Diaries of John Kevin Lloyd - Part 18

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
AWM2022.6.45
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

00623200 m SSenbesMoSMens H RSE Bstson Ma Joh So e 2/29R 0 30 4 OMSNSS in loW ryaug-3 Now & Dealy
MONOAY 12A The night was rather cool. the datives having no blanket apent mast the night huddled arcitnt wnside his and kept up a babble o chatter all angst long blands are row and the sunpuature bh ad budse last night until undright and hopped ioniderable even Beenh am reading ins the Tars Look Doven. It is a rtoy of the m life in an English collierg beven before and during the last way and like the rest of his books is ponlerfully writhen are hue churachen shand in Lufilite out 2. sie again fap ham redered shrengths of yoff whis light here wach day fo and limibe there numbers and are demanding ware men out the gob. The carlivy mn go alad wefcture of lifean health now deare and many s/gmen are bersniing from me. a gap bires on on but about 2300 hrs and receaned for sums for having lights one NEOAESDA14AOR buane stadily imbenabl Dars lef and namp through the lined lake mak sids,. the gap officer it men lart night and statd they mutall go ont do we we aro good work is very rearse at an ther gts knu want& to know if we has clttine loghswrd but last night as and when the fap gualt afpod nt cam tgedis and ery aso hel in an oll frent My T 48 t Billings ack Harragan by nam mset avalI daught a duck from the sat offien for $255 I am takin lillagie the kepof the camp my doly hen wode a I feel rus vitar and recetum is inflamed - doee so te el. Bun ward to buy atothing Ast taken our n ou. la b 16A08 lat the pay abe snnd 404 pr even who other as bmet t sit w an hi the right chang a believe & hard on aparns hav arreve to a Kunnichos. 630 pairs of book, and wamen who areed book now Buinine artived agan with sun perticon Blumes have died and were carries ar an bursen let a does pps warchd quertion of men implrentes in the sendory of a litte to arather camp. They seemed afer of locat agant Tunday 79.Abl heas ovn the Carnon accorting to M/ Matthew to the batholies after Resary. Ste pbut men fo a wall out along the varlun wort is puge are tan bring Ket were very little Jop snfumse of chrdent from the cantien a hwquen
BUOAY 19AR Timahed reading Wodehairns Little Nugget, the stay of the boy of wrorth american parent who was worth kidnapping. the road is being regiaded are wr right through the unddle of our satp most of us attended a pick show at night the ven ws excls on same tres af the wal of a nefuldan we all sut on the geoine, Japs to the numbr f scane 155, in fient Bulmere so in the right war(be mr) and P0W uparh &, a bambosrarl on the left on band gave a recitae whilel w waitd for darkir. 5 pretures were reveened sipas on fep insersty, 2in Burnin in life in y fap sul 3rd in langlish of life in ap town from 5600 2400, 4th a murrical sitting the rong of the Foum and als a lene putue of 2 hours in the gaf vitory of Pease ao the L. of Wale TUESOAY 20Alk. Tlory for sam to be able to see the setters of lust wiht shew Wher I see anything intinsbing, my first then got is how I would like to show it to he three is only one big which keeps me been slipping downball. the throught the my deae wife is thinking of me and shell laving me and we alan Vacunctien against swell pox was commenced today as ther have been cass at other cam VEOUESDAY LAPR. Walked repstram to a waterfall diep dowen in a valley runn up th mouretain side. Thrs would be a delightful spot to whe awy the spare her the cool and the roar of the lumblers watr Wallard anothe 2 mily in spartion of our march so the 130 hilo camp. A pap surly here fermly believe I be are excharge of pirser wvin we wlus to ba for he thought is marlley, lake in sanis wt a desert here betaived vatgeaves Told ane am finding a lat of injoyment out of its pages MURSOAY 22AlR be large tress here an liberally a prpte flower, will sent afue aronge ofreen pigean flastid plassed upe. The bods have beautiful ge dent ry little sa I have unlope an atach ot a few canben supplirs as ava I drew islab of thinlegal and 2 panal I to thanbuanal ns dut certal nds mpaving top of 245 of suater Asin were recived and sep t wtitt tere a Bading at of Butret Haten by warn Moi and Bongles Ruds Sisgince band hurly in the en tabe that this w aright B Bankob A ls op per and fee and a emor quietiend here hear the statim of thy hass with the hoaps SATUREAY LUACE that chnslow late of lwarryton Wt 356nt The4t. He as a teatheti ew casncept for that perur o ar ioliling gravel from thes cuck bet and are speading it on the new rood, they cany very swa queantilies both in backib (m) and in the gullach waser EONOAV ISARR Easter tandy and anyar Day. A down suskic was hild at 0725 he I am feeling washed out me have not left my quartees all doy. Thas life unbeaable when am is feeling all Minories which keep an from despas he will fail to sie any hop t ill thi wsh is awe MSWOAY 26ARR I am improving today. I had a good night sleep. 10 Buas wet thiridoan in my bidding today, Another Bmise died Loday. His body wis left an the ground at the w of them bert. They were paid today and as in startd to gamble it away, Lody is a hotiday unexficted given to acs but 250 workers, submittee best of putual popelye am again. Fold officers wan to do thei hun as inghhwablimen. The Run ar a gambliy gav which reembers our shittles. It is place with about 10a heart shaped, 9 lined in a row and he oter suit spiner from he 2 hands from 8 fuet away dowen to the lie of and knowe sam of them over. that an quite extet at rpurning and there length is perfert the su is ende UESON 27APR and I am not much better thay yesteday but made aaf anum of about 500 yds. C0, band and a few uog base to be included in a proparance ths informas i soon to the borde camp 113 kilo togethe with gas Heard that in at 2000 lon coming from tr other end will hes and PoU et 1304s WEONES tong the road for hes a certain lype of tall b Talhn od with long purpe sttbs nm bloom and bie is abud te gamp, as now an unforgedfue ight yo any the flad. bb are 100 fat high. It is when than Torne h that long to be able to about it to wany tartol bont 500 ym i bant ce pass throug a Hiekey of Japern publutie by Jourat Bany lbra HURSDAY 2 Thap am still be am there kurnns not picked up soure do indisenbebl flth an coverd with fy atm then bart noisly for 3 houls we i demest smeet lightning by secane i ao me whole shy was let up by this Maskes. The haad spicrally in the afternoen. I begin to despain of shnning in fol sined 30Alk o extumely trying beat lpl man deed of dysentey and wa and the ronk a coffer was provdd after tinks. abvertt the men and pruple flower coune the lidt the bugh calls wer of lived to of rolls of thurda and the jungle furbly wathid accompanion intie with its splarky of puple took some ie are stipped way vnen. STURONV I.UA he more to pase, but wo huk wa araitable Parte GDNOAL Hebhs hise to Bare Highlware jouny charges herehs 3 fimes complete with baggase, t slek more 3 gap and 3 pay staff Jop t ur appalting Reody wore at 0000, artived 1800 his rant alage oe in a howed Firs. Durt was awfure. Yet the bussomnd with fle flee were a great right Parts an lard to sthits in renter
