight gratiing tekes. SATURDRY LOM DRYRON. 24.10:42 Gnela so rall call in grad 0640. It was so cold eat night that evnyene wen to be de i ryame, pullowes Ceaclavas it. Teterp at 0400 wer 29 and this morning opso, 35 Desaking, wosk to, treatar 0780 rice and navy. Lort night te paper prauces were pat over Hhe mudaus usids and the morning the window pain we coured in isl us parades ar drill this morning Gold a paingshanto an English oficer for $500, when he
NOTES SRIUAVE 251432P0 get paid and a tawel for $3.00, I did cid wants them and the carucepaly came in handy if we get te apportuty of Auying any ting beard ta we are to receive frie a both brust (evry e auth pt of Paot Cowder Cenoutaly), a pencit a lvothrust, so with can paper pee and regaretes G00 permonth) we will be sept in emenials by the Japr. S39t J James Anster RoW at fuisen Can Engendman died this mo se sad been taken outside to Rospital as it wer 20 servous and sepaired away in that Cospital. Read and played dounn and tried to get warm. To appees at Deen in were acauable this maning for our squad o o1 ueen and heae me tey were good. Duner 300 head will agee in between and grave noinspectiong tday, 30 rested afer dinner witl 100, then played hasebell anth 1515 gak it was at least warming. A 1530 grave spreading in guad wute 1650, wash then tea 1700 mn and aay and th peas, youed and played domin s wth oogue call wart to elianing and baut & 100 252uaDAY PO.W 25:10:421/ SUNDAY Gwll obso rell call on let, the last said about the rld the letter, it is imprsites to disrits auss putings bidmaking wask at, heatyart o750 mis and mavy. Read ats unit 1030 then parade for funoral service of the buglisH AO.N. He had been crimated and te service was very imessive ance again we land the pat to the gat. Ruted until dineer o bread ne and gravy. Hhave, read and jused ater diner at 400 and thex English needur due in te cam cospital, you aan well inaquie law we all pal two deaths in lown and making I NOTES 252YPO 222 acctoed for this camp, it is leartbeading, it would appear tha lore will be auster prveret to remow, Suase awathers ou & any ground stee and contents of het aag and it selps to keep the end out othe hav pecomed my manyle Teargas pice and gravy ourpoist eof thust and bot receder was erveced this asteruson, I hope that I am not tere lengenough to are ithe Read wit roll caldo then aid making thmeleaning and agatt out so 25raDay R0N 26:10:10 MoNEN Gdi 00s0 meced in but o0n0, war, admaning t, t 0930 rec and grave Ast sould this morey kayer sels u a comver belind a centai with 1000, t finural nervewy Gur Poll in quad anion jaid is ato the fare, andte expressive service and I hope it is the last we res in this camp Peayed solo again until disr time 1300 head rll and gravy Cunrluegravy was on tis exterioon, I was to on te mning as Iam on pioqut bought our Coy No.E dolues las dis arm hage and pexet just anke bidne onr lut semed crude, but uo & rayplant is analable I believe om t Sestrange warded a slert, twl, Kiley and ross had a to bug and read aneplayed wite tea 100 grice and gravy and a pun 9 froh. Have just learved that the ar could not break the lone in the arm your ESwall that for naugh. The opur lad the first yon arson oday ORe are not init, so ane taking a copy of each lerson. Played selo afer the wt re call 2000, bedaraking sts then lights out 254th Or7 P.OW WVESDAY 27:10:42 Gautle 2000, re call i but obn0, wark, beduaking itc
NOTES 254 M DaY P.OW 271000 LUESDAY fast of 30 re and gravy Oa prequet cast ought 200/100 a lonry shift, is as is feel os quightly this morning. Nw order came out last night as working or taeth cleasingg between lights out and revulle, te prnalty is a slayed face. not allowed to muske between toss hours either, but the sap quarts cout in and avail themselves of but and the eiguette lighter Played solo in the morning, mase a bay pallease and a meall pillaw, our own p examied and aled and throat Duncer 1200 pead rell and gravy and at Boowas detailed for a working pary, 20 7 us went to a tiubor yard and stacked steel bar, sarted at 1430 and Guacked off at 1600, thee surslos, the gard suppeied te sags and we were marched back to camp at 1615 and o/R's received 7 sen AEOs 12 Caryporst sap. working pay. Had a slave, a wash and thn ten 1700 rice and gravy, also an inue of angar and rach Myedsle after teo wnte rll call s then hesuaking, tutelianing and the 1/0or 200 3810.42 255t P27 P.OW WEMNESDM fiuile 1030, wll call 0040 in quad, beduaking, wash at 6 fert 0p0pice and gravy- my ma teso was tle out pants cast ingat very warm and as sore hips this morning. A cnlungarty was on again today but I used out Played wlo tel dineer time woe head rell and gravy. Played salo again wntil 1000 ten youved with an bngurt expeer about paulby farving with ko 1700 uce and gravy. A popquad bonge eneapth of fitars today (sonvener in waste 8.50 ren They are good for the throat. Solo after tea wnt rose call w, ta Beleaning, bedneaking & ut 2100 NOTES THIUESDRY 2514POYPON 29:10:11/2 Rencelle 0630, pll call 0040 i lat, wad beduring t 2 part 1720 m and gravy the gravy te ti is just water alluast), at 0830 Iwas on a waking party 15 the guarry, we set o and ater going about 112 miles out of the course eventally read the quarry. wren were engaged alsugside as and our jil was for three of us to load a truck and pust it dawn a reclaimed paddy field and cpy Hhe truck. Hhe women pust the same truck and same quantity of rock, gravel and sand, geodis casws have they do S Our party was 90 p0.W (30 Reos and 6ourm) aur guards were two bs to each so ueen and a lst class private. We did your trips before dinver 1200 mavy only I strted to day giving my bread roll at 1300 for day an inue quee i the morning and sayf an ime at wight) I will see how aned a long can make it aster at 1500 off again to the guarry uste 1650 teis trip we ard no loads and when I retuned to camp at 1700, I was abso btely daue. Teat grasy and riie, During an dayat the guarry, managed to get sight estrnips and five intieots, piaced most of thin, you would lave laughed Spote to a Corcan owelan and e gavig to get all 10 head rells to morrow Gagain woadn Cantine orders truight agaretter y woap sen and eider ss sen in te drave £ got one0, pkt of cigs and a botle of eider 6 cakes of roap for 33 ceen. Rose call swao, bediaking, 405000 and houeslywoodle & tumbled into bed and war ebsdutely done was paid o5 sen teday
NOTES 30.1042 FRi22y 257th E PON Gutle 039u i but ogo, biduaking, wart so, 6 fort oporiland grave last night a fe of the A.1Cchap were usued with aytherie warks, our are yet to came. An givg on a warking party today and hope to get on the granysot and see if the head rele turn up a enothers cade not o a slect and shaw is my ambition today, an Englishman is rewing the staet for me this morning. Another cue is washig a shit oiuglet and or on for we 0000 in making party, anned out in the quarry job and finished up at the railway, making avew pailway dine, loading tucks, only this tuie we aid uot have to pust them, returned to comp a soo dew mue and gravy (bread roll to be iisued at ingat nsw), Do fell in for work again and by swapping numbers, I because a private and got on to te quarry joh, but no bread. Came lask to camp at 1650 received 15sen (privats's pay), had a tug and then tea 1700 gravy and bread wll (toasted it in latteo use fire). Gave two plt of ag to the chaps for do ing my washing and making my mathers. Youed after tex until rall call D000, bedmaking it aghts out 2000 tought auis scon I bought a present for you. An bug ashmen I ws was going to sell something to an expear, but I immediatly tought g you so I go 1t prees cannot be wanhoved, but I know you will love i 51.10 42 SATURDAY 250h DAY LON Reveliob rll call in but 0040, bedmaking wash ate, 6 fer 0/30 rue and gravy, standing by for a meaking NOTES 250KDAYP.O.N So party today. we were told this moring that we will be able to write a letter card houe within a week, good I lope its true, and dow I would save to have oue from you. Sowen including of B1t all fom this camp are stnding by to leave the camp, they are hadesman, so that will leave only 17 AH P.O.W in this camp. as wat ths moning, played downses with diner 100 me and gravy. no work again tis afternar waited for the sroinpection antit 1500 bub notling was doing lead and played dominon and youd to gremeie Fea 7o0 rice (Igave my rall away) and gravy, told luc allatan yuu and we are trying to work out a retere wlereby I care take you to England, Read wte a mo, bedinaking it te lglon Io theneiare only accaitable sonry second day 359h D PON SUNM 111:112 The a ganot mont w sow gor I sae i is acing the end o our separation. Fat pustingw i puction a wyt, evayie gatter aroud and gapes, a les was taken tday o there ween who lad articles taken at Tresan, so wenon, you can iague lawe I am soping and praying bat my leg hank and good fish will be returned to we. Reveelle o700 Calfan hour later), wel call ogo i bect. a very bleak and cold day, 6 fort 0600 pice and gravy nothing daig tis morning, brterly cold, youed wit fack mewis for a couple of hours about bugland, I have narly arided to take you to England wine own solock out Tred with a luge cake of warliy
NOTES 259hTMPON 7U soop apairof whiterson and apair of whits geaves, the sae ae wrelen, but se gan are nasanaaly wan Di Bosn and grangs nothing doing in the afternoon we were insued anter clanket a thied one, and there withou great conto were inued with a Jap oedigueatcoal my little fap guard friend geting cos of gozg sangs in our Rut. Dwerhs were distibuted amongst and souad of 54 but I uned He dra tis gesu (magged had me) and gravy youd again with fack uwer after tea, anue oncl pang usyrants in another rafple. Yose call Dooo Bedmearig et D00 then light out 400 2:11:412 MONDAY 460t DoY P.O.W. Gwueli 0700, rell call in but 0710, bedmating, warl i Shart 0000 un and gravy, 0020 in parade groves for working parties, I was detailed for tox pary, ten open (4 neas and b0s) our jo was cutting a bank away for building punposer, a suwho and ala (ha) every low, dinver ( brought ou to wsak jot piie and gravy, Rids all round he place and we got a gaod lange out 9 hem. They amuggad us apply at ten (0oen a piere, and a biscnt and same leatteng re and feourtlike a dimepling had two a goods guards on with in. we are to be paid every ten (101 days for work done i tatpuiod. Returned to canep at 1630 had a hot ting and was ready for tea at 1700. A gud plateful of rice and firt NOTES 26tUAYEAY Neaea 2:742 andalyn (staded &epirt for re) & ew up are apple in the rice and adaed ralland negar and had a darned good tea, agax guard today gave we rave of sis yare it dinner tine rice, youed and read after tea until ree wll 0000, beduaking light ont 8100 SAIADAYPOW 3.11:42 TUESDAY Gsulle 0700, w wasl in but 0710, bedeasing, ware ct, bor ODoor and gravg to work tiday and this moring we arot our letter card, cary derecnder, hew I hope of reas you for suas because I kna what it would mean to you, I hope that you can read between the lui of my longing to be with you, Dear eg. he excelant dearth. we no being were heated, quearters comoratly for reasonably good very cold here, but have pait wares clotter of cecoved send pal send only cmtated food clowlate. Agantter are avarlace word occasioually, excrise on wach as pamder accoved write oe eard love unther, aler, segread and others all my toughts are of you every day and you knew jus haw long a leter and an pea all my love and diard thoughts, your worrying utcease keep your chin up and suule and remember I am with you at all hims. I pray that you are fit and well and. Divver vosuu and gravy alaved and read after suncer unto tee 700 (ap holiday to day fre and gavy Cletawt Calriasy warter) were available at the canteers 12 for gr and they were good Reed o after tewantil roce cll dwoo, bedmaling at lightaut 2100. on prequet again 0100/1300.
