Diary Major John Kevin Lloyd - 14 Aug - 3 Nov 1945 - Manila - Jan 1946 - Part 2

MONDAY SEP 4
We are now in our 6th year of war. I lay awake for some hour or two last
night recalling my life since this day 5 years ago. Yesterday we completed our
25 rubber match against Murchison and Treleaven. They won by 1100 points
The concert party presented "Cinderella" commencing at 6 p.m. The heat was terrific,
My shirt was saturated - but it was well worth while. The costumes, the wit
the continuity were all excellent. The dog was very obviously a male. Later in
the night a drunken Jap guard caused a lot of trouble at our kempei's hou[[se?]]

Earlier Smith and Wagstaff were taken to Kanburi for further  cross-questioning 

concerning the  formers attempt to escape.
TUESDAY SEP 5
The first time for at least 3 months had our sleep disturbed by several
flight of bombers and by the AA Guns at the bridge. The temperature is very hot
again both by day and night. There are now few clouds to protect us from the sun.
WEDNESDAY SEP 6
Jap H.Q. moved in from Chunkai. Pde ground tenkoes started again. A new
medical classification was introduced under Jap orders. Light sick men are classified
as B, C, or D. according to their ability to do 2, 4 or 8 hrs light work or in the case of D
4 hrs heavy work. Unfortunately the scheme was deferred after it was completely
prepared. I feel as if I am in for another bout of fever.
THURSDAY SEP 7
During the night we had perhaps the greatest display of the R.A.F. since we came
to Thailand. Flights of bombers came almost directly overhead for 1½ hours
and I estimate that at least 50 planes took part. Some returned before the others
had passed onto their objective. A Jap here stated 45 P.O.Ws. were killed by a bomb at
Nonproduc. 100 men from Chunkai and 26 from the Burma jungle marched in, the
former under Major Hereford Thompson R.A. 18 Div.
FRIDAY SEP 8
Red Cross goods from the Swiss Consul at Bangkok were received. Apart from 48 cigarettes
and 1 oz of soap per man the remainder would be just sufficient to flavour a meal and to
give one article of clothing or bedding to every 5 men. Went for a swim, the first for 

some weeks. A tremendous amount of wood and bamboo has piled up against the
remnants of the wooden bridge. The natives, men women and children, are salvaging 
the best wood with a certain amount of difficulty. The young women fled when we

invaded the area but the older women were hardly affected.
SATURDAY SEP 9
Am reading C.J. Dennis's "Digger Smith" and A. B. Paterson's "The man from
Snowy River and other verses". They are a breath of Australia and make me
home-sick. Nancy would like them very much. A driver brings further reports 
of the latest bombing at Nonproduc and seems to confirm earlier report. We have had to
alter our medical classification 4 times within the last week. This of course leads to much confusion.
SUNDAY SEP 10
Mass & H.C. as usual. More jungle workers marched in. Am making extract of David
Thompson's notes on Malaya. Found a fragment of an AA shell just outside my
office. So far we cannot get tools to deepen our trenches. Camp Comdr has written
a letter of protest about our proximity to a military target and our confinement within such narrow bounds. The heat today as very oppressive and the day
ended with a beautiful sunset followed by a welcome shower of rain.

MONDAY SEP 11
A half holiday. Two pay officers arrived from Chunkai. Eng & American mail
began to trickle in. A lot of red cross goods were unloaded from the barge.
This appears to be from the Swiss Consul at Bangkok. The concert took
the form of a musical quiz. It was won by the Chunkai Bn with No
1 Bn a close second. After the interval the 3 little pigs told the tale of
their adventures. A heavy thunder storm and heavy rain closed the day.
TUESDAY SEP 12
Am reading "Holy Deadlock" by A.P. Herbert. It is an attack on the English
Divorce Laws and he certainly has some grudge against them. The casualties
at Nonproduc are now reported as 97 dead and 300 wounded. My back is rather worse
with acne than usual. RAP orderly Bennett treated them today and will repeat
the treatment tomorrow. A Japan party of 500 marched out of our former camp at
Kanburi.

WEDNESDAY SEP 13
Dogs are now worth 5 packets of cigarettes payable by the Japs. Received another
batch of Red Cross goods which includes 28 cigarettes and 1 cake of soap per man. The
food, somewhat more than last time, went to the kitchens. the milk to the
hospital. My Bn received 6 shirts and no other clothing for 388 men. [[? Tired]] 
loads of men and material are still being sent up the line towards Burma.
Smith - the absentee for 12 xx hours - has been struck off strength to the Kempei
House at Bampong. I hope he is safe.
THURSDAY SEP 14
More rain. Heard that Mullins & White (MO) went on the latest Japan boat
Am reading "They also serve" - a story of P.O.W. conditions in Germany during the
last war. A concert was held after dark but as it was raining the
audience remained in their huts. Wood is very scarce and activities have to
be curtailed in the laundry and in the kitchens.
FRIDAY SEP 15
Japs are no longer allowed in this camp excepting when on duty. Dogs
cause a lot of trouble keeping us awake at nighttime . I wake up several times
during the night to drive them away.
SATURDAY SEP 16
Chunkai has sent about 1000 men back to the jungle and it is anticipated
that another 250 will go soon. Black, O'Brien, Condon, Pickup, and Bostock are
back in Chunkai from Noncompoton and all look well. The hospital buildings
are the best that POWs have had so far.
SUNDAY SEP 17
Mass & HC as usual. Jack V Has had a letter from his father. Woolcott Forbes has
been brought back from S. America and has turned kings evidence. Stevens
and Spender have received sentences. Privates pay is supposed to be 12/6 & 4/10 deferred
and Canteen Profits & 3/8 from Red Cross. Food in Singapore is very dear, $30 for  
a tin of Bully Beef $5 for a pint of bating rijah. 2.50 for a pineapple, 1.20 for an 
egg. Brig has left for Japan. Japs here intend to build a new camp
entirely commencing in about one months time. Another small batch of

letters were received - but none for me.  

MONDAY SEP 18
Some officers played a great joke on young Joe Harris. They composed a 

letter to him from one of his old flames who very obviously wants

to marry him but whom I believe he is not anxious so to do. "She"

signed herself "your Fur Coat Virgin". As it is a holiday we were able to 

send out a very successful wood-party to collect fuel for the canteen.

All men whose health marking is "D" were paraded by a Jap NCO who select

300 odd men and said that these were quite fit, despite our MOs marking

to the contrary. The selection was made - by a glance at the men. I have been
urging Col Anderson to protest immediately. The rush for places at the
concert when the prearranged bugle blows is very humorous. The concert was

a repetition of cinderella and was held for the first time after dark in the rain
TUESDAY SEP 19
50 men came in from Chunkai and 69 from the Thai jungle. These latter

are from "D" force and have been in Thailand all along. It appears that some 80

POWs were killed and 150 wounded in the recent raid at Nonproduc. One 

plane flewed across the camp in the direction of the AA Guns whilst the 

remainder concentrated on a railway siding containing 3 trains of petrol

and troops. They bombers razed an area 500 yds long. Some 34 of the new arrivals

came to No 1 Bn.

WEDNESDAY SEP 20
9 more men marched in from the drivers camp at Tamwan. Am reading

"I hate tomorrow" by H.J. Greenwall, dealing with world politics this century.

THURSDAY SEP 21
269 officers and men from Noncompoton  marched in after a 3 days journey

by rail and barge. Major Wylie is accommodated with us at camp HQ. Major Keir

came over for pay. The camp now numbers over 3000. I did the Sherlock

Holmes trick after dark - Changai over again.

FRIDAY SEP 22

Time is dragging wearily on. Will this war never end. As I an experience

I have had all of it that I want. I am heartily sick of it all, the futility

the monotony, the inactivity, the perpetual enclose in the same spot and

with the same people.

