Diaries of John Kevin Lloyd - Part 23

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

Page 1 / 10

inday TANG. ast clebraba by Father tmith. The camp is sibuated on the rather broad never flat of the MEKLONG. Arang of bills abou 600 feet hugh day to the worth cast but for the last county is quite open to what we have buntused to two int gold and the new are immediately worth and are probecty by AABu whose ciews are quarterd on the North syde of the railury to the wvest bes an extursive plantation which I believe are lafish bru The river is broad, fary and shallow. During swinimen phe ftoday 2 long bambor rapt each 50yds in length went dsdenstend ander the guidance of natures with pole, one had a wall ate suelter. Io the routh tuns the lave to the tower boidired by native unt MeNOATTANIS the Dubh walking case marched out, to om great intrif. the thais an a distivetive case again. They are much more sterdily built, than the Bueman a ralay, their wominfoll being particularily so. They have large heads and big lacine peatures they rumn fruvsly and sunl itch man than te Malay & Bare foobd and lightly clad they go abou their pursut in the bypcae ariabl langid hartion and lee abent to giow a pine negebably and some put and to bup pouthe liished reading a splendedly wirthen book letter of an Indian Judge to in gish Gentlewaman by AAVIND UEHRA. ORSOAT HANII tame planes went over in the early heres of the morning and caunet ich excitement arong the guards and the AA guirous. A gap said yesterday that all Horans between the ages of 20 and 22 have been called fer bull fighters dutis. Several guards have already lett to bua woldiers. An Engelsh Ippren here said their were nearly 40,000 B P0 Ws taken in tuapore about 50,000 P0Ws By anst and Dubil (15000) worked in this und of the line up to 248 bilos (VIXI) and of these 15,000 diea. Had jrrst sunbath ain eating at bast one egg ae warane are are time daily WROUEO VVI there is an uninterrupted view of a full cule of the stay from here by study of te names of stars will be much casier, especially when tthe present full moon has warred apter dark a man prom the onaines Bribish granp here was caught in the act of getting the ough the fence with a blankes and some clothing the unual bathing foring a coupersion and tihs hoon pease but was interrupted by andan ala alaiin THURSDAL TANI3 Brownbill died in hospital. on first death tere, the cumtiy is about hils oubde the camp about 200 of the anderion, Williams Youn arrivg FRIOAY TAN IA attended confines worning and afternoon an raid alari are a daily securance now, thoth at night a in daylight. Already him is hanging erearly SATURORY TANIS. am readug Cecil Gerablys Road. to lladred? A thor was chared away from t case today ana deopped part of a binoculars and a compas. the evening to sb SUOA SA to shavd at attention are be stee rear tert. Uars at 1700 hes Am heading Htamps Weild hiane O SANIL There is no red aaso sign anywhere in his caurh which cente be sea carn the air. The paps orderd the one sign we bad displand to be mnoved because it was less than $1000 yds from an H.A. Gern defende his bridge. This is a cuminal act, because. The gun's position is being peeferva to the lives of the PO.W. awart has ngard up a shades wisp to our woomn. Thus whould make for wore cernfort at night a the nights are very tetions at present started to read than liishng sopper series int I have returned the book bo its owner as it is rither ask day officers returned with pay in lickelo TUESDAY PANIIE One coldest morning so far time offree here at prsent are the Rar amsay Blark Coaks, Eade, Kerr. Barrailough, OBrien, Kamua, Cholma bant Hobbs, Fisher Lowe, Meaghy Shaw, Jacobs Kiernan, Harris, Helly tesen Theinge Ewart. also lunt Lloyd Bengeas (navy) luith (58B). a visit to the amprtations wad is not at all a pleasant experience Most these patients are doing well but some are rather aliabtly. a jap guer vaed semeto is givng us a lot of bother. He it st a purson dead thiss than a year ago. I was able to buy 5 hurs of fish for the jungle officers Wespapen arlised doe stated we have landed on New Br awunan are officine the Chirrise Arry Lenia appointment WEONESOAL FAN19 Gat Bunnan agreed to owe me £2.0t in place of the 3 doy bottle I ee I was from hum am reading tabatin is The lwand of Iean and winged Pharch authorunblonen. The AA cuns opens up on I heave gust before undnight they have no searblights is they appaietly them up a curtain - of 6 shells. THURSDAL TAW 2S. diet and will be buried tomarrow. Areration has been Filran whind, o ing to the earlier wastore. The men are noticing the differn the weather remain the same suniture all doy with hat afternoonn and evening and cold woining the view from the laileway live of the great mountain langes dividing this aburibey Lan Bluma ar anost picturisgue. They hower gianaly from wiith to south in a snccersion of ablept paks dimmed to a beautiful blue by desran FRIDAY TANSI attended teeveral of hany's body 20 h. Then other bodies were buried bembey bes about a mile north We hasa though a village of the nouse bambooand atap hirk, most very swall, joils, earther water containes, drying chellies and pirly nabed children and an eard thilters the pople seeid meatly chirise ane pour Recently one of our graves was open by the natives and the body robbed of its blanked. There are aboe 250 graves, dating from July 43 of Be, Arrot. NI dave Uslay Valumber BATROAI TANE2 dy pettagea seems to be quite gone, Whote a letter card to Vancy in the sngle here is certainly of whuch lesser growth than in Buinna. The grate had and stoney. tantane and tabuniu grow wildly in guat profusion SUNDAT sha with is onr only preest Carrtin fr match again
LONDAT TAN 24 the jungle on the nearly hills has been burning in differin places for several nights now. The fire moves stowly and is wll beautiful to watch as the nights are so dark now. The view o the stay from here is almest 160 in all dections and I am abl to make a stly of the vames of the varieus soais were easily than er lase. There is still a let of heavy five about the changean chirate bas E3DAT TAN25 interisified the ierding No2 Giorp Bibeben caughten five but littley dang was done I discovited of that I had had a take worm 12inches long. It is a disgusting revalation. The taggs ar eater with ours food -benng the necessify to cook or stuites fall foodshipp before eating. The gaps have asked for the numbers of various hades and pofissions. It cooks upe a hit to Japer for cutaer bha We are also commandd to write a report on our wait; experiences and impressions during the war thand a bald duck with Ewart & tatier WEONESON TANE rook a dose of salks and as a usull my interior is complibl poet- Herspaper for 8.1 ave 13 yau arive. the article of an inturc daf corrispr tnt with Hibels indreates that me axis bewng facing a cusis, probable because of the Rirasian advances, the thrat a By invanion or the RAF bambings of Humnan cities a speeres black bid a little large than our fantare is very immrsns about our camp and does particulane will in the vigebabl garden and war the latures. Bats continue the good work at night and buush up very close to aris face in the darks. THURSO JAN 22 a holiday. Baughoh stalf worrd off. I read the peases at a funeral of a Dubch Cathstie. Father Wwith marched out with the Hospital Htaffand before leaving asked that a Cathobe office or OR showed officiate a watholic bulrels