NOTES 22O 4702 164 Grclls ogo wene in bu 0710, beduaking, wasl se er orogr andgavy a wiedmorning and a fie days 0 in for king pary0 0s 600RS working at sunenailway, mneavation work for a new railroad tack. Dener on jet Boo rice and mavy Bove 1700 work again, a suicks every homr. the railway expecal gave us two appeir each at 1500. Spectator by the dyans managet to get a smpleo add appen and eigantes, yo had had a decent guard we could have get dozes Reds by the hundred siod on the raiway embankment and them ays, apply and thrps down, but the quards stpped Hem Fram pained by frequently and ayo can green we were te suite of all the eyer. Dimnamitiig tiok place on the got, arrived back at camp 1730 teo pe and gavy and one apple, had a bot kug after ten and youn and noet wntll me all two, lidecteg ligtt wt sok worked in miget to day and gool was I tered at the end o the day. 5:11:12 THURSIM AgraIrY RON Grueli opo, all call in Rut 0710, bediaking, wast ito B Jes 0600 (usually 0710) pice and gravy and tea Mentolatam wakes a giod have plaser, us word today did sare washing a stert, sharl, s, tiel, underpants and Ldiy Frouid with a luge cale of masking soap recenb so I seeps. Started tiday wrding up a ricipe baok, everyane seems to be doing it, so may as witl be in it. NOTES THUREDAY BRAYPON 2:11:12 Dunver 1300 pen and grave spen te afternoon with jue compeling my ppe beak, I am going to make a good jou y ari might be landy for you Cas you. Grought the warle i and then tea 1700 rice and gravy. Read and played demiais afer teo wite e call wo. Bedmaking, uget an s awall if you are agease we are gong to bug after this aununss is over, in a quist Enand village; yu and I and our depprir SCath DA PON. ERIDAY 6:11:12 te answering wll call castuigst at 0000, mey the po in beted wre answered i se son los, to interpreter arted where his aae was and in a very huslet anre said?I lave lnt it o course every oue laughed in telence of the Aw leally lad tenoarily lost his woe Gunele 0700, wll call in lat 0910, Bedmaking warlu st & pest 0000 rue and grave Thne net or on eigal duly wear disprent ao board was flours in this times. 0030 working pary at railway again, another ould day, sawe wak as before loading trucks and digging alongside railway embantwent pap milding palie in attendance to landle the crowds so ns appli At 1050 we were inneed with a applis, dinver at 1300 brough on rece and gravy work again at 100 modes at interuals and at 1520 we were moued with sweet potaton corsed as tlept, I gotsec () and with rath they were $10070, gosh mine own I would pasior have them than applis arrived back at camp
NOTES FKIDR 264th PrY PON 6442 1730 tes firt and slip and nie, I gave gew my pse, sad ating atr tea and then read, wite up some reupes wntil wll all 30o. Belaking et, lig on Dos Tedey, in one side of the railry ebantin wne waling Gocan monei and an the other 7:1112 SArVEON S65t DAY P.ON Haucl ops wll call in but 0710, bidmaking wart it 6pr 0000 pen and gavy, 0030 working party to railway again fn day, but beterly and. same encanation work I applis given us in the morning. Dinner 1200 neand grany (both cold) in the job. Work again 1300 Suent potaties would at 1530 and they were gaod. I sened an apple from a Red 10 day. Busited of at 1620 back at cams 1700 Buscled out Tea 1750 nee, sleced apper and my ime of marg annd tearful. Ourchaps in our squad sanding by for gaing away, have been woaed to another u sos) and our mess (Not) now has 40 uen in it instead of 26 so tue has been same shiffing around Zead and wiotes up same were reps after en nntil sell call Low. Bedmaking Sc Hout 3100 266th DP7 P.ON 8:1112 SURDRY Rweelli 5700 rall call in but 0710, work, bediaking breakfort 0600 pic and gravy, oe prequet this morning 0315 0450, I saw for the first tie for years suow, it sucied at 0100, not uud, bot it was an the ground this morning, it is a wiild fiu day in lime of yesterday. NOTES 266th DAY PON DoADAY 2:11:41/2 wrote rnps up his morning, cayou use wos of thm it snew had a slave and read i wte din 1200 me and aay after diner to conie for ender order and tey have 50 pear ready for these mengiing away, I have now sem such sage pear they int 17 sen car and would be wort it wrote ap ungreape I have now reashed the 90th) you can meaquis dou the timing askes. It is beterly cold and attepatee of sum oe sill around. Tca 1730 rice and gravy, Psayed dominon ater tia and read with agats ou 3100 pice call was at 3000 Belmaking at, it is preying Ag, just the night for two loven, yeu and I. Iave going wick Bunren to very I can aad going out are comecitive days asit is too hard the work and the kee ue tieles the lack up. 2W7H DAYRON 9:11:12 Heway Gacille opsuse call on be opo, werk, aesakigot 1p 08que and may reported nt this more and it would appear that I ame only have to go out worling every recoud day. our party of 50 w cyt thi moing and one o tem and Cagalmon whom I last chamed up with and leeped with rigs and money at, lift we a not and to to preent (6lue senve sut and a crumps), I opuied iaster he had give and I got a slock believe me, it is wen to know that onr eports are appreciated inawous, they ext and were hld they were going to MUKDEN the capital of manciuria and it is very cold there from
NOTES 9 22th327P.ON. MONE all accounts wrote up wre recipes before dis soo gay and nee su tee atteran asupue recep lad a rtbug at 1500 and on id a suggeets Ten was an eye apeer at 1750 (probasty due to reeuint of higt gap oppur at 1400, they caue thringso the auts and were very intrested w He amin (179 as) they rackened Rat their Iparnistoy was then "masterprice?) consied of gravy, firs, me and baded or pried vermislle rd hot sause, good it was a heat, Finisted sae leare perpe after tee before rell call wo these aid araking sc 40073100, Our 50 alapriale eyt to day goied the train at ke150 cace taining 2000 American P.0.W. TUESDAY 268HDAYPOW Ginle 5700 pillen in but o710, Aidmakins, work At, 6 for 000 pt and gravy no work to day. Gave a hand in campiling sampspayos hets fo an ham, read and wrote up pecyes untol dun 0o gravy and uee. sune upe after cane, carried some ate for tee pigate in teparade ground for 4 he had alave and read tie teo 1700 pe and gray arattim fianal pantiele was acailable) frinled endiganp book u to date after kasnow have 208. Gob Hesquad eegs at cautive seaduntl rall call moo, beducking et light out 200 laid to 10.4.42 tnuglt 4 dep O Bove WEINESDMY 269th DA7 PO.W. 11:1142 Armesteday today shnnce oven have I HRMISTICE DAY NOTES 21ah DAY PON 17.02 HSHEITN wirk it were the amustce for this war, you knew what Ieease, aswt your Gasulliogos ra case i but 0710 bedmaking wish ct, breakfast 0000 ree aud mavy uswore today for ut. I wait anrack pande a ogoo and mutaly reailed th 70 a 1045, te car aguothe onp to aee tat saull us wtike & days leay ant i annuaion. A sent amust service and two minte slece $ 100 wrots up any recipe and desirer a 1000 head roll (harted i), andgravy casled a pain of ryjauian, nor and dily, d uppead its wt yosan surreed gavy b brough all baik last anapply and my little fix guard friend or Iao giveap of c (0) at a a hea for free we of aigs a per war and apple panclan ta any pallions authe hew today, or her inhoping oor a gaod nights seep) bediab to light outoe 270t DAYRON 1211:42 HUREDAY Rualli op0 is call in hat o70, besuarig wart it 1 pr 0000 rs and grave Watig porty 8do, at Railway ation again, gool nd a, my back La given ot on eI gains, it fels eels luwbeg or phonites, soave gaing on ne parate to woniw tarrly said work regat at Juiner Zailway statie Qune s0o head rele and gravy an job, we ae given tao as oppen morning and aftnion so pregearanably well Savid ay hread rase prom diee, ae
BTOKOMPOW 12742 MEE Guacked of at 1700 and returned to comp a 1730 aad a so long then bea 1745 rue, gravy a pin of fire, lot same and an aace and dread rece raved from dierso for one I am feeling fueend after ta Iwent to cantien for Squad Eegaretter D2 plpperman & pen pe pl and a lottle of nde sasin, so with yerterdays aganty will se fairly reglt frmiske Discunsion is underway for amar Day, neane, pot, appen peams wits and jish, gool wend onm, I am not looking forward to reiss w thout you a you can well quen, still & will wait tee d caven. Youred wnte rell casl 2000 teen and waking lights out 2100 ERIPRY MOHDAYPON. 1311.42 faueroges mcall in but 1710, bedaking was t it, fffort (0000me and grany. working partis again to day, Ant. I went an nk p and am going to wear a body be o a reay or pirce o blanker Read wrote upaine reaiper whe dineer 1200 howr brad ill and pan gead and wrote up pupe after dinier wite tex opo me and curried grave (very eight in aniueof onger and oach also. wrote up vy 92ad rupe to uget and called it a day Gead unto rell call soos, ten bedmaking lights out 3000. Oh wne eery in my praye, I ask for you to have "ale up and swels NOTES 272HDAY PON SAUOLE Gauilli o/s wle call in but 0710, bedmaning was ch, for to oroguee and gravy on prequet last uglt 0430 /0846, Hemgo came trange an inspection and at 0600 I sapperies to just pick up a Geaders Digest to see what I was and the venty outuise saw we and easling me to the doon paritely slapped vry face, a tat in tat OPE Syid in in working party and proceded to funin whay want 12 wle, the Cartou is built on square lum with a lock at oue end. our got was unloading coal sayges (by mean of an ercalator chain of busteets antorailway trucks. The escalator we were working an drose dowe and aid the job, land to hand i surace mecker daskets. I1 was a fie, bt Reterte cold day, I had everything but the ritthen clock on, encending a may on my want Dunner so gravy and head well I raved my head wll for tea), we had it in a ream with a fire in it and we were warm as teart. Only got 172 applis thin afternoon. arrwed dack in camp 7730, tea was rut gravy neaw and fish plus hot same. after tea I had a lot ward and then youed it will wce call soos bid making then lights on $100 181142 SBADAYPON INA Blle ope oll call in but 070, we could no give Hhe windows this morning, thy were prozen, a fine day, but cold, goot. Bednaring, wash et. & fast 000 pe and grave t 0000 was s0 (2bet Playad solo this wa ing lad a laivent and wrote up the 220th reape. Dunee has beadrell