SATURDAY SEP 23

Col Williamson & Capt Skinner came from Chunkai to arrange officers

pay. We officers usually have difficulty making ends meet on 20 TCs per

month. My pay at present is Y170 per month, 30 is charged for quarters & keep,

3 is devoted to the kitchens, 7 to Red Cross as a loan, 110 to the Tokio Bank, and 

20 to myself. Out of this latter, I have to contribute to 2/29 Fund, pay batman

and hairdresser, 5 goes to our officers kitchen and the rest stays in my pocket for

purchase of coffee, eggs & bananas and to pay my French tutor.

SUNDAY SEP 24

Mass & H.C. The evening devotions are now held at 1900 hrs on Sundays, i.e. before

tenko. It is getting too dark after tenko. A lone recce plane flew over and was

fired at by the AA Guns. No more POWs will go to the AA post. Perhaps Indians

will take over this post as I saw 3 of them in a car with a Jap officer a few days

ago. Am reading Dr Woods "Cobbers". It is interesting but he did not really

get to know Australia.

MONDAY SEP 25
A half-holiday as usual. A small party marched in from the jungle. Capt

Lacey and Lieut Falconer, two Economic officers from the jungle are quartered

in H.Q. There were 2 softball matches in the afternoon and a concert after dark.

This latter consisted of a presentation The Old & the New - the popular songs of

last war presented by an Old Timer and present day songs by an American Private.

I started PT again in the hope that it may help me to dispel feelings of depression

and impatience which I am unable to shake off lately.
TUESDAY SEP 26

Am reading Quentin Reynold's "Wounded Don't Cry" - a splendid 

insight into the position in France up to its surrender. Swimming out in 

the fast flood currents is quite exciting. One is tossed about like a cork

and feels very helpless in the grip of surging waters. An approaching motor- 

train caused a panic at about 10 pm I heard a terrific stampede among

the Dutch patients at one end of a hospital hut.

WEDNESDAY SEP 27

I feel much brighter - the effects of my P.T. Someone has fitted up a 

shower in our bathroom. It consists of a proper "rose" with screw tap fitted

under a petrol tin. The fence has been demolished over much of its length preparatory

to an extension of the camp. I have a new batman named Gantz.

THURSDAY SEP 28

Smith has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for attempting to 

escape. There was no one from this camp to represent him at the trial. Volley 

ball has started on a court just outside HQs.  A concert was given by

the swing band, the Java Boys band, songsters and comedians.

FRIDAY SEP 29

10 men marched in sick from the jungle including Thomas. ^R Marine Sgt 

Brooke told his experience on the HMS Orion in American Waters for some

2 years prior to the war, the Bismark fight and the sinking of the Prince of

Wales. Men in Kanburi witnessed an incident worthy of note. A Thai woman

hit a Jap over the head with a piece of wood. He hit her on the jaw and

knocked her over against the wall. He sprang on her, forced her arm behind

her back and struggled with her to throw her out. Her dress - her only garment - 

was pulled up around her neck. He kicked her twice in the stomach, once in the crutch and and ground his heel into her breasts before throwing her out

into the street. Natives indicated that she was mentally unsound but this did

not deter the brave soldier.

SATURDAY SEP 30

Mail still continues to come in daily but it is mostly for Chunkai. Between 

600-700 men parade for work daily - about half being "½ day only" men. The Bns

parade their fully fit men in close column and men are drawn to fill parties

as required. 162 men marched in about midnight, including Geo Evans. Am reading

again William Hatfields "This land of ours". 

SUNDAY OCT 1

Mass & H.C. Major Pycock and Capt Skinner came over from Chunkai for pay. The Japs

have had dug many holes for personnel and for trucks and oil in their own compound,

they have some 600 men working there every day. Our own side of the camp is being neglected

Huts are falling into disrepair and only a few broken tools are available to us in our [[?]]

MONDAY OCT 2

Shortly after midnight 6 more Dutch marched in from Burma including Hesse.

Blair came back into this area probably to Chunkai a few days ago. The parcels

received from America were only partially distributed in a Burma camp. The rest

were kept by the Japs or were distributed  as prizes to diligent P.O.Ws. We are

having light rain almost every day and wonderful sunsets. The concert was up to

its best standard, presenting "The Monkey's Paw" and a Red Indian scene entitled

Minatonka . The announcer was a new man from Chunkai. He told the story of

his visit to Wales and his meeting 3 sets of twins, all of the same family

and their mothers retort to his question "Did she have twins everytime"?

TUESDAY OCT 3

Started to write my story. The Jap adjutant punished one of his guards today.

We do not know the reason. He tongue-bashed him, then bashed him, tore

off his shirt, knocked him over, kicked him in the head, stomach and privates.

The unfortunate man defacated and urinated and was carried out a blubbering

mess. The Adjt displayed no emotion or sign of exertion.

WEDNESDAY OCT 4

Received a card from Nancy dated 25 Dec 43 and a 25 word letter from Kitty 

dated 23 Oct 43 addressed to Knitkwakay. It is tremendously heartening to

know that Nancy and all families are well. Party of 200 is to move just after

midnight on its way into the jungle, including Dave West, Charles Lovett

and Sgt Hutton. A few more men marched in from the jungle. Heard that

a petrol dump near Tamwan blew up and burnt today. Also that there is ½ a hut

full of red cross local purchases at the same place and still more mail has arrived at Honshu.

THURSDAY OCT 5

Another concert with some new English comedians and singers

Rain in the late afternoon made conditions in front of the stage very bad.

FRIDAY OCT 6

100 men including Plunkett followed Dave West into the jungle at 0400 hrs.

The railway is relatively very busy lately Trains are packed with men, materials and

vehicles. Today a train passed with swarm of POWs sitting on the roofs of the trucks.

Discovered a son of Chas Davis, Manager of Moreland SS Bk. He is J. P. Davis of my own

Bn and was in the Darwin Mobile Force before transferring to the 2/3 M.T.  Cards as late

as May of this year were received yesterday. Letters are now being receive through the 

Apostolic Delegate, Sydney, in addition to ordinary cards. Listened to Brandts talk

on the Gold Standard. Blair paid us a visit from Chunkai. He spent his jungle days at

79 & 75 kilos in Burma. Burmese men women & children on the line have terrible skin

disease and were dying at the rate 10 every day.

SATURDAY OCT 7.

No mail today - but more letters have arrived in Jap H.Q. Played my

first game of volley-ball. Col Anderson told his story of war. It was in his

car that Basil Maher was sitting wounded when it was hit by a shell. Paid Lulong.

SUNDAY OCT 8

Mass & H.C. Visited by a Gordon Highlander Officer. Lieut W. de Mier, of American Mexican & French

parents, educated in France, spent years in Mexico and was a New York stockbroker just prior

to the war. 3500 letters were distributed today, dated as late as March in Australia. Some 8000 old 

letters arrived at Jap H.Q. 

MONDAY OCT 9

I was awakened about 0200 by something I was not conscious of, I got up and looked

outside in the passageway and the office but could not see anything suspicious and 

thought I was suffering from illusions. In the morning, the confiscated kit bag

containing the two articles I was going to return to Wilson was missing. Sick

figures are still very high. Out of my Bn of 434 strong, 134 are in hospital and
165 are sick in lines. Discovered later in the day that my shirt was stolen

last night with the kit bag. This reduces me to on patched shirt. Japs staged a

thorough search of the camp. Every man was paraded and squads of guards

accompanied by POW officers searched every hut. A delightful situation was

created during the search. Torches, wire and weapons seemed to be their objective.

The concert was awful. Most of the items were flops. The Br songsters and comedians are

very poor.

