Diary Major John Kevin Lloyd - 14 Aug - 3 Nov 1945 - Manila - Jan 1946 - Part 4
SATURDAY JUN 30. All pigs, goats, hide, truck, etc. are being moved in here
from the other camp.
SUNDAY JUL 1. CC has forbidden visitors to the hospital excepting on holiday
afternoon. Dave West is in there with malaria & dysentery (bacillary,)
MONDAY JUL 2. Concert cancelled, Canteen coming good again,
TUESDAY JUL 3. Splendid concert of classical music by our orchestra.
WEDNESDAY JUL 4. No attempt is being made to repair bridges. POWs from [[?Bangkok]]
are working hard on a ferrying system. Goat ate all my seed out to dry.
THURSDAY JUL 5. About 200 Jap troops who looked like recruits were training
just outside our camp. Also notices from outward have been placed outside
the camp. In the early hours after midnight, the guards exercised around the Ground
FRIDAY JUL 6. Had further yarn with [[?Luming]] last Wednesday. U.S. officers dressed up on 4th.
SATURDAY JUL 7. Kokabu has returned and canteen orders have been much
reduced. Yarned with Lieut Poole RN on the taking over of the French fleet.
SUNDAY JUL 8. Two masses today& H.C. CC distributed our Red Cross goods
lavishly to workers on his hobbies. Protests would be worse than useless.
Yarned with Major Glossop, 5 Searchlight Regt, whom I met at Kluang when
W.g Comdr Toogood was in command.
MONDAY JUL9. Have felt off colour for 4 days. Saw MO who ordered full
duties and 3 doses of salt. Received Red Cross piece of soap 4 ins long.
Concert included skit on Test Cricket to Gilbert & Sullivan. Crowd was
divided into English and Colonial. Have neglected French studies for 3 days
TUESDAY JUL 10. } In the last 6 weeks we have been inoculated 3 times against
SATURDAY JUL 14.} cholera and vaccinated once against smallpox. Several
weeks ago I paid Pryde the 5 bucks he won as a bet. A
plane appeared and dropped 3 canisters of phamphlets but none reached
this camp. CC & QM are both away in Bangkok and the atmosphere
of the camp is much easier. We have had several days of the strongest
wind - and dust. Most I have experienced in the east. Have enquired
deeply into the possibility of sheep - farming for a living.
SUNDAY JUL 15. Mass twice in H.C. Am reading Fortescues "Empire & the army"
MONDAY JUL 16. A full holiday "London Revue" on the stage (pram scene)
TUESDAY JUL 17. Weighed 67 ½ Kilos. Canteen very poor. Much heavy rain.
Another plane dropped canisters of phamphlets which burst out
WEDNESDAY JUL 18. Saw first lot of troops marching north. CC returned 17th
Pay received. Japs train outside with bayonet in hand.
THURSDAY JUL 19. Poole told me about the Bismark incident. Camp very muddy.
FRIDAY JUL 20. All subaltern officers withdrawn from pumping for a few days.
to repair build. Am reading "Connaissance du Japan".
SATURDAY JUL 21 Planes over at night. Howling dogs are awful at night. Saw
a procession of some 50 gaily- dressed Thais preceded by a palm-bearer. They still
have their sing-songs almost every night. This forced inactivity is maddening
SUNDAY JUL 22. Mass & HC. Planes at night again. 200 officers left for the other camp. Felt dreadful all day. I get these periodical attacks - and dread their re-occurrence.
MONDAY JUL 23 ½ holiday. Heard that I will be leaving here on the 7th party. Rain stopped concert. Rain falls almost daily now.
TUESDAY JUL 24 Concert not allowed "because the other camp has no concert"
WEDNESDAY JUL 25 Johny's birthday. 9 years old today. God bless him.
THURSDAY JUL 26 Another 200 left for the other camp. Heard the 3 guards were drowned on 23rd attempting to get the horses across a river.
FRIDAY JUL 27. Full moon. Planes go over almost every night. More phamphlets
were dropped a few days ago. The container burst near the camp but none
came in. Have joined a French circle which meets 3 times weekly; ash
trays must be emptied before lights out, mugs must not be left on
tables and nightwatchmen must know number in hospital sleeping
elsewhere, and in hut. Jap have threatened to stop smoking if this is not obeyed
Message of encouragement read out to the parade. Noguchi's message.
SATURDAY JUL 28. Am pumping now with 2 new members. Lt Col Thomas of the
Brds & Harbs Regt & Major Longdon. Fine weather
SUNDAY JUL 29. Mass & H.C, . Memories of Bathurst 4 years ago.
MONDAY JUL 30. Dutch concert forbidden because Japs do not
understand Dutch language. Band recital without one spoken word
TUESDAY JUL 31. No 3 party of 400 left for the new camp. Yarned
in French with a Capt Fisher late of the Burma Rifles.
WEDNESDAY AUG 1. Still fine weather. Am reading Welle's Pocket
History of the World and Bessy (?) Myers "Captured". Yarned with
Capt Rosenthal in French on a trip through France.
THURSDAY AUG 2. Still fine. Am now sleeping 3 to a bay and the
few extra centimetres is much appreciated. Bet Major W. Wearne
that we would not be free on 31st Oct.
FRIDAY AUG 3. Debated in French.
SATURDAY AUG 4. Guards not are mostly Japanese.
SUNDAY AUG 5. Another 400 left. Tremendous fire at 0030hrs. The
building in the town marked with a red cross went up in the flames.
MONDAY AUG 6.} Orchestral concert. Still fine. Drower in bad way.
Party of 400 left on 10 Aug. Am reading Cervantes
AUG 13 } Don Quixote. Yarned with McVilley about Alan
Ross. Finished pumping on 13 Aug. No aerial activity for two or
three weeks now. They must be busy elsewhere.. Camp rather peaceful.
Much preparation for departure on Aug 15. Made them bet that
we would still be POWs by 31 Oct. £5 each with Wearne & Wood
and 12 bottles of beer with Cameron.. Repairs, exchanging, making
of sacks, bags, etc. had kept all of us busy for weeks now.
