Diaries of John Kevin Lloyd - Part 20

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

Page 1 / 10

MENOAY OEO my prayer bock was returned frankd by the Japs. Mass was said it 1wos hars in the banina grove. More about douing the day Yesterday a small. fighter- believe to be 5 of the Tha an force went up while the bembe about but did not look ver hard for them and soon depert there are still no banances and we are feeling hiangary mest of the ddy. Helfy adissae slit tunch in the pad fields a drother surch you were sat aveape 1E6lOFC 12 Pow from the jargle state that 5110W wen killer and 18 wounset when the hiem in which they were heavelling we bambed and an 10 Dec. Cambers also attacked Wan Co, Wan yee, Kinyahe sayd Apre (Burne) Later 11 wore deaths were reportd from Benhaste-anothera Two an iard wt some about underes or after this maning of WEONESONY DFC B Heard that 2 preans who were involved in subvesive activilus a few wake ays were awarded longrentences Semecia 20 years, Kanyarna ) 15 years. his latter was a particulaily obsiion .M. who dackd varia officers at are? becaue the dares to of to him, and vashed Howitt. It appear that no more personnl will e here from t inhar leaving them gues over 100 strong with 200 standing by the gargle. an raid alart at 1900 - the rumbling of many buishing bornly cam up fth the soth east, a little later 3 bembers approached from the weat and came tha for the luodge. I knew they were going to disp burbes, but would they overshoot, the agetly 2 recend and hil in. Dlown they same whihling when the plann wn wbly overhad but the Cantes seemed to fall in the told A4 part 300y as an not drifted tnr the carp and and 3 appears making for the bud o at this herve the had bo pass ovelead first & croncud in the mnch thert whichfull of and the children and thrrought fughtined the peany pars overmod and w knew we are safe. Down causes the voints, the earmae but we pas a righ if relief tjuinp up and fine the camp abile unterctue excepting for a late fragiaments, dust and spathered earth, Then audder anendender bombe twoop dower on the camp at 300 fut the AA gra cae ato from the will and obbnpsst open up at the plane is it show sveheat and we are spreyed with bullet and frment from A4 ih Two men as badly but i anr yf the latter Thubebr bidieg ran out and too the wounts toward the aperating the be 50yards arvay. The benus bid to un for t wor bombe were courting He cioucl assin the bombey an dureit ovirbied the bobe begin to whitble May God heve wirg on me and they bit this hime close ace mon we live a kibble longer 6 man bember an almost overhead coring from the opposite direction, they are abnost they are aver, don came the benbo, they culd inters, us they dont, the doeand we are safe. I am beginning to purpese My oney put can iplentors is the 2/29 Bu mat doubled over my head. Camp Hh decided that it was time to move and we made of100 yds further our in the con but the and was over. a links ws bld in the darb with a nurty am falling the men get their evening meal at 2130 by without light 3 of my compenie an aveved to burk farthn from the danguar come of the camp as delayed act bumbe were drapped. Two wvent off during the tuckes. Eventually ittle for the night apter an arguement with the Nip who wanted accuate THURSDAY OEC 14 Then one if yesterday woundir died during the early incerning the huneral of his body was absut to pass the camp gate when diek tumbling was heavd and awather an abut is ar. I am in the garden and ful retatively safe. The pap are theroughly day in and we have to take shille on the bank of the river. The alaim last 24 home. We hear plans ohend in the claids man numblig, more peany ane then several more inelling at few mnt inteevals. In hhe middle of any eventing meal there is an other alet the unat side if the camp is cuply within 30swands about 12 planes attache a dump in Ranbur cucling accunt about 3 hime and dappir bount each time. I eage see the bouts having the planes frem i suet hurch the atbock lasted neary an lisen and large fires were starhe. Pehol duims could be baid expeading sum I beenn later, ERIDAY C so an accrss the senior officers of the granps and all the bonts were peeaded before the defagting pap C.O. Yougats who is humfure te tahampating se thankd hueet of in for sil co ofhew and ther gave us a b disitation on the grening of pawpew hees and he as the man who was appearte by gap authority to cential the distincs of 15,000 POWS. SAWRDRY OFE I 150 aich ane inted men arrived an I haurs in the early haur of the indrning. the second fetality muhand on Dec 12 took place among were from a watin party and las met in teannt who happined to be quaiteld just there hunpnant the durckand aughtoutt the open togethe wthh and haniilst satt sime ofing the was bullel oth wante of a cruk as his headw foure dountabery 2 day later the rest of hm bod disappurt 1000 m wer oedited out to bhuhor and parber up and moved there in record time. Iwahhd them cras the bure in lot of 100 and they certainly bis not warte time on amp is eve so much more placeful. SUWOATDLE tlars and Hl. as naval. I wa able to use some of my reseives of money 35 treals, My Rusbeength is new down below 300. Whihe following card to Marrey - MAIL SWAE WPE CNEFRING, PRIC GLNENE; BUI IAI,VE, L T, Ca (AARDEN RDIDAE, LEVO CILVV, FRE, FRIERDS, BAII. Rex owes ine 8 and Gree ower me f4. The usual an rard aldeins, humming oures me fto and Iularn Lovell 45, M. Cawley 15, 3t West L5. HONOAL DEC 18 a holeday and no an har atarind. Warkers on the budge now start anla beforl daven. Another search, and were, toule he well conpireati TUESDAY DEC 19 two large parties arried pran the jungle bepore daven meary 400 includ West and Lovell They say that there are many sooe waiting for harns to return to Lawahan and Hle of other granps, yet 200 were vent from Chunhar yesterda up into the jungle? Now parten acrived later abo our strungth is now back to 4100 approx. at all P0Wcamp the paps are builder clarge dibch and wound accunt the perimiher. At Tamiban it is 25 feet duep and 15 feet wide Here it is just takeng stape and its dimusion are iutar Heard that pars is shar 10w hasquartus have gar to Saigen
Mlrt B C e bng thn e fane ter rea t bs O officers, retaining two until Christinas Ruhad of giving these two to the Dubsh a wittely coll night. I have brought aut my good umform to wran in themes he sold them, to Henre & boy for F13, and so for the Dubch have received neithen an awnala allet about 1700h but no plan appeard. More men avina from the gungle beinging a abogth about 4200. Yops have talled forI cash noe kind. advyised that all POWs at Lawailsan will move to mneparty of 500 to go to apien Bue. a Ista pta no Chubar as soon as quarter are buist. Some warke mst wore titat whe wate ted be tode froe Kanbure. He was an aaican ar first thing homiou moning. I am looking forward to the change. phi before this was to sturdy the gapr an horty with 76 others to 2 EBIOAY DFE 29 fighting it. At the tthat o the wer he paght arcu angvon and was worten marchad out to thunber at 5900 han him thit of the Jate eventually bess denen werth of Mantalay. He was inyured and luafe side if the ca ave being demalished already. SATURBAT DECBE we gap medical wps and was pinally bought to a heiple at Bangtawt Worters on the AURSDAT DEN2 th I will ofter it ar but Lebot Wittien another bitting coll maning. Ae r has my enguire went a to teat it. at atchl, reng and foregn gentrency has my pull-over s Ham reduced to my 13 unifer