Diaries of John Kevin Lloyd - Part 21

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

Page 1 / 10

o Wor M FHksPay Max 17 Read and must get for Naney. Hlower arrangiry "by hama hes gained with Maje Perport who was the aly Ranfurs Repenntalion Burroughs, T loco Cola Boy Ablanta Georgee. Th curkect speck (on the state execution bouneil of the Lultan of Joher. The, of the bus I raw a few wiit agg is ariole. Vandiville comnt wfullan was warrid 11 times incleding a durice Ms Wissonwho allnew is atile reaidl barred to us we st wondeling haw the war if going, bath in eunop Denar husband was whipped out of nalat by the busant of wethn ESONTMA ther state salay is ood mbuthl $35,000 there e samation party contelled. Ravnfulls mey day now and 1A Ae 1 t with Catl leber Holder of the tharghan puticial urjounde an vrr th teyer taming yaund with it ft t sistered be a bath on tin Harding who continplate metice bank baudt astd a 0W what would tsppen if ben (hy a grent bure fau na suctrd hote a pout He apperubly took roun nopie of our last se Weoucso4419 and today called in the tewar officees to at derenst the matter Judge thatm is being severly punsh with sbarhings ane SA7Va0A7 MW119 if day ovr ment of the gutngg hav at attention for lochnly they sand that we are to about noving to tamnwan on 15 fene. SONORIMMY the after sence when warling on the bynd, Hhe setch willl is massnc Lnvery sass was trratn up by an air. atert. lergions an collapii in may bene et of stalf ofeand gs here ago fory H cauely huch apilulation bvrry up alone and are comn back with railing atoch. Tom tery tran Hiso aps went part diring the night. Warkman of NEI was an Tegh 65 trelos, deeding "Rood bye Mr Bhips by James Hillen the optice wps was imprese for obtaing ordissuty athe Earth is the Lordsty dwell. The faths buld a full p nate tubo at 1800 l and ap accmst at night, lay received -50 dedneted her o ay, Playe ble ges tobe slartherd for enta escund yout with blose on scal waar wits harsed in in marisen ald renger tarng. Reautation her miatibintltanan England nn 1900, nit a krent Payle who lisitd his estates now may, but o but atnight Lightened up they must abtul at regin twra you before the war. setiby for the latue on on duty. All off codinspetd cmp ERIBAY MAY II TUESDATNRY22 all nort of ristrcticn are atded to the lang test. Boxes are at out at the quarthouse. this t mater is still stitsing wll bela cre be balad to remov tis bost He is ew pushlbd bambo ash he ae Loibidlen the last popl accowed bigwds oney. Ruce peaves are about still eve day mn be closed, no gear can be kept in bags durn SAURDaY AAY12 -cost cared be weere an parddy without aapution thendertatio was taken ano a few days ago for sherting permision tha f is ont of bornnghart inthat her ceaned of enupior office but I b elint he lues detatoed boday Wet nd tue offiee yere leadly bashed turua cutand Lar lains fill. My firebaliam flong is out yourd in put in guarthcuse, ane for sudtin outside, an for ne stand Waltiu about the Eereliea. Pave Parum dovdi and Quasige wsfuld at atention duir sinte Loiil rass ben an anno tmching folldden aday until apten hinbe as ths plo gat hasy thuugh the tonen this wen apmitin ONEEONMAY UOAY S13 landren as a budge of Lang Handing Ayaen AM wno drasse. all seren are consored. Hea some is getting worse Krungfet is the Wai rame per Banglesh The de tambing yesteda. Hhe weat is bal full of water and a patal was ayerthia. Chapri to the family stame of the present king neeade the pogs who wwak allnlight thig. tehie was rstans are mineron in the reuth. Fidur recognisd te condid ia Filde wght he became light headd, thought reteased the thedah & other a provnces in 1909 m return for a goan of and the were going to do him over tnd can to the japs put per ighbis Banghot essation of entraterit wo 14 OWatti THURERAY A472 we aborden of to half way thr ough oury to a storm et persavnt to porbent of the are left new paid of oboer TUFSUAYNAY being hir eaid manire for my garden& this garden tempies took away 2 Koreans bonent staged in full all lyssisa Enjected ag cholera FRIDAY NAL pozart, Har we, brg, Purule, Rosure, Honnoud, arrange bomagely thay i atvent the case desiry last u fan coo al ennans from benten therfree laige. hargh terals we obfarn & sieeds Be Bains & errbolves now plawsiig iM Win G. Awerita lyig and Inr Capt, and cares of the hann wtto rive to whipt ban boo. Had a swin N
SATURDAY MA 2 Ya yel with Kept B SeaERs of the A10 Bampelog we connted sauts call deceyy in quick suced told that the reason wery the 2.80 w are stell being pmbe is because hak snr benles when ordied he shal be facitions action of seme oft auee my bng tee in a fall lade SUWoY J 27 nass & He yaund with Capt blements of RA0c (workmop) who hine a be Reg Tute mines nea levitle fro 1926 &o hecaw gritiate of the war in released from in goardion, she with a dawaged eye. two of 1 A28 here at the frump houses were shood to attention from abent o90 $01500 one for not raluting the relig o0 (WI wire). Then abo werre bod unt. Drawes war badly beater by the CC & the Edgr with a dinnny up and lodged in the cell togethe with lanson and another who were ndatio not wrsu by hav t the lgt. The real reason for th touble was that this 3wen first mentoe bad upunw ago to carry water hor 2alip mediol a Ransin mownn war Hemills atteted a good variet conent MAT it me more of his ixpertines. Itated wh purpiry & mumber today altenabuay with another heam, and temarrsnt 1 tram WEANEERRE A4730 Cc ordered all officers to cease warke at Boot arre all servie ere taken ovr by CR Cnt be to close Reading, lying ete ar fabol sell dure wartng bee 1 a to roliry stock is coming out of the gringle. tee offeer ae confired to treak as from 1400 hs and huneps leave to go to the latie to bath, or to collect food at ngh by heave by the one ent. the reason given is that the cc saw rehia abent 24val We a nthe le of a dt dury sennals bt cant dutan why he ve lcatias iibed Kanture and depd henl in the lnd area te al forwtink also of fren an eein made to wert the bun C.B. for all contenues, Books are withdrmen to the affud excepting between 1300-1530 and 1800 2160 hisam abeleatte to doat and also do the last srift of nitwalth wey mdig Ds still nt cell 5 a sutil ofer wes alood in front of ihe URNAYWNG ware houre for a few hs fatiching Damber flute Eer wch were searched.I very tippraret to fell in so many hours every day with wath Lat and tell hr sees prmithe, attence bath he SUNUAY TUNIO Diou that in as not actew to Bdory Fuad smake while lying donen Varly bad ESDA T a f 1800 hi Codae Torrey all but commanding to write a letter apologising for busin of disciptine & promising to be good boo in fusure, & admittong that offer been pemihed heve no complaint WEDAELOAY TUNR. May ffer are back at work, am wt ture a day, for youing each time. Books are shell a aleed wor hous sold that we are to move bo a new caurt & to have 500 bad bo mowe in 10 days. FHEURSONT TUN 1A ation state notued, oil 25 to 15 grns. munt 60 -70, salt 2014 Bce and vigy remain te same at 550 & 500. Three horrys (hunoy) heve loin brsuht wto te camp & stabled near our but an area of ay au has been putout of bound debervise anothe fa real th hove ano FRIDAY JUN 15 and studgiy Layeris "heebuis Vaciles Hubel treatment for aene ATOAONYTUN staed playing dut-tinns reading bulbertson Hold hos wer 68½ with shey O asual Garden is begtifue Jof bde want some was sed DA TON18. My Buithday. Thinkany of nane alst. hav van N19. Jeme with Holder on Thaughal Horestet yet if a move as cleared, and thanking is moving to there, CCDAEEOAY Tin 207 M French it imprevin am reading Tainte- Therese HUASOM TUN21 Cbrunbar has lever nearly eruptied ERIDAY TIN22 an adv party of 400 is to leave on 26th for the nen cau sttinoroiass. Wips will not allow readir or cheas during waiting han Tabarahy states we should sped in fime haddin eny NDA TN E4 youe with basson from so Vincent Irland, W.I. and Nembal from vavide & Malaya Mans 1HC. Large reale an rud Bantur and budge area heavily bentere. at least 16 plany harting Phamplets deepped th Odes & bermbey part handtrow canalled wthoutason given. Received legg & 1 peannt sbar from canbie the first pood for several days (hisen the cantin, sof FN25 an aleet devrery the night. The fourth in successien Weath still cell has been so fer same thran more weeks. hande conent with texieen finae, cut shor by an an ratale LUFSOAT TUN2L Thensland reply bo our brench of flower purmtalie very aps. He always did thenk the ansbalion were great admise of beaut all usual accoplance during the night and the tune we were got out of oubeids into the bienelu - punishment for some of ru daring to get into humbe ay Limly when bomber were on herd LDARSDAT TUN27. Aw Paity inspected by, ecin full manbing order HURSOAT TUN28. Adv Party movet out at 2306be to the lean. Drcbea was induce to play them an. Full scale benkso at midnight. IDAY. TUN 29 Moved without notice to but g. My gaiden ruined. ae passee during we in got te gtnight in sucestion Cautien of have been able to lon only 71.10 durin hast week. Alway h
