Wallet 3 of 3 - Transcript diaries of Edward William Burrey, 1942 - 1945 - Part 3

3 Dec. General Tuckill one of the Nip nobs is due to do an inspection
of the camp today.
4 Dec. It is rumoured that the 600 have not gone away but have
been taken back to Changi.
8 Dec. A year today since the war started here. Heard that
Singapore had 2 air raid alerts yesterday. Has been an observation
balloon up. Some members of 1 Coy went out to Jurong Rd today to
identify a number of skeletons. Found proof of 8 of No 1 Coy
boys. Another 20 believed to be buried in a hole nearby. No
trace of Greg Priest.
10 Dec. This is the 5th day of continuous rain with exception of
a few 10 to 30 minute breaks. Now in monsoon period.
12 Dec. Rex, Barney and self shifted into a tent. Have made a
wooden floor and with the bits of furniture we are very comfortable.
Elec. light included.
14 Dec. The Volunteers held the races tonight. Rex ran a book.
Bob H. pencilled and Barney and I paid out. Cleared S10.00 which
was pretty good. Barney and I are going to run a second book at
the next meeting.
15 Dec. For supper tonight we had some rice, fried chips and a
tin of curried chicken. Not bad for a POW.
16 Dec. Made a set of weights out of two old fans, and spring into
action after lights out each night.
17 Dec. Supper tonight comprised fried chips and baked beans.
19 Dec. The above supper must have played up with the intestines,
also some liver we had today. The three of us have a touch of the
tray-bits.
20Dec. Told that the fresh meat supply is exhausted but can't
complain as it's done well to last so long.
21 Dec. Lost our tent today and had tomove into a hut. I witnessed
a most impressive sight this evening of about 300 Jap soldiers
marching by. They were singing a part song in perfect time and
harmony
24 Dec. Xmas Eve. Had sausages and chips for supper. Beautiful
moonlight night. I stayed awake till after 2 am thinking of
home.
25 Dec. Xmas Day. Went to Communion and then to general service
at 10 am. Had a marvellous midday dinner considering present
rations. Baked vegetables and bully beef, fruit blanc mange, plum
pudding and cake with jam on it. Missed home dreadfully.

The Volunteers. Brit civilians
 

26 Dec. Rex, Barney and I volunteered to give the cooks a day
off. Were up at 3.30 am and worked steadily till 9 pm. Everyone
was quite satisfied with the meals.
27 Dec. Warned late last night we would shift back to Changi
today. Left camp at 2 pm in trucks and were taken as far as Geylang
and marched the remaining 8 miles. Met all the boys again.
Everyone is surprisingly well and in good spirits. It's just
over 8'mths since we left Changi.
29 Dec. Went on sick pde. My feet and hands are numb caused
thru lack of vitamin B so have been put on yeast and rice
30 Dec. Went to AIF Concert tonight. Marvellous show. Band A1,
also the female impersonations.
31 Dec. New Year's Eve and Pa's birthday. Jap issue of brandy as
New Year gift. Had a drink tonight and sat up talking till
midnight. Quite a bit of noise around the camp. Drank a toast to
my family with Les and Don.
1 Jan. Have new job with Capt. Boreham who is GSO. Quite good,
passes time away.
3 Jan. Met few of Yanks camped here. Very entertaining.
6 Jan. All the Yanks left today for Japan we believe.
10 Jan. Compulsory church parades every Sunday evening. Jap
check-parades each night are very amusing. The Japs fight with
each other to see who will take the salute.
15 Jan. Eleven months today POW. I've finally arrived at the
stage where I take this life for granted and feel that I don't
give a buggar if our release is one or ten years hence. Thousands
of troops are arriving almost daily from Java and at the same
time hundreds are being taken out of Singapore - mainly Dutch.
18 Jan. Life is very quiet out here at Changi. Heard yesterday
that only about 600 letter cards have arrived home so I still
don't know if my parents know that I am alive and well. I sleep
in a lovely spot at our house. On the first floor right in the
corner with a small view over the ocean over the tops of hundreds
of palms and the Selangor swimming pool. There are two tall fur
trees just outside my balcony and almost every night the wind
blowing off the water (It is moonlight at present) whistles
through the trees. It reminds me so of Manly and I love to lie
awake after lights out and picture I am strolling along South
Steyne on my way round to Fairy Bower. I find it hard now to
picture my folks like I could 6 or 8 mths ago and sometimes I
feel ashamed for not thinking and worrying about them more often
 

