Diary Major John Kevin Lloyd - 14 Aug - 3 Nov 1945 - Manila - Jan 1946 - Part 5

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

Page 1 / 10

MONOAY SEO2 MNOA Se 2 are the nempapies to be suppressed? The last edition Took over duties as Camp Adjt whilet Hence is ill, Expected alld dated 5 lef, Perhaps the war is going against them. Cattleman the arrival of the Big but lied not conn Raied all day. at arrived from 83, and said there had been no bombing there present we have 1380 men in camp pens 11 of bols andrson- Wilhiam or at the 62. I gave Laws $5 in the hope he werte bin tore ineluding Hamilton lamnb waiting ho move on Of there 783 as rome furet or chintagah wist himme he comes. Whilst I wa sun- warked No Duties or lamp Dubies, 74 an In hospital, 69 in Kabaris, 10 b bathing a wike approached to within 2 feet by oked today ge 42 ary umploye on odd jobr for the ap enqur naticed by majer derett. A dry w day, which in thes conttious Guards. Hearstof mor chatera at the 108 -1 case that the railway has in the camp very pleasant. the seeklon of a but which we &laid from Wm end to 159 hiles and that the instule consunt fcleared for ure a a second hospital wis deried to no because return to 708 camp when work is completed. one guled objected to its being too close to the Guardneren. IDESDAY SEPLI over 100 men will have to wove becauae of this whim Fren followen by 26ann of the AOW Lorce called in and took the oth ESOAY SEP. 28 4 on to 108. Then 33 mn iar Luent Modley of the lerth aere be wit returned to noral hours. Offent prise for bestrat trap. hain from the same stay the night. At 2300 bus another 163 cary half disappears tak at night. another man died and was buryed refrsitely then offer are Lawso wice sick iin to lest bere there by a memorial gate to the cemeteynow. Redwod made it are bart Marton and condill, Arty, and thehsloon & Mation of Wlliams for fir looking after the graves. I am finding the humiliations who at they in the This latter farce have so hus or maye rest for 30il and worth again. They move ther toratin the gaps thap on our hreads almostt unbediable. We are subject to eveing a we ask for wide dispersement wear we holl that bomb wald perhaps 18 to a bayofter heve to carry fh. y a will not hurt your there is s nied to warry. When we ask for nat haps toothing giar dnd nations on there backs for of kilds or leas. on the plagin gene not to worty I will bell iare TEDNESOFY SEe22 EOUESOoY SE ring setkling the new avinels in. They are all in a law an of 12 and 19 tep arived Jap claim that oter Ifent the maig aried with Nagatis Yahs 280 and 14 h Teatin cor duppet government of Radbglio, have been countumanded by uissolime tred at the 50255 tao caurhs respectively. Wewe alsevals stated they have seen bed lude by Warrin a stoy of hil experience leading Bumen of lan being buin at 16camp (1 ser) Hear Carlus stary of the of 5 years, as an officer of a wounby Boy duning the 1950 s& Rebellian Yourn of humsell and daughtu (age 21) from Busbane to lyding or THURSOAL SEP30 baill. Tr article in Wemans wiekly about Novembe 1924 the view from the viciuity of the Larchgs hone is very much mon THURSDAY SFP 23 itiniting since he has had the junle cleave away. the mure i to 122 Kils camp 1.O.V. to Engai day left on a flyns wantiful. Test gold and blue thel red and blare. The band played a our nobe. 3 Chaptains including Kainsay, for anr anglish improved. I am now making cop fiw pleces, they are very much inVergedsarrived lak at night just for the night there of a star chart and expect soon to be cible to continue my stillies+ Peases being moved bo a m pesstility of a f their neminclative time drays heavily ther min heipital in Uontmein, balf was born in hecal Hin Thoot over onc again 24 810AYDCT) L9 of Burrn made som Brigandda returnd Had been up as far as 122 ar contarted & dou ngo e in a very dislycondition and are in arstaya Fou). They have lost 1780 dear out of 7,000 s0 far. They believe the against rat and fy the Japs will do nothing absut it.I will return to Malaye as soon as work is fiished then our sich an tering cartler and sixing earlier to take advantage of dayligh to be concentiated abbot 100 bilss from Hantol at KANCHANABRI whitet Tikeo preintiato at 83,95 100 105,108,114a 122 campe. 2/29 pe rer The natie warkinen give a war cry as they go out to worth cat collected $75 for our men at 55camp. Mon returning from 55 paint a very gurn wish they wante be just as withnnarh in keeping their letyderly. Ur drof died i an dead fo hi puctue 60r7 bgr to tefor wshue quarters clean sevorr oct ATUROAY SE 25 The thristian basher smen for gambling He is a shong withodist Dador Dems birthday God Bles them with We heve had daily huy Father Vergeest a Dubch Capman, arrived with the butherin parton sater of his expence Frwarly 3weeter Bug ard way departed. Heard tall t Nearly 100 h went te Cenfirsten in the materary whilst Cheptan Brid the Duritufore Wohno starlel to week until dast bell hd istant sevine act the stage at Bashford held a jus unan tatat WAY SEE 26 but of coffee. the stars are visible again at night and I am ds at 62 lah Odis were wall heard that our bambers had ardee the hing t shebeli kioued
C JMSAOA 14 aly norts of piol Holy Cammuman the first attended tass at 0700 ard aiguing as to th hears in over the camp. Everywt time since May. Most of our men had not run a piest sin 5 southing to brak the nsenaton rogie of didretions made. I Februay last about 140 mew were present. I am much more ring with blu a white paint in hinare frt to this life and in fact feel elated. What a pity it is that we had forheads, s men with black or white had on, the scontanners of no peient lliving with us. The Japs followed up hass with their garles, the carpit 1629 the 2 flocks of ship 10&14 atier usual thinks suvice. At down they in in hir faring bart and Sucts on 2 loops, the 2 lang tearns and the shert toop, the th we the senia wan reports to the officer when he arrives. The officer thes 20120 tog, you ane a liftmen how oll is the liftmen b places, bast also, they all remove caps and 3recibation are ssing by I the fap Enges sent in for their refles and carried them all day nond the officer and rexpended to by the men. Then they bow law and wefs go through every day! a pap perferhed sing a more comples standing upuight they recibe a few words 5 bu b the 95 for 20r 3 mights. Moterkight sight are delightful and maber utilin caps and buak off. Rosary was said in the evenizg but sath it eary to me to go heme. we the thirtiell ssistd that I take it another body was by ESDAYOCTI guit v5017er today Appaint The pasd steam train hupped threng coot dry andI with a the weat alats to ew days time. The the line will be finisted tere thl with other in ss a bushiance of a dispress from the Louth East. Di Sane ter is I am copying out a storchant tathen Vagust depart which is lathing in the moenlight at home are can atterdtns ESOOLDCTE I moenlight tcnbd against allfie e relatively cold ane Wealat itself. Was able to shar Henspafers have arrived, icapy hem Jupa, heft in cam fill up ane bank of latun R.10 pams B at a in ar to dig lik indagat we bs tuplan the HURSOAY SCT fp wk U a t 5 the ple gurd and a rearch was a restday Turboe Lme I teang to bed carts with fiom I waas ve tcondricted. They sumply locked our gear for cannos, torches, watt night andi Jap who risklins I bey look my whithl mes care and and drmit alquind some coffie ande stand a duct with yt compesses glasses et seveeal usiless old mass which I was tying to take hame as TUNSOAY OCTLY & be no gurint reason for the search ytwt sns tittl anns buthdiy may had ples her and matie 2 but loot. They take latier of all nort which are couse nid 7h an i4 ver goods comtinto it us through us aaid absolvtily 47 a the treatalhs. Cachacton sich the canteon. Our teplessens and the awvantages the tabe int en additmnce Ha bassd a ated am the Evening. Lol Hairrs (Br) and nagor Anduntin /2 po) calle fer L. Wrul C. Wt Had a bading rodiad they extuctto tae a nd to 3000 with as a pow is unvearable return to reclaya within 1 days Fh Spsh and Verrary. Red creas kep. Roberts wy SALURDAYSOCTH but wyall & wealliste ar acquitted of the charge planning to escap it as sick with fever and the effecte of quin The dolng solital in thalye jail. Onlly 3000 10hs all natonalities are left at bhang Sanes anne lndien guird new They were ordered to New Muus, muntures and reidid to reane, the quantity & He bef tofee improt des tal kuran ane ded. An officers fore of $300 are doing have labour in the quairies here eternd in a party of 60 from the 55. hex is lochr 22 thereaith did this meuing the 31st hnne me left therg, No 1 Bn h loet 5 tan urual He had to abondon a eet quite fet but thinne alous has beend excutd I hear that rae 92 of his bit. Tome of men of the 2/g have died there the latest dear in non 45 days consicatio at the 55. Thanbuzayat as supposed to have been be being lot Henderson at last same canteen food has reach SATURUOYDC 55. The aypritations number 96 and deaths 19841F. Ryns chure of An reading Manrice Walch's the hill as min An another issue of loap Two bodres irie here today bith ye tatel ne the no underpl telish se borrend perty p of diceased members of the anderson torce. There is an incleased think number of visits by gap infection perties of lake We hape she is lendear va thing aunusary. God ticipate a mor wation. The first mistera and not rod
AOCT awferl bost last overing much bether a by an ait with the tible yoing Native. anshabon name arie this att, the wsst conceited, iemist diar batt se 5 the 30 and tapt eumary tis the 55 a ft. Degar Hoby way to the 138 bap white ays a ae I again and was kept behind. return taat h ay i in the seatle asio the kusii as driciting ture of the Suceper, Naples is ours, and the tap was reach anticipate sin against them espicialy be quick waugh for us. Anather war died. wa EADA) t further. McLawley told 3 very good store Ha t i he hat that Thirt 0 stachand sans and winged a londlord was int uppwt an our drecoust of lat bunking as talking helihr and & preeed with the statement alne way for a Ratistant arre the third of the 2 Erishman waiting behind & buidge for the landlore and baping lathing has suppoised to the old Ginbleman. 6iven marched in. 07OT1 thefan Rivigs Magellan and to just atout bith now A ill tis lif 44 det aue the wart fach with nathing to do oe the days was obseened with the on in of Magh tamilllediwe way ad the bleak pruspect of another 12 mnths of imprisonment weight 10.1 or 64 Kilos HIURSPAY OT.2 lastererring at muset appaied the most beautiful and minque phenomes il when aut in the stay out of a trage bant of sand co ie a swall misty clone which wa hap edges with hippd with cudiant gold hres of ooh just dob a linge p shew 2 shell eightly illuming with it colous chenging bly thron we feel waite a FRIAAY OC72 a hateday - at last lood is labely Rice, stewed potatos and are has became deadly maroknen. ovnnry of meat and of wore now blactnd a Wilchills wlew yesheday and the man is jst a sheliton. 2/29 deaths to date are Bill, Divin, wals usell Oxentim Robnsen, Ellis, bother thwad Her wm wtbill very you we WRDH OCT2; I feel much stranger but am still dipressed Have again that since officers will soon be rparati from the rest and pto 4Oct arrives Jah sill held hsd Japem3 me and we am puessing in to dadang in NG. The tissions are shel and the tumine will shre between wapto me a the samp, with hapt. Anderson 340 who has just returned. Hend Kenl the railiay ery. Hoe the nav con pessed. Mrn O a peain which we could not recognine as a fapanire plane passed over at a great beight and cause back again a few minuks later. The time of the day, uusday, are the heigly and course indicatd that it was a ruce plane babing pahegapl of te lime. I sinculy hape no bambs will follow ane pays this camp a wisit, a we have no slit furthes as I write yu and are runzing all over the book; the table and my arm. the have been athalted by roun chindigal winchIobtained at of hee viss. there are plenty of cattle about now, because it is anti cipated that a Gevual will isit were tomorrow Woe window dressing to rover up-what? WUESeALOCT26 The cump is cleared up for the cnspection. Aut nost has been pullid down ane is being rebuilt, Tully of the 2/2 Parzers w ain died last night. sting also I myt Jar comis fiam Haw Wark All Wark's beother I remembered him after 20 years General's ham passed in the unadle of the morntng and altan an herdidno ili 3pm is De The teaurs, small as they hare with onry i or 5 truch have guat difficulty on WEAUESDAY OCT27 l i expected the ain a kat as is for he arrivad dipettere a hew We hes t wue ayad with som son later Healy, Davn and Tubl arrives from nst under 1900 and preunt t being wul the We The grade of the line is disguaceful A few anarican, and sirnish an he It by LoW cabour re dated 16 actarn the thilippints proctarmed Man independera 14 Oct under fosr hanned 728 t THURSPAL in of yor terp was cauight stealing uusan the fap tikhin in He has benn witied to a past from 4a4 10944 and thes sa avery thin in the body Father sorry, baron and hate vere badly and wed from the 33 with many men. His believed that we ther will be isfection of the cp I felt no 10w wath of the 50 hospital. During is that I had do be au for 0mtes whe Beach retuned 09 1954 and were men ar itill coming in Dnshringh as officiel information. The oach but so far has given out he from the Lrgus 26 hils querl has said that tor o small llatehes, Two man dode Heard that man 96th odds sc SO and with many mn pwould appear ob that anderson Wilhiams, Iksemmen and English forr will go in to 116 soon wn fap hand states we will leave 2000 fitwr of N3 beaness te t worth buth artie be concert party beanfention. Wen 90 A 1 OCT3 on at 845 prr. The overes heard Mass and received Holy Cou var sever in seltmade bnt everateand
MONON NOVI vancy will have all our young sins home today. fe the Johnsy made paaying hard for me as I am for them. I wonder has fst Holy Communion yet. God Blis them all. I collected R654 a 2/2 Ber pursovel for an unit ien at the 55 Kitching the somy how 3 POWs in his cattle party at the C4 were aldowe adie hemn nealeet and callunnsss of the pap in chage Has nes ad Holly Coumtrmon again in the evening. I am still tatter the altho am lating all can get. SDAY NOV2 Pant large than any other I ever yn about 10 Watch a swarm dief they can along the cattle gard fince and up a fere, sons heare was in a diretion for atbart lery ands aue houe and perhaps for 2005 hoars, at the same time a young csn had a uiscuan of a calf justin a ferwed state. In the evening th of sailors in Thips him a ar party gave a splended perfordrage up was drewen pere to tthe reliction of m musial coeds. oart and fu sutherland hidden in a wiiless ot on the stog discribed the race in tiue oa Welch fister and lough ham with the piea undersecad official dawiing the first fai i i a Bunt perge. Did 2 has as di wahhman Weows No a tolidy - sime spece tap day. Am reading Ann Vickers by Linclare lwis. It is a powerfully written story of this wiltan wake almon refaren and with a tendency to the love. He another csncert at the command of the faps and for the Jap Enguiees but only 5 of the attended another man from Welliams force died. THURSDAY NOV4. the body lett avernight for busigl wwas in a bad way this maning and had to be partially covered before the service caule borild. His so woth grave Lunt tune gave a very interesting talk of his experiences Pow of the Ternt in lyred. He was flowen to dther, then to falsnika and an an iprovised furson ship. When the amnutiee was signd the aman told the tuch to getent of Guen and so the prisoin were ston a 7 day heain journy through Jugo Hure Anstiie Bavane, and an to a foct in Toulon. There they were sent back to Palistiniby boat They numbered 36 officer and were 1ow for jut 2 months LIDAL NOVS lapy mards are saying that the offensinn in prssua has begin I think the weber that they are taking the unntiative. Another man died 41st Majer Hart 2enT is a directa of Ovusey moters a alganwan there accountint for awhile. SATIROAL NOUE 20 day saw 2 had cases of ben ber the patient lys were soblen to then amal osize and then iciatumt himes. We now number nearly 2200. Purchased 2 pt of Chuntegale, Labely we have reer some new ergures which here came from thartand, thy to WOAY NOY Hases of Greater ana theeaterring the Crimea. Thubas ose h a hh as soders. Maas &H at of MoNDAY NONS Haphn returned with 500 packets of chindegah and -inresnfurmed as yet a tin of coffee. Once again he was left us doven. No5 banch often procurs agg and flins. It is cremual lazaress. He himself always has plenty of poultey, egg. sut and mulk Atmy suggestion the cois going to submit to the Japy a snevly of the condition of the wealth of all men here. I am sure that the Jas believed that because we send int 600.700 worken daily that have many fit men this of course is quite eoriom. I talked for ou an hm with the borry as we shaled and dowen be fad g we inpculiabt. He told me that L Daminie jouned his order in 141 tradel to clmbat the albijensis herery with only 16 mumbers; now are 37 Poverus all ovn he world ndmbering-t00 members, their man purpose is the spreading of requence to the Holy Warry by local and forg dussions & the roly. Vare Louity. Another wan dusy the 42nd TUESDAY NOUG incuised all my t exercise by 5070 and as a wrult am feeling tired obtained as of a partet of thindegat free from the cantern which bought all the rei rignient aitipat also on a distubution sigd fish Hu siiting to fortunes of the Koreavs after this war. We heare 12 montes ago of trouble in hored Are there guarss all loyal to paper? Tome of ou a natirably everel and Thuman arrespecting at. Horthe said wete WoEbar N The naidway has been done doti t improvements Lomer men wen sut for this work The lape held a ioentig party on their specially built of forn. Then musie was quite immuncie and they e ver e theirentertainment just ane step removed from the pune darcing arcer a fire bachnught new I do about a eon the pdegieune in the ansonlight in havning for our departe from here THURSOAY NOVH tamp tre setbled dowen now into the quarters and the congistiast as been considerably eased; furth m if wtch clease and mor The flys seem to be in the decline at ment a new fap wnad bit the camp like a cyclane in the evening With an othe quar ae aound the grounds, bashed people near the hitchen, crasted in oo the rosa bashed one of the corrent party are then called for the adjt RIOAY NON42 Hebe kept his guars on parise to 2an hom to talk to them Heard that 3000 fitmon of nes 3s bearrches will remain, not wall go towards Bangh pot from Gapt Brand who is about 184 with some mun, who could not w further stave they are standing by to return to sugaper. Wills den my partiant SATUROAY VOVL two mn dred, bth Williams Torce, Hoshe refure punistion to ampurtate a leg ton will apply to 45 Conut was excellent Lnowwhite 3 little Fishe (Wales & Reales SUNOAV. NOYIA. do. Japs ty at b 11930 her
shilkes in the gungle just enaugh for themalves Divery the night mere can feet the rnovernt. On th a p are a none like a pistol sho. When the Jap office Ncw are away as at present the mars droof most torns f dupli the t mounting becomes an induvidual effert. They talk londly into the of the morning thy forget there morning piae to sipp aatof them, particillarily t gap name overy, conmeny tomenh as Bokartarg or OB, becae laws unto themselves and wek bun itarant for as many as they possible can. sams starbed so hen it o w ablder the frst of three connictive nut days. Werrspapes up to w received, but I cannot be botheed reading mtich of such tash to of the sters cantain res the hewnder is nemostly s to sup up their cariage lebe the swall for whithlr in the dark a Themst My dune a kingde yuar of the life of the author who is purmarntly iaicapantato at by together with his woth wa a and an brother and the fatheris a cristwar. Another concet was give PAESDMRO il to yesterday, 27,0,000 py, had been hayt in for the torty of 1 de ts catch the lly mnanig declinng twhe are now 2400 ont of 9000 & as Austalian hs shown himself hougher than bis English ta 5sten of N0I branch have died in this area and Jestimate 565 at sea, Rangobn, Lavoy et 55new number 251. Frank Knight died of gangrers about a we the 53 Walters I9 died a sharf time age Dyuty is takens foll from o these men who have been weakered by other causes. Cmpirtalich can bew 111. We have white another busire tomement and Iam he t Ewait. the mnich are improving takely Logh is was beaut an the elunal green of the jurgte. see here ap Gel of colours from blue through orarge to puch and ats tend he a soothing iffuton it as to be unfrp are care me back hame to vave Chn Nov 1 the lapten l aoge fr the fot albations like or clard the and suromandy the ceetly. a back for the have nai has been ud the peground a wlep has been veganiset, and pahs as eteg for the conent wnwhere, televe mer went by caulwy bulch 1055 pitos 2007 Ne2 for leganutate A musnal service for the dead was held at the cutey, commencing at 1030 a sual cross untably encved, and supplid by 40 was eruckt bifetand ane pinate wreath clid flowen had been placed on the graves. The then wer blocked in a cure the cemitiry with officers on our side and lap on the Mthr i of the enhance two neevics, thehstan and hathel we hell, official we was a message from Kagatorns to the souls of the departd ad and the Laich psstibutes appeared in the in the a Cilibianens commenced with a sap pdeand 3 Banyes at 8800 hin ONOAFNOVE immediately afterwards all P.O.W. paraded alongsed the Japs and an address from Vagatond was readtby the saichs and its tearlation by the C.O. The so make the best of his opporunty. cd. then replied and did not int to gap 40. This was followd by a cantihed His speech will be typed as met and spangely ensugh the lap it wer as good on onroun Mysher of the extra food is a tobace him of salf. ane onion as brg as a cherry 2a9p.2 b the everr ence times, tll of chindigo and a taste of park in the stew the office haily arrae and gave a splendid purfolinance weich was followed by the etems defirred from the moinings concerl. The Jap soldin dying for his counly and the steong man segating wil spieik in the temple were symbalieae of Jap, modemn and old a ran meebing was held in the afternoon. The laps, bet quite fruly on en race, they an a hace of thesr own and entered into the fron of the threy. I TOLOAY NOU22 Dubh officer samit tore left bhange with 3040 inteting o Dubh and ta0 men to his natue camp 2000 died out of 4000 in 4months acted as bamp adgt for today only bapt hunner sent me a 2 plat of sugar from 55 TUESDAY. NOY 22 thmpale and Hactaray passed through on a fear. houelt had a yain with them. Ftoue dath are new reputed to be 3060 a stagaring figue. The night now are very cold and many men get so cold under their then covering abrise to the few fires n all night. Tull working parte WEOURSDAT NO Little Marris by tley and 5y the med s wt t SWls ttbng tdi Sa a thirt Another ware died Hewspipes dak 1113 16th arrivir a ture sit & batps, 2 Aucapt carries and many abo warshngs is clar 8th Nor Weraton 3 SRSOM Jat. Gat further clarms of he battles in the cleman & te how in which we suffera miny wae cosser. The ra itle of r the bryth of a he an 10 telects. The engine deivers seem to enjoy w ans in aliast tocks a nightwathmen are another were were adly bashe atter lighhart becase they were believe to have stol some jap chindigal, ther ant the irt very cold night at the gitatahanse. DALNOY I saw the carts and bruses an Russell the man who received the werst but Lastnighte bad some enerly marks up to sirrely long on his back and hp tendin cheet ane his ear was cert In thei oven verespapr they publish othe inhures titment supfers by an intime who refune from amuce to papan last man He was imprrsand for to lay ment, wa not allowed to see his wife for 42 bery man to cell ae retun bus s apter cal meat lver war S 18th deathe Loday as any inteor sums to here rettled C0 rather all with fever. Heaa that I soice de being moved out steadry from WHI. SUE VOE to b agains I.M den protesting to. recan taih hea all sure ro sharl my viey He the Church Ides about a doyen Cathals atn