rather than a Piotestand Chaplain. At the conclusinn the ceremerry the lutch officer Capt Boarweg, stood at the fort of the geave and thanked the dead man by neme "fo the sevices you have rendered to the Hutch With End drnry May you restir pra and then he thanked the A1F for the last service undered to gonanne Cenesalman and me for officialing. We concluded with a swimI guard initudic. RIDAY TAN 28 our jirst consignment of live beet arrived and wa put in the heave. The evening shew gave definibed promise of being bether under thro new meat supply rebeive. The dreadful uncertainly of this like in how eon wer it will last deiver one almost to despair. hane him I feel that I will never fee my wife and family again on that it will be so long since & have veen thim that the will be completely changet. Despon is a new expeence for me are I fine it grun, hosebly umpleasent me hopl SATURDNY TAY 29 Plague rat have been discovered in the borren. CO hus devided that bbaplain unisl condrct RC buuals. I expearned oe case without avail SUNDAY SAN3O an ordinary working day, and a very lang are for me as up bounde MONOAY TAN 31 Heard a story about "Eirstein, a fap Grard who is a matherabi wonder. He finds miltipleation rather a stearn and has to make swere attumpte to calcutabe he number of men unie his charge answers the asks the Powoffien after arriving at several diftere I carge OK h yes Ok and off they go. As they wrich alo appliently was celtain misgivings, balt the sghad wherever they was be and goes through the same chek again I prepard same fish, eggs, lemens and candly for the officers of our fare at 105 Kild. Harved P.T yesteday and feel murn bether for it W WUESDAY FEBI. sex taters buthday at daylight I peard the Happy Buthe rong from his but. Pigs, dack and goot came in today, for enhrivabe ure as lations. My usual day now is revcille and tinks all daylight wuah fast, shave, read geoglably, inspect buts or chaning ara, adminitalive apfairs, suntall or bath lily read histoy adnl roan budge reading novil itc, nual, hinbso, bridge and then to bid at 2200dry WEOUESDN FEB2 an wadong tentlaters The denon my back two mental cases have bun brought in and put in Mr pap Gund House. Are is AIE, theother M.A. tance offreen went off taking our box of hned fish, eggs and lemon to omr ofthen at the 105. CHensOAFe the st mental patient excaped are the camp was buened inride out in the endeworn to fine him. KWDAY EEBA Develaped fewer symptons during the day. The tawen fat my body onld my leg began to abe arld I went to bid after banding ar my duter to bwart. a reconser plan appeard overhead during te apterson and the HA tur opened up on it. SAWUROATFERE I feel much better, but am still in bid boy that his apparent ancovery is but a symptom of me si day of fevr SUOAT EEO6 Had a lally dreadhue day after a restlens night. I acted all over untie 10ths when I began to sherer. a sweatn, blankel, valise cover and greateval made no difference for an hom, wher the ababy I retehed half a dozen times. In ooe resy of we day I seveated but fill a little bitte in the evening. Started an 6guinine tabechs a day
MONONY EER and amable to eat a am ou the road to recovery little- There vewspapers arrived, in which was the greatest anr menyharsed that kouse was an open as ooh place over N.W. Mumarry and wattle of the war is rymgud that Ribbenkop met two Butish officials in the orrenner for a discussion of a reparite grace. TUESDAY FEB.S. tancys biithday annieracy. God Blus her and teep her rate and well and happyI am still unpioving an am will able to rat stew and a few eggs and barans despire tor quinine, am reading a sptundedly withen antobrograply by augen de Pavitsch entibled by search of complication. It is the story of a Russian for existence and is most absabing. repreaces WHOUESDATEEDG the mentally dificint Pow who escaped from the guard house gave homself up about 5 days ago, about a wll bren the camp. I am stell unfroving but feel ia the depressed. Nany unlt and untily building, are bey willed asey and several large tut, are bun evekd to cccanouse another 1500 inc in this warren UASDAT FEB 1O th chary which I misplaged about 10 days ago burdn today. Had our first shown of rain cruing the night and a wiild day with pleasant breeks answer. Despite the gat heavy putuere io put more warkers we held a chrick pd and a concert. FAWAY FER. II name etter warre of plannment over in the early ham of the morning the gunrs fired in the last three waves and of cornad wome everybody in the camp. Pieces of shupel fill in the guri but no are was hurt Pun retarned from the jungle and painted a very gloory picture of condidions there. The food ona impraed, basking is rile and many are rick. Men are dying at the rate of one sach day. Inance He has been abolished, SATURDAY FEE fanstill offarity but improving daily. Am reading the Hero of HERAT anto unbusuon a mignificient Bingfisher has glaced on camp with his poumer. The olne is recieved with a whibe therat black buast and bunen body. two little tits rooited on a bury under a baf just oubside my room. They remained buddled together and quite matisntess. Buts like plover but a little large and with a call like a minan parral vowel and billed on a rhsune of loas enil SUNPAY EEB 13 bamp had be be especially charnd up for a double inspiction No bhunch Pdis, but a corrent was held in the evening NONOAT FEBIH I am stell off duty and now on my suent day of a bnise of peashogain. Harted a study of Japan Lingnage again. I sums quite definite that 2600 men are to go bo Jaban bisin this Branch. The Bnng is to goin the other sunior officer in apeil TEEDAY FERIE too letter were brought dowen from 100 bits by the sconate offices- but usue for me. Rex received my and his wifeaad thereoy were well as far back as July 42. There are $30000 other lrtons amwhere about so I shill have beene b man wtabes our ca aa no as that will sent in Dic42 were recuved in geb 43. being ves of me arre more year later Newspapen state Anguitin was withdeanen its ambarsadee from Hapan, fighting in Etaly heavy 30unles south of Rome and Russian kop are will wito Polant WEDNESDAT FEB 16 awther on asd over night. Lome t wayes pessed ovr but on the first wave was find upon. Banghok unst be a very dangewis spat latily. This plumaquure makes one dudiy very hearly. Laiigd duing the monting and he whole camn area is a sea of stieby wnd God beep us in the really aned raron. THURSDAYFEB) nam natives with thenr wives and families are being mon from ralay to work camp along the line bouditier surt be bad in uelaya with so little food and so many indersbries iall. The fighting up with in Burnny has us gueasing at prisent. Tinergl kawabe referred to it in his went sspeech and reemed to be supriesing sonething wounded have come through here apparenty from hus ipbere. EBIDAL EEB 18 starked drty again, as I have complitad my course if adremn and feel quite well again bhanged one wutue fu mat into tickels. My writsherrgth is 679/& 191 in bespitol). SATURDAL FER 19 attended another funeral today. 2 bodies. Had a dibiabitture wween afterwards t ver just alrived apter tinke to bery the body of a Derbelrman whom we burried in the afternoon. Inadnital I have never sun such a body just a shilitin with shynon it sought a shirt, shows, and a pan of garters, am reading Pearl Brick Good Earth amiuns received a fen litters dated lept 1943. EUNDAY FEE 20 went to wase & Hal Commnien at 1700 ln and received geneal absalution without confession. Rex has another bast attach of fewr