than I do. It's funny that quite a few chaps have admitted the
same thing to me. It's not that I love them less but just that I
have realised the uselessness of worrying I guess
21Jan. Had a game of baseball this afternoon. The 'Silks' (Offrs.
Sgts and Batmen) played M.A.C.
24 Jan. Greenie and I won the Bridge Tournament held in this
house - worth 65¢ each. I'm afraid I'll have to give up sport
'cause since I played baseball the other day I have hardly been
able to walk. My legs just refuse to act - the lack of vitamin B
mainly I am told.
25 Jan. N.C.O. Schools are being held in the camp and Greenie,
Killer Olley and I are attending the one which commenced today.
We go through the elementary infantry training, the course running
for 10 days.
27 Jan. Had a piano temporarily at this house and Malley has
provided entertainment during the past two evenings. It's
marvellous just to sit back and listen to all the old tunes.
30 Jan. Had a second needle for dysentry this afternoon. Had the
first last Sat. and double the dose today. Makes the arm a
trifle sore. Was a bit off colour yesterday. Vomiting and a
touch of the runs. Feeling O.K. again.
31 Jan. Handed in a message today to be sent home by radio - I
hope. The Japs have consented to send a number of messages so I
hope I'm one of the lucky ones.
2 Feb. Went to the Boxing tonight at AIF Theatre. Just like
Sydney Stadium. Band played in between bouts.
7 Feb. School finished today. First TAB needle today.
9 Feb. Went to ear specialist and dentist. Put temporary filling
in tooth. Told if aches, come back and have extracted. No fillings
available.
13 Feb. A year today since last heard from home. Had a cable
from Gwen a year today
15 Feb. Our first anniversary. One year POW today. I pray we will
be released before another passes but I can stick it if we're
not out by then. Second TAB needle today. No effect though
previous one very painful.
17 Feb. Two deaths through dysentry at AGH today. Went to AIF
Conert tonight.
18 Feb. Test for dysentry taken by Japs today. The Drill: Drop
drawers, bend over with back turned on Dr. and hold the cheeks of
your bum apart! The glass rod is then inserted and a sample of

AGH. Aust. Gen. Hospital
 

excreta taken. Many humourous remarks whilst waiting in queue
Those through early came looking for the back-up line! Over 2,000
put through in quick time.
21 Feb. Had a reoccurrence of Dengue, Temperature all day and
when I went on the Jap parade at night, I almost had a blackout.
Had to sit down.
22 Feb. Feeling better again. Sent off my letter card this morning
I hope it soon reaches home although I have very little faith in
them getting there.
24 Feb. Our rice ration has been cut down to 15.5 ozs from 19 ozs
per day. (In Ada k. we recd 26 ozs) Food is pretty poor and go
to bed most nights with an empty feeling in my stomach.
27 Feb. Had a drill competition at the Con Depot Padang this
afternoon, HO AASC team won and well deserved it.
28 Feb. If I were home I guess I would be celebrating my birthday
both today and tomorrow. I can just picture my folks today at
their Sunday Dinner. Gee how I'd love to be with them
1 Mar. 23 today and my second birthday whilst being a POw
2 Mar. Went to AIF Concert tonight. An excellent show again.
They have some realy good talent.
4 Mar.A party of 2,500 AIF is leaving here for Bangkok commencing
on 14 Mar. Only 19 out of 85 going from our house and I'm not one
of them.
6 Mar. Best news since I've been here I heard today. About 30,000
letters at Changi Gaol for us.
11 Mar. Jack Olley has been at Gaol sorting and has found 3
letters for me. One he said is from N.Burrey so now all I can do
is wait patiently and hope that they are soon passed on to us.
13 Mar, Told there are 7 letters for me. Oh Boy!
14 Mar.Maurie White left with first party of AIF for Bangkok
today
16 Mar, Capt. Boreham transferring to HO AIF and I am leaving
him, Under new organization I'll have job here with HO AASC.
17 Mar. Rex Green and 17 others left for Bangkok today. We'll
miss him for a while
18 Mar. Finished up at HO today, Adam Anderson taking on job. No
mail yet
19 Mar. Just heard that Joe Mayo who went away with 'A' Force to
Rangoon? escaped and has reached Aust. Half his luck!
Padeng. Haying tield ! Todagboon19a.
 

