Diary of service - Donald Morrison, 1940 - 1945 - Part 23

[*POW Life: 1942-1945*]

PROGRAMME
J.J. PORTER & his Band
RON CAPLE

DOUG PEART
KEITH STEVENS
GILL MITCHELL
INTERVAL
J.J. PORTER & his Band
SYD PIDDINGTON
GLAN WILLIAMS

JACK GEOGHEGAN & FRANK WOOD
J.J. PORTER & his Bznd
THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER

WILHELMUS

GOD SAVE THE KING
10 OCTOBER 1943    GARDEN CONTROL GROUP 
[*Selarang: Changi  Theatre Programme  Page 1 of 1*]

[*POW Life: 1942-1945*]
Hand drawn sketch - see original 
Reveille woke me on Wednesday morning 18 Feb 42. I had a look around and for a few seconds I did not 
realise where I was. Suddenly it all came back to me; I was a PoW. But there was no need to dwell on the past; the immediate
present was more important. I was aching all over from sleeping on a concrete floor and my feet hurt like hell.
Neither foot had much skin left on it. Where I was was the first problem. SELARANG had been very slightly bombed but the
water ^sewerage and electric light supply were nevertheless out of action. I took my towel and soap and went downstairs for a look.Now
I saw a unit of men disappearing over the hill and as they obviously had the same idea as myself I decided to follow. In
the valley was an anti malarial drain in which had been built a Tong or native washing place. Many hundred were gathered here and
eventually I got a wash. While  my back was turned someone took my soap. Lesson No 1 for the POW. If you wish to retain anything
never leave it lying about. The most unlikely people had the habit of souveniring when there was little risk of being found out.
After a very light breakfast I could think of nothing more beneficial to my health than some attention for my feet. So at
very slow speed I hobbled to the MIR about 250 ' away; A couple of hundred others had the same idea and a long queue was already waiting
The MOs worked at full pressure to cope with the rush of blistered feet but even then I was late for lunch. For the first two days lunch for
officers, including 2 Brigadiers, was a tin of Bully, a tin of Cheese and 18 savoury biscuits between the lot. It could not be called a substantial
meal. Thank goodness I had a good supply of cigarettes. Happily for all the evening meal assumed usual proportions. After lunch a siesta. I spent
every spare minute for three or four days in a horizontal position, sometimes on the floor but more often on one of the lawns by which the
building was surrounded. I was mentally and physically worn out. Frank McDonald and I used to supplement the rations with tinned food
we had carried from PANGLIM. That afternoon I managed to secure an iron bed which I managed to hang on to during my stay in CHANGI. It had
no mattress for some months but even then it was infinitely more comfortable than the floor. As there was no light - lamps operated by
malarial fuel cream or Coconut Oil had not been invented at this stage - We retired early and yarned about any subject put to us.
In the room with me were Frank Carl Gunther Harry Jessup Curlie Les Greener and John Brinkley. Carl generally held the floor but
was most interesting on his experiences in New Guinea. As I have said before we arrived at SELARANG in
the early hours of the morning, completely worn out and not caring a hang for anybody or anything. Guides met us on the Main
and led us to our quarters. No one was interested enough to take any notice of the direction in which we were going now
As my first job was to answer queries from all sorts of people as to the whereabouts of the various units my answers
were not very illuminating. Admittedly I had a map of the area but I could give no first hand information. When
not acting as the "Man in Grey" I made a copy of the map of SELARANG. I considered it would be handy to have if
and when I rejoined the unit in a few days time. One of the first general IJA orders was issued on