Nov 29 DtO Held 2/9 hin Buthday clebiation. About 90 attended, Capts Wer During the night 5/6 Dec, the guards suddenly purt out all fires avd lights. We and tabed are myself wase sheecty, we savg the wnit seng, sin were hold there was a said on at thanbuzayal. tore than half the grard facigar and dranth a curp of coffie. a collection for our men at dept auddenly this morning on two turchs. We have been speculation ss wulhd in some bo ifes During the shew my five madi as to the reason for such a move. They may have gone to the 100 bils caush diveliped and I adopted the hongental position as soon on possit as we tyen that the guare there charaged today. All the engireers quarters in night I perpered very freely ane wet all may ledding which we were allowed to occupy a few ay ago has to be verats tyyou treen drausan the recent bashing with the Tarchs and he swo 300 sick men are to come in from the 85 hils campt No5 hospital, hish of me his guards today is a bebday ga a cent was bets who heve to aloy behind are being revins arce again bavy he retun IESOLL NOVSS TUESOYOOCT another death mcking one 49th ther is much more an ackiity about 200 rich men ar from the 83 On. Dubel officer du an ronte know than a month ago Davi West obtained supplis of buseucts, w Iane 30aver ino very lan condition. They had been left without fir my timenal and firt temn are Enginier V.C0. The touchs heard to look after then needs- left to die. This is one the most criminal acts. tat hoo besngh an hiold half the besined ane all the coffee to is alf commithed by the gaps the teuards tere showed then tuncencun by having o caborbitant fire, the coffer last him 20 a hen and he sold it be party at which as urered t us for $50 a tin the laps seem to have no staine, ns houresty is AOSO DecS tams to be. Bunis inaos furt Igiamaty t ape arata belings the wet and fish would have been involvall to that smber Happears new that a fenn in were fit an isan 2 ordulers at fire even almost bither KOLCSOA DEC later angmented by 5 more didnlys. tame of the men claim that the food was 5th dath today. Myor Campbll called and dissibe haw ane part toda not so bad but was spoild by bas woo force from 50 hils spent 36 hours getting to WIK and spenf 36 bns there an a ti one man died in a sitting position, and presintel same difficueties alt s all very sil our foor is deperply rdas are swllpos and me. The foo isnot discovery for so for swereldays wa ber we are warking, but we have not been infocired of pritally wo on intirity inadegutate. About every retend at third day we have a bast 4 Mal and vigite buned o duid meat or fish in the stew which cousist otherw of radish and wn altrest test my wor lach of wetann o brng an wiek ne milore wights an colk and we ar not rishing food. aso hie the vey bech wrath the working partis are foth getting distreachions at the faiture of the Alles to do anything who have giast derin FHURSOAT DECS ihinl lettle we afor the ham here Iam now gathering bean le phaloa Was able to deap wahe to bol land. Lesteres to hall by and already the tiouble has aboted ar tittle 3 bodies were tried toda addlaim a few days ago I reast abe Julaui our food conninted of smeal of paped ie and 2 meels of nce and hall Cn maginal hie the plablim of the depence of it all the piople here butside Green. Black and Ramsay porces have been wll o a viclarian Reich Weas still daw ent N4 under Carnerin They warl'd to relup fo the budse teven Fthemselves today S Dec 20 the tbal thille to 54. We were parted for the futue f 7 frst night was cold. I had my blanket, vale incharge. He seems a genial old chap, but will he do th ao of cape over me, yet I was unable to sleep for the latter prtion of the ed up quater for their buther in the old engiies t wight My arms as t0 much This is undoublly undunamitmen petitiened off side by tride, and a private bath room was ereited oodies m bare. Ewart and I are runing wten th and lach of fate, 3more wat is berlive lnagi the depths to which ths pople budge teninament. There nights are very bugh and I usually walk this is the race which want to head an to better himes an 0 up and dowen the fide giund for an hem or so thinking of ham deminate the world TURDALOEe and planning the fut SATUEDAY DECII the very sere to eat any the My voice is stell very turstry ana. Anather bitterly cold night 2 wore bodies burnd, bot Americans. New Cote much pain topag I raw a t alt had a look right through thecaut and without any firss: a nie at then gjust wthe to tange ulel hot healed. It knought blove inevee f has beeen installed in place of Ruff He appear to be an Nc.O. Had an ontude watch to ace of te alen derlofis again the colook up this g Hurbes. Planned walking toen through Enrape with vancy in 46a4) guiths of basking with the gelard who agred to desint provided the ineident use not apart SUNPAY DEC72 sy will evade the pominte they will hap the wa? a still callenight and s0 for pemmision to light fir in the hurb hasneb bed walk in the grngle. Bird le as wall a bee away from the carr p wass dield at 1100 his. bonent was really excelling the main hm was "louth of the Dordn with Spanish songs and bull Lightus. I h all stlesid J
MONH OC 1 IFC a whole for tinks each night at we her 240 A singuan tarchard by name asked to be me he is a petent in the 1f and ed an rai heare devllaped Iminets after wart was Durnay the night is seppeing from fever, diarstoce and ber ben. He is just shin and berne and a out from the railway station to put ont all eights th drone asked for something to help keep hirn werer at night. All he has is ane anaaft could be heard, 2003 flight went by astuse the hor doarymen at ane a Dutch jaibet not even a pair of Lumes, Trun to is obtained td to the jungle and a very few stayd there all night Pay oficers leat of its officers pastings for the new camps. Information is trichling knough beturned. ommae is to start on 35 Dc and continue to 4 you. Evert Ladvy wt d stay as 2Hl to Williams. A est of deiging tools arre are to go to k mabi the five con received letters fom anctuliadks nat tiy job as covidetater of Buppens much casilr, 3 maw Curials up to to of last year - 15 months on route. Lurely lettes will coive to re TUESOAY O wen tr first consignment of Red prois supplis alrived but are barty touchard died and was buried. Fy Bu puponel provded the csas sufficient for very sick men. In the RAPS. They are, consigned by the Lurss all symptom of another affach of fd susal at Barighok for Cutist P0W. two whre of als. n Legs, feued fare a full felling. avor midnight I came dasin REESOAY V and dart a my belding tooke and he habian arrived to give debails of the move co is such osoO once again with fiver I had a baited legg and a tast of an egg sutet. The55 This was the day by which I expectd Mounbbatter to launch bnt honpt to commence moving hasd night offensive against Buna. By the hone of the newrpaper the paps are WEORES DI withing to happen oon very little wa mates paps da Prepeation for the move, are being wake. We are fr in equally an several loss of cavaler and part harses have pessed labely, but ft parties on t inclessive days, from 30 De to i gan I amn to stay untile the last he altenst al will the Bo0d dinglf and replace tere as camp alst after he have in the firad day. bhande hase has appount intrabed at least 2000 endians attended another bunise and tosary in the evening ar datione aeny I gawe a phete of him rvysa TMURSDOL O ig along the foushale. If be attempts to use there a a good quintity of chintgah and tobacco an small numbers of agas and would not be imprng to bain the optains of the get offen ane theint with e arived hide. They are either untranned hidngn or ise todan anry. A all our pay has been retarned for bayment at the mement i hin nd me again in the evening and I went to b tt and tobaces than ever before the graves new number 85 OEC1 tpect of conditions at KAAACHAAABAAII ar glowing. The gaps may be a a ramh dring the night that the mst aflasd to the ultimate effect of the death rate here on post iver a wastress. This has kept hre rather weak Mhy bongue is abl poblings. Iundustand that $2,000 peessnn have died out of nont 60000 2/2 hi to eat stew. I has wingi same of the officers here who brcann P0Wsin gava received rabligiancy don in s tablets by the Co and have obtained home rue patisting Jan 10071 0cc 34 dto go to HANCAANABAAI in Thai 6 ardwith tr 66 Cherstue we and a half holiday the patient from 55 hulsa although I was malked fit clars A. I obstained 8 sickes at a cost ift passing through darly. Dunity the migh we had another air said alarn e early daye there Again s are emoaged by pomr ofh an a shen afterwards we would hear the planes o ass over a little RIDAY DECII good food there the west. Uitebell of 429 Bn died and was tuuried by the usval 49 prn ast ah hure derring the night by course of quinine 6adey fo 10 dayt teput in usual now or more walking up and down the pde gueanes as futhing me off my bood and making me feel rather sick. all lineting thinking of Narrees and, how she will be making bhiisforas happy fo atghor poyer concert practice ete a forbidten. They can be hld en wy one how they are on gvven up will they lorged me aswe tne day a week before hinbo in addition to Souldays. Pryde, Thempron, Bar Tree than next you May God Bless my dear wife and Millie. M Donald an to remain in the gurgh with wye swill an ALUROAYOI SATURDAYORCIS Gorbedden Jounnen toy a al Chrntias Day. I offence thers are 46 for preace on earth to aen of gordnd ty far ds much better Major lampbell arrives to dishubut a few g hime that taney are our dearan will be doing the same nowing The ligin to remain in the guugh & bol Ramsay will be seion at hatchantian addish asseed by the paps and bears and splat geas tought tconsisber of rice an a copy of Bugs letter to the lap bande oppealing for were 3 of a cup of vegetable ntew. We wade puddry o ane in a o the cante actining the dishibertion of what we do receive. It is a caasie. Went to honfaeng ut the evening are nucchuel it with bur own chencegal. The coment fut and another innoculaton against chalve lip so bayet tiaiing i as a splencid pantamine. ang nse they do all their poiliting with the left fort forward and imfe oarOce 1 o heron each dry bahman toot ettaga cases received a hn about sot mine Parlia tint in ast b
PMONOAO. tere vempafe arrived. We are pushing on with our arrangements for the move to Kanchanabiai Special stubeher have to be made for lying patients in the hearn. The Christian asked ope rolins what was his inctnam among the POW3 We had previsusly hold the Christian quite fransly what it was, but we was not quite samifud are had to ask the lpe. This lipe calls him "Holy Jos and when fasted said tas she Chrishans inchname was yoe. The Coistan asted was foe a good name bertainly said the lope, there is Ligo, Joe Statin and Yyou burain WUESDAL DEO2E. Law the Larchs and informed him that for 2 days now our ration was rue ane salt. How on earth they expect mven to remain fit for work on tis lation is beyand me another are raid alaim. WEOUESAVE took over bamp adjts gob for the period of the moves. Co Herse go on the first tearn. a very busy day LTHURSONYTDEESO the first drapt was intraund according to plan at about 0830hs wlle was at 5500 ins and all baggoge was rearched, prncipal for tools. 279 got away. and all avangements for the nxtdays more FRIDIY DFCY bad to be made The second draft got away saty fortority. 239 men arrived from the 5t wils as fit warkers. One man Roberts iscapd from the haina rook to the jungle The deaths at me 55 toballed 351 and imputations ab 100,50 of whom died and are irelutes in the 251 above. SATURDAITAN I 1944. New years day and a boliday. Onr ratin is still anly haddish andricand with my sor rougue I can eat only a little addish with the rice. Mss at 1500bris and offered for my dear wife and farily. Another draff got away today, under dajor Runan and had to crewd into 72 as the gap officer was annoyed when Iixpe disappeoine of this nouding of 45-55 wn in ane turck. Manry anor had SUNUATTANE to iseatihe another hatiday and another deaft successfully purhed off Mans again at 1000hs an entertainng concent was held by now all the Band has goine. MONDAT TAN the fifth draft mored out according to retudiite. The Bing, bith, to vate Punt and a batinen aveyd and have to go, through with us, I warked afil allout 6130 his apter midnight and then paelaed. UEEDAY TAN. apter only shoues sheep I moned ont with the last party. We hea nly 10 carriege fr 284 Pons including 24 lying cane who havil 8 to a truck peas aadreleys. We had 19 officers and batinen and 2 Jap in our tench Toob a val of boited e and sall which we ale while we were ride- teached at NIKI for some 4 hours. An awarcan died and his body i left with the POWs at NIXI for burial. Your opter dark we were issued another mealo and firh. The fish could not be eaten WEONESDAT TANS a little sleep in ceamped positions, and Was able to match daylight found us tired and diety. The tine follows the MEKLONG good. The river is brood and cbar and the ton and the reie ih bank. In places the lime is ont into dine wish and huen tthe face of bugh clipp overlooking the river, some bridges are very large, genre the gap en complited a very dispenet uinta tgdies of monrand of ouand asably pslif laborn, the oure the arsiduably different gian the muagh feture of the ounby is of Berema. The countey no more open, the vigatation is drier and much upaller all bamtos is quite sall conpand to the bambos several eagly could be seen. The only settlements are those built by the Japs. We had no food irsued but were able to very a few banara late in the aptenion? We depained almyside the camp immediately apter crossing a magnificient esrerbe and sbiel bridge guarded by AA Guns There was the usual tinmo, we were fid and allothe to vere quarters o Went the day settling in Camps 12 and sand, ssme Dubl fand the so called SANCKOK hospitne guenp are all here in ore are cowded. the camp hown camp maily 3000 men and already as much superio to the jungle camps. The floves are single lingter, the aria is chan eguipment is much wen reaanable their being wooden banks to hold the pumped water plinty of an lard tunt containen for fie fighters, drtictiers in the latiansa I supplied by the shals a carrten did wooked foods to acready funti surmming parades are pumitted at 1600 and 1700 b daily injlctions against plague, chatere and typhoid are being given, sper graind is used for grownn egitable a duck faum supplis baled duch for 3 Hickels, buppin Hools are more pantiful, and wte puranent quarters wa thead barbus are opiicting. wawn 11091 at EBIDAL SAN. I have been appointed to command N.1 Camp will bot Ramsay who is commanding the whole camp. Ewartis my 219 and Wini my adgt, The Brg shill remains as a visitor. Wore Dubch were brough in hforculy hope Jap Ear are everywhere day and night the rations an much witter and we are able no buy a few iggs. Canana sugar ahe pisin the Canteen. The annorpher of the camp is very buight and we are exirting a steady pressure on the men to vv somne of thenr lost discipling cleaner wts bil layent smarter pd ground wark, saluting, etc My pellages is improving already SAYUADAY II thich houble, in getting some hundreds of nan to unload rice am having a swem every aptenoon. D force workers we ml still the line, the remainder are at Tarss. Lam Brilish PsW. oO for alo an while here in this camp, building a railway inemorial A fow ever Burma BHC to Baneo, Dto Thouland, t be Borness, Fto thet, Cto Japan 1394 to it
54 Fundey SW There is no hed aaso sign anywhere in this carh which conld be nast cebraba by Father Smith. The camp is situated on the framn the air. The paps orderd the oere rign we bad displand to be frather broad never flat of the MEMENG. Arang of bulls about begause it was leas than 1000 yds fecon an A.A. Gun defender 1000 feet hugh lay bo the Worth East but for the tst, t the cousiti budge. This is a criminal act, because. the gun's positionis being is quite open to what we have been used to wi peferred to the lives of the PO.W. awart has ngard up a shades Hold and the niw are immediately North and are protubye by AA aurp for our room. This should make for more cemfort at night as whose ciews are quarterd on the Noith sid of the railiy to the nights are very tesions at present started to read the Emith fwest lues an extensive plantation which I believe are tapsh bee Hopper series, but I have returned the book bo its owner as it is wtte broad, fast and shallow. During surniming pd The rin eash lay officers returned with pay in tickels ttoday 2 long bambor trapt each 5oyds in length went dovenstian TUESOAY PAVIIE adle the gridance of nitues with pole, one had a wall attes Due coldest morning, so far tie offeer here at prsent are the tabelker. 20 the wouth cruvrs the lame to the hoverr bordned by native but Kamsay Blark Coaks, Eadle, Kerr. Bavarlough, OBrien, haruan, Chal Cmeneax TAVIO Cank Hobby, Tiber, Lowe, Magher Thaw Jacobs, Riernen, Harris Hellyg the Dubch wathing cases marched ant, to one great enlief. the thars an Mecen. Thenge Ewart. Also Lund Lloyd Bengens (navy) huth (58B). a vise a distinctine case again. They are much more stondily built than to the ampotations wod is not at all a pleasant experience Most the Bueman ar Malay, their werenfoll being particulariy so. They have tof these patients are doing will but some are rather ghabtly. a fap guar large heads and big facive peatures they sum fruvdl an sinl ened Temoto is giving us a lot of bother. He it st a prisonir dead ftch man than te Malay & Bare fosbed and lighttly clad they go about ths than a year ago. I was able to ben t he of pat for the jrngle officers. en fursut in the typical ariabl languid farbien and hurn Wespapen arrived doe stated we have landed arl New Br. amunian are offrcin tanberd ho given a pent negetable and some puit and to bup ponhe the Chimise Avery Fin appointment fissished reading a splintedly wirthen book letter of an Indian Jusge to an FWEONESORIVAn iglish Gentleaman" doy ARVIA NEHRA tat Bunnan agreed to cive me £2. 0t in peace of the 3 tos bottle o OSONI SAVII notabatiois The lwad of Irean ber I wan from him. Am hes tame planes went over in the early tienes of the moining and caunet lane winged Pharch author unblduen. The AA Euns ohenst up on much excitement among the guards and the AA gunus. A Jap said fo peave guaet before midnight they have no searblighte is the Fsterday that all Korians between the ages of 20 and 22 have veen catled appoiently theen up a curtain - of 6 shells. p his full fighting dutis. Several guards have already left to bra WRSOAT TAN 22. moldies. An eenielsh Ippren here said their were nearly 40000 Br 80W taler Filman died and will be buried tomorrow. Rre ration has been n lingation about 50,000 P0W? By and and Dubil (15000) worked on admist viding to the earlie wastage. The men are noticing the diff this end of the line up to 248 bicos (NIXI) and of these 15,000 diea. Had The weather remain the same sumture all day with hit afternoon ay first hunbath am eating at bast one egg ae bavive are an time daily sevening and cold mvening, the view from the railwway line of the JWBOAESO VAv tgreat inuntain langes dividing this churibey far Bhima ae There is an uninterrupted view of a full cuile of the stay bung here nest picturisque. They hower grandly from woith to routh in a my study of the names of stars will be much casid, especially when tincursien of attept paks dilied to a beautiful blue by distan the present full moon has warred apte dark a man from the engire (ERIDAY TAN21 Brikish granp here was caught in the act of getting thebough the firer attened tueneral of hany's body 2/30 t. Then other bodies were buried with a blanke and some clothing the wivel bashing forive a bemby hes about a while worth We parsed thengk a village of the wan confersion ci suhs tookpebut as interuptid by ant an a atai bambosand athap hert, mont very swall, joils, earthern water cohtaners, HURSDAT TANI3 drying chillres and pirly, naked chldren- and an eard shillors the Bromn till died in hospital. ony firt death bree, the cumtry is about pople seemd meatly bhinese an poor Recently ore of our graves was a hils oubsire the camp about 200 of the anderion. ou arr opered by the natives and the body robbed of its blankes. There as FRI0AY SAW14 250 graves, dating from July 43 of B. Arrot. NIdave Aslay Volumber attended confences worning and apternoon. An raid alarim are a daily SttiheAT TAN22 occmance now, it at night a in daylight. Already time is hanging treavd thy pettagea seems to be quite gone, whote a litter card to Vaney my SATURDAY TWVIE. the sangle here is certainly of chich besser growth than in Burina. The ar as had and stoney. tantare and tabnuu grow wildly in great profustion Am readurg becil Gerably, Road, to lladred? A ther was chared away from I sence soday dua deopped part of a binoculars are a compas. the evening to Mass oC ather thmith is onr only prst. Canten purrhan Lonor Fad to shand at attentien are breo 3000. Pow pland soece watch agains gua s rea test. Mars at 1700 hs and he Hamps Woild Conapt Alios
MCNOHI TAN 24 Mavax SAN3 The jungle on the nearly hills has been burning in differiend Heard o abory about tinstein, a fap Gward who is, a mathematin places for several nights now. The fire moves stowly and is ithe twender. He finds iiltipliation rather a stain and has to make beautiful to watch as the nights are so dark now. The view of svere attempts to calculate he number of men, under his charge severe different, agisiers the asks the Pow oppend the stay from here is almost 180 in all dertions and I am able latter carreving ats tyes Ot dind off thes go. As they wush alo to make a stuly of the names of the various stais were easely than ever the applienbly has celtain misgivings, balt the sghad i ve belore. there is still a let of heavy fevn about the chargein chirate has TUESDAT JAW 2 ey was be and goes through the same chuk again I pupan intersified the meding ome firh, eggs Lemens and canates, for the officers of our farn al N2 Group Bibeben caughten fiv but littly darge was doire I discouted 405 Kils. Waiker PT yesterday and feel much bither for it. that I had had a take work 1inches long. It is a disgusting revalation. The WUESDAY FEE teggs are eater with ous food -benng the necessity to cook or stuitise Der latiers buthday at daylight I heard the Happy Buthi Hall foodshipps before eating. The gaps have asked for the numbers of variou brong from, his burt. Pigs, dack and good came in today, for, whrwvate teades and propersions, It looks like a hip to Japery for cetain beharin luse as lations. My usual day now is rveille and tinks all dulight, buat We are also commanded to write a report on our wait; experiencrs and fast, shave, read geoglaphy, ussplel buts or claning area, adminitiative fimpressions during the war thand a balnd duck with twart & tatier. apfares, hnath ot balh timely read hestoy, sdul roam, budge WEDUESONY TAN24 peading novel itc, nual, Linbso, bridge and then to vid at 2200 i oot a dose of salks and as a usull my interior is complibl WFOUE F Turpset Terespaper for 8 a you avie. The articly of an intii tan reading hintelates the afen on my baily, "Two mental cases harve by nat corrisprunth with yebels indicates that the axis Pewns been brought in and put in the Jap Annx House, Are is AIE, the other NA are faring a crisis, probably becaune of the Rerssian advances, the thend Finance offreen went off taking our box of hned fish, eggs and lemon Hof a Be invasion or the RAF bonbures of Gurnan cities A speeris to om often at the 105. (of black bnd a little large than our fartare is very immrns THIRSOAY about our camp, and does particulare will in the vigibable the s/t mental patient excaped ard the camp was garden and wer the laternes! Bats continre the good work at buened inside out in the endeavor to find him. nright and buish up very close to ani face in the darks. FRIDAY EEBA THUASON JAN 27 Develshed fever symptons during the day. The lawer f A hondey. Baughoh staff worrd off. I real the mages at a funeral o my body and my legs began to albe and I went to a Dubch Catholie, Father Whrith marched out with the Hospital Haffarts bed after banding ove my dutis to twart a recoeien I before leaving asked that a Cathelie office ar OR should officiate a plane appaied overhead duiing the afternoon and Hbatbolic bubiels rather tany a Protestand Chaplain. At the conclusing the AA terrs opened up on it. of the ceremery the Duth officer Capt Boarweg, stood at the foot of the grave and thanked the dead man by neme "fo the services you SAWUROALFEDS I have rendered to the Dubch Well, End denry May you resdin peac I feel much better, but am still in bid fave then he thanked the 41F for the last service uldered to Johann that this apparent aecovery is but a symptom of the sent Cenisalman and me for officialing. We concluded with a sii fat RIOAY TAN21 day of few guand vinitudid. our first consignment of live bief arrived and wa, put in the SUA EEDG I mave. The evening shew gave definitel proise of being better under this Had a really dreadful day after a restlers night. I actid new meat supply rebeive. The dreadful uncertainty of this lofe and all over untie 11oln when I began to sheret. a thow eery were it will last denves one almost to despair. Lanhim sweate, blanket, valise cover and greateval made us I beel that I will never ee my wife and family again or that it will be difference for an ham, When ty ababy I reterred so long sirce I have ree them that they will be complitely changel. Despone half a dosen times. In the rest of the day I seeated is a besence for me and I fine it gr, hoveby unfleasent and tepele S but fell a little bitter in the evening. Started an 6 gutnine tabechs a day Plague at here been discovered in the borren. CO has decided that a Chaplain, unial condrict RC bunals. I explained we case without avail Sunbar TANS andidmnary working day, and a very lany ae for me as up bounde