21 Mar. Sunday and a big event happened. Mail for HO arrived and
I received 7 letters, 3 from home, 2 from Bobboie, 1 from Dedie
and i from Dooley. Gee it was marvellous to hear, even though the
news is 7 or 8 mths old.
28 Mar. 500 more troops left this morning for Borneo? Only received
12 hours notice.
29 Mar. Running a wire from the Officer's battery into our quarters
now. It's a break to have an electric light. The evenings are not
half as long.
31 Mar. The camp here isself-supporting in mamy things now days.
We cut own firewood, have big veg gardens, pllumber shop where
cooking utensils are made of scrap tin etc. annd a small rubber
factory. Patches are put on shorts with the lastex but it's not a
great success as it's hard to get onthe feet after sitting down
for a few minutes, Believe they are attempting; to make sandshoes.
Rumour has it that 2 Japs were caught in S. Area with a number of
sweaters the other day and were put in the Pomss Gaol. The Pom
Offrs then got in touch with the Nip Offrs but they refused to
have anything to do with the matter so the two Nips are still in
clink -It's a funny world!
1 Apr. April fools day although I think it has been forgotten so
far as this camp's concerned. Going to AIF Concert tonight. Have
booked my seat.'Doin' it in stoyle.
2 Apr. Have started to learn Malay. After hearing the opportunities
that will be open here after the war I have a wild idea that I
wouldn't mind coming back herefor a few years. Probably the craze
will have worn off me bythe time I get out of here.
6 Apr. My ears have been playing up again. Getting treatment for
them.
9 Apr. Another party of 3,300 AIF are leaving here for Nth Thailand
in about a week. I will probably be on it.
11 Apr. 20 more bags of mail have arrived at the Gaol. We shall
know tomorrow if there is any for AIF
13 Apr. No AIF mail amongst the 20 bags that arrived. All for
the Tands
To ard Promd. Pors.
 

15 Apr. Have intended to write in here the menu for a day at our
present camp. Breakfast: Ground rice porridge. Ground rice is
browned in oven previous night and when cooked is brown in color,
All right providing we have grated coconut to eat with it.
Lunch: A little rice with a veg, stew flavored with old hherrings.
Phew! what a flavor. Dinner: Usually fried rice and vegs with a
chipatty savoury. Sometimes veg, pie followed by sweet rice and
always a piece of bread with fish paste or a biscuit. The cooks
do a marvellous job but the same food day after day becomes
bloody monotonous.
17 Apr. All set for the move to Indo-China we think! Bill H.
leaves in morning, the rest of us in a day or two
19 Apr. Parties leaving every morning this week at 2.30 am.
Fortunate to have a full moon
23 Apr. News very good. Africa should be cleaned up by end of
month.
25 Apr. Anzac Day. Went to dawn service. We leave for we don't
know where at 2.30 tomorrow morning. Going to miss this camp
especially my little corner where I sleep. The moon these last
few nights shining on the water over the tops of the palm trees
has been a glorious sight.
26 Apr. Left Singapore station at 7 am. Wrote a rough diary on
journey up but lost it,so shall just jot down what I remember,
There are 38 men to a truck complete with all our equipment,
Truck measures 24 ft long, 6'9" high and approx. 6 ft wide. The
heat is terrific. Stench of BO almost unbearable and only about a
third of men able to stretch out at one time. Journey took 5
days and during that time we were issued with 5 meals only from
the Nips. While in Malay we were able to buy fruit and hard
boiled eggs etc but once we crossed into Thailand we were not
allowed to purchase, Besides, Malay money not legal tender. Train
travelled continuously except when we had breaks of an hour or
two for a meal or signal stops, refuelling etc. So had to get
what sleep possible while travelling. KL reached m 27 Ap.
Big station and big town, Georgetown (Pra!) next main stop following
day. Right on water front. Ferries leave here for Panang which
could be seen in distance. Train reverses here. Padang Besar is
border town just inside Thailand. Thai Rly, offrs have very flash
uniforms. Numerous police and soldiers on all their stations
never interfered with us. No love lost between Jap and Thai.
Never interfere with each other. All the country of Walaya is
atysma Panake: K Kapo
 