the second day. All watches were to be put forward one and a half hours to coincide with Tokyo time. That afternoon
I discovered my valise in the Entrance Hall of the Mess. I do not know how it got there as I had left it at TANGLIN as
it was too heavy to carry out on the march. I never dreamed that I would see it again. In it were more clothes, blanket
and other articles all of which were most welcome. The living conditions various accomodation messing etc
were fairly primitive. Some of the more senior officers did not help matters with their arrogance. I knew however
the only possible thing was to try and help; not to hinder. The staff had been allowed only
twenty four hours in which to make a reconnaissance of the area and to issue orders for the quartering of approximately
45,000 prisoners. The amount of detail received was tremendous. AGH and 3GH. The Divns area for formations and
sub areas for units, water points, rendezvous for rations and fuel, sleeping capacity of each type of building. Allocation
of cooking gear to units and numerous other matters. Everything to maintain the camp had, of course, to be brought
from SINGAPORE. Much had to be left behind as supply of transport to bring the lot was not made available. It was
so easily realised that the "going was pretty hard for the first few days. SELARANG BKS where 13000 captured
AIF were to be quartered were formerly occupied by 2 Bn Gordon Highlanders. The buildings were scattered over an area one and
a quarter miles long by half a mile wide. Macadam roads ran through the area and linked up with ROBERTS Bks and
the main road. The buildings concrete with all mod. cons. included Officers Mess (200) Sergeants Mess (100) 19 Medical
Officers Houses (150-200) 10 Married quarters each of 12 flats (20) 7 x 3 storied Barrack Blocks (400) and a NAAFI. (300). The
figures in brackets indicate the numbers that would be housed in each type. The whole area was on a most sumptuous
scale and must have been most impressive in times of peace. Beautiful lawns, tropical shrubs, palms,
tennis courts and playing fields. When we took over the whole place had gone to seed and the block buildings were
of very drab appearance.
At 10 o clock the 22 Feb, Sunday I reported for duty to Lt Col Pond who had taken over
Command of the Bn on the ISLAND. He made me feel quite welcome and did seem glad to have me. The fact
that we had taught at the same Preparatory School may have had something to do with it. The welcome helped to
ease, slightly, the grudge I have always harboured for being kicked out, in Aug 41, without any warning. I was
introduced to Jim Rutherford and Fred Cross, the new Adjutant and Assistant Adjutant. I had already met the latter as a
Sergeant in Brigade. Chas Lovett was sent for and told to hand "B" Coy over to me which was rather hard on him as
he was a "fighting soldier". After a bit of small talk we went to see the men. I found more than one hundred of them, some
old faces but mostly new, quartered in two small attap huts which could hold only sixty men all told. I was particularly
glad to see Chris Nestor my old batman, who came up with a big grin all over his face. He said that he would take
on his old job so I immediately got two others to help him bring his gear over from HQ building.
When I left the Battalion the men were very fit, well disciplined and well turned out. Now, to put it mildly they
had changed completely. Health was fair but everyone was bodily weary. Discipline was very lax. The general
attitude was to hell with everything. Dress was terrible; hairy chins, long unwashed hair and clothes in tatters. Truly
a motley crew. Many had lost all their possessions and some even their self respect. Consequently the men had to be
sat on heavily right from the jump. This is where the CO did a very good job. He had to award some harsh punishments
but gradually converted this body of men into a good unit.
[*Selarang: Changi      Diary Extract from Original      Page 1 of 1*] 