for werrnth. boe John ben called in by the kips a few ehisl watt and tien ecounted a sent episodes of bus absignt to Ttanghar during The cans have been exempto Insut tor were cam in from the pingle and 50 Ineidurs. He SUWOAYDEE aeeched out humhaw including w Cawley leaving our strength abill we 1000 Mass 1H5. Clunkett rete i a perty 27. am rereatin urapian Hirbay. Kicbi. Bepons ERAYDEAS I himld tody hights ota t timpti the morning mund have been abou 500 attended tast remal, but I sat out the moculight and thought of tungane the children said by NHerteest ap aslard yestedy for several essays on the arens bout MANORI SAN ws are laid alarms to day pain without at least ore alert fap iferen mansts. Teneon geetings plyen eveywts. How tng mere? Will it te sfated there we a posublit of Pow being removed to largen. I would this year ? aleddi was presented turce with the old the viw yer he such a charge very wd as I am not wbly to see this country taking the place of Father Chrish glavd played testlan at socca. ftr the war. am reading Vielr Bas Wanking Road? Half the Iam wading Cher Riles impial City. five planes peand oner ma has been returned censous st wde we (ano) of the atdnight. a hew tn bo ppet within hearie. Wnte ound pa today 1540 s trugh planes passed overgd yoing north apfo 1500 and anath in D Geort Oba ale t at middey. Mow wyte from gungle. Shurgth mow 1225 plight hidden by the ilonds passed an hour take a wip he said same alest duiing the day. Capersion we thought ty were from the Chillsprn SUNDAY DC WERAESDM TANS Meas otl rardened as resuge perishing up with a depaire 45 mins meenh Jape to Ment for a delightful tup to tshentiar by barge -aloven 5 6 mates away given 27ts to rach of 178 cron leases Caup Tunss now given me hent per way up the other rivw Menin kwanoi? There is much life on the river at Panloun day for the indigent of my kn which nlo boday 371. An abut juit ofter haghtg Iraw marry floating hare boat completed with fioill veranat and railing eartherware jair clothn bore, fishing net hoist and small canse many inst out but I wait to bee Yound this invening with Metuyane who was an up intaken and is now attached here for smouts as ansisbart interrupber one rether boat, carrey fishemen wething, women and even swall children going viniti from vaney dabd 24.1. 42 MONOAYOIC in their flinsy causes giily delived or happily undessed according to then Thershwas Day. Mane Hts betoe tuatiful. The benent Party presented an icin age and sex, an old firt overlooking the river and many honorr swme substant pantine "Aladdin. Rad all my litters again and loald through my aas ially built which are noww being undemnd by the fast, flowing waty Home seems a long wan away but hal thang to return there. a well matih along ae bants I saw a shoal of swall fish leaping right ouet of the wat laged immdeably apter the aftern suron of aladden completed the day wther fir anseth or to avoid the fast aleam I was able to senew guary subbtainment are a thric lars was said at might. We cale very will barsing acquaintunsslps including Blark, Camn, Ken, Barra, Wubehan, Blan, Gaden eived meat forseveral day. The evening high lea included coevannt gie Bostock, Pycoch, Richardren, Outhr Badger, on the way back we had bo abaud maunt parelos bavana, & cake, No an alerts ship for well ov an duing an alet. Very few of the inbabitats of Kanly crossed the revn and about 100 stood along the high bank of the a Weo OEC 26 Work as inual. Hearly all our books have been returned. then men in their garden on laneways waiting to cas if uleessary. It was darks iched in inclossing tehse, the camps shll is now 4450 ave when we set off again but the metsr boat wuld nt wake headway against the cerrtht and we changed wito another bage arriving tack in Bn 421 Mibsezale left for Banghik. And are an alut a falke WEBAEVAV a slight rain about 2180 bi. Irisheed the people at Kanlan and Butae + AA parbers heave camp at 0700 10730 his respectively and the tather very will deased ane clean and swatched man of them bathing in the n
ERWIN POPPER 121 PROCOOS
WRSOA SANSO KONDAT TAN 22 Heat as almost umbessable again in the afternoons. am waiting The Mythes all officers at Tamuan excepting M0 Chaplains are being moved to Kanbur amuine by hir fames fram and Days to Remember by Buiban a Newbelt. by tamnow- some 900 of them. Most OM af Kanburn are being meved out, 1066 min of the other bratiehy wurched back to Lamivan alvery that notice. Hel here, Chorliar etc. It would appar that soure 0A are being left there -oldish a farenuell party to men of 2pg Hir- about 26 were present. men, to do camp duties for the officers. Heard that the officers at Chantan WEONECOYInI staged a stibe at Chankar when here of them was barten by a Korean a an alet from 0100 0200 his appros plane pers o in the mud-afterncon Teb agued to bebane that quard Officeoue offend 25 cent pay a day for wast there are many late and a bew dogs heving permaveribly hir this camp. The cah doul an addle to salary, and defused it. the samwlan-Kenteme tays and hot yet help to rid the camp of rate, like becams extrmily bering an dull an hopby organind and their guards lap engines are living in with them They are bun trept quite reparate from this atek a ment officer in charge of boy a Capt. died. Deapair is a terriate slate to be,and ofber dispatr. things that ance used Booth of the worth Halforwhireehowa w Hapal the oubbimale of the to make sires beart leap with hope naw do not succies an hondling evn the war. the unual convt wa quite good 2 6 5 merent glimne of hope. One feel that has glanes hope bfor as ofhe from I same things and nithing hes came if it that to expect to find bet them the TiSOY JAN 23 tebeen of ag has retund thrue after a bup to targont tingapers & Kenture on the ot some things is quite usiters and t perbile. My heart field dead I fiell of destan trety He heard at ling bat 280 o 385 of 2/20 died on t1Hees up here a opber THURSDAT FEOI iture to change. wat bali ant in on their way to Lane am leading a tharter Intraduction to beng hiteabuse. strethis now 2300 & 1073 of Nox Reh. A thar be been arreated for somelhing conee FRIOAY FER2 this camp. Two calllemen and Punt w baken away for inkrrogation and the that f am puthing camn o tonatous from our garden. tap seem to be duimping bear in here beying to identify semand the the lonkd libe a Eracte Porbugin stues adjuint he there brnch ling which have been laid all accuntt a plane came new aboout hs and tropped to bemnles mear the end of the teredge ou camp. There is a deal of Jap acrial actiily lately in this area. On ruce place was over todey, Pais fall for same wnut afte dark. we wathing it andiounts wher it wre dirisbly ovubead and was just inginiig to fat camp badly uided this safe when the whrable of the bebo could be heard coming classe at herefor ed SAWVEDAT E and we still live Bountern were over in the early bares. 