Diary Major John Kevin Lloyd - 14 Aug - 3 Nov 1945 - Manila - Jan 1946 - Part 6

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

Page 1 / 10

MOWOAT FEBIE I am stell off duty and now on my seent day of a MONONY EER and amable to eat o tvese of peashrogaine,. Harted a study of Japan Laynag am on the road to recov again. I sums quite depinite that 2600 men are to go to shapers arrived, in which was here sittle. the greatest air mentianed that koine was, an open at faban fism this Branch. The Bug is to goin the other sunoe W.Brumary and battle of the war took place over officer in april o rymgued that Ribbenkop met two Butish officials (IWEEDN FEBIE in the Prerenes for a discussion of a reparite place. thoo letter were brought donen from 105 tts by the Econare TUESUAY FEBS saney's beithday annversacy God Blus her and keep pobtes- but usue for me Rex received a and his wife wad therley, were well as far back as July 42. There are $30000 other littens he safe and will and happy I am still improving an owhere about isI still hade beefy t ma stabe our card am still able to eat stew and a few eggs and ao as that will ent in Dic42 were receved in Feb 43. bananas despite the quinine, am reading a xpendidly trirg vens of me care more year later Newrpapen stabe Arguitin wiithen antobograply by Enger de Pavitsch entitled has withdianen, its amborsader from Gapan, fighting in thaly is b search, of complication. It is the story of a Aussian heavy 30undes wouk of Rome and Relsrien kop are will wilo bugies fidht for existence and is most absabing. Polant TIEDNESDAY FVP I WROUKSDAT EESG amethy on ast over wight. Home 5 wayrs passed ovr but on The mentally difinint sow who escaped from the fo the first wave was find upon. Bangaok unot be a very guard house gave himself up about 5 days ago, about a wl dangewi spot latily. This peasmoquiise makes ane dudin beeen the carp. I am Istill improving but feel wather lring the montng and we whole camp airly: Kagd very depressid Narry silt and untidy woilding are bey area is a sla of stichy mid. God heep us in te really ares lony and several large tut, are bung ereet piilled rearon. to cccanodite another 1500 in in this warren. THURSDAY FEE 17 THURSDATEER ting natures with then wives ane families ar beng this drain whigh, I misplaged about 10 day, aggo tu from natey to work camp along, the live bouditiens oday. Had our first shown of rain cruing the night and mrnt be bad in yelaya with so lettlr food and so many a wild day with pleasant bresy, answrer. Despite the gap heavy pussure io pne mor weikes we hill a chuuck pd warbies all. The fighting up woith in Burng has us guessing at present. General kdwabe referred to, it in his went and t concert. speech and reeied to be suprissing something wounded 6 ERWAY FER.II. have came through here apparenbly from hns ipbre. over in the carly tam of the have after warr of plans men ERIOAL TER morning the guns find in the last three waves and of comas ttarked duty again, as I have compited my counse if medgan wokeseverybody in the camp. Pieces of shupl fill in the guorm and feel quite will again bhanged on infr fu mat into but no are was hurt. Punt returned from the junale and ticketo. My writ sberrgth is 679/& 191 ton hespital). tunted a very gloory pucture of conditions there. The food lon wa SATURDAT EEE 1S improved, bashing is crife and many are rich, Men are dying at attended another furoral today. 2 bodies. Had a dibigbtfue, the rate of one sach day. Thance ka has been abobished. awen afterps o ter gust alrived apter tinke to bily the SATURDAY FE8 12 body of a Dirbeliman whome we burred in the apternoon. Enadmital canstill offdrity, but improving daiby. Am reading the Her I have never sun such a body just a stileton with shy on it. of HCRAT ando unbusuon a megnificient kingfisher has sought a shirt shows, and a pan of garters, am reading Pearl Brick glaced ou camp with his juume the olue is relieved with a whibe Good Earth amuiions a few litters dated Sept 1942. therat black beast and bunen body, two little tils rooihed on a bury SUNOAT FEE 20 under a beaf just outside my room. They remained buddled together and went to waae & Holy Comininien at 1700 l and received quite ishionters. Ruds like plover but a little larger and with a geneal agsolution without confession. Rex has another bad call like a minah parral bowel and billed on a choune of loan euil attach of fever SUNPAY EEB I3 bamp had bo be especially chaind up for a double inspection, to bhurch Plis, but a corrent was held in the evening
MONDAT FES 28 MONOAY FE. 2I Mr sleep is always very ustless now. I dram t Icannot get am now sernier offiee on the tenkis parades during compsitable Swas and huln and seem to, have a dull acke all over, the illness of bol Rimsay. The bot weatee is very tying. on the incening I awake very depressed. Trephed my quarters to the a bucket of Avater was knowen it my room at 2115 his and inidical officers but alonguse L bot bodie of Herdilling, abeut 160 I. I was fllying card with wa followedo the buet offieers and aben arrived from the jungle - in you condesion, I go have them twanrt. They received most of the deater but I encepy crvings new. is deliahtful in the warring eight It loiks like a case of spite. a bown in tthe great boide insuntains seem to town hgher than ever into a dondy WUYEDNY RES22 spend an maning wabting the fap docber relief fit in trky red ge cappic with the setting run and to overshedow the buse phiam. Lame Thei families complite there abletion on the other bank or hor gapan. One 11 offiers wee chosen ideding lunine the only bapt, taides were expressly excluded from hase about watching ars. Downstuam a fe gleams on a bambosreft the setition. It wooks as if majy ale all going I are UESOAY FEE 29 Commander hae is a son of the eistivbile 338 wiroger of earmackie for somethg different Toerligatel te wate HCastlemaine ane late Richmend! I am remended of this day san 16 theowing mnadeng and uspect on wan who was wut to years ago when his & andrey tanage and fora invitd Ken Bryan detentin about a week ago and relieved yesterday. He sue me to a lap years party at the Palars Et Kilda and to supper on had been deact with by wajer awart donn my ilns, the esplanade I vol vadie was RMg to 24 t for pase sum and WEDNESDAY FEb 23 did a camp with us at Mornington. I thought tat + wet him ig men feem the jurygle caugh arrived in the very earl tre before our Poudays sent doben ifnten and bar WCONSeALNAR of the matning, th another 240 odd men of mised naturality arrived from the jungle so bn building. The remainter are due to leave the juingly he and disty tor bun weelved the bey welude on men who was commencing on 26 Jib. bin wise They are that all of them are to be got out of the pengle by the end of March. been a prison for one I wellns. He made his way up from dalaya and lived with rsine natues for many months to fer there is no bemend to Japan. FHURSOOL SARE THURSN EEE about soo Hubchmen arrivd including Hesse, but they are to m Weighes myself-66 bilogiams. Thio is murch the same an tonaow. Held Ch Ides and a bolnt. The Rotiabant Luvin as before duipite we statement of some others hat I am thinne he men of the Perth and Henston from the jungle saw some later y as beld in menae of the wven recent who were pilled. The sencent book the four of a programme been papers and it appars that frabbing on a large scale is take the studie of a broadeasting station, Iam filling slen inthe place in W. Bunne, Your, Pillegal and Tiery are much atemach again. The moatory of this life is maddening even newrfaf in the public eye. The day is again very suftry with confin sim do be dinied to i nw as it is am a month il the lest w peaches of lighting, a violent sund stoam vleww up afte received egoe ont and beew over two but and damaged several variy ERLDALMARS 2nd camp. H left for ken all Dubch capable of mist ERIDAY FED 25 29 gapernae baghes part a visit to the almost complited I wakes life almost beat here in the aptenin is terrebly opprersive wate arce it we appar that durian abatgy memsrial. their busty were a very light beass or hin and Camberable han is to place a barrier acress fap tines of communication from bantin then hime that are marateriens and played by on thir of them at a hime Putelt's busins teamoblons are givn me a m Eslande 106 let of work. He makes out to be wentally unsand but I think EATOROAXNARA soo ode fit subch arrieed from the jungle in route for fapin. is a sagie SATURDAT FBE 26 erssume of the various camps and internulibies are hopeleasl uixed spent the apternoon teying the charges against Pefefle ay people all o the place I sentureed the to 10 deu ily worse. ane the position becauses Whateners and Higgins agreed by wajont decision that Pubell is respensit WNDALMAR fit Dush a recce plain appeared high overhead, fou SUWOAT EES. 27 am reading Donglas Reegs trenity taw and fiften Pannots towe osquitont, sarorys and wenkin book were received. I boe cottichal rie with an imprsiove funeel the band participat sew Turkill escaped through the roof of our rock up and died and thrrigh S asable to bear the bod was recaptured later aslech in a bist. I am attending surmm ana from able to make the distance. the vult again. Has a safety walve for this perrt up feeling. The body of a Thar float Lwa camp. can be see into arre surming are and had bo be burns. There is a soccer wnabh every ing sae
and aveved wil spenets away with a leanch of a fill buedecland with paper t hih. Inr thimbing steps he always next the left boot fivg - never both feet altunably. When te SAXMHE abrewd the his paye again, I heard a bolce say "God His atit again! Then all rep We were have seen 100 Dubch with us. Th are a bigger race than we ame oof racs and creds Busdist Confuscisnit, Alohanmedans, Kirde, Chrishins win mostly have the Terran, tyfe of leatures. Tomne humrous incidents arise I through the difference of larduage. They don't seem to unscrstanc our accnhulp in turn and read a peoyer from a sccore. The Brig read Brookes wese "the when speaking Jahanere. Ar gives a splendie bdn cerrect in every defer phall not snew old Emencins due and afg B burid him. His is on 17 and treard all ove the camp-and the Dubch sumply stand fast. They are guat nowax wtk 12 yesterday every PoW and subject asiake race who athende was given ag of one part offe in Priceesters are een veren get fawhich arrived during the lights, out was asked to quiter every one and not ta him of sweet biscuits. Mer there, Soe Duneop, Ben Bawett & an Dolan 1/24 Br last about 170 men out of F Joue Rurspapers give perticulars of da this instiuction to the be nisy himlf H immediats of tr sandhe, the pos ican of ansthil front in West Europe, and ameriian tast all and sunder much to the amunement of the Gap Guard. Dearris parses hrrs nar Marianne and Lurck Island, and te fighting in upper Brine fom ocain diing the night and the gun opend up AUEsOAY RATRIA LUESSAY MOR tharke to alturate my It with a thart period on the waber primp The Venier Dubch officer Capt Hoeriveg- brought along the 2vew drfth about 20 minuts is my timit. Dollicted all rupie notes for exchar cay comes so meet te - lient von den Henfill. Reinders and Onvleh. They my tanp peetin wbout 3000. My snnority has been caurpred and .Another plane appeared overnight fsice nations countedrs as targan, Mun, tatel we myself are new natber Inder take charge of the comburld parade Major treen is serbe year in We rem to be raiding uiride and bonds have don not wand the upounbility of ta Mers. I hss wantages MEOUESORT MAR15 WEODESOAT MARS other I am enjoying tinmerely Without my cloak Receive to the evening twilight I saw some rix Brisdah Prusk frm tar injection against plagoe. Weighed myself- have not crossing the never da the wooden burge. They were bessed in bugh pude fineth 66 Bilogram Brigh addring del BW. buthrcup yellow gaipes and long housies and provdd a ncuning discipline. White visited other camps. Cous going to gapen bright aplark of colorn. I heard during the mnvening some sort if by sarl and unercipt is far ar s00 Had tast year yet a Care 40 4 a beass band playing in the direction ho Davison and wertor to 28 and 20 days detention for teading with taking as