mainly rubber but once over the border you pass miles and miles
of Padi fields interspersed with bamboo jungle. Second day over
border saw first elephant transport, Arrived at our dis-rail
destination Phday afternoon 30 April at 4 pm. Place called
Bampong. Marched from station to camp - distance I mile with all
our gear - just made it. On arrival were informed we leave following
night and march 100 odd miles to our working camp. Had to dump
much gear. Good market and could sell almost anything. Shorts and
shirts woth S2 -blankets S10 - hats S3. Japs tried to prevent us
selling to Thais but hard to stop. Common to see chaps go down
to latrines dressed in long pants, boots, hat, shirt and jacket
and come back in just a pair of u'pants and a roll of dollar
notes. The boongs were even dashing into the latrines and trying
to buy our pants while we were crouched down and bogging. Lived
well for our day's stay at Bampong. Able to buy eggs, tomatoes
and had my first piece of fresh meat since early December '42.
All the meat here is Yak but it tastes OK.
i May. Left tonight at 11 pm and marched 15 miles to first stopping
place. Terribly tired when we arrived. A number broke down on
way and had to be carried on stretchers. Only 3 stretchers for
400 men so when stretchers were filled other men breaking down
had to be supported by 2 fit men.
2 May, Camp right on river. Allowed to swim, Able to buy foods
here, Meals issued by Japs are awful, Get dinner and tea and rice
to carry on march which has to do for following morning's breakfast.
Left at 10 pm tonight for second hop distance 17 miles. Had very
little rest during day. March a nightmare. Carried John Olley
most of way. Y. Cox fractured elbow during night. Chaps breaking
down on way and being supported by men barely able to carry
themselves.
3 May. Reached second stop at 9 am. Stay here for one night. No
acommodation. Rigged ground sheets over trees. Rained in afternoon
and we got flooded out. Heat here terrific. Water scarce. Drinking
water had to be purchased at 50 a bucket from a boong well.
4 May. Marched up to Jap Hospital this morning and had malaria
and dysentry tests taken. Left tonight on 3rd hop. Left behind a
number of the boys including Cox and Olley. Goood road lasted for
an hour and then we started on the jungle track.
Bamgend. San Porg
 

3 May - 25 May. We've finally reached our destination. I made no
attempt to keep a diary during the march. The whole trip was just
plain HELL. Through jungle all the while, over mountain ranges
and down hills so steep that it was impossible to walk, my legs
just wouldn't go steady and I would have to run and stumble. Then
came the rain. Roads were feet under water in parts, mud and
slush terrific. Men falling down all the time. We averaged 2
nights marching and i nights rest although nearing the end we
marched 4 nights straight. At not one rest camp was shelter
provided. Had to rig groundsheets and hope that it did not rain
So tired one night we slept in rain, next morning everything we
owned was wet. Meals abominable. Most places just melon boiled in
water and the result mixed in some rice. No stretchers taken
after 2nd night so men breaking down had to be carried bodily.
Cholera broke out in the camps farther up, the last stop where we
spent 5 days. 6 had died up to the time we left, including Arthur
English. Hospital at this camp had only a makeshift roof on hut
and rain poured in on the patients causing some to develop pneumonia
in addition to cholera. Don, Les H., Les B, and self were fortunate
enough to march the whole way - 196 miles - without dropping out
although it was hard going some of the time. I developed a septic
ankle at one stage and had to march one night in a pair of sandals
which gave me hell. Had the runs another night and only just made
the grade. Thieving on the march pretty severe. Had my blanket
taken at one camp but was fortunate enough to get it back. We
were a crowd of 65 AIF with about 300 odd Manchesters on the
march, They're a queer lot and was not sorry to see the last of
them, We arrived at our present camp on the 25 May. About 390 in
all. Sandflies on road agony. I didn't forget Gwen's birthday on
the 23. My thoughts with her all day, Total distance marched
196 miles.
26 May. Those who were able had to clean up the camp today. About
200 Burmese living in the area - flies terrific - a number of the
Burmese have cholera and already there have been some deaths.
Huts made entirely of bamboo, not a nail used. Very crowded and
bamboo a bit hard to sleep on. Water facilities poor. The creek
where we bathe has a foul smell. Food an improvemment. We are to
get one Yak every 3 days. Don't know where we aree,but apparently
we are close to the Burma border if not over it.
Ihrevng By Thass: Manchestats. Borr. froops les Ihggensc han Aorse
Don't Krowwas Sonkoras, chere F Poce (o chich o beonged)sot
abot tatehtes
 