TUESDAY OCT 10

My wedding anniversary. Nancy is even more in my thoughts today. I hope she
celebrates the day. Here I am taking a day off from my usual, activities. I have the

deep red flowers alongside the photo of Nancy and the children. God Bless them all. My

most fervent wish is that they are well and happy - and that I can join them soon.

Several fish about 6 inches in length wriggled across the parade ground during

morning tenko. We had a heavy shower just before dawn. The guards are

making trouble with their leaders because of grievances under which they are

smarting. Their adj is stated to be too severe and wants them to work all

the time. Also they resent being kept in the service after the expiration of their period

of enlistment for 2 years. A variety concert was provided - much better than last night.

WEDNESDAY OCT 11

Rowen Rivett talked about the political collapse of France. It was very interesting.

THURSDAY OCT 12

Some medical supplies were found by one of our workmen in the orchard just

outside our camp, near the Jap side. It is understood that one of the guards may have

stolen them and had to dispose of them before a search or threatened search. We are now

having our wet season, rain falls almost every day now. The guards take possession

of our parade ground every evening now to train for the sports meeting. Our

jockeys also try out their mounts. Received another two cards Nancy, the 10th &

11th dated 8^th & 27 Feb 44, and also a snap of the whole family with Howie. it is

really wonderful to know and see them well 7 months ago. I was feeling depressed but

these bucked me up completely.
FRIDAY OCT. 13
We have another Marine officer with us for a few days - a Capt Alwyn. Visited

the new site of the farmyard. We have some 350 cattle, 80 pigs, 30 goats, and 1 monkey. Life is 
incredibly monotonous and boring. It is really painful. My one ray of sunshine is
the family unit and the prospect of receiving more mail any day. Part of a train ran

off the line up near the border. 19 Nips were killed and some guns were damaged.

SATURDAY OCT 14

Anns birthday. 11 years old - and I left her a very small girl of a little over 7½. I went 

down with an attack of fever. Temp 100.2 and blood slide showed B.T. Concert party from

Chunkai marched in closely followed be Col Williamson & Staff of 18.
SUNDAY OCT 15

Feel better and was able to attend Mass. An international sports meeting was held during the

morning. It was controlled by the Japs and POWs were allowed to compete in most events. The blind

horse and sand jockey race and the 5 men with feet tied to bamboo race were very funny. POWs

won all but one straight out race. Eng & Dutch held their own with the A.IF. The Nips commenced

the day with a P.T. display and finished up with a public dismiss. Prizes were pencils, various

books, tooth paste, etc. In the afternoon there were 3 soccer matches, Jap v Jap, Br v Dutch,

AIF officers v O.R.s At night the base marched through the camp, across to the Jap

compound under 2 high Jap flags and past the Guard House to the specially erected

stage. Several 100 POWs followed to attend the concert. Japs had the front seats, with

Thai families behind & POWs at the back. Japs gave the concert except for both band

items. I went on later with Col Hamilton for ½ an hour and saw a romance in a flower

shop, a beggar turned statue and some songs. Excepting for the stage setting and

the dress of the women, the show was very western.

MONDAY OCT 16

A half holiday as usual and a race meeting was held with the usual wooden horses,

bookmakers, tote, stalls, fancy costumes etc. The Jap Adjt and about a dozen others attended 

The Chunkai orchestra gave 45 mins of delightful melody including 2 songs composed and

sung by Cor D Punt. His "Dawn of the Day" should go far. Pinochio was presented

at night but I did not attend as I am being careful of this fever. Instead I had a 

long year with Capt Skinner of the Argylles who spent 17 years in Jap. with Shell Oil.

TUESDAY OCT 17

Attended "Pinochio". Cicadas make a terrific din at night. One is located just

near my bed, but I have not been able to find him. Sunsets are still magnificent.

WEDNESDAY OCT 18

Green & I started yesterday a 25 rubber match against Murchison & Treleaven. Bn Camp HQ

has now to tenko with the rest. Read Blucher Thorps "Java". Am reading

Eric Remarque's "Flotsam". Have had to place a lighted lamp in our hut to

meet the threat to steal our blankets and my kit. The new arrivals are

Lt Col J. R. Williamson of the 1 Ind Heavy AA. Major T.F.S. Christopher, the same unit

Capt C.G. Skinner of Argylles, Capt AG Close of the Gordons & 3 Dutch officers.

Close was stationed at the H.L.I. Barracks near Glasgow when Rudolph Hesse was

brought there by 2 majors on the night of his arrival.

THURSDAY OCT 19

Yesterday Howitt & Major Harris were bashed by Takiyama (?) the QM soldier who

does the work, Howitt was sacked and Comdr Low has taken his place. It is

only twilight when we rise in the morning and it is dark again at 8.30pm.

I returned to tenkos again.

FRIDAY OCT 20

New staff is as follows:- Camp Comdr Williamson, Senior American, Dutch & Aust Off.

Sharp, Metsers, Anderson, Camp Adjt Hence, Staff Capt Fleming, Close, Conga, mail

Toose, Pay Campbell, QM Lowe. A strong stream of stores & men flows up the line,
perhaps 6 trains per day. Red cross goods have arrived for all Bch II including 400 tins pork, 75 cows,
67 bags beans & peas, 200 tins coffee, tobacco, flour, pepper & curry. Branch is now divided as follows

here 3093, Chunkai 2518, jungle 3823, Necompotong 2146, attached from I & IV Bchs 1300 & 1800.

SATURDAY OCT 21

Weighed 69 Kg with cap, shirt, shorts, boots & gaiters. Am playing 25 rubber match with Green

against Murchison & Treleaven. Nippon Times describes attack on POW camp in Australia by a 

Koala Bear. A Dutchman suffering from cerebral malaria has been raving loudly all day.

SUNDAY OCT 22

Mass & H.C. Dutch cerebral case died. Bartlett a mental case, escaped. Col Williamson claims

he was cured of malaria 22 years ago by Christian Science. An NCO here wears suspenders with his full

tropical dress plus sword. Another man went mad from fever.

MONDAY OCT 23

Another 75 men marched in from the jungle under Bryant 2/10 Fd Regt. Sgt Steel of
the Pioneers died. Thompson the Med Ord who was guarding Bartlett was put into the Jap Guard
House on rice and salt, yesterday, but was released today. Bartlett was found by the
Jap kempies and was shot in the leg, according to a Jap story. Thompson was
taken to Kanburi as a witness. The Jap. adjt cancelled all concerts until the end
of the War as a reprisal. 4 more men marched in about evening tenko time. My Bn
strength is now 450. Sleeping huts within 10 metres of the fence were demolished to
that distance from the fence. Ration scale is now 450 gms rice, 80 meat, 500 vegs, & flour
tea, salt oil & condiments - the best we have ever had.
TUESDAY OCT 24
another Dutchman died of blackwater fever. During the early hours of the morning
a Dutchman had a nightmare and awakened half the camp & a Jap guard, a train
dropped a pay officer, and another Dutchman started a thief-scare all within 5
minutes of each other. A working party of 200 "C" men left at 2200 hrs for the jungle.
Jap Dr selected 150 "B" men for a W.P. to leave tomorrow. Thompson returned from the 
Jap. kempies. He had been well treated and states Bartlett has not been injured.
Thompson is Mrs O'Briens brother. Read Emrys Jones's "The Shame of Vichy"
WEDNESDAY 0CT 25
Two more W.Ps marched out, 150 "B", & 150 "D". I have lost [[?Wurning]], Kreebler,
Dobbie and 90 ORs. 2 men marched in sick from Dave West's party. Concerts
were approved again and a variety turn was presented. Charles Green is very
sick - complaint uncertain. Mail has commenced coming in again. The interpreter
bought about a dozen good books at Bangkok. Bird life in the paddy fields
newly enclosed in our area is very plentiful, egrets, martins swallows, minahs
black fantails.
THURSDAY 0CT 26
Two men returned from Dave West's party at 213 kilos. Japs are quite considerate and
only officers are being saluted. Mail comes in daily now. Am reading Emily Bronte's
"Wuthering Heights". Have run out of lead for my [[?Conbalin]] pencil. Webber and
2 other officers paid us a visit from Chunkai. 130 Dutch marched in from the other
camp at Kanburi. They are attached here for work on the A A post.
FRIDAY OCT 27
Recce plane hovering overhead for some time this morning. Charles
Green gave me an old shirt. It is very acceptable.
SATURDAY OCT 28
Capt. Skinner went off to the jungle with Red Cross goods for three centres.
Officers are working at present in our garden and in the Nip garden across the road,
at the cemetery and at the woodheap. [[?Frank--]] USA and Col Williamson are very engrossed
in the design for cruising boats. Several officers plan to go sailing after the war.
SUNDAY OCT 29
Many bombers came over about 3 a.m. and woke the camp. Some were
away for 40 minutes. Others appeared to drop bombs closer than Bangkok. Many
men principally Javanese, hurried to the outskirts of the camp. They seem unable
to control their fear. Went to Mass & H C. Japs told us that Bampong had been
bombed. Red cross goods distributed. My share was ¼ Cake of tobacco and 9 pkts of
cig papers, and 11 cigarettes. Advised that another 1000 men are to go to the jungle. Yarned
to Lieut Saunders of the Hong Kong & Singapore Royal Arty. He was in party that marched
160 kilos in 10 days, camped in the open jungle without huts for a wet season. lived on 8 ozs rice
per day for 3 weeks & were put to work on railway after 1 days rest. He worked for 12 months.