it appears. that ther is same bat if cilibration afors Thard. They were caught reabanded by the paps yesterday and the whole dirring bing planes were heard overhend sew no tent was made to stand for an hou. THO URSOAY MAR 16 a ba hobday. a thange but has been rnst officially to a hutrday for most people. The weekly convent was first tate from the wangle, It contains 8500dd names, appaintly a pe eveny stem was will kenart out and well acted fo Japen, but different, from the lass we prepared bey brng heavily now. The tres stand 15 tow fee away na the papets trues are, e vatercks Day. I spent most of the day investigating the od beng down ringly tihe are bar of barn, but the ters of some &$230 by The Wills, nany tymes, diating the day and fo daig given banave passisn puit. I should think that there is we some time after light out I was thinking of Kaney Iier at all attek and is walkef for hapel now. We have i Pusual and retrmbering, the first St Pats, day I spape to her wurtsid from the lave of all walls of au bute to lessen the harlosmage braigs, I cannot porget thy many times I have actd og her he rat and to aldew ar to pass through easily- a gual advenly better tair a stupid, Insupperable achoolboy han she forget and tit EKICAY NERIO an reasons Harry Butlarns "hare the three Couns? An ukesnen authors us, the again with only the intense pleasure we alway isyjoyed in ach obrs company at other time (Wterbuat Herrtage and Kato O'Brrins"Without my cloak 3ATUROALMARH SATURDALMAR IL Againine roece, basbelball sof ball commeneed. White return the amual on the farrn all miething as well as they shonea, partiecnton si 1 ale is awful and when he ble the young dircks the presunt ather we unviiling of mndine with 10n repusintation of be Ann Aub 516 arms an ale said wouring it is sumply laughable. a party of 195 ie and aves and anssias from all 10W camp in the distirct. There whre servial tgrenting fap of them are distined for Jafar Jenkin body arrived here about 2200 his. Moit intation with these any white cap and turries thercurtin Than any enery as the only officer with them. am wading all that lwagger by Wm Tanklin, nratiys, Birrmet, Farel, Lebtrs, and dhinse, allo the latter dressed in every conurable SUNO AAR9 form if huddress, shul and bo and complote with cumbands. The sfarit were the treat here is extermly inivating the tumperature resis to appree 1 all mome for with funt, vigetables, rie, fouls noodly paste and fish wat in celopliane paper and papsr shaps fluttering in the benze. Authur up the care and stay but until date at night f usually sleef with ony prgjeme hane ansued the cintitcatume. A gap prvabe endiritly a breadrat ficist commentied, the c to eight, a cndeandinen ttll ceadhge the a seulihaed clat fat hoa
JSa MO MONOAT MARE 450 men left today for Japen with Lumver, Phillips and thepart an canp thength is now 4500 a more tln distince for Japan heve phe heat is bernible. The water in my reares get quite warm. baking is been filtering down from the jungly, almost daily. We send away abo fitherref. Life besirns almost imbearable In the appensen yarred too bcknicans to the other side of Kantoru. We are shell maken with the Amuuan Vyer Rogers of a Lexas Artillery Ror. He wa sreperation for the sning of dilfts of men to Japen viay largan pnterested in private life in the sall of Metane, a liquid which The kurris are tho be 450 stry lien 1 offen h psser and paporises ints a gar when wleased from TUESOAL RAREI hebordes the gao for dsmisb and commeia ue thloughout ma to perate for medreal inspection by Gap officer was hall on the hreat of th of the 1st Apipitin carres this gas from Liscas to blinago Bo0 day are as it corresponced with I visit G a pap Geneal, the comfrraes mites a sapalabe pipetine carries oil the same distance was awfore. I tak disorder when oun could to easily be maintained. I watchd a clary of vulturn diner about in a swall gup on an TUESDAY NAR 28 another 450 men marched out for Japer incluting, over 20 / field - Tome 550 mit marchet in, inrexpectedly of conise, on then way to gap fan Officers were bampbill Smith Boinbe Rynn ar& lebalmus This maker us 4000 shong-are we are crow Honbee marched in late (anderson wore, Harilton, Reville. In whate WEOUESOM MARE2 am making up a nemind roll of 2/19 Rn pesaue who left bharg (stein) Kundy was sturck 4 hum by Vagagarde for n reason ever than usual at all. Officer pay was received boday a fotnigh with me some 164 in all IWEONESPAL MAR2 MURSRM MARE integdereed, an iren bar about 26 lbsan weight into my Pt warte a toledey worth the resual tharch bde and conent. the wegard of a guet (be Ishe is about to bair us and a major as bs take canmand was cetuny the most amition play yet atemipted and bamp sheenigth is now about 4400 ane small parky of men of snccess. We are preparing for a move of the Japernce foby all the allies continue to march in. I am taking my swerin FRIDAY MAREN wonsl now - it was be equired later. hime. The the taper party are to move an 27128 ta, 900 FAURSOAL MARSO be guartd toathe for the intun perod there pay tente as nou at 8615 his wstat of 5830 hes. A hotiday. The treat be in yeu this hime behelf will be exchanged for you and tn walso bod today A slight drege wlakes life more beatable. I bought to be taken to Japer. the fapr are organiony thi ove without reference to is, as a nesuet confuslary egu supr an ameriian Dolllr as a suvenie. Heard that all the fap parties are they produced completed colls and then started to check a to waiting in a staging camp near samping apparinlly no as yet. the cenent was up to its husual whether these prople were available a not mary of them arst wave left for yat th Stthe prhas Istandard inleding awaitable some an still in the junle, other are sick a in ERIOAT MARSI other camps at Kanbure. Then they overlocked the men for obee tal 07145, tuks 0815 beatefy my drsual day is now is follows finespacity such as age ulees, color itc. I have heven Ishave, write drary, read a few pioyers atter to taf mather, ansp spent such a centuring time Every wan in camp had be of biss read a book PT or pmphore bath lurrely read hisban move his quarters breank thes want the Jap party to live alovee, bridge evening woat, binto, you or walk up and dosten together until they leave here. ngwerse lextt hin pde arount the heatane dirst an atcadly t SARURDAY MAR2 onber is beying to gaen moonition wee iedically examine o fapo. tinall bodyes of POW cantinue to warth into the grp are new acited and in the persuson of the gap interfuther for 1500 lit from everywhere addiny to the genual confusion. The me censiting SATURDAL A who are to go away were blood firbe for welana, and terfe Ther are some good were matehys played occmonally in i clame for choleed are then issurd with book, socks bhake shart ibut disearted it in favor English fore dust. Began to read Triestlys tothen whert cother rght tume withsut buther Dubch hat. ba the cup- butnot to of Jonothan Drew. Hochr and takinn in altred planes overhear for a long while danyt afternoongether, a very wiliame shower of rain fill just after lights out 5noay us 21 IABATAPRA to tamn sut at 0300 ly to unload baggage fr 150 tn bad attended to furre of 3 bodies of 16. the cametey is now looking and ond from 105 tite camp in Burter athe a tearn. went Iard M for 2 bodes wer burnd in the far 2g bombed and MGld. The Powsen the heain wirl Deare that hemperatures in the shode recetly registend wont up to 1100 t Vegere The evening ain perde was cancellos by the guare althe to haw a pass was issued by the office. Campbell + Hnreasy arrived. The hatives in arrived. milch sengare dance during the night the nearly willan
MONONL APRE MONDAY APR 16 Weighes the bar Tuse for P.T. Iis just 20lby. Received newerpapers dahe I am feeling very fewerish and expect to go dowen with inalaria as late as 14uar. The extery accim ho have received a havy beow in tMar Wednresday nxt. Lettled my vew arrivals into their ferlindy there is still fighting on the Endia-Burme bodn, and Rome is shlll quarters. about 250 of the NEI marchd in from the jungle. bolding out against us. The Dutep gave a coreud as a farewell to thethis wake the Dubl about 900 thong and more are Istancing by for Japan. Much of it was in English especially the swin (expectd tom srow, They are mosbly gavanise and sum to be band vocal literers One comedial did not tanow when to stop and exhaught, They shill retain good dhysigues but have no that to be received. Our give at the previous concert to divide the Dubit hart, they are very darte, som all almiat black like a famil. There E.Tinto balbes for the Br The annicians leaving the rest to the Dutch wasasthen ve pene alsut any of the coloured caces I have lived metwith the gentan offer to divide there islands in the same ratis as the seakmanget? There has been a tet of wixing in the part and sometimes at the rcnt ween match -5 to wil in favour of the Dubily lif is diffrent to decide whither a wan is Mulay, I sn bhinre Lavari Rut WUESOAT APRA EUESDAN APRI a wool day with a shight shaw Athended teass and receivd the leve has passed I hope permanently. I repaired from 87 ane fat 2030lns. The Dubh proteded a chair to chant responses. Have decided pwimiting, am heading, John Brichans "The House of Toi winds His to leave Frnch Langunge. Two drevres cam in from tenemn. The town ijjust a novel. Bought a few times from the cantier at 50 each but they full of Japs, but there is us jap ainift abbut. am oven pearys appen not giney. Tet gathering parties go ont occasisnally for firt for daile and an unopposed. Plices are soering there, R5 for a vis of i Schubnr and gains. There seens to be wore fap interest in she wellbelig tnain quard ane gentlemen R3 the a band of bananas 50curt for an egg. R95 for a shirt. The JWEOAE AI aid to COWs. Mitdy Taley dite 15 Inf Bdi The fiver returned very lighbly, appaiently the werel day was two wcous 10k5 sdays, ago. I am rather slated with the thought that I was able mas Nto again at 0815 hrs this hire I fasted a stown but tto theo off this attack as it angies will for me The 105caud the cauap in the laptenoon but did little dawage. Youred at night with was attailaed a second hive about 30 aprie arld another man was the annrian offer if 131 Brr Rogers, cilmere, sdargan hilled. The line was thenr bombed ane bi/ 8 timmes between 105k41121 OA We are pushing on with the digging of deep drains awrent wnto a bolitay the ain has trestined the countinside. A change of neas am reading bopersor Laid Oldresys bock. It is mry informative as fabing petce. I increased Jy 1t bar to 30 tbs weight, 450 P0W Wantf HS0A7 AOR 13 out incloding 150A1F. the contert was excellent and included south of am feeting notal end went for a surm before the wum the Bordn, the siing band and a bathroom farce. fiere. The condent was the best production I have been in a POW (FRIDAYAPR) fcamp When knights were bold? aticos performance was marterly nove tuday but just an ardinary working day, for us. Moved my tlet some officers from Chummbar Ltbol Parker, an Anatiahan, in the guup back to its obiging huts and aboubed &ui and 104 Andran any who commanded a Balrrebi Bir an lingafore Islan mew fiom the jungle Sparty. We are prishing aluar with more tumbes ua droon of 2 CC5 puckes urp in gava. No 1 Brarrely seevs be concenbiaty as 10us coming down fiem the ungle bring reperk of constant apsencompating a the hospital 2and 4 at bhubar but y to attacks on camps. The longisets now ar inignificint and the night monesoon to dnew camp 7 bilss sarth of Lanbur, to to be enl are bright with mosnlight. an reading to plays by Thahispere (with 4 hobably. The Bugestimabe 0Wdaths in the uneal B. 12000 haves habern Last. The toedy of trroes, Lwo Genklemen of Versha, Adsuman ERIDAY APRIA SATUROAY AERS wight dran This tup is called upon to provide 280 fitmen of mixed satit The treat apter masny was turnfiey tuspication pound out of us probably see work in the jurgle- Yaps have alhd office to write on in on vidstuntil apter udnight. The guards are much more 44 subjects conunning their tuatmnt of C0Ws with a view to ascuti boluant ane now do not object to men being out of them where they have failed and to improve our let ds apter light oirt yesterday and today 355 men marched ont bo47001 00 N.15 23 t disenfeater is afurnce boiting wate in a herssie hin with a pipe wenined Taken each day 4400 tetum into Edrun with a clamped, lid. The sheam take about an hour attended funral of body of And 16Be. and had a nwo. I received o nak through the clothing to an oublet at the bothm. another 51 mar frem cait no3 Heard that 2/29 lost 195 out of Bvava AERH $650 in t Jore and 12 out of H Sory. This makes my granp about tome 265 tethers were reseed bu still none for me. They are dated for (and state that particulars of POW hild a sap bes not yet ben received. wp sor strong. The treat continues. It is the wont I have ever experen i the evening were will attended. Lempe dust abon
