Letters of Jack Lusby Burns, 1941-1945 - Part 12

Zentsuji War Prison Camp,

Japan.

22 August, 1942

Mrs. A. R. Burns

1647 Malvern Road

East Malvern S.E.6

Victoria Australia.

My dear darlings: Permission is granted for us to write six letters per

year. At present we are in a fairly big P.O.W. camp with Yanks and

English. We, of Rabaul, are the only Aussies. Leaving Rabaul officers

only, we arrived here in July. Our mode of travelling being by train and

ferry, consequently we saw a bit of industrial and agricultural Japan

after arrival. This camp is well run - 3 meals a day, a grant of 85 yen

a month (50 in the hand, a proportion, usually 17 yen deducted for food,

cobbler, tailor, etc. - and the balance in trust for us till the end of 

hostilities). A canteen in which you can buy absolute necessities (little

food). Books, gramaphone and records, were sent here from the late

American Embassy and we can buy cards. Classes are "run" E.G. - business

administration, Spanish, shorthand, Japanese, navigation, etc. We are

supplied with a Japanese newspaper English edition, which gives us the trend

of the news. As regards myself, I am well, weight approximately 12 stone

stripped, and well up in spirits although one gets a twinge of homesickness

now and then, especially of a Sunday during Church  parade. One of the

Yanks kindly let me read a letter from home. In it was mentioned that one

parcel weighing 11 lbs may be sent per week via the International Red

Cross. (Tobacco, chocolate would be appreciated). I sincerely hope and

pray that you have heard of my whereabouts ere this, as I know how you

worry. I'm glad, in a way, that this has happened, as it has caused me to

take a "wake up" to myself. We all certainly have a lot to make up when

this is all over. You both are often in my thoughts. This is the fourth

letter I have written to you, although I'm not too sure whether the others

have reached you. Please give my regards and best wishes to Geoff, Lelene,

Joan, as welll as the others. May God bless you both.

Yours loving son,

Lt. J. L. Burns, Zentsuji War Prison Camp,

C/o International Red Cross.

Zentsuji War Prison Camp, Japan.

22 August, 1942.

Mrs. A.R. Burns,

1647 Malvern Road,

East Malvern, S.E.6

Victoria, Australia.

My Dear Darlings: Permission is granted for us to write six letters

per year. At present we are in a fairly big P.O.W. camp with Yanks

and English. We, of Rabaul, are the only Aussies. Leaving Rabaul,

officers only, we arrived here in July. Our mode of travelling being

by train and ferry, consequently we saw a bit of industrial and

agricultural Japan after arrival. This camp is well run - 3 meals a

day, a grant of 85 yen a month (50 in the hand, a proportion, usually

17 yen deducted for food, cobbler, tailor, etc - and the balance in

trust for us till the end of hostilities). A canteen in which you

can buy absolute necessities (little food). Books, gramaphone and

records, were sent here from the late American Embassy and we can

buy cards. Classes are "run" E.G. - business administration,

Spanish, shorthand, Japanese,navigation,etc. We are supplied with

a Japanese newspaper English edition, which gives us the trend of

the news. As regards myself, I am well, weight approximately 12

stone stripped, and well up in spirits, although one gets a twinge

of homesickness now and then, especially of a Sunday during church

parade. One of the Yanks kindly let me read a letter from home.

In it was mentioned that one parcel weighing 11 lbs may be sent per 

week via the International Red Cross. (Tobacco, chocolates would

be appreciated). I sincerely hope and pray that you have heard

of my whereabouts, ere this, as I know how you worry. I'm glad,

in a way, that this has happened, as it has caused me to take a

"wake up" to myself. We all certainly have a lot to make up when

this is all over. You both are often in my thoughts. Dad, re

business - you should still be collecting my allotments (8/ per

day). This, together with the dividends from Elec. Z. Inc.,

should be enough to pay for my insurance and those new shares.