SATUROAT IUN. al g, goak, tride, turch, et, are being movee in he dullmoon. Ilams go over almost every night mere phamplity from the other camps purredispod a few days aga the contain buist was the camp but now o cc ha forbddin visiton to the hospitae exceptin on hotiday eaure in Have goind a turh cucle which meek 3 hur writly, ash Dave West is in there with malaria & digsenby (bacitlery) hears innot be empted before lights snt, wigs must not be depp Count canull. Canbien coming good dgain hebly and nightwathmen wnnt know istb in hespital seepi stundee carent of classice musid by our odchstio 100 cerwhere, and in but gap have bhrabnd to shop unshing if I 24. No attempt is being wase to upoir bhidges. Pows prombbient oin const be ta on a ferirg system. Toat aly all my reed out to di Message of encomagement aad out to te parce Abguchis ilashg THURSDAFVES. avent 200 gap t lop who look like wuts were havn 32 0Nody 5ve 28 am prumping now with 3 new menders. It lat slomas of the Bats tart Regt & Major Langdon Line weathen just onfule oe comp alis notics four onbavart have been places outs the camp to the early hai apter udnight, the guards excucsed acun the bow s T 29. teen e. demertes of Bathwrel if years ago ManoNy Fvr30 Dutch concut forlidbu because pape do not ERIONETUL6 Had forther yain with beening rest Wedrusday Us offier dressed up on SATURDAT TIL7. Hokabu has returnd alie canbeen olders hyve been much undurtane Dubch language Band recibal without one spekin wad 31 No 3 paity of 400 lett for the new cang. Yald reduced youn with lient Poole RN an the taking over of the Trench fleet RUEED SD Fi. Two maisitoday & He ccdistubrited our aid bross good irench with a Capt Fishn Laze of the Briema Ripler. BAEDAY AVCI Hill fine weather am reading Wellss Pocket lareshly to weilns on his hobbies. Protests would be worse than wnle gound with Myer Glossop 5 Learchlight Rgt, when I met at Klung whe marter of the warla and Bisy () Myry "Capbulie yuna wiith unthal in nerch of a ship through hance We bente toogood was in command. Teo sva2. Htill fin am now sleipy 3 to a bey and the MerO FUE9.. Have fill off elam for 4 days. Yaw ys who ordered fult subees and 3 dosy of salk, Oeceived by brot pyc of wap 4inslon haw entre cintuneber is much appeeciates Bet myst W. Wea toamet included shit on beat tisbt to Gebert to Sullivan. Crowd was that we would not be pree on 31st Oct. English and bolsnat. Have neglelhid Furch studre fo ndedn ERINAY AUG.S. Debated in French Grends new artincatly fabarire. DA7TUL10] Ie the tast t wih we have been ioculated 3 himes agarting Ov4 157Ava5. Another 400 left Iremenern fire at 0030 his. The SAIRDAY TUl 14'1 chefere and vaccinabl once against in aupon brise wichs ago pain vyde the 5 blick be wen as a bet a dceas went up in tan hatatiy in the barin warked with Lecay 24c 2.7 Oubutial cont. till fine. Drowen in bhd may plane appeared and disppoe 3 caninters of phamplets but were wach this camp. CC& ohe are with away in Banghal and the atssphire lrdy of 400 lefter 10 ay am reading servanted I Da Crunch yis with M Ville about alar ASleB of the cimp is much earier. We have had reverl days of the abnut sd and iust- that I have experienced in the east. Have enquired ass Tist pumping on isting, is acriat actnt for two sh uanly now they mild be billy eleebure bamp pathr of acp deeply into the prbitt of sheep famiy for a liviry te15. wrestourie & Hcl. am heading sortescnes amture & the arm ruch prehention. fa departure on a ach weff Weator & up 5 arade three bets the n sill e Po 3100 i full balin hondon deve on the sboge pram AUAITU an 12 battles of teer wigh patrrian. Repaies exchanging mak TUesoiTUN. Wergha 672 lilles. Hanfien very pose much heavy rain of sabe ben it her bept all yo bus for weeks n another peace deeppet carmishs of phimpls which bunt wearson sor1c law first let of brosk marchu morth. CCreprune 17th 1 121 WE30A Herees of the end of the wayt and coming flowr hareans fer rpeters, twal pacade betere muching out tomarken Pay received Jeps hain arpiide with begorilin han TAIRSOOSUE 19. Pooll boll me deent the Rismarte incident! Camp very m0 5041 ava 13 Marched out at 1600prs. thair said was is over dent me ane all subalten officer withdaven fiom pumpiry for a few oky for from iure that this is not ine the runen lit in prain at Kanburi ess to reparrtemtl. an reading Connainsane du taper Btation until aphe mdnight, discopsing the ent of the war stories and SATUROAY TUL21, Plane over at night Howling doge are awful at night has sttching the natier a is cocked prepertion in fricht T 25007 466 16. arrives at ronpludue, 51 hilas, soon aptel dawn, and defeamnd a procession of same 50 garly drisark thais pretteded by a palest wearer. This it for hime lech fart, several statements were made in raute by Thay it we thinsing-range almost wey night this fied macin is madder that the was wa, out or nearly so, but are still ineditions, entai at Sa Fv 22 MarssHe Pearres at rights again. 200 oppreres lept for the athincan roen and sit all the afternoon in the hot ien. train load of Jap mule temf till diecit all day, I get these persodual attack-and dread there weoeven MOND vle 23. Ihollida. Heard that I will be eavery bere on the 7th parby. ba mand through friend the Ranglat area. Passed through vation fatir und toppa enent. pan falls almost party hew. atI huge new p of glazed surface, about an old-gold colour. 88 TUGO OU 2t Cotbet it allowed tecause the other snp has no conart fatinget opposite had the tbat maguificient noaf I have neer been, tted UoNES. J' buthd 9 yean old today God Bles him th a wide green bardn and pli faing under the eve all in glaze ame rile fietds spetching some Heard the 3guin tile sass thegh int bo the ubriter AXFUL26 1200 sept bt be came smed on att LNC tmastey ahterspecied with grover of lber the whethering hensis 0
buth cold last night in spe of Jour llanders. p at O20lus. Fogo to Saui it ane lard. Bill Hun away early on his runds, and we had againe I Bugger in Apil Ak0 but Balsplalobeck offell met paying that his bresare to notify Stabant Widles the morning post of p probables against the rest, and the won bbly te odd is inponsible for 1/. 3o. Andum we can camp, and he had bem munable to do po. Geal right on time & 8.I. Rood game and duike enjoyable 517 cpme in recented the lon how two hotn slip, blaw. &. Vntenday fe the firt time tinics leaving 19 Ihad the aftenion with hir Hind semn and were done up piriely to the und of 12-2. Jo as good as it smiaht have been as our Dads samed much bather & ind and mos os wese on knok a my Geiver emply, Ent only hill wenins- one can went in. West alsoalyt beson came in Caffable as snt, and I ndieed thre Sleters, hre from Hum Dad dated 8th L23t Sept. bo R vag chiu and and the Cons should really have feea stopfed earlyon. Euite agatering in and ron H. Scarkmough Stave wright, fil and the four nd and ped had Han (a Communion) aftenwards] Whote letter s cal. very very welome, giving mn he addares of conin Ciacentin in he Angutie and o r ess, the other to Glad, and capt ts n & And. "Fellow alarm came thnough soon tafter we bent to bed, and hous tial Clestina, da A 18 De 42 not why ching, por poil, as she has a lad lucht, and is alone alow, all the Wids away, Hfana in a honslering gob in land with Hors in Bonbay. Things no kindenond could be received (as phone is ou t of action since last aid, wot did not wait for erring but apsent about hr in shelters gust fin case Sfolly cold Bso If was a pelse alanm. v. pleasant down heoe ciked, though the lias Adal Kily to kcephis comprny. Tia Bosina O. K. lnil Spen guites a le o him finisthing eoff he pnoal stand this aftermson and Cunnan lador Bill putt of early this monnina and hild a Lnial sunce our 21 ports ape did the sick parnte for me Goord gatn I boaste, ball his moning too anmun rdwe, wed brought down in the Cast oaid. hans todemn and pint that he conets in the inet hent illd 4th platen Se to to da with bil sthert Kdight ithe bastat to I shall havd a little work. it drown to night when I as home, if its a poslle Bectines dete nigs an brards ddi pots in again Wtch has been boys tanght C0. Ws a vin pleasun made about hth h srop for doing Empentry, and mn ter Rung ahould ggoe much blette d fut in an hous or as this aftenion yome of Gasloball this monin 4 in a prepil, 130 clear one of the dead hall agens on he poball p ch, and had a rew lates. Arenan is doin hilfoing wites sidke paraes, taking wik and wek about hin he me thin CEaspt. Featenaon hronept fer hi lasts it tod e for dentat toratment and apd Got up pruth late and waitch for 51. to con alone the dtit in aned time and amed just a litle aftr I had received fwro pariels ohe containing a 142 ede ion a lhumbbed sthing, Jolly gord match, in which our crosd Ded bd beter of thingps tene one J Gongs Analomny and the obe tno ths of Captan to bonces. The pist was from he but which hey lon, 6. 3 all pe. nalhies. Duer afterands for Cramn a aficns and a concenate B9l3 and the aonth from the 1 fl.s. the mabled in to give hady my od et of luntighand ript uch meny bronk wots oi on a fim Sach, Cinte gort , t5o. nte leten 18 Glad and conmn¬ and the Polaces, as he reddist both. The hroked were exm so fas ad Ind concumned, and he fours of huds & secentin and cards to ha Clerina and V20. a groap of muchers, and thins a lit shot of smoker. Vamished the churs lonod (all ls a lit he ontsides and all the Ensilen. part of the duissal. stand and they look prathy well. & hold his monning and mowe started to fall during our middaw barkehall A feguller blifard bleuw up duing the Aemon and the place was praclitally win te Sly night? Bnt 1. Had ford game of Howhet mis daming, same four as a puke ofr roage. Aot by adpw Chundoed.
Co 0 colleet Waked saye hhls an hime ano ote, aute acomh Banylat. He ll at there were 30000 Wip in Burn tha purhoop te lar de at the It. We have ha in hast hel lw pan ate daily new and pay seant ab athob is r ery meal end is 424 an that eggs and frint ae hin anand ao oire bitten also we have getin te amppler held & the rige 10w ogariatig am unible to but all ould get blatn also ar t ishus have received a howil and wke a child with a new boy. Ou over bugl calls are bun used much effectd when I hed the prst call of our oven thefa bag have sppeard from wewhere and all anty are gie to our former hatel of treing bo appea will desised on conciite fleas and I hele them wether than the bamb mately there are wanr bele in the roof and we get wth in a rain storm Hen ards go surmining 26 se to do but walk up and dowen the whif in ind life stepts an all sat if capt. Many natue then loak or atticpti, to buy our clatting da wereln set which is one Mana offur fat wens hndi tght o t offu aname the cme from lr and ahigbli is coming threuh safedly but is still wa We are and for news from e willl. Bluve that oue lest of nam tother worth ou mrss and was attnnly agien another care from Warrey dake Ch y Iam an reading a per of han full fau ocalan a uffer on tanten. bee rout 50le of an vatiible but not tancys widding pee in that month being sewed upatam. It hsinte igns poba wik, pope ar quiesl thenugart The warch past bee pack up and sheres in. all wehrely and in bees smule t they a fallens by camp- fallenes who a Chiner inites a gavanise arived 2 at laige Hhe dwa who exciped wthi t and excuted t that now work, or a Mergue rond pensule ae i bat i Officer bart be gon off to s narrowl msel t t ta from soon who condition of fe camp are dylerable oremul a day to be a bay and asted.Wentt b pret gh HR30A7 A0922 We apene mert of the day swemming umbathenyg or an to news bethi that weunded Black- a SSmith al ther wan it to bee fuling not ae with a tat 150 bitle rge awhat tan by the Japhrerton as the BB. Hear tril wan ear dolity h ne Tharland, Bolone & Japar towent e shet and weife wate updiay, read tue