AUG 14 TUESDAY Stories of the end of the war are coming from Koreans and
interpreters. Final parade before marching out tomorrow
WEDNESDAY AUG 15 Marched out at 1600hrs. Thais said war is over but we are
far from sure that this is not another rumour. Sit in train at Kanburi
station until after midnight, discussing the end of the war stories and
watching the natives selling fruit, eggs, cooked preparation in torch light
THURSDAY. AUG 16. Arrived at Nonpludun. 51 Kilos, soon after dawn and detrained
for "picnic" breakfast, Several statements were made enroute by Thais
that the war was over or nearly so, but we are still incredulous. Entrain at
noon and sit all the afternoon in the hot sun. Trainload of Jap mule transport
coy moved through from the Bangkok area. Passed through Nakon Caton with
its huge new xxxxx^CHEDI of glazed surface about as old-gold colour.xxxx Bêt
almost opposite had the most magnificent roof I have ever seen, brick red
with a wide green border and blue facings under the eve, all in glazed
tile. Pass through extensive rice fields stretching some place to the horizon
about mostly interspaced with groves of bushes & trees sheltering house, a R.C ch.
THURSDAY (CONT). Bananas, coconut, sugar and pineapples are also grown throughout
and I saw many ducks, geese and fat cattle. The arrival of a train is
the event of the day and all the natives turn out, the boys and men well dressed
and the women and girls with baskets of fruit, sugar cane, cookies, eggs, etc.
The Thais are still reasonably well dressed. The men who usually wear some
form of shirt and trousers, wear also a scarf^PRNUNG about the waist! Buyers of
cloth are still anxious to deal with prisoners. We detrained about
dark and had to push each railway truck across a temporary bridge one
by one, where the train is reformed and given another engine. I bundled
the last dozen trucks and crossed the river by a perilous foot bridge in
the dark. The original steel and concrete bridge was a complete wreck.
FRIDAY AUG 17. Arrived in outskirts of Bangkok about 0200 hrs after a 30
kilo run. Up to now I had had no sleep since Tuesday night but I
forgot this as soon as Col McEachern announced "The war is over". We
cheered, sang the national anthem and unloaded our trucks in
high glee. There were many armed Japs waiting on the station with their stores, but
we ignored them and for the first time let them do their own work. We crossed
the rather broad bridge river by ferry and at 0500 hrs we were sitting in the
middle of a cement road on the fringe of the city with rows of shops on
either side and lighting a few candles we had a few more slices of bread
which we had brought from Kanburi. The significance of the armistice was
just beginning to be realised. At last home seemed within the realms of
possibility and Nancy and the children were very close. For 3 hours of
darkness we marched through the heart of Bangkok and were amazed
at the newness of the city. All lights were out and we passed only
a dozen people but we could see the rows & rows of concrete shops
interspersed with public buildings and wats. We took 15 minutes
to pass one wat on its 2 sides. Dawn found us resting in a delightful
residential portion, with a canopy of trees over the road, lovely
large homes set in spacious gardens each with its lily pond and
down the side of the road, a canal. Our next halt was outside this
wireless station guarded by Thai marines. By now there was much happening
on the road & tramway, and people were lining the streets to welcome
us. We were no longer taking any notice of the guards. I had to threaten
one guard who began to chase a woman for presenting me most
graciously with a hand of bananas. Several bicycle rickshaws were
hired for necessary cases. We arrived exhausted at our destination
about 10.30 hrs, the wharf godowns where there were ahead a
working camp of about 400 ORs. We settled in on a concrete floor
[[?Symers]] and another are very sick the former has an enormous
swelling on the side of his head, 1/2 as large as his head. A tuma of
the brain I believe. En route I saw a Bangkok chronicle in English
stating Japan accepts allied terms.
SATURDAY AUG 18. The godowns are immense and very modern, but quite
empty. Thy are at least a mile long, on a broad stream navigated
for vessels up to 10-000 tons. Received Nancys card dated Aug 44. We
took possession of the 3 bags of mail among our stores. The Japs
are collecting down at the far end of the wharf. They have to [[?pas]]
and they have lost all their arrogance. It is delightful to us
to see them doing their own work. They are collecting all the food and
horses and mules and are setting themselves out with new clothes and
footwear. They are using all manner of conveyance for themselves
and their gear. Some are still living alongside us, in our very hut
The natives are hovering around to see what they can steal from the
Japs or buy from us. As for the Jap POW guards they are only nominally
in charge of us still. They are releasing red cross stores of quinine etc
and clothing to us mostly to the ORs Yugatawa has been hear
and has asked McEachen & Thorp to come to live at Jap HQ for
consultation about xxxx POW matters. There are 34000 POWs here including
4700 Australians. Food has shown sign of improving but canteen
purchases are much more expensive than at Kanburi. Pumolus
and hands of bananas are 1 nickal each one even more, and we are almost
broke. There is a fine expanse of water to swim in nearby, the
narrow pik for the great wharves. POWs have come in from the
Aerdrome camp and from the Chungmai railway. News is
filtering in. The Thais control has arranged hospital accommodation for
3 of our bad patients in French and Thai institutions. Just before
lights out, whilst most of us were listening to a guitar, a shot rang
out just at the end of the godown. Three seconds later it now followed
by two bursts of LMG fire and there was a wild scatter. A few seconds later
a steam launch without lights just out from the bank was near where the
shots were fired and slid silently downstream. Modern pirates.
SUNDAY AUG 19. I am now speaking friendly in these notes. For years past I
have had to be very careful what I said in case this diary fell into Jap
hands. They cannot stand even the least bit of criticism. We are much
amused to learn that our wireless set went to the new camp hidden in
Noguchis own truck. It would kill him with shame if he should
hear of this. An Italian priest of the Salesian Order came in for our victory
thanksgiving service at night. A Jap pulled a revolver on some of our
people as he was passing through.
MONDAY AUGUST 20. We are organising ourselves into Camp HQ, xxxofficer bn
Guard bns for each national group of ORs. The ORs quarters were turned and
completely to get rid of bugs and everywhere we are cleaning up and
digging latrines. A sgt in the cookhouse told the Jap cooks who were sharing
the accomodation that they had to get out - and they did so within 24
hours. Officers xxx ^are going to Taiso xxxxxxx ^Nabon Patom to assist in evacuating our
men from the jungle and xxxxx going to Nabaonpaton Senior officers
of each national group have gone to live at Jap POW HQs and find these
Nips anxious to please. These Nips have apparently heard the
xxxx
terms of the Potsdam Declaration, especially concerning those who
mal-
treated POWs. Drower has been released and - we are told - Noguchan
has been relieved of his command and is being severly punished. Thieves
do fall out. I have often said at Kanburi that this inhuman
demon would not be thanked by his seniors for his well-disciplined
camp. The officers at Kanburi are allowed to run their own show now
but have not given themselves the free run of the town.