MONDAY SEP 20
Took over duties as Camp Adjt whilst Hence is ill. Expected all day
the arrival of the Brig but he did not come. Rained all day. At
present we have 1380 men in camp plus 11 of Col. Anderson - Williams
Force including Hamilton - Lamb waiting to move on. Of these 783 are 
marked No Duties or camp Duties, 74 are in hospital, 69 in Kalabaris, 406
worked today and 42 are employed on odd jobs for the Jap. Engineers or
Guards. Heard of more cholera at the 108 - 1 case that the railway has to
be laid from this end to 159 kilos and that the mobile P.O.Ws will 
return to 708 camp when work is completed.
TUESDAY SEP 21
8 men followed by 26 men of the A & W Force called in and took the other
11 on to 108. There 33 men under Lieut Wodley of the Perth arrived to
stay the night. At 2300 hrs another 163 came by train from the same
force, sick men to rest here indefinitely. Their officers are Lawson
Martin and Everdell, Arty and Nicholson & Mathieson of Williams force.
This latter force have been killed on their feet. They work sometimes
20 hrs or more rest for 3 or 4 and work again. They move their location
frequently, they are crowded perhaps 18 to a bay & often have to carry
cooking gear and rations on their backs for 4 kilos or less.
WEDNESDAY SEP 22
Spent the morning settling the new arrivals in. They are all in a low
physical condition. Brig arrived with Nagatomo later 280 and 146 have
died at the 50 & 55 kilo camp respectively. New arrivals stated they have seen bodies
of POWs being burnt at 118 camp (F force) Heard Carters story of the
journey of himself and daughter (aged 21) from Brisbane to Sydney on
horseback. The article in Womans weekly about November 1939.
THURSDAY SEP. 23
Brig & Nag left on a flying visit to 122 Kilo camp. I.O.V. to
Col. Ramsay for an English pound note. 3 Chaplains including
Father Vergeest arrived late at night just for the night. There is
some possibility of a few of our worst cases being moved to a
French nun's hospital in Montmein. Calf was born in kraal. Hence
took over once again.
FRIDAY SEPT 24
Brig and Nag returned. Had been up as far as 132 and contacted F Force
(Malaya Force). They have had 1780 dead out of 7000 so far. They believe they
will return to Malaya as soon as work is finished. Then our sick are
to be concentrated about 100 kilos from Bankok at KANCHANABRI whilst
we remain concentrated at 83, 95, 100, 105, 108, 114 and 122 camps. 2/29 personel
collected Rs 75 for our men at 55 camp. Men returning from 55 paint a very grim
picture. 6 or 7 legs to be burnt collectively daily. Men drop dead or are dead for hours
before noticed.
SATURDAY SEP 25
Dad's or Mum's birthday. God bless them both.  We have had daily heavy rain

