Diary of Avon Reah Smith-Ryan, 1942-1945

'[[?]]" Bn. Adam Park Camp.
[[?]] Aug. 43
Camp Commandant.
Adam Park Camp.
[[?]] - [[?]]
[[?]] all [[?]] completed the [[?]] Registration
forms yesterday it was discovered that [[?]] Coy. had nine men who
registered themselves as Ptes. etc. who were shown on Coy. records
as L/Cpls. and L/Bdrs.
I have investigated the matter and report as follows
1.  The original error occurred when a return by ranks was called for on
14 May 43. The [[?]] was [[prepared?]] by Capt Kinder who NOT being
familiar with the personnel of the Coy., [[??]] in the [[?]]
Book and nine more L/Cpls. and L/Bdrs. than actually existed were
advised to Area H.Q. Then Lieut Graham pointed out the mistake to
Capt Kinder [[and?]] raised the point but was told that the Area summary had
been forwarded to the Japanese and that it was too late for an
amendment.
2.  the error has been perpetuated. [[?]] one of the men affected was
evacuated a fresh appointment was made to maintain the number of N.C.O.s
up to that recorded.
3. The men in question had no knowledge that they were shown as holding
"Lance" appointment.
4.  Pay and [[?]] have been drawn for these men at N.C.O. rates and has
been used within the Coy, to pay a bonus to certain [[??]] personnel
and to [[??]] rations.
5.  In order to effect this position the Coy. [[?]] Book has been maintaine
theoretically and a number of false [[?]] made from time to time in
[[??]].
6.  Pay records are inaccurate and show amendments and alterations in
order that Ptes. rates should be paid to the men affected. There is
no written [[?]] for the surplus thus [[?]] though some
[[???]] ordered [[???]].
7.  The [[?]] sheet is signed by three persons ([[?]] W.Off and
N.C.O. and [[?]] Off. and [[?]] N.C.O.s) who ostensibly guarantee
that the monies shown on the pay sheet have been correctly dispersed.
8.  The Coy. [[?]].. leaving pay matters to his [[?]] and Coy officers
was NOT aware of the position and [[?]] were made without his
knowledge.
9.  All [[?]] officers (except Cap [[?]]) the Coy. [[?]] Mess [[Sgt.?]] [[?]]
[[??]] were aware that extra pay and [[?]] were required by the [[?]]
on account of irregular appointments and that the [[?]] was [[?]]
as stated within.
10.  I believe that the officers and Sgts. have disposed of the surplus
money as they say, and that they have NOT used it to their personal
advantage.
A Smith-Ryan ..Capt
[[?]] 'C' Bn.
 

No [[?]]
I, the undersigned, hereby solemnly swear on my honour that I will
not, under any circumstances, attempt escape.
Signed
Dated  13 Sept 1942
At  No 1 POW Camp Adam Park.
Nationality  Australian
Rank or Position  Private 
 

WX 3453 Capt A.R. Smith-Ryan
MALAYA
EXERCISE BOOK
Name 2/4/ M.G. Bn.
Subject Parties [[?]] Changi
Standard
60
1. Guaranteed European Goods
 

[[A?]] Force - left Changi - abt [[June?]] 42 fpr
Victoria Point [[?]] Actual whereabouts
not known at Changi
B Force - left Changi abt May 42 for
[[?]]
[[?]] Force Senior Officers & some [[?]] -
thought to be on Formosa
[[?]] Force