sabed na ana N.E matic acler alat ther were soods hif to perhroup he clar die at Vie At. We have na in t 623 daily new and pay sean vm atgh eggs and hin ar ad to aere bibllen also wed be Rabren a amppler held & the deg 10w ogannation. I am wrrit bn are hisistud hav receiv wuld get Blathn Oi oven bugly calls a whea child with a new & much effecte when I hia the first call of ppeare from newhere ane all lags bar to our fomer habll of thig bo appear willd conceite floar and I habe them besin tha tatily ther are wanry bely in the roof and a ran sorm tn ards go summined else to do but walk up an Lonen an all ant if ceapr. Mar liteslipp tthen boak, or atticptinn to which is one wat and a weretin aet flrst vews snn hard timt the offa a nsue the cane and dght News is coming through sapudly but ling We are and fornews nginvicle. Bluve that our lest o Mr Cackin tother om urass at was stunng a l recid anothe can from Waneyo som an reading a per full fan f a dattoen te a uffer ble but not taneys wilding about 5000 of an a thet monthr being sewed uptam. I bointe ig kank, pope are quiesse thungard. The waich part be vehrely and on bois smule sach up and heres in all they ar fallows by camp fallowen ith amtes a gavanise arived itker at large. Hhs dwe mate wlo excipd i thin 72 angnt and exccutes t that ow work or a Meigue an Ofteer hast be ga offt pennle ae e bat s narrowl musd the ise a puh soon who condition fur caunt are dy lerable one mut a day to be a bay ad acted Wint to bis preti HBeR N923 We spene mert of the day nmmminy uumbathinga tin to news 20 at and sa fom anst and all thes went to bee fueling no It and withe with a bad 150 a bitter areing smin rngo p deaeresed t mst nter man aland te nih th the Saphrarg as the B. tear eadlitin Hharlam, Boies & Japar apd naa
Wagaterne, Brig, and wy vrsifed our camp have has by 2NON oved timperarly to 4,8 and 18 bilo camps wirtil arrather base is built in the subber on the Noulmeen Rd. We suffert casualties on bot days. The planes were unopposed and flew about for an hom. many the faps periniched as well on serve of an owrn sin then Ihave been saids on 3 mere days on the rdilway yarke asulmenn a Thanbugayd now almost diserbed I has a good day in carp and had in not suim in the creet about 1000 yds awar donen th There are same beautiful flowes along the track knanc officees returned TUESDAY JUN20 by our wd paps ad that us man wniped unfit should go out bwe men able to wall are to attenc tubbes. Tome 880 men at ack to a hespital camp at 55 Kiles. OBrun Cenden atson, Redfin, Chillrp, McDonall, Bostock, Aurell, San, bone Wall areaming thes to go this move shoull improve cenditis covnduab same chinpgoh has arrived and I ran OUESDATFUN3 two but parades were hild dispote yesterdays arriia We ar assued holwever that the new rystim will opera very out on to road work, the first time sir I was appeirbe paint add to rebeveI gavent 260 sick men went off in bsik to the 55 pits co yaur to Wunmay who is now Co 42 Ever SDAY Will tamp agt, Japs bliked sich men part to 550. bnt of 133 seek men and 3 Fe juting old self again excepting that my aene is worse. will hs ile go on ss exhen wintiresting and hard. I am glad There Warry the mang on to. by love for thes keeps me from throwing in ape 1047 TUL 2 ablegth 456 men want in whity mesed wy upee and inlegus wnleieg Will bounh a . Went wim wit layed bron can in by 25 men evacy 436. Very Ifew as regary. Varrey's the children thle encamagement. I am still able to produce a res my ihrine afaily quiteday. the pape m sahfid with our waikes figure 04 m all, a few more were the155 hils sumet mnt a been care rot of everd but packd in woopn boxis, an mery little of it. Iish has beeen fordie on sencal days hew, and he smells Here heen Bowring that Hut whit ocaullan and Bennel went to Bornlo, Vennt and Roas Webson went back to their nt SWOAY. IUE 4. a hobidan but wef in the incening, the Pdtes were till buut we poorly attended. Tunt off 18Smen inscluding many of the went cases, There in will go through ubld suffiring before redch the 55k cunt ef AMS 7 there are still many very sich men here. One collcepsed at my doee this weay there are 15 geaves already. 458 men went to work on first call in the ras I myself have 2 small abeasions, one on each foot, which I am a little apar of Many of th uleers are really horibly the flish seems to rot- some mon will sither die a will have to loon a leg anothe we doe tode of dynnty, I have my fust etapse of fewn com on and went to bed eally TUESOAL TUL6 Had a uestlees night, some quinine, and am improving. Have t the maker ara pap propagante is childret and cemplitel unconveniing. They balh Londly of ropuchien ofLin by the native at do not repert any tangible inderrce of with arristence. They are isureeting sicuersy of 12 month ago becaute they have bad only severses in the nventime they claim farlme of great offensio to our armies but diselen only tufling camaltiy and lise axan Isunt back too lick to ide te sut were got away. and died dirring the night. Anatn man died at the same hime EDAESDAY TUI7. the last of our sick men were moved out today, making the tobal in mant about 855 and leaving 1086 41I wtill her. Iu e todres were buried today. sne body had to be butine soon after life was prenouned extrt as the leg was sull badly the Work on the thilway started! The habieres t 19 graves in wee reduced to 770 of total stringth. I am on an sunine hand knnght was waerated. He is suffering from tovy He wll be buct to survin I gave him R5. Buny see and ule culder not for H5 and pyjanes for h.2. 2 t my sever is going away again. The came wire pate haghard new, we have wher rown conyobiry ther a in this but only a few sick men can be noticed about the camp there are no blit parady us full tubes no receaning Jap t and the stews have improved bying us into a nevsers tln of ond wehsheps ar the hatil in trak R W. Kise ad 50E 2ook ovn dutes as No3 up adgt in the evening as enart is dante wilh never. Clearing for the railway is proceding, guat tries are fall an awy the wlather is cirtain hilf thank are hhe do pull th the faf in thei wark. Very little aam has fallen to what we exprcbed ATURUAY IVLIO another quite day. I am reading ince again the temantie Terce. Hlayn hdse with beelevyn, llaglw and Van Veen SUMOAY TUII. barry called in for a few minuty from 95 tils but wer left he once night. The camps beyand the 114k seem to have been sent further on bryse mok because of the food poblic Had only a farr gatery for Church suvice
VE12 t another quite day and I am stell dast N3 Greup. I am gettin bary and have done no exercises for a week a more. The constany camfall interfirs with any peairs one makes for outdoa actwit Thichs done cani 0 hod a very satisfactory intervin in t men, canteen sepplirs, ate. I whill have a few peas, bean, salt, my e little oil Io light I still here 22 candles and harey y be abl ho send me some pehialum and petiol, Ray Walks is very how and wil ably die within a few days. My roap should last another 2 months SDAYTULB. tlethant are trumpeling now just ontiile the cam the shength and viluation are really turific. I geadly vaiated the chair of Ady. ast a gob think Heaven the Japs as 3 Traup and in im risbury on with their garden and we had to fill a lange hiee wone was blocking out the senllight. they make sure that they bave cattle always would me go without or with ver little. They bat a iea f dirythn that cns in to caup tach rupie sptn bt fi 2 days hard warrs 500 in the pockit of these I Lu cartien and wit the jungle. tee f B50 ay Wath died and was buried quibly. He wents bealy the Jep would provide mitable wedints, he ao i of t wly mersed the RA.P. Am r as a tale of the BEF in Marre and Belguu 40 ether book clear and feell of iis to think a let abing vancy for a kip for long surrie bave. this then Petacher deiy in her is wert daity at the wood hes ls than P.T. I have baround "twe men of hanlif bith story of the Rotechills by Ravage mane a sans bat boy dict of purcumn. W. hap I assnet ging a wirk for me in the wo 4 Juecivi Lieatu Asia 28Jun ar grave two more resis of the usual chiece sle and are reard that the Kitching died reuntl at 30 hilo era yaured wstil lite with sweret officers on Winit Tenen with Kibehin after 2 Jie. Oie ILaids at Thambe been hisis apparet p our lnown casnaltys (dead), member of all sor nown to us as moin mers, crities cammentatids. ite. have set in for a 900 hall ten have starbed on a per that we would work- 2 met oonn ans is badl awoder with ber bern both heas sum to be ikty apo want to finish the cailway by the end of angoat. Tubrsury as very extensive, but they are now laying rails again at about chilos Cattle is very searce. Anr anxory has desiped hepled i condition of the Burmnere wamen and Hurna depicting th like in In with when relief will cae with atthey we aausthe less are repliiry with phategaps of distitutionin England but there are complite unconvinting ther the rumen rates of pay were increased to equal the dmerican rabes. Wo0y N28 myself again t6 bulogia - 10st 6ll. the men are not Weighed finding the hucert period of exhe work too hard, and whould be able to lart out until 10 ang. The genine censurans of opinion is that the jol will be funshed will to hine Seep cutting and high unbantionet are being avoided in the bridge toninament with Tilliavgn as pater Harbedpe ONESONY S I am trying to buy a few guilde h from the Dubh a elepharts. 19 in all went the ute Sa ha to the gap and I believe wood dounis are being brought be and here to fr hre in time Onr camps working strength then the San 1526 rick s the 554 10 sempis at gite A1tard 650 Dutch. 1A1t have died, 50 ar dangusing ill 500 ar 138 wle care caunnot walk and r is vey reare 222 my leg to roi day I am stevelop an i fuel sere a just holong my ownt with it. We are right in the middles of the sent. It has lawd for ssule days now rary searon red lope Drury of the came party to wasking will never dry. watch for 110 in autalia. very bre FRIDAL TUL 23 Obtained a bunch of selman pursh Lowre which p that all prsonen must be out of Bu quarters. Heard from a Logo at lingafore baw we believe this within 20 days as dreseed to clocks back s giinitand were toll ane muist start he calten SAIURONY FU4 two year ago today I said Good lye to m children at heme and to vaney and sum Sf Srnce tut can recall it all vey eleae day Godgrant that I do not have to spend another year away furor Thenbusagal is it a confire the gaf offe wr Wes avery suddeed in conviction with a mobe? My leg is defuntely on the mind. EUMDAYTM 25 tohn's berthday. God Bless him and keep him safe. Heis yyurs oll today and I suppe a real little as hoot boy My thoughr with Warrey, I hope she is having a party for Johney. I am rest my wlual contine there is much spletation aft slave here and where do