September 10 tQuiet enough - had a nightmare received my blade ragor from 114 and saw Steve ward draw a parael which had come from Australia - mine may nothe long now Had clipked the od zareba short duning thi lart pod days and wiked thit out this morning, upper Elip buls as bart as a bally's bottom - first voluetan Abereavelent in welve years. Wouldint Glad be shocked & September 17 N ef B Shaefh donn 22.24 e It I repar Ausbe ne wa $22 Dton St 12 opreasonably early and away, to town with the storeman. Piched up my opecs at Stantan wes got a greatzcoat at Balag, and lought a stethorcop
A a hotiday, me still we ave dy weather and today ver 001 ou goods are coming into the camp for a few day and we are ngh to e rations- and drungry. The concerd was a variety entertaining including a bedrvom scene. Hawalian sangtr and a girl, and the siving band with lady (Welle) and gentlemen in Dinner Luiks (made ent of bays). It ip hande will not conider studies and t as sufficient to coply will the insturctions that officers ar ho be imployed. TUESOAY VIN 27 The papan bal about 100 shong wint off and included 7 of my wir and 35t of my Gecrip. Attencee birthday party of charly hol & re by Wellim. Hos ne than enough apparintly as I draint very heavily afterward Ho a confirence of bankers so arravge Bannery Lachrt, and later atended leet by Lieet W Lawler Large supplis of midice stores arrived from all ed Cross, emmantite, atabre, Suphistanride, dusiig, ansutheties books Abe ant EOLESOAY TUN 28 then are still no cawker goods and we muss the very much, the ason an n sufficiend to apprace hunger. 10 men even off to Band sm a tap URSOAY TUY29 tanforn who theew himself down the well several writs, ago, got out up during last night, had a straggle with same quirt fiom the post and as beought into the lamp trayoneted i several plan uinconscious. An brinet thrust wnt through his forco into h chist into his bettern. An ulxed inquiry was held. The medical orderly who was mutr mentaleasy must beer a certain amount of blame. Endover roi a curticn ahunists enhinate the cast of medical supplis received here at 4o0 the again with barun and tobarro. H10AL FUN 30 Eggs were available again amuricins received an issue of bock an reader Hatfields this land of ours? New Yak commender has cancelled our odueation scheme. It consider it too silly, Majer Crawford, one of the swice RMOs arrived to stay for severl days. He actually deans m rickels pee month N2 Bch is at Chunkar, 315 conbund of Kanburi and Hamalian Noyal Tamivan, a 146 at Womprodue and the hospital at concompoton in that oun along the parlevoy tie The Japs askd dury f the neaving that a bigistiing e be fed and available a1200 in destination a secret. When the ine care it wer young Varley to vis hedad SHTURDAY. IULI aided reeding the Antocur Valy retund Pow are taking today to go from Targan to Lugapoe, 38 & rice to a much. Went to bonfission. 2 Went to reass and H.C. Dutch Chaplain arrived from the other sut we have pairty of themd ad lighting but lettle hand tolbball ave in uninteruptied in the evening. Wood parti ut aloset every evening a iwow here 5 wich supply an ha tsee ons binging at religious comen were stopped by Japeri al 25Sal insu eas Cr KEAAVF. MEISCI pi 30 TUESDAY wert nrer ttable have wat tothe tt t a aneat and competion FR1D1 anmaunted tence w ettled batwen gi Hanwnde was at wailable. M 4 wonderful shown rech gin Deacal aseeing agaest balledut sn aurt hod bere called ndo with o Reav n attindance at t many alongsed I have gove onto acre. The jungle is alle all conrmubuty they am ms hadin cannt life in Frinc ts on own. Whanty 9 ad of 4 san t alt that hansfe to sack theny m stare I bank trere fert
ina coneal side to an oriderly roon on Har ant evening, the 2escort were drund in hal identificate t stung only a day of rest I swam 700yds i wch effert they was the wine conart in ane at id a Daruen Imprssible - a dry giv with milk she pruble the best worker for barch with a lipshel ad is omer siger by agw tasere a stay of John Strick alty ix Bar bande and Aname writ 22 10A7 6A8) t I say a fin prayers in bed, an act of cantirhion, onr 3 Harl the prager for them and Dad. When day to doe and shadienes if Havier and an young ms with a deep longing. 3OAX 7ARR. Thotday declared to move men and fewer buuts and make in for 2000 Burmere. Camp built for $3000 we have 1800 ane it in are ciowdid in 11412 to a bay ofhen 5. The fop stalf is appalting. There is antiament betwen guards and wartet fand they sum to be inserty unibl to plan abiet cetainly there gap privates doing the administent are just secaniig childret apes, inee able of reatrng the 8AR implication of nders given anther a ie macking by. the are at the men of the s are bydg ledging up the camp, building a cambes ferm in stae but of the iiver in antropation of this fap imput p sum bef mn ad boay wionng dmbands and barnees with the shorl and chunked emblagand then DAPR anin a base spin, over the wret of a maye tunl. We we up in cive him, the camp was cleared therong were incurd to a iexumn. The Brig Cunt & Dutch uao is (Thank Go) th the o and all stayed overnight a concert had to be itaged h denefid and the 3cs were prsented and thei iquory. The Bne he bee suffering beem consumption as they cough all night the gcnw to be sharings and a occasional withim contain san 10 APR the pap visiting party lift after iring the hoop drawen up a 4t He was very pleased with the gap staff. This no doubt will i an there hatment of us which is so often tmbiting an galtig able today to sl to my plared acufi, work in the office, praynbosh and aumbark limch bisbay sening pap tenuege nming dea, duke, buly SWDAY IIACO The Bunn or Tharlant lane filthy habit the grae all arsure then is pellut with excrete, food ane were and he plys are a real mende to tar Lop bee done nothing to relify the hsuble Re is fallen beinly him n Decmber Allwen were wtdavon from wart at 1200 to and reparat knoe messer aga dr of ing ae softball wnd day. The weather is still dos g gaines of foring and the afteroon. sndit was goo ad Rebynedl and head ther h rooin nunran hire. We had a most am ad a wr dis an operabing theat with 3 doses ulgabe Shronghy at the cpe preats hat which bad been it a cowsong was recovered from the inside of the yrat ad the Liing land & favouite of the Desers long ldoen of Bandmarte Galleat of the Hensin gave seen us and che a two but TU1o trude and sere Dubk arriveed from the othe cmp ede tadment. Ordered to write letters of thanks for the md bid from our Red moss tociepis Received, scope of day and and 2 of the Voice of Sippon, te latal dabe 29 dray, The the better, its inturational ablication inseve, and it contains anskalian verry, such as the databint Woldileagues, e. ptesubles with the ness, two U.S Now dressed up in hemn of the day, and fed well ha cenashi