Papers relating to the service of Cyril John Watson, 1941-1945 - Part 4

Japanese writing - see original document 

[[?]] 

TO 

Lieut. C. J. Watson.                           

Anti Tank.

Changi. Camp.

FROM
[[C?]]

Dear Cyril

Many thanks for my case which arrived a

few days ago.

I did not receive your letter until yesterday.

nearly one month old. Stabby has evidently been

hanging on to them in spite of the fact that Major

Quick had spoken to him in the meantime

about half a dozen times, and also a truck

had been to their camp every few days.

Received a note from Stabby with your

letter & John's, stating he was enclosing the slippers

but they did not arrive.

[[W?]] is going along pretty well. The camp

is divided into 2 squads, and we work alternate

days which is very satisfactory. The Japanese now give    
us a certain amount of work to do, and we can go

as soon as the job is finished. It is much more
satisfactory from our point of view and

also from theirs

TO 

Lieut. C.J. Watson (2)
FROM
[[C?]]               

I have seen Rudolph - Mackisack they are on a

job at the Ford Works.

Stabby also said in his note that he forgot to

collect the money from Machain, so I expect I can

kiss it goodbye. Andrew's brother sent him $30 from

the [[next?]] World, and I managed to get $10 from

him on a/c, so things could be much worse.

Would you let me know what gear of mine

you were able to secure. Would like to have Nola's

photo if you could get it out to me. I wish you

could get out here yourself. I expect things are rather

dead out there now.

Please yourself what you do with my valise. If.

it would be right to you to put your gear into in

the event of a move, hang onto it, but if not, perhaps

it would be better here as. I dont think we will get

back to Changi from here.

Was sorry to hear about Bob Siddon, but glad to

hear Ronie was on the improve.    

TO 

Lieut. C.J. Watson (3)                                            

FROM
[[C?]]

Did you receive any of your own gear. I hope you got

Pat's photo.

I suppose John Vance has reached his destination

by now, wherever it might be. The Bty has certainly

been broken up, but I hope that you &I can manage

to stay together.

Sgt Morrison was on Juong. Rd a few days

ago, and says that there are a few bodies covered.

with earth in the trenches. about 10 yds from your

[[And.?]] He could not identify them but probably Tangey &

Sgt. Nealy are there.

We have been getting quite a few vegetables lately

and meat every 3 or 4 days. We are really being

treated very well.

The original Japanese engineers we were

working with, received orders to move at very.

short notice, and we had 11 days without work

until the new. party arrived. We have been very.

fortunate as regards. Jap officers etc.

(over).

(4)

In the new party is an officer who has spent 12 years.

in America. He was in Japan on holiday and was called up.

He speaks English very well with a real. Yankee accent.

A few weeks ago on the emperor's birthday, some

of the senior officers went to the Japanese officers house for

dinner. During the evening one of them made a speech to

the effect that we are not regarded as prisoners, but

as part of Singapore which they took over after capitulation,

but as we are soldiers, must be kept under more strict

supervision than other civilians.

I have found all officers & unit soldiers very

friendly, generous and helpful in every way.

I wish we could get together for a good talk. I.

find myself much more homesick now than in the old

Malacca days.

Hope you are quite well. I am 100%. Many thanks.

for what you have done for me out there.

Kind regards to Ronie Bob Seddon, also Marty &

Doc Rogers if you should see them.

Remember we to everybody out there. Hope to see

you soon.

Until then - good luck.

[[C?]].

P.S. Remember me to Pat in your next letter. 

FROM

21 Apr '42

Dear Cyril,

I am writing this and giving it to Sgt

Stanford in the R.A.P. in the hope that someone

may go back to Changi and be able to

deliver it to you

We are quartered in a long row of shops

on Bak & Timah Rd just north of rlwy Bridge

about 500 north of the ford Works. Quarters are

quite good. We have water laid on and hope

to have electric light very soon. There is also a

canteen here where we can buy bread for

10 cents a small loaf, native biscuits & sweet

meats, matches, tinned pineapple (occasionally)

and coffee. Unfortunately prices are high and money

is running very low. I suggest you hang on

to as much money as you can, as it will

be valuable if you should come in on

a working party.

English & I are sharing a room with Andrew.

Blow Berry Sutton & Payne all of [[8/10?]] and  are very happy

(over) 

Work is very solid. Our job is to take the top off B & TIMAH
and build a memorial on top and a road up to it.
We are working two shifts ½ the men from 0900 -1400
other ½ 1400 - 1900, and the five hours spell work
is very solid.
Revielle is at 0715. Breakfast 0750

Move off at x0830 Return from job at 1430 and have

our midday meal. Their morning party rests for the day.

Afternoon party. Lunch 1230 move off at 1330. Return at 1930

Up to date we have got on well with Japanese officers

and soldiers, in spite of a few nasty types. Most of them

of are very decent and will share any thing they have

with us.

From the hill we have a marvellous view of

practically the whole of the island and other islands to the 

south. We also look down onto the scene of your

"Waterloo". Have seen [[/6?]] on the job the but it is badly

knocked about.

Have seen nothing of [[Fray.?]] [[Schwides?]] or Brownie. Wish

I could see Brownie and take over my $10.

Would you send me my rubber scandals if an

opportunity occurs.

Hope everything is going well at Changi and you

and everybody else are  OK. I have been & bit off colour

the last few days.

Regards from

[C?]]

12 SEPT (Wed.) - B'fast Rice, pears

½ tin milk, Packing ready to move.

What a mess. Are to broadcast

15 sec. message home, when rushed

away at 1100. Give Field Card,

packed our trucks, & into Kuching

Cup of tea, biscuits. Meet [[Andrew?]]

(McLeiden B'water.) Stroll down

to boat. Sub chaser SC468.

U.S.S Navy give us great time

Hambirgers, cheese, coffee.

Lose haversack by Visit US Baines.

Board U.SS Willoughby. Cafeteria

mess in evening. Supper. Bed.

Issue underclothes, toilet requisites.

See picture. "The Heavenly Body"

Wlm Powell & Hedy Lemarr. See Radar

at work. Nips wheeling gear out

of Kuching. "S.S. Wanganella" - hosp.

ship standing by Some (10) off by

Catalina. 

13 SEPT. (Thurs.) - Reveille 0630.
B'fast. Talk in dispensary. See
engine room. 1100 - lunch. More
Brit O.R's on board. To sleep on deck.
Weigh 144 lb. Gained 28 lb.
Excellent equip, radio, loud speaker
system. Chatting with the guys
Very good to us. Interesting.
Seen about 18 mths. service. Very
young. Meals restricted which
is good thing. Most fellows still
slightly "out of control". Squall
after evening "chow."
Baker G.C. on the job again
Leave Po Point 1800 while having chow.
Six motor boats accompany us.
Australian
War Memorial
PR 86/174