for nearly 3 weeks. Brig and Nag departed. Heard talk by Carter of his experience

in the Dunsterforce. Workers started to work until dark - ballasting. Bridge

tournaments started

SUNDAY SEP 26

Heard that our bombers had raided the yards at 62.  Ch Pdes were well
attended despite the absence of the workers.

 

MONDAY SEP 27

Are the newspapers to be suppressed? The last edition received was

dated 5 Sep; perhaps the war is going against them. Cattlemen
arrived from 83, and said there had been no bombing there
or at the 62.  I gave Laws Rs5 in the hope he would bring
some fruit or chintogah next time he comes .  Whilst I wa sun-bathing 

a snake approached  to within 2 feet before he was

noticed by Major Newett. A dry sunny day which makes conditions

in the camp very pleasant.  The section of a hut which we

cleared for use as a second hospital was denied to us because

one Guard objected to its being too close to  the Guardhouse.

Over 100 men will have to move because of this whim.

TUESDAY SEP 28

Work returned to normal hours. Offered prize for best rat trap.

half disappeared late at night. Another man died and was buried.

There is a memorial gate to Nga cemetery now. Redwood made it and Carter

is looking after the graves. I am finding the humiliation which
the Japs heap on our heads almost unbearable. We are subject to every

whim. When we ask for wider dispersement areas we told that "bombing

will not hurt you.  There is no need to worry " .. When we ask for rat  traps

we are told "not to worry. I will tell you when the plague is coming".