December 15 Comts. 35.35 daain at Wansracers o mamily a gesure as thie was ou little o do. I Tming evening Col. Bull showed me aseveral liss Depared br Mar. Weson RH/C. Sin. Camp./D. assibiiation Nauthoutis re amtte pombilish of panation I amemployed do. Tetaken in France) and o. nor officer an to be given proterence and hel places in Lapanth ffore henors and morkind -partis billfo amongus. lsiongs thore Jo ombly repatiation are liste older ten with tamilis a senor rank. I'm one but I think chances are munte December 16 Savids Int brthday Tosday. God bless his Cible heart knd pon. not give to be with had and him and the kids. He Cyust be a five lible chap by now. Lew. Longmore, cilebrafs anversing to his maniage 60 Read BOuton? Today
October Last nights concent brought results trarations. Shill the channel. Through siving- Iridgeat Lown of Chalces Gunter in as Kamina Voula, then timed fears and uside boom at Spenne Haliden dish Throng lift to Kens 1242 othn 56 October slnbede D aamabn later andce have comp 2434 n es aensi bin illibus, Athens not in the same Street 4 s Ee aoni claied he aber laid in Arag wen trig 1442 ines ide
MoNDAT MAR 2- MoNOAV MAR2 450 men left today for Japen with Tumver, Phullips and shupart an cap shength is now 4300 a more den distince for fapen have phe heat is berrible. We water in my reares get quite warm. bating is been filtuing dowen begin the jungle, almost daily. We send away abe witheriel. Life beauns almost unbea abl in the appenoen. Yarrred 10o bchnicans to the other wie of Kantorn. We are shell make with the anan Vyor Rosers of a Lixas artilley Kn. He we meparation for the suing of dilpt of men to Japen via Largan pnrteristed in private life in the sall of Metane, a liquid which The burres are to be 150 sty lid f officer wapories into a gar when wband from high pessure and TUESDAY RtREI pebondes the gao for domishe and commec a ue toughout mast a perade for medical inspection by Gap officer was hall in the hest of the of the 9st apipelin carries this gas hr liscas to blinago B00 day and as if corresponded with a visit & a pap tenual the confursed miles a sapalate pipetine carries oil the same distance was awhore. I hak disorder when onn cand to easily be maintaned, (LUESOAY NAREE I watchd a clory of vulture daning about in a swall gip an a me anatter 255 men marched out for faper induding, over 20 2/29 field soue 550 men marched in innxpectedly of conise, on their way to gop mn Officer were bangbell Smith Boibe Hynn ar lebalmes this makes us 4000 thong-ane we are crawdrd Honbee marched in late andersion Loore, Harillon, Geevelle. In whatean WEOUESOV IARE amn making up a nomind roll of 2/19 kn pusanl who left bhang (their) Knly was stuch i hum by Waragard for n lason fat all Officer pay was received boday - a faoight carlier than usual with me, some 164 in all WEONESPAL MR' 2 HURSONY MARE integderced, an ien bar about 25 lhsin weight unto my P.t warte atoledg with the usual thanch Pde and corrent the Wiyard of Hbe Ishe is about to bar us and a majer as to take canmand was cetaily the most ameition play yet attempted and was ag bamp sheength is now about 4400 ane small parky of men success. We are preparing for a move of the Japernae party all the alles continue to march in. I am taking my swenin FRLOAY MARLL senousl now - it was be equired later. the taken perty are to move in 27 120 tea, 900 at a time. The anto be quarts together to be intng pirod there pey at THURSOAY MAA30 tenke as maw at 0615 his ustead of 0830 hes. A hoteday. The treat be in you thris time I nehelf will be exchansed for you and thain wolso bod toda. A slight bruze wtakes life more bearable. I bought enyi to be taken to Japerr, the fapr are organtiony thi faur american Dollar as a recivenie. Heard that all the gap parties are ove wthout before to us. as a resnet confuster engng infre thy produced completd rolls and ther starbed to chick a to waiting in a sloaing camp near Bamping appatently no whether these prople were available a not mary of them are have lelt for gapen as yet. The cencat was up to its husual awailable, some are still in the mungle other are sick a i standard inleding the Thru litke pirhas CERIDAY MARSI other camps at Kanbure. Then they overloshed the men for obv my desual day is now as follows well at 07445, tenko 0815 bealefe inapacity such as age ulees color itc. I have bere shave, write dary, read a few pioyer, atter to tap mather, insput spent such a cenfiring time Every wan in camp had be of biss read a book, PT or pumphase bath lurely read hisbar move his quarter because they want the gap baity to live nlovie, bridge evening noal, hinks, yoi or walk upand distn together until they leave here ade count the heatane dist are steadly busing were wexl him SARURDNT MAR25, wee inedically examined ty Japs. Henbe is teying to gan recognition tmall bodys of POW. continue to warch into the gunt 1500 letter we new sorbed and in the persession of the gap intiputher for from everywhere adding to the genural confusion. The men censiting who are to go away whe blood firted for welana and terfy SATURDAYAP They are some good were matehs playced ocemonally in i chin for choleed are then issayd with book, socks, pheky thart dust. Began to read Priestlys English fordy but disearted i in favou cothon shert cother singly tme without buthen. Dubch hat of Jonothen Drew Hochr and lake visitd the cunp but not to altred planes overheal for a long while dayn th gether. a very wilcame showe of rain fill just after lights out afternol SUNORY wth 26 150 then had by bamn sirt at 0300 by to unload baggage fr LUNDATAPRE. atterdor to purne of 3 bodies of 41t. the cametey is now looking will can a tearn. Honbe clard ond frm 105 hils camp in Burbera apt fer I bodes umburied in the far 2 giave in howg and one in the new funkso the railway was bombed and iged. The Powsen the heam wul heare that tempratures in the shode recetly registend went up to 1100 I Vgere an to Kanbure. The evening awien perode was cancelled by the guard althe a pass was issued by the office. Campbell & Henneasy arrived. The matives in arrived. the nearly villoge tt milch sengand dance during the iugh
4 September feceived you more letter this morning heree from Glad and one from Ron Worky, one of d's consanning Agrand little partnit of David I eight Hih showing and several others emosing the dates were Repil 14 2 June #30 Apil 4th David's prots; hope that others half, reached ne? Lowe time, since receiving letters from me, wohn a Marke bull A beaus evenying Ok. letter written on side only, told letter chance Sacking thnough that way June 4th I that Dax received K. Nard cards a 3 letter from me, latest dated Dec. 18th) letter from Julie in Adelaid Bgas lixed ther fen Cowden in amn Ms. I heve a balry a New days old. This munning his gston to o te must e n te how now. (ad los me still. June 30 _ Whole batcly of my Plutters had anived told ae she had sent a seable through Vntican on s t th sume ched me 1t July. Sent off Parsel a few wrete before toh not atoed no Ingrams. This I genn. 1 me Ihat received an [D. Hashad lonnge. enite recovered. Mark talks of me always as Dear old Jaddy Ea "Eor old Dad"! [Faid not ttalking itt, und then all Fon me sill Ron's was written Jume 28th and deat mainly with Tness tgs at the Iam, which were quite andring all about Othuir Spirts Day. He diopper into a n hutl in Invenues for a quick be and mespn Australian, who taed out to be a trethew of the Mation at the Sam. wrote out a note for 3hag Ccomplaining of my pay him lat down already, September Nothing to report except. that 2 put in a second riquest for transped to Haly Or sisraid alarm at 2315 his. all clear at 00a5hs. Clondy night, a few planes above clonds to north of us, some Ad fire and pomnbly a lioml or two, but nohing weriking o