UL5 leived at last and bodly needed too. am reading young a sees Emope. I understande that yet another camp wnd has been tosoda when I first met at ye lame of o walkd oyfroon where ant and putition leav to be remod from ped no, must for swere wt althrugh it is lying in the pap of 5v8 tuina curtency fo convisien by the paps a add cors from Batarla come sgodd wt vd from are where they bad gon in ioute to papen, Thy sall and sroch - 27 come to my gioup. Payde went bask io sat 11 andory some tns darly at trt I teke this targuage 5028 to the buthdes part of Myir Rehmidl. He produced cake, cannts and cigantres. a anothe part went of to bamping t atat. Uins pay alrui e gooethis it rui of a tine. His and have bot received uhs. ia is and it was guite a krill. Aun Lloyd is n her sevene of the writes. son was in Sept 1942. At least as was wall pan ago. Tern of our guards are now warking ito iy te with P.O.WS-probably for discipling reason soe athebt of the and considerably Lable. Have on essays borne ueuit Hes again. There is soe suggestion that all 44 As return here. If as it would appear that ga or finds it difpcult to get through the allred
November 21 November 22
August 27 Sar. Jothing to report Did some mobre. Seman and played a lible mone Bridge Clost acanf, but the raid which we were expecting So ight did nor come off lars August 28 Had a walk hus altemon & but, the geat in the efsc made out the papes for only one hour, which I popded out to the Commandant] wher I came in and he prpoues to have it fixed ut He left to night but wonddup by having tll the Hads on pprade att 8.30 coreetly dressed hed had them all seprched for money ket he Gemans tought it, a hill Na. to e
482 DATFv24 Tunpatirn back to noimal this invening but my back achs and I feel sicker inside than before. I have caken about the squivalint of one meal since Thunrsday. The annucans bead the offrin an a challenge match by one lew. The concel suined to be will received but I could hear only parts. The fap guards admit hhat they have been forbidden to back. Their attedude has cetainly ahar Liveret of them now make excuses for thenr part cweltin TUFSOA OuL 25 John Dannans 8th Withday My God blus hurn a therand fold It is 3 years now since I saw him what can he be like ? well I know him. Received word that all of is in this camp are to move bo Chunber to becam part of that Branch. The recuntly relieve guagle party of 150 frenh and 155 from me other cause were collectd together here today and will not move with us to Chubar. Lansrow we are to send an advand bait of 300 WEONEA VV advancesparty of 300 were nady atsovsty and mded at 1500 his. tever still ampewing and now I am ser an atahrin isuise. The day of cays, I bav fart received letter my fist 2 e is from sany dated anda ontaining scafe of John and ary on the forers oth buthlan theother yed who apparently had a selics llecds. All the vew s excelletas just what I wesed as I am still despondent from my fiver. MRSOAY VUL am gaining steength Read a of Uppon dapdy 1 tu ther i n efccne to the lausing on the cartifut the river is night liep to th wooden bridge which has bellied out in one place. The netur ae abun upon the dawage unter sap superrision, but they will not be able to da ba fill heavely for 15 artes the first for many a lary day. 7028 Weagher myself 63 kilss spipped. Iam 7lbs lighter then I was about hb received sletters, one each from Varney (Jane), Her and sn and 2 from yed Con dabed & I am immerisely bucked. All the news is good and Warrey seems to be doing 12u with Betly draaden, the children, the garden, the car an blocks and appoienty with bu Obtaind an inive of a pen of rubber soled bosts and exchanged turn p a peu me leater books, which I am siling well Received pay which is very wilae Hart 50/ 29 t magging very thavrly and I am wtill deprete- pusbably from the Nee abbun Have wed rlad Uduiu Colluns Lords of the Tunset" The the SAWOWAS of the Than states. It has really very little information. The princ and prencies admirish the states with the cesistace of Bihit adrse and ar deduats under a Britisher of the dranher sevice. Went to bonfusi Lileer ane I leal Murchison and Treleaven by 6660 points at bridge UNOAT JUL 30 Wen to MarsH.C. lip have Mlalaria and phillag are on the stackd a lot of bashing again. One kept 2 the camp awoke from $2300 2400 his harany a hupitiatihman for no veren at all they appoiently being encouaged by thei officer a holidly. The gaps are celebiating the deputure of reim of them for parts. We believe that a aufer has been declared throughout Tharland am beyiry out my new books which I exchanged for a pair of Jap Drubbin book. the wand excelled itself at the conent, with Johann fhaus Walkes of Kenna an relections by Lehae including the he i walke, attble White Dove and you are my heart's delight. TUEEDAY AUA it night we were all subjected to a grarsly unjust punishment by o to him teeooerglly but bed bcause the tg stat had ot been leftin the office. He berangued the caly and ordered welybody ont to the teriho. Amay the othicers acorre ther were some so very sick with fiver Ht make ep all our chishng againsation and kept no ther for 12 hourson the sabe of the sick mor the ady apelogised WEONESDALAUGE am feeling quike my old self again. Weighed 66 helss duired with boot, sol garters shal shir seep hew returned to get tou poy for the Clumber 300 Couditions there ruin to be much better, but a considerable area of the camp is flooded from both i am reading the hand of the Lurgham, by Arthur Miles a thon inditement of Hundrein and the barte Lysbern. THURCDAT AUGS The new jah administration took over and we had a s2 hu tunty during the afternoon a large issue of lish was received last nigh and caten today. I had 3 small fish the trouble is that thisr one meatration for 8 days, but perhaps the new administeation in be more lemend EBIDAY AVGA 30 years since the beginning of the last trat Mar, the feastday of tht Domonie but te bory could not fint a suitable place to say Maas Heare that the 300 who wet to Chumbar from hs camp dn Major Kur have been worned to stand by as part of a jungle fart We were given 6/½ pigs today which seems to be exta and will be goat SATURDAY AUG appretated about 1000 bog rice were brarght in from the barge. Towlen had to be disciptin for repeated shaberning He is i lery Eschene he adapt himself to charged surroundings and self confecan as a willing to take responsibility. Have obtained same is the You by, foward Spring. Several of our apparint have been wate for me oid canplaint SONeAYAUGE Mass HH6. there were no burches available for sents as two days ago we had to hand in sane 25 tables and 3000d abouls to make up Branrch defivency. Major Campbell was asked to sign for some 2s compasse and sake whistly - for the same reason ter rice is coming an and 100 valungle from Chunhar arrived today to arsist. Heres party is to be part of N0 we are new I1 Branch together wth Churcker. Up to about on morth Att deaths in II1 & t Buarrchy was 801. Tharked noverne in harre of assur