JoWA AAW MONOAY AOL 17 We are avid for news. N newspapers have been seen for sm be a rest day. An a trstiday. In future every sand thrre weeks. This instrrction is yet another unnecersdry hurt reading Farblo "Hes Majesty's well belobed? Bought another thirt for t tharted P.T. again after a break of are week. The bane practicis at wigh the consert was of a variety entutainment. A Javavise had TUESDAY AERY impersonating a guitar-playing Uexican girl puit on an up to the present about half of us have still had no letter tenf exrellent tuen. He was encbured again and againt. horre. Lonehines I dread receiving are becaue of the bad news it TUESAAY APR2S I may contain and mry helplieanees. Have devilaped slight typen aurae Day. Juist before I wote I felt taney tining me lightly herrea When kinght were bold was put su again for the hobpily and krilingly. It was very vivid and fell leal. I suppose the ppatients and was a gueat success as thinking of we wore than usual today. We held a timpledaven sevice. The men of last wa marched to alperition in frn WCEVESDAY ARR 19 get a tumindow theill in baining new very which I will be atte the cross on the stage, the rest of the participators stood byhind, foame to vanrey and the children when Freturn hern. A branty (excepting the Bug with server officers who stood at the side. lady in bene Timlin Through and you are my warts delight are The padie went forward ane said a quiet proynr, the Bug, Ramsan three I am barning as present. I am selictd to comment the aath the bagh played lost bost and Land one RS placed working party of 700, all nationatifies, which is, probabl disfimapheweelfe and the band peoyed off the RS to a march past of the Be (30 Dubch from my N.P left for the 62 bils in Burnna fustn for return to the juncle. To arre of corrise wants to go back there but I feel complliented to be chaven for the tolighst got the Dubch camp. available I hive reliebed West. Blan, Staply Hackert, Pleminfor WEUAESDAL APR 26 Keitley (V5A). Spinggs (Br) and 5 Dubch officer. I hope Warrey is stell 500 hospital patients left this afternoon for he WKon woyi hard foe me as the pespects are not bight hospital. The aangements withed very moothlythe fap EUeAr 2 did not interfire in any way. Home of the patienty Swere very a fine day - with the iival an raid ala. Am beet wall not survive the pu then and in bad condition and mont at ham in the water lately, but I still lack strength THURSOAL APR 27 Hene of the NEI warhd in and will propably comn a Tunt off sean with the advanced party of 200. They are giving interperter. We are still coplitily in the dark as the om distintt to the 60 hils camp. Loure 255 Bubish besin, We aerdiane sam ERIDAYARR 21 d some herpital camp were also on the train The famalin trees in the camp an providing us with the man ₤210A7 AOR S8 about 250 mere sick men went off bo the base hospital ingiedient for jain, a violent thundn stam dosed in on us in the corning. The sheet of lightning were all around us and They were ready at 1200 his but the hearre doe not arrive until 1700 stinting two truit gathers who had innocently gine into In the swentime, the hewiest shower we have had fell and the a wrong orchard were immercifully bashed by a guard called sick even mail all roated to the rkin. Am reading Rarsne bate. He picked one PoW in the face when he was an the Realbeis in burshi by LOTHROP STODDARD. It is not bery interating grount and has piobably damaged the bone. My waiking part wnnt before midnight same 50 men had be walk to fanbyn by you grown to 699 names including 15 officers ae an to pick up our ration of firsh firt which had becoue bogged interpeti SATURAAL AAPA 29 SATURDAY APR 22 a guall yellow fly caliber has nested on a tree just ontrede sigmniration of my WPits 1officer &B3 OR, Knnmis approved, Joue the officer gharks. Il next is very much libe a fantails, am is to be brought to 700 strong, hn he officers moved into bur Cauing bulbertsons "Ashing bids? am reading Rubaryag of over building a jap statd tat 400 quards are required, for Burina as Omar Kharyam, a translatiou by Ed. Fitz gerald also "the poets the baris of 1 guard to 20 POW fit, and y0P0Wrich, I hope thatm sonine an anthslogy by Anden Harrett are not the PoWsreferred t SUNDAL APR 3C SUNAAY APR2S Hegdartry and I am probably suckening of rouibling so advised that soo of the fittertmen of the, W are to go herward another the attendancy at the rosary was just as good to the juryle as an advanced party. Telicted Blarr to come as ever despite the fact that the camp abength is now daw avery hal day. Church Pdis were hild in the evening. The to 2600 odd attentance is woo to better than when the services are hill in th
Movor MONUAYMI Brigde said Good Aye. Tuna officers of all nationalitus and seevias I am suffering from a bad attack of dinrhoia. It getswar attended a very brief "farwell Hbots Ramsan & anon spoke and the fas the day dlaws sir. I am unable to attend the cornnt but Buigreplied. Lt bol Redring, Pile and de Boa NE/ Shaipe of 134 Hamilton, Eodie can war the musie from my bed as usure the andienai of At, Lowe of Navy Sruth of RAAF. The Brig lept, immadiabely after tch tharsughe appreciatiter and was setebed thoughly, gee papers othe than pay-boch and lletters from home were colplscated. Why should the Japanire be soancis TUESDA MAY bad night. I had be visit the latur absut to prevint him from taking away report, notes etc? Yound with Mayo Had a very every han. This cake, continued, all day. I am feeling washapchmdt of NE1 who commanded 1000 Dutch at the Rivervalley camp in kingapore at the same ture as Pand was there with 2/29 Bor. oirt and very sorry for myself Had, 2 dory of salls on last evening, and there do bnot wake wathers, better. The gute prin (WVESDAY MAYO fare the worsh. The no gare me some, tablets late at wight "thure up are ensuing that low do not inter the lip compoine by issuing should quiten me douen, about 300 litters came in -still an fo me ann bands only to these few who they feel are required. Yesterday and We day before the sA bathery hired on a plany and shropill fell withon WEOUESBA AAI Tfeel ever so much better and have had 3 more tablets to sittle doing any damaged Harber saying the Rovary every night now. In the dristh my upheculs, linproved steadily all dry long. Fathrer Tornar a of evering I came aiross some 8 farise ritting in a crule and praying with vergut arrived for a few days sojoun. a little more mare atrevd a pager llade who went on and ser in a sobbirly voice, probably Mohammedan trase hern a PoW whs cam here por pay for the 23 dals personnel tay WEONESDAx ma 10 after midday ual the Japs desiented on the camp in guat number Clarr went through prabably to the 6t and conducted a thorough search, I lost all my wire an a FHURCOAYMNIA the two prieats and Myer Daley were suddenity ordered to pact np which was under my bed, Lools and papers were confiscated. I wnt and etern their camp. This camp cande is very anjey that e why they are so anxieus about papers? Received a aleh finer should have come to this camp without his carking for them and just after light out the camp was int by the worst storm yet. sfare they must get out immediately and we were expectn to THUASDAY MAY II pricbe more vasaable heatment in view of the recentation of sonce Ham, head Parnots, John o the grgen. Very little damage was demidy the stoun, for one will being dryhow most of us wveable to go io Plaps returned all kniws -100 of them Lieut Varley was sakin to Kanbur Honfersion. Lome g pigs cocaped wheat being dven from an youtn connection with the arreat of Carts who has been engaged in ilticit another and 200 min were turned ont to beat the lush far (ER10A7 MAY 12 them. I am not concered because of this loss as we receive no benepy am reating an land of the Hours by Ed. Thempson discutiry the whatsoever from the farmyars- only hugh smells rats and a lst of pappaient, declrie of Br pown and puisbigy in Iulia paps are making further inquiries wlto the sale of gold ete for the benefit of Red tsuble. I am improving steldily. The beat at night is terrifie. May ten is warhaue warage to HAULDWNGS in Peath bress kinds as disclosed by barte. Drown borrowd a gramapha from the Nips and we heard some good musie the first him for ye ERIDAY MAYS am reading Henry WNevison's In the dark backward Glanees I was wabeling a glorious sunait at the same time as the grainaf was playing ane Pruist say I was shangily appechd by a mostalgia for through an authology of long wese but it was disappointing. The best extind "George 11, a satue on his death No2 Camp, was chars SATURDA IMAYB heir Newas Lerrnysons Received a ome of red cwns comports - mertenl 320 hi, green peas 308, mayar and over 480 Dubch alre 70odd ameicans marchis in here. This included o be tharfan 115 Duph officers a recee plane was find on- and we 77 will pewdra 308 hems25, biscuit 45, cffe 10 gain 154 soop cales 1562, soop hin 13, cigeths 96400, bians bag 6, permh3, Augon E selad oil tins1, tobares 6t, ale are still here rooyds from the glurs and bridge dispite oi protests. The nat for 3100 men Drs Carry and Verguil arrived today, the faner to stay we are who promised 2 shere of the figs recaptured went back on his word and gave pleased to lean. The monssonal rains have started. The Jops are still shewin usonly 2 a peg ont of 4. SANROM MHE rigrs of a desire to abide morewth intinational custers concuning tat the were is being neaturchd Panes went once at 8500 and 8345 Ms. Tur of POWs as they have agreed to an edrcational rehene are to the haining of carpentes owny to the ixistance of chalers up then. ane timmiths, and have agred to the erection of a church hall Took ove p1 again SUNDAY MAY7 SUNDAY MAY Heare from bampbell lth that Jap party are in largeen, quarter have Fl, serving another witday Mss was pertpad from beter buak fort Jaabe lard on, pood bent ever, gap tahmint bather, little wark, cnticpate more ensl he I attended ad receiveH ne i all ap ever beeen orderd to disclare and prepare a lest of all valuably held and an torty tige warned to be ready to many No315 bch casualten to 30 apr an 1970 out of 11824 to each other without appoine of Jah Has avo fema to