Sunday September 3 20 1242 On this date two years ago, Glad said geodlys to me at the gates of Htham Camp after luing come ut with me dud o/ yole and FrankW. The last I had see of the kids was Jms wishul libleface preesed against the glass of his beat room idow. Bill tst was in to day for the C.G.C. sevice told me that Col. Bill had been shifted to glag 43. Wiote letter and card to glad, and card to Boxshalls. 3 September 21 p6.30 and i to 112 V0 get final check on glamns. Saw the lads, who ard all in pms, Cough Allan 3. appears rather him and pale. Wehire hill of beans as nsnal and ong wasigolly idn and slippid me two indo Ha tobans Contission.e Cam back at about 3 o'clock the local mothers must think me a bit 9e. a0 because I always gin at the kids in thil prams - t remuth me of my own divee little Cenors. OGot a Jame ford David, and he looks grandI Rommandant buggening about with the letter irmus. letters and cants brought to us to day — uncertain how many - have to be away dby 1smonow, soI wrote letter to Red cards to thum & dad & 6o Ton Worthy Befor Tippe show 33l alleged to have asked mend to keepcliar of any raids to avoid reprisals. 14 do
mover n MoNVNTMAY Brigd said "Good Aye. Tuns officers of all nationalities and seeviers I am suffering hism a bad attack of dinrrhoia. I ackwer attended a very briit favwell Hbots Ramsan & andon spoke and thy as the day dlawes Sir! I am unable to attend the cornert but sngiptied Lt bol Redring, Pale and de Boer NEI Sharpe of W34 Hamilton, Eodi can war the musie from my bid as usual the andienai Att. howe of Navy hrt of RAAF. The Brig left immadiabile after lurich torsughe appreciatitee. ad was seerched thorughty. papers other then pay-book and TUESDAY MAY lletters from home were colfiscake. Why should the Japanise be soanki Had a very bad maht. I had bo visit the lature absut tho prevint him from taking away repoct notes etc? Young with Mays were han. This take continued all day. I am feeling washoptehmat of NE1 who commanded 1000 Dubch at the Rivervalley camp in sirt and very sorry for myself Had, 2 dory of salls ond last tingalose at the same time as Pond was there with 2/29 Bor. evening and ther do buot wabl wathers better. The gute pain WESDA MAYS Up are ensuig that PoW do not infor the tile compound by irining are the worsh the no gave me some tablet late at wight thene ar bands snly to there few who they feet are requiree. Yesterday and We da shold quiten me douen about 300 litter came in still am for in lter the sA battery hirel on an plany and shropwell fell withon WEOUESDAY NAY3 Ifeel ever so much better and have had 3 more tablets to sittle doing any damaget Harked saying the Robary every night now. In the trst my uphecls infroved steadily all dry long Father teny ara of evering I came across seme 8 favenise rtting in a crule and praying will vergut arrivd for a hew days sojouin. A little more maie alrivd (amage leade who went on and ser in a sobbiry voice, probablye Nishammesan he from a PoW whs came here for pay for the 23 bls personnel the WEONESDAY NAY1O ather midday wal the faps deseesed on the camp in guat number stan went through pabably to the 63 and conducted a thorough search I lest all my were and a boule TRSOAY MYD the two priegts and Myer Datey were suddeeitly ordered to pactnpt which was under my beed. Tools and papers, were confiscatd. I went and wetere their camp. This camp cande is very anjy that heswhy they are so anxious about papies? Received a chalereingrhi Just after light out the camp was but by the worst stain yet. faner should have couse to this camp without his arking for them ar THURSDAY MAY II huefore they must get out immediately and we were exprcting to trece more reaso able treatment in view of the recontation of conce Ham sead taunds John o the green. Very little damage was dimide the storn for an will being anyhow most of us live able to go to laps retuned all knies -100 of them, Lunt Varley was saken to Kanburi continsion. Lome a pigs escaped whilst being deven from a you fin connecton with the arreat of Carts who has been engaged in ilticit hi t another and 200 min here turned ant to beat the bush for ERIDAY MAY 12 am reating an lend of the Hours by td. Thempson discuting the them. I am not concened because of this loss as we receive ns burifi whateoever from the farmyard only huigh smells rats and alst of Capharent declirie of te pown and pusbige in India pehs are trouble. I am improving steadrly. The breat at night is terrifie. Maje making further inquiries wlto the sale of gold ete for the benefit of Red kross kinds as disclosed by barto. Drown borrowd a gramaphan drcen is warhare warage to HAVLDWys in Peath ERIDAY MATS from the wips and we hard some good musie the first him for 2y am reading Henry W. Nevisan's In the dark backward Glarree I was watching a glorious sunset at the same time as the gainaph was playing and Prinist say & was shangely appectd by a mostalgia for through an antholory of rong. werse but it was disappointing the bent exhin hei was Lurnysons "George 111 a satue on his death A2 Camp was charised SATURDAY IAY B. and over 450 Dubch alre 70odd amuicans marched in here. This inctuded a Received au sirse of red cwns comforts - martant 320 h, green peas 308, may he tharf an 115 Duph officers a secce plane was live on and we 17 will pewder 308 hamses, bisciits 45, coffer 10 gain 154 soap calees 1562, soof him 13, Agathes 96400, bians vag 6, permb3, Augan o selad one ais, tobares t all are still here 2ooyds from the glirs and bridge dispite oi protests. The sit for 3100 men Irs Carry and Verguil arrived today, the famer to stay we are who quanneed 2 there of the fings recaptured wens back on his word and gave pleased to lean. The mansoonal rains have started. The Jops are wtill shewing usonly 2 a peg out of 4. SANROAT Ae rigns of a diire to abide morewth infinational custorrs concuning tuatu thans went once at 0500 and 345 M. Turnn of POWs as they have agreed to an edrcational reheuve are to the haining of carpente rving to the inistance of chalers up then. ane timmiths and have agreed to the erection of a church hall Took bun 2/ 1 oaars SUNDAY MAY 14 SUnDAY MAYI Heare from Camphell lmith that pap party are in Largur, quarter have 5 sewvince another witdoy Mrs was postpars howr before wuah port wabe lard on, food vent ever, Jap batmint bather, little waik, antinpate more ensa rurtil apter evenin benks. I attended and receive HC. We have new been orderd to disclere and prpary a lest of all valuably held and an forbis ige warned to be ready to move No315 bch casualtin to 30 apr an 1970 out of 11824 to cac other without appovae of Jat HC Istell Am
October 20 Dr00 aras b and marched about 2 miles to camp our personnal as at okinia, lers Hrank E and Bas plus Slay hambe ad ridet po Now o foms ands tell itches and 0 is my October 2) Stent. at delousing. centre I morning: Dars were them e taken and Saiven 1899 (Gesangenennummnr, hne is Went into another barack on our return 42 Oct. 27 in that