Photograph - see original document

 

Diagram - see original document
Major John Lloyd
2/29 Bn A.I.F 
Diary as ex. POW 24 Aug - 3 Nov 45
Trip to Manila 18 Jan - 

 

MONDAY 12 APR.
The night was rather cool. The Natives having no blankets spent most of
the night huddled around inside fires and kept up a babble of
chatter all night long. Clouds are low and the temperature has
dropped considerably. I played bridge last night until midnight, and
won 15 cents. Am reading Cronin's "The Stars Look Down". It is a story of the
grim life in an English colliery town before and during the last war, and
like the rest of his books is powerfully written and his characters stand out
clearly and lifelike
TUESDAY 13 APR. On
Once again Japs have reduced strengths of staff, reduced light rail-workers  for
½ day pay and limited their numbers and are demanding more men out on
the job. The railway must go ahead irrespective of life and health. [[Idra?e]]
is now closer and many 2/29 men are borrowing from me. A Jap burst
in on our hut about 2300 hrs and screamed for 5 mins for having lights on.
WEDNESDAY 14 APR
This life becomes steadily unbearable. Several Japs are "bash artists"
and ramp through the lines like mad kids. The Jap officer addressed all
sick men last night and stated they must all go out to work, sick or
well, otherwise they will receive no food. Food is very scarce at our
next camp. Sgts kinmae wanted to know if we had electric light in our hut
as all light went out last night as one when the Jap guard officer left.
THURSDAY 15 APR
A holiday. In the 2/2 AASO here is an old friend of George's and engaged to
Sheila Billings - Jack Flanagan by name. I am sure I have seen him before.
Co Mirrel and I bought a duck from the Jap officer for Rs 2.50. I am taking
quinine daily now with the rest of the camp. My tongue is still sore
and [[rectum?]] is inflamed - due to lack of vitamin. I feel run down today.
Pay has arrived. Burmese want to buy clothing. Adjt takes over tomorrow.
FRIDAY 16 APR
Was handed the pay-sheets and worked on them all day and late
in the night to day to balance them. Pay is very complicated as many
men on the March sheet are at Thanbyuzayat and Rephaw, many private
debts are adjusted through these sheets. Fines are deducted even when
not raised and some men are here whose pay has been sent to Rephaw.
SATURDAY 17 APR
Still worked hard on pay, balanced, collecting the right change, and
paid Kumichos. 630 pairs of boots, Indian and Japanese have arrived for
the 1100 men who need boots. More Burmese arrived again with very
few personal possessions. 2 Burmese have died and were carried out
and buried like a dogs Japs searched quarters of men implicated in
the sending of a letter to another camp. They seemed afraid of local agents.
Sunday 18 APR
Read over the Passion according to St Matthew to the Catholics after Rosary. Still
engaged on pay but went for a walk out along the railway. Work is progressing
fast and with very little Jap supervision. Not much more than bridges remains
to be done. Secured a few green peas and 1½ slabs of chundegah from the canteen.