MONDAY OCT 30
Col Williamson was cured of his malaria 22 years ago by Christian Science. The
wife of an army officer persuaded him to try their methods. She had already
cured another more senior officer. He deliberates the advisability of declaring picture
theatres as illegal to prevent the lower classes from seeing the life lead by
people with money and becoming discontented with their own lot. Capt Bryan
of 2/15 Fd Regt claims that forces left Changi & Singapore as follows "A" Burma, "B" Borneo
C Japan. D Thailand, E Borneo, F Thailand, G Borneo. H Thailand, & J K L (Medical) Thailand. Concert interrupted by rain.
TUESDAY OCT 31
Volunteered to take some Red Cross Goods to the jungle.
WEDNESDAY NOV 1
Left Tamakan with goods for distribution from Kinsyook to 6 other camps.
Was allotted one truck of a diesel train but was allowed to put on only
¾ of the goods. The orchestra from Chunkai also travelled by the same train. It
was a delightful trip despite the sun. The track itself is a revelation.
For half the length, the line runs through cuttings, over viaducts, along embankments
and over spiderleg bridges of rotting timber. Almost everywhere there is jungle
on all sides, scrubby at the beginning but changing to a much more
luxuriant growth as one climbs further into the mountains. Although
the line follows the river most of the way, one is only occasionally
rewarded with a glimpse of the river. Tobacco, kapok, bananas, tapioca
and rice can be seen up to about 75 kilos from Bampong. Birdlife
along the lower reaches is prolific especially the blue and brown kingfisher
Flowers are relatively plentiful for the first half of the journey mostly yellow
white mauve and a rich pink. Maintenance gangs are at work along
the whole length of the line. Thais at first, then Tamils, and finally a few
Javanese civilians. They live in small huts and lean-tos, are all thin,
men, women and children, and some covered in sores. An 8-line telephone
system follows the line and communication seems good. I saw POWs
at only 3 places, Wan Po, Tarsoa, and Tampe, but I believe there are other
camps out of sight at other places. We completed the 120 kilos in 7 hrs.
THURSDAY NOV 2
I am staying at Major Schneiders camp with about 300 POWs, right
against the railway yard. Capt Ailwyn ^RM, Young RA and Lieuts Bruckman, E Young
Verdon RM, Gotla RMC Tegel-Meier, Falconer E.SUR, and Dunbi-Jacobs NEI. are
the other officers here. They are under a Jap Railway Regt. soldier. The Koreans have
their own HQs but all POWs are loaned out to the Engrs and Heitan.
Work is not hard, there is very little bashing and saluting and the food
better than what we received in Burma. Capt White is with his men at
the Heitan camp 2 kilos away. Air raid alarm at night and 3 lots of planes
passed over. Orchestra gave an excellent recital in a hut.
FRIDAY NOV 3
A special holiday. The orchestra played all day at the Heitan camp
for a Jap all-day concert. The yards are very noisy and I am kept awake
at night for hours. Hideouts are provided for engines, buildings are
camouflaged, all Japs are in uniforms and carry rifles or swords, engines are
covered with bamboos and trains carry trucks, cars, and even a few field
guns - all showing the war is still on. I sleep about 40 yds from the main
track. Lost all but 55 cents at pontoon.

SATURDAY NOV 4 The river is about 200 yds away and provides good swimming
an diving. An olympic diver. Hoasmann by name is a POW here
He is a Finn in the Dutch army. A Thai was drowned within sight of some of our
boys. It is exciting to battle against the current, whirlpools, and upsurging
waters. A barge brought up Red Cross Goods for 152 kilo camp. The orchestra
played in the open outside the Jap officers hut and all Kinayoola seemed to
be there. Crowds of Asiatics stood outside the fence. Lights were provided
and a torch gave general illumination. Several Japs who had no claim
whatever to be gifted insisted on singing and spoilt the end of the show.
I would have given anything to have Nancy there to see it all. There
were men from at least 11 races present. A Nip ordered a P.O.W to get me a
chair out of his office - symbolical of the changed attitude. Seven lots of planes passed over.
SUNDAY NOV 5 
Orchestra returned to Chunkai by barge and sick men were
evacuated to Tamakan. Other officers who have visited Kynsook are Wedge

2/3 MGs, Capt Ives, 201 Kilo, Trent Davis & Randolph, Major Nelson 203, Capt
van de Poel NE1, Hutchinson 22 Bn Bde of Quantan. Spent my last 55 cents on
2 eggs. Koreans & Engrs simply will not pull together. I have had 2 surprising
meetings. Polson who was my driver at base is batman to Major Schneider
Maben the New Zealander whom we met on the Dunlop Estate at Batu
[[?Annam]] turned up here on 3 Nov in a concert party. I last saw him a
sick man at base in Johore. The Ansells, Ames, De Burgh Thomas,
Gurney got away. Wynne was "left behind". gave himself up some 3 months
later and died of dysentery at K.L.
MONDAY NOV 6 
Lieut [[? Cramousekel]] picked up goods for 191 kilo camp. Am reading
Nathanial Peppers "Must we fight in Asia".
TUESDAY NOV 7 
Melbourne Cup Day. Capt White called in from Heitan. They are
busy road-making. I am living entirely on rations now as I have
no money.
WEDNESDAY NOV 8 
Saw the 4 craters made by bombs about 200 yds from the yards.
Visited the Thai & Chinese canteens. There have been very few troops
going through to Burma since the end of October. perhaps they are wanted
elsewhere. Stores and a few guns pass through however.
THURSDAY NOV 9 
Recce plane went over about mid-day. Logs and bamboo
lashed into rafts are numerous on the river now. 6 logs are lashed
together and 2 or 3 such rafts are tied in tandem, and take a lot
of handling around the bends. Troops from Heitan state pressure

is being increased. The road has to be completed in 6 weeks.
FRIDAY NOV 10 
Am reading Kipling, "Puck of Pook Hill". This would be a good book
book for Ann. Cooling picked up the last of my goods - 209 kilos.
Each night I have a French conversation with Gunner Anderton
135 Fd Regt. Lieut Hughesdon marched in with 50 men from Chunkai
SATURDAY NOV 11 
The Anniversary of my engagement to Nancy. How I remember that party at
[[?]] and how happy we were. 50 men under Lieut English arrived.