Mowar no123 nenont mox 15 Walked to No 3 bamp with Cameren, tince & borry. It wa my kind 250 men off as a morking party under major Hellyn to hanlin first will in the surraunding county and was very interesting. Aehards of banar hey are to do soible wadmaking work, pisbably for a short while mengoes Capok and guaras lne the Road. Houses are finced with hugh hight We have to find the usual number of warkes as before, but this woven bainboo or stone finers. We can 2 weaver birds wist side by side. The gap here a cevaly depot alesent a hiso, from an camp and persget nome mery p pwill be almost impossible if the camp is to punchisn at all. It harses. The view from the bank of the river arrayt t w temprary cultibation, and right to the range of hills in the backgiaue is print be 6 days sineet we had wananes in the cantier, as the ration very light is all feeling hungly. atwith tmp grovement is putly the way bats though an extene tuenses and still moe sumply. A wanen has tren sleeping for several day an the TUEGDAYOMAY2 tse 150 men musbly Dubch arrived from Burna. They wohd looe of a miniature busde beme and rened to be dad. the hener is twen thin and miseable and went straight into honpital. about. 80 lage ane contains a big paper factory. No3 caut is the cunt portion of a Cluge butment and built up on the rede of a foum landing ground with letters were handd in. Red Crons parcels arrived for the first hm re we have become POWs- at the rate of 6 men to 1 parcel. Each of in will B POW. in one side and a gap store and twsiteship on the other. The ofticer not get very much but the men have been considerally bughtined out of 17 we daim therr food is better than ours are by their having such foods as writter, chuse, meat mills, etc. wortes are dying at the rate of 25 daily and are officers. the Astabe ranlwoy WEONEDN MIY whood in community grevs filles in orce a day two days ago. In barry dincovered a large tin of temibanstie breads on ar T1 disubd pack lift by a Jather Bembe in te AMahere. As he badys muddy and extermily dik at night. The The c imposed restrritions on the receiv of Hol Comminior owing to the accibe adipiorable lict of dicency must eolist amongst us. am reading the tout thrrtace of breeds, this fine sums little shart of ninactions. M o the Ruhish cmprie by Ed Genlas have been singing and playing musical instiments a lot lately in the UEONEEO MAVI evenings but this bar new been prohibites according to a pap order issued today diarss sha pucente THURSDAY MAY 24 ar Tehun refurey to the war a to P.O.W conditions. Yaur We have tad 2 fine days in succesion, path are being imprad, a about the Dubch 4 day walks of 45 kiles carh day lon dan aces the pane ground hee been day, a covered way to he new HIRSDAY MAY 18 everying is abmext completed. A few more pule days and we will be m Mabune acenon Thursday, attended tais after tenhe. On man returive better off. Notogina is now censering our elther, cards, so that no inward temprodut where he was taken off the Jap party. He sappear to be quite ive il available, The deaths awong 10Ws in tharland other than HHt LFRIDAYMAY is 7200 out of $50,000. Hot you deaths were about 6000. plaged in a Duplicate Bulge competifion with ttartes terum ors partner td his heam carnishs of multiple of 4 pairs ic16 playire competed are hear AYMAY 21 am reading Hugh Walheles Blind Maris House, the stor has 2 pairs playing Ns at t tables sales. Hands and 2 ar deal andvill blided by a bullet in the last was, and his of fuliust recorded and put nto eneofir suitably mak at table I playih dide Celia, 15 years his junior! A gap who ndmally is quite decent ane passe to sable II. Limiltanioualy hands 3 4 4 are played at table II and came into our bost rather drunk and made a gueat iniiance of hmself traised to table il and ao on until each pair has played abend SATURDAY MALEI the cavilape show who is the dealer and whither vul be ilouenrabl Hat to write letters acknowledging receipt of Rid prow pails. each fan baving its fair shan of deate and vul conditions. The sare appaintly the cards are not sufficieng. Have beeh asked ho, say what carss show the contialt, awho peayel it and the score bach pair plays 166 we are eloing for ourulry whetier would like to do to belp chise SATURDAY. MAY 30 what materal would we requie to do it and new soon culd Taps demand, another 250 workers, this will man that unfitm we getatarte so do camp week and relase fitt men for Jap work l hes SinN 2 varise his- a make appard in the undile of a crowd distining to a Mas 16 at 5820 his immdicbly after tarks, Two are raid ad san excitimnt until it was billed set a letter ight an Palarins. A number of men seem to be muuch afeard when they hear and have. Cancialt. they like to, be at the far side of the camp from the budge. We SUOA NAT21 mins very much the little news we read to read in Greatu dria, Want to man before buatifast, at night If tustured to some fave boy Imst be two months now since the last newspape was received gEnglish Haraian and Malay sangs They are quite good ispe It is dreadful to know that the war is still going on and we t then quilar accemmpaniments the murieane style is almos are kept in complite ignorance as to its progleas. Another choler inget
ONOAY SUNS MoBar Ma 2 Today we experienced easily the heavinal visitation of plany four Pon expaience. From 1300 b to 1700 his there were very few the parade ground fully drisse Wearly all my officers were s minutes duiing which we could not hear a see our plane vint seille. I don't know whether it was a jobe or a inissid before one fellow cabuted 47 but the gaps said later that there were 300 sbanding of oiders. am reading Du Maurier's "Jamared Eun a story Plans over Hailane. The AA Arry opened up reveral times but seared girl and siugglers and wreaken in England duiing teg yellan a far no wits, Groups of P0Ws under officers were allowed to move through autery. Te clegyman name Lavey turns out to be the arch cndl. Th the fince to dispevement areas are about half the prisonn went in sen in afterward to a rucifo inl Feauti p FUESBAL TUNE conclumion. a Dutchman saly French formnince sangs ane gavenine boys san Wore came through at 1330 bus that we had be provide a WPof 300 voren sorg in English men at 0900 his. We woke up all the necessary stapps and relicted UcsoOl MAISO told that our bombers yesterday and wornie the men. N 260 letter came into the camipy ane The rood party is not veriued today darnagel the long bridge at 159 pito (Tharland, and that warkins wie another $5000 ardived in gap bamp H.A.F this mar that the number of titte being obtained from other camp as well. Polson Eogleston & lapt bing up in dlobogungs office hes gisuen from wos to 12000 Vakenen bumbing went from my grap. Fthinnogo in the other 2 NCO over there, and sersh to be doing a good job WEMNESDAY TUWY C all was shoppe because the barractin made too much noise aple arranged an alatmn was sounded during the matring and Rashs This means that there is now no sport, no musie or singing except af cencer we bad conclcfin orders from different guarty, some denlarding only one sema a k that we get olt ther invibly parfies! other that, we must stay v so eover same taking parties oiit of camp and others sanding at the a ballasa yestrdy the lap Docter-Iquahi saw m ixcusing in guard-house to stop them, from going our. tn the early hory of inillame and wtin an tion bat. He said I wist be planning to excape e indnir aguad saw two man balking together at the ed Aerhap be thought I was leavning to fly. Head, at last be there fof a but and created a fuss stating that the then were plotter & letters in the mail for me. Enlagure the wave of gladoess which boots H ixcape. One thied of the comp was kept awake for an hrrb aid tis. I was beginning to think that mssg of me which this performance. One guard natsuto ba blen waking so berr. yausd with bot t0k8 as i walkg it going to receive any thouble lately that the c0 is forrs to report him to the res the pde grous at LUNI ac am wating ewiti, Jolas Hamn. Gota his obriausly a sicual pent in all THURSDAT TUNE. New set of LADinstinction were rssued then and cual pleasme. Waured to pupise 150 peepe of the cities an for ten for a Kanburs, M.P. but lake this was deferred. Bashing is to shop but so tto move out of the camp to dispersal areas on the rounding of the atarm much apprecatel by many of the P0W. me of any inpovement. The New Yorl Liris Books for there is 16O7OU2 woith getting to hup in teuch with new bosts in amure devien twer wave of oue lambers passed ove in an earlul dirhio and betweens about an ham late. am reading Daephme DnMauris FBIOAX JUN Tume drays very hearily. I scrtures ful that I could easily go mad libecca the stary of a young girl marrie t a men twice berage terrible feeling take runn inixrable I can do Bodom can be twhere first wife Rebica had died. Stayed a match of duptreabe bindo nithing to hasten our release. When Pdy to reason as h heve long the wa against Goup 3 anoth alsrin at 1330 hours, and the carp wa the dy lwways arrive at the same condition baffled and waspes hacabed. The mast interisting and humomou convnation ou pa just app we get into leed and people whs are hept arat to tugrest and sam of on portal staff have itve to this up by it are arsually very hastile Have stopped deing 15 for a while as my It would seem that we of A Toice were the last to have our names gething worte in May sang 43. Poer Narrey MMr Whos AV.O. The sunnet was magnificient and many 1043 shood entet odvised as being P0Ws serbit They, must have bad a hard sine waiting for so leny for news of me. Haw fier Heview be splended alay of colour sivery rich men wae that their letters ofter Oct 43 an to contain only 25 words sear's party at the 79 silo Sn Burna. An influlerza apedernce hit then AY TUNA oe day is May 266 men out of 350 were dowen sick gdied up to 3114 Keys "History of the Be Empiri dhestary of our 1HC am wait tegues harte improved from 21 to 41 - a very poor total. Tood is bit expansion. The Japan, party is either still at Largon or sre its wa pulnomedical supplie have been received up to 31 pay. kingapare, My health is still good but a few heins and PRDa7 FUNI. attended plass & H.C. We have had very little rain to dwelsp in my shoneden and legs at times and wake we wanly pe days ngw. A change of guard has been indreatia. We are bo g bet is all that it should Eurmna faue the guaidof
have starkd again atralidar. 2w bood and faster. The was the mestanbitiens yet attempt You wintee abopher costirin syngs and sti were at recaptured then in shiped blares and star decte dm bussel tin wick to kne bathing coltung 22 n the garden wall? Nellie Tray r 49, vercy in the Park and rebasbus VEEDAY TUNR Like here deags beyind all unagination. The war seem to he to a stenstill. We no i issu of Voice of Happen ded the end of last april. Then the gaps were in hh issam, but they is still no mintion of any ot a of the war in the Pacifie. I am very unsettled CcourCO at D inspected all fit men excluding extented men. Ser d nsmall gapen pert ingfamed put Aptaremer Fheveloped a sever ad ache and wisht to bid earl WS0AY TUN 15 Farce turn N03 camp with Whs willia vew egdins t isettee oy neda Ablly. We have 224 hill for a week new, I have the redi my daily ixhended ocerte to iake my m bast to nct ply day nowt 156 two cup of cophe 10, warias 5, parching eal 4, ar wl so my back clared up3 A at the at wes by like ennetl, steppit erasun bath aine is much improved /10 Ia Reg men Banball (roftal mn Matshr & t every werringthe cut all the viste is guife differ ttae the papat tetare at lancks n the al aan Devamin t Iched a well dryesnd shar My 6 handh of his breysly thading it from the seen with his belmed and his we wyying a basket of purches Aa O a bambes wes atursed barse en get on Churct decreation Hut the two Dtch wond from the other ran 1rsup medicat offe Epeten Us kany NOAT TUNIE Went to mass & HC. my buthdan 40y especially renembueat hae. Words t amouhavt in Japenise, Jape have drimise tutd for Japen still in Gargon and expect to ma to luapar MONDAY 15MA temr hrave did within the last 36 hours. Lus of them were just beer ingle camp by truck. The laps have killed there men as s had that them They will not provide even ony burrch for Caters the naon of Holland by Bubutance the Dubet attended the burdal of the vody of Dens sumsry this morning. it but warbed fou oul 19e iaton whe feft e glaves buring romething tike a roraty! the ap eoichag apatesd ly arraved th Payil budg God. I have Tuesday HMAY than teary thunde To langer. Recuved another arange ho stay were hapefore mjution againes cholera I nadale age 21 years. Otenne wine Asdaw Minlhans address was spresene feld ha adlast laps her do the hostal with the Lix men sleep under the wirho Athewmton M. Cantry sour Truls 21 Thange thid been cleare meething from d parers 8 5 Twope aldey muviire has sake d has gou his place. mit tent totiu I havd s lige a ld and i to b yuory sve some patients. have apread ERIOAY 14M with tey and then i vistat Iexamined- vag duet lost i hoday at night a conderant che t soon would be seen the bay of bangal Weastea for hours and consulie of and t whitet faltrin enhimas wr a mythey book called the timple way of person. rcommend it. attended the uual &c lughat nosay 247 15 no1 abured the body of the unccan to the cound of the the taps. Bar able A Cubh Complain hats the hear from ays, I sawa s dyserty. H had 7854,3 an it whilly cod ge vember just wein ane bare other are a A1 Mars