200 Darbh Officers want ont to oane Fiv24 Kanburi after the swel e fells of the Clmbuggess died therha emen were a and f Ulupation auddeny from tack of quinine and was buneat we swar after the funt exmined by yat 0 for to a an to day tine they wand 20 tearchd senee and I let sany geft of len leud he were 2bs on the pdegranene in a vew part of the eiver behind the village. The lather is almnt deserted, but will contains its little heuse for spint wersb all aat Wen Dloon of funt ever an grawing will there, times jackfiet pawfaw wi THURSDAY JAN 2S there are still no tams going Bun way, bunt returned from the tempers at will bemabols, triogal (egg fruit), boul fruit. SUNDAY EIAA Kanburi. The cemebery part which I was to take to Buini is still indifint Droas ote. Am pacted up ready to move and have deopped stredy to preparations are being made wymber for the imperding brak up of this carit same our present organication. Recorde will not be allowed to be remaned nd a few days. So sick men went off te Natompabory 300 waiched outine Davidson to v09 Drayrch. I said a few words of farwill be the ter in the amount of money per man is very himited morning lenko. Prsnte a few lage gruen tomeloy to Jap adt who TRWAY TAN 26 My Seriah & Japanise Dchnems were handed in for approvat. Am putury sem as best commander are have ever bed. MENOMY EESS very five grun tembors fom the officers garden, Rooth is married to a but a tetiday ivery hat. 300 Hutch marthl and to tetoutian and 290 offeers 200 girl Dave Thampoen gai a tantph peally to the dn staf merched in there are new no AIF, 454, banadeg or NE offun at wherhav alven HIREAY TAN 27 am not feeting very well, arm tered, achey + an repret inturatly at t 1700 hes whilet I was playing brudge an an attach on the A4 peat a then the Iheam in the aphenon a farnits the whigh andoe commeced a laskd 3 hours 8i enguie bembers mede the utos EUURAY JAN 28 Mans 14t then are still several officers in the nengle. This branck way 978 offisentuty of a Hartrs, then our cantun was sun to be ablage. Forturabel, the eplanses de off for 2 an been whilst we dought the flawes. We maked all give an of th there in jail a Japes, Recce plan is over alongsh every day Detch are taking over both adjoting but, and puatied it over when it caught fire. The mist but was saied bibls in antilipation of the peodany more of 2000 fit. English speaking PoW going by theowing waber ovr the atlaft and the rie stors by me clmbry i Ralburi Happern that 2 mow officers ban been taken ly tempen prein lanburse con on the roat sbeating ond the flanns. Bach came the plany for a man alto rent what for? thetlere bonts at the is cor of on ginf 6of tes ber e Mcherr S teaent fortedter because we are toad t Joh adyt hem Noquetin is the farrest ftes t was terrfie I ms it h tere to betieve that that would takals cans ted ban had ht be las a rebout whehor. Over 100 D ofpera were deaples about a down huts bout vonatd up 15 maw derived injuse
TUESOAT EEPI A quite day atter yesterdays excitement ane bowe buist harmbersly in the vaiated sine of the camp. A bere plate wreghing about 10 thr come througgh the roof of a ofhes hurt. Ponsince put to marke on the buage a few berres after tthe bumbiry land bangs lie at the bridge mtla at alo to complite the furst farby. Dubcl inh are moving to btherbor. He each day te fube brut is as being ptle sown for thanbir ARERDAL EEE tatihed pus in soga bean facting. Beans soaled for t hus are ground with us ase the bish a lem by. The much is s a riehy flis t thau woiled & the render of ban as given e tibbins after boiling the soled cied the dignd is boune off and the ce gradually agueezed to get the reaini ab ae. The reavelan spange to stand & lind in dilp builing oul Received an injection against plague, a wan was brought in off he bridge party before dnight with a shike shrogh his foot. I have cellected am plane vigitable rect to take to tanbuly belirgwiihed appentwents a officeri wee ha t offe th wos suh over at least bo vembuhass to the outh of ou comftation ge boure to do so from about 1360t WA2b Hen buther. Usy tos se is w possible way. I hope the tohe have beeld hanfur all. Ialabnety the last of 3800c3 Went all arace ASxlog ad good o to be ae t up FHONRRg at tantorre carring a puth wegtn amon ntari to senan nche alteth wa and blost 2520 lls Was not draburd my sower mapap all pi restue iy the gabane to ow wis ipessible to b interl wes he dind the rutupule but wthig ean the sect in ethl inno a vewant al to a bay and a LE bleaset up the but and got acquainted with the rentine the angul o a aushati of this camp ane in anat iextuml cxawded. T Beand ile mak the carnt, sam w0 Japs are 14Powbut ocmy about 13 Admander Whearnt oy sutou l i occupy a adaick san soft willbe top with a bed on the intule wit siley baabed wire with peatier by Lambon round. The but run for s of the sand of the camp. We heve who canten plage, 2 latis a bather enclosi a pumphan a kitaton, and a snace vesitabl garder. Hed houble wth ap Iclased the cantan for a wek CUNDAYLERRII LALWEEe4 tbeen number about 2100 &o about 300 Fell off & ean famer to valunboy wek as efd a t He wod carryng vegitile offil petting leaving other mut with on but building levelling beblion mllecting awill callesion Ewilding, semateton inuate wre cooning bting he b aake a good ma her bufig the but t clotl fo tat w gut w thas yo odatee in tlable o t at Bains Stwark a din MCNON FEB 12 a full merting day. Rambers went over about 0300 hy an we had t surn out to the Lunthes. If a ruice plane a single plane now appear in daylight we have to stand still in get under cover unbil an alari is sounded. there are so many alarms sounding at these himes boll thei and jap that it is diffciet to distinguish our own. net Christie Platt's brother Herman, a Flying officee, who was adit at Kota Bahrin. Leatened to the conent. Iwd just a few vocal ites with a large oichustia but it was fust class and thas berched me up. The most accound the camp has set a deainage juoblim, and dear weter ba to be lifted by roeps atout 2 feet and runs out thee an dlevated deam The wit are weaking under diffrint cndition their look-houses have been demalished and they are worlnig out in the open, on there sides of one rection of the but. UESNAY EER comywhed sarnahe again tnder and the meese was atorat a head as wt me were alonguded the bungy Roth busges were wadly damaged, 4 shar to the shall due the w a bout bet haatt near the stark and heel 22r caught here as njuredacg sp attanded the conncil againn then camp is about wet will varying up to 19mb and aboute B being orcuped by she lapn as shall done in the spe Weana FEa 14 tasitin by Angasaue and the cop had to be cleamd rep. He ixamind the moat did finces and arked a few quistion of 2 of our offines- th frlat time any commander his conduscented to do, such a thing. Sood is not very good, just rue, a little recetable and ver little meet fee and occasionally sout bead with gain or whished guannts the canten is almost ucless at prmost, to far I have heen able to buy shant of boning a pemelse 70 he rthe slimes, taliey of bad pannt butl, and 30r & tarts, seet is oeght from the Thais ane is difficult to obtain, I URSDATIEEE a full trgliday am reading Ian Hay & Stephen Halls Widdle Watch and Geo Philip Balser ascach of Hutbles Played in a bridge henvement with lve andeson, Aet Wilborn again racind with thmell atnight my only werk at prvi is a short shipt in the pump. Have obtained a French Caurse, 2nd year t A.C Poire. am finding it we diffrenet to sittle to any write. a wutch col who addpted the habit of dttaching himself to my queve he could find frind himself much to be dismay in a confession quere. FIPAY FER IE temples and guares condrcted a brut rearch tent book nothing of mi there are 276in amp at prind wede up as fillows Br 1486 Du 1012 aurt 219, U5A24, band 9.NE12, Fr1. Of thee B04 are OR Chark of rem is bamp H0, (hiacon offieer fadviser) at commende ayls Went out A the man road of the hae be purend