CONT. It is believed that POWs outside of Bangkok xxxxxx
collected at
Kanburi, Nahinpaton and the men and N.E. ^Naborl Nayae
until accomodation can
be found in Bangkok. Heard that there were 80000 Nips in
Burma at
the finish & that paratroops had landed at Vic Pt. We have 22 in hospital
in Bangkok. Europeans enter our camp daily now and pay scant attention
to the Nip authority here. Food is improving every meal, and is better than
anything I have eaten for 3½ years. Meat, eggs and fruit are being bought
to the Red Cross and supplied to our kitchen. Also we have got on hand
our supplies held by the Nips POW organisation. I am unable
to eat all that
I could get. Clothes also are being issued. I have received a towel and I
am like a child with a new toy. Our own bugle calls are being used, and
I was much affected when I heard the first call of our own - the
fall
in. Flags have appeared from nowhere and all ranks are quickly
returning to our former habits of trying to appear well-dressed.
We
are sleeping on concrete floors and I like them better than the bamboo.
Unfortunately there are many holes in the roof and we got rather
wet today in a rain storm. Hundreds go swimming every day. There
is nothing else to do but walk up down the wharf and
watch native life slipping by in all sorts of craft. Many natives
are selling from their boats or attempting to buy our clothing.
We have obtained a wireless set which is only working indifferently
so far. We heard tonight our first news session which finished
with "We'd be far better off in a home". This came from S E Asia
Command HQ at Ceylon and delighted POWs.
TUESDAY AUG 21. News is coming through rapidly but is still vague and
sometimes conflicting. We are avid for news from everywhere. Heard
how [[?Savage]] in Bougainville. Believe that our list of names will be released
until today. McEachen & others living with Japs are now wearing revolvers
Noguchan was told of our wireless and was extremely agrieved.
WEDNESDAY AUG 22. Received another card from Nancy dated Christmas 44.
Charlie O'Brien went off to Nakon Patom. Am reading a publication by the Royal State Railway of Siam, full of maps and information. Have
caught a heavy cold and am suffering from diarrhoea. Received back
about 50% of our valuables, but not Nancy's wedding present to me
Saw Thai monotor being towed upstream. It mounted 2 guns, probably
6 inch. Japs are quickly thinning out. They march past here with
back up and stores in all sorts of vehicles and on barges & mules.
Sometimes they are followed by camp - followers who appear to
be young Chinese or Annamites. A Javanese arrived here after
being 2 years at large. His two mates who escaped with him were
caught and executed. Heard that POWs working on a Mergiri road and
the peninsula are in a bad way. Officers party has gone off to
help. I narrowly missed the job. Heard from Tooser that conditions at
their officers camp are deplorable. One meal a day. 15 to a bay and most
poluted. Went to bed feeling very sick.
THURSDAY AUG 23. We spend most of the day swimming, sunbathing, or
listening to news.
JUN 21
After a hell of a bad night I feel much better. Saw Jack
Shanagan today. He looks ghastly. He has an enormous ulcer on
his foot above the ankle, he has lost weight and his face is
haggard. I think he will die soon. Heard that the bombing a few
ago to the [[? T]] [[?]] and wounded Black - amongst some 16 others.
Am reading Shakespeare tragedies - Titus Andronicus, Romeo & Juliet, Troilus
and Cressida a few lines from R & J. J. "O'Humbolt [[?]] shall ever
again "R". I doubt it not: and all these wars shall [[?]] [[?]] because
in our times to come!! Went to bed feeling not [[? well]] again
TUESDAY JUN 22
Had a heavy night and woke with a bad back -ache. Staying in
bed all day. The Japs are engendering a bitter hatred over where
by their cruelty and in [[?Humanness]] in sending out 100s of sick men to
work every day and by their negat_ attention to the terrific scourges
of malaria (95%), ulcers (50%) diarrhoea, [[ ? ? ? ]] % and cholera
WEDNESDAY JUN 23
Somewhat improved but still suffering a back ache. I was
made to parade with other sub officers [[?]] standing about
me back considerably. Am taking 6 quinine tablets each day.
[[?]] is back to normal. It has been pleasant to have
many officers and men have dropped in to have a yarn.
[[?]] [[?]] The carrying of rations from 101 to 104 kilo [[?]]for
appear to have [[?]] and news. Trucks are getting through.
THURSDAY JUN 24
F, G, H, and I Forces have recently left Changi and only very few well
[[?]] men are left there. One of those [[ ?Javanese]] [[ ?went to ]] [[? Borneo]] The rest
came here. Train loads of 600 took 6 days to reach Bamprong and had
One indifferent meal each day. They then marched 190 miles from there
all they possessed, were on the road 3weeks and had poor [[?]] [[?]]
route. They arrived completely exhausted, leaving many sick men on the road.
[[?]] new the working men are over 500-600 kg of rice and the sick 200 -300
FRIDAY JUN 25
I am no [[?]] better even as yet. I had very slight aches last night.
The mosquitoes here are very thick. Go ten paces into the jungle and you
will be covered with them. The variety of insect bites is amazing, [[?]] of
it. [[?]] butterflies, [[?]] [[?]] [[?]] [[?]]
worms, snakes, lizards, [[?]] (blue & yellow), ants, and
insects feed [[?]] A man who was beaten up by a Jap Guard [[?]]
paraded in front of us today. He certainly put on a great
turn.
SATURDAY JUN 26
Witnessed a most cruel bashing of a sick man by the Jap known as the B.B. Heard
that Roberts (†) [[?]] Wyatt (8 Div) were sentenced to 3 years solitary. Some men received
as many as 16 letters from home. Forces went to Burma, Thailand, Borneo & Japan.
SUNDAY JUN 27
I had a very full and useful day, wrote up diary read Jungle book, studied
Jap & History, for one hr, yarned with Dutch Capt. did 1 hrs watch [[?]] prayed
[[?]] boots, Church Pde and had extra [[? peas and sausages to eat.]]
MONDAY JUN 28 Nagatomo, Brig, and coy visited our camp. Base has been
moved temporarily to 4, 8 and 18 kilo camps until another base is
built in the rubber on the Moulmein Rd. We suffered casualties on both
days. The planes were unopposed and flew about for an hour. Many of
the Japs pannicked as well as some of our own. Since then there have
been raids on 3 more days on the railway yards. Aventmein, Thanbeyayat
are now almost deserted. I had a good day in camp and had my
first swim in the creek about 1000 yds away down the valley. There are
some beautiful flowers along the track. Finance officers returned.
TUESDAY JUN 29
Japs advised that no man marked unfit ^by our MOs should go out to work.