MONDAY FEB 7
Am on the road to recovery and am able to eat a
little. Three newspapers arrived in which was

mentioned that Rome 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 Prerunner 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 an
am still able to eat stew and a few eggs and
bananas despite the quinine, am reading a splendidly
written autobiography by Eugene de Lavitsch 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 P O W  who escaped from the Jap

guard house gave himself up about 15 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 as well.  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 hour 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 ground

but no one was hurt. Print returned from the jungle and
painted a  very gloomy picture of conditions there. The food has not
improved,  ashma is rife and many are sick.  Men are dying at
the rate if 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 bit 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 Pdes, 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 plasmoquin. 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 shall have hope. One man states our cards
sent on 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 are 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 plasmoquin 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. I have completed my course of medicine
and feel quite well again. Changed our 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 Ver Gust arrived after tenko  - to bury the
body of a Dutch whome 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 Buck's

"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

 

MONDAY  FEB.21.

Am now senior officer on the tenko parades during

the illness of Col Ramsay. The hot weather is very trying.

A bucket of water was thrown at my room at 2115 hrs and

was followed by the bucket. I was playing cards with

Lowe, Shaw, Ewart. They received most of the water but I escaped.

It looks like a case of spite.

TUESDAY  FEB. 22

Spent the morning watching the Jap doctor select fit men

for Japan. Only 11 officers were chosen including [[?]]

the only bapl. Majors were expressly excluded from

the selection. It looks as if majors are all going & are

earmarked for something different. Investigated the water

throwing incident and suspect one man who was sent to

detention about a week ago and released yesterday. He

had been dealt with by Major Ewart during my illness.

WEDNESDAY  FEB 23

19 men from the jungle camp arrived in the very early hrs

of the morning. They are carpenters and have been sent down

for hut building. The remainder are due to leave the jungle

commencing on 26 Feb. They include the man who has

been a prisoner for only 11 weeks. He made his way up from

Malaya and lived with some natives for many months.

THURSDAY  FEB 24

Weighed myself - 66 kilograms. This is much the same

as before despite the statements of some others that I am thinner.

The men recently from the jungle saw some later 

newspapers and it appears that fighting on a large scale is taking

place in N. Burma. Spain, Portugal and Turkey are much

in the public eye. The day is again very sultry with continuous

flashes of lightning. A violent wind storm blew up after

lights out and blew over two huts and damaged several others.

FRIDAY  FEB 25

29 Japanese buglers paid a visit to the almost completed

memorial. Their bugles were a very light brass or tin and

their tune short and monotonous and played by one third of
them at a time.  Purtell's business transactions are giving me a
lot of work. He makes out to be mentally unsound but I think he

is a rogue.
SATURDAY FEB 26

Spent the afternoon hearing the charges against Purtell. He has defrauded

people all over the place. I sentenced him to 10 days detention. Hobbs,
Chalmers and Higgins agreed by the majority decision that Purtell is responsible

SUNDAY FEB 27

Am reading Douglas Reid's " Insanity Fair" and Jeffrey Farnols "Crooked
Furrow". Purtell escaped through the roof of out lock up and

was recaptured later asleep in a hut.  I am attending swimming pde
again. It is a safety valve for this pent up feeling. The body of a Thai floated

into our swimming area and had to be buried.  There is a soccer
match every night

now.

MONDAY FEB 28

My sleep is always very restless now.  I dream  heavily & cannot get
comfortable I toss and turn and seem to have a dull ache all over.

In the morning I awake very depressed. Shifted my quarters to the
medical officers hut- alongside Lt Col Eadie of Heidelberg. About 160
officers and men arrived from the jungle - in poor condition. I go
for a swim in the evenings now. It is delightful. In the evening light
the great border mountains seem to tower higher than ever into a cloudy
sky, red and copper with the setting sun, and to overshadow the [[? brown]]
stream.  Some Thai families complete their ablutions on the other bank or
laze about watching us. Downstream a fire gleams on a bamboo raft.

TUESDAY FEB 29
Commander Lowe is a son  of the erstwhile S.S.B. manager of
Castlemaine and later Richmond.  I am reminded this day some 16

years ago when Iris & Audrey Marriage and Nora? invited Ken, Bryan
and me to a leap years party at the Palais St Kilda and to supper on
the Esplanade. Lt Col Eadie was R.M.O. to 24 Bn for some time and
did a camp with us at Mornington. I thought that I had met him

before our POW days.
WEDNESDAY MAR 1

Another 220 odd men of mixed nationality arrived from the jungle.
They are thin, miserable and dirty. Word has been received there

that all of them are to be got out of the jungle by the end of March.

So far there is no movement to Japan.

THURSDAY MAR 2

About 200 Dutchmen arrived including Hesse but they are to move
on tomorrow.  Held Ch Pdes and a concert. The  Protestant Service
was held in remembrance of the men of the Perth and Heuston
who were killed. The concert took the form of a  programme from
the studio of a broadcasting station. I am feeling sick in the
stomach again.  The monotony of this life is maddening.  Even newspapers
seem to be denied to us now as it is over a month since the last news 
received.

FRIDAY MAR 3

All Dutch capable of marching left from Kanburi 2 or 3 camp. The
heat here in the afternoon is terribly oppressive. It makes life almost

unbearable.  From the Greater Asia it would appear that American strategy

is to place a barrier across Jap lines of communication from Canton
to Caroline Islands.

SATURDAY MAR 4

200 odd fit Dutch arrived from the jungle en route for Japan.
Personnel of the various camps and nationalities are hopelessly mixed
and the position becomes daily worse.
SUNDAY MAR 5

A recce plain appeared high overhead.  Some 200 more fit Dutch arrived.

mosquito nets, sarongs and monetary books were received. Lt Col Gottschal
died and was buried with an impressive funeral.  The band participated
some 30 senior officers attended and I assisted to bear the body through the
camp. Major Rogers of USA ^and the bearer was just able to make the distance. The vultures
flock around here at [[?]] time and can be seen pushed everywhere.

 

MONDAY MAR 6
We now have some 400 Dutch with us.  They are a bigger race than we are
mostly have the German type of features.  Some humerous incidents to arise
when speaking Japanese. One gives a splendid order, correct in every detail
and heard all over the camp - and the Dutch simply stand fast. They are great
rice eaters and can never get enough.  The officer in charge of one party
which arrived during the lights out was asked to quieten everyone and not

to be noisy himself. He immediately bellowed out this instruction to
all and sundry much to the amusement of the Jap Guard. Planes passed

over again during the night and the guns opened up.
TUESDAY MAR 7

The Senior Dutch  Officer - Capt Hoerweg - brought along the 2 new dutch

coy comdrs to meet me - Lieut von den Henfeld-Reinders and Ouvleh.  They
are various courteous as a race. Another plane appeared overnight.
We seem to be raiding Saigon. Green, Maher and myself are now members
of H.Q. Mess.  It has its advantages.

WEDNESDAY MAR 8

In the evening twilight I saw some six Buddhist Priests
crossing the river over the wooden bridge. They were dressed in bright
buttercup yellow jackets and long trousers and provided a
bright splash of colour.  I heard during the morning some sort of
a brass band playing in the direction the priests were now
baking, so it appears that there is some sort of celebration afoot.
More planes were heard overhead several times during the night.
THURSDAY MAR 9
A half holiday.  A strange list has been sent officially to
us from the jungle. It contains 850 odd names, apparently a party

for Japan, but different from the list we prepared here,
The Kapok trees are leaning heavily now. The trees stand 15 to 20 feet
high, are bare of leaves. but the pods hang down singly like
large green banana passion fruit.  I should think that there is no
market for kapok now. We have removed all  albata and earth
from the base of all walls of our huts to lessen the harbourmazes
for rats and to allow air to pass through easily - a great advantage

FRIDAY MAR 10
am reading Harry Brittains " Loire The Three Corners", An unknown authors
"Whiteoak Heritage" and Katie O'Briens " Without my cloak".
SATURDAY MAR 11. Organised soccer, basketball & softball commenced. White returned.