 

MONDAY 19 APR.
Finished reading Wodehouse's "Little Nugget", the story of the boy of wealthy
American parents who was worth kidnapping. The road is being regraded
and runs right through the middle of our camp. Most of us attended a picture
show at night. The screen was erected on some trees at the side of a rice field, and
we all sat on the ground. Japs to the number of some 150 in front. Burmese 200
in the right van (free men?) and POWs separated by a bamboo rail on the left. Our
band gave a recital whilst we waited for darkness. 5 pictures were screened
1st in Jap on Jap [[?rdnsl??]], 2nd in Burmese on life in Jap sub, 3rd in English of life in
a Jap town from 0600 - 2400, 4th a musical setting "The song of the Flower" and
finally a long picture of 2 hours on the Jap victories of Pearl Harbour & the Pr of Wales.
TUESDAY 20 APR.
I long for Nancy to be able to see the setting of last night's show. Whenever
I see anything interesting my first thought is how I would like to show it to her.
There is only one thing which keeps me from slipping downhill - the thought that  
my dear wife is thinking of me and still loving me and me alone. Vaccination
against small pox was commenced today as there have been cases at other camps
WEDNESDAY 21 APR.
Walked upstream to a waterfall, deep down in a valley running up the
mountain side. This would be a delightful spot to while away the spare hours
in the cool and the roar of the tumbling water. Walked another 2 miles in
preparation of our march to the 130 kilo camp. A Jap sentry here firmly believes
that there will be an exchange of prisoners when we return to Singapore.
The thought is marvellous, like an rains in a desert. I have borrowed Palgrave's Golden
Treasury and am finding a lot of enjoyment out of its pages.
THURSDAY 22 APR
Some of the large trees here are liberally covered with a purple flower, well sometime
a beautiful bronze green pigeon flashed passed me. The birds have beautiful
plumage but very little song. I have developed an attack of Geri - not very serious
so far. A few canteen supplies are available. I drew 1 slab of [[sh??gah?]] and 2 tomatoes.
McCawley went to Thanbyuzayat. His diet certainly needs improving. Copies of No 3
4.9 70 of "Greater Asia" were received.
FRIDAY 23 APR.
Good Friday and I am rather exhausted and slept in for a while. Now am
reading "Groundwork of British History" by Warner & Martin and Douglas Reid's
"Disgrace Abounding". Rained heavily in the evening. Japs state that this road is
now right through to Bankok. A lot of Jap troops pass to and fro and some
are now quartered here. Read the Stations of the Cross with the troops.
SATURDAY 24 APR
Met CAMPIOM late of Swanston Lt SSB, now of 2/4 MT. He is a Catholic.
Work on new road cased excepting for that portion in our camp. Burmese are collecting
gravel from the creek bed and are spreading it on the new road. They carry very small
quantities both in baskets (2 men) and in the bullock wagons.
SUNDAY 25 APR
Easter Sunday and Anzac Day. A dawn service was held at 0725 hrs. I am
feeling washed out and have not left my quarters all day. This life is
unbearable when one is feeling ill. Memories which keep one from despair
when well fail to raise any hopes when one is ill. This existence is awful.
MONDAY 26 APR.
I am improving today. I had a good nights sleep. 10 Bugs met their doom
in my bedding today. Another Burmese died today. His body was left on
the ground at the end of their hut. They were paid today and as usual
started to gamble it away. Today is a holiday - unexpectedly given to all but
250 workers. Submitted the list of personal property over again. Field officers have
to do their turn as nightwatchmen. The Burmese have a gambling game which
resembles our skittles. It is played with about 10 stones seeds heart-shaped, 9
lined in a row and the other seed spinning from the 2 hands from some
8 feet away down to the line of stones seeds and knocks some of them over. They
are quite expert at spinning and their length is perfect. The seed is some 2" wide.
TUESDAY 27 APR.
And I am not much better than yesterday but made a rapid
recovery after a good swim of about 500 yds. CO, band and a few
performers went to base to be included in a propaganda picture.
Heard that we are to go soon to the border camp 113 Kilo together with Jap
and POW HQ, and that 7000 POWs coming from the other end will be at 130 Kilo.
WEDNESDAY 28 APR.
Walked out along the road for some 2 kilos. A certain type of tall brush
tree is now in bloom and is covered with long purple clusters somewhat
like wisteria. A grove in the flat outside the camp is now an
unforgetful sight. Some trees are 100 feet high. It is when there is something
wonderful like this that I long to be able to show it to Nancy.
Burmese pass through almost every day now in batches of about 500. I still
feel very washed out. Reading a "History of Japan" published by Tourist Library.
THURSDAY 29 APR.
I am still having relapses of sheer exhaustion. I hope I have
not picked up some disease from the Burmese. The area around
their hut is indescribably filthy and covered with flys. At night
sheet lightning kept flashing almost continuously for 3 hours. Every
second or so the whole sky was lit up by these flashes. The heat is
offensive especially in the afternoon. I begin to despair of surviving an
my right mind.
FRIDAY 30 APR.
Extremely trying heat. Cpl Mooney died of dysentry and was buried
after tenko. About ½ the men lined the route, a coffin was provided
and purple flowers covered the lid. The bugle calls were played to the
accompaniment of rolls of thunder and the jungle freshly washed looked
a picture with its splashes of purple. Took some oil and stopped my quinine.
SATURDAY 1. MAY.
Packed up ready to move to Base but no truck was available.
SUNDAY 2 MAY
Hitch-hiked to Base. Nightmare journey. Changed trucks 3 times as
complete with baggage, 6 sick men, 3 Japs and 3 pay staff, Japs staff
work appalling. Ready to move at 0800, arrived 1800 hrs. Last stage I
rode in a towed truck. Dust was awful. Yet the trees covered with
purple flowers were a great sight. Rails are laid to 56 kilo. My
old quarters at 26 kilo are now in all poss [[sealed??]]