Only men able to walk are to attend tenkos. Some 800 men are to go
back to a hospital camp at 55 kilos. O'Brien, Gordon, Luminer,
Watson, Redfern, Phillip, Mc Donald, Bostock, Merrell, Tan, Boncannon, Kiernan,
Watts are among those to go. This move should improve conditions
here considerably. Some [[?hunfiguh]] has arrived and I get ½ a viss
WEDNESDAY JUN 30
Two blitz parades were held despite yesterday's assurance. We are
assured however that the new system will operate as from tomorrow
I went out on to road work, the first time since my attack of fever
Later I was appointed Camp Adjt to relieve Hence who is ill again.
about 260 sick men went off in truck to the 55 kilo camp. Had a long
yarn to Warring who is now CO No2 Group.
THURSDAY JUL 1
Still Camp Adjt. Japs blitzed sick men again to raise morning
party to 550. Sent off 133 sick men and 3 Finance officers. I am feeling
quite my old self again, excepting that my acne is becoming a little
worse. How long will this life go on. It is extremely dull, monotonous
uninteresting and hard. I am glad I have Nancy and the children to
hang on to. My love for them keeps me from throwing in the sponge.
FRIDAY JUL 2
Japs are quite affable this morning. 456 men went out to work. Am
reading Hitlers MEIN KAMPF and Intisque's WELLINGTON. Still Camp Adjt. Went for
swim with Bostock. Played broncos in the evening. Only 25 men evacuated
bringing total to 436. Very few at rosary. Nancy's and the children's
photo still gives me encouragement. I am still able to produce a few
flowers for my "shrine".
SATURDAY JUL 3
A fairly quite day. The Japs were satisfied with our workers figures.
504 in all. A few more went off to the 55 kilo. Our meat recently
has been some sort of corned beef packed in wooden boxes, and
very little of it. Fish has been provided on several days now, and how it
smells. Heard from Bowring that Hufu, White, McMillan, and Bennett
went to Borneo, Vincent and Ross Webster went back to their
units.
SUNDAY JUL 4. A holiday but wet in the morning. Ch Pdes were held but were
very poorly attended. Sent off 183 men including many of the worst cases. These men
will go through untold suffering before reaching the 55 K camp. It is murder.
MONDAY JUL 5
There are still many very sick men here. One collapsed at my door this morning.
There are 15 graves already. 458 men went to work on first call in the rain.
I myself have 2 small abrasions, one on each foot, which I am a
little afraid of. Many of these ulcers are really horrible, the flesh seems
to rot. Some men will either die or will have to loose a leg. Another
man died today of dysentery. I have my first relapse of fever coming
on and went to bed early.
TUESDAY JUL 6
Had a restless night, some quinine and am improving. Have read
3 issues of the Greater Asia. Jap propaganda is childish and completely
unconvincing. They talk loudly of cooperation offered by the natives
but do not report any tangible evidence of such assistance. They
are resurrecting successes of 12 months ago because they have had only
reverses in the meantime. They claim fortune of great offensives by
our armies but disclose only trifling casualties and losses on our
side. More sick men got away. One man was sent back too sick to
travel and died during the night. Another man died at the same time.
WEDNESDAY JUL 7
The last of our sick men were moved out today, making the total
number of men moved about 850 and leaving 1086 AIF still here. Two
more bodies were buried today. One body had to be buried soon after
life was pronounced extinct as the leg was smelling badly. This
makes 19 graves in all. Work on the railway started. The [[? numbers]]
were reduced to 7% of total strength. I am on a short course of
quinine. Frank Knight was evacuated. He is suffering from re-occuring
malaria and ulcers. He will be lucky to survive. I gave him R5s. Bought
a 25 gerella note for Rs5. and pyjamas for Rs2.
THURSDAY JUL 8
My fever is going away again. The camp is ever so much more
pleasant again, we have more room everywhere, there are no RAP patients
in this hut, only a few sick men can be noticed about the camp.
There are no blitz parades, no full tenkos, no screaming Japs
worrying us into a nervous fit, and the stews have improved.
McFarlane of Ord Workshops runs the hotel in Toorak Rd & St Kilda Rd
FRIDAY JUL 9
Took over duties as No3 Gp Adjt in the evening as Ewart is down with
fever. Clearing for the railway is proceeding, great trees are falling, and
elephants are here to pull them away. The weather is certainly helping
the Japs in their work. Very little rain has fallen to what we expected.
SATURDAY JUL 10
Another quite day. I am reading once again "The Romantic Prince". Played
bridge with Trelevyn, Slagter and Vern Veen.
SUNDAY JUL 11
Carey called in for a few minutes from 95 kilo but was left here
over night. The camps beyond the 114K seem to have been sent further on beyond
140K because of the food problem. Had only a fair gathering for Church Services.
MONDAY JUL 12
Another quite day and I am still adjt No 3 Group. I am getting
lazy and have done no exercises for a week or more. The constant
rainfall interfers with any plans one makes for outdoor activity.
C.O,. had a very satisfactory interview with the Taicho
doro concerning
sick men, canteen supplies etc. I still have a few peas, beans, salt, sugar
coffee
and a little oil. For light I still have 2½ candles and Cary may be able
to send me some petroleum and petrol. Ray Watts us very low and will
probably die within a few days. My soup should last another 2 months.
TUESDAY JUL 13
Elephants are trumpeting now, just outside the camp. The strength
and vibration are really terrific. I gladly vacate the chair of adjt
No 3 Group and now am without a job - thank Heaven, The Japs are
pushing on with their garden and we had to fell a large tree which
was blocking out the sunlight. They make sure that they have cattle
for meat always while you go without or with very little. They bake
first pick of anything that comes into camp. Each rupee spent in
our canteen means 50c in the pocket of these Japs. i e
2 days hard
work in the heat and wet of the jungle. Nice principle?
WEDNESDAY JUL 14
Ray Watt died and and was buried quickly. He would be alive if the Japs
would provide suitable medicines. Tree felled on parade ground and
narrowly missed R.A.P. Am reading "Sons of the others" by Philip
Gibbs, a tale of the B E F in France and Belgium in 1939-40. It is a very
well written book, clear and full of interest. I think a lot lately
of taking Nancy for a trip for long service leave.
THURSDAY JUL 15
I started doing an hour's work daily at the wood heap. This should
build better muscles than P.T. I have borrowed "Five men of Frankford
a story of the Rothchilds" by Ravage.