WEDNESDAY SEP 29

"Greater Asia " of 12 and 19 Sep arrived. Jap claim that orders by

puppet government of Badoglio have been countermanded  by Mussolini.
Am reading  " Burmese Interlude" by Warren, a story of his experience

of 5 years as an officer of a  Forestry Coy during the  1930-82 Rebellion.

THURSDAY SEP 30

The view from the vicinity of the Taicho's house is very much more

interesting since he has had the jungle cleared away. The sunset was

beautiful. First gold and blue then red and blue. The band played a
few pieces.  They are very much improved. I am now making a copy

of a star chart and expect soon to be able to continue my studies of

their nominclature. Time drags heavily. When will I see my family again.

FRIDAY OCT 1

Made some notes out of "Burmese Interlude". Native quarters
are in a very dirty condition and are multiplying our campaign

against rats and flys.  The Japs will do nothing about it. I  am
now retiring earlier and rising earlier to take advantage of daylight.

SATURDAY OCT 2

The native workmen give a war - cry as they go out to work each

morning. I wish they would be  just as enthusiastic in keeping their quarters clean.

SUNDAY OCT 3

"The Christian" bashed 5 men for gambling.  He is a strong methodist.

Father Vergeest - a Dutch Capucian. arrived with the Lutheran pastor.

Nearly 100 men went to Confession- in the mortuary - whilst Chaplain
Bashford held a protestant service at the stage.  At last I have

run out of coffee.  The stars are visible at night and I am

refreshing my sketching knowledge.

 

MONDAY OCT 4

Attended Mass at 0700 and received Holy Communion the first

time since May. Most of our men had not seen a priest since

February last. About 140 men were present. I am much more resigned

to this life and in fact feel elated. What a pity it is that we have

no priest living with us. The Japs followed up mass with their

usual Shinto service. At dawn they fall in in bare facing East and

the senior man report to the officer when he arrives. The officer then

face East also, they all remove caps and recitation are sung by

the officer and responded to by the men. Then they Cow tow and 

sing 2 more couplets. Standing upright they recite a few words 5 times.

return caps and break off. Rosary was said in the evening but Father

Vergeest insisted that I take it. Another body was buried the thirtieth.

TUESDAY OCT 5

The weather in now dry and sunny with a really cool breeze blowing

from the South East. Major Hobbs has arrived here ill with other sick

men. I am copying out a star chart. Father Vergeest departed. Some 30  

attended rosary.

WEDNESDAY OCT 6

Weather still very fine and pleasant with relatively cold nights.

Newspapers have arrived, mostly from Japan itself. Was able to share

a packet of chindogah with Ron Murell at a cost of Rs 10. from Jap.

THURSDAY OCT 7

A rest day. Tenkoed on the pde ground and a search was

conducted. They simply looted our gear for cameras, torches, watches

compasses, glasses etc. They took my whistle, map cane and

several useless old maps which I was trying take home as

souvenirs. There seems to be no genuine reason for the search 

but loot. They take rations of all sorts which are consigned to

us and absolutely rob us through whatever goods came into

the canteen. Our helplessness and the advantages this take infuriate

and depress. Had a band recital. Many articles were returned to POWs.

in the evening. Col Harris (Br) and Major Anderson (2/30) called in. Their force

is now reduced to 3000 with 2000 in hospital and 2000 dead. They expect to 

return to Malaya within 14 days — KL. Ipoh and Penang. Red Cross rep. Roberts was

acquitted of the charge planning to escape but Wyatt & McAllister are

doing solitary in Changi jail. Only 3000 POWs all nationalities are left at Changi.

There are no Indian guards now. They were ordered to New Guinea, [[?]] and

were disbanded. An officers force of 300 are doing hard labour in the quarries here.

FRIDAY OCT 8

Meredith died this morning, the 31st since we left Changi, No 1 Bn has lost 58

dead including 3 executed. I heard that some 92 amputations had been done

at the 55. Thumbuzayal is supposed to have been bombed on 4-5 days conservatively.

SATURDAY OCT 9

Am reading Maurice Walsh's "The hill is mine". a mixture of American dialogue

and Scottish scenes. Concert party performed splendidly. Strolled in the moonlight

thinking of Nancy.

SUNDAY OCT 10

Our wedding anniversary. God Bless dear Nancy. I hope she is celebrating

in some way and not sad about our separation. the first motor car called in.

MONDAY OCT 11

All sorts of problems are being worked out by many men all

over the camp. Everywhere one goes one hears men arguing as to the

logic of deductions made. It is something to break the monotony.

There are problems about the 3 men with blue or white paint on their

forheads 3 men with black or white hats on. The 3 containers of 8, 5 13

gallons, the carpet 16 x 9, the 2 flocks of sheep 10 & 14 strong, the 2 railway

trucks on 2 loops, the 2 long trains and the short loop, the twins who are

20 & 20 too, you are a liftman how old is the liftman? Much airail activity

the Jap Engrs sent in for their rifles and carried them all day. More

Jap troops go through every day. A Jap brass band for performance

at the 95 for 2 or 3 nights. Moonlight night are delightful are makes

it easy for me to "go home".

TUESDAY OCT 12

The first steam train puffed through today. Apparently

the line will be finished in a few days time. The nights are

perfect now with full moon. There is a brilliance of a tropical

moon which is lacking on the moonlight at home one can

read quite well in the moonlight. Vaccinated against smallpox.

WEDNESDAY OCT 13

200 men were kept in camp to fill up one bank of latrines 

near the station and to dig 2 other banks to replace them. I 

had to supervise this back pain  work. My hand ached all

day long and I went to bed early with fever. I was very

restless all night and so were the Japs who were celebrating

and drunk. Acquired some coffee and shared a duck with 8 others.

THURSDAY OCT 14

Little Anns birthday. May God bless her and make her happy. I will

never forget my first sight of her and her dear mother. I am

very feverish with headaches, back aches, and has sick stomach, much worse

a very heavy feeling.

FRIDAY OCT 15

Still bad with fever. Had a bad night. When such life

as a P.O.W. is unbearable

SATURDAY OCT 16

Still just as sick with fever and effects of quinine.

SUNDAY OCT 17

No better so I have decided to reduce the quantity of

quinine. By evening I felt improved. Rex [[?]], Kiernan and

Phillips returned in a party of 60 from the 55. Rex is looking

quite fit but thinner than usual. He had to abandon a lot

of his kit. Service 6 7 men of the 2/29 have died there the latest

being "Pop" Henderson. At last some canteen food has reached

the 55. The amputations number 96 and deaths 198 A.I.F. Received

another issue of soap. Two bodies were buried here today, both

of deceased members of the Anderson force. There is an increased

number of visits by Japanese inspection parties of late. We

anticipate a move. 

 

MONDAY OCT 18

Feeling much better at last. Am reading an awful book

with the title "Going Native". It appears to be written by an

Australian Named Eric Muspratt, the most conceited incoherent

erratic, immoral liar whose writings I have ever had the misfortune

of reading. Major Hobbs went to the 30 and Capt Cumming to the 55 a few

days ago. Major Krantz called in on his way to the 130. Capt White

returned with the pay. Farmer is ill again and was left behind.

According to reports ∧dated Oct 4-6 contained in the Greater Asia the Russian advance

has reached the general line of the Dnieper, Naples is ours and the Japs

anticipate a quickening of the war against them especially in

Burma. It can never be quick enough for us. Another man died.

TUESDAY OCT 19

Have improved still further. McCawley told 3 very good stories

in rich Irish brogue, the first of Pat conferring how he had shot 4 

Black and Tans and winged a landlord was interrupted with "Quit"

talking politics and tell me your sins, the second of Pat brushing  aside

the priest with the statement "Make way for a Protestant" and the third

of the 2 Irishmen waiting behind a bridge for the landlord and hoping 

nothing has happened to the old Gentleman". 60 men marched in.

WEDNESDAY OCT 20

Just about better now. Am reading Stefan Zweig's "Magellan" and his 

voyage around the world. When one is ill, this life is extremely depressive.

For the days I lay on my back with nothing to do I was obsessed with the

blackest of thoughts about the anguishes and humiliation we suffer

and the bleak prospect of another 12 months of imprisonment. Weight 10s. 1L

or 64 Kilos.

THURSDAY OCT 21

Last evening at sunset appeared the most beautiful and unique phenomena
I have ever seen in the sky. out of a large bank of sand coloured clouds whose

top edges with tipped with brilliant gold rose a small misty cloud which was

coloured with all the hues of the rainbow. It look just like a large pearl

shell brightly illuminated with the colours changing slowly. Through trains

seem to be running now. I am not yet very strong, and feel washed out.

FRIDAY OCT 22

A holiday. — at last. Food is very poor lately - rice, stewed potatoes and

an occasional flavouring of meat. Life here has become deadly monotonous.

I saw Mitchell's ulcer yesterday 12 inches of bone now blackened is showing

and the man is just a skeleton. 2/29 deaths to date are Bill, Davey, Wilson

Ansell, Oxenham, Robinson, Ellis, Cotter, Stewart? Henderson, Mitchell. Very good

concert.

SATURDAY OCT 23

I feel a lot stronger but am still depressed. Have heard the rumour

and again that senior officers will soon be separated from the rest and

probably take to Japan. 3 newspapers dated up to 14 Oct arrived. Japs still hold Bougainville

and New Britain and we are pressing on to Madang in NG. The Russians are still

battling along the Dnieper and the Germans still stand between Naples and Rome.

SUNDAY OCT 24

Inspected the camp with Capt. Anderson SMO who has just returned. Heard

that Ba Maw passed through by train to attend the railway opening. Had the usual

Church Pde.  The food and life here is utterly depressing.

MONDAY OCT 25

A plane which we could not recognise as a Japanese plane

passed over at a great height and came back again a few 

minutes later. The time of the day, midday, are the height and

course indicated that it was a real plane taking photographed 

of the line. I sincerely hope no bombers will follow and pay 

this camp a visit, as we have no slit trenches. As I write this

ants are running all over the book, the table and my arm. They

have been attracted by some chintegah which I obtained at

Rs7 per viss. There are plenty of cattle about now, because it is anticipated

that a General will visit her tomorrow. More window

dressing to cover up - what? 

TUESDAY OCT 26

The camp is cleaned up for the inspection. Hut no. 4 has been

pulled down and is being rebuilt. Tully of the 2/2 Pioneers who

comes from Hawthorn died last night. Last night also I met Jack

Wark, Alf Wark's brother. I remembered him after 20 years. The 

Generals train passed in the middle of the morning and although we

waited until 3 pm for his return he did not put in an appearance

The trains, small as they are with only 4 or 5 trucks have great difficulty in

moving outside our lines

WEDNESDAY OCT 27

Once again the General is expected to arrive - but is only a Col.

We had the usual pdes for his arrival and departure a few hours 

later. Healy, Mann and Tubb arrived from Thanbyuzayat with some 80 men. 

We now number just under 1900 and No 4 hut is being rebuilt. The crowding

is disgraceful. A few Americans and British are here also. The grade of the line

just outside is being altered by POW labour. Greater Asia dated 16 Oct arrived

The Philippines proclaimed their independence(?) on 14 Oct under Jose Laurel.

THURSDAY OCT 28

A member of No 1 Group was caught stealing from the Jap kitchen and

was tied to a post from 4 AM to 9 AM and then released. He has beri

beri badly and is very thin in the body. Father Corry, Cameron and Lalor

returned from the 30 with many men. It is believed that soon there will be

no POWs north of the 50 hospital. During my inspection of the camp I felt

giddy so many times that I had to lie down for 10 minutes. Dave Black

returned.

FRIDAY OCT 29

Our strength is now 1954, and more men are still coming in.

Hoshi is back but so far has given out no official information. The

Sgt Major who is now here from the original 26 kilo guard has said that we

go to Thailand in December in small batches. 2 men died. Heard that Frank

Knight is battling well against great odds.

SATURDAY OCT 30

Rossiter, [[?]], and Fraser arrived with many men. It would appear

that Anderson Williams, Fitzsimmons and English forces will go on to 116 soon 

Jap Comdr states we will leave 2000 fit men of No 3 barracks here and the remainder

will go to Bangkok. Went to Confession. The concert partys practices are worth listening

to.

SUNDAY OCT 31

Heard mass and received Holy Communion at 8.45 pm. The overreaching is

disgraceful. Men are sleeping everywhere, under floors even in self made bunks.

 

MONDAY NOV 1

Nancy will have all our young ones home today. I hope they are

praying hard for me as I am for them. I wonder has Johnny made his 

first Holy Communion yet. God bless them all. I collected R65.45

from 2/29 Bn personnel for our unit mess at the 55. Kitching told

me the story how 3 POWs in his cattle party at the 64 were allowed

to die from neglect and callousness of the Jap in charge. Had Mass

and Holy Communion again in the evening. I am still rather thin

although I am eating all I can get.