Photo - see original document
WORLD WAR 11 ARMY VX28610
CAPTAIN NORMAN IRVING MORRISON
4 ITB - ALBURY
2/22 BN - TRAWOOL BONEGILLA
2/29 BN - BONEGILLA BATHURST
HQ 8 AUST DIV MALAYA
2/29 BN - CHANGI
ENLISTED 24 JUN 1940
DISCHARGED ROYAL PARK 26 JAN 1946
SERVED SINGAPORE - POW CHANGI
BORN 9 SEP 1909 DIED 16 APR 1968
photo - see original document
DOG TAG CHANGI P.O.W. CAMP 

IMPORTANT DATES
IN
A.I.F. HISTORY
IN THE LIFE
OF
CAPTAIN N. MORRISON 

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY
of
CAPTAIN N. I. MORRISON VX28610

1940

15/5  Preliminary medical examination at Batman Avenue
19/6  Medical examination at 2RRD Caulfield
24/6  Attested at 2RRD Caulfield drafted to "D" Coy. C.S.M. Wells
28/6  Drafted 41TB Albury. Arrived 1800 hours. "C" Coy Lieut.Denyer.
29/6  Made A/SGT. No.4 Platoon "C" Coy. Sleeping on Green Shavings.
1/2   Transferred  "B" Company. Lieuts Cronin and Mackie as ACT/CSM. Joined
SGTS. Mess. Made Honorary Member Commercial Club by Griffiths. Began
battle against flue with S/SGT Robinson.
12/2  Interviewed by Lt. Col. Carr re appointment as Lieut. lN2/Battalion.
28/7 Transferred 2/22 Battalion Trawool. No. 16PL. "C" co. Appel, Schier, Crawford and Donaldson.
4/8   Ivy and the boys arrive in Seymour.
12/8 To Melbourne to buy uniforms.
25/9  Left on March to Bonegilla. Night at Avenel.
26/9  Night at Pranjip Creek.
27/9  Night at Euroa. Slept at Seven Creeks Hotel. Camp on Showgrounds flooded.
28/9  Night at Violet Town. Signalman run over by truck. Tea at Harcourts.
29/9  Night at Benalla. Bath and feed at Calders.
30/9  Night at Wangaratta. Lifted by motor transport from S to X on 2/21.
Battalion lined route into Town.
1/10  Day at Wangaratta. Battalion paid. Petrol rationing started.
2/10  Night at Tarrawingee. Supper at the Vines.
3/10  Night at Beechworth.
4/10  Night at Leneva. Very hilly march.
5/10  Arrived Bonegilla 1235 hours. Ivy and boys at Tovell Gate.
7/11  Interviewed by Lt. Col. Robertson. IC transfer to 2/29 Battalion. He had pick
of all Lieuts. over 27 years old and all Captains over 32 years old in 23 Brigade.
22/11 Went to 2/29 Battalion as 21C."B"Company.
[*Important Dates    i*] 

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY

of

CAPTAIN N.I. MORRISON VX28610

25/11  Albury Draft arrived including Col. Smith Shepparton and Wangaratta Drafts
arrived.

29/11  Darley Draft arrives.

1/12   Maher arrives to take over "B" Company.

3/12  To C.D.S. with pneumonia.

22/12 Out of C.D.S.

24/12 To Town with Ivy and the boys.

26/12 Contacted Measles at Ferntree Gully.

1941

6/2    Rejoined Unit at Bonegilla.

14/2  March of 2/21, 2/22, 2/29, 2/40 Battalions through Melbourne. Offices Dinner. 

24/2  Left for Bathurst. Tea on Albury Platform.

25/2  Detrained at Kelso. Marched to Camp.

4/4    A.I.F. Swimming Sports in Sydney. Captained Team from Bathurst.

6/4   Captaincy back dated to 1-2-1941.

1/5   Father died.

3/5   Returned from Wambool to find Telegrams telling of Dad's death. Left for Sydney
to catch night train to Melbourne.

6/6   Lithgow, Katoomba, Lithgow trip.

3/7   First reinforcements arrive.

14/7 Battalion Officers Dance.

15/7 Pre-embarkment leave. 

27/7 Farewell trip to Orange with Jock.

29/2 Left Bathurst for Melbourne.

30/7 Embarked on "Marnix Van Sint Aldegonde" at Port Melbourne.

31/7 Cleared Port Phillip Heads.

7/8   Anchored off Fremantle with yellow flag flying.

8/8   Leave in Perth. Spent time with Kathleen.

15/8 Arrived Singapore. Billeted at St Patricks school Katong.

[*Important Dates    ii*]

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY

of

CAPTAIN N.I. MORRISON VX 28610

25/8  Nominated as 27 Brigade L.O to H.Q.8 Aust Div.

28/8  Interviewed by Brig. Maxwell re above.

29/8  Seconded as LO3 to Johore Bahru.

11/9  Received Birthday cable while at Mersing.

1/10  Met Colin Christie and wife.