SUNDAY NOV 12 
Am reading Holdsworths "Money and Banking". Konayi seems annoyed
with me for not giving him some milk and and cigarettes out of the Red Cross
consignment. Was ordered to be ready to move at midnight but nothing happened.
MONDAY NOV 13 
Caught a diesel at midday to return to Tamakan. Was accompanied by a
Capt Walker with an Australian whose arm was badly broken in a ship
accident at 132. Wild life was very [[?]] [[?]] again. I saw monkeys, peacock
jungle fowl, hornbills, wood pigeon, parakeets, doves, an [[?]]
colony of minahs in a large clump of bamboo, black birds with fronts [[?]]
I passed 4 trains bearing POWs going up to the jungle. Best of all
there were 3 letters waiting for me xxxx from Nancy dated Mar 43 and 2 [[?]]
ones from Yid. Mess is much amused at my losses at cards.
TUESDAY NOV 14 
Settled in and cleaned up. Whilst I was away the MPs arrested 31 of the
guard for subversive activity and some, including the Jap QM who has given us so much

trouble - Takeyama - for stealing medicine and food belonging to us. Several have
been released. Weighed myself 67 kilos wearing shirt and shorts only (see 21 Oct). Wagstaff
Heard that Jap parties up to Kunai 39 only got away from Singapore. The rest
are working in the town. Attended concert
WEDNESDAY NOV 15 
Wagstaff and 49 from my Bn marched to the jungle. There are many visitors
for pay, canteen and red cross goods. Deaths out of Groups 1-5 and HQ, to 31 May
44, were 7,626 (Br 3534, Aust 1349, Du 2616, USA 127) out of 42,808 (Br 20478, Aust 2872, Dut
14583, USA 575). In addition deaths in [[?BIH]] [[?forces]] (60,000) are estimated up to 6000,
in Rangoon 212, in VPl, Mergui & Tantoy, all AIF figures for Malaya are POW 14991,
killed 379, Dead wounds 106, missing 2309, wounded 1001, boarded home 1030, Java 3271
nurses 133, Burma 47, taken off 78 = 20,451. An insect fastened itself on my neck and
was not noticed by me for a few hours when it was pulled off with difficulty. Capt
Myers of RC of S told story of his sojourn in the BEF in France.
THURSDAY NOV 16 
Started French. Swim parades are now held on river bank in Jap compound. First
new hospital hut is in course of construction. An Englishman attempted suicide
by cutting his wrists, Canteen is to be carried on by permanent "B" men or officers.
FRIDAY NOV 17 
Whilst I was away in the jungle several POWs returned from Singapore jail where
they were serving a sentence for stealing [[?chumkits]]. I weighed myself fully dressed - 70 kilos -

see Nov 14. about 50 very sick men arrived from 239. one died in the train. Most of the
camp went down with fever within a fortnight of their arrival there from [[?Rangoon]]
4 weeks ago

SATURDAY NOV 18 
Attended the funeral of the man who died on the train. The cemetery is much
improved. Another man died from the same party and was buried. A WO producing
the next concert pressed me to sing but after a trial I have withdrawn.
SUNDAY NOV 19 
Mass & H.C. The Nips have asked for an officers party to build a hut for the sick who
are expected here from Chunkai, 560 in all. There is much pressure to work officers &
to send all O.R.s to the jungle. Officers are now clearing the cemetery, keeping the gardens, running
the canteen with the help of some "B" men. Lights out enforced at 2300 hrs [[?]]
MONDAY NOV 20
Am reading John Buchan's "The King's Grace". Started work in the garden
to release some of my Bn officers who commenced work on the new hospital
hut. I enjoyed the work thoroughly and the subsequent swim was most
acceptable. I felt a new zest in life. Another 78 malaria cases arrived just
after the concert from the same camp as the 66 we have here already. Two
died on the train and a third just after his arrival here. They have had no
quinine for several days. Only 18 out of the camp of over 500 were at work yesterday

Caught an "ikanlileh" (mud fish) and am keeping him in my bath tub.
TUESDAY NOV 21
A fourth man died and all were buried this morning. A party of men arrived
from Chunkai. There are only 35 of my AIF Bn now left here. The rest of them are
in the jungle, at Noncompiton or on the way to Japan. I wonder if they arrived
there safely. Attended an indifferent concert. Another man died at night.
WEDNESDAY NOV 22
Two Dutch Chaplains arrived from Kanburi camp. Funeral of the 2/4 M Gunner who
died yesterday. Attended 2/30 Bn birthday celebrations with Ramsay Cumming,
Treleavan and Capt Alan Close of the Gordon Highlanders. Weather is now getting

cold especially at night. POWs from Burma state that this railway is unusable

between the 45 kilo and Moulmein. It Is constantly being straffed.
THURSDAY NOV 23
Camp is now 3344 strong. Air-raid alarm at 2230 and some hundreds hastened

to the far corner of the camp. Jap Doctor examined "B" patients of two Bns
and ordered over 50% to be marched up to "C". Many of these will be seriously
set back by any hard work or heavy lifting. Jap Jimi no longer requires
officers working on hut-building. Mass & H.C. by Father Vergeest.
FRIDAY NOV 24 Mary's birthday, and she is 6 years old. May God Bless her.
[[?]] Boorman goes went to the jungle today. Some 20 officers marched in from Noncompoton.
There are now 51 Bn officers in this camp. There are very few out at
Kanburi camp, food is better, but officers are being forced to work a full
working day. digging drains, carrying rice, bamboo etc and gardening,
and all sorts of petty restrictions are imposed by a Jap Sgt in command
who apparently is exceeding his authority - for his own glorification
Shimojo is his name. A few 2/29 men met to discuss a birthday celebration
SATURDAY NOV 25
A little less than 200 man and officers marched in from Chunkai. There

were several Lt Cols among them and they immediately built themselves
in. A good many of them are poorly clad and not very robust-looking.
Nights now are lit with a wonderful moon. I play bridge at night some times.
SUNDAY NOV 26
Mass & H.C. Yesterday a party of 30 men who were digging the boundary
moat under a Jap. were advised to dig another 5 metres by an inspecting Sgt
even if it took them to midnight. They had already completed the contract
set by the Jap in charge. Heard the story how in a ^Thai jungle camp a POW went
down with cholera and was ordered to be shot by a visiting Jap officer. Two

Br officers went out with the Koreans and the victim who was on a stretcher and
attempted to stop the shooting When it appeared that the Koreans were going to
do the deed. Primrose took a rifle from one of of them and shot the victim. The Jap
officer got 2 years sentence from a military court. Inspection by Jap O.C. Thai P.O.Ws.

MONDAY NOV 27
A half holiday. I fished without success during the morning.  3 native

canoes came past and cast circular nets simultaneously. They caught a
few perch including 2 which would weigh about 3 lbs each. They are very
skilled in casting from the prow of a light canoe and their partners
are also clever at handling the craft. Bird life is very plentiful on the
river. I saw 3 sorts of kingfisher, the pied kingfisher which is grey and white
and 2 sorts of blue and bronze, one large and one small. The are also sandpipers, 
herons, crows, kites, and others I am not able to name. Oliver of 2/30 died
and was buried. The Dutch presented a very fine performance at night. it was a story

of several tourists meeting in a London Tourist Bureau and their subsequent trip to
Holland. The music, costumes (Dutch & Javanese), the scenery and the acting were excellent.
TUESDAY NOV 27
For several days past we have been on short rations. The rice store was short in
rice but over in beans, and the Jap QM insisted on adjusting this before the
Inspection on the 26^th. We were given beans instead of rice and [[?]] beans are
more nutritious, they are not so bulky. The concert was held in brilliant

moonlight. All printed books had to be handed in for Jap censorship. Started
French conversation with van Vogel of the a sugar plantation in Java.