MONDAY JU 26 Had a bad time threugh having taken a large ful of beans with shewing them. Bern are being given to uo to replace weat. Heare from Jap Enguae here who claimed to have been at unar, Baber, it that all 415 wounded and presene were that in the spot and that 301 Endears were beheaded of this is tine, thenr present exfect to were ove iian sidy with greet peonine of pder from the cruil and would not ppea to be sincere. Heve secured margant aubehells youe w the Wind. The lap are still getting planly of good food meat egg it but i get b. all. SOATS Discoend that I am more of a micrance ban a hilp to the woodcuth owing to my rough handing of their axis. Played sn last bein ganns in the budge touinantent and reeres very poere in each. I am having very bad wuth latily. My bears and pas have int it at tast. The only iste food I have now are 4 hins (bully but ther I have distarded the old genhinson portulantion at las IEONESO day neater home. Got somre further information fr and a bein t cargning the units which arrived in Maleya in lass few weetes. and readin John Muther's, Inside Abra ital work. The gaplale poor and faarly paid have little food m well disciblived clan patusti & deturind but lash wnt hes intill orable pe Joolashns ot discended from the Gods, Devn amperer are suspictes, iffi atures of cseb good muries, lark pase chaim tolian are absictal, comagisin an puritarical in same things but tex us aresuritive to a mackd degree all counder themslve equal, have of ream wark have to bavn the most liffirilt language lark bact, as atmnded selfdeceivus bwoathrst enjoy suffering for the motherr S0AY IUI24 2 paily day a raie ocmann there drys I must buy a copy sone with the wind, for Varrcy. the would iyt reading this stan tay which tells of our oven experiences of the last few year ar thusty for news. If only we could hear of save wayer calashopt the axes powes to give us heart to carry onr, I wauld be very thank WDAY TUL30 This day 2 yeare ago I last saw Narrey. I will never foye her fau as the train Fan through the Leahom station and laber her pautlurre as I wa soher from the pier this cery to live oe again the anquish, the fule impatence and inevitableners, the rainees, the thought is this the last tim My God Blushe, hlf her in her tasle and let te ber only the bithe sit ofaur life togethr HTUROAY IV not be able to eat any more bean stew for a day or tur. The s tdas. todaywt any cabeen goods We are soon to couse under Railway Regt adminitation. The hospibe is proquase SUNONY AVCII agap mauipicted the car i the inadequacy of our spalizers itc, inclaincentieut what w alear Ava Received yet another injection against cholua. This is the 4th ailway waker were blashing very ilose to the camp and larg some fe hepled eight ito piices of wood wie its Despite the Lepties the went through the roofs chuglessing entredly the hay boot ir graving at the rate of wu os perauum. that is as fhr as tilnew of payates? I susted i y when the Barb ito give vancy sentg nce for thes we fava open its doees again. I samehires get a peentin fuling the billed in an auiderd, I vey to obliding is deid, but leJob at faotish bilt yet hit persists. If only I could receive a littg thegl A this is our 4th day of almost continuerys rain, The number of worke is steadily deceasing my food uput ue neuly everyd now. I have ofund up a hin of cheese to see if something wwtr digertion hie is draging weally in good will unp aboodenting, reading, butsey, budge ar ve nmot nanditI ridgee here bad the thost aboli bos wt stonen ly of bary legged spiters lives in y cam of the but the themn the of a small pea, there legs a and and the odies are wither long at last i tona 34 as chridged and thee a wen even if it was only 2 leads HURSDAY t contary of the life of tstapte Renas was very enlightening as to conditions in furtuy been 1910 on ward ane the retations between the Lurks and their tean advisu an laders gathlass have dierted to say a vovera of Rosarns wader the assumptivn fo our speedy release. EROAY AU4 E 2 bathalees of o int At parted notices about the car hen to say a norrne of Rosay from 7-15 ang. Worn is aboud and gaps stated that 2 ofoul woiken can rest tow an to the following day time is dragging ncen the war is far tor stow for P.0 progets SATUROATAY✓ of soure 50 ther mnew. The Nover i bathbe officers and some Ditel OR another bridge mear bils his bad byn washed down and we have been was the persibility of a raten sheitace God hilp us. teta in Another brdge tounament. This hime points are scared or acerding to the number of tuk bid and for gains in an feeling the effects of this 2ors of chuse I am fals The hen sshsull and me about 8 days altoget 14 as I write this a Jap is hanging around iuture and want to ask me have I ban able to buy him a matit the tap again out Harredical on We be bact another
the story am reading James t of Leotland entitled suppled Splendai b John Luks was held outride tonight and the A1t side we ay amoothly. The Dubch were kup there for an hour. The supplied, inlowe, lyd like I believe or gunp lis of asure atreatin rille aran experiment. A reasonably fiue day the first for a ley while Heare, that thanbugagat was wanved again and 300 gap were killed E3047Av94 Heare from Jap office (Hoshi) that we are to stay in this cam until bhtly aa the carliit October as a mantinance gang. The seems the most probable course-unless the Indian army start i Limine peobably be shipted into Tharland. The I gave me boot polish tins of sulgar given to him by Hoster. To was the ehave had at this comp Rats are on the am ie thinking how our dear ane we growe crease athent my Deidy th chary. Wagabors arrived for ws in thot ae ataly fe gat a out to yt then cansirtent with the anges tien as the Both brcriby of POW sowe 9100 all admn 296Ast have died (A Toue & Java sory The fops have id mary NG alor Road. This diet of the 3 hin a day with a bear atow added & another frar stive fhi a little rack & hae tenin I is just too ba simply cannot eat it and fade away to we with a bopeles sob in bis voice I gave him my 12500 Brs went off to 108 kilo camp and returned. Date for compution the larlway has been exteridie 6 wieks from the end of an 1t 26 husy ar our wartiin fas reterrved my quativs har ten it to Burgess. Cranie drarrbved. ie has led in w pentier effects on the back passage. We are inable to warte suk men to the 55 because of the lach of accumodation there out ott with his party. I am readr the Eeny stadiaton t CHIB te stay the ay in the indibicanian. I am still have wos huch at be I hsd be state too Heard that NoS Branch was on of salt short sivender who sold them to the Burmans? ROAYAVGI two yeus in the Last today Jack Varley has his l acking as advance lost to Cmiles North of Endan before the Japs linded. He delayed their add and got b were back anost te river by a rampln. I heower t 1DA7 AVA ared 194 till fine Burnee contirn to pars along the road going ten the Naviestng then apetal 15 Hir Lanurot Cunsirs5 ayers 8 Desbroyers 171. Zorp Boat– Tnbe 51 Lloops 51 Morken Enp MONDAY AUG. 16 Novena of Rosaries concluded last night afterwards I spint an hour sheolling ulp and dowen the fide graune humoning rongs that Warrey and know- a will bnow. Have given up cards for a week or two and are taken on barters Boobkeeping and the antocar. Ron writt iti from the 55 with nome b ORS. 5t habe died there including sitch ansill of thielf 2 B Several have bee amputations of legs fum loe and many wt wller case will have to be dealt with ninittarly. The sterich in thertew ward is berrible. thy hae no more wedecn than we have Had a thart boath. Ae is wlich improved. Home 20 cause to the resary. CUESOAY AUAI7 tabibines "Capt Blood. Egt Knight ane lepe the Dorald are itill alive at the 55 Receivd an issue of 2 rpversful of white sugar. Lats chewed sevnal holes in he end of my morauct net I wonter how our armis are faring in Teily and Knoia. Mil fap papers revialed that fighting is beavy in both peaers and puther sane 2 together we are meeting with much wecess. Will this whater NEONESDAY om impersonia Bet Lg1 Rr 3do bottle ben that we winld not be pr of fapcont 3Dec 43 His address it Mambarough Onunand. The weather seems to have taken a charged definitely to the good today cain tell property the first hime to alweek or so the fine of us field ofther get on very will together 1en the humben in many thirg and oot natc tat can be heard all day. I have go seave if I am the source of most of it J80. Way te monst heve been e hripf fore oen orei 20 v night. He moarred hundrly and i again tis ead to her men dying likee this under idia unditions and with so little to lighten the burden. The boxed i e ar new receiving counist of cooked icap sut tnvy he b hipe, udder, etc. actially I prfer it to the black salled mist. Bui tillmoving out along the tine daily and peps continue o teeirg in the opposite direction. RIAYAUGLO complete thateday at last. heard het tape jach than 2AAScboy cannot live He had wasted away to then bore at ad mis uleas were willing him. The sterch in the $200 is homble many have not washd for tweeks the Holld in today of ceribal nbtaria ane was buries I am reading anay tary by bole a Priestly teare that a lpe A1 B0R80u of 2/9 bnr ttoue died of ben bey at the 96hils on sang and was buried ther by a kient Helibe Bn Gorden Hiblandes selt slightly feverist with achn in bersa UNDAL AUG 24 y sumpting a went dowen with fevry. Ea dutired atofa