SUNDAY MAR 12

Attended unveiling of memorial with POW  representative of Br. Amer, Dutch. AIF armies

navies and airforces. from all POW camps in the district. There were several highranking Jap officers
Thai army & navy representations with their  creamy white caps
and tunics.  Their civilians

Malays, Burmese, Tamils, Sihks, and Chinese, all the latter dressed in every conceivable

form of headdress, shirt and trousers and complete with cumbands. The spirits were

well provided for with fruit, vegetables, rice, fowls, noodles, pasta and fish. Wreaths
in cellophane paper and paper strips fluttering in the breeze cluttered up the  area
around the central column.  A Jap private evidently a Buddhist priest commenced the ceremony
by lighting a candle and   incense sticks , read prayers from a scroll, bowed, clapped hands


and waved evil spirits away with a branch of a tree bedecked with paper strips. In
climbing steps he always put his left foot first - never both feet

alternately. When he
returned to his prayers again I heard a voice say "God He's at it again." Then all reps
of races and creed, Buddhist, Confuscionists, Mohammedans, Hindu, Christians went

up in turn and read a prayer from a scroll.  The Brig read Brookes verse " They
shall not grow old."  [[?Emineins]]died and 2/29 Bn buried him.  His is our 17th

death

MONDAY MAR 13

Yesterday every POW and subject Asiatic race who attended was given

a tin of sweet biscuits. Men there.  Lt Col Dunlop, Ben Barnett & Fr Dolan
2/29 Bn lost about 170 men out of F Force. Newspapers give particulars of death
of Mrs Gandhi, the pros & cons of another front in West. Europe,
and American task

forces near Marianne and Truk Island, and Br fighting in upper Burma

TUESDAY MAR 14

Started to alternate my PT with a short period on the water pump.
About 20 minutes is my limit. Collected all rupee notes for exchange.

My Group put in about 3000. My seniority has been clarified and I
now take charge of the combined parade.  Major Green is some
years my junior and Comdr Lowe does not want the responsibility.

WEDNESDAY MAR 15

I am enjoying immensely "Without my cloak". Received another
injection against plague. Weighed myself - have not varied from last
month- 66 kilograms. Brigdr addressed all POWs on tenko parade
concerning discipline. White visited other camps. POWs going

to Japan
are to travel by rail and rivercraft as far as SAIGON. Had to sentence

Ptes Davison and Masters to 28 and 20 days detention for trading with
Thais.   They were caught redhanded by the  Japs yesterday and the whole
tenko was made to stand for an hour.
THURSDAY MAR 16

A holiday- for most people. The weekly concert was first rate.

Every item was well thought out and well acted.
FRIDAY MAR 17

St Patricks Day. I spent most of the day investigating the
loss of some Ts 230 by Pte Wills. Many times during the day
and for

some time after lights out.  I was thinking of Nancy  more than 
usual and remembered the first St Pats Day I spoke to her outside

Craigs. I cannot forget the many times I have acted  to her no
better than a stupid, in sufferable school boy.  Can she forget and let
me start again with only the intense pleasure we always enjoyed in &  with other company at other times.

SATURDAY MAR 18
The animals on  the  farm are not doing as well as they should,

particularly
the young ducks. The present bugler  is awful and when he blows
an air raid warning it is simply laughable. A party of 195 men and 1
body arrived here about 2200 hrs.  Most of them are destined for Japan. Jenkins
is the only officer with them.  Am reading " All that Swagger" by Wm Franklin.

SUNDAY MAR 19

The heat her is extremely enervating. The temperature rises to approx 100°

and stays hot until late at night. I usually sleep with only pyjama trousers

 

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 technicians to the other side of Kanburi. We are still making

preparations for the sending of drafts of men to Japan from Saigon.
 The  homies are to be 150 strong under 1 officer.

TUESDAY MAR 21
A parade for medical inspection by Jap officer was held 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 the 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 Pdes 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. Shekel 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 produced completed rolls - and then started to check as to
whether these people were  available or not. Many of them are at
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 the 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 books, socks, khaki shorts
cotton shorts, cotton singlet, tunic without button, 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 [[?Lurnner]], Phillips and Shipart
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 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
provided 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, Loose, Hamilton, Greville, du Chateau,
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 party 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 [[?rebranding]]  "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 pumphorse, bath, lunch. read history
novel, bridge, evening round, tenko, yarn or walk up and down
pde ground. The heat and dust are steadily becoming worse. Next 6 [[?homies]]
were medically examined by Japs. Honbu is trying to gain recognition.
1500 letters are now sorted and in the possession of the Jap
interpretter for censoring.

SATURDAY APR 1

There are some good soccer matches played occasionally - in a cloud of 
dust. Began to read Priestlys "English Journey" but discarded it
in favour
of "Jonothan Drew". Hoshi and Katsume visited the camp. - but
not together.
A very welcome shower of rain fell just after lights out.
SUNDAY APRIL 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 new front row.

Heard that temperatures  in the shade recently registered went up to 110°. 

 

MONDAY APR 3

Weighed the bar I use for P.T. It is just 20lbs. Received newspapers dated

as late as 14 Mar. The enemy seems to have received a heavy blow in TRUK

island, there is till fighting on the India- Burma border, and Rome is still
holding out against us. The Dutch gave a concert as a farewell to those
standing by for Japan.  Much of it was in English especially the swing
band vocal items.  Our comedian did not know when to stop and
had to be screened.  Our jibe at the previous concert to divide the Dutch
E. I. into halves for the Br. & Americans leaving the rest to the Dutch was
met with the generous offer to divide these islands in the same ratio as the  sea
at the recent soccer match - 5 to nil, in favour of the Dutch.
TUESDAY APR 4

A cool day with a slight shower. Attended  Mass and received HC

at 2030 hrs.  The Dutch provided a choir to chant responses. Have decided
to learn French Language.  Two drivers came in  from Montmain. The town is 
full of Japs, but there is no Jap aircraft about.  Our own planes appear
daily, and are unopposed. Prices are soaring there, Rs5 for a viss

of sugar, Rs3 for a band of bananas, 50 Cents for an egg. Rs95 for a shirt.  The inhabitants
are very friendly to POWs. Met Major Daley late 15 Inf Bde.

WEDNESDAY APR 5

Mass & H.C. again at 8.15 hrs. This time I fasted.  A storm hit
the camp in the afternoon but did little damage. Joined at night with

the American officers of 131st Bn - Rogers, Filmore, & Morgan.

THURSDAY APR 6

A holiday.  The rain has freshened the countryside.  A change of season

is taking place. Increased my P T to 30lbs weight.  450 POWs marched

out including 150 A.I.F. The concert was excellent and included South of

the Border, the swing band and a bathroom farce.

FRIDAY APR 7
Good Friday - but just an ordinary working day for us. Moved my
group back to its original huts and absorbed X [[?homi]] and 104
men from the jungle party.  We are pushing ahead with more

Numbers

as POWs coming down from the jungle bring reports of constant

attacks on camps. The sunsets now are magnificent and the nights
are bright with moonlight. Am reading Four plays by Shakespeare

Loves Labour Lost. The Comedy of Errors. Two Gentlemen of Verona, Midsummer

Nights dream.

SATURDAY APR 8

The heat after noon was terrific. Perspiration poured out of us.

in our beds until after midnight. The Guards are much more
tolerant and now do not object to men being out of their
beds after lights out.  Yesterday and today 350 men marched out to 
Japan each day.

SUNDAY APR 9

Attended funeral of body of Reed 2/18 Bn. and had a swim. I received another 51 men from camp no. 3.↓ ( Heard that 2/29 lost 195 out of

650 in "F" Force and 12 out of "H" Force).↘ This makes my group
about
800 strong.  The heat continues. It is the worst I have ever experience

 

MONDAY APR 1O

I am feeling very feverish and expect to go down with malaria

on Wednesday next. Settled my new arrivals into their
quarters. About 250 of the N E I marched in from the jungle.
This makes the Dutch about 900 strong  and more are
expected tomorrow.  They are mostly Javanese and seem to be
exhausted.  They still retain good physiques but have no
heart.  They are very dark, some are almost black like a Tamil.  There

is nothing very pure about any of the coloured races I have lived
amongst.  There has been a lot of mixing in the past and sometimes

it is difficult to decide whether a man  is Malay, Javanese, Burmese,
Thai or Chinese.

TUESDAY APR 11

The fever has passed - I hope permanently. I refrained from P T and
swimming.  Am reading John Buchan's "The House of Four Winds". It is

just a novel.  Bought a few limes from the canteen at 5 c each but they
are not juicy. Fruit gathering parties go out occasionally for fruit for

chutney and jams. There seems to be more Jap interest in our wellbeing

and our guards are gentlemen.

WEDNESDAY APR 12

The fever returned very lightly, apparently the worst day was two

days ago. I am rather elated with the thought that I was able

to throw off this attack as it augers well for me. The 105 camp
was attacked a second time about 3rd April and another man was 

killed. The line was then bombed and hit 8 times between 105 K & 112 K.

We are pushing on with the digging of deep drains around huts.

am reading Professor Taid O'Conroys book.  It is very informative

THURSDAY APR 13

Am feeling normal and went for a swim before the evening
meal.  The concert was the best production I have ever seen in a POW

camp. - "When Knights were bold". Atyeo's performance was masterly.

Met some officers from Chumbai, Lt Col Parker, an Australian in the

Indian Army who commanded a Baluchi Bn on Singapore Island.
Major Moon of 2 CCSs picked up in Java. No. 1 Branch seems to
concentrated

at Noncompotong (?) near the hospital,  2 and 4 at Chumbai but 4 to

move soon to a new camp 7 kilos south of Kanburi. 6 to be linked
with 1, probably.  The Brig estimates POW deaths on the line at 13 - 15000.

FRIDAY APR 14

 This camp is called upon to provide 280 fit men of mixed nationalities

probably for work in the jungle. Japs have asked officers to write on

44 subjects concerning their treatment of POWs with a view to ascertaining

where they have failed  and to improve our lot.

SATURDAY APR 15

Our disenfector is a furnace boiling water in a kerosene tin  into  a pipe [[? winched]]

steam into a ½ drum with a clamped lid.  The steam takes about an hour

to work through the clothing to an outlet at the bottom.

SUNDAY APR 16

Some 280 letters were  received- but still none for me. They are dated Jun 43
and state that particulars of POWs held by Japs have not yet been received. Ch Pdes

in the evening were well attended. Terrific dust storm.

 

 

MONDAY APR 17

A holiday. In future every Monday will be a rest day. Am

reading Farnols  "His Majesty well-beloved". Bought another shirt for T5.

Started P.T. again after a  break of one week. The band practiced all night.