Sunday JAN 9

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

rather broad river 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, the

old and the new are immediately North and are protected by AA guns

where crews are quartered on the North 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 50yds in length went downstream

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

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

MONDAY JAN 10

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

a distinctive race again. They are much more sturdily built than

the Burman or Malay, their women folk 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 Gentlewoman" by ARVIND NEHRA.

TUESDAY JAN 11

Some planes went over in the early 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 40,000 Br POWs taken

in Singapore. About 50,000 POWs Br, Aust and Dutch (15,000) worked on

this end of the line up to 248 kilos (NIWI) and of these 15,000 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 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

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

SATURDAY JAN 15

Am reading Cecil Geraghty's "Road to Madrid". A Thai was chased away from N

fence today and dropped part of a binoculars and a compass. The evening 
tenko had to stand to 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 in 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 positions is being

preferred to the lives of the P.O.Ws. 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 Thomas Smiths

"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. Senior officers here at present are the Brig.

Ramsey, Black, Coates, Eadie, Kerr, Barraclough, OBrien, Morrison, Chalmers

Krantz, Hobbs, Fisher, Lowe, Meagher, Shaw, Jacobs, Kiernan, Harris, Hellyer,
Green, Stringer, Ewart. Also Hunt, Lloyd Bingers (navy) Smith (SSB). A visit 

to the amputations ward is not at all 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 offering

the Chinese Army senior appointments.

WEDNESDAY JAN 19

Sgt Bunnan 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.

Gilmour 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 this country from Burma are

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

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

FRIDAY JAN 21

Attended funeral of Carey's body 2/30 Bn. There other bodies were buried.

Cemetery lies about a mile north. We passed through a village of the usual

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

drying chilies and fish, naked children - and air raid shelters. 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 about

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 stoney. Lantana and laburnum grow wildly in great profusion.

SUNDAY JAN 23

Mass & HC. Father Smith is our only priest. Canteen purchased 12000 bananas

instead of the usual 3000. POWs played soccer match against guards who are vy 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 is almost 180° 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 the 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 - hence the necessity to cook or 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 technicians.

We are also commanded to write a report on our work experiences and 

impressions  during the war. Shared a baked duck with Ewart & Sabin.
WEDNESDAY JAN 26

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

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

by Nip Correspondents 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 larger 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 brush 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 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 Boarweg, 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 Johanne

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

FRIDAY JAN 28

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

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

new meal supply scheme. The dreadful uncertainty of this life 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 RC burials. I explained our case without avail.

SUNDAY JAN 30

An ordinary working day, and a very busy one for me 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 officer

in charge 'OK ba"? " 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 Sabiers 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 clearing area, administrative 
affairs, sunbath & PT, bath, lunch, read history, orderly room, 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.
[[mance?]] officers went off taking our box of tinned fish, eggs and lemons
to our officers 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 of 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.

 

MONDAY FEB 7

Am on the road to recovery and am able to eat a

little. There newspapers arrived in which was 

mentioned that Reims was an open city " The greatest air

battle of the war " took place over N.W. Germany and it

is rumoured that Ribbentrop met two British officials

in the Pyrennes for a discussion of a separate peace.

TUESDAY FEB 8

Nancy's birthday anniversary. God Bless her and keep

her safe and well and happy. Am still improving and

am still able to eat stew and a few eggs and 

bananas despite the quinine. am reading a splendidly 

written autobiography by Eugene de Savitsch entitled 

“In search of complications”. It is the story of a Russian

refugee's fight for existence and is most absorbing.

WEDNESDAY FEB 9

The mentally deficient POW who escaped from the Jap

guard house gave himself up about 5 days ago, about a mile

from the camp. I am still improving but feel rather

depressed. Many small and untidy buildings are being

pulled down and several large huts are being erected
to accommodate another 1500 men in this warren.
THURSDAY FEB 10
This diary which I misplaced about 10 days ago turned up
today. Had our first shower of rain during the night and 
a mild day with pleasant breezes ensued. Despite the Jap
heavy pressure to find more workers we held a church pde
and a concert.
FRIDAY FEB 11
Wave after wave of planes went over in the early hours of the
morning. The guns fired on the last three waves and of course
woke everybody in the camp. Pieces of shrapnel fell in the grounds
but no one was hurt. Parnl returned from the jungle and
painted a very gloomy picture of conditions there. The food had not
improved, bashing is rife and many are sick. Men are dying at
the rate of one each day. Shomu Ka has been abolished. 