MONDAY MAY 7
Read and must get for Nancy "Flower Arranging" by Laura Lee
Burroughs, c/o Coco-Cola Coy. Atlanta, Georgia. The correct spelling
of the bird I saw a few week ago is oriole. Vaudeville concert wit
Norman Smith. All new is still rigidly barred to us. We

are constantly wondering how the war is going, both in Europe & here.
TUESDAY MAY 8
Tamakan party cancelled. Rain falls every day now and
the surrounding hills are very green. Listened to a talk on Siam
by Major Fanning. Yarned with Major ^F.L. Harding who contemplates
buying a grand home & farm near Melbourne.
WEDNESDAY MAY 9
"Judge" Martin is being severly punished with 2 bashings and
4 days in front of of the guard house at attention for looking thru

the attap fence when working on the bund. The ditch wall is

collapsing in many places. Return of staff officers and COs is

causing much speculation. Arrived here 3 months ago today. How 
long more?

THURSDAY MAY 10

Weighed 68 kilos. Reading "God-Bye Mr Chips" by James Hilton

and "The Earth is the Lords" by Cauldwell. The Japs held a full

scale tenko at 1800 hrs and appeared to be searching for extra

personnel. Yarned with Close on Special Warfare Units raised in

England in 1940. Met a Lieut Taylor who visited his estate's

property at Mirgui twice a year before the war.

FRIDAY MAY 11

Martin is still sticking it out at the guardhouse. His legs

are all swollen and he has had to remove his boots. He is

allowed liquids only. Recce planes are about still every day.

SATURDAY MAY 12

The "undertaker" was taken away a few days ago for striking 
a superior officer but I believe he was returned today. Very

heavy rains fell. My first balsam flower is out. Yarned with

Walker about the Encyclicals Rerum Novarum and Quadragesimo

Anno. Smoking forbidden all day until after tenko as a punishment.

SUNDAY MAY 13

Two Masses. All sermons are censored. Heard some

bombing yesterday. The moat is half full of water and a

paradise for frogs who croak all night long. Martin was

released Friday night he became light headed, thought released the

guard was going to do him over and ran to the Jap hut for protection.

MONDAY MAY 14

Concert abandoned after half way through owing to a storm.

TUESDAY MAY 15

Kempies took away 2 Koreans. Concert staged in full. All classical

recital, Mozart, Handel, Greig, Purcell, Rosini, Gounud, arranged by a

Have obtained 5 orcids. Balsams & convolvus now flowering well.

WEDNESDAY MAY 16

Went with WP to river to shift bamboo. Had a swim.

THURSDAY MAY 17

Yarned with Major Pierpont who was the Malay Planters Representative

on the State Executive Council of the Sultan of Johore. The

Sultan was married 11 times including a divorcee Mrs Wilson whose

husband was whipped out of Malaya by the husband of another

woman. His state salary is £3£5000 monthly £35000

FRIDAY MAY 18

Yarned with Capt Peter Golder of the Shanghai Judicial

police. Camp Comdt asked a POW what would happen if he was

made a P.O.W. He apparently took some notice of our last letter

and today called in the seven officers to ask discuss the matter.
SATURDAY MAY 19
Heard that we are to start moving to Tamwan on 15 June.

SUNDAY MAY 20

Mass & HC. Evening Mass was broken up by an air alert. Engines are

going up alone and are coming back with rolling stock. Some

troops went past during the night. Workman of NFI was one

of the officers who was imprisoned for obtaining or disseminating news.