Arigato 
153.2

 

NOTES
4. 10. 42      SUNDAY       231st DAY P. O. W
Revelli 0630 Roll call 0640 Wash etc, bedmaking then
breakfast 0730. Rice gruel, gravy and vegetable and tea.
Very bleak, cold morning. There are 21 cases of diptheria 
or suspected diptheria and numerous cases (39) of severe
diaorhea. We are only approx 500 strong in this
camp, so things are not too bright. Last night the
canteen got in a supply of ink, pencils, pads, note
books, boot cream, combs, mirrors, shaving brushes
but still no eatables. Rained during the morning.
Made a set of dominoes out of paper, seeing
that we cannot play cards now. had a couple of
games, then a shave, bought a pot of after shaving
cream 53 sen and another packet of tooth powder.
Read until dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy (vegetable)
Slept until 1530, hot tang and then rested and
read again until tea 1700. Rice (not gruel) and
gravy and tea. Went for a stroll in the quad
after tea then played dominoes until roll call
2000 for 1 cigarette per 100 up. Made the bed etc
then lights out 2100. 
_____________ 

5. 10. 42       MONDAY        232nd DAY P O W 
Revelli 0630  Roll call 0640 on quad. I washed and 
dressed and made my bed before revelli today, I
blame the water in the rice for early rising. B'fast  
0730 rice and barley and veg. gravy, a good helping 
of rice and barley so feel well fed. I cleaned two
pairs of boots before b'fast, as at this stage we 
never wear them. I thought it a good idea to 
clean them and pack them away. 

NOTES
5. 10. 42         MONDAY          232nd DAY P. O W
0900 -1100 squad drill, all in Japanese orders, gosh 
we at least gets a laugh out of it and so do  
the Japs. Tobacco nondeyoshi (men may smoke )
was given at 1030 and huge crockery ash trays
were placed on the ground, honestly they are
scared stiff of fire. Played dominoes and read
til dinner 1200 brown bread roll and gravy and
vegetables. Had a sleep after dinner until 1330 then
another two (2) hours in the quad and gee mine
own am I knocked up. Had a shower 1600 then
rested until tea 1700. Fish in batter 2" x 2", a spoon
of hot sauce and rice and barley. Lights failed
to show until roll call 2000, but from 1800 - 1930 had
quite a long chat with a Jap guard (Kimura)
he is going to teach me Japanese. After roll call,
teeth cleaning, bed making. Lights out 2100 
___________________

6. 10 42.        TUESDAY        233rd DAY P. O. W
Revelli 0630. Roll call in quad. 0640. Bedmaking and wash
before revelli. Breakfast 0730 rice and barley and gravy, a 
good issue. 0900 Drill again on quad until 1130. gosh 2 1/2 hrs.
1130 we were given forms to fill in regarding our home address
so I do hope mine own it means news for you and a means
of letter writing. Had a shave and then dinner 1200 gravy and
vegetables and a brown bread roll also some rice I kept from
this morning. At 1330 we were called for another quad
2 hours, but after yesterday, I decided to remain in the
O/House as did twenty three other NCO's so that is that, at
1430 I washed a pair of shorts, towel and two h'chiefs and
at 1500 had a hot tang. Read til tea 1700 rice and barley and gravy.
Read until roll call 2000, then bed making
and lights out 2100. Today we received an
article on "what we (P.O.W) owe to the Emperor
of Japan". - souveneir. 
_____________

 

NOTES
7. 10. 42        WEDNESDAY         234th DAY P.O.W
FOR ALL THESE LONELY HOURS OF SORROW 
THAT YOU, MY LOVE, AND I ENDURE TODAY 
HOW GREAT WILL OUR REUNION BE TOMORROW 
HAVING ALL THE JOYS WE KNEW OF YESTERDAY 
ALL MY LOVING THOUGHTS ARE OF YOU 
IN THESE, YOUR DAYS OF STRESS AND STRIFE 
ALL MY FERVENT PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU, 
YOU, MINE OWN, BELOVED WIFE. 
SO CHIN UP PUG AND ALWAYS SMILE 
OUR DAYS OF BEING APART ARE NUMBERED 
OUR REUNION, WE WILL MAKE WORTH WHILE 
IN DAYS THAT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED 
GOODNiGHT BELOVED AND GOD BE WITH YOU 
TO EASE YOUR MIND AND GIVE GOOD CHEER 
GOOD FAITH, STOUT HEART AND COURAGE TO YOU 
YOU MY WIFE WHO'S ALWAYS NEAR. 
After tea 6. 10. 42 - "ALEX." 

Oh noodle I wrote the above with all my feeling, its 
you and you alone who fill my thoughts. I long so 
much for our re-union and our happiness in the 
future, you must as I, also, be brave and have 
courage and faith in the belief that in the 
end and soon everything will be alright. 
Reveille 0630. roll call 0640 and a very cold 
morning, but promises a fine day. bed made and wash 
before reveilli. Bad news, at 0400 this morning a young 
Englishman in hut No. 4 with dysentry [sic], passed 
away, we all feel really miserable as there are about 
forty other cases besides the diptherea cases. Another 
Englishman in [[Keiji?]] Camp also died the 
day before yesterday. 