The balance, if any, use at your own discretion. This is the

fourth letter I have written to you, although I'm not too sure

whether the others reached you. Please give my regards and best

wishes to Geoff, Lelene, John, as well as others. May God bless

you both. Your loving son   Jack

(Sgd.) Jack R. Burns.

Lt. J. L. Burns, Zentsuji War Prison Camp, Japan.

C/o International Red Cross.

C O P Y of LIEUT. JAC BURNS' LETTER.

(Received by Mrs Burns 2/7/43)

ZENTSUJI P.O.W. CAMP.

JAPAN. 24th Oct. '42.

Mrs A R Burns,

1647 Malvern Road,

East Malvern.  S.E.6 (VICT. AUST.)

Dear Darlings,

It is now nearly a year since I last heard from you. Time

seems to fly but it can't fly too fast till the time I see you both

again. As we have daily papers printed in English, we are all looking

forward to letters from you at home soon as we believe the Exchange

Ship to be on the job. It will be great to hear from you,

you pair of angels, after so long.

Life here is just a succession of one day after another. At

the present moment we are in the throes of a Contract Bridge Tournament 

which is being run by the English and the Americans. Every

Thursday afternoon if fine, we go for walks, whilst the remainder

of our time is spent in lectures, etc. I have personally taken on

Business Administration, Spanish, German and Shorthand.

Some of the Americans have received letters and a few parcels.

When you forward parcels through the International Red Cross, could

you please include Razor Blades, Tobacco, Chocolate, etc. We have

been issued with warm British clothing and five Japanese blankets,

both being most acceptable. Today is pay day so I have 50 Yen in

hand for the next month.

Enclosed are two snaps taken soon after my arrival here. I

am feeling fit. The weather seems quite pleasant although cold

of a night-time. It is pleasant to bask in the sun or to play

cricket at specified times. You both are often in my thoughts

wondering what you are doing at home.

If you ever see Joan, Lelene, or Geoff, give them my regards;

As we are only allowed 6 letters a year I can't write to them

so would you please pass on my love and regards. The last letter

I received from Geoff stated that he was engaged. Is he married

by now.?

I hope and pray that everything is running smoothly, so until

the next time cheerio you pair of darlings. Fondest love.

Your loving son,

Jack.

From Lieut. J. L. Burns,

Zentsuji Camp,

Japan.  24/10/42

(Note. Letters to prisoners should be typewritten to facilitate

delivery through censor.)

COPY OF LETTER RECEIVED FROM:

VX39159  LIEUT. J. L. BURNS.   Z E N T S U J I

Zentsuji War Prison Camp,

Japan.  May 1943.

Mrs A. R. Burns,

1647 Lower Malvern Rd.,

East Malvern.

VICTORIA. AUSTRALIA.

My dear Mother & Father,

Spring is now here and with it nice warm

days -- such a contrast to the cold gloomy days of

Winter. Although this is my fourth letter to you

I am still waiting to hear from you and when I do twill

be a red letter day for me.

Have taken on raising rabbits and gardening

as a hobby. Every time I handle the brutes I think of

days spent on Uncle Jack's farm. Those were good days.

From information passed on by Geneva Red Cross

Officials, notification was forwarded by the Japanese to

Geneva as to our official status as Prisoners of War on the

27th January of this year.

Have been keeping good health except for

a few colds and I now weigh 10: 7 lbs. For my birthday

my Company Officers gave me a grand party. Twas a happy

day and you and others were often in my thoughts during

this day. Seems hard to realise that I am 25. Twill

be a grand day seeing you both again.

We seem to be receiving American or Canadian

Red Cross Parcels once every two months. They are very

acceptable and to receive one gives one quite a kick.

Please give my regards to Geoff, Lelene and

Joan and fondest love to you both you pair of darlings.

Your loving son,

Jack.

(SIGNED. J. L. BURNS)

NOTE: Letters to Prisoners

should be typewritten to

facilitate delivery through

censors.