TUESDAY NOV 2

Watch a swarm of ants larger than any other I ever seen. About 10

deep they ran along the cattle yard fence and up a tree. This trail was 50

yds long and the ants moved quickly in one direction for at least ½

an hour and perhaps for 2 or 3 hours. At the same time a young cow

had a miscarriage of a calf just in a just in a formed state. In the evening the

concert party gave a splendid performance of sailors in "Ships Inn" and

selections from musical comedies. the ^Cup sweep was drawn prior to the

concert and Jim Sutherland hidden in a wireless set on the stage

described the race in time. Eric Welch fashion and brought home

the first four in accordance with the prior undisclosed official drawings.

as usual I did not even win a 10 cent prize. Did 2 hours as 

nightwatchman.

WEDNESDAY NOV 3

A holiday - some special Jap day. Am reading " Ann Vickers" by

Sinclair Lewis. It is a powerfully written story of this welfare

worker,  almoner,  reformer, and with a tendency to free love. Held

another concert at the command of the Japs and for the Jap

Engineers but only 5 of them attended. Another man from Williams 

force died.

THURSDAY NOV 4

The body left overnight for burial was in a bad way this morning

and had to be partially covered before the service could be held. His is the

40th grave. Lieut Simmons gave a very interesting talk of his experiences as

POW of the French in Syria. He was flown to Athens, then to Salonika and

put on an improvised prison ship. When the armistice was signed the 

Germans told the French to get out of Greece and so the prisoners were

sent of a 7 day train journey through Jugo Slavia, Austria, Bavaria and

France to a fort in Toulon. Then they were sent back to Palestine by boat.

They numbered 36 officers and were POWs for just 2 months.

FRIDAY NOV 5

Jap guards are saying that the offensive in Burma has begun. I think they

mean that they are taking the initiative. Another man died, 41st. Major Harris

of 2/4 M.T. is a director of Oversees motors. Mr Algor was their accountant for 

awhile.

SATURDAY NOV 6

To-day I saw 2 bad cases of beri beri. The patients legs were swollen to twice their 

normal size and their scrotum 4 times. We now number nearly 2200. Purchased ½ pkt

of chindagah. Lately we have seen some new engines which have come from Thailand, they are

Jap.

SUNDAY NOV 7

4 issues of Greater Asia received. Russia is threatening the Crimea. Shubas Bose has

formed a Provisional Govt of India. Indian women are training as soldiers. Mass & H.C. Com.

 

MONDAY NOV 8

Hoshi returned with 500 packets of chindagah and - unconfirmed as yet - a

tin of coffee. Once again he has left us down. No 5 branch often processes eggs

and fruit. It is criminal laziness. He himself always has plenty of poultry, eggs,

fruit and milk. At my suggestion, the CO is going to submit to the Japs a

survey of the condition of the health of all men here. I am sure that the Japs

believe that because we send out 600 - 700 workers daily that we have this

many fit men. This of course is quite erroneous. I talked for over an hour

with Fr Corry as we strolled up and down the parade ground in

the moonlight. He told me that St Dominic formed his order in 1216 in

France to combat the Albijenses heresy with only 16 members, now there

are 37 Provinces all over the world numbering 7000 members, their main

purpose is the spreading of reverence to the Holy Name by local and foreign

missions & the Holy Name Society. Another man died, the 42nd.

TUESDAY NOV 9

Increased all my P.T. exercises by 50% and as a result am feeling

very tired Obtained a 1/3 of a packet chindagah free from the

canteen which bought all the recent consignment. Participated also

in a distribution of dried fish. It will be interesting to follow the

fortunes of the Koreans after this war. We heard 12 months ago of trouble

in Korea. Are these guards all loyal to Japan? Some of course are just

naturally cruel and inhuman irrespective of their loyalties. Hoshi said we leave

in a month.

WEDNESDAY NOV 10

The railway has been closed daily for general improvements. Some 20

men went out for 5 hrs work at 2300 hrs. The Japs held a moonlight

party on their specially built open platform. Their music was quite 

unmusical and they are very fond of noise. Their entertainment is

just one step removed from the primitive dancing around a fire

Each night now I do about an hour's stroll on the pde ground in the

moonlight in training for our departure from here.

THURSDAY NOV 11

Camp has settled down now into its new quarters and the congestion has

been considerably eased; furthermore it is much cleaner and more tidy.

The flys seem to be on the decline at the moment. A new Jap guard hit

the camp like a cyclone in the evening. With another guard he went 

around the grounds, bashed people near the kitchens, crashed  in on the rosary. 

bashed one of the concert party and then called for the adjt.

FRIDAY NOV 12

Hoshi kept his guards on parade for ½ an hour to talk to them. Heard

that 3000 fit men of nos 3 & 5 branches will remain, rest will go towards Bangkok.

Note from Capt Brand who is about 184 with some men who could not walk

further. States they are standing by to return to Singapore. Mills drew my portrait.

SATURDAY NOV 13

Two men died, both Williams force. Hoshi refused permission to amputate a leg but

will apply to H.Q. Concert was excellent, Snowwhite, 3 Little Fishes (Water & seals)

SUNDAY NOV 14

Japs have now instituted house police - to give themselves something to do. A great

number of our men get about on crutches. Also one sees frequently men carrying about

a specimen on a leaf. Assisted at Mass at 1730 hours.

 

MONDAY NOV 15

Japs are building air-raid shelters in the jungle - just enough for themselves.

Another hut is falling over. During the night men can feel the movement. One

upright cracked and made a noise like a pistol shot. When the Jap officer

and N.C.O.  are away, as at present, the guards droop most forms of discipline.

The Guard mounting becomes an individual effort. They talk loudly into the 

early hours of the morning, they forget their morning prayers to Nippon

and a few of them, particularly a Jap named Orilly, commonly known as 

the "Boy Bastard" or B.B., become laws unto themselves and make things

 unpleasant for as many as they possibly can. Trains started to run in

the early evening.

TUESDAY NOV 16

A holiday -the first if three consecutive rest days.  Newspapers up to Nov
6 received, but I cannot be bothered reading much of such trash. 1/20 of

the items contain news, the remainder is nonsense, mostly saying 

brave words to keep up their courage like the small boy whilst in the 

dark. Am reading George Thomas's "My Mind a Kingdom". It is the diary of

one year of the life of the author who is permanently incapacitated  with

muscular atrophy, together with his mother and an brother and [[granmother?]]

The father is a dustman. Another concert was given.

WEDNESDAY NOV 17

Up to yesterday, 270,000 flys had been handed in for the bounty of RI per 1000.

These represent less than a fortnight's catch. The fly menace is declining. Heard

that [[education?]] among F Force are now 2400 out of 7000, mostly British. As at

Mergui the Australian has shown himself tougher than his English brother.

655 men of No3 branch have died in this area and I estimate 565 at sea, Rangoon, Savoy etc

Deaths at 55 now number 251. Frank Knight died of gangrene about a week ago.

THURSDAY NOV 18

At the 55, Walters 2/29 died a short time ago. Dysentry is taking toll from

among those men who have been weakened by other causes. Amputation cases now

number 111. We have started another bridge tournament and I am partnered 

with Ewart. The sunsets are improving lately. Tonight it was beautiful. The

the only colour we see here apart from the eternal green of the jungle. 

The glorious array of colours from blues through orange to pinks and reds ever changing 

but ^the movement so gradual as to be inperceptable has a soothing effect on me

and carries me back home to Nancy

FRIDAY NOV 19

The Japs have rebuilt our stage for the forthcoming celebrations. Likewise we

have cleared the area surrounding the cemetery, a track for the "horse" races has been

made around the pde ground, a sweep has been organised, and Japs are

practicing for the concert everywhere. Eleven men went by railway truck to 55 kilo

for leg amputation.

SATURDAY NOV 20

A memorial service for the dead was held at the cemetery commencing at 1030.

A special cross suitably engraved and supplied by HQ was erected beforhand

and private wreaths and flowers had been placed on the graves. The men were

blocked in around the cemetery with officers on one side and Japs on the other

side of the entrance. Two services, Protestant and Catholic were held, official wreaths

placed and the Taicho read a message from Nagatomo to the souls of the departed.

Several Japanese army prostitutes appeared in the camp in the evening.

 

SUNDAY NOV 21  Celebrations commenced with a Jap pde and 3 Banzis at 0800 hrs.

Immediately afterwards all P.O.W.s paraded alongside the Japs and an address

from Nagatomo was read by the Taicho and the translation by the C.O. The

C.O. then replied - and did not fail to make the best of his opportunity.

His speech will be typed and sent to Jap HQ. This was followed by a combined

concert and strangely enough the Jap items were as good as our own. My share

of the extra food is a tobacco tin of salt, one onion as big as a cherry, 2 eggs, 
2 limes, 3/4lb of chindegar and a taste of pork in the stew. ^In the evening the official concert

party arrived and gave a splendid performance which was followed by the items 
deferred from the mornings concert. The Jap soldier dying for his country and the

strong man fighting evil spirits in the temple were symbolical of Jap, modern and old.

A ^horse race meeting was held in the afternoon. The Japs bet quite freely on each

race. They ran a race of their own and entered into the fund of the thing.

MONDAY NOV 22

Dutch officers said "K" force left Changi with 30 MOs including 5 Dutch and 240 men. In

his native camp 2000 died out of 4000 in 4 months. Acted as Camp Adjt for

today only. Capt Summer sent me a 1/2 pkt of sugar from 55.

TUESDAY NOV 23

Wimpole and Hackney passed through on a train. Lovett had a yarn with them.

The "F" force deaths are now reported to be 3060 - a staggering figure. The nights

now are very cold and many men get so cold under their thin covering that they go

outside to the few fires that burn all night. Full working parties are required as

usual. 

WEDNESDAY NOV 24

Little Mary's birthday and 5 years old today. God Bless her. She [[?will be a ]]

school girl. When I next see her. Fred Hare went through but I did not see him.

David West gave me a shirt. Another man died. Newspapers dated 11th, 13th & 16th arrived

Japs claim to have sunk 4 battleships, 2 Aircraft carriers and many other warships in

battles near Bougainville Island on 3rd & 5th Nov.

THURSDAY NOV 25

Jap paper makes further claims of sea battles in the Solomons & New Britain

on 8th & 11th Nov in which we suffered many more losses. The railway is carrying mostly

troops, motor vehicles and horses and very little of each. The length of a train

is never more than 10 trucks. The engine drivers seem to enjoy working us at night.

3 Cooks, a nightwatchman and another man were badly bashed after lights out

because they were believed to have stolen some Jap chindigah. They spent the rest of a

very cold night at the guardhouse.

FRIDAY NOV 26

I saw the cuts and bruises on Russell the man who received the worst beating

last night. He had some 8 nasty marks up to 5 inches long on his back and hip.

2 on his chest and his ear was cut. In their own newspaper they publish the "inhuman"

treatment suffered by an internee who returned from America to Japan last month.

He was imprisoned for 6 long months, was not allowed to see his wife for 4 1/2 long

months, had to exercise in his cell and return his spoon after each meal. Poor man!

SATURDAY NOV 27

48th death today. Started PT again as my interior seems to have settled down.

CO rather ill with fever. Heard that F force are being moved out steadily from NIKI.

SUNDAY NOV 28

CO seems to have decided against protesting to the Taicho about the recent bashing

and I am really disappointed. All senior officers share my views. 2/29 Bn pressured, about

how all appeared to the Church Pdes. about a dozen Catholics attended and I offered

[[?]] [[?]] to our [[?livi]] and our dead.

 

MONDAY NOV 29

Held 2/29 Bn Birthday celebration. About 90 attended, Capts West

and Laber and myself made speeches, we sang the unit song, smoked

a cigar and drank a cup of coffee. A collection for our men at the

55 resulted in some 60 rupees. During the show, my fever suddenly

developed and I adopted the horizontal position as soon as possible.

During the night I perspired very freely and wet all my bedding.

Major Green discussed the recent bashing with the Taicho and he was

furious with his guards. Today is a holiday and a concert was held.

TUESDAY NOV 30

Another death making our 49th. There is much more air activity 

now than a month ago. Dave West obtained supplies of biscuits, coffee

tinned meat and fish from an Engineer N.C.O. The taicho heard about

it, took possession and sold half the biscuits and all the coffee to us at 

an exhorbitant price. The coffee cost him Rs20 a tin and he sold it to

us for R50 a tin. The Japs seem to have no shame, no honesty, no

human feelings. The meat and fish would have been invaluable to the RAP.

Fever almost better.

WEDNESDAY DEC 1

50th death today. Major Campbell called and discussed how one party of

F force from 50 kilo spent 36 hours getting to NIKI and spent 36 hrs there on a train

8 died, 20 have smallpox and others are very sick. Our food is definitely reduced

now that we are ^not working, but we have not been informed officially. Today

we had lunch of rice & salt only. Meat and vegetables have been much

reduced. I have almost lost my voice. Lack of vitamin "A" brings on such

weaknesses.