WEDNESDAY NOV 29
The 2/29 Bn's birthday - but the celebration we planned had to be postponed

At 1930 hrs when we were on "tenko", 21 4-engined bombers appeared from the west

in 2 waves. We scattered and took cover when the AA guns opened fire. The
objective was the AA post, 150 yds away, but 4 bombs hit the camp and razed

the side of 3 huts. Several "sticks "were dropped in the space of a few
seconds and I must confess I felt frightened. I reached the craters about 1
minute after the explosion and was confronted with a body lying on the
side of the crater and a foot sticking out of a trench. We worked like fury and

dug out several men, a few being still alive. Bns worked in hourly relays
and one man was dug out by us alive at 0300 hrs - 5 hrs after the explosions.
Received 3 cards from Nancy, Anna, and Yid, and a snap of Mary in her school
uniform. I cannot fathom why Glendene ave should be sold. For the rest the news is excellent
THURSDAY NOV 30
Several bombers went over about 0300 and many men went through the fences.
A full scale tenko was ordered about 0400 hrs, as many POWs were caught by
the guards, returning to camp. I did not get to bed until 0530 hrs. Yet another
full scale tenko was held at 0800 and lasted over 2 hours. Sugisawa visited
the camp, but we can get no satisfaction to our demands. We are too close to
a military target, we have no red cross sign, we are not allowed to disperse
if we stay in camp we will be bombed, if we attempt to go through the
fence we will be machine-gunned, and now our men have to clear
up the mess at the AA post. There are 14 bodies waiting burial and 4 still missing
A combined funeral was held at 1600 hrs. Two more full scale tenkos
were held at 1400 and 1900 hrs, each lasting 2 hours. Held 2/29 reunion postponed
from yesterday. Rex and I made speeches, we supped on cake, yeast and cigarettes
and enjoyed a few jokes by Wells and McQueen.
FRIDAY DEC 1
The AA post was not greatly damaged, but 1 or 2 guns were hit, 2 buildings

were destroyed the railway had to have a few new rails & the telephone wires had
to be renewed. Bodies were being burnt on the edge of a rice field near the post
We had a good nights sleep and feel much better. Nightwatchman started
again last night. Yesterday we were visited by a Jap plain clothes secret
police interpreter who yarned to a few senior officers and Thompson the
Red Cross orderly who was involved in the most recent case of attempt to

escape. Met a Lieut Lawrence Salmon: a planter from the Yong Peng Estate
who was alongside Jock Alliff when he was killed. Jock was hit by a

burst of MG fire. First in the hand and then in the back. His body was
left unburied, as the unit withdrew immediately afterwards. Personally
Salmon was a P.O.W. in the K.L. goal with 700 other European P.O.Ws
and states that there were at least 50 Australians there, nearly all

from 2/19 & 2/29. Recently I saw 2 fish jump out of shallow water on to
the bank and another time I saw one skim along above the surface
of the water for 7 or 8 yards, Received 2 cards. One from SSB and the other from Kitty.
SATURDAY DEC 2
D. De Vogel who is teaching me French seems to be very wealthy. He owns

some 4000 acres of sugar plantation about 80 kilos from Bandoeng. The Malay
name of the plantation is something like Kadapaten. He has his own plane
and runway, and was the pilot who flew Lavarack, Wavell and Brooke-Popham
whilst they were in Java. He wants to give me an address of
his cousins in the ^large chateau district in western France. Kadapaten is about
the end of the railway running west from Cheribon. Air raid alarms during the
day and one at midnight. The AA post is building fresh positions about
1 mile up river. Additional workers are being brought in from other branches
to do this work and to rebuild the wooden bridge. Two bodies are still missing

Lt Col Ishi took over command of this camp. Col Black, O'Brien Condon
and McDonough came back from Chunkai on 29 Nov. Many Cols came with

them including Lt Col Swinton of easy Surreys, Milson of Sigs, Bubett of Norfolks, Lincoln
Gordon of RE, Southern of Punjabi, Johnson of Suffolks. Went to Confession
SUNDAY DEC '3
Planes came over from direction of Bangkok at about 0200 hrs - the
second alarm this night. The men are still nervous and most of the western
portion of the camp is vacated as soon as an alarm is sounded. The
Japs will not transfer work from the perimeter "bund" to the digging of slit
trenches despite our requests. They think it is more important to prevent

our escape than to protect us from bombs. Anyone who wished to escape
could have done so every day and night for the last 2 1/2 years. Ishi has
already prohibited music, singing, concerts, rehearsals etc except between
1200-1700 hrs on holidays - an unnecessary hardship. Officers are being forced
to take their share of "bund" building every night with the ORs. We hope
to get he job completed and then much more essential work will

be commenced by the Nips. Mass & H.C. for Nancy and the children. At 1900
hrs we heard a terrific bombardment towards the south and some minutes
later 12 planes passed by on their way north. 45 minutes later an even greater
bombardment was heard in the same direction and this time 21 large bombers
passed almost overhead, they were fired upon by the AA guns but the shooting
was the most inaccurate I have seen. The bombers fired several bursts of
MG fire but nothing hit the camp.

MONDAY DEC 4

A half holiday - but owing to the iniquitious restrictions on music etc, the

concert was abandoned. All spare labour, both men and officers worked in

relays on the digging of trenches in the orchard area and cover for over

1000 men was provided. I worked 2½ hours in the garden in the morning and 1½ hrs trench digging in the late afternoon. We have issued PAD Instructions and are trying to allay men's fears. De Vogels father was President of the International Flying Association for many years. A new plane came over after lunch. I am advised to visit Italy in April, then Switzerland, then France in May. In Italy Naples to Rome is very pretty, so also is the Lake District (Lake Como, Bellagio, Struse, Orla). From Montreaux take a boat to Geneva, then visit Switzerland, Vichy, Dijon & Orleans in France are in a picturesque district and the Loire to

St Naziare passes through the famous Chateau district. De Vogel has his

relatives here. Col Maaden of the R.A. has some very deep and long scars where he was clawed by a tiger in India. He looks if he was struck by a bomb.

TUESDAY DEC 5

Word has come that Nonpladuc received that terrific bombing on 3 Dec

the railway yards received a terrific pasting. 8 POWs including 2 officers were
killed and 4 wounded. The POW camp is only 40 yards from the siding.
Sgt Purdy who left here on a Japan party has returned after an extensive tour
of the East. They embarked at Saigon on the decks of 2 small craft but came
off a few hrs later. They were then taken by rail to Singapore and were camped
in Lyme Road. He took ill and was sent to Changi jail where all
POWs in that area are now quartered, some 6000 men and officers are
sick outside in the surrounding villas. The civilians had been evacuated
to Lyme Road. Included among the POWs were 2 Italian submarine crews who were
sheltering at Medan and 2 Airforce Colonels one RAF, the other USFO, who
were brought down in Burma. Most of the Japanese kumis got away between 4-6 days.
Purdy was sent back to Kanburi as unfit. 3 of 2/29 Bn are serving long terms of
imprisonment 5 years and 10 years - crime unknown. Bowling seems to be doing
well. Lt Col Newrye is in charge and Lt Col Holmes & Gallaghar were stood down
by the Japs. Air raid alarm just before 1500 hrs. 23 planes were known to be
approaching from Burma. At night Japs have commenced checking men
in huts with the aid of nightwatchmans figures. There was considerable
confusion as the system was new to us in some respects.
WEDNESDAY DEC 6

Spare officers and several hundred men are still digging trenches

in the orchard and around the new hospital. Air raid alarm just before 1500

Some 23 planes were known to be approaching from Burma. A snake

well over 6 feet long was killed in the hut adjacent to ours. Cholera is

rife in this district again and restrictions on swimming have

been imposed and a close watch on drinking water is being made.

injections started but were interrupted by the air raid alarm. Started
a French conversation at night with Rivett, Lt Col Lincoln-
Gordon, Major Milner,
Lieut Crook and a Dutch 2^nd Lieut. The accents of course vary
English and I understand nearly all that is said. One Dutch Bn was
pulled out on trucks after midnight as it was one man short.
THURSDAY DEC 7

An air raid alarm sounded while I was in the garden about midday.