Japanese characters- see original document

Zentsuji War Prison Camp, Japan

December, 1943

Mrs. A.R. Burns

1647 Malvern Road,

East Malvern, SE 6, Victoria, Australia.

My dears: It seems ages since I've been a prisoner of war, although it

is only 22 months. Practically all of the Allied Nations are represented

here and I have made many new friends. Am eagerly awaiting the day when 

we will be re-united once again. Although quite a few letters and parcels 

seem to be coming in, they are mainly for the Americans. Still, hope 

springs eternal, so 'twill be grand when I receive a letter from you. I 

think this is my sixth letter to you since arriving here. Have received

seven Red Cross parcels since November '42. They form a very welcome addition 

to the diet. Managed to keep the photo of you both taken at Linda 

Wise's wedding. Whenever I get homesick I take it out, have a look, and 

think of past days and the days to come. Would like to wish you both all 

the best throughout this coming year; also, many happy's for your birthdays. 

Will endeavor to make a cake (our of rice) on these occasions in commemoration. 

My main worry at the moment is, whether or no, you have heard 

from me. Am in good health (weigh 10.10), although am not looking forward 

to this winter, as the weather is very different from that experienced at 

home. Much colder. We receive a monthly ration of 15 packets of cigarettes 

I'm usually out by the 20th - still, they help out. We have a camp library 

of about 1000 books, with books of reasonable reading. Now that winter is 

here, we have a hot bath once a week. Contract bridge forms the best 

medium of filling in time. Doug Millican sends his regards, he is in the 

best of health, as are all the officers of my unit. In addition to yourselves, 

I also often think of Joan, Lelene and Geoff, wondering what they 

are doing and what times we all will have when we are together again. If 

Geoff is married by this, could you invest on my behalf in a wedding present 

for him. Well, Darlings, the space allotted is filled. Keep the old chin 

up and God bless you - you pair of Darlings. Your loving son  Jack

Jack. L. Burns. (signature)

Lt. J. L. Burns

Zentsuji War Prison Camp, Japan

Note: Letters to prisoners should be typewritten to facilitate

delivery through censors.

(Front of Envelope)

Lieut. J.L.BURNS.

ZENTSUJI WAR PRISON CAMP

NIPPON

AUSTRALIA

MRS A. R. BURNS,

1647 MALVERN ROAD.,

EAST MALVERN. S.E.6.

VICTORIA. AUSTRALIA.

Back of envelope- see original

COPY OF LETTER FROM LIEUT. J.L. BURNS

to

MR. & MRS. BURNS. 1647 MALVERN RD.. EAST MALVERN. VIC.

ZENTSUJI

December, 1943.

My Dears,

It seems ages since I have been a P.O.W. although

it is only 22 months. Practically all of the Allied

Nations are represented here and I have made many new friends.

I am eagerly awaiting the day when we will be reunited once

again. Although quite a few letters and parcels seem to be

coming in, they are mainly for the Americans - still hope

springs eternal, so twill be grand when I receive a letter

from you.

I think this is my sixth letter to you since

arriving here. Have received 7 Red Cross Parcels since

November, 1942. They form a very welcome aid to the diet.

Managed to keep the photo of you both taken at Linda's

wedding. When I get homesick I take it out and have a look

at it and think of past days and the days to come. Would

like to wish you all the best throughout the coming year, also

Many Happies for your birthdays. Will endeavour to take

a cake (out of rice) on these occasions in commemoration.

My main worry at the moment is whether or no you have heard

from me. I am in good health - weight 10 st. 10 lbs.,

although I am not looking forward to the winter as the winter

is very different from that experienced at home - much colder.

We received a monthly ration of 15 pkts. of

cigarettes. I am usually out by the 20th. Still they help

out. We have a camp library of about 1000 books with books

of reasonable reading. Now the Winter is here we have a hot

bath once a week. Contract Bridge forms the best medium

of filling in time.

Doug Millican sends his regards. He is in the best

of health as are all the other officers of my unit.