THURSDAY DEC 2

And we are getting disheartened at the failure of the Allies to do anything

real against the Japs. The trains here have carried extremely little war

supplies so far. Was able to drop note to Col Pond. Listened to talk by

Chaplain Mathieson on Judaism & Buddhism. A few days ago I read about

of Livingstone Hartley's "Our Marginal Line", the problem of the defence of the

Americas from attack by a victorious Reich. We are still doing very well in

the bridge tournament. 

FRIDAY DEC 3

3 men died bringing the total dead to 54. We were paraded for the first visit

of the new Col in charge. He seems a genial old chap, but will he do things for

us? The Japs fitted up quarters for their brothel in the old engineers lines. 3

rooms were petitioned off side by side, and a private bath room was erected.

outside. All woodwork is bamboo. Imagine the depths to which these people

have sunk. This is the race which wants to lead Asia to better times and

dominate the world.

SATURDAY DEC 4

My voice is still very husky and my mouth very sore. To eat anything.

hot or salty gives me much pain. Today I saw a guard beat a man on the

shin just where a large ulcer had healed. It brought blood in several places. I

will watch to see if the ulcer develops again. The CO took up this question

of bashing with the guard who agreed to desist provided the incident was not reported.

I wonder how long they will keep their word? They will evade the former somehow,

SUNDAY DEC 5

A Jap officer brought in a box containing the ashes of a cremated soldier. The ashes are

contained in a box about 9" cube, covered with a white liner and carried high up on the chest

in a sling which ties round the neck. Mass was celebrated at 1200 hrs as it was a holiday.

 

MONDAY DEC 6

During the night 5/6 Dec, the guards suddenly put out all fires and lights. We

were told there was a raid on at Thanbyuzayat. More than half the guards

left suddenly this morning on two trucks. We have been speculating

as to the reason for such a move. They may have gone to the 100 kilo camp

as we know that the guard there changed today. All the engineers quarters

which we were allowed to occupy a few days ago had to be vacated.

300 sick men are to come in from the 85 kilo camp - No5 hospital. List of men 

who have to stay behind are being revised once again. Carey has returned.

TUESDAY DEC 7

About 206 sick men arrived from the 83. One Dutch officer died on route.

Some 30 were in a very low condition. They had been left without fit men

to look after their meals - left to die. This is one of the most animal acts

committed by the Japs. The guards have showed their unconcern by having a

party at which as usual the more noise they make the brighter the party 

seems to be. Buried our first 2/29 casualty here Cpl Arnold. 

WEDNESDAY DEC 8 

It appears now that a few men ^left at 83 were fit. An M.O an 2 orderlies at first.

later augmented by 5 more orderlys. some of the men claim that the food was

not so bad but was spoilt by bad cooks. 4 bodies were buried today 

one man died in a sitting position and presented some difficulties as he

was not discovered for some hours. The food for several days now has 

been entirely inadequate. About every second or third day we have a taste

of dried meat or fish in the stew which consists otherwise of radish and

water melons. Nights are cold and we are not getting nourishing food. As a 

result the working parties are falling every day. God help the very sick men 

who have just arrived here.

THURSDAY DEC 9

I am now gathering bean leaves to cook and eat for my phalagra.

and already the trouble has abated a little. 3 bodies were buried today.

Out food consisted of 1 meal of paper rice and 2 meals of rice and salt.

All the people here outside Green, black and Ramsay forces have been

combined into one group - No4 under Cameron. They started to set up for

themselves today.

FRIDAY DEC 10

I Last night was bitterly cold. I had my blanket valise cover and water

proof cape over me yet I was unable to sleep for the latter portion of the

night. My arms ached too much. This is undoubtedly undernourishment

and lack of fats. 3 more bodies were buried. Ewart and I are running 4th in the

bridge tournament. These nights are very bright and I usually walk

up and down the pde ground for an hour or so thinking of home 

and planning the future.

SATURDAY DEC 11

Another bitterly cold night. 2 more bodies buried, both Americans. New Comdr

had a look right through the camp and without any fuss. A new shuban

has been installed in place of "Buss". He appears to be an N.C.O. Had an "outside"

tenko. Planned a 9 mths walking tour through Europe with Nancy in 46 or 47.

SUNDAY DEC 12

A still colder night and so far permission to light fires in the huts has not been

granted. Went for my usual early walk in the jungle. Bird life is more plentiful

away from the camp. Mass held at 1100 hrs. Concert was really excellent.

The main item was "South of the Border" with Spanish songs and bullfighters. The

setting, the costumes. the  bull (Ferdinand) and the players were all splendid.

 

MONDAY DEC 13

A 2/29 man Louchard by name asked to see me. He is a patient in the RAP and

is suffering from fever, diarrhoea and beri beri. He is just skin and bone and

asked for something to help keep him warm at night. all he has is one

blanket and a Dutch jacket, not ever a pair of trousers. Green Force obtained a

list of its officer postings for the new camps. Information is trickling through

and Major Millett is to stay as 2IC to Williams. A lot of digging tools arrived and

make my job as coordinator of Buppins much easier. 3 more burials.

TUESDAY DEC 14

Louchard died and was buried. 2/29 Bn personnel provided the escort.

I went to bed early with all symptoms of another attack of fever.

aching legs, flushed face & a full feeling. About midnight I came out in

a sweat and dampened all my bedding.

WEDNESDAY DEC 15

This was the day by which I expected Mountbatten to launch his

offensive against Burma. By the tone of the newspaper the Japs are 

expecting something to happen soon. Very little war material passes through

this route. Several lots of cavalry and pack horses have passed lately but just

500 all told. The allies should be able to deal with the 10 odd divisions 

here. Sherbas Chandra Base has apparently enlisted at least 2000 Indians in

Shonan for the Indian National Army. I saw a photo of him reviewing

them on the padang along the foreshore. If he attempts to use them against

the allied forces I would not be surprised to learn that they will have gone

over to our side.  They are either untrained Indians or ex-Indian Army. My 

fever attacked me again in the evening and I went to bed early.

THURSDAY DEC 16

I sweated so much during the night that the moisture went right 

through my mattress. This has left me rather weak. My tongue is feeling

very sore. It is torture to eat stew. I have been given a few doses of

vitamin B tablets by the CO and have obtained some rice polishings. I am

fortunately booked to go to KANCHANABRAI in Thailand with the light

sick although I was marked fit class A. I obtained 8 tickets at a cost of 

Rs24 for our early days there. Again we are encouraged by promises of much

good food there.

FRIDAY DEC 17

A slight sweat during the night. My course of quinine 6 a day for 10 days

is putting me off my food and making me feel rather sick. All meetings 

at night for prayers, concert practices etc are forbidden. They can be held on

one day a week before tenko - in addition to Sundays. Pryde, Thompson, Bernie

and McDonald are to remain in the jungle with Major Merrett. Am reading

"Forbidden Journey" by Ella Matthews.

SATURDAY DEC 18

My fever is much better. Major Campbell arrived to distribute a few goods.

The Brig is to remain in the jungle & Col Ramsay will be senior at Kanchanchai.

Saw a copy of Brig's letter to the Jap Comdr. appealing for more food and

outlining the distribution of what we do receive. It is a classic. Went to confession

Received another innoculation against cholera. Japs do bayonet training every

morning now. They do all their pointing with the left foot forward and aim for the [[?]]
yelling [[out across ? ]]

SUNDAY DEC 19

Mass & HC. I can always visualise Nancy Ann & perhaps John receiving HC at the same time

[[?]]

[[ ? whole line faded ]]

 

MONDAY DEC 20

We are now compelled to assemble as a whole for tenko each night at 300 hrs.

During the night a mild air-raid scare developed. 3 minutes after word was

called out from the railway station to put out all lights etc. drone

of aircraft could be heard, 2 or 3 flights went by astride the line. Many men

fled to the jungle and a very few stayed there all night. Pay officers

returned. Our move is to start on 30 Dec and continue to 4 Jan. Even really sick

men to go to Kenchanchai. The Java POWs receiving letters from Australia dated

up to Nov of last year - 13 months en route. Lively letters will come to me

soon. Our first consignment of Red Cross supplies arrived but are barely 

sufficient for our sick men in the RAPs. They are consigned by the Tenko 

Consol at Bangkok for British POWs. Two more funerals.

TUESDAY DEC 21

Toose and Le Cateau arrived to give details of the move. CO is sick

once again with fever. I had a boiled egg and a taste of an egg omlet. The 55

hospital were to commence moving last night.

WEDNESDAY DEC 22

Preparations for the move are being made. We are to move in equally sized

parties on 6 successive days from 30 Dec to 4 Jan. I am to stay until the last

and replace Hence as camp adjt after he leaves on the first day.

Attended another burial and rosary in the evening.

THURSDAY DEC 23

A good quantity of chundegah and tobacco and small numbers of eggs and

bananas arrived. some obtained by the Jap officer and the rest by Major Campbell.

All our pay has been retained for payment. At the moment we have more 

chundegah and tobacco than ever before. The graves now number 85.

Report of conditions at KANACHANABRAI are glowing. The Japs may be alive

at last to the ultimate affect of the death rate here on post-war

problems. I understand that 21000 prisoners have died out of some 60 000 POWs.

Some of the officers here who became POWs in Java received cablegrams.

FRIDAY DEC 24

Christmas we and a half holiday. The patients from 55 kilo are

passing through daily. During the night we had another air-raid alarm

and soon afterwards we could hear the planes pass over a little to

the west. Mitchell of 2/29 Bn died and was buried by the usual 2/29 [[?personel]]

I spent my usual hour or more walking up and down the pde ground

thinking of Nancy and how she will be making Christmas happy for

our young ones, how they are now growing up, will they forget me and will

I see them next year. May God Bless by dear wife and children.

SATURDAY DEC 25

Christmas Day. I offered Mass and HC for "peace on earth to men of goodwill

knowing that Nancy and our dear ones will be doing the same. Dinner

consisted of rice and radish issued by the Japs and beans and split peas bought 

by the canteen. in all about 2/3 of a cup of vegetable stew. We made pudding

in the evening and sweetened it with our own chundegah. The concert party

put on a splendid pantomime.

SUNDAY DEC 26

Pellagra cases received a [[?high]] [[? lemon]] each. My batman foolishly

threw out about 1/3 of mine. Railway truck went past bearing many

 [[ ?]]of Jap bodies.

 

MONDAY DEC 27.

More newspapers arrived. We are pushing on with our arrangements 

for the move to Kanchanabrai. Special stretchers have to be made

for lying patients in the train. The Christian asked Cpl Maleno what

was his nickname among the POWs. We had previously told the

Christian quite frankly what it was but he was not quite satisfied

and had to ask the Cpl. The Cpl calls him "Holy Joe' and when

asked said that "The Christian" nickname was "Joe". The Christian asked

was "Joe" a good name. Certainly said the Cpl. There is Tojo, Joe Italia and Joe Curtain.

TUESDAY DEC 28.

Saw the Taicho and informed him that for 2 days now our ration

was rice and salt. How on earth they expect men to remain fit for

work on this ration is beyond me. Another air raid alarm.

WEDNESDAY DEC 29

Took over Camp Adjts job for the period of the move. CO & Hind

go on the first train. A very busy day.

THURSDAY DEC 30

The first draft was entrained according to plan at about 0830 hrs.

Reveille was at 0500 hrs and all baggage was searched principally 

for tools. 279 got away and all arrangements for the next days move had to be made.

FRIDAY DEC 31

The second draft got away satisfactorily. 239 men arrived from the

toils as fit workers. One man Roberts escaped from the train and 

took to the jungle. The deaths at the 55 totalled 351 and amputations at

100, 50 of whom died and are included in the 351 above.

SATURDAY JAN 1, 1944.

New Years day and a holiday. Our ration is still only raddish

and rice and with my sore tongue I can eat only a little raddish

with the rice. Mass at 1000 hrs and offered for my dear wife and

family. Another draft got away today and Major Kuman and 

had to crowd into 7 1/2 trucks, The Jap officer was annoyed when I expressed disapproval of this crowding of 45-50 men in a truck. Many men had to use crutches.

SUNDAY JAN 2

Another holiday and another draft successfully finished off.

Mass again at 1000 hrs. An entertaining concert was held but

by now all the Band has gone.

 

MONDAY JAN 3

The fifth draft moved out according to schedule. The Bug, Pats, Cl Varley

Punt and a batman arrived and have to go through with us. I worked

until about 0130 hrs after midnight and then packed.

TUESDAY JAN 4

After only 3 hours sleep I moved out with the last party. We had

only 10 carriages for 284 POWs including 24 lying cases who travel 8 to a truck plus 2 orderlys. We have 19 officers and Batmen and 2 Japs in our truck. Took a meal of boiled rice and salt which we ate while we were side-tracked at NIKI for some 4 hours. An American died and his body was

left with the POWs at NIKI for burial. Soon after dark we were issued

with another meal of rice, chips and fish. The fish could not be eaten.