TUESDAY APR 18

Up to the present about half of us have still had no letters from
home. Sometimes I dread receiving one, because of the bad news it
may contain and my helplessness.  Have developed slight traces of

tinea. " When Knights were bold" was put on again for the hospital
patients and was a great success.
WEDNESDAY APR 19

I get a tremendous thrill in learning new songs which I will be able
to sing to Nancy and the children when I return home. " A
beautiful
lady in blue", "Smilin Through" and "You are my heart's delight" are
three I am learning at present.  I am selected to command the
working party of 700, all nationalities, which is probably destined
for return to the jungle. No one of course wants to go back
there but I feel complimented to be chosen for the toughest job
available.  I have selected West, Blair, Staples, Hackett, Flemingon,  Evans,

Keitley (USA), Spruggs (Br) and 5 Dutch officers. I hope Nancy is still
praying hard for me as the prospects are not bright.

THURSDAY APR 20

A fine, cool day - with the usual air raid alarm. Am feeling
more at home in the water lately, but I still lack strength.
Hesse of the NEI marched in, and will probably come as my
interpreter. We are still completely in the dark as to our destination

FRIDAY APR 21
The tamarin trees in the camp are providing us with the main
ingredient for jam. A violent thunder storm closed in on us
in the evening. Two fruit gathers who had innocently gone into
a wrong orchard were unmercifully bashed by a guard called
Cato. He kicked one POW in the face when he was on the
ground and has probably damaged the bone.  My working party
has now grown to 699  names including 15 officers and an

interpreter.
SATURDAY APR 22

Organisation of my WP into 1 Officer & 13 OR Kunnis approved. Force
is to be brought to 700 strong. Shomu Ka officers moved into their
own building.  A Jap stated that 400 guards are required for Burma on

the basis of 1 guard to 20 POWs fit, and 40 POWs sick. I hope that we
are not the POWS referred to.
SUNDAY APR 23

Advised that 200 of the fittest men of the WP are to go forward
to the jungle as an advanced party. Selected Blair to command.

a very hot day.  Church Pdes were held in the  evening.  The

attendance is 600% better than when the services are held in the

morning

 

MONDAY APR 24

We are avid for news.  No newspapers have been seen for some 
three weeks.  This restriction is yet another unnecessary hurt.

The concert was a variety entertainment. A  Javanese had

impersonating a guitar-playing Mexican girl put on an
excellent turn. He was encored again and again.
TUESDAY APR 25

anzac Day, just before I woke I felt Nancy kissing me lightly

and smilingly. It was very vivid and felt real. I suppose she

is thinking of me more than usual today.  We held a simple dawn
 service.  The men of last war marched to a position in front of

the cross on the stage, the rest of the participators stood behind,

excepting the Brig with senior officers who stood at the side.
The padre went forward and said a quiet prayer, the Brig, Ramsay

and one R.S. placed wreaths, the bugler played Last Post and
Reveille and the band played off the R.S. to a march past of the 
Brig

30 Dutch from my W.P. left for the 62 kilo in Burma from
the Dutch camp.

WEDNESDAY APR 26

500 hospital patients left this afternoon for the NAKCOMPATONG
hospital. The arrangements worked very smoothly - the Japs

did not interfere in any way.  Some of the patients were very

thin and in a bad condition and will not survive the journey.

THURSDAY APR 27

Sent off Bean with the advanced party of 200.  They are going

to the 60 kilo camp.  Some 250 British from the aerodrome camp
and some hospital camp were also on the train

FRIDAY APR 28

About 250 more sick men went off to the base hospital.

In the meantime, the heaviest shower we have had fell and the
sick were nearly all soaked to the skin. Am reading " Racial

Realities in Europe" by LOTHROP STODDARD. It is not very interesting

Some 50 men had to walk to Kanburi just before midnight

to pick up our ration of fresh fish^ from a  truck which had become bogged
SATURDAY APR 29

a small yellow fly catcher has nested on a tree just outside

the officers quarters. Its nest is very much like a fantails.  Am
learning Cuthbertson's  "Asking birds". Am reading " Rubaiyat
of
Omar Khayyám", a translation by Ed Fitzgerald, also " The Poets

Tongue" an anthology by Auden & Garrett

SUNDAY APR 30

Headachy and I am probably sickening of something or
another. The attendance at the rosary was just as good

as ever despite the fact that the camp strength is now down

to 2600 odd.

 

 

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 adrena is
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

pain
are the worst. The MO gave me some tablets late at night. These
should quieten me down.  about 300 letters 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 Corry 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
Blair 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 whilst being driven from our

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 steadily. 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. No 2 Camp was cleared out
and over 400 Dutch and 70 odd Americans marched in here.  This included Lt
Col. Thorp, USA and 110 Dutch officers.  A recce plane was fired on - and we

are still here 200 yds from the guns and bridge despite out 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 instance 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  Apr
Brigr warned to be ready to move No 315  sick 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 Rearing, Pila and de Bon NEI Thorpe of USA, Hamilton, Eadie

of AIF, 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

Schmidt 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 came across some 8 Javanese sitting in a circle and

praying with

a prayer leader who went on and on in a sobbing voice,  probably Mohammedans.

WEDNESDAY MAY 10
after midday  meal the Japs descended on the camp in great numbers

and conducted a thorough search.  I lost all my [[?wine ]] 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 and the camp was hit by the worst storm yet.

THURSDAY MAY 11

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

done in the storm.

Japs returned all knives -100s of them, Lieut Varley was taken to Kanburi
in connection with the arrest of Carbo 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. Finds as disclosed by Carbo. Drower borrowed a gramophone

from the Nips and we heard some good music the first time for 2 yrs.

I was watching a glorious sunset at the same time as the gramophone

was playing and I must say I was strangely affected by a nostalgia for

home.

SATURDAY MAY 13

Received our 3rd issue of red cross comforts - [[?mubul]] 320 tins, green peas 308, mangoes

77, milk powder 308, hams 25, biscuits 45, coffee 10, jam 154, soap cakes 1562, soap

tins 13, cigarettes 96400, brans bags 6, peanuts 3, sugar 9, salad oil tins 1, tobacco 64, ale 

for 3100 men. Frs Corry 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 a 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 H.Qs.

 

 

MONDAY MAY 15  Walked to No 3 Camp with Cameron, Hence & Corry. It was my

first walk in the surrounding country and was very interesting. Orchards of banana

mangoes, kapok and guavas line the road. Horses are fenced with high tightly
woven bamboo or stone fences.  We saw 2 weaver birds nest side by side. The Japs

have a cavalry depot about a kilo from  our camp and possess some very fine

horses. The view from the bank of the river across the river flats  under

temporary cultivation, and right to the range of hills in the background is

very pretty.  The way leads through an extensive wat with temple graves, mostly
houses and still more temples .- A woman has been sleeping for several days on the

floor of a miniature budda house and seemed to be dead.  The house is

large and contains a big paper factory. No 3 camp is the centre portion of a

Br POWs on one side and a Jap store and workshop on the  other.  The officers

there are well and claim their food is better than ours. Over 400 out of 1700

are officers.  The Asiatic railway-workers are dying at the rate of 25 daily and

are being buried in community graves. filled in once a day.
TUESDAY MAY 16

The camp is very muddy and extremely dark at night. The

mornings show

a deplorable lack of decency must exist amongst us. Am reading " The Gov't

of the British Empire" by Ed Jenks.

WEDNESDAY MAY 17

According to a Jap order issued today diaries should no longer

contain

referenced to the war or to P.O.W conditions.  Yarned with Major Schmidt
about the Dutch 4-day walks of 45 kilos each day held annually in

Aug.

THURSDAY MAY 18

Ascension Thursday.  Attended Mass after ^ evening tenko. One

man returned from  Nonprodunk where he was taken off the Jap party. He  appears to be quite well.

FRIDAY MAY 19

Played in a Duplicate Bridge competition with Charly Green as partner. Each

team consists of multiples of 4 pairs i.e. 16 players competed.  One team
has 2 pairs playing N.S. at I and III tables, ^ the other ^ at II & IV tables. Hands 1 and 2 are dealt
at table I, played, and  recorded, and put into 8 envelopes suitably marked

and passed to table II, Simultaneously hands 3 & 4 are played at table II and
passed to table III and so on until each pair has played 8 hands.

The envelope shows who is the dealer and whether  vul or 

invulnerable,

each pair having its fair share of deals and vul conditions. The score

cards show the contract, who played it and the score. Each pair
plays 16 hands.

SATURDAY MAY 20

Japs demand another 250 workers. This will mean that unfit men

will have to do camp work and release fitter men for Jap work.
A snake appeared in the middle of a crowd listening to a Javanese  duo - at

night - an caused some excitement until it was killed. Sent a letter

card home.

SUNDAY MAY 21
Went to Mass before breakfast. At night I listened to some Java boys

singing English Hawaian and Malay songs. They are quite good especially

with their guitar accompaniments. The music and style is almost
entirely Western

 

MONDAY MAY 22

Sent 250 men off as a working party under Major Hellyer to Kanburi.

They are to do some roadmaking work as before, but this
will be almost impossible if the camp is to function at all. It

must be 6 days since we have had bananas in the canteen. As
the ration

is very light we are all feeling hungry.

TUESDAY MAY 23

Some 150 men mostly Dutch arrived from Burma.  They looked
very thin and miserable and went straight into hospital. About

80

letters were handed in. Red Cross parcels arrived for the first time since

we have become POWs - at the rate of 6 men to 1 parcel. Each of us will
not get very much, but the men have been considerably brightened

by them having such food as butter, cheese, meat, milk, etc.

WEDNESDAY MAY 24

Two days ago, Fr Corry discovered a large tin of Eucharistic breads in a

deserted pack left by a Father Bourke in this QM store. As he had just

imposed restriction on the  receiving of Holy Communion owing to the acute
shortage  of breads, this find seems little short of miraculous. Men
have been singing and playing instruments a lot lately, in the evenings but this has now been prohibited.

THURSDAY MAY 25

We have had 2 fine days in succession, paths are being improved, a

long drain across the parade ground has been dug, a covered way to the mens

latrine is almost complete. A few more fine days and we will be much better off. Motogima is now censoring our letter cards, so that no  inward

mail is available.  The deaths among POWs in Thailand other than H & F

forces was 7200 out of 50,000. H & F Force deaths were about 6000.

FRIDAY MAY 26

Am reading Hugh Walpole's "Blind Man's House", the story

of Julius Cromwell blinded by a bullet in the last war, and his

bride Celia, 15 years his junior.  A Jap who is normally quite decent
came into our hut rather drunk and made a great nuisance of himself.

SATURDAY MAY 27
Had to write letters acknowledging receipt of Red Cross parcels 
- apparently the cards are not sufficient. Have been asked to say what

we are doing for ourselves, what we would like to do to help and

what material would we require to do it and how soon could we get started.

SUNDAY MAY 28

Mass & H.C. at 8.20 hrs, immediately after tenko. Two air raid

alarms. A number of men seem to be much afraid when they hear

aircraft. They like to be at the  far side of the camp from the bridge. We

miss very much the little news we used to read in Greater Asia.

It must be two months now since the last newspaper was received.