THURSUAY F2 SATUROAY VCO fim wre taken away-withen explanation Jap grases fe Balana of Chonla 1 Fawarbon officer arrivid. Seveel fram doats of Jap troops have returned from Ba was btchion are no sucking inbarke but no pacher cosbing in the bueld, two 40s have returng from Tamues talking on the plage, oulgumere, h or chans a allowend in the treets buchn on of them, Jurblin lept here the day we arrived, Japs will not allow must be kept inlarse on imaginay ah sight out for 10ts 20 minebey aghtwate querres upon the canteen a varlers shat during working havt and the still have to be povded we are alllid puture or pape to assstig in saip Pao, leve srewns of the At has oners to break thind up I handed any studes no faul heer all watbhe to do any stody aid playing is in once again for cerorst alow & Banking and a fat asiglnlary. My prohubber during ierting bav, no eight is provided, no nwsp is dalcnd other gap acatenlay, Feh book and papertcuthing of tap Go ruc do have been confiseated uch order we d gainst playing ca I no news of the oubvide wold is geven dass be to be hild at night, we are in waiking trout. No lighting is provided, nor can oit or carlel be forsend to give thap saletos t guf off tee no facilibies are prowt to chulige meas geavt I always use be wr the to wocabe hul during our waids by night insurred brom the cantrue as will as by day hinging imune wthout appart is forbuder and clothls PRIDAY FEB2 Read Cobber Cumpaigning by D. Word, am reading the sun is in must he wasted any in a certe ipet yound for a long white with te Voge undoig by margant theen, ale sheeks have to be hadiled in to the fat 3UNOATEEI Wellow of the Ude, Grologual Turny Dept cam to visit me attenden Likeni musil intin excepting there und by the consetf treas in the garden at 2000lar. I am working in the pump hense for a sha bol hillic returnd but was taken away again. Another twan also back badly beater and with a boken ear drum, Had a severe alfo fured daily him table at prsint wulle 0819 rall call 0830, buchforeg of nemrites int the shouders and neet and parorded sick gof ordirg of wort pande 0945 -1100, tea 1100 -112 wark 1130 to 1300, lunch 1300, work 1300 tra 1629 resum 1700 cease warl 1$20 meal 1800, oider 1900, rell call 193 slems to be shewing in a courtiey which we never had before -e athends and taken tentaves. The fapt are shill treeping all nets from hights aut 2190. a will ring in thar camp nearly, tolling the hom a 2o he clock in thei hie, & 2 his late than Trbig hime, Basher sse of the cuelest puishment in pliake. The last newrpape gone tos was dated June 19144. the Voie of Kappon. fafferrs still continues. Young with tandels & Pycoch. SATURDAL TER 24 MAODOAY Ee 19 swemi from 1920. 32. He play Recurnd tis letter from Narry dabed Sept 1 cet &s. The alinn also is told Tywith was Englands aprint th ad my ptt convection with watu pols at blymp a yare with lap revene of yo0 a pared of bol Clarebrough Copssu landels! He was a postal officer at Penarly, the is married with BUNOAY F 2 is were bake arvay by himps Went out with WI to Tamapan to collect athap Nil Bavell all in sudia You ild reason untincton. The erebuestic panged for an han in the open and sy to in Paking & Rebie of Maty also Old camp s a shamble. Weoden pumping teem is Connen of Holdshieen Guart Carean, Barracl wedgers repaired footbridges have been warked away. a very intrlsbing day that a NP than cunbar who said that tome Green Welgheds 71 pilos and aur 170 high. have gain to kabburi. Kerensdare to adopt Japanie name LESDAY TER 20 there was a very heavy dowenpose of rain in the afternoon and there and wnst leam sippon 0. In fait, ther native tengue if shop but blew down. I marng to get a game of bridge somedays of potiden in thes ichools the teather are Japs d lunch and before 1500 the when work commences. Japs issul an orderd that MENDAY FEB 26 aw sticks were to be cand excepting by needy cases. Went out on a wor Went out to Temahan for a moening work Japs hild spork fo PoWs party a guaits immercifully, be at uf a dog nide the wood-heap. yarved [and as the attentance wha not good ordered weyae to attend. Splinded I concet at night we have been hold it is ou lest one, as High with landels, Wier of the Veley Pobie and anethi. authority tras sidered it. Deave West be been about a week in herpite with (ONESORY FEB21 TUESDAY FED 2 araw who was so bental in Bunna stuuck an officer this insering awailen sent a pill day at Zamatian & shew Decrepery accunt on a lootir other with a shovil. The otfiere pail of 50 downed boots, were parti to the bamp bender and wen Plied budge With Welbern Matson of Maley Turreys cambarin. mare officers were taken away by knfis but 2 we reburned. Twe eet WEONESON FED26 sard within the las few da al oW cump have their doge and cal ad in caw an rece alort at night. lap senuhe twohily saust alla in plusty. Once one of thhe amal firds it was into the san HUASON R 3 oppren stae they fie plint of food and help to keep dowing the rats thy been t l sboos cpa bh up. Hanted in a watib the the ifficer stond 2y hams gubside the guant hane in shah vil very tamel and edu go anywher the t of her sleeping on ay bed in the d been in posseasion of pencel watch, d abothwarr alo d they are vey busy at night and ld mchl the tt coat attend fuch taity andening. Leaiy have been sinng again her e oply and playabo among the they are duly aleeed when they snt
ERIDAY. MAA2 Went he sawaken for theday Had the usual swen SorRM AAR3 an ag wearly AM. Hear 7 peany saw and Hanted on 9 sessiong soo strep on the hump tell rathr demin itnight bnt shil was b als ohuburing on the haspital Parlie moad is bne wth tucel mon leavn from Buina way. Had to ships to Nes but as new passage was tent out my ben opie TaoAY AAR4 sr sar a bench of you, but I did my pumpery as nsune. Heare from letter that white muren ar hurdng Jap POW or wlial lold tut paps bar int our po to 20 huleus bran shars, will not provide mone. If this 5 must go by cantar as caprone as ther will out ripfl for cash. All any is infut attenced mas He almght ABNENAR5 the greatnd number of tiltres angaged in a night sand fately $20700 bs. Eesting his rang f as over an can pont 3 toov so plase Pfegn but feel much benn I can s as well as my primping an houe usueally fit in during of Butie wulib tthey 2 liriors in trench on with a gaine i bridge and a read of my lev Landels Sonet ooer have guot completed Bave gave of wr san deaidingg the tun if ary idsing by trangant tfeen. then I can find time to attend the rosty all night. the rae if tlls to the so an camp ather beautifued rtoeo haw and al suset tby ertend for temet 2 mlles and consret an imeal numper of weatns Prising an o to than hich fill the thyme ow tink wy 46 ft as interytin to hear pdide commanded iy an amterican leady tant ald bon of Met F.O Hampe where ofple save in Bosen Rgod, kan owten wil li a l Road of f Brale Rd WterewaMi b the pn HCKSOAYMARS a day at ramabon, AA Bt is preparing to revecrpy a swall pars of the caup were ny on alet at Dublimen hld in that they beed been neuent to Pele only, that 100 have gon to the Male borde, 300 moan to follow tat now ou are moving to Rebbery that the gaps an coweting licke hots and so tee nate, waybe fin camp life only, had that tem are abile 200o on the wo rowd ad a pew other at 93ra3 asknewe tas a whe was in the town is we retau is Resenp de end flag e ega we dist layed out de all comps. FRIDAY MAAR9 Met Lunt Stellingfard who had dinner with me in Lingafrien with the Lapaguals, the olynews, & aeagor tilling. I bave hun out of many intirely. On Widmisda wg inti of the ka we have are explantation of the Gabee for the nixt opno ad r sdoy