SATURDAY FEB 12

I am still off duty but improving daily. Am reading "The Hero

of HERAT" author unknown. A magnificent kingfisher has 

graced our camp with his presence. The blue is relieved with a white

throat, black breast and brown body. Two little tits roosted on a twig

under a leaf just outside my room. They remained huddled together and 

quite motionless. Birds like plovers but a little larger and with a 

call like a minah parrot bowed and billed on a mound of loose earth.

SUNDAY FEB 13

Camp had to be especially cleaned up for a double inspection.

No Church Pdrs, , but a concert was held in the evening

MONDAY FEB 14

I am still off duty and now on my second day of a

course of plasmoquine. Started a study of Japan language 

again. It seems quite definite that 2600 men are to go to 

Japan from this Branch. The Brig is to join the other senior

officers in April.

TUESDAY FEB 15

2400 letters were brought down from 105 Kilo by the Economic

Officers - but none for me. Rex received one and his wife and 

Shirley were well as far back as July 42. There are 30000 other letters

somewhere about, so I still have hope. One man states  our cards

sent in Dec 42 were received in Feb 43. I hope so as that will

bring news of me one more year later. Newspapers state Argentina

has withdrawn its ambassador from Japan, fighting in Italy is 

heavy 30 miles south of Rome and Russian troops are well into 

Poland.

WEDNESDAY FEB 16

Another air raid over night. Some 5 waves passed over but only

the first wave was fired upon. Bangkok must be a very 

dangerous spot lately. This plasmoquine makes one dream

very heavily. Rained during the morning and the whole camp

area is a sea of sticky mud. God help us in the really wet

season.

THURSDAY FEB 17

Many natives with their wives and families are being moved

from Malay to work camps along the line. Conditions

must be bad in Malaya with so little food and so many
industries idle. The fighting up north in Burma has us
guessing at present. General Kawabe referred to it in his recent
speech and seemed to be supressing something. Wounded

have come through here apparently from this sphere..
FRIDAY FEB 18
Started duty again, as I have completed my course of medicine

and feel quite well again. Changed one rupee per man into 
tickets. My unit strength is 679 (+191 in hospital).

SATURDAY FEB 19
Attended another funeral today. 2 bodies. Had a delightful
swim afterwards.  Fr Van Gust arrived after tenko - to bury the

body of a Dutchman whom we buried in the afternoon. Incidentally
I have never seen such a body. just a skeleton with skin on it.
Bought a shirt, shoes, and a pair of gaiters, am reading Pearl Bucks
"Good Earth". Americans received a few letters dated Sept 1943.
SUNDAY FEB 20

Went to Mass & Holy Communion at 1700 hrs and received
general absolution without Confession. Rex has another bad
attack of fever

 

December 

15

Went across to Camp. 35-38 again.

mainly a gesture as there was very

little to do. During evening Col Bull

showed me several lists prepared

by Maj Weston RAMC Snr. Camp M.O
at instigation of authorities re remote

possibility of repatriation of unemployed.

MOs.. Men taken in France and other  

senior officers are to be given preference 

and their places in Lazarette Riviere

and working-parties filled by 'juniors'

among us. Amongst those for possible

repatriation are listed older men with 

families & senior rank. I'm one, but 

I think chances are remote.   

December 

16

David's first birthday To.day, God 

bless his little heart and soul. What

would I not give to be with Glad

and him and the Kids! He must

be a fine little chap by now.

Lew. Longmore celebrates first

anniversary of his marriage, too.

Read "Bretherton" To.day.

 

October 

2

Last night's concert brought results 

in extra rations. Still travelling up 

channel. Through swing-bridge at

Town of Chalcis ,further on past

Kamma Voula, then turned east and 

waited inside boom at opening of 

inlet to Voula while Italian destroyer

& hospital-ship came up through

boom in line ahead then left hospital-ship 
and went on.

Another beautiful day.

1942

Nothing new.

October 

3

Arrived at Salonika Marched 2 miles

to camp. Frank Gallash transported sick

and later went into hospital developing

jaundice

Oct 3-10 -- Stories of past treatment

and exploits of prisoners in

camp from some of the [[?nt]] who are

still here - Sinclair Sykes

Rations extremely thin - cigs v.v

short. Bed-bugs in their millions; Athens 

not in the same street.

Paid on 9th - new rates - excess over old

rates reclaimed ½ hr later

10th - Paid in all but 300 ∆ to be 

returned in Lagergeld at next 

camp.

1942 - Nothing of interest

 

MONDAY MAR 20

Our camp strength is now 4300 or more. Men destined for Japan have

been filtering down from the jungle almost daily. We sent away about

100 technicans to the other side of Kanburi. We are still making

preparations for the sending of drafts of men to Japan via Saigon.

The kurris are to be 150 strong under 1 officer.

TUESDAY MAR 21

A parade for medical inspection by Jap officer was here in the heat of the

day and as it corresponded with a visit by a Jap General the confusion

was awful. I hate disorder when order could so easily be maintained.

I watched a colony of vultures dancing about in a small group on a rice

field.  Some 550 men marched in, unexpectedly of course, on their way to Jap.

This makes us 4800 strong - and we are crowded.

WEDNESDAY MAR 22

Am making up a nominal roll of 2/29 Bn. personnel who left Changi

with me, some 164 in all

THURSDAY MAR 23

A holiday with the usual Church Pde and concert. The Wizard of Oz

was certainly the most ambitious play yet attempted and was a great

success. We are preparing for a move of the Japanese party.

FRIDAY MAR 24

The Japan party are to move on 27 & 28 Mar, 900 at a time. They

are to be quartered together for the intervening period. Their pay will

be in yen this time, [[?ebrl?]] will be exchanged for yen and Russian

currency is to be taken to Japan. The Japs are organising this

move without reference to us. As a result confusion reigns supreme.

They provided completed rolls - and then started to check as to

whether these people were available or not. Many of them are not

available, some are still in the jungle, others are sick or in

other camps at Kanburi.  Then they overlooked the men for obvious

incapacity such as age, ulcers, colour, etc.  I have never

spent such a confusing time.  Every man in camp had to

move his quarters because they want the Jap party to live

together until they leave here.

SATURDAY MAR 25

Small bodies of POWs continue to march into this camp

from everywhere adding to the general confusion. The men

who are to go away were blood-tested for malaria and tested

for cholera and then issued with boots, socks, khaki shorts,

cotton shorts, cotton singlet, tunic without buttons, Dutch hat.

There were Allied planes overhead for a long while during the 
afternoon.