17/10 Met Mrs Johnson.

29/10 Sultans birthday party, met Jean Low.

1/11  First lesson on riding a motor bike.

30/11 Hair cut with Dawks.

2/12  To 27 Brigade with Shaw.

5/12  To 27 Brigade with revised Raffles Plan.

1941 War
6/12  To H.Q. 27 Brigade and then to Jemaluang.

8/12  Landing at Kota Bharu and Bombing of Singapore.

13/12 G.O.C. Returned from Middle East. Main staff back to Johore Bahru. Moved to 27 Brigade Headquarters.

18/12 Report Centre opened. Butler, Morrison, Metcalfe, Couch and Doyle.

29/12 Kluang bombed. C.O. badly shaken. Olsen 1^st A.I.F. killed in action.
1942
2/1   O.B.E. awarded to Pond, White and O'Donnell, M.B.E. to Carthew.

9/1   Took C.O. to Headquarters. 45 Indian Brigade at Malacia.

10/1 Headquarters moved to Yong Pent.

11/1 Night trip to Batu Pahat.

12/1 Early morning trip to Batu Pahat. Report Centre opened at Selamat Wyett Moses.
Advance Headquarters to Labis. Stayed at Headquarters 27 Brigade.

14/1 A.I.F. in action. 2/30 Battalion forward of Gemas.

17/1 2/29 Battalion forward of Bakal.

18/1 Withdrew south from Segamat.

20/1 Haircut at Labis. Advance Headquarters to Yong Peng.

20/1 Night ride to Labis.

21/1 Report Centre opened outside Yong Peng.

22/1 53 Brigade and Bukit Payang.

23/1 Advance Headquarters to Rengam. First party of Muar Force came out.

[*Important Dates    iii*]

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY

of

CAPTAIN N.I. MORRISON VX28610

24/1  Met Ian Morrison Reporting for the Times Paper very like the Gaunts.

24/1  Plans for withdrawal to Island. Gordans withdrew without orders.

27/1  22 Indian Brigade ambushed at Payang.

29/1  Withdrawal put forward 24 hours. Battalion Headquarters to 14 MS and Divisional
Headquarters to J.B.

30/1  Crossed to Island.

4/2    With Jessop and Greener to Kranji OP.

9/2    Headquarters bombed, killed Gordon Creeks.

10/2  Holland Road,Wevells visits. Two bombings. Last of R.A.F. Left 3 phase attacks.

11/2  Tangan Barracks, Dawkins killed.

15/2  Capitulation

16/2  Preparation to move to Changi.
1942  Prisoner of War
19/2  Changed to Tokyo time. Clocks on 90 minutes.

22/2  Rejoined 2/29 Battalion as O.C. "B" Company. Lovett, Archball, Pearsall, Benny
and Martin.

24/2  First work party to Singapore.

25/2  First inspection of P.O.W.

26/2  Changed to rice diet.

2/3    Second inspection of P.O.W.

11/3  Second work party to Singapore.

15/3  Unit Commemoration Service. J.W.I.. would not go....

First singing of National Anthem.

26/3  Gen. Sodijamas Inspection.

26/3  Went to Mia with dysentery. Should have gone a week earlier.

2/4   GOC inspected 27 Brigade on Square.

3/4   Dawn Service POW attended from Battalion.

5/5   Thomson Road WP left.

14/5 Force "A" left.27 Brigade combine under Armstrong.

17/5 Heard 10 Officers 170 O/D's A.I.F. Kuala Lumpur, Morgan, McGlum, McQueen,
Hackney and Waters.

29/5 Second attack of dysentery.

12/6 Canteen opened.

14/6 Received first pay.

16/6 Bowring returned from Thompson Road.

20/6 First letter card home.

27/6 Fit, sent to A.G.H.

1/7   Returned to Unit.

8/7   Force "B" left.
[*Important Dates    iv*]

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY

of

CAPTAIN N. I. MORRISON VX28610

9/2   22,27 Battalions and 2/4 combine. Ordered by Bowring.