that satiof the bross the pump wioke toda just as of had warnd Hh it wintd to wdays ago and I thad a hobrday HTURDAY MARIC the tep solding of the fowr stayil a ceremany paide this mawing at dobe puessema in renumbance of then great writig over the Knese Hut at BCHINA i 1904 SUNDAY NAR II -warited out to Lamahon with a ws of 60 and had to murch bask again in tho evening. Half the parb were surtch Law 3 lovely cassia trees with karge cluster of banging yellow alswns Went to deass ofb Reige planse came ove there tha be very little anaitrt of lale Barbebbull bas commencedd wore shoot were bickin up. Ihel lapt Edwards of the E. Murreys Maroay Mrk 12 toppery on camp ta resigned as a piotent againt cnhimen Dastn by thimags Camp 28l said he wauld repeit to CCou any thilneys was left to deal with it WUESDRTRARB agapens isdered acress the ine and an ixtaeeat pen and o to tambar beet to being it back safely through the a of colder we tibe we new have a but vatmen who leane the but and wen the occisionall I have wost a ve swall garden at the cs of an but with caner convel there was a pire in the tav early in the many & get guies and a to quell it as a ssud then was no gop on ioter tirba atnight again there wee ns tenbe. DeSOAY AAR 1 aconeet was allowed but it was inturuptd twrnby a very theaburing stam which cuboncly blew away. Obtained Cam butrren Fasay Ath 15 Lamalsan. carcand along the uvver bant. teated in a was and obtand a prange pain aithin for my garden and a Hawn what I am knosing h pany Law an AA gun ina ove parition and itall thar thatice & officue offecut shall in the bisil of the murderer, obtained suteral many but was buint with the quite in we shoulde bain Essk 16 wll heavely fee ranten, whilet it has made the ran very ruudly yet it is whe acceltable to lay the dunl. and read thinchill t thil Wedella heare the incident of the Br offen who interedt the latie, at an and asked if thee was some h state. Tesus he tanalflll m t no tn mied
IDAYACAR Dt Paks Day. Am reading Trenchmary breek by Daphon Dr Murcer. often are standing antte the granbense for having such thing a valueless cigarethe ws, whatle perreets, in their pessusion ard alet at 23o0ln and many officus arrived in from Largsn dure lem, Cauben is almst amplete bump libery is bery fou nk1 w made to staid infurde the guard ham for seeling it wil a partial collapse. They were without food wwater of Dubli officer from here heve been realiced to tm of pment angin pom o7y her obtaining an discimuating mat concert and rehensals beve been arbidden again because an rebrurge went an aftr 930. Dony alog a inbiden apper light out in pay, we are the he bedcrm be targeer offher wn number ae well dreasen with hd lress stale Brigg willin are awong then ManH6 teaat thatig i tagen incnt year. tood the was good, suente trigg has beeen rmed will disposed. ar fand a great an ead toot ole avente blangin be deeme were shet to were by Drummands tab t te nive much shopshe were iindul khllins ure mt to ation the sall tae in sept. Vinited bange an ar pae the offec in pos spck cmbabie with o00 aan and as convey wish a other cane n he waunt o badoe wgaon at 2. The 2o hi t he bee a tht when return to Kanbure at e Jap & Reeut ard 142 Sont light bekw de and saw dus with hand has. WUEEDOY MAR 20 tebney open to am reading tum billar of Wadow by ta tanminge hew number is 23555. 20 officers arraved from Watompatery. EOAESOAYRARS west sampte of a really hal day THERSSAI MARS Labect wonbe appeend singlally at trest of day a attacted an igure alognd camp. Drapp 1s ben s. t butth arl in the bund and man an t batl to bAt ttition 10 gds frow my frenck. One Pubehman ever hilled and g open offers CL2aA rereand. hut officers had muacti uat fieer a draw caned themself ho lost amount & a bulled men tutly anath rucued tupecanty out of a turch a b ie t fou a taely hate where he bas been rgeasy. Went he Lawaban, lab de stell goin 0 heran went 3 A0 4 sem law Wat fee at Barynet e have teve farld to ufir our iletuntin as a pente for not obeying 0meteber. We require 100 -300 more tunoface EAY NAAE. saw another basting. terrfee sien SUNoRy Uth 25 Lamaban Ratien cut sue 4 55qus. meat be 20 an. 12 Dubch arrived from DKPT Jop camp in Kanbure is decutil enjuiiees it Tamban ar pactiel up and boggoge hus left can camp. MONOAMtR a beldy for mast. During an raid alert we are not allewe to real a talk. I will get siled ackydays. sh 27 land the duet and createl a nint-Wath, thery a showe has wasa tory alut between y-bpr ave way bean leginbus and few hast feguls fie hae. We were bold the visited Woo AA 28 Barybuct The third min a Dubetwan, died as a result of the Cantrig Each of they y sat tumbe and lvye fut b allig earth law the fuarer of extracting petassirum carbonate from fittured askes as a base for paper and reap. The alkaline obtained is bailed to reduce the with centut and bestie with an inverte witte unpravnd bester. For paper, thaw is in up ane Coiled in the albelive thet tileted in watn abo aid sult and the result is allewed to setble on a wine screen, ther deam spaper uisults. Forcoap, it is beited with cocvannt and the glavy wult washed in wat, ralt and tapioce flom. The Commandant tabs the los, and refuse to allow in to make shaving senf THURSOA Lck 29 went so samalion faw a petiee rutien of have 10 witly full into the graunds of the wip beepital. Chinne Salemnum is another namre for the yelldw ploweing the wentiae above as passic During too day, the camp was requarty on a vatieral lases with ful officers regregable my gear was shippd for we and I now find myself lives at the top end of 417 but- all antiian. FRIPAT MRRBS wod Friday. tettled in moved the garden to this but. Jap tumpie pet on a complete rearch - without any resultent furinishments. abteded nervice in the evening Excepting her wening esan servine must wll be held on parade gcane alonged the notitant which as too clase. My ined of the camp benefths from the cast wrnds et to blowut from theull of learn ard make life beauble sture ppra arraved from tabemporery SATUROAY NEAR 31 teece planes are over darly sometimes as often as t times a day and aterts are almust a daily occurarile O tuboes which an new bld outside the chage we have be buen bead and eyes twrce tewards the fap taking the tinbe when he shand up on a table. two Dubil officers acquel SUNORY APR. Nen an alect from 400 to 1057 nt alartial returned in good ha Went to Lamahon Made a water bobble of a lory bamboo as buchet of water in strutly forbidden in the birt. attended wease at night Work is new only compulsoy during the melning but gavn both inder and outude are forludden in the afternoon as they was wphet top solde who must work all day. by purliing is now reduted to cas herst