NOTES
7. 10 42.        WEDNESDAY         234th DAY P. O. W
Breakfast 0730 rice and barley and vegetable gravy. last night
managed to get half an apple. Officers (yes) apparently can
buy fruit and nuts outside, gee mine own after giving Cec
a quarter, the mouthful of apple tasted like nectar. I
learned today that the Jap. dr here volunteered to give a blood
transfusion at midnight last night to the dead soldier.
Squad drill again 9 -11.30, very trying, we were drilled
before the camp commandant at 10.30 prior to dismissal
and made such a hash of it, we drilled and waited until
all other squads were finished because of lousy drill
Dinner 1200 brown bread roll, gravy and vegetables.
an issue of two d'spoons of sugar and I kept some
rice from this morning. At 1430 a parade was called
in the quad for the deceased soldier, we have no padre
with us, but an officer conducted the parade and 
the coffin was covered by a Union Jack. After the
service we lined the path to the gate, it was opened,
the Japanese hearse was waiting and the pall
bearers went with other transport together with
Jap. escort. Incidentally the Japs did everything  
they possibly could, both before and after the soldier's  
death. Constructed a cross word puzzle and had 
a hot tang then tea 1730 one piece of fish each
for 20 men, there are 23 in our section and we
drew out of the hat, I missed the bus so only had
rice and gravy. Played dominoes after tea
read and went to the canteen and bought
a tin of mentholatum, like VICKS. Roll call at 2000
Bed making and lights out 2100. 
____________ 

 

NOTES
8. 10. 41         THURSDAY         235th DAY P. O. W
Revelli 0630 roll call on the quad 0640 and it is getting
colder with a vengeance, bed making and a wash, then
breakfast 0730 rice and barley and gravy. Late last night
2030, the Allied Officer in charge of us wrote a letter to the
Jap commandant thanking him for their efforts on
behalf of the deceased soldier Sapper Smith R.E.
On the quad again at 1000, but rain interrupted us
so we were dismissed to our huts. Made up a Jap
vocabulary note book and played dominoes until
dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy, gosh, these cold
days, one could eat lots more, but still. Had a shave
after dinner, still raining. Another dysentry test is to
be made today, by means of celophane bags, very
awkward but then again it is for the best. Everyone
is curled up in their blankets sleeping or reading I did
a bit of each and then a hot tang and a cold (yes and very
cold) tang after it, then read til tea 1700 rice and barley
and gravy. After tea read and played dominoes until
roll call 2000. Each night and morning now I
clean my teeth as we can buy tooth powder in
the canteen. Bed making then lights out 2100. 
______________ 

9. 10. 42         FRIDAY         236th DAY P. O. W. 
Reveilli 0630 roll call 0640 on quad, bitterly cold but a clear
fine day, bed making and washing before revelli, b'fast
0730 rice and barley and gravy. Squad drill 0900 on
quad until 1100, we put on a good display and were
dismissed pronto, dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy
made a wooden set of dominoes, had a game, read
rested and hot tang at 1500. Made up two odes
for you, they are my thoughts for you mine
own  

NOTES
9. 10. 42        FRIDAY         236th DAY P.O.W. 
Another parting ode:
Farewell - mine own beloved Pug - farewell.
The parting hour has come. The time is shorter
The boat steams away - farewell
I always think, that nothing was so sad
As our last kiss, your arms around my neck
Your eyes so wet with tears.
Your lips - that smiled to hide, the sigh
The smothered cry of pain, our parting,
Our last goodbye:    ex Alex 9:10:42
 

A greeting ode:
Oh Pug mine own beloved, I'm home again.
Our days of being apart are at an end
I long to have you in my arms
To kiss your lips, your eyes, your hair
To hold you close and feel you near
For now and every other year
Our being apart is at an end our happy days are here
And once more "chin up and smile" my dear
T'is our re-union.    ex Alex 9:10:42.

Wrote up a Jap dictionary in a note book. tea 1700,
a piece of fish, a few chip potatoes, rice and a
desert-spoonful of tomato sauce, played
dominoes after, did a bit more dictionary
writing then roll call 2000, bed making and
the usual nightly stroll then lights out 2100
Another letter from the Emperor today, also
kept it as a souvenier. 
_______________ 

 

NOTES
10. 10. 42         SATURDAY         237th DAY P. O. W
Reveilli 0630 roll call 0640 on quad and was it cold 
another fine day; bed making and a wash and then 
breakfast 0730 rice and barley and gravy. Read this 
morning until 1030 then apptd to NCO I/C Fire Picquet, our 
Squad (No.1) with nine other men, were called on to 
quad for a lecture and then a demonstration on 
how to work Fire Extinguishers and a Hand Pump. 
The Japanese are mortally afraid of fire. Had a 
shave and then dinner 1200, brown bread roll 
and gravy and vegetables. Jap Saturday afternoon 
inspection 1300 (turned up at 1400) lasted for an hour 
during which time we stood to attention and numbered  
in Japanese. The orderly officer was made to count to 100 
in front of us all. Cut up a piece of my blanket 
and made a pair of moccasins for the cold feet 
on the straw mats. Tea 1700 rice and barley  
and gravy. Canteen orders tonight I bought  
a bottle of cidar (so called, just lemonade), one 
apple (all per man) and one packet of cigs (one 
per man) costing 22, 6 and 15 sen resp. Gee 
mine own the apple was grand also the 
so called cidar. Played dominoes until roll 
call (in Japanese) 2000. Bed making then lights 
out at 2100. Our squad is on picquet tonight, 
Cec and I drew 04.30 / 0630 tomorrow morning, 
so a broken nights sleep. 
_______________ 

11. 10. 42         SUNDAY         238th DAY P.O.W
Reveille 0630, I was on last shift of picquet so 
was already dressed, had a wash, then  
roll call on the quad at 0640.

NOTES
11. 10. 42        SUNDAY         238th DAY P.O.W
As from yesterday afternoon we have to salute all 
Jap Officers and men, in the Aussie's case, the 
Japs say our hats (A.I.F. issue) are not military 
style the consequence is this, we must wear 
our hats every time we go outside the hut, for a 
wash, walk, drill or canteen and then when 
we sight a Jap, we have to bow (taking off our hat) can you 
imagine it:  when we are going to the 
latrines six or seven times a day, and out 
washing our plates etc, it will all keep. The 
temp. this morning at 0700 was 51o (19o off freezing 
pt) and it feels every bit of it; bed making then 
breakfast at 0730 rice and barley and gravy. it 
looks as if we will have a fine day again. 
Read and continued writing up my Jap-Eng dicty.  
Two sick to hospital today from our squad, one 
with diptheria (suspect) and the other diaorhea. 
Canteen before dinner, purchased cigarettes and 
razor blades for the squad and managed to  
get one apple. Dinner 1200 brown bread roll (apple  
in between), gravy and some rice from this morn- 
ing. I have a darned cold in my head at present 
and feel very stuffy. Read until 1500, then a hot tang, 
collected the washing, read again until tea 1700, 
rice, gravy and tea (discoloured water). After  
tea played dominoes and read till  
roll call 2000. Teeth cleaning and bed 
making then lights out 2100. I bought 
and sold a watch today the story is on 
the next page. 
______________

 

NOTES
12. 10. 42         MONDAY        239th DAY P. O. W.  
Yesterday afternoon an Englishman with a  
gold watch was broke and out of smokes etc 
and wanted to sell his watch for $15.00. 
I bought it for $10, 1 blade razor (valued  
at $3.50) and ten packets of cigarettes $1.50. 
I bought at 1700, after tea at 1830 a Jap 
came around and wanted a watch and 
I sold it to him for $25.00, $18.00 in  
cash, $1.50 in cigarettes 10 packets, and 
approx 10 lbs sugar $5.50. (but worth  
$20 these days). Gee mine own it must 
be my lucky day, what a break. 
Reveille 0630 raining, roll call in hut 0640, wash etc 
bed making, breakfast 0730 rice and gravy and tea. 
Jap. vocab. writing up until 0900 then drill until 1130 
(2 1/2 hrs) of saluting, believe me, we had enough. 
Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy. At 1330 
we were ordered on the quad again and did  
another 3 hours saluting till 1630. Gee mine 
own it has been a trying day. We were told 
the reason was for not obeying regulations (who 
knows). A day's saluting for punishment. 
Shower and shave at 1700 then tea rice and  
a piece of fish and chips, the sugar is a godsend. 
Played dominoes and read after tea until 
roll call 2000 then bed making until  
lights out 2100.  The Japs were apparently 
very pleased with Australia's military funerals  
accorded to the Japanese members of the subs 
which got into Sydney Harbour 
_______________

NOTES
13. 10.42        TUESDAY         240th DAY P. O. W.  
Reveilli 0630, parade in hut 0640, bed making and wash. 
Breakfast rice and gravy. a lousy cold morning. 
Am having a cap made out of the tail of my shirt, so 
as it will do away with all this b---- bowing, next 
thing now, will be instruction in Japanese saluting. 
It looks like a fine day, so perhaps another day's 
saluting again. Another 300 apples came in this morn, 
to be divided amongst 500 men so here's a raffle, I may be 
lucky. Salute drill again this morning 0900/1115 just  
another 2 1/4 hrs. Managed to draw an apple in the raffle,  
cost 6 sen. Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy and 
a small dumpling. Salute drill again 1330-1615, 
yes another 2 3/4 hrs. Shower and then tea 1700 
rice gruel (back on gruel again on a/c of dysentry  
and gravy. A peace offering after tea, each man 
received two (2) pkts (20's) cigarettes free, can you 
beat it. Yarned and played dominoes until  
Roll call 2000. Bed making and then lights 
out 2100. Rumoured that Russia is likely to declare 
war on Japan at any moment, I wonder. 
_______________ 

14. 10. 42         WEDNESDAY        241st DAY P. O. W. 
Reveille 0630 roll call in quad 0640, bed making and 
wash, breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy. There is 
supposed to be an inspection at 1500 and if we pass  
our drill examination, drill is supposed to cease. 
At 0900 drill again until 1200. C.O Prison Camps Korea 
inspected the men drilling in squads, we were given  
68% others 89% (officers 66% - last). The C.O. through 
the interpreter said " he was very glad with the 