16/2 Warning order for special party for Japan.

18/2 McQueen and Fenton arrived from X.L. Bring roll of 2/29 there.

20/2 Combined performance by concert party. Told of recommendation by GI.

22/2 Imperial Japanese Army Inspection.

14/8 Visit to Conference House sketched by Jap Artist.

15/8 Farewell speeches to special Japan party.

16/8 Special party left Brig. Maxwell did not go.

18/8 First Red Cross issue. Maisemeal, Sweets, Jam, soap.

20/8 Inspection Fukuia G.O.C. P.O.W. Malaya.

30/8 Asked to sign "Non Escape" form. All refuse.
2/9   Incarceration in Square. 1600 all told. Executions.
5/9   Released from Square.
6/9   Move to Building 17 Area "D" order Kappie.
10/9 Mutton issued in lieu of beef.
18/9 Leggatt and 24 others arrive in Java.
3/10 61 arrive from ex K.W.
9/10 Second Red Cross issue. Daily base for one month,. then reduced scale.
10/10 Stockwitch and Krumann march ex Java. Linked Battalions 18/76, 19/30, 10/29.
11/11  Syonan Times started, Bowring, Matherson, Hutchinson, Smith, Stirling and Irwin
are P.O.W. Korea.
15/10 Work Party to River Valley Road. Officers paid 430.00.
17/10  Norman Trantor arrives ex Java.
30/10  Work Party to River Valley Road.
1/11   Large Dutch Party arrive ex Java.
6/11   Major Anderson 2/30 took over Company Battalions from Ron Campbell.
7/11   Work Party to River Valley Road.
8/11   Armistice Service at Changi.
16/11 2/2 prisoners march in ex Java.
23/11 J.K.B. to Garden Control.
28/11 Maxwell, Heath and McDonald to Japan. First check roll call.
2/12  Concert. "I'm the Dream you Had" and "Let it be You".
6/12   Pilgrimage to cemetery, very heavy rain.
11/12 End of five days rain. "Admiral Dyeton" "Fascinating Bitch".
14/12 Kappes first lecture.
17/12 l.J.A. Inspection.
18/12 Meat issue ceased.
20/12 Moved to Building 11 on Square. Linked buildings cease.
23/12 2/29 Battalion in ex Singapore combined "B" Company.
25/12 Christmas Day;
[*Important Dates    v*] 

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY
of
CAPTAIN N. I. MORRISON VX28610
1943
1/1   Togo issued Toddy last night. Renbottom, Wyett taken.
4/1   Old Brigades reorganised.
17/1 Anniversary of Muar Service.
26/1 Australia Day Parade by 27 Brigade.
29/1 Wrote wireless message of 20 works to send home.
14/2 Humiliation Parade after three false starts. Movie pictures taken.
16/2 First performance Brigade Concert Party.
20/2 Order of Glass Rod.
21/2 Sent letter home.
24/2 Exchange of Officers for Mess.
27/2 Dysentery needle.
28/2 Warning order for "D"' Force. 2500 each Brigade and A.I.F. No. 27 Brigade.
Headquarters A.I.F. Pilgrimage to Cemetery.
1/3   Kempt to A.G.H. as Q.M.
3/3   Dysentery needle.

7/3   Mail at the goal.
10/3 Tab. Needle. First mail arrives in Changi.
14/3 Advance Party "D" left. O.C. McEacharn. Formal Mess combined A.I.F., Shehan,
Wild Head Kappe and Battalion N.C.O.'s and 2I. C.
15/3 Tab. No 2 needle.