MONDAY MAY 21

A concert at night. Pay received - 50c deducted for ORs pay. Played bridge

with Morrison and Major Harring. Regulations for nightwatchmen are

tightened up. They must prevent men moving out of huts at night

excepting for the latrine or on duty. All off & NCOs inspected camp.

TUESDAY MAY 22

All sorts of restrictions are added to the long list. Boxes are

now prohibited, bambo ash-trays are forbidden, the lost property

office must be closed, no gear can be left in bags during xxx 

inspections rain-coats cannot be worn on parades without

permission, the ^POW office is out-of-bounds, boots must be cleaned of

dust and mud. Two officers were badly bashed twice and

put in guardhouse, one for smoking outside, one for not standing

properly at attention during tenkoe. Local brass band seemed

to be playing Jap troops through the town this evening.

WEDNESDAY MAY 23

Martin is now known as a "Judge of Lang Standing". My acne

is getting worse. Krungteb is the Thai name for Bangkok. The old

capital was Ayeuthia. Chapri is the family name of the present King.

Putans are numerous in the south. Siam recognised Br control

of Kedah & other N provinces in 1909 in return for a loan of £7m and the

cessation of extraterritorality rights in Bangkok.

THURSDAY MAY 24

CC paid a visit to POW Comdr of 1hr and left new pair of shoes.

Obtained manure for my garden. This garden is being immitated.

Injected ag cholera

FRIDAY MAY 25

Mulder told me about the case during last war of the Comogata Mara

and 800 odd Indians from Canton, Shanghai, Saigon, Bangkok & Nagasaki also

the dope rings, and in S. America, Syria and Far East and cases of the Government

[[?]] disciplinary squad, and treatment of renegades.

 

SATURDAY MAY 26 Yarned yesterday with Kapt B SLUIMERS of the AID

Banpong. Siren sounded 5 alerts & all clears in quick success

Told that the reason why the 2 POWs are still being punished is because

of the facetious action of some of the troops on tenko when ordered to speak louder. Strained my big toe in a fall.

SUNDAY MAY 27

Mass & H.C. Yarned with Capt Clements of RAOC (Workshop) who lived at

the Rio Tinto mines near Seville from 1926-40. He saw quite a lot of the war.

Two officers released from guardhouse, one with a damaged eye.

MONDAY MAY 28

All pumpers at the pump-house were stood to attention from 0900

to 1500 hrs for not saluting the acting OO (WO Mura). Their skins were badly

burnt. Drower was badly beaten by the CC & the Adjt with a dummy rifle

and lodged in the cell, together with Ransom and another who were

all beaten not seriously by hand by MO. Sgt. The real reason for the

trouble was that this 3rd man just mentioned had refused a week

ago to carry water for 2 Nip Medical orderlies and Ransom and Drower were involved
Played bridge with Evans & Hamilton. Attended a good variety concert.

TUESDAY MAY 29

Golder told me more of his experiences. Started extra pumping, 40

minutes today alternating with another team, and tomorrow 1 hour 40 min.

WEDNESDAY MAY 30

CC ordered all officers to cease work at 1300 hrs and all services

were taken over by ORs. Canteen had to close. Reading, lying down,

games, etc, are forbidden still during working hours.

THURSDAY MAY 30

A lot of rolling stock is coming out of the jungle.

FRIDAY JUN 1

All officers are confined to huts as from 1400 hrs and henceforth can

only leave to go to the latrine, to bath, or to collect food. At night we

can only leave by the one exit. The reason given is that the CC saw cigarette

butts on the floor of the hut during an inspection about 2400hrs. We are

being treated as criminals, but cannot understand why. Several bombers

visited Kanburi and dropped 5 bombs on the bridge area. The alert

brought us out of our huts. Also officers are being made to work on the bund.

SATURDAY JUN 2

SUNDAY JUN 3

MONDAY JUN 4

TUESDAY JUN 5

WEDNESDAY JUN 6

THURSDAY JUN 7

FRIDAY JUN 8

SATURDAY JUN 9

C.B. for all continues. Books are withdrawn to the

office excepting between 1300-1530 and 1800-

2100 hrs. I am still able to do a little gardening

and also do the last shift of nightwatchman

every morning. Drower is still in the cells.

A Dutch officer was stood in front of the

guard house for a few hrs for making a

bamboo flute. Several huts were searched. It is
very difficult to fill so many hours every day with nothing

to do but sit and talk.

SUNDAY JUN 10

MONDAY JUN 11

Ch Pdes permitted, Attended both Mass

Discovered that we are not allowed to xx

smoke while lying down. Varley bashed.

TUESDAY JUN 12. CB lifted as from 1800 hrs. CC ordered Toosey &
all but commanders to write a letter apologising for breaches
of discipline & promising to be good boys in future, &
admitting that officers being punished have no complaint.

WEDNESDAY JUN 13. Many officers are back at work. I am on
the pump twice a day for 40 mins, each time. Books are 
still not allowed during working hours. Told that we are to move
to a new camp & to have 500 ready to move in 10 days.

THURSDAY JUN 14. 
Ration scale reduced, oil 25 to 15 gms. meat 80-70, salt 20-15
Rice and vegs remain the same at 550 & 500. Three horses (timor) have
been brought into the camp & stabled near our hut. An area of our
operation has been put out of bounds, likewise another part near the tool shop.

FRIDAY JUN 15
Am studying Lazare's "Lectures Faciles." Started treatment for acne.

SATURDAY JUN 16
Started playing deck-tennis, reading Cuthbertsons Gold Book, weighed
68½ with shorts.

SUNDAY JUN 17
Mass as usual. Garden is beautiful. Jap Comdr wants some convolvus seed.

MONDAY JUN 18. My Birthday. Thinking of home a lot. Lone bomber

TUESDAY JUN 19. Yarned with Golder on Shanghai. No word yet of a move.

Tamwan was cleared, and Chunkai is moving to there.

WEDNESDAY JUN 20

THURSDAY JUN 21

My French is improving. Am reading Sainte-Therese.

Chunkai has been nearly emptied.

FRIDAY JUN 22. An adv. party of 400 is to leave on 26th for the new camp

SATURDAY JUN 23. Nips will not allow reading or chess during working hours.

Takasaki states we should spend our time hardening out feet.

SUNDAY JUN 24. Yarned with Casson from St Vincents Island, W.I. and

Henshal from Canada & Malaya. Mass & HC. Large scale air raid on

Kanburi and bridge area heavily bombed. At least 16 planes participated.

Pamphlets dropped. Ch Pdes & Cemetery party tomorrow cancelled

without reason given. Received 1 egg & 1 peanut star from canteen

The first food for several days from the canteen.

MONDAY JUN 25. An alert during the night. The fourth in succession.

Weather still cool has been so for some three or more weeks.

Splendid concert with Mexican finale, cut short by an air-raid alert.

TUESDAY JUN 26. Stensland's reply to our bunch of flowers presentation

was very apt. He always did think the Australians were great admirers

of beauty & art. Usual aeroplane during the night - and this time

we were got out of our beds into the trenches - punishment for some of

us daring to get into trenches on Sunday when bombers were overhead.

WEDNESDAY JUN 27. Adv. Party inspected by CC in full marching order

THURSDAY JUN 28. Adv. Party moved out at 2300hrs to the train.

Orchestra was ordered to play them out. Full-scale tenko at midnight.

FRIDAY JUN 29. Moved without notice to hut 9. My garden ruined.

Plane passed during the night - the 9th night in succession. Canteen almost

useless. I have been able to buy only T 1.10 during past week. Always hungry.

 

SATURDAY JUN 30. All pig, goats, birds, [[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 & dysentry (bacillery)

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 Chunka

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 facing outward have been placed outside

the camp. In the early hours after midnight, the guards exercised around the Bund.

FRIDAY JUL 6. Had further yarn with Leeming 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

Wg Cmdr Toogood was in command.

MONDAY JUL 9. 
Have fell off colour for 4 days. Saw MO who ordered full

duties and 3 doses of salts. 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


SATURDAY JUL 14

 In the last 6 weeks we have been inocculated 3 times against
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 cannisters of phamplets 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 that I have ever experienced in the east. Have enquired
deeply into the possibility of sheep farming for a living.

SUNDAY JUL 15. Mass twice & H.C. Am reading Fortescue's "Empire & the Army."

MONDAY JUL 16 A full holiday. "London Revue" on the stage (pram screen)

TUESDAY JUL 17. Weighed 67½ kilos. Canteen very poor. Much heavy rain.

Another plane dropped cannisters of pamphlets which burst [[?]]

WEDNESDAY JUL 18 . Saw first lot of troops marching north. CC returned 17th

Pay received. Japs train outside with bayonets 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 bund. Am reading "Connaissance du Japon".