It is dreadful to know that the war is still going on and we

are kept in complete ignorance as to its progress. Another cholera injection

 

 

MONDAY MAY 29

Nearly all my officers were on the parade ground fully dressed

before reveille.  I don't know whether it was a joke or misguided

standing of orders. Am reading Du Maurier's " Jamaica Inn", a story of  Mary

Yellan - a farm girl and smugglers and wreckers in England during the 19th

century.  The clergy man Francis Davey turns out to be the 

arch-criminal. The

concert was interrupted by rain - but went on afterwards to a successful

conclusion. A Dutchman sang French feminine songs and Javanese boys sang

Hawaiian songs in English.

TUESDAY MAY 30

The road party is not required today. 260 letters came into the camp and
another 5000 arrived in Jap Camp H.Q.  This means that the number of letters

banking up in Motogima's office has grown from 200 to 12000. [[?Nakamora]]

& Shimojo are the other 2 NCOs over there, and seem to be doing a good job.

Basketball was stopped because the barrackers made too much noise.

This means that there is now no sport, no music or singing except at concerts

and practices, and no talks, and only one sermon a week.

WEDNESDAY MAY 31

Yesterday the Jap Doctor - Iquchi - saw me exercising in our bathing

enclosure and using an iron bar.  He said I must be planning to escape.

Perhaps he thought I was learning to fly. Heard at last that there are 

2 letters in the mail for me. Imagine the wave of  gladness which took

possession of me when I heard this. I was beginning to think that I

was not going to receive any letters. Yarned with Col THARP as we  walked up& down the pde ground at night.

THURSDAY JUN 1

Am reading Emilie Zola's "Nana". Zola is obviously a sexual pervert or all
French people of the cities live for sexual pleasure.  Warned to

prepare 150 me

men for a Kanburi W. P. but later this was deferred.  Bashing is to stop -but so
far there is no evidence of any improvement.  The New York Times Book

Review is worth getting, to keep in touch with new books in America

FRIDAY JUN 2

Time drags very heavily. I sometimes feel that I could easily go mad.
Boredom can be a terrible feeling. Fate seems inescapable. I can do

nothing to hasten our release. When I try to reason as to how long the war
will continue I always arrive at the same condition - baffled and

exasperated.

SATURDAY JUN 3

Fr Vergust and some of our postal staff have returned to this camp.

It would seem that we of A Force were the last to have our names

advised as being POWs,  sometime between May & Aug 1943. Poor Nancy & Mum.
They must have had a hard time waiting for so long for news of me. Now
we hear that their letters after Oct 43 are to contain only 25 words.

SUNDAY JUN 4

Mass & H.C.  Am reading Keys "History of the Br Empire" - the story of our

colonial expansion.  The Japan party is either still at Saigon or on its way

back to Singapore. My health is still good, but a few pains and
aches develop in my shoulders and legs at times and make me wonder

is all that it should be.

 

MONDAY JUN 5

Today we experienced easily the heaviest visitation of planes in
our P O W experience.  from 1300 hrs to 1700 hrs there were very  few

minutes during which we could not hear or see our planes overhead.

One fellow counted 47 but the Japs said later that there were 300

planes over Thailand. The AA Guns opened up several times but scored

no hits.  Groups of P O Ws  under officers were allowed to move through

the fence to dispersement areas and about half the prisoners went out,
TUESDAY JUN 6

Word came through at 0330 hrs that we had to provide a W P of 300

men at 0900 hrs.  We woke all the necessary staffs and selected

and warned the men. We were told that our bombers yesterday

damaged the long bridge at 109 kilo ( Thailand), and that workers were

being obtained from that camp as well. Polson, Eagleston& Capt
Cumming went from my group.

WEDNESDAY JUN 7

A pre-arranged air alarm was sounded during the morning and
we had conflicting orders from different guards, some demanding
that we get out their working parties; others that we must cover, some taking parties out of camp and others standing at the
guard-house to stop them from going out.  In the early hours of
the morning a guard saw two men talking together at the end
of a hut and created a fuss stating that the men were plotting

to escape.  One  third of the camp was kept awake for an hour by
this performance.  One guard Matsumoto has been making so
much trouble lately that the C.O. is forced to report him to the
top C.C.

THURSDAY JUN 8. New set of PAD. instructions were issued.  Men are now
to move out of the camp to dispersal areas on the  sounding of the alarm.
This is much appreciated by many of the P O Ws.

FRIDAY JUN 9

Several waves of our bombers passed over  in an easterly

direction and
returned about an hour later.  Am reading Daphne Du Mauriers
Rebecca", the story of a young girl married to a man twice her age

whose first wife Rebecca had died. Played a match  of duplicate
bridge
against Group 3. Another alarm of 1330 hours, and the camp was
vacated.  The most interesting and humourous conversation of the day
comes just after we get into bed, and people who are kept awake
by it are usually very hostile. Have stopped doing P.T. for a while

as my

acne is getting worse.

SATURDAY JUN 10. The sunset was magnificent and many stood outside

to view the splendid array of colour. 34very sick men arrived  from

Blair's party at the 79 kilo in Burma. An influenza  epidemic hit them.

One day in May 266 men out of 350 were down sick, 9 died up to 31 May.

work figures have improved from 21 to 41 - a very poor total. Food is bette

but no medical supplies have been received up to 31 May.
SUNDAY JUN 11 . Attended Mass & H.C. We have had very little rain for

several days now, A change of guards has been indicated.  We are to get
back some of the guards of Burma fame.

 

 

MONDAY JUN 12

A holiday. Seven parades have started again. The river is broader

and faster. . The concert was the most ambitious yet attempted

Gay Nintits". The atmosphere,  costumes, songs and style were all
recaptured - Men in striped blazes and straw deckers, women in bussets

neck to knee bathing costumes & costers sang the old songs "Loving  me over 

the garden wall". " Nellie Gray" "PC 4G", "Percy in the Park" and rehashed old joke

TUESDAY JUN 13

Life here drags beyond all imagination. The war seems to have
come to a standstill. We have no news excepting one issue of [[?]] 

 Voice of Nippon" dated the end of last April. Then the Japs were in Kohin

in Assam, but there is still no mention of any landing or the  [[?course]]
w of the war in the Pacific. I am very unsettled.

WEDNESDAY JUN 14

Jap Dr inspected all fit men excluding coloured men. It woul

appear that another small Japan party is being formed, perhaps
as replacements. I developed a severe Headache and went to bed early.

THURSDAY JUN 15

[[?Several]] officers returned from No 3 camp with Lt Col Williams
Am reading an excellent book by Freda Utley. We have had a dry
spell for a week now. I have had to reduce my daily expenditure
to 40 cents to make my money last to next pay-day. I now ha
[[?owing]] 15 c, two cups of coffee 10c, bananas 5c, batchang ejab 4 c, and

a [[? f]] special 5d. I have had my  back cleaned up  3 times

in the  the last week by Cpl Benie H, stopped P T and sun-bathe

as a result my acne is  much improved.

FRIDAY JUN 16

One funeral. A  2/10 Fd Regt man, Baseball ( softball rules) is now

popular at present. Matches are played every evening.  The country all green

is very green and beautiful. The vista is quite different now to
what it was  when we first arrived.  The kapok trees are all in bud,
Tamarind trees are very beautiful & the  kaneks  around the war

memorial are blooming. I noticed a well dressed Thai couple, the

husband carrying a baby on the handles of his bicycle and
shading it from the sun with his helmet and his wife bringing

up the rear carrying a basket of purchases.

SATURDAY JUN 17
More bamboo has arrived by barge.  We may now get our Church
and Recreation Hut. The two Dutch Chaplains arrived from the other camp
No 1 Group medical  officer is now Comdr Epstein, U.S. Navy.

SUNDAY JUN 18

Went to Mass & HC. My birthday - 40 years old today. I wonder if

am especially remembered at home. Words of command have to be

given in Japanese.  Japs have dismissed interpreters duties. Party

for Japan still in Saigon and expect to move to  Singapore

 

MONDAY 10 MAY

4 men have died within the last 36 hours. Two of them were just

brought

from jungle camp by truck.  The Japs  have killed these men as

surely

as if they had shot them. They will not  provide even one truck for

an ambulance. The Dutch are comemerating the invasion of Holland by

a ceremony this morning.  I attended the burial of  the body of Denis
 Minahan  who left Australia as a 2/29 reinforcement but reached Java only.

The Jap NCO in charge prayed over the graves  using something like a rosary.

Played bridge with Krang., Chalmers & Epstein (USA). Pay arrived.

TUESDAY 11 MAY

Heavy thunder storm & a cool morning, thank God,  I have
arranged to stay on here for a week or two longer. Received another
injection against cholera. Somehow or another I feel hopeful 

today Minahan's address was Elgin Ave, Armadale, age 21 years. Obtained some
eggs and bananas at last. Japs here do not make their presence  felt.

WEDNESDAY 12 MAY

Moved all my kit  excepting my bedding into the hospital with

[[? Stringer]],

[[? Bostick]], Rivett, Hetherington, Mc Cauley, Mann, etc. Many men sleep under the huts

to avoid bugs. Cpl Williams 2/29 Transport came through yesterday from Thailand

and said 7000 men were marching from 50 miles from Bangkok. Changi had been cleared

out and more had been received. Sunset was glorious.  Rain falls daily now.

THURSDAY 13 MAY

Offered Mass and Holy Communion for Nancy, children and parents.  It is

a great consolation to have These twice weekly and they make me feel

closer to those I pray for. Two planes raided Moulmain.  Obtained 10 hens

eggs from Jap. guard.  Reid has gone gardening and Eminin has taken

his place. I am feeling very well, my tongue is improving and the

rash is leaving my scrotum.  I have never seen so much beri beri, men

legs are withering away  and they have to be carried everywhere. Scabies
have spread like leprosy over some patients.  Ulcers are now so bad now.

FRIDAY 14 MAY

I examined a bag absolutely lousy with bugs and their eggs. It was

from this my tormentors of last night came. First American death on [[?]]
today. At night a brilliant electric storm could be seen  having blown over

the Bay of Bengal. It lasted for hours and consisted of an almost
continuous series of illuminations throughout the  whitish clouds. Finished
a mystery book called " The Simple way of Poison".  I would not
recommend it. Attended the usual bi-lingual rosary.

SATURDAY 15 MAY

Buried the body of the American to the sound of " The Taps".  Borrowed

"Biggles hits the trail ". from Lamb. Some complaints here are terrible. A  Budha

died today from dysentry.  He had 78, 54. 32.,22 mentions in successive days. I saw a 

man almost wholly covered in tinea. Many mens legs are withering away from

beri beri,  just skin and bone, others are swollen and  inflamed. 6 large bombers

passed over . looked like ours. B 24s 

SUNDAY 16 MAY Mass twice and H.C.  Noonan's head swings from side to

side counting [[?bugs]] about as fast as the pendulum of  a clock whilst he is

asleep

 

 



 


 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 




 






 




 





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