WEDUESDAAI Havory 1022 yound with Mayer WW Weaine of the Hafflerfy, late of 9212 kns a yasume Day. Wan ta bridge a om be have been bombed any dution s places 4f days ago 150 men went from Chenbar to help upars and 23 Bde. He was bouth at 20brelh. Went the Lamisha in the id. thene is very very clbble heappe on the teri cent much evidence of roat abbey only an a new arrangement- to carr back bamboo. steborre I am going & hves each week - Tuesday & Judg anornings evaruation tawards Ranghal Murray bold me of his experience on a wr ewaper off hafer on 1 tile thy showed the wa cort to 52 vissels wha anI wed lat apternoons the pirish gave in some iobresin dispused. Tome io were sunk in the Ranka Shrarts be resinting or b a squl har and leat receslanc pasteave minue. a few days ago I naw a golden of5ers and dispoye, I were capternd inclusing his even and 8 get th TWURSOAY APRI2 oril alut 00o man wa an children got ashen a Banka near Mentol gestuon tuncotn - todon was stuuch se time & the c and stoog at th and weing were drownes or hilled durl the levinbug and shilling, guid oone fo 7 horr-fo faile bo salute him, I raw we kver no tells the abov of 22A15 mauses who aid not aserve a who reched there b todo with bit ar in a shlent dierne of his eailen beatiry. a he at been heard of sine and 2smore who ary P0.W. Then were si ane papt De how diet and wa burnd the 7th death at least since & came with the exmense utdisappane. Listed to the band recital. a whistling is sheet folde. Bombey sighped plymplt when a tacke the wan Po bridges sime 3 week ago an offilng WFSOAY AlR3. bached sice ovn an incicu of the ipllery of the swill h thangar is 2589. New Yours day bring 1apr. Then was much anges an lectuof dum o the datues a few minuly ofte 1100 lin, vmbers wtsidethe g hav an th cang taugof the g appearie and procued to bernk saw ahan budge a The tap soldees meul, Tamation bee to be which me willet ir their dun ite than b the ad post theie 4oum ove the larget were wase in3 hms and the about continud for 44 hers. The samation party retunnng FRINELARRB ttinge snight ago to hient keene the politsant carber anhalmed. iSea A4 of some bug neupepn- tall an habour sollition of the new up equired to replace intworn capitalishe syctin, Went b t went te smalan for a pleasunt day the than peluce and the fort the msy ship. Rain fell very tredirly in the suddle of the apternr apfwal all go omile with att a bl w bud was Received pay - 203Bleas 4 fr dedultiers Camp ha sent a general to the useles A wabs mitt badly warke bu of complatintt, hearly all the witting on the tuple where we het intente and the Adgan. the tnd as part of our guard the ts Zawabar is in Chirrese. My pranapany cuthing from this bf aner BB CBOC.S is sheeting well. Am reading serbilaty & Eerility intwarriage ty van de HKSDAY ADR Vide DKOAY APR 14 to offiee arrived from Nalsompalory, all except No to tamaban in the afternoon. The undertaker" was as erratie as usual an reading of h land by ty - an exsu to famece. The alsent 30 bember, passed toon on the way back towards Brina. There was dn now ofe from 1330-1730 alot of musie in the wat grounds and tany preople in their beat dress. 6 an opficer Pow went to go towards the celebaton and was bashed by a guad thrat hach Nation, wer amo there who hir Srvesent SUNAAH APR1S. wass ofto garaded sick with a swelling in the gran no have it Lawahon. Iwatfod som reed for 35 bock the was a lot to an acre spot on my behind and sidered fowintabiders and 2 days rist, actie o the tluble as we returnd, much in out mar candles. Hdd to challinge turer our first concestion- permission to ply cheas on Thunda afterion an the ntter ot Griinces Sprperty sWAHARSONGA, TONCALA. The surrounding hill are at now. Went his woas & H6 in the mvrny as urte green again, the dy season hes ended there are abori about that we are to move from were soen. There is wail in the opprce dated a late than again at night I soverly bnd the altar e Meavry Alk 16 as oct 44 niew with tt Dar &Fi i full swing ttill resting. am reading a muerch wook for begin Bill I Fom in murre neanay dany the Tarbon guas were ier to 10 bu a Jof i an othcer vaud Roger bas been nentally deranged for somre admysno odered man there- protainly in a quarrell over a weman a flill haed VESAAY AEK17 am stilltesting under oh and applying a hat wabe bag to the lymploghud an lishingg to a lat of bally on shaf and freming generally. The facher MESNESONY AORI te ton started up again, hmfrd in the morning and went to tambgn in the aptely man TexcO NORY on lipe on the trees. A nature wos give me the best wants w have thathe aued a puece of roat feem the itte otpe died thear that n Taustack. Ia carrying partie 10 banty cansed an alert. Budge is tunsbd t th an a <rubgiante b n ttl at na
MHIRSONYATh 19 HR3DAY AOR 26 carried ne and prempd. Lowad some seria seid. Were are thundristain bamp steength is now 3176 including 246. 0s. We have a almost wry day, receplanes and also native celebration, hobdeys etc. lepe solatio in a small but and Tb casl in another. & Heard that an officer here was ordered to make a tobacco garden for the TOASRe salled with a lint Jebe on Cathalie actien, went bo samalin He pertand the bid and next day it was discovered that guarks bad weanted & plank in it over night. The POWy was very nearly bashed fo it and in the incering. Po ware digary sht tumebys about the old odeg anather Did. Ptis peparner r indeg. a chesstontimen camp sive alangoy ore slueat dae the heise berpital her was wuithed in a daw between A1F. 4NE1. Law Lymag's last night throw a pobably set up to care fer sih havy on there was to Bunne it clod of earl at an officer who was sueking ou pride. De Vogds people 43 and 44. aw an alor aue we had be go to grand right alongside have been in gave her 5 generabiern and his wifet people de Pastel are ver will knew in Hollond. the AA gun porbier TBIOH Ath 20 SAWURDAYRRD cantission of he a lup to tamahan. Tantan in the marning. New ordres governing io fuct of towcamp SoS have been received and read but. Ltbol soose is appointed ct and leger inperses withdo and a fall holida. attended two de officees have been disinised McLucher & William return to onr hut to be aand receivd Ho am redding papply in arns by Kenith Roberts. Plan letr and lying on anesbid is prehibted except between $1300 -1500h have cover a extiry will at te mement. ody I lad wadlih and after 1600h. The bath roam can be ud enl, between 1300 -2002 ly so umetabiory. beag, 3 wargs a benene, same shianul, and the buber shep is now open from $1000 - 1800 his. a full worhd 2 meatcups plaed buidge Chustoph t hin yaua now oppler. This prombition a readiy is really wickd may with Llal Madam who commandd hus combind Punal thes have aboslup nothing elpe to do but read, at bast for he same all day. Had a till with a nyor Welkes of the naly odnecti uto the ilane. OI PRSO it on the vabdet of oder in the bullick of England. a half trateda. Ther was a slight frain swash befondeneer SO1Atk2 bogs tt n had to be carre fiom the raitiva who camp. a ire the apperoon. a plain clatte thempie chashra ben Dutch officer died yissule an dwas buried today Played bry guary be allew ot to gather nuyals. After that we were budd with tnesapher & Shure, cent forbedde as we had not Woyett likeshap. Only slights of any disdaptuon are allowed be had eough time to pact u. Thre is an amursing dig at a with Blacker on castly in Lesbland. 23247 A4 ttt was rather tired and had a complite real nears ofb. dew hunetable, turbes after buchfort at 093sln and WEENESDA MAY2 alnight sooo his am reading Berisfads huator of Weyhan amap tump and tamabon Planhe ont some guiniar. Law To lavgn t breed at my work! I must be very fit But the lfe a Ther woman with a burice of live lyars on a sying a few ble deahan is a fightful cendition. ay ogo saw some young wert with i buridle oy squirs MONOAYAR URSOAS AALY. enepection by bugisawa. Halfholdg. Anew segnal in AR f all aust ban recent uail has been distubatd a let has s w indud to getus all into ou hi af th deui gone ashay. Dichestia wacken io good to lestens. ows pave bands said ado a two ago that he referses to send an petibon bultgun posbin obhiell by camp and are now wats in to highy wuthout also we are fubd n bo wite by furthe grovel hat arcure the bune a pute seale rearen in the At tte of cemplaint, or to w complaints. He took violin RIPAY AI exception bo oin litte complan of resterction a diggen of am reading ta hundeed andor tust proen a good ameran ther slt herry maas punshment, and ovrning production Heart a the biagler blown a retreat at 6pm KUESDAL APR24 is a lorg call with quiets wovements, talk with majer pearsh on age in the marning. Toming seeges to be barred. We now ha DRONY MYYS the Bererdge blant case of lipnery and be has been wholdkd in a small but built for the lps called for a return of some Edoy cabagorus of sumerand perpise. Two banber carded burget year Kanburi in the appenon shalf officers ths is very poputr of thei reduads ae dapped seval stieks and the other 4 place bomtes Talked the chist eadder. My book ar bigiing to wear. sae wantels of the NEamy staff who accompanied the 691C in their cipitulation talks with the ogaps Sono NEONESDAYAPR atur and He are. etawid for Anzae. Pay received 20 B.S. foneb & rehaisnl i or