21/3 Did first Work Party. O.C. of Garden for one week.
28/3 Force "E" left after 18 hours notice. 550 each Brigade and A.I.F.
31/3 Two letters from Mum and one from Ivy.
5/4 15 of "B" Company poisoned by shrimps.
8/4  Warning order for "F" Force. 3700 Brigade. 3300. A.I.F. 1 remained.
15/4 Supper at 18 Division, three courses for 60 pence.
17/4 Made second in Command  Brigade Headquarters and Company Battalion Move
Out.
19/4 2/29 Battalion and Brigade Headquarters Move Out.
20/4 2/26 Battalion Move Out.
21/4 Remnants of Battalion move to Building No.2 and become "C"Company under
lieutenant Col. Byrne.
22/4 2/30 Battalion Move Out.
23/4 Handed stores over to Carthew.
25/4 Made 2 IC, "C" Company. Anzac Parade. Force "C" left.
26/4 Moved to Building No.2.
28/4 Mess President had box seat at "Nude Days".
30/4 Warning Order Force "H" 1200 E. 1200 "D" 600 "A" Com first party "H" force
leaves.
[*Important  Dates    vi*] 

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY
of
CAPTAIN N. I. MORRlSON VX28610
8/5   A.I.F. of "H" Force leave. Come under command of Lamacraft.
9/5   Warning Order. 320 Officers for Force "H". Later a Warning Order for "J" Force.
         600 E. A. Under Byrne.
15/5 Force "J " moved out. Rearranged into O.C. 26/29/ pl
17/5 Officers of Force "H" left.
20/5 Check by Imperial Japanese Army of all P.O.W. in Changi.
23/5 Mount Guard near Malay School.
30/5 Opening of Officers Mess Club.
31/5 Opening of "Smokey Joes".
3/6   Told of death of Ross A., in Outeram.
9/6   Bawled out by B.J. at Club for not standing.
10/6 First tour of commanding Officers since November 1940.
18/6 Warning Order for "K " Force (Medicalo).
19/6 Three years in A.I.F.
25/6 Force "K" left.
27/6 Fordham taken to SA.
30/6 Dysentery 1/7 tabs, 6/7 DYSZ, 7/7 TWSZ
25/7 Rumours of move.
3/8 I.J.A. search all men and quarters.
4/8  Letters at goal.
8/8  G.C.G. move across road.
9/8  Letter from Ivy dated 2.7.1942.
14/8 Warning Order for concentration in Selarang.
16/8 Move to House 15H.
20/8 Cholera needle.
24/8  Force "L" 9 Medicalo moved out.
27/8 Move of A.G.H. and B.C.H. completed.
29/8 Rumours of big local work party last sinbum.
4/9   I.J.A. take house 132 for Guard House.
5/9   Special church parade peace?
9/9   Organ Grinder's Birthday. 32 years old.

13/9  First recording for A.I.F. Broadcast.
18/9  Work started on Playground "C.L.P."
23/9  A.C. No 3 party on "CLP".
1/10  I.J .A. Refuse grant to Red Cross for Hospitals.
10/10  Anniversary of C.I.C.
21/10 Rumour of "F" and "H" Forces coming home.
28/10 Interest of 2 pound on money in bank.
1/11  "Outward  Bound".
5/11  Blakang Mati Work Party. 2/29 moved.
8/11  Chips knocked unconscious.
[*Important Dates    vii*] 

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY
of
CAPTAIN N. I. MORRISON VX28610
14/11  Armistice Anniversary in Square.
15/11  Rollason returned to Outtram Road.
17/11  Registration of and S.O. for Dogs.
19/11  Change over of cooks and Q.M.
25/11  Commenced slit trenches.
27/11  Holmes signs himself "Senior Officer".
1/12   Rice reduced to 6 ozs
6/12   I A.I.F. Red Cross parcel from U.S.A.
9/12   Wrote letter cards.