 

NOTES
14. 10. 42         WEDNESDAY         241st DAY P. O. W.  
parade." I hope it means the end of our drilling and 
saluting. C.O. also carried out a hut inspection so it 
is a day of days. Every opportunity I get, I grab a Jap 
soldier and fill in a bit of my dictionary. Dinner 
1230 (late on a/c of parade) brown bread roll and gravy. 
Played dominoes after dinner, read, shaved 
and had a hot shower, rumoured that we are 
to have a double issue tea ( I wonder). Got my  
home made forage cap so from now on, bowing 
will cease. Tea 1700 rice gruel (double issue) at 1730 
gravy and a fish dumpling, gosh Xmas is not in it. 
Yesterday and today 10 and 20 men respectively 
were taken across to the railway and did some  
loading and unloading timber and rice respect. 
and they received for their labours yesterday 
2 pkts of cigarettes and today one pkt of cigarettes or 
1 apple. I volunteered today, but was nearly 
killed in the rush. Played dominoes until 2000 
then roll call, bed making, teeth cleaning and 
then lights out 2100. 
_____________ 

15. 10. 42         THURSDAY         242nd DAY P. O. W. 
Reveille 0630 roll call in quad 0640, bed making, then 
breakfast 0730 rice gruel (double issue for a week on trial), 
and gravy.  0900 on quad, drill until 1000, P.T. for 
1/2 hr then 1030 / 1100 sports etc, 3 huts, ten men from 
each hut 150 yd relay.  I represented our hut (No. 1) 
and we came 2nd.  Dinner 1200 bread roll and 
gravy and some gruel from this morning.  1330 
drill again until 1415, then P.T. and games until 
_______________

NOTES
15. 10. 42         THURSDAY         242nd DAY P. O. W.   
1545 (we must be good boys). Hot shower 1600 and 
played dominoes until tea 1700.  Rice gruel and gravy. 
Managed to buy 10 small bun biscuits today at 5 sen 
ea and they were urishi.  Dominoes after tea until 
roll call 2000, teeth cleaning, bed making then 
lights out 2100.  After tea, apples, cidar (lemonade) 
and cigarettes arrived at the canteen, so tomorrow 
may have an apple again.  Heard tonight that 
officers are to receive $120 per month and no work, 
Others (NCO's and more) will be paid if they work. 
_____________ 

16. 10. 42        FRIDAY         243rd DAY P. O. W. 
Reveille 0630 roll call in quad 0640, wash etc, bed making and 
wash, canteen order list compiled, breakfast 0730 
rice gruel and gravy.  No drill this morning, at 
canteen buying sectional order of apples and cigs. 
Shaved, read and played dominoes until dinner 
1200. Bread roll and gravy, apple and some rice 
from this morning.  No drill again this afternoon 
played dominoes, read, had a hot tang, then 
tea 1700 rice (a double issue and more, as much as 
we could possibly eat) and gravy, gosh I will 
be latrining and bowing all night.  Played dominoes until 
roll call 2000, bed making etc, lights out 2100. 
______________ 

17. 10. 42         SATURDAY         244th DAY P. O. W.   
Reveille 0630 (and is it cold), roll call 0640, wash, bed making  
then breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy.  A beautiful 
fine day.  0900 on quad for drill and P.T. and 
then leap frog.  An issue of sugar today (one 
desertspoonful) and in our hut, we all put in

 

NOTES
17.10.42         SATURDAY      244th DAY P.O.W. 
a teaspoonful each for a chap in hospital who has had 
berri-berri, diptheria ad dysentry all at once. He  
has been given two blood transfusions and is on the  
mend. Dinner 1200 brown bread, rice and gravy. 
Inspection 1300, much ado about nothing. Jap major suggests 
we all get our hair cropped as will be here a long  
time (I wonder and oh how I pray for Lovee and Pug). 
A big stick always accompanies the major and a  
hat or cap gets knocked off on occasion, today one 
jack knife was discovered and all knives were 
promptly confiscated, those who had shaven  
heads were given an apple each. I think that most  
of us will stick to our hair. Read and  
played dominoes, had a hot tong, a hair cut 
then tea at 1700 rice gruel and gravy. Played  
dominoes after tea and also bought the  
section apple order (6 sen each) 13 apples 
for 24 men, I was again fortunate. Roll call 
2000, bed making, teeth cleaning then lights 
out 2100. 
 _____________ 

18.10.42            SUNDAY             245th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0630 (temp. 39o or 7o above F.P.) roll call on 
quad 0640. Wash, bedmaking etc, breakfast 0730 
rice gruel and gravy. The coldest morning yet, but 
a fine clear day. A working party today again, five  
from our squad, but I missed the draw. The 
Japs have informed us that we cannot conduct 
a church service, we have no Padre, but an 
officer was going to take a service this morning.

NOTES
18.10.42            SUNDAY             245th DAY P.O.W. 
Washed a towel and a pair of socks and aired my 
two (2) woollen singlets. Our blankets were all  
sprayed this morning as a precaution against  
scabies, so we have cases of diaorrhea, dysentry, 
diptheria, malaria, berri-berri, and now  
scabies, so things are not so hot. Played dominoes  
read and aired my blankets dinner 1200 
bread roll and gravy. Read, played dominoes  
and gave my blankets a shaking. After dinner we 
were issued with a few Japanese papers, but they 
are not good reading. Did not have a hot tong today 
on a/c of my cold. I feel a bit chesty. Tea 1700 rice  
gruel and gravy. After tea went to the canteen and 
picked up three pkts of cigs per man, this is the fifth  
free pkt, they are pkts of 20's and from now on 
we are to receive 5 ea month. Played dominoes  
after tea and then roll call 2000, bed making 
teeth cleaning and lights out 2100. 
_____________ 

19.10.42         MONDAY               246th DAY P.O.W. 
Reveilli 0630 (not so cold) roll call in quad 0640 
bedmaking, wash etc, breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy, 
Had a quiz contest last night between the four (4) squads 
in our hut; we won (no.1 squad) and the officers gave a prize 
of $15 so we split it between 21 of us. I bought a valet 
razor $2 and 5 blades ea 5 sen) 50 sen, so I should  
be right now as far as shaving is concerned. 
Cec and I drew picquet again last night; but sold our  
shifts 0430/0630 for 1 pkt of cigarettes ea, bribery and 
corruption. 0830 I was one of a waking party of 90

 

NOTES
19.10.42       MONDAY                   246th DAY P.O.W. 
men, we marched out of the camp and shovelled dirt etc 
onto small trolly trucks, levelling off ground, we worked 
for about two hours ) two ten minute smokos in 
between) and arrived back at camp at 11.15. We 
were given a pkt of 20 cigs ea and the NCO's got an 
apple as well, I swapped my apple for another pkt 
of fags, so for my mornings' work (which I 
enjoyed for a change) I received 40 cigs. We were 
working practically on the sea shore among 
very fine vegetable gardens. Dinner 1200 a 
brown bread roll and gravy. 1300, on quad for 
PT then drill but I went off (excuse Banjo) and 
washed some H chiefs and had a hot tong also 
added a few words to my dictionary. Read until tea 
1700 rice (normal issue again) and gravy. 
Played dominoes after tea until roll call 2000, then bed 
making, teeth cleaning and lights out 2100. A chap made 
me a lumber jacket out of half of my own blanket. 
 _____________ 

20.10.42            TUESDAY                 247th DAY P.O.W. 
Revelli 0630, roll call 0640 in quad, bed making and 
wash, then breakfast 0730 rice and gravy. A mild 
morning for a change. Late last night a list had to 
be compiled showing, name, rank, service, unit and 
if we had ever been to Japan (I wonder what its' for). 
0915 No 1. HUT (our hut) only went into the quad and did 
two hours drill. News furphies indicate that a ship 
load of prisoners from S'pore to Japan were sunk 
of the 1150 prisoners, only 250 were saved. Also heard that 
British and American troops from Iran were marching to

NOTES
20.10.42              TUESDAY             247th DAY P.O.W. 
the Caucasus to meet the Germans. Dinner 1200 bread roll 
and gravy. 1330 a call for volunteers for a digging party 
four (4) from each section in our hut. I managed 
to get in and at 1345 twenty with guards and 
shovels set off in a lorry and after going through 
the town of Juinsen eventually stopped at a  
beach where we loaded sand and small stones 
on to a lorry (two lorry loads). Gosh mine 
own, at the water's edge and on the beach, all 
my dearest thoughts were of us in our old 
days. Clovelly, Clifton Gardens, Balmoral etc. 
Apparently a student gathering also took 
place on the beach and these students together 
with other Korean spectators viewed as a 
POW with great curiosity; the little kids 
held Judo (wrestling) contests. We returned at 
1700 and I really enjoyed the work. Tea 
rice, fish (a good helping our section won  
the ballot out of the four messes in our hut) 
and gravy. Had a nice hot tong, donned 
my blanket lumber jacket and played 
dominoes until roll call 2000, bed making 
etc then lights out 2100. Received our new P.O.W  
numbers tonight nicely done on celluloid. The 
new number is 1- 154 the old one was 1- 519.
21.10.42 WEDNESDAY 248th DAY P.O.W
Revelli 0630 , roll call in quad, bed making and wash.
Our own doctor gave me some creosote tablets for my
chest this morn. B'fast rice and gravy, one drinks 