MONDAY DEC 11
My prayer book was returned franked by the Japs. Mass was said at 1600
hours in the banana grove. More alerts during the day. Yesterday a small
fighter- believe 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 hungry most of the day. Helpful
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 18 wounded when the
train in which they were travelling was bombed and MGed on 10 Dec. Bombers
also attacked Wan Po, Wan Yei, Kinsyake 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. Iemura 20 years, Kaniyama (?) 15 years. This 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 no 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 through
for the bridge. I knew they were going to drop bombers, 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 in 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. The planes, thinking 
whistfully of Nancy and the children and thoroughly frightened. The planes
pass overhead and we knew we are safe. Down comes 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  fragraments, 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 is it shoots
overhead and we are spayed with bullet and fragments from A4 shells
Two men are badly hit by one of the latter. Stretcher bearers ran out and took
the wounded toward 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 begin to whistle. May God have mercy on me, and they
hit, this time closer. Once more we live a little longer. The bombers are
almost overhead coming from the opposite direction, they are almost over us
they are over, down rain the bombs, they could hit us, no they dont, 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 get 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 argument with the Nips who wanted accurate
night-watchmen 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 raid is on. I am in the garden and feel retatively safe. The
Japs are thoroughly dug in and we have to take shells on the bank
of the river. The alarm lasts 2½ hours. We hear planes overhead in the clouds,
more rumbling, more planes, and then several more rumblings at few minute
intervals. In the middle of any evening meal there is an other alert. The
west side of the camp is empty within 30 seconds. About 12 planes attacked
a dump in Kanburi, circling around about 3 time sand dropping bombs
each time. I could see the bombs leaving the planes from my slit trench.
The attack lasted neary an hour and large fires were started. Petrol dumps
could be heard exploding some 2 hours later,
FRIDAY DEC 15
No air alerts. The senior officers of the divisional groups and all Br Comds were
paraded before the departing Jap C.O. Yamigato who is transfered to Nakampatong.
He thanked most of us for our co-operation and then gave us a long disitation
on the growing of pawpaw trees - and he as the man who was appointed by Jap
authority to control the destinies of 15,000 POWs.
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 with a lot of
tamils. Tabb one of my Bn was killed on the bank of a creek 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 Treals.
My Bn strength is now down below 300. Wrote following cards to Nancy - MAIL SNAPS VERY
CHEERING, PRICE GLENENE? BUTT MISSING LAST BTTLE, VERY FIT, LITTLE FEVER, COMMAND BN, HOBBIES
GARDEN BRIDGE, LOVE YOURSELF, CHILDREN, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, BANK.. Rex owes me £8 and Green
ower 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.
TUES 19
Two large parties arrived from the jungle before dawn nearly 400 includi
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 Tamivan it is 25 feet deep and
15 feet wide. Here it is just taking stape and its dimensions are uncertain.
Heard that part of Thai POW headquarters have gone to Saigon.

 

WEDNESDAY DEC 20

A bitterly cold night. I have brought out my good uniform to wear in the morning.
An air raid alert about 1700 hrs but not planes appeared. More men arrived
from the jungle bringing our strength ^to about 4200. Japs have called for a 
jungle party of 500 to go to [[Apramin?]] 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. [[?]]san had my greatcoat, Lt Col Williams
my pull-over so I am reduced to my FS uniform for warmth. Col Johnson
recounted a few episodes of his Bn's assignment to Shanghai during "The
Incident." He was there 21 months. More men came in from the 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 50o. Attended Mass
said by Fr Vertteest. Japs asked yesterday for several essays on the recent bombing.
Two air raid alarms. No day passes without at least one alert. Jap [[interruptions?]]
stated that 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. Davidson W De Mier ("M.O") of the [[Gordon?]]
Highlanders joined H.Q. today.
SATURDAY DEC 23
Air alert at midday. More men in from jungle. Strength now 4235.
4 more alerts during day. Confession.

SUNDAY DEC 24
Mass & H.C. Gardened as usual finishing up with a dip and 45 mins French. Japs have 
given 2 Tcs to each of 378 cronic cases. Camp Funds now give me 1 cent per man per
day for the indigent of my Bn which number today 371, Air alert just after lights
out but I went to bed. Yarned this morning with Matsuyama who was an interpreter
in Japan and is now attached here for 3 months as an 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 hope to return there. A soccer match
played immediately after the afternoon session of Aladdin completed the day's
entertainment and a third Mass was said at night. We ate very well, having
saved meat for several days. The evening high tea included cocoanut, ginger,
peanuts, [[?]], bananas, & 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. Matseyama left for Bangkok. Only one false air alert, a false on
WEDNESDAY DEC 27
Bridge & AA parties leave camp at 0700 & 0730 hrs respectively and the latter
of them do not return until after lights out.
THURSDAY DEC 28 Some weeks ago the jurri brought several fowls for some Dutch
officer, retaining two until Christmas. Instead of giving them to the Dutch
he sold them to Hence & boy for Tcs 13, and so far the Dutch have received neither
cash nor kind. Advised that all POWs 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
Mass & H.C. Plunkett returned from the jungle in a party of 77.  Am rereading
European History. Vicki Baum's "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 & HC. 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 Elmer Rice's "Imperial City". Five planes passes over
just before midnight. A few bombs were dropped within hearing.