16/12  First arrivals of up Country Party in G and W.
20/12  100 word wireless messages.
26/12  Parade Dress for A.I.F. Officers on Drome.
27/12  Battle casualties for Sopher.
31/12  Vaccination for Small Pox.
1944
7/1    Major Johnson takes over "C" Company.
14/1  Search of area by I.J.A.
22/1  More letters at goal.
24/1  25/1, 31/1, 2/2 needles DYSI. TABI. DYSI  2. TAB 2.
28/1  Yack all men four times a week.
31/1  "Apache Dance" and "Shooting High".
7/2    Letters from Ivy 13.2.1943. Uncle Clive died. Essays on campaign.
9/2    "Hay Fever". Pork  issue.
15/2  Cyrils closed.
20/2  Death of 24 P.O.W. 2/29 at Medan Sumatra got names.
29/2  American Red Cross parcels 1360 each of 8 oz coffee, 12 meat, 11 pork, 11 butter, 7
ham and eggs, 6 patti, 8 chocolates, 8 salmon, 6 jam, 16 prunes, 8 cheese, 4 sugar, 8
soap, 2 soup powder, 16 milk powder, 7 men 1 parcel. 100 shoes, every man 28
cigarettes.
10/3  Sport and propaganda photos. CPL. Fairy "B" Force in H.G.H.
12/3  Special Mess Dinner. 10 Doovas. Joe Porters Orchestra Party. Both excellent.
13/3 13 Extra beds into house.
15/3  Inspection by General Saito on Square. Left Company 1000 returned 1500.
1/4   Reorganisation took place.
4/4   Chris Nestor died and was buried Plot 124 Changi.
20/4 First party arrived from Kanbori, 20 additional deaths.
29/4 Remainder arrive from Kanbori.  
9/5 First 1000 from Selerang into goal.
20/5 Moved from No.2 area back to Selarang. Letter from Ivy.
[*Important Dates    viii*] 

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY
of
CAPTAIN N. I. MORRISON VX28610
25/5  I moved to goal. Move to be completed by 31 May.
28/5  Part of Hospital moved to Kranji.
1/6    First landing of air craft on Drome.
4/6   1000 wireless messages received in Camp.
26/6 Methans Party torpedoed 7 2/29 drowned.
6/7   First of 82 men? "A" Force arriving in Singapore.
21/7 New administrators of Camp. Newey and Dure.
25/2 Work party of 200 under Major Darnoo left for paid work in Singapore.
28/2 Word received that concert broadcast of 3 December 1943 was heard at home.
5/8  100 at torpedo party arrive in camp. Sent letter No. 2/29.
9/8   Hill Regan in Australia February 1944 arrived in Camp.

16/8 Dys. and Tab needles.
23/8 Second does Dys. and Tab.
28/8 22 bags of mail. Will take 10 days to sort.
9/9  Another Birthday today.
10/9 Sent 24 work message home.
16/9 Received message through post dated 17.11.1943. Replied to same.
20/9 Lettercard from Ivy dated 10.1.1944.
25/9 Letter card, letter and photo. 24.12.1943 and 28.1.1944. Dysentery again.
29/9 To A.G.H. M.O. is Cameron of Croydon.
6/10  Harris takes over from Heath.
21/10 Jim Gordon died.
5/11   First allied planes sighted.
29/11 Officers Dinner.
1945
2/1   December cable from Ivy. 24 words. Replied.
9/2   91 planes sighted.
24/2 108 planes sighted.
4/3   A.G. supplies arrive Singapore by ship.
12/3 Signed "Non Escape" form again. Was dated 12.3.1944.
21/3 Sent letter card home.
1/4   Red Cross food issue. 1 parcel to 20 men. To be continued each Wednesday and
Sunday.
18/4 Red Cross comforts issue. Drew a pencil.
22/4 Primary Malaria.
8/5   Letter and photo of 22.8.1944.
9/5 Cards of 5.7.1944 and 9.8.1944.
18/5 Comforts issue. Soap for me.
13/6 "Grove" reopens.
[*Important Dates    ix*] 

IMPORTANT DATES IN A.I.F. HISTORY
of
CAPTAIN N. I. MORRISON VX28610
20/6   Last issue of Red Cross food.
26/6   Card of 30.1.1945.
30/6   "Grove" closed again.
5/7    Dillon takes over from Newey.
30/7  Last Dysentery needle.
4/8    9 fighter 38's overhead.
11/8  Near the End.
15.8.1945
Finnish
[*Important Dates    x*]
[*PR05395*]