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-occurence

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 pamphlets

were dropped a few days ago. The containers burst near the camp but none

came in. Have joined a lunch circle which meets 3 times weekly. Ash

trays must be emptied before lights out, mugs must not be kept on

tables and nightwatchmen must know numbers in hospital, sleeping

elsewhere, and in hut. Japs 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

Beds & Harts 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 new camp. Yarned

in French with a Capt Fisher late of the Burma Rifles.

WEDNESDAY AUG 1 . Still fine weather. Am reading Wells'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 centimeters is much appreciated. Bet Major W Wearne

that we would not be free on 31st October.

FRIDAY AUG 3 . Debated in French.

SATURDAY AUG 4 . Guards now are mostly Japanese.

SUNDAY AUG 5. Another 400 left. Tremendous fire at 0030 hrs. The
building in the town marked with a red cross went up in flames.

MONDAY AUG 6. - AUG 13. Orchestral concert. Still fine. Drower in bad way.
Party of 400 left on 10 Aug. Am reading Cervantes
Don Quixote. Yarned with McVilly 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 three bets that
we would still be POWs by 31 Oct, £5 each with Wearne & Wood
& 12 bottles of beer with Cameron. Repairs, exchanging, making

of sack bags etc has 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 at 1600 hrs. 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 Nonpluduc, 51 kilos, soon after dawn and detrained
for "picnic" breakfast. Several statements were made en route by Thais
that the was was over or nearly so, but we are still incredulous. Entrain at 
noon and sit all afternoon in the hot sun. Train load of Jap mule transport
[[?]] moved through from the Bangkok area. Passed through Nakon Patom with
its huge new pagoda CHEDI of glazed surface, about an old-gold colour. Terrific [[Bêt?]]
almost opposite had the most magnificent roof I have ever seen, brick red
with a wide green border and blue facings under the eves, in in glazed
tile. Pass through extensive rice fields stretching some places to the horizon
and mostly interspersed with groves of bushes & trees sheltering houses, 
an RC chu

 

April 4th Pard. Bill Hurst away early on his rounds, and we had a game of rugger in
[*3*] the morning, most of camp probables against the rest, and the win by the odd
goal right on time - 8-3. Good game and quite enjoyable. 517 came in
the afternoon with the Boxing team and were done up nicely to the tune of 12-2. Not as good
as it might have been, as our lads seemed much better trained and most of wins were on knock-outs
and the bouts should really have been stopped early on. Quite a gathering in our room - Fr. Scarborough,
Steve-Wright, Neil and the four of us and we had Mass (& Communion) afterwards. Wrote letters & cards
to Glad, and card to Mum & Dad. "Yellow" alarm came through soon after we went to bed, and,
since no red could be received, as phone in out of action since last raid, we did not wait for [[?]]
but spent about ¼ hr. in shelters "just in case", jolly cold too. It was a false alarm.
April 5th - Spent quite a bit of time finishing off the missal-stand this afternoon and Annan
did the sick-parade for me. Good game of basket-ball this morning, too.

April 6th  Had the cracks in the missal-stand filled with plaster of Paris to-day, and painted
it brown to-night. When I go home, if it's at all possible, I shall have a little work-shop
for doing carpentry, and shall have the boys taught, too. It's a very pleasant
pastime, and jolly useful, too. Game of basketball this morning, put in an hour or so this afternoon
helping clear one of the dead-ball areas on the football-pitch, and had a run later. Annan is doing
this week's sick-parades, taking week-and-week about with me.

April 7th - Capt. Readman brought a few of his lads up to-day for dental treatment, and
[*2P*] arrived just a little after I had received two parcels, one containing a 1942 edition
of Gray's Anatomy and the other two tins of Capstan tobacco. The first was from the
B.R.C.S. and the second from the A.R.C.S. They enable me to give Ready my old set of Cunningham's
and the tobacco, as he needed both. The books were extra as far as I'm concerned and he forms o
of a group of 'muckers' and they're a bit short of smokes. Varnished the chess-board (all bar a bit
of the outside, and all the business-part of the missal-stand, and they look pretty well.
V. cold this morning and snow started to fall during our midday basketball. A regular blizzard
blew up during the afternoon and the place was practically white by night. Brrr!!! Had good
game of Bridge this evening, same four as a week or so ago. Lost by a few hundred.

April 8th - Pretty cold night in spite of four blankets. Up at 0700 hrs. To go to Sanitsatspark
[*3*] but Stabsfelwebel stopped me, saying that his orders are to notify Stabsarzt Wieke, who
is responsible for M.Os of when we leave camp, and he had been unable to do so. I
resented the loss of those two hours 'sleep', blast it! Yesterday, for the first time since leaving 119 I had
my Revier empty, but only till evening - one case went in. Obestabsarzt Peirson came in, affable as
ever, and I received three letters, two from Mum & Dad, dated 8th & 23rd Sept, both very cheery and
very very welcome, giving me the addresses of cousin Piacentina in the Argentine and of Nesa, the other
from Zia Celestina dated 18 Dec 42, not very cheery, poor soul, as she has a bad heart, and is alone
now, all the kids away, Maria in a housekeeping job in Milano with Nico in Bombay. Things not
v. pleasant down there either though she has Ada's kids to keep her company. Zia Rosina O.K.
April 9th - Padre Bill went off early this morning and held a burial service our 21 British
airman who were bought down in the last raid.
April 10th - Spent a lot of to-day with Bill & Howitt pulling down the basket-ball posts, remodelling
the boards, attaching new rings, and digging the posts in again. The patch has been
made about a yard more wider, at that able thing should give much better
sport.
APRIL 11th - Got up pretty late, and waited for 517 to come along. They did in good time and 
a hundred strong. Jolly good match, in which our crowd had the better of things [[temporally?]]
[*4*] but which they lost, 6-3, all penalties. Dinner afterwards for team & officers, and a concert at
night, in which many barrack-rooms put on a turn each. Quite good, too. Wrote letters to Glad and cousin
Luke Piacentini and cards to Zia Celestina and Nico.

 

CONT It is believed [[?]] POWs outside of Bangkok [[?]] collected at

Kamburi, Nakonpatom and the new area N.E. ^Nakon Vayae until accommodation 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 authorities here. Food is improving every meal, and is better than

anything I have eaten for 3½ years. Meat, eggs and fruit are being bought

by the Red Cross and supplied to our kitchen. Also we have got on hand

our supplies held by the Nip POW organisation. I am unable to eat all that

I could get. Clothes are also being received. 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 habit 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 and down the wharf and

watch native life slipping bye in all sorts of craft. Many natives

now 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 up

with "We'd be far better off in a home". This came from SE Asia

Command at Ceylon and delighted POWs.

TUES AUG 21. News is coming through rapidly but is still vague and

sometimes conflicting. We are avid for news from everywhere. Heard

Gen Savage in Bouganville. Believe that our list of names will be [[called?]]

[[?]] today. McEachern & others living with Japs are now wearing revolvers.

Nagushi was told of our wireless and was extremely agrieved.

WEDNESDAY AUG 22 . Received another cards from Nancy dated Christmas 44.

Charles O'Brien went off to Nakon Patom. Am reading a publication on the

Royal State Railway of Siam, full of maps and information. Have

caught a heavy cold and am suffering from diarrhoea. Received [[only?]]

about 50% of our valuables - but not Nancy's wedding present to me.

Saw Thai monitor being towed upstream. It mounted 2 guns, probably

6 inch. Japs are quickly thinning out. They march past here with

packs up and stores in all sorts of vehicles, and on horses & 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 Mergui road across

the peninsula are in a bad way. Officers party has gone off to

help. I narrowly missed the job. Heard from Toosen that conditions at

new officer camp are deplorable, one meal a day, 15 to a bay and wat

poluted. Went to bed felling very sick.

THURSDAY AUG 23 . We spend most of the day swimming, sunbathing, or listening to news.

JUN 21

A hell of a bad night. I feel much better. Saw Jack

[[?]] today. He looks ghastly. He has an enormous ulcer on

foot above the ankle, he has lost weight and his face is

rd. I think he will die soon. Heard that the bombing a few
ago killed [[?]] Gurkhas and wounded Black - amongst some 16 others.

reading Shakespeare's tragedies - Titus Andronicus, Romeo & Juliet, Troilus

Cressida few lines from R&J. J. "O think'st thou we shall ever [[?]]

R. "I doubt it not; and all these woes shall serve. For sweet discourses

times to come". Went to bed feeling not [[?]] [[?]] [[?]].

TUESDAY JUN 22

d a heavy night and woke with a bad back-ache. [[?]] [[?]] [[?]]

ll day. Japs are engendering a bitter hatred everywhere

n cruelty and ruthlessness in sending out 100s of sick men to

every day and by their [[negative?]] [[attitude?]] to the [[terrific?]] scourge

aria (95%), ulcers, (50%) diarrhoea, [[?]] [[?]] [[%?]] and cholera.