 

September
10
Quiet enough - had a nightmare, received my blade-razor
from 119 and saw Steve Ward draw a parcel which
had come from Australia - mine may not be long now.
Had clipped the old zareba short during the last few days
and wiped it out this morning, upper lip feels as bare
as a baby's bottom - first voluntary bereavement in twelve
years. Wouldn't Glad be shocked!

 

 

September 11
1942
Up reasonably early and away to town with the 

storeman. Picked up my specs at Spandau West, got 

a great coat at Stalag, and bought a stethoscope.

 

MONDAY JUN 26
A holiday, and still we have dry weather and today very hot too. N[[o?]] 

canteen goods are coming into the camp for a few days and we are right 

to issue rations - and hungry. The concert was a variety entertainment,

including a bedroom scene, Hawaiian songsters and a girl, and the swing 

band with lady (Weller) and gentlemen in Dinner Suits (made out of bags). The Jap 

Comdr will not consider studies and PT as sufficient to comply with 

the instructions that officers are to be employed.
TUESDAY JUN 27
The Japan unit, about 100 strong went off and included 7 of my unit 

and 35 of my Group. Attended birthday party of Charles Lovell & Teddy Weller. Had 

more than enough apparently, as I dreamt very heavily afterwards. Had 

a conference of bankers to arrange Banking Lecture, and later attended lecture

by Lieut McCawley. Large supplies of medical stores arrived from Allied Red Cross, emrantides, atabri, sulphuslamides , dressings, books etc. instrumen[ts] 

anaesthetics
WEDNESDAY JUN 28.
There are still no canteen goods and we miss them very much. The 

rations are not sufficient to appease hunger. 10 men were off to Bangk[[ok?]] to get more attap[[attention?]].
THURSDAY JUN 29
Enxover who threw himself down the well several weeks ago, got out of the
camp during last night, had a struggle with some guards from Nine AA
post and was brought into the camp bayoneted in several places and
unconscious. One bayonet thrust went through his forearm into his chest, another
into his bottom. An mixed inquiry was held. The medical orderly who was assisting the
2 mental cases must bear a certain amount of blame. Endover is in a critical condition
Chemists estimate the cost of medical supplies received here at £4000. The canteen
opened again with bananas and tobacco.
FRIDAY JUN 30
Eggs were available again. Americans received an issue of books. Am reading
Hatfields "This land of ours". New Jap commander has cancelled our
Education Scheme. It considers it "too silly". Major Crawford, one of the
K. Force RMOs arrived to stay for several days. He actually draws 140
tickets per month. No 2 Bch is at Chunkai, 3 & 5 combined at Kanburi and 
Tamakan, No 4 at Tamwan, No 116 at Narproduc and the hospital at
Nakompaton in that order along the railway line. The Japs asked during
the morning that a big strong man be fed and available at 1200 hrs.
destination a secret. When the time came it was young Varley to visit his dad!
SATURDAY JUL 1.
I started reading the "Autocar". Varley returned. POWs are taking 10 days to
go from Saigon to Singapore, 38 + rice to a truck. Went to Confession.
SUNDAY JUL 2
Went to Mass and H.Q. Dutch Chaplains arrived from the other
camp. We have plenty of thunder and lightning but little rain.
Softball goes on uninterruptedly in the evening. Wood parties go
out almost every evening and we now have 5 weeks supply, and [[all?]]
music and singing at religious services were stopped by Japanese orders.

 

 


[Mar] 29. MONDAY. There was a good attendance at the [[??]]
night. The opposition were very noisy alongside us.
[[??]] is getting sore again and have gone on to 4 [[?]]
[[?]] daily. I still get touches of acne. The jungle is always
[[no?]]isy. Insects, birds, reptile and beast all contribute their share,
gibbons call a lot at daybreak. Am now reading "Hell Beyond
the Seas" by KRARUP-NIELSEN. A story of convict life in French Guinea
describes conditions very similar to our own. McCauley arrived.
MAR 30. TUESDAY
A slight shower of rain fell early in the morning I spent a
profitable hour with McCanley on Jap language. The rails have [[been?]]
laid out about as far as the 26 kilo camp by Anderson's and William
men. Motor trucks with railway wheels are running. Bought a dozen eggs
for Rs2. Held a meeting to discuss duties and payment of batmen.
MAR 31 WEDNESDAY.
I am acting as Adjt for O'Brien who has a relapse of malaria. Japs
asked us to make a special effort to send as many men as possible
on to the railway. We sent 323 out of 445, McCawley told me have to
lodge an affidavit against the admissions of Max Juniors' to the
[[??]] on the ground that he was a Communist. Prisoners entry in [[?]]
APR 1. THURSDAY
[[?]] men arrived under Major Muratt approx 240 went to 40 K
Rest Camp. I spent all day on Adjt's duties. There are clouds cover
almost every day [[?]] and an occasional drop of rain. We have
meat and fish is being substituted. Its big [[?]] is in make [[?]]
competition at £5 per guess on the finishing time of the [[??]] as to
organised for.
APR 2. FRIDAY
Acquainted Hence with camp position. Spent 1½ hrs with McCawley
Settled batmen question. Allotted sleeping place for officers. Heard
Handesyde was at 26 kilo camp. [[?]]
available. My routine of about a month ago is [[redundant?]] I should [[be able?]]
to resume it gradually now. Heard there were 300,000 letters for POW at [[??]]
APR 3. SATURDAY

Handed over duties to Hence, but took them back again later. Had a
wonderful shower of rain. The jungle, the camps, the river are [[all?]]
[[ever?]] so much greener, fresher and cleaner. The weather is altogether
different and bearable.  The nights are now almost crisp. Sometimes I almost
despair of ever seeing again those who I love most of all.
APR 4. SUNDAY
Called up between 0200-0300 hrs to check all men in their beds becau[[se?]]
one sentry fired a shot at a shadow near a fire. I felt that the CO & 8 [[?]] 
being called up to be shod. O'Brien packed up to transfer to RETPU[[V/]] [[best?]]
not go. Two men were buried by falling earth. Many men are [[?]]
down with fever like a short bout of malaria. It [[bouts?]] them
[[?]] for several days. Nancy must be praying hard for me because [[I?]]
escape all these [[communal?]] illnesses.