The men working on the bridge scattered and the "pom poms" went full speed down stream. Guards scattered in all directions and several came as far as the garden.
TOFU is being made from soya beans in the factory in our camp - for Japs only. The
bean is ground into a flour, mixed with water, boiled and set with allium
and the product like coagulated laetex is cut into slices and fried in oil. It is
very tasty. Yarned with Lieut J. C.Hayne VX 38927 of 2/3 M.G. Bn who is a Victorian
who has spent the last few years in S Aust. I think he is with Gibbs. Bright boy.
Just after lights out the end of one of our huts which was damaged by the recent bombing partially collapsed and the occupants had to be moved. Men from Nacompoton
who arrived at Nong Pladuk during the bombing en route to here arrived here today

Nine men and one dead as a result of the bombing there. One bomb was delayed -
action.

FRIDAY DEC 8

Father Vergeest arrived yesterday and said Mass this morning. I was

inoculated against cholera receiving the full does 1 c.c. An air raid

alarm was given about 1900 hrs and just before dark 4 bombers attacked

a target at Kanburi, flying over at intervals of about 4 minutes. They dropped
about 10 bombs and came so close to the camp that the AA guns

opened up on 2 of them. The Japs also fired MG bursts and our planes

retaliated. The all clear blew after dark, tenko was held and

the evening meal was issued about 2130 hrs. The weather is quite cool

now and men are wearing sweaters, long pants, blankets, bags 

etc to keep warm. Charles O'Brien states that the Jap control of railways
seems to end at Nong Pladuk and that Thai officials are operating

the Bangkok - Singapore line. A "business" train hauled by a diesel

engine runs into the city every morning and is crowded. We have

had no bananas for several days and are feeling hungary.

SATURDAY DEC 9

Returned to the garden and watered for 2 hrs. There was an alarm during

the morning and again in the afternoon. Am still reading Holdsworth's

"Money and Banking" and still trying to learn French. Had a conversation

including a Lieut Sandels who speaks the language fluently.

SUNDAY DEC 10

Mass & HC as usual. More hand watering in the garden. A large bomber

approached the bridge at 1810 but sheered off when fired upon. The Japs  have
ordered that the officers abandon the garden and do ration carrying, etc.
As they are also tightening up on the allowance of personnel for kitchen, it
would appear that their aim is to have all the camp services performed
by officers. We shall see. Every nightwatchman is provided with 10 chips -
for men going out to the latrine. The guards make periodic checks of
huts throughout the night. More bombers appeared about 1900 hrs and
flew about in all directions at very low altitudes. Kanburi was
bombed again. the bombs could be seen dropping from here. Then a

plane came over here at perhaps 800 feet and dropped 2 bombs just

beyond the far edge end of the bridge. As usual, lately I am writing these
notes during an alert with all the western portion of the camp vacated

and most activity - excepting our eardrums - at a standstill.

MONDAY DEC 11

My prayer book was returned franked by the Japs. Mass was said at 1600
hrs in the banana grove. More alerts during the day. Yesterday a small

fighter - believed to be 1/5 of the Thai air-force went up while the bombers

were about but did not look very hard for them and soon departed.

There are still no bananas and we are feeling hungary most of the day. Helped
to dig some slit trenches in the padi fields. A another search for wire, torches,
weapons etc.

TUESDAY DEC 12

POWs from the jungle state that 51 POWs were killed and 10 wounded when the
train in which they were travelling was bombed and MGd on 10 Dec. Bombers
also attacked Wan Po, Wan Yei, Kinsyak, and Apron (Burma). Later 11 more deaths
were reported from Brenkassi - another attack. Two air raid alerts, one about midnight
or after this morning.

WEDNESDAY DEC 13

Heard that 2 Koreans who were involved in subversive activities  a few weeks ago
were awarded very long sentences. Temura 20 years, Kaniyarra (?) 15 years. The latter was
a particularly obnoxious Q.M. who "sacked" various officers as QMs because they
dared to oppose him, and bashed Howitt. It appears that more personnel will come

here from Chunkai, leaving them just over 1000 strong with 200 standing by for
the jungle. Air raid alert at 1900 - the rumbling of many bursting bombs came up from
the south-east, a little later 3 bombers approached from the west and came straight
for the bridge. I knew they were going to drop bombs, but would they overshoot the
target by 2 seconds and hit us. Down they came whistling, when the planes were
directly overhead, but the bombs seemed to fall on the old AA post 300 yds away.

Dust drifted towards the camp and another 3 appeared making for the bridge
but this time they had to pass overhead first. I crouched in the trench thinking
whistfully of Nancy and the children and thoroughly frightened. The planes
pass overhead and we knew we are safe. Down came the bombs, the earth rocks
but we pass a sigh of relief. I jump up and find the camp still untouched
excepting for a lot of fragments, dust and spattered earth. Then suddenly
an enormous bomber swoops down on the camp at 300 feet. The AA guns
and MGs from the hill and other post open up at the plane as it shoots
overhead and we are sprayed with bullets and fragments from AA shells.
Two men are badly hit by one of the latter. Stretcher bearers ran out and took
the wounded towards the operating theatre 50 yards away. The bearers had to
run, for 6 more bombers were coming. We crouch again, the bombers are directly
overhead, the bombs began to whistle. May God have mercy on me, and they
hit, this time closer. Once more we live a little longer. 6 more bombers are
almost overhead coming from the opposite direction, they are almost overhead.

they are over, down came the bombs, they could hit us, no they don't, the
ground rocks -and we are safe. I am beginning to perspire. My only protection

from splinters is the 2/29 Bn mat, doubled over my head. Camp HQ decided

that it was time to move and we made off 100 yds further over in the camp
but the raid was over. A tenko was held in the dark - with a misty rain falling
the men got their evening meal at 2130 hrs, without light 3 of my companies
are moved to huts further from the dangerous corner of the camp as delayed
action bombs were dropped. Two went off during the tenko. Eventually we
settle for the night after an agreement with the Nip who wanted accurate
nightwatchman figures.