SUNDAY MAR 26

150 men had to turn out at 0300 hrs to unload baggage from

a train. Honbu cleared out from 105 kilo camp in Burma after

the railway was bombed and M.G'ed.  The POWs on the train went

on to Kanburi.  The evening swim parade was cancelled by the guard altho

a pass was issued by the office. Campbell & Hennessy arrived.  The natives in

the nearby village had much song and dance during the night 

MONDAY MAR 27

450 men left today for Japan with Sumner, Phillips and Shepard

The heat is terrible. The water in my room gets quite warm. Eating is

difficult. Life becomes almost unbearable in the afternoon. Yarned

with the American Major Rogers of a Texas Artillery Bn. He was

interested in private life in the sale of Metane, a liquid which
vaporises into a gas when released from high pressure and

provides the gas for domestic and commercial use throughout most

of the USA. A pipeline carries this gas from Texas to Chicago - 1300

miles. A separate pipeline carries oil the same distance.

TUESDAY MAR 28

Another 450 men marched out for Japan including over 20 2/29 

men. Officers were Campbell,  Smith, Bourke, Flynn and Chalmers.

Honbu marched in late (Anderson, Toore, Hamilton, Greville, du Chatier,

Stein). Kennedy was struck 4 times by Nagagarda for no reason

at all. Officers pay was received today - a fortnight earlier than usual.

WEDNESDAY MAR 29

Introduced, an iron bar about 25 lbs in weight into my PT work.

Lt Col Ishi is about to leave us and a major is to take command.

Camp strength is now about 4400 and small parties of men of

all the Allies continue to march in. I am taking my swimming

seriously now - it may be required later.

THURSDAY MAR 30

Tenko is now at 0815 hrs instead of 0830 hrs. A holiday. The heat is

not so bad today. A slight breeze makes life more bearable. I bought

an American Dollar as a souvenir. Heard that all the Jap parties are 

waiting in a staging camp near Bampong. Apparently no men 

have left for Japan as yet. The concert was up to its usual

standard including " The Three little fishes".

FRIDAY MAR 31

My usual day is now as follows reveille at 0745, tenko 0815, breakfast

shave, write diary, read a few prayers, attend to Group matters, inspection

of lines, read a book, PT or pumphouse, bath, lunch, read history

novel, bridge, evening meal, tenko, yarn or walk up and down

pde ground. The heat and dust are steadily becoming worse. Next 6 [[kurris?]]

were medically examined by Japs. Honbu is trying to gain recognition.

1500 letters are now sorted and in the possession of the Jap inspector for 

censoring.

SATURDAY APR 1

There are some good soccer matches played occasionally - in a cloud of  dust. Began to read Priestleys "English Journey" but discarded it in favour
of "Jonathan Drew". Hoshi and Katsumi visited the camp - but not together. 
A very welcome shower of rain fell just after lights out.
SUNDAY APR 2.
Attended to funeral of 3 bodies of A.I.F. The cemetery is now looking well cared
for. 2 bodies were buried in the far 2nd & 3rd graves in row 8 and one in the in new front row 
Heard that temperatures in the shade recently registered went up to 110o.  Fr Vergurst
arrived.

 

[*4*]

September 8

Received four more letters this morning three from

Glad and one from Ron Worthy, one of Glad’s containing

a grand little portrait of David, eight teeth showing and

several others erupting. The dates were April 14th & June 4th & 30th

April 14th - David's photo, hope that others had reached me. long

time since receiving letters from me. John & Mack full

of beans, everything OK. Letter written one side only, told better

chance of getting through that way.

June 4th - That week received X.Mass cards & 3 letters from me,

latest dated Dec 18th! Letter from Julie in Adelaide,

Reg seems fixed there.  Ken Cowden in army. Ben and Mrs. J have

a baby a few days old. She's running his practice too, so he

must be in the show now. Glad loves me still.

June 30th - Whole batch of my letters had arrived, told

me she had sent a cable through Vatican on

about 16th June - reached me 1st July. Sent off parcel a few

weeks before, bottles not allowed so no Ingram's.  She's a

gem. Told me I had received an M.I.D.  Has had lounge-

suite re-covered.  Mark talks of me always as "Dear old Daddy"

or "Poor old Dad"!  David not talking yet, and they all 

love me still

Ron's was written June 28th and dealt mainly with

Ines's doings at the Sani. which were quite amusing,

all about their Sports Day.  He dropped into an hotel

in Inverness for a quick beer, and met an Australian who

turned out to be a nephew of the Matron at the Sani!!

Wrote out a note for Stalag complaining of my pay

three bob down already

[*M.I.D's also for Les, Geoff [[?Lumb?]] and Hubbard*]

September 9

Nothing to report except that I put in a second request

for transfer to Italy.

Air-raid alarm at 2315 hrs., all clear at 0045 hrs.

Cloudy night, a few planes above clouds to north of us, some

A.A. fire and possibly a bomb or two, but nothing exciting.

 

[*3*]  

Sunday
September 

20

Concerts appear to be finished.

1942

On this date two years ago, Glad said

goodbye to me at the gates of 'Northam Camp'

after having come up with me and Myrtle

and Frank W..  The last I had seen of 

the kids was John's wistful little face

pressed against the glass of his bed-room

window.

Bill Hunt was in to-day for the C. of E.

service, told me that Col. Bull had

been shifted to Offlag 4D.

Wrote letter and card to Glad, and

card to Boxshalls.

[*3*]

September 

21

Up at 6.30 and in to 119 to get final

check on glasses. Saw the lads, who are all

in pink, though Allan B. appears rather thin

and pale. Wiltshire full of beans as usual,

and Long was jolly decent and slipped

me two tins of Player's tobacco.

Confession.

Came back at about 3 o'clock. The

local mothers must think me a bit ga-ga

because I always grin at the kids in their

prams - they remind me of my own three

little terrors.  Got a frame for David, and 

he looks grand.

Kommandant buggering about with the

letter issues, letters and cards brought to us

to-day - uncertain how many - have to be

away by to-morrow, so I wrote letter to Glad,

cards to Mum and Dad, & to Ron Worthy.

Before Dieppe show BBC alleged to have 

asked French to keep clear of any raids to

avoid reprisals.

 

MONDAY MAY 1

I am suffering from a bad attack of diarrhoea. It gets worse

as the day draws on.  I am unable to attend the concert but

can hear the music from my bed. As usual the audience

thoroughly appreciative.

TUESDAY MAY 2

Had a very bad night. I had to visit the latrine about

every hour. This rate continued all day. I am feeling washed

out and very sorry for myself. Had 2 doses of salts, one last

evening, and these do not make matters better.  The gripe pains

are the worst. The MO gave me some tablets late at night. These

should quieten me down. About 300 letter came in  - still none for me.