 

NOTES
21.10.42          WEDNESDAY         248th DAY P.O.W
practically nothing these days on account of the rice. 0900 N.C.O's.
and officers on quad for drill until 1115. Dinner 1200 bread  
roll and gravy. Nothing doing after dinner until 1600 when  
I gave a hand to unload some wood. Had a shave and  
a wash, no tang on a/c of very cold. Tea 1700 rice and gravy. 
An issue of San paper (approx 100 sheets) for a 
fortnight, also a tablespoon of soya bean sauce 
but all not interested in the latter. Played dominoes 
after tea until roll call 2000 then teeth cleaning and 
lights out.
_____________ 

22.10.42         THURSDAY         249th DAY P.O.W
0630 reveilli and cold gosh we are freezing 0640 roll call in hut. 
Bed making, wash etc, breakfast 0730 rice gruel and gravy. 
Played dominoes until dinner 1200 bread roll and 
gravy.  The major (Jap) came through our hut during 
dinner to see how we were going. No parades, just 
as well as it is a bitterly cold day. (The first day of 
winter, the guard told us). Played dominoes after dinner 
gosh it is freezing outside 45°, goodness knows 
what I will be like in the middle of winter. More 
cart loads of wood arrived, must be storing it up. 
Hot Baths every 3rd day, so tomorrow is the day. Tea 
1700, rice (small quantity) and gravy and one piece of 
fish. Unloaded three days of firewood, then played 
dominoes until roll call 2000, bed making, lights out 2100.
_____________

23.10.42.         FRIDAY         250th DAY P.O.W
0630 reveilli, 0640 roll call in hut (not raining but 
just b- cold 33° in the hut. The cold is intense, wash, 
bedmaking, breakfast 0730 rice and gravy. Some

NOTES
23.10.42.         FRIDAY         250TH DAY P.O.W 
big inspection today by Japs. Gen in charge of Prison Camps. 
Drew another apple in the raffle this morning. 17 for the 
squad of 21, large ones, 10 cts ea and was it good. The temp 
this morning was only 1° from freezing point 32° and 
the worst is yet to come. 0900 hut tidying and I was 
detailed to fill in water holes on quad with sand. At 
1100 those of us in the hut (a working party went outside 
this morning) stood to attention whilst the Jap Gen and  
his staff (4 brass hats) came through. Dinner 1200 
bread roll and gravy Had a shave after dinner. 
Gosh mine own I have never ever been so cold it is 
petrifying, I now do believe Siberia is just across the way. 
Sorted out my collection of cig. packet covers, had a 
hot tong and believe it or not had to strip to be weighed. 
61.8 Kilogram's or 9. st 10. lbs (1 kilogram = 2 1/5 lbs). No 
parades today tea 1700 rice and gravy. Cold, oh gosh 
1730 and the temp is 41° can you imagine it. Read and 
played dominoes until roll call 2000, bed making and  
lights out 2100. When it is so cold you notice the light  
ration of tucker. 

24.10.42.         SATURDAY         251st DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0630 roll call in quad 0640. It was so cold last 
night that everyone went to be dressed in pyjamas, pullovers,  
balaclavas etc. The temp. at 0400 was 29° and this  
morning 0700, 35°. Bed making, wash etc, breakfast 0730  
rice and gravy.  Last night the paper frames were put over  
the windows inside and this morning the window panes  
were covered in ice. No parade or drill this morning.  
Sold a pair of shoes to an English Officer for $15.00, when he

 

NOTES
24.10.42.      SATURDAY         251st DAY P.O.W 
gets paid and a towel for $3.00, I did not want them and 
the cash will probably come in handy if we get the opportunity 
of buying anything. Heard that we are to receive free, a tooth- 
brush (every two months), pkt of Tooth Powder (monthly), a pencil 
a bootbrush, so with san paper free and cigarettes (100 
per month) we will be kept in essentials by the Japs.
Another P.O.W at Juisen (an Englishman) S/Sgt J. James died this morn. 
He had been taken outside to hospital as it was so serious 
and he passed away in that hospital.  Read and played dominoes  
and tried to get warm. 30 apples at 8 sen ea  
were available this morning for our squad of 21 men  
and believe me they were good. Dinner 1200 bread roll  
(apple in between) and gravy. No inspection today, so  
rested after dinner until 1400, then played baseball  
until 1515 gosh it was at least warming. At 1530 gravel  
spreading on quad  until 1630. Wash then tea 1700  
rice and gravy and then read, yarned and played domin 
-oes until 2000 roll call, wash, teeth cleaning and L/out 2100. 
_____________ 

25.10.42.         SUNDAY       252nd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0630 roll call our hut, the least said about the cold the 
better, it is impossible to describe one's feelings. bedmaking, 
wash etc, breakfast 0730 rice and gravy. Read etc until 1030 
Then parade for funeral service of the English P.O.W. He 
had been cremated and the service was very impressive. 
Once again we lined the path to the gate. Rested until 
dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy. Shave, read and 
rested after dinner at 1400 another English soldier died 
in the camp hospital, you can well imagine how 
we all feel, two deaths in 24 hours and making 3

NOTES
25.10.42.         SUNDAY     252nd DAY P.O.W 
all told for this camp, it is heartbreaking, it would appear 
that there will be another funeral tomorrow. I made a mattress 
out of my ground sheet and contents of kit bag and it helps 
to keep the cold out, others have followed my example 
Tea 1700 rice and gravy. Our first issue of t'brush and tooth 
powder was issued this afternoon, I hope that I am not 
here long enough to use either. Read until roll call 2000 
then bed making, teeth cleaning and lights out at 2100 
 _____________ 

26.10.42.         MONDAY       253rd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0630, roll call in hut 0640, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast. 
0730 rice and gravy. Not so cold this morning. Played solo in a 
corner behind a curtain until 1030, then funeral service of 
Gnr Poll in quad. Union Jack is always to the fore, and then 
impressive service and I hope it is the last we see in this 
camp. Played solo again until dinner time 1200 bread roll  
and gravy. A working party was on this afternoon, I was not 
in the running as I am on picquet tonight. Our CSM No. ll 
Holmes had his arm broken and reset, just on his bed in 
our hut, seemed crude, but no x-ray place is available 
I believe isn't it strange. Washed a shirt, towel, h'chief and 
sox, had a hot tong and read and played solo until tea 1700 
rice and gravy and a piece of fish. Have just learned that the 
dr could not break the bone in the arm by our C.S.M. so all 
that for nought. The officers had their first Jap lesson today 
OR's are not in it, so am taking a copy of each lesson. Played 
solo after tea until roll call 2000. Bed making etc then 
lights out. 
_____________ 

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

 

NOTES
27.10.42.         TUESDAY    254th DAY P.O.W 
b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. On picquet last night 2300/0100 a lousy 
shift, so do not feel so sprightly this morning. New order came 
out last night no washing or teeth cleaning between lights out 
and reveilli, the penalty is a slapped face. Not allowed  
to smoke between those hours either, but the Jap guards come 
in and avail themselves of hut and the cigarette lighter. 
Played solo in the morning, made a hay palliase and 
a small pillow, our own Dr examined our chest and 
throat. Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy and at 
1300 was detailed for a working party. 20 of us went 
to a timber yard and stacked steel bars, started at 
1420 and knocked off at 1600, three smokos, the 
guard supplied the fags and we were marched back 
to camp at 1615 and O/R's received 7 sen NCO's 12 
(my first Jap. working pay). Had a shave, a wash 
and then tea 1700 rice and gravy, also an issue 
of sugar and salt. Played solo after tea until roll call 
2000 then bedmaking, teeth cleaning and then L/Out 2100. 
_____________ 

28.10.42.         WEDNESDAY     255th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0630, roll call 0640 on quad, bedmaking, wash etc. 
b'fast 0730 rice and gravy - my mattress was the ants pants last 
night, very warm and no sore hips this morning. A 
working party was on again today but I missed out. Played solo till 
dinner time 1200 bread roll and gravy. Played solo again 
until 1600 then yarned with an English officer about paultry 
farming until tea 1700 rice and gravy. A Jap guard bought 
me a pkt of Juitans today (souvenier in wallet) 0.50 sen. 
They are good for the throat. Solo after tea until roll call 
2000, teeth cleaning, bedmaking, L/Out 2100 
_______________

NOTES
29.10.42.         THURSDAY    256th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0630, roll call 0640 in hut, wash, bedmaking etc. b'fast 0730 
rice and gravy (the gravy these times is just water almost). At 
0830 I was on a working party to the quarry. We set off and 
after going about 1 1/2 miles out of the course eventually 
reach the quarry. Women were engaged alongside us 
and our job was for three of us to load a truck and 
push it down a reclaimed paddy field and empty 
the truck. The women push the same truck and same 
quantity of rock, gravel and sand, goodness knows 
how they do it. Our party was 90 P.O.W. (30 NCO's and 
60 men) our guards were two (2) to each 30 men 
and a 1st class private. We did four trips before 
dinner 1200 gravy only (I started today giving my 
bread roll at 1200 for half an issue of rice in the 
morning and half an issue at night) I will see how 
long I can make it last. (Shaved at 12.30) At 1300 off again to the 
quarry until 1630 this trip we did six loads and 
when I returned to camp at 1700, I was absolutely 
done. Tea 1700 gravy and rice. During our day at 
the quarry, managed to get eight (8) turnips and 
five eschalots, pinched most of them, you would 
have laughed. Spoke to a Korean [[?]] and he is 
going to get all 10 bread rolls tomorrow (I again wonder) 
Canteen orders tonight, cigarettes 7 sen, soap 13 sen 
and cider 22 sen in the draw I got one (1) pkt of 
cigs and a bottle of cider. 6 cakes of soap for 23 
men. Roll call 2000, bedmaking, L/O 2100 and 
honestly noodle I tumbled into bed and was 
absolutely done. I was paid 25 sen today. 
_____________