FRIDAY JUL 16
Our notorious "bad boy" died of pneumonia - Williams by name. As
there was no work for me on the wood heap I assisted in digging a
spare grave. Two more issues of "Greater Asia 28 Jun and 4 July were
made available and are filled with the usual childish and
comical
propaganda. I heard that Pte Kitching died recently at 30 kilo
from cholera. Yarned until late with several officers on Credit [[? Financier]].
SATURDAY JUL 17
Framer returned with the pay. Kitching is not dead but quite well.
There have been no raids at Thanbuzayat after 2 Jul. One plane did come
10 days later and apparently photographed the line, This month I received R 30
Japs want a return of our known casualties (dead) numbers of all sorts
of societies mostly American, any public men known to us as
friends, and all actors, authors, critics, commentators, etc.
SUNDAY JUL 18
Rain seems to have set in for a good spell. Men have started on a period
of 22 days intense work- 2 metres per day. Hoshi promised that we would
have no further work when this action of the railway was
completed.
MONDAY JUL 19
"Tiny" Jones is badly swollen with beri beri. Both legs seem to be inflated
The Japs want to finish the railway by the end of August.
Subsidence
is very extensive, but they are now laying rails again at about
70 kilos. Cattle is very scarce. Our airforce has dropped leaflets in
Burma depicting the present condition of the Burmese women and
what they will be like in 3 months when relief will come with
our armies. The Japs are replying with photographs of "destitution" in
England but these are completely unconvincing. Heard the rumours
that rates of pay were increased to equal the American rates.
TUESDAY JUL 20
Weighed myself again 66 kilograms = 10 st 6 lbs. The men are not
finding the present period of extra work too hard, and
should
be able to last out until 10 Aug. The general consensus of
opinion is that the job will be finished well to time.
Deep cuttings and high embankments with [[?Suleavyn]] as partner
WEDNESDAY JUL 21
I am trying to buy a few guilder notes from the Dutch at
five to the Jap rupee. A train of elephants, 19 in all, went thru
and I believe 20000 Burmese are being brought beyond here to finish
the line in time. Our camps working strength is better than any
other. The 55 kilo camp is not quite happy yet. There are 1026 sick
A I F and 650 Dutch. 16 A I F have died, 50 are dangerously ill, 500 are
really sick, 138 ulcer cases cannot walk and rice is very scarce
THURSDAY JUL 22
I am developing an infected sore on my leg. for some days I
am just holding my own with it. We are right in the middle of the
rainy season now. It has rained for some days now. Our
washing will never dry. I offered Cpl Drury of the cattle party to
buy his watch for £10 in Australia.
FRIDAY JUL 23
Obtained a bunch of salmon pink flowers which now adorn
my quarters. Heard from a Jap "all prisoners must be out of Burma
within 20 days" as decreed by Tojo at Singapore. Can you believe this?
Put clocks back 27 minutes and were told we must start
½ hr earlier tomorrow.
SATURDAY JUL 24
Two years ago today I said Good-bye to my children at home and
to Nancy and [[?Alann]] at Spencer Street. I can recall it all very clearly.
May God grant that I do not have to spend another year away from them.
The Jap officer was called away suddenly to Thanbuzayat. Is it a conference
in connection with a move? My leg is definitely on the mend.
SUNDAY JUL 25
John's birthday - God Bless him and keep him safe. He is 7 years
old today and I suppose a real little school boy. My thoughts are
with Nancy. I hope she is having a party for Johndy. I am resting
from my usual routine. There is much speculation as to how soon
we leave here and where do we go. Thanbuzayat, Shoulmein, Banbol, Lugaton
MONDAY JUL 26
Had a bad time through having eaten a large feed of beans without
chewing them. Beans are being given to us to replace meat. Heard from
a Jap Engineer here who claimed to have been at Unar,
Baku etc
that all A I F wounded and prisoners were shot on the spot and that
301 Indians were beheaded. If this is true, their present effort to win over
Indians with great promise of freedom from the cruel and greedy English
would not appear to be sincere. Have Secured Margaret Mitchell's "Gone with
the Wind". The Japs are still getting plenty of good food, meat, eggs etc. but we
get b. all.
TUESDAY JUL 27
Discovered that I am more of a nuisance than a help. to the
woodcutters owing to my rough handling of their axes. Played our
last two games in the bridge tournament and scored very poorly
in each. I am having very bad luck lately. My beans and peas have run
out at last. The only extra food I have now are 4 tins (bully beef, cheese,
fish and milk.) I have discarded the old Jenkinson portmanteau at last
WEDNESDAY JUL 28
And another day nearer home. Got some further information from
Thompson concerning the units which arrived in Malaya
only in
the last few weeks. Am reading Gunther's "Inside Asia". It is
a monumental work. The Japs are poor and poorly paid, have little food,
are well disciplined, clean, patriotic & determined but lack sense of
humour, intelligence, unreasonable, persist in this foolishness of "one
people", "descended from the Gods," "Divine emperor", are suspicious, efficient,
creatures of convention, good mimics, lack poise, charm, tolerance,
are stoical, courageous, are puritannical in some things but lax in
others, are sensitive to a marked degree all consider themselves equal, have a
sense of team work, have to learn the most difficult language, lack tact, are
literal minded self-deceivers bloodthirsty, enjoy suffering for the motherland.
THURSDAY JUL 29
A fairly fine day - a rare occurance these days. I must buy a copy
of "Gone with the Wind" for Nancy. She would enjoy reading this story,
a story which tells of our own experiences of the last few years
we are thirsty for news. If only we could hear of some
major catastrophe
to the axis powers to give us heart to carry on, I would be very thankful
FRIDAY JUL 30
This day 2 years ago I last saws Nancy. I will never forget her face as
the train ran through the Graham station and later her outline as I waved
to her from the pier. It is easy to live over again the anguish, the feeling of
impotence and inevitableness, the sadness, the thought "is this the last time".
May God Bless her, help her in her task and let her remember only the better side
of our life together
SATURDAY JUL 31
I will not be able to eat any more stew for a day or two. The
result is too drastic. Hoshi returned today - without any
canteen goods.
We are soon to come under Railway Regt Administration. The hospital is [[?progressing]]
SUNDAY AUG 1
A Jap M O inspected the camp, realised the inadequacy of our sterilizers etc
malaria control, - but what will he do. Railway work is pushing on quickly.
MONDAY AUG 2
Received yet another injection against cholera. This is the 4th.