WEDNESDAY MAY 3

I feel ever so much better and have had 3 more tablets to settle

my upheavals. Improved steadily all day long. Fathers Gorry and

Vergust arrived for a few days sojourn. A little more mail arrived.

Heard from a POW who came here for pay for the 83 kilo personnel that

Blau went through probably to the 63

THURSDAY MAY 4

The two priests and Major Daley were suddenly ordered to pack up

and return ^to their camp. This camp comdr. is very angry that these

men should have come to this camp without his asking for them and

therefore they must get out immediately. - and we were expecting to

receive more reasonable treatment in view of the recent show of concern

for our well being. Anyhow most of us were able to go to

Confession. Some 9 pigs escaped while being driven from one yard

to another and 200 men were turned out to beat the bush for

them. I am not concerned because of this loss as we receive no benefit

whatsoever from the farmyard - only high smells, rats and a lot of

trouble. I am improving steadrly. The heat at night is terrific. Major

Green is warehouse manager to FAULDINGS in Perth. 

FRIDAY MAY 5

Am reading Henry W Nevison's "In the dark backward". Glanced

through an anthology of Eng. verse but it was disappointing. The best extract

was Tennyson's "George III", a satire on his death. No2 Camp was cleared out

and over 400 Dutch and 70 odd Americans marched in here. This included Lt

Col Sharpe, USA and 110 Dutch officers. A recce plane was fired on - and we

are still here 200 yds from the guns and bridge despite our protests. The Nip

who promised ½ share of the pigs recaptured went back on his word and gave

us only ½ a pig out of 4.

SATURDAY MAY 6

Planes went over at 0300 and 0345 hrs. Swimming in the river is being restricted

owing to the existance of cholera up-stream.

SUNDAY MAY 7

Heard from Campbell Smith that Jap party are in Saigon, quarters have E. L, , sewerage

water laid on, food best ever, Jap treatment better, little work, anticipate move end April. 

Brigr warned to be ready to move; No 3 & 5 bch casualties to 30 Apr are 1970 out of 11824.

More mail, a goodly number this time but still none for me.

MONDAY MAY 8

Brigdr said "Good Bye". Senior officers of all nationalities and services

attended a very brief "farewell". Lt Cols Ramsay & Anderson spoke and the Brig replied. Lt Col Redring , Pila and deBon NEI, Sharpe of USA, Hamilton, Eadie

of AVF, Lowe of Navy, Smith of RAAF. The Brig left immediately after lunch
and was searched thoroughly. All papers other than pay-book and
letters from home were confiscated. Why should the Japanese be so anxious
to prevent him from taking away reports, notes etc? Yarned with Major
Schmidl of NEI who commanded 1000 Dutch at the River valley camp in

Singapore at the same time as Pond was there with 2/29 Bn.

TUESDAY MAY 9
Nips are ensuring that POWs do not enter the Nip compound by issuing
arm bands only to those few who they feel are required. Yesterday and the day
before the AA battery fired on our planes and shrapnell fell - without
doing any damage. Started saying the Rosary every night now. In the dusk
of evening I cam across 8 Javanese sitting in a circle and praying with
a prayer leader who went on and on in a sobbing voice, probably Mohammedan.
WEDNESDAY MAY 10

After midday meal the Japs descended on the camp in great numbers

and conducted a thorough search. I lost all my wire and a bugle

which was under my bed. Tools and papers were confiscated. I wonder
why they are so anxious about papers? Received a cholera injection
Just after lights out the camp was hit by the worst storm yet.

THURSDAY MAY 11

Have read Farnols "John o' the green". Very little damage was done by the storm.

Japs returned all knives - 100s of them. Lieut Varley was taken to  Kanburi

in connection with the arrest of Carto who has been engaged in illicit trading
FRIDAY MAY 12
Am reading " An End of the Hours" by Ed. Thompson describing the
apparent decline of Br. power and prestige in India. Japs are

making further inquiries into the sale of gold etc for the benefit of Red

Cross Funds as disclosed by Carto. Drower borrowed a gramaphone

from the Nips and we heard some good music the first tunes for 2 yrs.
I was watching a glorious sunset at the same time as the gramphone
was playing and I must say I was strongly affected by a nostalgia for 
home.
SATURDAY MAY 13.
Received our 3rd issue of red cross comforts - mackrel 320 tins, green peas 308, margarine
77, milk powder 308, ham 25, biscuits 45, coffee 10, jam 154, soap cakes 1562, soap 
tins 13, cigarettes 96400, beans bags 6, peanuts 3, sugar 9, salad oil tins 1, tobacco 64, ale
for 3100 men. Frs Gorry and Vergust arrived today, the former to stay, we are
pleased to learn. The monsoonal rains have started. The Japs are still showing
signs of desire to abide more with international customs concerning treatment
of POWs, as they have agreed to an educational scheme and to the training of carpenters
and tinsmiths, and have agreed to the erection of a church-hall. Took over Gp 1 again
SUNDAY MAY 14

Another wet day. Mass was postponed from before breakfast
until after evening tenko. I attended and received H.C. We have now
been ordered to disclose and prepare a list of all valuables held and are forbidden
to transfer even to each other without approval of Jap HQs.

 

October 

20
0700 detrained and marched about

2 miles to camps - our personnel as at

Kokinia, less Frank G. and Bassett, but
plus.

Searched on arrival and handed in
remaining drachmae, getting receipt on

understanding that we should get camp-money. 
English & British troops seen were

well clothed & fed and in excellent discipline
Taken to barracks - great reception. Saw some

more of our men - Sgt Fred Parry, Green, Minn

FitzSimmons, Bossus, and others. Told

that each man received Red + parcel per

week!! Symphony -, military- and dance-bands,
 last named giving us a show in 

afternoon - excellent, voted best we had heard.

Felt itchy, and found three lice in my 

shirt
October 

21
Spent most of morning at delousing-centre,
were then finger-printed, had our particulars
taken and were given our P.O.W. numbers
(Gefangenennummer). Mine is "Stalag VIII B 23899.
Went into another barrack on our return
Oct. 27th '42
Saw the Old Man with Ellis, told him that
when he visited us the Stabsarzt's instructions were

that I should accompany the light workers when they

went to be examined. His reply was that, as

Stabsarzt Wiecks was on leave for one month, he
was giving orders, and his orders were that they

should go without me. My point that, as the show

was virtually an accusation that I was "swizzling"
the sick-report, I should have been given the chance

of a defense - ' his reply was that, as he had sent
his translation of my sick-report, their was no need
for me to be present at all - and he's the fellow
who insists on courtesy being shown to him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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