 

[[MO?]]NDAY 5 APR

There was a very comical side to an orderly room on Ham
last evening. The 2 escort were dressed in hat, identification
and "G string" only. A day of rest. I swam 700 yds without
much effort. There was the usual concert. In one act a a
ordered a "Darwin Impossible" - a dry gin with milk. The J
officer presented the best worker for March with a [[?]]
Read "No Other Tiger" by A.E.W. Mason a story of John Strickla
[[?]] 2 weathy, ex Bn Comdr and Ariadne sweet 22.
TUESDAY 6 APR

Each night I say a few prayers in bed, an act of contrition, 3 Hail Marys
and the prayer for Mum and Dad. When day is done and shadows fall I
think of Nancy and our young ones with a deep longing.
WEDNESDAY 7 APR

½ holiday declared so move men into fewer bunks and make
room for 2000 Burmese. Camp built for 3000, we have 1800 and the
men are crowded in 11 & 12 to a bay, officers 5. The Jap staff
work is appalling. There is antagonism between guards and railway
staff and they seem to be entirely unable to plan ahead with
any certainty. There [[?]] Jap privates doing the administration
[[?]] are just scheaming, childish, apes, incapable of realising the implications of orders given.
THURSDAY 8 APR
Another nerve-wracking day. We are at the mercy of these Nips
who are tyding tidying up the camp, building a bombers fence and

levering stones out of the river in anticipation of their Jap inspection
[[?]] Burmese workmen arrived today, wearing armbands and 
carrying banners with the shovel and [[?]] emblazoned thereon.
FRIDAY 9 APR.
The Japs are in a tail-spin over the visit of a Major General. We were
drawn up in [[8's?]] to receive him, the camp was cleaned thoroughly (Thank God)
[[?]] WPs were increased to a maximum. The Brig., [[Currl?]] & Dutch Major came
both the Japs and all stayed overnight. A concert had to be staged for
their benefit and the 3 COs were presented - and then ignored. The Burmese
seem to be suffering from consumption as they cough all night. Their
only possessions seem to be 2 sarongs and an occasional earthe container & smal
SATURDAY 10 APR
The Jap visiting part left after reviewing the troops drawn up again
in 4s. He was very pleased with the Jap staff. This no doubt will
reflect on their treatment of us, which is so so often humiliating and galling.
I was able today to step into my planned routine, work in the office, prayer book, diary,
PT and sunbath, lunch, history, sewing, Jap language, swimming, tea, tenko, bridge.
MONDAY 11 APR

The Burmese or Thailanders have filthy habits. The ground all around their hut
polluted with excreta, food and wine and the flys are a real menace. So far
Japs have done nothing to rectify the trouble. Rain is falling heavily for
2nd time since December. All men were withdrawn from work at 1200 hrs
[[I'm?]] ordered separate [[kunri?]] messes again. Our hopes are fading. Officers are not
[[?]] as these used to be.  [[?]] [[?]] as P.O.W. is now [[?]] [[?]]

JUL 3

day. The weather is still dr[[?]], softball was [[?]] both
morning and the afternoon. " [[?]] [[?]] game of [[?]] [[?]] are the
nd Schmidt - and beat their [[?]] concert was gov [[?]] [[?]]
We had a most amusing [[?]]ol room scene [[?]] [[?]]
midt's hat, which had been promulgated through it the camp
was recovered from the inside of the patient. A choir sang 
d favourites of the Desert Song tune and the swing band
baton of Bandmaster Gaillon of the Herr[[?]] gave several
ns - and one or two bad ones.
JUL 4

Pryde and some Dutch arrived from the other camp for 
ear treatment. Ordered to write letters of thanks for the medic
ved from our Red Cross Societies. Received 2 copies of May issues
Asia and 2 of The Voice of Nippon, the latest dated 29 May. The
ublication is the better, its international news is more
nsive and it contains Australian news such as the demobilisation
itia, censorship, trouble with the [[Dress?]], two soldier leagues, etc.
US POWs dressed up in honour of the day and fed well.
[[?]] JUL 5

ceived at last - and badly needed too. Am reading Young's "A
[[?]] sees Europe". I understand that yet another camp comdr has been
is - Hosoda, whom I first met at Ye. Some of our walled off rooms
opened out and partitions have to be removed from some huts. We
ved no mail for several weeks although it is lying in the Jap offi
[[?]] JUL 6
in Burma currency for conversion by the Japs, we hope.
[[?idt?]] comes from Batavia. Some 50 odd men returned from 
re where they had gone en route to Japan. They [[?]] all
and Dutch come to my group. Pryde went back to No. 1
UL 7
pending some hours daily at French. I like the language
eh.
JUL 8

d the birthday party of Major Schmidt. He produced cake,
anuts and cigarettes. A Another party went off to Bamf[[?]]
[[?]] attap. Mens pay arrived, for [[?]] 900 letters were received all
me. Rex and Dave both received notes. Rex [[?]] [[?]]
[[?]] is and it was quite a thrill. Ann Lloyd is [[?]] [[?]]
several of the wives. This was in Sept 1942. At least [[?]] was well
ears ago. Some of our guards are now working show[[?]] to
[[?]] P.O.W.s - probably for disciplinary reasons. The attention of the [[?]]
[[?]] considerably later. Have our essays borne results.
L 9

& 6 again. There is some suggestion that all [[?]] [[?]]
to return here. If so it would appear that Jap [[?]] [[?]] chart if 
or finds it difficult to get through the allied [[?]] [[?]]

 

 

November 21
November 22

 

August

27

Nothing to report. Did some more German, and

played a little more Bridge (lost again), but the raid

which we were expecting tonight did not come off.