27 May. Started work. Rains every day now and roads are practically
impassable. Trucks bog every few yards. Yak carts used mainly.
Worked till 6.30 pm on road near camp. Terribly tired at night.
28 May. Worked on railroad till 7.30 pm. Life at present is just
bloody misery but I don't give a damn how tough it gets - I'll
see it through
30 May - on road working in mud and slush again. A number of Jap
parties continually coming through on foot with full equipment.
It's hard to stand aside and watch them pulling mountain guns etc
which I guess will soon be firing on our own troops. Had first
death today. Chap died through malaria and exhaustion.
31 May. Only half of men went out today. I remained at home
cleaning up camp. Raining all afternoon - still coming down.
Dreamed of home and Dooley last night. Jack Doust very ill.
1 June The commencement of yet another month. Another death
early this am. Believed to be cholera. Les H. nearly hit with
piece of rock while blasting on road job.
3 Jun. Had the day off. Feet very sore. Had a tough of the runs
and fever all day.
4 Jun, Claude Lambert died early this morning of cholera. Another
death in the evening.
5 Jun. The 5th death this morning - cholera. Road work has been
abandoned fromtoday till further notice. Result of big conference.
Our strength 400 - 200 of which are in MIR. AIF camp lower down
strength 2,000- have had 81 deaths from choleraa up to this morning.
Bob Owens, Sid Sawyer, Mo Stone and others I knnow among the dead.
Mjr. Hunt came up from there to our camp this afternoon. Says
believed to have disease in check down there. Hieard 'Weather
today. Very heartening. Although things are preatty gloomy at
present I feel very optimistic about the whole: show.
7 Jun. Still raining, Have atouch of diarrhoea again. One offr.
and 1 OR died early this morning making total oof 7. Have separate
huts for patients now and they are receiving beetter attention.
Jack Doust still very ill with it. Jack Doust diied at about 5 pm
tonight.
8 Jun, I have landed a pen job at the camp. Hopee it lasts. Another
cholera death.
10 Jun. Nothing much to write about. First day oof sunshine and
nil rain we've had to date.
11 Jun. Another death from cholera making a total of 10.
o: Wthedes
 

12 Jun. Dick Slattery admitted to isolation this morning. Well
it's Sat, and reasonably fine. Thinggimproving around the camp
but still have rice and stew 3 times a day. Dreamed of home again
lastnight. It's great while it lasts but makes me miserable next
day. Don't think I've missed a night for the past week. Heard a
tale that Capt. Mull was believed shot when attempting to escape
some time back. Other members of 'A' Force whom I know are working
farther up this road.
13 Jun. Discovered today that Sgt Barney Murphy -the Med Sgt here
used to work at Dad's office. Great rejoicings. Another death
cholera- total 12.
14 Jun. Have been given 'O' job for the Hospital. Barney arranged
for my transfer to Hosp, staff and now I'm very contented. We
have great yarns together. Thinks Dad is Al - He's right too!
Another death - typhus-making 12 in all. Had bad fever tonight
Dr. says I have Malaria BT whatever that means. Going to bed I
asked Barney for 2 Aspirins. The water he gave me to drink with
them turned out to be whisky. Boy it was good.
15 Jun. Better again this morning, Another death - cholera
Making 13. Had another nip of the good old booze tonight.
16 Jun. Fever again today. Dr. examined me tonight and found I
have Malaria.
17 Jun. News we have been hearing excellent. Everyone confident
we will be out of this in 3 mths.
20 Jun. Another death from cholera this morning making 14. Sunday
today and my thoughts are with my folks at home. Gee how I miss
them.
23 Jun. Another death tonight from Malaria makiing total of 15.
25 Jun. Two months tomorrow morning since I lefft Changi. Don C.
in hosp with ulcer on his ankle. I have a smalll one coming on my
right foot.
27 Jun, Col Tierney died at 11.15 am today of ccholera. Total of
16. My ulcer on foot bloody sore but gradually improving. Meals
are improving. Rice and stew, piece of steak, oa oov last night.
1 Jul. The first day of the new half year. I prray each night
that the news we hear is correct and that by Xmnas I will be home
or at least free. Blasting goes on daily here and today a piece
of metal 6" to 8" in circumference came thru' rcoof and just
missed an orderly in the bay opposite ours.
Talana 8r. Benin (a ergead te Kr. halinaad): Desueg. fmad Füsete