In addition to yourselves I often think of Joan and

Leline and Geoff - wondering what they are doing and what times

we all will have when we are together again. If Geoff is

married by this could you invest on my behalf in a wedding

present for him.

Well darlings the space allotted is filled. Keep

the old chins up and God bless you you pair of darlings.

Your loving son,

Jack.

Copy of letter received from Lieutenant Jack Burns, No. 1

Independent Company, Zentsuji, Japan, addressed to Mr. and

Mrs. Burns, 1647 Malvern Road, Glen Iris, Vic.

 

My dears,                                  APRIL, 1944.

'Twas wonderful to receive letters from Australia

for Xmas and March this year. 15 was my score (October 1942

to September 1943) which appears to be the average. We exchanged

letters and all noted how our Mothers have communicated.

Doug, Lex, Teddy/Bill L., Don, Peter/Bill P.,

Frank, self and the Major: occupy rooms in the groups mentioned.

Have reunions on each others birthdays. No news of my lads since

I left Rabaul although all well at that stage except C.McW. Eddy

killed in action. Joey great comfort while there.

Both Geoffs have done well as has Blyth, Dock, Linnie

and Margaret. Congratulations to all, also Tom, Dorothy and

Jean. Won't recognise our home -- painting, fruit trees,

vegetable plots. Joan keep the good work up. Leline thanks for

two sweet letters. You are both often in my thoughts. All

company officers are well. Regards to all Mothers. Keep chins

up. Love, Jack!

ZENTSUJI: April, 1944.

My dears,

Classes progressing, Italian, Spanish, Shorthand: I

am teaching accountancy. Contract Bridge favourite past-time and

rabbits my occupation.

Just received 900 books: Will augment library, also

some shirts, boots, underclothing, 2 gramaphones, records, from

American Red Cross.  Red Cross parcels issued approx. once every

two months. Concerts form diversion of a Sunday night.

This winter not as cold as last. Issued with five new

blankets. Still get English papers daily. Canteen operating, sales

mainly vitamen pills, pegs, tea etc. Chickens have furnished some

eggs and meat, as have the pigs. Dividends have yet to be realised

from the goats.

Regards to all relations, Lileen, Mr.

Lack, Manning Watson & Co., fondest love yourself and Dad. May

God bless you both. Cheerio, JACK"

ZENTSUJI:  JANUARY 29TH, 1944.

My dears,

Received your June '43 letter, my first as most

welcome Xmas present. 'Twas grand to hear from you, also to know

that everyone is in the best of health. Please convey my congratulations 

to Geoff V. Dad could you open an account in my name

at your Bank.

Love to you both,

JACK"

COPY OF LETTERS FROM LIEUT. BURNS

1st IND. CO. A.I.F.

TO

MR. & MRS. A.R. BURNS. 1647 MALVERN  RD., GLEN IRIS.

DECEMBER 1944.            ZENTSUZI.

Darlings,

Sleeping next door Lt. Frank Sleeman

(1st. Aust. Ind. Co.)  Red Cross packages arrived

augmenting considerably diet. Proposed issue one per

person every fifteen days.

Australian airmail letters September arrived.

Have frequent cups coffee other officers of the

1st Independent Co. All send regards.  Everyone fine.

Weather very cold. Need all clothers.

Love. 

Jack.

9TH OCTOBER, 1944.

Darlings,

Christmas, New Year and Birthday Greetings.

Everyone fine. My thoughts are with you. All

Nationalities now sectionalized. Australian Bridge

Tournament being run. Stringed Musical Instruments

purchased for camp out of Canteen profits.

Received your May '44 letter and photo.

Hoping for Red Cross stores.

Love.

Jack.

NOVEMBER, 1944.

Congratulations Dad re Bowls. Regards Dick

and family, David Lack and relations. No more news

Geoff or 1st Independent Company men from Rabaul.

All Independent Officers here fine. Your

April letters received October. Winter early.

Keep smiling. Love.

Jack.