Railway workers were blasting very close to the camp and large
pieces of wood were hurled right into the grounds, some pieces
went through the roofs of 2 huts. Despite the supplies, the railway is
progressing rapidly. My pay book is growing at the rate of nearly
£400 per annum - that is as far as I know of pay rates, I should be
able to give Nancy something nice for this money when
the Bank
of Java opens its doors again. I sometimes get a peculiar
feeling that
little Johndy is dead. perhaps killed in an accident. I try to obliterate
the thought as foolish but yet it persists. If only I could receive a letter [[? phone]]
TUESDAY AUG 3
This is our 4th day of almost continuous rain. The number of
workers is steadily decreasing. My food reports are nearly every day
now. I have opened up a tine of cheese to see if something new and
good will improve my digestion. Time is draging wearily on. My
usual routine of Jap, wood cutting, reading, history, bridge is very
monotonous. At bridge I have had the most atrocious bad luck for 4
days.
WEDNESDAY AUG 4
A family of long legged spiders lives in my corner of the hut. Their
bodies are round and the size of a small pea, their legs are thinner than
cotton and 3-4 inches long with 2 feelers 6 - 7 inches long. At last my
luck at bridge has changed and I had a win- even if it was only 200 pts.
THURSDAY AUG 5
Am reading the "Grey Wolf" - a story of Mustapha Kemal
It is very enlightening as to conditions in Turkey from 1910 onwards
and the relations between the Turks and their German advisers and
leaders. Catholics have decided to say a Novena of Rosaries leading
up to the feast of the Assumption for our speedy release.
FRIDAY AUG 6
I posted notices about the camp advising Catholics of our intention
to say a Novena of Rosaries from 7 - 15 Aug. Work is ahead of schedule
and Japs stated that ½ of our workers can rest tomorrow and the other
½ the following day. Time is dragging wearily interminably.
The rate of progress of the war is far too slow for P.O.W.s
SATURDAY AUG 7
The Novena commenced with an attendance of some 50 odd [[?]]
all Catholic officers and some Dutch O Rs. Another bridge near the 90
kilo peg has been washed down and we have been warned of
the possibility of a ration shortage. - God help us. Started playing
in another bridge tournament. This time points are scored or lost
according to the number of tricks bid and for games and rubbers.
I am feeling the effects of this 2 ozs of cheese I am taking with my
morning rice. The tin should last me about 8 days altogether.
SUNDAY AUG 8
As I write this a Jap is hanging around outside and I know he
wants to ask me have I been able to buy him a watch as yet.
We have run out of medical supplies, again the Japs can get by but
we can't get another to treat our sick men, Ulcers are getting worse- am frustrated
and [* (missing)*]
MONDAY AUG 9
Am reading ^the story of James I of Scotland entitled "Crippled Splendour" by
Ewan John. Tenko was held outside tonight and the
A I F side went
off very smoothly. The Dutch were keep there for an hour. The Japs
have supplied explosives , [[?Ryddets]] I believe, or gunpowder of some sort
for treatment of ulcers - as an experiment. A reasonably fine day, the
first for a long while. Heard that
recently 7 A I F and 300 Japs were killed.
TUESDAY AUG 10
Heard from Jap officer (Hoshi) that we are to stay in this camp
until Christmas, or at the earliest October as a maintenance gang. This
seems the most probable course - unless the Indian army starts its
offensive when we will probably be shifted into Thailand.
The
C O. gave me 2 boot polish tins of sugar given to him by Hoshi. Today
was the finest day we have had art this camp. Rats are on the
increase. I am thinking how are dear ones are growing up for so long
without my seeing the change.
WEDNESDAY AUG 11
Another fine day. Brig and Nagabomo arrived for a 2 day visit, mostly
to see that all available fit men are sent out to work. This is not
consistent with the attitude of the Jap Engrs on this section as they
have slacked right off. Both branches of P O Ws some 9100 all told
are now under railway admin, 296 A I F have died (A Force & Java Force).
The line laid to 83 kilos. The Japs have placed many MGs along the
[[?Amehurst]] Road. This diet of rice 3 times a day with a bean stew added
to lunch and another bean stew plus a little salt & horse
for the evening
meal is just too bad. Sick men simply cannot eat it and fade away.
Burgess came to me with a hopeless sob in his voiced. I gave him sugar
& tea.
THURSDAY AUG 12
Brig went off to 108 kilo camp and returned. Date for completion
of the railway has been extended 6 weeks from the end of August. This
should ease the pressure on our workers. Jones returned
my great coat
and I have lent it to Burgess. Cronic diarrhoea etc has led in many
cases to peculiar effects on the back passage. We are unable to evacuate
more sick men to the 55 because of the lack of accomodation there.
FRIDAY AUG 13
Brig went off with his party. I am reading" The Grey Gladiator" by
G.H.T. (?) the story of the Sydney in the Mediterranean. I am still having
very bad luck at bridge. I must be stale too. Heard that No 3 Branch was
100 bags of salt short. I wonder who sold them to the Burmans?
SATURDAY AUG 14
Two years in the East today. Jack Varley had his Pte acting as Advanced Posts
up to 6 miles North of Endad before the Japs landed. He
delayed their advan
about 2 days and got his men back across the river by a sampan. 1 Sec was lost
Med. 1940
SUNDAY AUG 15
Still fine. Burmese continue to pass along the road going South. Naval strengths ~~
| Capital | Air Carriers | Cruisers | Minelayers | Destroyers | ||||
| G.B. | 15 | 6 | 51 | 8 | 171 | |||
| France | 8 | 2 | 18 | 4 | 59 | |||
| Italy | 6 | - | 23 | 13 | 111 |
| G.B. | Torp boats -Subs |
Subs | Sloops |
Mortar Torp Bt |
| G.B. | 51 | 51 | 12 | |
| FRANCE | 13 | 75 | 9 | 8 |
| ITALY | 3 | 101 | 1 | 58 |
MONDAY AUG 16
Novenas of Rosaries concluded last night. Afterwards I
spent an hour
strolling up and down the pde ground humming songs that Nancy and I
know - or will know. Have given up cards for a week or two and
have taken on Carters Bookkeeping and the autocar. Ron [[?Newett]] returned
from the 55 with some 6 O.Rs. 521 have died there including Fitch Ansell of Unit
1/29 Bn. Several have had amputations of legs, fingers, toes, and many other
ulcer cases will have to be dealt with similarly. The stench in the ulcer
ward is horrible. They have no more medicine than we have. Had a short
sun bath. Acne is much improved. Some 20 came to the
rosary.