THURSDAY DEC 14

Ikin, one of yesterdays wounded died during the early morning. The funeral of
his body was about to pass the camp gate when deep rumbling was heard
and another air alert is on. I am in the garden and feel relatively safe. The
Japs are thoroughly dig in and we have to take shelter on the bank
of the river. The alarm lasts 2¼ hours. We hear planes overhead in the clouds,
more rumbling, more planes, and then several more rumbling at few minute
intervals. In the middle of my evening meal, there is another alert. The
west side of the camp is empty within 30 seconds. About 12 planes attacked
a dump in Kanburi, circling around about 3 times and dropping bombs
each time. I could see the bombs leaving the planes from my slit trench.
The attack lasted nearly an hour and large fires were started. petrol drums
could be heard exploding some 2 hours later.
FRIDAY DEC 15

No air alerts, The senior officers of the national groups and all Bn Comdrs were
paraded before the departing Jap C.O. Yamigato who is transferred to Nabampatong.
He thanked most of us for our co-operation and then gave us a long dissertation
on the growing of pawpaw trees. - and he is the man who was appointed by Jap
authority to control the destinies of 15000 P.O.Ws.
SATURDAY DEC 16

130 sick and wounded men arrived on 2 trains in the early hours of the morning.
The second fatality mentioned on Dec 12 took place among men from a working

party and also men in transit who happened to be quartered just there temporarily
They had no trench and were caught out in the open together a lot of
tamils. Tatt one of my Bn was killed on the bank of a well as his head was
found down stream 2 days later - the rest of him had disappeared. 1000 men were
ordered out to Chunkai and packed up and moved there in record time. I watched
them cross the bridge in lots of 100 and they certainly did not waste time. Our
camp is ever so much more peaceful.
SUNDAY DEC 17

Mass and H.C. as usual. I was able to use some of my reserves of money - 35 ticals.
My Bn strength is now down below 300. Wrote following card to Nancy - MAIL SWAPS VERY
CHEERING, PRICE GLENDENE? BUTT MISSING LAST BATTLE, VERY FIT, LITTLE FEVER, COMMAND BN, HOBBIES
GARDEN BRIDGE, LOVE YOURSELF CHILDREN, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, BANK. Rose owes me ₤8 and Green
owes me ₤4. The usual air raid alarms. Cumming owes me ₤6 and Treleaven owes me ₤3,
West ₤5, Lovell ₤5, McCawley ₤5, Thompson ₤5.
MONDAY DEC 18.

a holiday and no air raid alarms. Workers on the bridge now start
an hour before dawn. Another search, and wire, torches, etc were confiscated.
TUESDAY DEC 19

Two large parties arrived from the jungle before dawn nearly 400 including
West and Lovell. They say that there are many POWs waiting for trains to
return to Tamakan and HQs of other groups. Yet 200 were sent from
Chunkai yesterday up into the jungle. More parties arrived later and our
strength is now back to 4100 approx. At all POW camps the Japs are building
a large ditch and mound around the perimeter. At Tamwan it is 25 feet deep and

15 feet wide. here it is just taking shape and its dimensions are uncertain.
Heard that part of Thai headquarters have gone to Saigon.
 

WEDNESDAY DEC 20

A bitterly cold night. I have brought out my good uniform to wear in the mornings
an air raid alert about 1700 hrs but no planes appeared. More men arrived
from the jungle bring out strength ^to about 4200. Japs have called for a
jungle party of 500 to go to [[?]] Burma. A USA Army captain MOTT

visited here today from Kanburi. He was an American Army pilot who volunteered
with 76 others to go to China before this war to study the Jap air force by
fighting it. At the outbreak of the war he fought around Rangoon and was
eventually brought down north of Mandalay. he was injured and treated by
the Jap Medical corps and was finally brought to a hospital at Bangkok.
THURSDAY DEC 21

Another bitterly cold morning. Pte [[?]] has my great coat. Lt Col Williamson
my pull-over so I am reduced to my FS uniform for warmth. Col Johnson
recounted a few episodes of his Bn's assigment to Shanghai during "The
Incident". He was there 21 months. More men came in from jungle and 500
marched out to Chunkai including McCawley leaving our strength still over 4000.
FRIDAY DEC 22

The temperature this morning must have been about 50°. Attended Mass

said by Fr VerHeist. Japs asked yesterday for several essays on the recent bombings

Two air raid alarms. No day passes without at least one alert. Jap interpreter
stated there was a possibility of POWs being removed to Saigon. I would
like such a change very much as I am not likely to see this country
after the war. Am reading Vicki Baum's "Nanking Road" half the
library has been returned censored. De Mier W de Mier ("M.O.") of the London

Highlanders joined H.Q. today.
SATURDAY DEC 23

Air alert at midday. More men from jungle. Strength now 4235
4 more alerts during the day. Confession.
SUNDAY DEC 24

Mass & H.C. gardened as usual finishing up with a dip and 45 min French. Japs have
given 2 Ts to each of 378 cronic cases. Camp Funds now gives me 1 cent per man per
day for the indigent of my Bn which numbers today 371. Air alert just after lights
out but I went to bed. Yarned this morning with Matsuyama who was an [[?]]
in Japan and is now attached here for 3 months as assistant interpreter. One letter
from Nancy dated 24.12.42.
MONDAY DEC 25

Christmas Day. Mass & HC before breakfast. The Concert Party presented an excellent
pantomime "Aladdin". Read all my letters again and looked through my snaps
Home seems a long way away but how I long to return there. A soccer match
played immediately after the afternoon session of Aladdin completed the days
entertainment and a third mass was said at night. We ate very well, having
saved meal for several days. The evening high tea included cocoanut, ginger
peanuts, pomelo, bananas and cake. No air alerts.
TUESDAY DEC 26

Work as usual nearly all our books have been returned. More men
marched in including Schneider, the camp's strength is now 4450 and

my Bn 421. Matsuyama left for Bangkok. Only one false air alert, a false one
WEDNESDAY DEC 27

Bridge & AA parties leave camp at 0700 & 0730 hrs respectively and the latter
often do not return until after lights out
THURSDAY DEC 28 Some weeks ago the juni bought several fowls for some Dutch

officers, retaining two until Christmas. Instead of giving these to to the Dutch
he sold them to Hence & Coy for Tcs 13, and so far the Dutch have received neither
cash nor kind. Advised that all POWs at Tamarkan will move to
Chunkai as soon as quarters are built. Some workers must move
first thing tomorrow morning. I am looking forward to the change.
FRIDAY DEC 29

335 workers marched out to Chunkai at 0900 hrs. Some huts on the Jap

side of the camp are being demolished already.
SATURDAY DEC 30

Workers on the bridge were kept there until well after midnight. An
engine went across to test it. All watches, rings and foreign currency has
been called in by the Nips. A few essential watches and collections of
coins have been exempted.
SUNDAY DEC 31

SUNDAY DEC 31

Mass & H.C. Plunkett returned from the jungle in a party of 77. Am rereading
European History. Vicki Baums "Nanking Road" I finished today. Lights out as

usual, but I sat out in the moonlight and thought of Nancy and the children.

MONDAY JAN 1

Mass & H.C. season greetings flying everywhere. How long more? Will it be
this year? Aladdin was presented twice with "the Old" & "the New Year"
taking the place of Father Christmas. England played Scotland at soccer
I am reading Elanor Rice's "Imperial City". Five planes passed over
just before midnight. A few bombers were dropped within hearing
TUESDAY JAN 2

10 high planes passed overhead going north about 1300 and another
flight hidden by the clouds passed an hour later. A Nip here said
be thought Mary were from The
WEDNESDAY JAN 3

Went for a delightful trip by barge - almost 5-6 miles away
up the other river "Menam kwa noi" There is much life on the river at Kanburi
I saw many floating house boats completed with front verandah and railings.
earthenware jars, clothes line, fishing net hoist and small canoe, many motor
boats, canoes, fishermen netting, women and even small children going visiting
in their flimsy canoes, gaily dressed or happily undressed according to their
age and sex, and old fort overlooking the river and many houses some substantially

built which are now being undermined by the fast flowing waters.
Along one bank I saw a shoal of small fish leaping right out of the water
either for insects or to avoid the fast stream. I was able to renew many

acquaintunsships, including Black, Cameron, Kerr, Balla, Watchan, Blair, Gaden,

Bostock, Pycock, Richardson, Outtrim, Badger. On the way back we had to abandon
ship for well over an hour during an alert. Very few of the inhabitants of Kanburi
crossed the river and about 100 stood along the high bank of the river

in their gardens xx on laneways waiting to cross if necessary. it was dark
when we set off again but the motor boat could not make headway
against the current and we changed into another barge arriving back in
a slight rain about 2130 hrs. I noticed the people of Kanburi are still
very well dusted and clean and I watched many of them bathing in the river