 

August 28

Had a walk this afternoon, but the goat in the office

made out the paper for only one hour, which I pointed 

out to the Kommandant when I came in, and he proposes

to have it fixed up. He let to-night, but wound up

by having all the lads on parade at 8.30 correctly 

dressed, then had them all searched for money. Rest of 

the Germans thought it a hell of a joke.
 

 

 

MONDAY JUL 24
Temperature back to normal this morning but my back aches and
I feel sicker inside than before. I have eaten about the equivalent
of one meal since Thursday. The Americans beat the Officers in a
challenge match by one run. The concert seemed to be well
received but I could hear only parts. The Jap guards admit that
they have been forbidden to bash. Their attitude has certainly chang
Several of them now make excuses for their past cruelties.
TUESDAY JUL 25
John [[Davison's?] 8th birthday. May God bless him a thousandfold.
It is 3 years now since I saw him. What can he be like?  Will I know
him. Received word that all of us in this camp are to move to Chunbai
to become part of that Branch. The recently selected jungle party of 150 from here
and 150 from the other camp were collected together here today and will
not move with us to Chunbai. Tomorrow we are to send an Advance Party of 300.
WEDNESDAY JUL 26
Advance party of 300 men ready at 1000 hrs and moved at 1500 hrs. Fever still
improving and now I am on an atabrine course. The day of days, I have
just received 2 letters, my first since Jan 42. One is from Nancy dated Aug 42 and
containing snaps of John and Mary on the former's 6th birthday. The others
from Yid who apparently had a serious illness. All the news is excellent and as 
just what I needed as I am still despondent from my fever.
THURSDAY JUL 27
Am gaining strength. Read a "Voice of Nippon" dated 19 June. There was no
reference to the land on the continent. The river is right up to the top of
the wooden bridge which has bellied out in one place. The natives are attempting
to repair the damage, under Jap supervision, but they will not be able to do any
good. Rain fell heavily for 15 minutes - the first for many a long day.
FRIDAY JUL 28
Weighed myself - 63 kilos stripped. I am 7 lbs lighter than I was about Feb last.
Received 5 letters, one each from Nancy (June), Win and Mum and 2 from Yid (one dated Oct)

I am immensely bucked. All the news is good and Nancy seems to be doing so well
with Betty Madden, the children, the gardens, the car on blocks and apparently with his [[man?]]
Obtained an issue of a pair of rubber soled boots and exchanged them for a pair 
of new leather boots which, which I am oiling well. Received pay which is very welcome. Started French.
SATURDAY JUL 29
Time is dragging very heavily and I am still depressed - probably from the
atabrine. Have tried to read Maurice Collin's "The Lords of the Sunset" and
the SAWBWAS of the Shan States. It has really very little information. The prince
princess administer the states with the assistance of British advisors
and are Federated under a Britisher of the Frontier Service. Went to Confession
John and I beat Murchison and Trehearn by 6660 points - at bridge.
SUNDAY JUL 30
Malaria and [[phellagia?]] are on the increase. Went to Mass & H.C. Nips have started a lot of bashing again. One kept ½ the camp awake from 2300-2400 his haranguing 
a nightwatchmen for no reason at all. They are apparently being encouraged by their officers
MONDAY JUL 31

A holiday. The Japs are celebrating the departure of some of the for other
parts. We believe that a curfew has been declared throughout Thailand.
Am trying out my new boots which I exchanged for a pair of Jap
rubber boots. The ^brass band excelled itself at the concert, with Johann
Straus's Waltzes of Vienna and selections by Lehar including The Merry
Widow waltz., Little White Dove and You are my heart's delight.
TUESDAY AUG 1
At night we were all subjected to grossly unjust punishment by O'Hara
because the tenko state had not been handed to him personally but had
been left in the office. He harangued the Adj and ordered everybody out to the 
tenko. Among the officers alone there were some 20 very sick with fever. He 
broke up all our existing organisation and kept us there for 1½ hours.  For
the sake of the sick men the Adj apologised.
WEDNESDAY AUG 2
Am feeling quite my old self again. Weighed 66 kilos dressed
with boots, socks, gaiters, shorts, shirt & cap. Kerr returned to get some
pay for the Chunkai 300. Conditions there are said to be much
better, but a considerable area of the camp is flooded from both rivers
Am reading The Land of the Lingham by Arthur Miles - a strong
indictment of Hindustan and the Caste System.
THURDSDAY AUG 3
The new Jap administrator took over and we had a 2½ hr tenko
during the afternoon. A large issue of fish was received last night
and eaten today. I had 3 small fish. The trouble is that this is 
our meat ration for 8 days, but perhaps the new administrator may
be more lenient.
FRIDAY AUG 4
30 years since the beginning of the last Great War. The feast day of St
Dominic but Fr Corry could not find a suitable place to say
Mass. Heard that the 300 who went to Chunkai from this camp and
Major Kerr have been warned to stand by as part of a jungle party.
We were given 6½ pigs today which seems to be extra and will be greatly appreciated
SATURDAY AUG 5.
About 1000 bags of rice were brought in from the barge. Fowler had
be disciplined for repeated shortcomings. He is useless, lazy, a schemer, unable
to adapt himself to changed surroundings, and self-confessed as unwilling to take
responsibility. Have obtained "Fame is the Spur" by Howard Spring. Several
of our [[approaches?]] have been [[?]] for the old complaint.
SUNDAY AUG 6
Mass & H.C. There were no benches available for seats as two days ago we 
had to hand in some 25 tables and 30 odd stools to make up Branch III
deficiency. Major Campbell was asked to sign for some 23 compasses and 
some whistles - for the same reason. More rice is coming in and 100 volunteers
from Chunbai arrived today to assist. Kerr's party is to be part of No. I Branch.
We are now II Branch together with Chunkai. Up to about a month ago
A.I.F. deaths in III & V Branches was 801. Started novena in honour of Assumption.

 
















  

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