 

WEDNESDAY JAN 5

Was able to snatch only a little sleep in cramped position, and

daylight found us tired and dirty. The line follows the MEKLONG

river and the scenery is very good. The river is broad and clear and the

line twists and turns along the bank. In places the line is cut into 

the face of high cliffs overlooking the river, some bridges are very large

and in general The Japs have completed a very difficult undertaking

over the ^dead bodies of thousands of POWs and Asiatic forced labour. The

nature of the country is considerably different from the jungle 

of Burma. The country is more open the vegetation is drier and

much smaller. All bamboo is quite small compared to the Burma

bamboo. Several eagles could be seen. The only settlements are those

built by the Japs. WE had no food issues but were able to

buy a few bananas late in the afternoon. We detrained alongside

the camp immediately after crossing a magnificent concrete

and steel bridge guarded by AA Guns. There was the usual tenko,

we were fed and allotted to our quarters.

THURSDAY JAN 6

Spent the day settling in Camps 1, 2 and 3 and some Dutch

and the so called BANGKOK hospital group are all here in our

camp, nearly 3000 men and already we are crowded. The camp however

is much superior to the jungle camps. The floors are single length, the

area is clean, equipment is much more reasonable there being

wooden tanks to hold the pumped water, plenty of air raid trenches

containers for fire fighters, disinfectant in the latrines, wood is

supplied by the Thais, a canteen and cooked foods is already functioning

swimming parades are permitted at 1000 and 1700 hrs daily,

injections against plague, cholera and typhoid are being given, spare

ground is used for growing vegetables, a duck farm, supplies

baked duck for 3 trekils, buppin tools are more plentiful, and

barbers are operating. I moved into permanent quarters near the orderly

room.

FRIDAY JAN 7

I have been appointed to command No 1 Camp ^(1091 in all) vice Col Ramsay who is commanding the whole camp. Ewart is my 2IC and Winn is my adjt. The Bug still remains as a visitor. More Dutch were brought

in temporarily I hope. Jap Guards are everywhere day and night. The

rations are much better and we are able to but a few eggs, bananas,

sugar etc from the Canteen. The atmosphere of the Camp is very

bright and we are exerting a steady pressure on the men to recover

some of their lost discipline, cleaner huts, kit layout, smarter pde

ground work saluting, etc. My pellagra is improving already.

SATURDAY JAN 8

Much trouble in getting some hundreds of men to unload rice. I

am having a swim every afternoon. D force workers we met ^there still

along the line, the remainders are Taies. Some British POWs of D force

are still in this camp building a railway memorial "A" force went to
Burma, B& C to Borneo, D to Thailand, E to Borneo, F to Thai, G to Japan, H to Thai.

 

SUNDAY JAN 9

Mass celebrated by Father Smith. The camp is situated on the 

rather broad flats of the MEKLONG. A range of hills about

600 feet high lay to the North East but for the rest the country 

is quite open to what we have been used to. Two ^railway bridges rather

old and the new one immediately north and are protected by AA Guards

whose crews are quartered on the south side of the railway. To the

west lies an extensive plantation which I believe are kapok trees.

The river is broad, fast and shallow. During swimming pde

today 2 long bamboo rafts each 50 yds in length went downstream

under the guidance of natives with poles. One had a small attape

shelter. To the south runs the lane to the town bordered by native hits.

MONDAY JAN 10

The Dutch walking cases marched out to our great relief. The Thais are

distinctives race again. They are much more sturdily built than 

the Burman or Malay, their womenfolk being particularly so. They have

large heads and big facial features. They seem friendly and smile

much more than the Malay. Bare footed and lightly clad they go about

their pursuits in the typical Asiatic languid fashion and seem

content to grow a few vegetables and some fruit and to keep poultry.

finished reading a splendidly written book "Letters of an Indian Judge to an English Gentleman" by ARVINO NEHRA.

TUESDAY JAN 11

Some planes went over in the early hours of the morning and caused

much excitement among the guards and the AA gunners. A Jap said

yesterday that all Koreans between the ages of 20 and 22 have been called

up for full fighting duties. Several guards have already left to become

soldiers. An English officer here said there were nearly 40000 Br POWs taken in Singapore. About 50,000 POWs Br, Aust and Dutch (15000) worked on this end of the line up to 248 kilos (NIKI) and of these 15000 died. Had my first sunbath. Am eating at least one egg, one banana and one lime daily.

WEDNESDAY JAN 12

There is an uninterrupted view of a full circle of the sky from here.

My study of the names of the stars will be much easier, especially when

the present full moon has waned. After dark a man from the original

British group here was caught in the act of getting through the fence

with a blanket and some clothing. The usual bashing, forcing a

confession and tenko took place but was interrupted by an air raid alarm.

THURSDAY JAN 13.

Brownbill died in hospital - our first death here. The cemetery is about

a kilo outside the camp. About 200 of the Anderson & Williams Force arrived

FRIDAY JAN 14

Attended conferences morning and afternoon. Air raid alarms are a daily

occurrance now, both at night and in daylight. Already time is hanging heavily

SATURDAY JAN 15.

Am reading Cecil Gerahty's "Road to Madrid". A Thai was chased away from the 
fence today and dropped pair of binoculars and a compass. The evening tenko had
to stand at attention one hour.

SUNDAY JAN 16

Cholera "rear" test. Mass at 1700 hrs. Am reading  Stamps World Geography

 

MONDAY JAN 17

There is no Red Cross sign anywhere inn this camp which could be seen

from the air. The Japs ordered the one sign we had displayed to be

removed because it was less than 1000 yds from an A.A. Gun defending

this bridge. This is a criminal act, because the gun's position is being

preferred to the lives of the POWs. Ewart has rigged up a shaded

lamp for our room. This should make for more comfort at night as

the nights are very tedious at present. Started to read Thorne Smith's

Topper series but I have returned the book to its owner as it is utter

trash. Pay Officers returned with pay in tickets.

TUESDAY JAN 18

Our coldest morning so far. Some officers here at present are the Brig,

Ramsay, Black, Coates, Eadie, Kerr, Barraclough, O'Brien, Cameron, Chalmers, 

Krantz, Hobbs, Fisher, Rowe, Meagher, Shaw, Jacobs, Kiernan, Harris, Hellyer, 

Green, Stringer, Ewart. Also Lieut LLoyd Burgess (navy) Smith (SSB). A visit 
to the amputations ward is not at all a pleasant experience. Most 
of these patients are doing well but some are rather ghastly. A Jap guard 
named Temoto is giving us a lot of bother. He shot a prisoner dead less than a year ago. I was able to buy 5 tins of fish for the jungle officers. 
Newspapers arrived and stated we have landed on New Br. Americans are officially 
the Chinese Army Service appointments.

WEDNESDAY JAN 19

Sgt Brennan agreed to owe me £2:5/- in place of the 3 doz bottles of

beer I won from him. Am reading Sabatini's "The Sword of Islam"

and "Winged Pharoh" author unknown. The AA Guns opened up on

a plane just before midnight. They have no searchlights so they

apparently threw up a curtain -of 6 shells.

THURSDAY JAN 20.

Gilmore died and will be buried tomorrow. Rice ration has been

reduced ^to 600 gms owing to the earlier wastage. The men are noticing the difference. The weather remains the same sunshine all day with hot afternoons and evenings and cold mornings. The view from the railway line of the great mountain ranges, dividing the country from Burma are

most picturesque. They tower grandly from north to south in a

succession of abrupt peaks turned to a beautiful blue by distance.

FRIDAY JAN 21

Attended burial of Carey's body 2/30 Bn. Three other bodies were buried.

Cemetery lies about a mile north. We passed through a village of the [[?]]

bamboo and attap huts, most very small, fowls, earthen water containers,

drying shelters and fish, naked children - and air raid shelter. The

people seemed mostly Chinese and poor. Recently one of our graves was

opened by the natives and the body robbed of its blanket. There are almost 250 graves, dating from July 43 of Br, Aust, NIA and Malay volunteers.

SATURDAY JAN 22

My pellagra seems to be quite gone. Wrote a letter card to Nancy - my 3rd

The jungle here is certainly of much lesser growth than in Burma. the ground is hard and stony Lantana and laburnum grow wildly in great profusion.

SUNDAY JAN 23

Mass & HC Father Smith is our only priest. Canteen purchases 12000 bananas instead of usual 3000. POWs played soccer match against guards who are in good

 

MONDAY Jan 24

The jungle on the nearby hills has been burning in different places for several nights now. The fire moves slowly and is rather

beautiful to watch as the nights are so dark now.  The view of the sky from 

here us almost 1800 in all directions and I am able

to make a study of the names of the various stars more easily than ever

before. There is still a lot of heavy fever about. The change in climate has intensified incidence.

TUESDAY JAN 25

No 2 Group kitchen caught on fire but little damage was done. I discovered

that I had had a tape worm 12 inches long. It is a disgusting revelation. The

eggs are eaten with ones food - here the necessity to cook and sterilise

all foodstuffs before eating. The Japs have asked for the numbers of various trades and professions. It looks like a trip to Japan for certain technician. We are also commanded to write a report on our work experiences and impressions during the war. Shared a baked duck with Ewart & Lahir.

WEDNESDAY JAN 26

Took a dose of salts and as a result my interior is completely

upset. Newspaper for 8.11 and 13 Jan arrived. One article of an interview

by Nip correspondent with Goebels indicates that the Axis Powers

are facing a crisis probably because of the Russian advances, the threat

of a Br invasion or the RAF bombings of German cities. A species 

of black bird a little large than our fantail is very numerous

about our camp and does particularly well in the vegetable

garden and near the latrines. Bats continue the good work at

night and burst up very close to ones face in the dark.

THURSDAY JAN 27

A holiday. Bangkok staff moved off. I read the prayers at a funeral of

a Dutch Catholic. Father Smith marched out with the Hospital staff and

before leaving asked that a Catholic Officer or OR should officiate at

Catholic burials rather than a Protestant Chaplain. At the conclusion

of the ceremony the Dutch Officer Capt Boorweg stood at the foot of

the grave and thanked the dead man by name "for the services you

have rendered to the Dutch Neth Ind. Army. May you rest in peace"

and then he thanked the AIF "for the last service rendered to Johann

Canesolman" and me for officiating. We concluded with a swim. Jap guard included.

FRIDAY JAN 28

Our first consignment of live beef arrived and was put in the

kraal. The evening stew gave definite promise of being better under this

new meat supply scheme. The dreadful uncertainty of this hope and

how long more it will last drives one almost to despair. Sometimes

I feel that I will never see my wife and family again, or that it will be

so long since I have seen them that they will be completely changed. Despair is a new experience for me and I find it grim, horribly unpleasant and hopeless

SATURDAY JAN 29

Plague rats have been discovered in the town. CO has decided that a

Chaplain must conduct HC burials. I explained our case without avail

SUNDAY JAN 30

An ordinary working day, and a very busy one for us as Gp Comdr.

 

MONDAY Jan 31

Heard a story about "Einstein, a Jap Guard who is a mathematical

wonder. He finds multiplication rather a strain and has to make

several attempts to calculate the number of men under his charge.

After arriving at several different answers he asks the POW official

in charge "OK Ka"? "Yes OK and off they go. As they march along

he apparently has certain misgivings, halts the squad wherever
they may be and goes through the same check again. I prepared

some fish, eggs, lemons and candles for the officers of our force at

105 kilo. Started PT. yesterday and feel much better for it.

TUESDAY FEB 1

Rex Saliers birthday. At daylight I heard the "Happy Birthday"

song from his hut. Pigs, ducks and goats came in today, for ultimate

use as rations. My usual day now is reveille and tenko at daylight, breakfast, shave, read geography, inspect huts or cleaning area, administrative

affairs, sunbath, PT, bath, lunch, read history, orderly rooms, bridge,

reading novel etc, meal, tenko, bridge and then to bed at 2200 hrs.

WEDNESDAY FEB 2

Am reading Linklaters " The Man on my back". Two mental cases have been brought in and put in the Jap Guard House. One is AIF, the other N.I.A.

Finance officers went off taking our box of tinned fish, eggs and lemons

to our officer at the 105.

THURSDAY FEB 3

The AIF mental patient escaped and the camp was

turned inside out in the endeavour to find him.

FRIDAY FEB 4

Developed fever symptoms during the day. The lower part of my body and my legs began to ache and I went to

bed after handing over my duties to Ewart. A reconnaissance

plane appeared overhead during the afternoon and

the AA Guns opened up on it.

SATURDAY FEB 5

I feel much better but am still in bed knowing

that this apparent recovery is but a symptom of the second

day of fever.

SUNDAY FEB 6

Had a really dreadful day after a restless night. I ached

all over until 1130 hrs when I began to shiver. A

sweater, blanket, valise cover and greatcoat made no

difference for an hour. When this abated I retched

half a dozen times. For the rest of the day I sweated

but felt a little better in the evening. Started on

6 quinine tablets a day.

 

 

 

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