 

NOTES
30.10.42.         FRIDAY    257th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0630 roll call in hut 0640, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 
0730 rice and gravy. Last night a few of the A.I.F. chaps were 
issued with diptheria masks, ours are yet to come. Am 
going on a working party today and hope to get on the  
quarry job and see if the bread rolls turn up. A mattress 
made out of a sheet and straw is my ambition today, an 
Englishman is sewing the sheet for me this morning. 
Another one is washing a shirt, singlet and sox for 
me. 0820 on working party, missed out on the  
quarry job and finished up at the railway, making 
a new railway line, loading trucks, only this time  
we did not have to push them, returned to camp 
at 1200 dinner, rice and gravy (bread roll is 
to be issued at night now). 1300 fell in for work 
again and by swapping numbers, I became a  
private and got on to the quarry job, but no 
bread. Came back to camp at 1630 received 15 sen 
(private's pay), had a tong and then tea 1700 gravy 
and bread roll (toasted it in the bath house fire). Gave 
two pkts of cigs to the chaps for doing my washing and 
making my mattress. Yarned after tea until roll call  
2000, bedmaking etc lights out 2100. Tonight mine  
own I bought a present for you. An Englishman 
J [[Veivers?]] was going to sell something to an officer, but 
I immediately thought of you, so I got it, prices 
cannot be mentioned, but I know you will love it. 
_____________ 

31.10.42.         SATURDAY    258th DAY P.O.W  
Reveilli 0630, roll call in hut 0640, bedmaking, wash etc, 
b'fast 0730 rice and gravy. Standing by for a working

NOTES
31.10.42.         SATURDAY    258th DAY P.O.W  
party today. We were told this morning that we will be 
able to write a letter card home within a week, gosh I 
hope its true, and how I would love to have one from 
you. 50 men including 7 A.I.F. all from this camp are 
standing by to leave this camp, they are tradesman, 
so that will leave only 17 A.I.F. P.O.W. in this camp. 
No work this morning, played dominoes until dinner 1200 
rice and gravy. No work again this afternoon waited 
for the 1300 inspection until 1500 but nothing was doing. 
Read and played dominoes and yarned to J [[Veivers?]] 
Tea 1700 rice (I gave my roll away) and gravy. Told 
him all about you and we are trying to work out a  
scheme whereby I can take you to England. Read 
until roll call 2000, bedmaking etc then lights out 
2100. Showers are only available every second day. 
_____________ 

1.11.42.         SUNDAY    259th DAY P.O.W  
The start of another month mine own, gosh I hope it  
is nearing the end of our separation. Teeth pulling was 
in operation last night, everyone gathers around and 
gapes. A list was taken today of those men who had 
articles taken at Fusan, so mine own, you can imagine 
how I am hoping and praying that my Peg brooch 
and goldfish will be returned to me. Reveilli 0700 
(half an hour later), roll call 0710 in hut. A very bleak 
and cold day, b'fast 0800 rice and gravy. Nothing 
doing this morning, bitterly cold, yarned with Jack 
[[Veivers?]] for a couple of hours about England, I have 
nearly decided to take you to England mine own 
so look out. Issued with a huge cake of washing

 

NOTES
1.11.42.         SUNDAY    259th DAY P.O.W  
soap, a pair of white sox and a pair of white gloves, the sox 
are useless, but the gloves are reasonably warm. Dinner 
1200 rice and gravy. Nothing doing in the afternoon, 
we were issued with another blanket, a thick one, 
and those without great coats were issued with a Jap 
soldier's great coat. My little Jap guard friend is 
getting copies of Jazz songs in our hut. Seven shirts 
were distributed amongst our squad of 26 but I missed 
the draw. Tea 1700 rice (swapped bread roll) and gravy. 
Yarned again with Jack [[Veivers?]] after tea, drew one (1) 
pair of underpants in another raffle. Roll call 
2000. Bedmaking etc 2100 then lights out 2100. 
_____________ 

2.11.42.         MONDAY     260th DAY P.O.W  
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc. 
b'fast 0800 rice and gravy. 0820 on parade ground for 
working parties, I was detailed for the No4 party, ten 
(10) men, (4 NCO's and 6 OR's) our job was cutting a 
bank away for building purposes, a smoko 
and cha (tea) every hour, dinner (brought out 
to us on the job) rice and gravy. Kids all round 
the place and we got a good laugh out of 
them. They smuggled us apples at ten (10) sen 
a piece, and a biscuit and some leathery  
rice and flour (like a dumpling). Had 
two (2) good guards are with us. We are 
to be paid every ten (10) days for work done 
in that period. Returned to camp at 1630 
had a hot tong and was ready for tea 
at 1700. A good plateful of rice and fish

NOTES
2.11.42.         MONDAY    260th DAY P.O.W  
and chips (I traded the fish for rice). I cut 
up an apple in the rice and added salt and 
sugar and had a darned good tea. A Jap 
guard today gave me some of his spare 
rice at dinner time, yarned and read after tea until 
roll call 2000, bed making lights out 2100 
_____________ 

3.11.42.         TUESDAY    261st DAY P.O.W  
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut, 0710, bedmaking, wash etc. b'fast 
0800 rice and gravy. No work today and this morning we 
wrote our letter card, copy hereunder, how I hope it 
reaches you for xmas because I know what it would 
mean to you. I hope that you can read between the  
lines of my longing to be with you. "Dearest Peg. 
In excellent health. We are being well treated, quarters comfortable, food 
reasonably good. Very cold here, but have plenty warm clothes. If 
allowed send parcels, send only concentrated foods, chocolate. 
Cigarettes are available. Work occasionally, exercise as much as 
possible. Allowed write one card, love mother, sisters, [[Wiperna?]] 
and others. All my thoughts are of you every day and you 
know just how I long for a letter and our re-union. All 
my love and dearest thoughts. Your worrying must cease. 
Keep your chin up and smile and remember I am 
with you at all times. I pray that you are fit and well. 
Alex. 
Dinner 1200 rice and gravy, shaved and read after 
dinner until tea 1700 (Jap holiday today). Rice and gravy. 
Chestnuts (already roasted) were available at the canteen 
12 for 7 sen and they were good. Read etc after tea until 
roll call 2000, bedmaking etc lights out 2100. On picquet 
again 0100/0300. 
_____________

 

NOTES
4.11.42.         WEDNESDAY     262nd DAY P.O.W  
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710, bed making, wash etc 
b'fast 0800 rice and gravy. A mild morning and a fine day. 
0830 fell in for working party, 100 men (40 NCO's 60 ORS), 
working at Juisen railway, excavation work for a new 
railroad track. Dinner on job 1200 rice and gravy. 
1300 - 1700 work again, a smoko every hour. The 
railway officials gave us two (2) apples each at  
1500. Spectators by the dozens, managed to get 
a couple of odd apples and cigarettes, if we 
had had a decent guard we could have got 
dozens. Kids by the hundred stood on the 
railway embankment and threw cigs, apples 
and turnips down, but the guards stopped 
them. Trains passed by frequently and as you 
can guess we were the centre of all the eyes. 
Dynamiting took place on the job. Arrived 
back at camp 1730 tea rice and gravy and  
one apple, had a hot tong after tea and yarned 
and rested until roll call 2000, bed making 
lights out 2100. Worked in singlet today and 
gosh was I tired at the end of the day. 
_____________ 

5.11.42.         THURSDAY    263rd DAY P.O.W  
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710, bed making, wash etc. 
B'fast 0800 (usually 0740) rice and gravy and tea. 
Mentholatum makes a good hair plaster. No work 
today did some washing, a shirt, shorts, sox, towel, underpants 
and h'chief. Issued with a huge cake of washing soap recently, 
so it helps. Started today writing up a recipe book, everyone 
seems to be doing it, so I may as well be in it.