TUESDAY JAN 2
10 high planes passed overhead going north about 1000 and another
flight hidden by the clouds passed an hour later. A Nip here said
he thought they were from the Phillipines.
WEDNESDAY JAN 3.

Went for a delightful trip to Chunkai by barge - about 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 moto
boats, canoes, fishermen netting, women and even small children going visting
in their flimsy canoes, gaily dressed or happily undressed according to their
age and sex, an 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
acquaintanceships including Black, Cameron, Kerr, Barra, Watcham, Blare, Laden, 
Bostock, Pyrock, 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 or 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 at Kanburi are still
very well dressed and cleaned and I watched many of them bathing in the river

 

ERWIN POPPER
12167
[*PRO6003*]

 
MONDAY JAN 22
All officers at Tamawan excepting MOs Chaplains are being moved to Kanburi.
by tomorrow - some 900 of them. Most ORs at Kanburi are being moved out, to
here, Chunkai etc. It would appear that some ORs are being left there -oldish
men, to do camp duties for the officers. Heard that the officers at Chunkai
staged a strike at Chunkai when one of them was bashed by a Korean and
Ishi agreed to change that guard. Officers were offered 25 cents pay a day for work 
in addition to salary, and refused it. The Tamawan-Kanburi boys are not yet
organised and their guards - Jap engineers - are living in with them. They are being
kept quite separate from this barracks. Have a new officer in charge of E Coy, a Capt
Booth of the North Staffordshires who was on Malay HQ Staff at the outbreak of the war. The usual concert was quite good.
TUESDAY JAN 23
Gibson of 2/29 was returned here after a trip to Saigon, Singapore & Kanburi on the Jap
party. He heard at Sing that 280 or 380 of 2/29 died on F & H Forces up here or after their
return to Changi. Some cooks & batmen have marched in on their way to Kanburi. Camp
strength is now 3300 & 1073 of No 4 Bch. A Thai has been arrested for something concerning
this camp. Two cattlemen and Punt were taken away for interrogation and the Thai spent
some hours in here trying to identify someone. The Thai looked like a ½ caste Portuguese.
A plane came over about 1830 hours and dropped 6 bombs near the end of the bridge. I
was watching it anxiously when it was directly overhead and was just beginning to feel
safe when the whistle of the bombs could be heard coming down at terrific speed. Crump
and we still live.
WEDNESDAY JAN 24
A party arrived from Nakompatong & 500 ORs went to Chunkai. 1100 men were 
examined by Jap MO for fitness to travel in 10 days time. They want 2000. Searched
again and I lost Nancys gift of a Pen & Pencil. We were 2 hrs on the pde ground
from 0800 hrs.
THURSDAY JAN 25
There are still no trains going Burma way. Punt returned from the kempies at
Kanburi. The cemetery party which I was to take to Burma is still indefinite,
preparations are being made everywhere for the impending break up of this camp
and our present organisation. Records will not be allowed to be removed and
the amount of money per man is very limited.
FRIDAY JAN 26
My French & Japanese Dictionaries were handed in for approval. Am picking some
very fine green tomatoes from the officers garden. Booth is married to a Perth
girl. Dave Thompson gave "thank you" party to the Bn staff.
SATURDAY JAN 27
Am not feeling very well, am tired, & am upset internally. Many aircraft were 
heard in the afternoon & far into the night. Rogers arrested.
SUNDAY JAN 25
Mass & H.C. There are still several officers in the jungle. This branch has 978 officers excluding
those in jail in Japan. Recce plane is over almost every day. Dutch are taking over both
kitchens in anticipation of the pending move of 2000 fit English speaking POWs going to
[[Ratburi?]] It appears that 2 more officers have been taken by the kempeis from Kanburi camp -
but what for?
MONDAY JAN 29
Concert forbidden because we are "bad"! Jap adjt here Noguchi is the fairest & best Jap
commander we have had, I believe he was a school teacher. Over 100 D Officers returned from [[Chun?]]
TUESDAY JAN 30
Heat is almost unbearable again in the afternoons. Am reading "The Mysterious 
American" by James Jeans and "Days to Remember" by Buchan & Newbolt.
1066 men of other branches marched back to Tamwan at very short notice. Held
WEDNESS a farewell party to men of the 2/29 Bn. about 26 were present.
WEDNESDAY JAN 31
Air alert from 0100-0200 hrs approx. 14 planes passed over in the mid-afternoon.
There are many cats and a few dogs living permanently in this camp. The cats no doubt
help to rid the camp of rats. Life becomes extremely boring and dull, and hope has
died. Despair is a terrible state to be in, and I often despair. Things that once used 
to make ones heart leap with hope now do not succeed in kindling even the
merest of glimmers of hope. One feels that one had gleaned hope before so often from 
some things and nothing has come of it, that to expect to find hope from the
same things is quite useless and futile. My heart feels dead & full of despair.
THURSDAY FEB 1
Am reading a "Shorter Introduction to Eng; Literature."
FRIDAY FEB 2
Am picking [[?]] & tomatoes from our garden. Nips seem to be dumping
stores adjacent to these branch lines which have been laid all around
our camp. There is a deal of Jap aerial activity lately in this area. Our
recce plane was over today. Rain feel for some minutes after dark. The 
camp badly needed this.
SATURDAY FEB 3
Bombers were over in the early hours. 200 Dutch Officers marched out to
Kanburi after the usual search. W.O. Sells of the Cambridgeshires died
suddenly from lack of quinine and was buried. We swam after the funeral
in a new part of the river behind the village. The latter is almost
deserted, but still contains its little house for spirit worship. All sorts
of fruit & vegs are growing wild there, limes, jackfruit, pawpaw, cocoanut,
wild tomatoes, bringal (egg fruit), "bowel" fruit.
SUNDAY FEB 4
Mass & HC. Am packed up ready to move and have dropped study for
a few days. 50 sick men went off to Nabampatong. 300 marched out under
Davidson to No 9 Branch. I said a few words of farewell to the Bn on
morning tenko. Presented a few large green tomatoes to the Jap Adjt who
is best commander we have ever had.
MONDAY FEB 5
A holiday & very hot. 300 Dutch marched out to Chunkai and 290 officers & 200 ORs
marched in. There are now no AIF, USA, Canadian or NZ officers at Chunkai. About
1700 hrs whilst I was playing bridge and air attack on the AA post & then the
bridge commenced & lasted 3 hours. 8 4-engine bombers made the first series
of attacks, then our canteen was seen to be ablaze. Fortunately the planes drew
off for ½ an hour whilst we fought the flames. We rushed all gear out of the
adjoining hut, and pushed it over when it caught fire. The next hut was saved
by throwing water over the attap and the rice store by men climbing up
on the roof & beating out the flames. Back came the planes for a second attack
6 of them this time. They dropped flare bombs at the 4 corners of our camp. The
nervous strain was terrific. I was forced to believe that that would attack we thought
were dropped about a dozen bombs but none reached us. 15 men received injuries.



 
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