TUESDAY AUG 17
Started reading Sabitinis " Capt Blood". Sgt Knight and Cpl McDonald are still alive at 55. Received an issue of 2 spoonsful of
white sugar. Rats chewed several holes in the end of my mosquito
net. I wonder how our armies are faring in Sicily and Russia. The last
Jap papers revealed that fighting is heavy on both places and putting
2 and 2 together we are meeting with much success. Will this shorten our imprisonment
WEDNESDAY AUG 18
Bet Sgt Brennan 3 doz bottles beer that we would not be free of Jap control before
31 Dec 1943. His address is Maryborough, Queensland. The weather seems to have
taken a changed definitely for the good. Today rain fell properly
the first time for a week or so. The four of us field officers
get on very
well together. We can see the humour in many things and
good natured banter can be heard all day. I have just realised
that I am the source of most of it.
THURSDAY AUG 19
Someone with the R A P must have been in great pain during the
night. He moaned continuously and later counted up to 20 over and
over again. It is dad to hear men dying like these under such drab
conditions and with so little to lighten the burden. The boxed meat
we are receiving consist of cooked scraps such as kidney, liver, heart
tripe, udder etc actually I prefer it to the black salted meat. Burmese
are still moving out along the line daily and Japs continue to
go through in the opposite direction.
FRIDAY AUG 20
A complete holiday at last. Heard that ^ at the 55 Capt Jack Flanagan of
2 AAASC Coy cannot live. He had wasted away to skin & bones, ate very
little and his ulcers were killing him. The stench in the
ulcer ward
of 200 is horrible. Many have not worked for 6 weeks. Pte Holt died
here today of cerebral malaria and was buried. Am reading of " an Outline of Br
Military History" by Cole & Priestly.
SATURDAY AUG 21
Heard that a Cpl A.I. BORROW of 2/29 Bn "F Force" died of beri beri
at the 96 kilo on 3 Aug and was buried there by Lieut Fletcher of
2 Bn Gordon Highlanders. Felt slightly feverish with aching legs & arms
SUNDAY AUG 22
Went down with fever. Early symptoms are ached in legs, feet and arms, and tired feeling. This is followed by
sudden attacks of shivers. Man died
MONDAY AUG 23
Had a bad night with temperature 102° -103° bad headache and back ache.
Fever abated during the day. Am taking 8 tablets of quinine. Am able to
eat a little. Makes one feel terribly depressed. Another man died.
Several men returned discharged from base at 30 kilo.
TUESDAY AUG 24
Feeling much better . Had a warm bath ( á la sparrow). Was detached
to take command of 200 A I F to transfer to the 108 camp for 14 days
to help along work at that section. All Dutch are to return there
also from here. Dan West appointed as my Adjt, Personnel selected
and then move of A I F cancelled. I am glad because I am still
weak. Was able to attend Rosary again.
WEDNESDAY AUG 25
Got up about 0930 feeling a little stronger. About 20 Dutch went
off to the 55 kilo. Jap shimbun.. Yanoi put on a disgusting turn
and leaves us all infuriated by our inability to prevent any
injustice they may choose to inflict. Several contradictory orders
were received by adjt over night. About 1000 hrs he suddenly called
for 30 men to go to 55 kilo. They did not come immediately and
the Jap started to scream, threatened several people with a stick
and pushed the Dutch Comdr about. Later when the first sick
man arrived at the guardhouse he struck him twice on the
knee with his bamboo. We have to suffer this humiliation
and can do nothing about it. If we report the Jap he will
make life unbearable for 1500 men, The hot headed swine
among them act like savages.
THURSDAY AUG 26
Feeling much better. During last night 3 Burmans were discovered in
camp. They were taken into the guard house, screamed at, beaten with
slats, sticks and belt for over an hour. Our man who reported their presence
was bashed and hit with a rifle. the Jap Guard had been drinking
and this morning the Burmans seemed to be released
without further
ado. Received orders that we are to send 200 A I F to the 108 - once again,
Mc Cauley and some 20 men returned from 30 kilo. All Dutch left this
camp. the sick to the 55, the fit to the 108. The Jap Guard
known as
the B.B. continued his mad performance throughout the day.
FRIDAY AUG 27
C.O. made official complaint about some of the worst guard but only to
the shimban. Jack Flanagan died recently at the 55. Had my second good
sunbath since May. Attendance at Rosary was the best
for a long time.
Had another issue of soap. This gives us plenty. 3 " ushis"
only were brought in.
The first for weeks.
SATURDAY AUG 28
Still fine weather. Fever quite gone. Band concert. Started to play bridge
again - and enjoyed it thoroughly. Still no word of our move of 200 to the 108.
Jap officer went to Montmein again. Jap soldiers still going through.
SUNDAY AUG 29
Japs searched everyman's kit whilst we stood on the pde ground for a tenko.
They took my compass. I feel the loss as I wanted to get this back to Australia.
MONDAY AUG 30
Heard the search was due to the escape of 14 Off & ORs from
camp recently. They reached YE where they were betrayed by Burmans
and 2 were killed in the process. They had maps, compasses and binoculars
in their possession. 100 Rs per head was paid to the captors. The other 12
will be shot. As the Jap command is "concerned to keep good the health of
Japs and P O Ws rice cakes will now be available from the Thanbuzayat
Canteen". They are rice paste and yeast! Two telegrams have been received
through the Red Cross by 2 members of mobile camp No 1 (Br P O Ws). The
Japs feature this - 2 telegrams in 18 months for us - 50000 P O WS. Weighed 66 Kilos
TUESDAY AUG 31 VX43396 J.B. MITCHELL died at 55 kilo.
Malnutrition,
100 men went by truck to 113 kilo for the day to work. This is to be a
daily institution and seems to indicate that men will not be moved
to the 108 to live as previously advised. Al lot of loose tobacco, 800 eggs and
2 boxes of chintagah came back with Hoshi. Native labour continues to
pour out along the line.
WEDNESDAY SEP 1
A Burman crawled into camp this morning - to die. Capt Cumming
diagnosed his trouble as pneumonia and he is placed in the empty
hut. Heard that Fred Hare went past looking rather thin and
evidently destined for the 50 kilo hospital. Weather is definitely
finer and I had my third sunbath. Gave my books "Woman" to
an R. C. to swap for a prayerbook which he located about
to be
used for cigarette paper.
THURSDAY SEP 2
A herd if cattle arrived today, some 30 odd and the first for weeks
They are not for this camp. The sick Burman died this morning.
The sunset had some colour in it. I miss colour as much as
anything. Heard that 1100 of "F" Force are dead and that the century
has been reached at 55 kilo hospital " A" Force. Colds are now
prevalent - apparently vitamin A is sadly deficient. Am reading
"The City of Gold", author unknown, a story of S. Africa.