NOTES
5.11.42.         THURSDAY    263rd DAY P.O.W  
Dinner 1200 rice and gravy. Spent the afternoon with JM 
compiling my recipe book, I am going to make a good job 
of it as it might be handy for you (oh yes). Brought the washing 
in and then tea 1700 rice and gravy. Read and played 
dominoes after tea until roll call 2000. Bedmaking, lights 
out 2100. Noodle if you are agreeable, we are going to Eng. 
after this business is over, in a quiet English village, 
you and I and our happiness 
 _____________ 

6.11.42.         FRIDAY    264th DAY P.O.W  
In answering roll call last night at 0800, one of the P.O.W. in hushed 
voice answered [[indusan?]] (23), the interpreter asked where 
his voice was and in a very hushed voice said "I have 
lost it" of course everyone laughed in the silence of 
the hut, he really had temporarily lost his voice. 
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710. Bedmaking 
washing etc. B'fast 0800 rice and gravy. Those  
sick or on light duty wear different coloured 
wax flours in their tunics. 0830 working party 
at railway again, another mild day, same work 
as before loading trucks and digging alongside 
railway embankment. Jap military police in 
attendance to handle the crowds so no apples. 
at 10.30 we were issued with 2 apples, dinner at 
1200 brought out rice and gravy. Work again 
at 1300 smoko's at intervals and at 1530 we 
were issued with sweet potatoes cooked on 
the job, I got six (6) and with salt they were 
100%, gosh mine own I would sooner have 
them than apples. Arrived back at camp

 

NOTES
6.11.42.          FRIDAY      264th DAY P.O.W  
1730 tea fish and chips and rice, I gave JM my 
fish, had a tong after tea and then read, wrote 
up some recipes until roll call 2000. Bedmaking 
etc, lights out 2100. Today, on one side of the railway  
embankment were working Korean women and 
on the other us. 
_____________ 

7.11.42.         SATURDAY    265th DAY P.O.W  
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc 
b'fast 0800 rice and gravy. 0830 working party to railway 
again fine day, but bitterly cold. Same excavation 
work 2 apples given us in the morning. Dinner 1200 
rice and gravy (both cold) on the job. Work again 1300. 
Sweet potatoes issued 1530 and they were good. I 
scored an apple from a kid today. Knocked off 
at 1630 back at camp 1700 knocked out. Tea 1730 
rice, sliced apple and my issue of margarine 
(1 teaspful).  Our chaps in our squad standing  
by for going away, have been moved to another 
hut (No3) and our mess (No1.) now has 40 
men in it instead of 26 so there has been 
some shifting around. Read and wrote up 
some more recipes after tea until roll call  
2000.  Bedmaking etc L/out 2100. 

8.11.42          SUNDAY         266th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking 
breakfast 0800 rice and gravy. On picquet this morning 0315 - 
0430, I saw for the first time in years snow, it snowed 
at 0100, not much, but it was on the ground this 
morning. it is a mild fine day in lieu of yesterday.

NOTES
8.11.42            SUNDAY         266th DAY P.O.W 
Wrote recipes up this morning, can you use 1000 of 
them mine own. had a shave and read etc until 
dinner 1200 rice and gravy. After dinner to canteen 
for cider order and they have 50 pears ready for those 
were going away, I have never seen such huge pears 
they cost 17 sen each and would be worth it. Wrote 
up more recipes (I have now reached the 98th) you can 
imagine how the tummy aches. It is bitterly cold 
and little patches of snow are still around. Tea 
1730 rice and gravy. Played dominoes after tea 
and read until lights out 2100. roll call was at 2000 
Bedmaking etc. it is freezing Pug, just the night for 
two lovers, you and I. I am going sick tomorrow 
to see if I can avoid going out on consecutive days 
as it is too hard the work and the keen wind tickles 
the back up. 
_____________ 

9.11.42          MONDAY         267th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, wash, bedmaking etc, b'fast 0800 rice and 
gravy. Reported sick this morn. and it would appear that  
I will only have to go out working every second day. Our 
party of 50 men left this morning and one them an 
Englishman whom I had chummed up with  
and helped with cigs and money etc. left me a 
note and two (2) presents (Chinese seive [[books?]] and 
a crucifix), I opened it after he had gone and I 
got a shock believe me, it is nice to know that one's 
efforts are appreciated on occasions. They left and 
were told they going to Mukden the capital 
of Manchuria and it is very cold there from 

 

NOTES
9.11.42          MONDAY         267th DAY P.O.W 
all accounts, wrote up more recipes before dinner 
1200 gravy and rice. Spent the afternoon w/up more 
recipes, had a hot tong at 1500 and washed a 
singlet. Tea was an eye opener at 1730 (probably 
due to the visit of high Jap official at 1400, they came 
through the huts and were very interested in 
the Aussies (17 of us), they reckoned that their 
S'pore victory was their "masterpiece".) consisted of 
gravy, fish, rice and baked or fried vermicelli 
and hot sauce, gosh it was a treat. Finished 
some loose recipes after tea before roll call 
2000 then bed making etc L/OUT 2100. Our 50 
chaps who left today, joined the train at KEIJO 
containing 2000 American P.O.W. 
_____________ 

10.11.42         TUESDAY        268th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 
0800 rice and gravy. No work today. Gave a hand in 
compiling camp pay sheets for an hour, read and 
wrote up recipes until dinner 1200 gravy and rice. 
more recipes after dinner, carried some stores for 
the pig stye in the parade ground for 1/4 hr, had 
a shave and read till tea 1700 rice and gravy. 
A salt issue, fish (a small particle was available). 
Finished indexing my recipe book up to date after 
tea, now have 208. Got the squad cigs at canteen,  
read until roll call 2000, bedmaking etc 
lights out 2100. Paid to 10.11.42 tonight. 4 days @ 15 sen. 

11.11.42          WEDNESDAY         269th DAY P.O.W 
Armistice day today, oh mine own how I

ARMISTICE DAY 
NOTES
11.11.42          WEDNESDAY         269th DAY P.O.W 
wish it were the armistice for this war, you know 
what I mean don't you. Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 
0710 bedmaking, wash etc, breakfast 0800 rice and 
gravy. No work for me today, I went on sick parade 
at 0900 and eventually reached the MO at 10.45, he can 
do nothing except to see that I will not strike 2 days 
heavy work in succession. A short armistice Service 
and two minutes silence at 1100. Wrote up more recipes 
and dinner at 1200 bread roll (toasted it) and gravy. 
Washed a pair of pyjamas, sox and h'chief, wrote 
up more recipes, read etc until tea 1700 rice and 
curried gravy. Cec brought me back half an apple, 
and my little Jap guard friend (or I should say Korean) 
save me a pkt of cigs (20) at canteen after tea for 
free issue of cigs. 60 per man and apple purchase 
at 7 sen each. Read until roll call 2000 (I filled 
my palliase with more straw today, so here is hoping 
for a good night's sleep.) bedmaking etc lights out 2100 

12.11.42         THURSDAY         270th DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700, roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc. B'fast 
0800 rice and gravy. Working party 0830 at Railway 
Station again, gosh mine own, my back has 
given out on me I guess, it feels like lumbago 
or fibrositus, so am going on sick parade tomorrow. 
Fairly hard work right at Juisen Railway 
Station. Dinner 1200 bread roll and gravy on 
job, we were given two (2) apples morning 
and afternoon so fared reasonably well 
Saved my bread roll from dinner. We

 

NOTES
12.11.42          THURSDAY         270th DAY P.O.W 
Knocked off at 1700 and returned to camp 
at 1730 had a hot tong then tea 1745 rice, 
gravy, a piece of fish, hot sauce and an 
apple and bread roll saved from 
dinner so for once I am feeling fullish. 
After tea I went to canteen for Squad 
Cigarettes 2 1/2 pkts per man @ 7 sen per 
pkt and a bottle of cider 22 sen, so with 
yesterday's cigarettes will be fairly right 
for smokers. Discussion is under way 
for Xmas Day mince, pork, apples, pea in 
[[?]] and fish, gosh mine own, I am not 
looking forward to Xmas without you 
as you can well guess, still I will wait 
til it comes. Yarned until roll call 2000 
then bed making lights out 2100. 
_____________ 

13.11.42          FRIDAY         271st DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b/fast 
0800 rice and gravy. Working parties again today, but I 
went on sick pde and am going to wear a body belt of 
a scrap or piece of blanket. Read & wrote up more 
recipes until dinner 1200 brown bread roll and gravy. 
Read and wrote up recipes after dinner until 
tea 1700 rice and curried gravy (very light issue). 
an issue of sugar and salt also. Wrote up 
my 192nd recipe tonight and called it a day. 
Read until roll call 2000, then bedmaking 
lights out 2100. Oh mine own, in my prayers, 
I ask for you to brave "chin up and smile". 
_______________

NOTES
14.11.42          SATURDAY         272nd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 
0800 rice and gravy. On picquet last night 0430/0545, 
the major came through on inspection and at 0500 I 
happened to just pick up a Readers Digest to see what 
it was and the sentry outside saw me and calling 
me to the door politely slapped my face, so that is that. 
0815 I fell in on working party and proceeded to Juisen 
Wharf, about 1/2 mile, the harbour is built on square 
levies with a lock at one end. Our job was unloading 
coal barges (by means of an escalator chain of buckets) 
on to railway trucks. The escalator we were working 
on broke down and did the job, hand to hand in 
small wicker baskets. It was a fine, but bitterly  
cold day, I had everything but the kitchen clock on, 
including a scarf on my waist. Dinner 1200 
gravy and bread roll (I saved my bread roll for 
tea), we had it in a room with a fire in it and 
we were as warm as toast. Only got 1 1/2 apples this 
afternoon. Arrived back in camp 1730, tea was rice, 
gravy, [[snow?]] and fish plus hot sauce. After tea 
I had a hot wash and then yearned etc. until 
roll call 2000, bed making, then lights out 2100 
_____________ 

15.11.42          SUNDAY         273rd DAY P.O.W 
Reveilli 0700 roll call in hut 0710, we could not open 
the windows this morning, they were frozen, a fine 
day, but cold, gosh. Bedmaking, wash etc, b'fast 
0800 rice and gravy. Temp at 0800 was 30o (20o below F.P) 
Played solo this morning, had a hair cut and 
wrote up the 229th recipe. Dinner 1200 bread roll  
 

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Jacqueline KennedyJacqueline Kennedy
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