WEDNESDAY JUN 23

mewhat improved but still suffering a back-ache. I was

tenko to parade with other sick officers [[?]] standing about

me back considerably. Am taking 6 quinine tablets each day.

perature is back to normal. It has been pleasant to have

ny officers and men have dropped in to have a yarn

th me. The carrying of rations from 101 to 104 kilo dam[[?]]

[[?]] to have pictures and news. Trucks are getting through.

RSDAY JUN 24

[[?]] G, H and I Forces have recently left Chunkai and only very few really

ck men are left there. One of these [[?]] [[?]] sent to Ban[[?]] the rest

re here. Train loads of 600 took 6 days to reach Bampong and but

indifferent meal each day. They then marched 190 miles on the

they possessed, were on the road 3 [[weeks?]] and had poor meals [[?]]

[[?]]. They arrived completely exhausted having many sick men with sore

[[?]] now the working men are on 500-600 kg of rice and the sick 200-300.

FRIDAY JUN 25

I am not [[?]] [[?]] even as yet. I had very slight aches last night.

he mosquitoes here are very thick. Go ten paces into the jungle and you

will be covered with them. The variety of insect life is amazing, ghechos of

ll descriptions, butterflies, [[?]] insects, biting insects, forms of [[?]]

worms, snakes, lizards, [[chameleons?]] (blue and yell[[ow?]]), ants, and many are really

beautiful in colour. A man who was beaten up by a Jap Guard went

mad in front of me today. He certainly put on a great turn.

SATURDAY JUN 26

Witnessed worst 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 prayer book, studied

Jap & History for one hr, yarned with Dutch Capt, did 1 hrs water carrying, prayed

[[?]] tools [[?]] to Bde, and [[?]] [[?]] [[?]] extra peas and peanuts 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 Moulamein 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. Moulamein & Thanbuzayat

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 g

back to a hospital camp at 55 kilos. O'Brien, Condon, Sumner,

Watson, Redfern, Phillips, McDonald, Bostock, Merrett, Farr, Concannon, Kiernan

Watts are among those to go. This move should improve conditions

here considerably. Some [[?]] 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 trucks to the 55 kilo camp. Had a long

yarn to Winning who is now CO No 2 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 on. It is extremely dull, monotonous,

uninteresting and hard. I am glad that 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 Hitler's MEIN KAMPF and Fortesque's WELLINGTON. Still Camp Adjt. Went for

swim with Bostock. Played [[?]] in the evening. Only 25 men evacuated

bringing total to 436. Very few at rosary. Nancy's and childrens'

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 Hufer, 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 55K camp. It is murder

[*listening to news.*]

MONDAY JUL 5

There are still many very sick men here. One collapsed at my door this morning

There are 15 graves already. 458 went to work in the first call - in the rain.

I myself have two 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 failure 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 around 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 [[?]]

were reduced to 7% of total strength. I am on a short course of

quinine. Frank Knight was evacuated. He is suffering from re-occurring

malaria and ulcers. He will be lucky to survive. I gave him R5s. Bought

a 25 guilder note for Rs5 and pyjamas for Rs2.

THURSDAY JUL 8

My fever is going away again. The camp is ever so much more

pleasant now 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 on duties as No 3 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, Slagher and Van 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.

 

DAY 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 interferes 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 Carey may be able

to sent me some petroleum and petrol. Ray Watts is 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 vacated 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, whilst we go without or with very little. They take

first pick of everything that comes into camp. Each rupee spent in

our canteen means 50c in the pocket of these Japs, ie. 2 days hard

work in the heat and wet of the jungle. Nice principle?

WEDNESDAY JUL 14

Ray Watts died and was buried quickly. He would be alive if the Japs

would provide medicines. Tree was felled on pde ground and

narrowly missed the R.A.P. Am reading "Sons of the others" by Philip

Gibbs, a tale of the BEF 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 Frankfort

a story of the Rothschilds" by Ravage.

FRIDAY JUL 16

Our notorious "bad boy" died of pneumonia - Williams by name. As

there was not work for me on the wood heap I assisted in digging

a spare grave. Two more issues of Greater Asia 28 Jun and 4 Jul 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 Foncier.

SATURDAY JUL 17

[[?]] 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), members 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 section of the railway was completed.

MONDAY JUL 19.

"Tiny" Jones is badly swollen with beri beri. Both legs seem to be infected.

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 they are completely unconvincing. Heard the rumour

that rates of pay were increased to equal the American rates.

TUESDAY JUL 20.

Weighed myself again 66 kilograms = 10st 6lbs. 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 are being avoided.

Started play in bridge tournament with Treleavyn 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 thro
and I believe 20,000 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
AIF with 650 Dutch. 16 AIF 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 that "all prisoners must be out of Burma

within 20 days" as decreed by Tojo at Singapore. Can we 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 Mum 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, Moulmein, Bankok, Singapore [[?]]

 

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 Muar, Baku, etc,

that all AIF wounded and prisoners were shot on the spot and that

301 Indians were beheaded. If this is true, then present efforts to win over

Indians with great promises 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 John 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 considering 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 saw Nancy. I will never forget her face as

the train ran through the Graham station and and later her outline as I waved

to her from the pier. It is easy to live over again the anguish, the feeling of

impatience 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 bean 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 MO 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 worker 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 [?], the railway is

progressing steadily. 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 thoughts as foolish but yet it persists. If only I could receive a letter from home.

TUESDAY AUG 3

This is our 4th day of almost continuous rain. The number of

workers is steadily decreasing. My food upsets me nearly every day

now. I have opened up a tin of cheese to see if something new and

good will improve my digestion. Time is dragging 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 inch 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 [[?]]

THURSDAY AUG 5 

Am reading the "Grey Wolf" - a story of the life 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 intent

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.Ws. 

SATURDAY AUG 7

The Novena commenced with an attendance of some 50 odd [[?]]

all Catholic officers and some Dutch ORs. 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 medicinal supplies again. The Japs can get lots, but

we can't get anything to treat our sick men. Ulcers are getting worse and amputation [[?]] 

 

MONDAY AUG 9

Am reading ^the story of James I of Scotland entitled "Crippled Spendour" by
Evan John. Tenko was held outside tonight and the AIF side went
off very smoothly. The Dutch were kept there for an hour. The Japs
have supplied explosives, lyddite I believe, or a gunpowder of some sort
for treatment of ulcers - as an experiment. A reasonably fine day - the
first for a long while. Heard that Thanbuzayat was bombed again
recently. 7 AIF 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 at this camp. Rats are on the
increase. I am ever thinking how our dear ones are growing up for so long without my seeing the change.
WEDNESDAY AUG 11

Another fine day. Brig and Nagatomo arrived for a 2 day visit, mainly
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 POWs some 9100 all told
are now under railway admin. 296 AIF have died (A Force & Java Force).
The line is now 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
for lunch and another bean stew plus a little salted 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 voice. 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 workmen. Jones returned my greatcoat
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 accommodation there.

FRIDAY AUG 13
Brig went off with his party. I am reading "The Grey Gladiator" by
G.H.J. (?) 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 Pl acting as Advanced Posts
up to 6 miles North of Endan 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.

SUNDAY AUG 15
Still fine. Burmese continue to pass along the road going South. Naval strength in - Med. 1940:

  Capital Air
Carriers		 Cruisers Mine-layers Destroyers Torpo Boats Subs Sloops Motor 
Torp Bt
G.B.

15

6

51

8

171

-

51

51

12
France

8

2

18

4

59

13

75

9

8
Italy

6

-

23

13

111

3

101

1

58

MONDAY AUG. 16

Novena 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 Merrett returned
from the 55 with some 6 ORs. 51 have died there including Titch Ansell of Nhill
2/29 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 Sabitini's "Capt Blood". Sgt Knight and Cpl McDonald
are still alive at the 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 in 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 of beer that we would not be free of Jap control before
31 Dec 43. 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 five of us field officers get on very 
well together. We can see the humour in many things and
good natured laughter can be heard all day. I have just realised
that I am the source of most of it.
THURSDAY AUG 19.
Someone in the RAP must have been in great form during the 
night. He moaned continuously and later counted up to 20 over and
over again. It is sad to hear men dying like this under such drab
conditions and with so little to lighten the burden. The boxed meat
we are now receiving consists of cooked scraps such as kidney, 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 AASC Coy cannot live. He had wasted away to skin & bone, ate very 
little and his ulcers were killing him. The stench in the ulcer ward
of 200 is terrible. Many have not washed for 6 weeks. Pte Holt died
here today of cerebral malaria and was buried. Am reading "An Outline of 
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 a Lieut Fletcher of
2 Bn Gordon Highlanders. Felt slightly feverish with aches in legs & arms.
SUNDAY AUG 22
Went down with fever. Early symptoms are aches in legs, feet
and arms, and tired feeling. This is followed by sudden attack of shivers.  [[?]]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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