FRIDAY SEP 3
every man has been issued with a pair of clogs. About ½
of us received
an issue of shorts - including myself. Lieut Pearsell went
through yesterday
Sgt O'Dowd today. Officers thanked by Japs for past cooperation.
SATURDAY SEP 4
Both Dad & Mum have birthdays this month. May God Bless them
and keep them well, Several men in the R A P look ghastly. They
have wasted away to skin and bones, unbelievably thin and pale,
and it will be a miracle if they survive. Ulcers are poisoning
the system. I saw 5 inches of bone in one man's leg today.
SUNDAY SEP 5
Appointed by C.O. to co-ordinate and supervise hygiene. Spent most
of the day looking over the camp, Treatment of ulcers sometimes brings
screams of pain from the R.A.P. Told that the cost of a board and
quarters has been reduced to Rs 20 per month from 1 Aug 43
MONDAY SEP 6
Some 20 men returned from Base ( 30 kilo) with the story that all or nearly all patients are to be sent back to this
camp in the order of Green, Black & Ramsay forces first and
Anderson and Williams force later. A I F are to be concentrated
here and Dutch, British and American at the 108 camp.
This portends a move into Thailand in anticipation
of the offensive in Burma which the Jap newspaper states
will take place soon. Cummins returned with the 20. O'Shea
the cornet player died. Somewhere in the F Force camps.
TUESDAY SEP 7
More men returned from the 30 kilo camp. Comfort issues
were made today , 3 packets of cigarettes per man and 1 tin of milk
to 11 men. Heard that Wimpole and Hackney are with Hare at the 50.
It is expected that hundreds of sick men who were moved to
the 50 will die - the trip in many cases being too much for
them to suffer. I actually feel better , due no doubt to
the fact that I have a fresh interest - supervision of hygiene.
WEDNESDAY SEP 8
Instigated a general clean up of whole camp area in
preparation of a visit of inspection of some Jap General.
McDonald returned today with many other men, He looks
quite well again. Had a sun bath and started P.T. again.
am having quite a struggle with all sorts pf people about the
adoption of a covered latrine system in preferance to an
open trench type. The screams of men under treatment
for ulcers
is quite upsetting. Surely anaesthetics are available.
THURSDAY SEP 9
Had a small feed of meat, from one of the Jap cattlemen
and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would have 4-5 times as much at
home yet I still felt satisfied up to the next meal. The Jap
general did not call in but drove past without stopping. Jap
"Comfort" issue included also some margarine all of which has
gone into the R.A.P. Received 2 spoonsful of white sugar
each man.
FRIDAY SEP 10 I O U Rs 8
At last the railway has reached and passed here. P O Ws, Jap and
Burmese provide the labour . The construction train consists of
rail bogeys ( about 7) and 3 rail motor trucks. Each double bogey
has sufficient sleepers for the rails it carries. The rails are run
out on a contraption ahead of the truck dropped and spiked
like clockwork. More men returned from 30 kilo.
SATURDAY SEP 11
Train loads of workers passed through to railhead. Heard the Cpl
Cotter & Pte Ellis had died and Oxenham had a leg amputated at the 55 K.
SUNDAY SEP 12
Cols Anderson's & William's forces called in for breakfast on their way
to 108 camp. Met both and Smith, Hand {[?syde]], Lt Comdr Lowe, Keir, Hennessy, Drower
Barraclough etc. Received 2 green bananas. Jap school teacher with cattlemen is OK.
MONDAY SEP 13
20 officers and men returned from the 55 kilo hospital.
Conditions
there are ghastly. 123 A I F have died. 30 odd have had a limb amputated
there are practically no medical supplies and the food is bad. Frank
Knight lost a leg above the knee 3 days ago. Walters (D Coy) and Robinson
are very low. A siding has been made opposite this camp. There will
be a railway shed or station here also. Work on the line goes on
all night. Camp strength is now 1364 + Japs + Burmese. McCauley has
the best memory I have ever come in contact with, history,
politics, languages, people, poetry, & law.
TUESDAY SEP 14
C . O. has written to Col. Anderson for the loan of surgeon Major
Hobbs to amputate a few ulcered limbs. Carter, Capron, Rivett,
Bothroyd, Whelan, & Wylie have all returned recently. Group Comdrs
and Hence attended a feast in the Jap quarters presided over by
Hoshie. They were well treated in both senses of the word and were
very funny when they returned about 2230 hrs. adjt was afraid to
lie down. The CO was brilliantly wh witty.
WEDNESDAY SEP 15
The equinoxes. One of the Jap cattlemen apparently continued last nights
festivities and developed the horrors. He imagined he had tooth ache and insisted on [[?Tubavun]] pulling 2 perfectly good teeth. Later he
wanted more out but he was eventually persuaded otherwise. At night he invited [[?Tubavun] & McCauley to some more celebrations and both
returned in a certain condition particularly the former. Yarned to G I L L
of the airforce who knew Adrian Knowles very well having embarked
with him in a group of 20. They reached Singapore on 15 Jan 42 but went
back to Java after 8 days. He speaks highly of Adrian. Gill
himself is
in the S R & W S Comm, Vic
THURSDAY SEP 16
Horrses (3) Cook, Andrews returned from 55 with the story that as many
officers as possible be evacuated, and that some drivers at the 85 have
been told that in 10 days they will start shifting P O Ws to Bangkok.
Their tales of the conditions of the ulcers patients are ghastly, 4-5
amputations daily, 124 deaths. Frank Knight is very game but very
low. Here, Major Hobbs amputated Harvey's leg successfully. Greater Asia
of 5 Sep arrived. The Japs cannot hide the seriousness of their position.
FRIDAY SEP 17
Still raining - 4th day now. McGilvray ^ Davidson & Jackson died here. today Robinson 2/29 died at 55. Received
newspaper dated Sep 5. No mention of Italy, heavy fighting in New Guinea near
Salamanca. Japs expect Br offensive on Burma soon. Listened to Pte Baggs sing.
he has a magnificent voice.
SATURDAY SEP 18
Rest day for Nos ! & 2 forces. Still raining- its 5th day. The
Burmese have
gone from our camp but are still using it as a staging camp. Held a
concert which had to be abandoned after ½ an hour owing to rain
F. Os. returned from Base. Japs say that Italy is out of the war. Bodoglio surrendered.
SUNDAY SEP 19
another wet day. Henderson ("Pop") 2/29 lost a leg at 55. Well attended Church Pde.
Finished "Inside Aria" - a magnificent work, Jap stated our mail awaits us at Bangkok.
.
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