Diaries of John Kevin Lloyd - Part 24
[*4*]
March 3rd - The day started off much as usual, but took a dramatic turn early in the
morning. A report came in that one of our men had been shot and killed on Kdo.3,
and, unfortunately, it turned out to be true. It appears that the guard, mentioned
yesterday as having been 'tough', ordered a lad named Spencer to leave his job and join the other half of the
Kdo. and pushed him in that direction; Spencer apparently pushed him off and was about to go on with
his work when the guard shot him through the lower left chest or upper abds and refused to allow anyone to
approach him. He died in under a half hour and was sent off with 2 of our lads in the ambulance to the
mortuary, where they had to manhandle him in without help - saw about a dozen RAF bodies there. Feeling pretty high
against us at present. Poor Spencer, he was a decent chap, and it appears to have been pretty cold-blooded. Letters from
A.I.F. Paymaster, London, Mr Troy & two from Ines, dated 1 Dec 42, 11 Jan 43, 21 Aug & 1st Sept 42, respectively.
March 4th - Two of the eye-witnesses, our lads, and the Gefreiter concerned, went to Stalag for the enquiry and
came back later. Eric was informed that he had to go to 520 to-day and left at 1600 hrs. Sorry
he's gone, jolly pleasant while the four of us were here together. Yesterday the Stabsfeldwebel pinched
the cupboard which I had originally 'borrowed' from the Casino and had put in the M.I. Room, and of course, apart from
kidding him a bit, I couldn't kick at all, then to-day, when Eric left, and we went to replace one double bed
with my old single one I'd left in the passage, I found that the old blighter had 'won' that, too. It doesn't matter,
though, as when two of us are left, a double bed will give us more room in here. Most uncomfortable evening - got together
with Sgn. Jones & Stanway, Capt Annan & S.M. Woodfine, told the story of Stanway, reporting to me the story that Jones
was dishonest, and asked him to help trace the source of the report. He chose to think he was being 'got at', more or less rejected
Jones' olive-branch, and even hinted that I distrusted him because I was getting control of medical affairs & stores. Queer
mentality and too damned suspicious of everyone's motives. More vindictive than pleasant. Poor impression on S.M. & Captain.
March 5th - Trouble threatened this morning when Kdo. 3 refused to go to work under the guard who did
the shooting two days ago. Feldwebel phoned Kompanie Hauptmann who ordered him to give
men 5 mins, then turn out whole guard with M.G.s. No option, so they went & Stanway with
them - no trouble eventuated. Feldwebel in hell of a temper & things might have gone badly. Hauptmann came
down later, looked around, and talked to guard for two hours. Has not a good reputation. Six more orderlies
received recognition yesterday as protected personnel - have 13 & Sgt. Jones now, enough to staff place decently
and supply an orderly to some of large Kdos. 'Stabbie' told us that there was no truth in report of deaths at
428 on night of 1st.
March 6th - Nothing much of note.
[*4*]
March 7th - Morning seemed pretty well filled, but, looking back on it now, three days later, I
can't remember anything of note. Sick parade was at 1 o'clock to give the lads a
chance to get on with football and Rugby in the afternoon. At 2 o'clock we made
a few enquiries about the unfortunate happening of last Wednesday and Fr. Scarborough came at a little
before three but what with one thing and another, the hall was not as ready as it might have been.
Had Confession, Mass, & Communion, and came back to our room in time for a cup of tea with Bill Hurst
who had returned from his visit to 428 Zemsdorf and 119. In the evening I wrote a letter to Glad,
and cards to the A.I.F. Paymaster, U.K., and Mr Troy, and sent a full report of the Pay-Masters
information to the Editor of "Camp" for publication.
[*2+1P*]
March 8th - Away early with Annan to Stalag, and saw, both coming & going, considerable evidence
of the damage done by the R.A.F raid of 1st March. Met Fosy at Stalag and the three
of us had a talk with Stabsarzt Wieke and settled most of the details of
organisation to control of our own medical matters & supplies. Fosy is to be S.M.O. (British) of VII D,
and Annan will probably go to 128. Came back to check over what medical supplies Annan had
brought from 404 and received a parcel from British Red + - 5 books, an old Sauer Italian Grammar,
a Wersely's Italian Dictionary, a Heath's French Grammar & Key, and a Practical German course by Back
& Thompson which Bill H says is good. Letters too from Zia Rosina (all well) of 25 Nov 42 and from Ron of
3th Jan 43 - He sent off gloves & officer's cap after enquiring whether he was allowed to do so, and had them returned
a week later as contraband! Hell!! Must get him to send them to Auntie Millie for dispatch through to the Red +.
March 9th- The General didn't come! and that was after a feverish first of activity
made the camp like a new pin in the morning in expectation of his visit.
The last couple of days has seen a lot of activity around the place with much
digging up of spare plots in preparation for the planting of vegetable seeds sent by the Red Cross.
March 10th - Helped Bill Hurst most of morning while he made a book shelf "case" on
the wall, then had a game of basket-ball again after lunch. I say "again" because
my last, three or four days ago, injured one of the muscles in my right calf, the
same slight injury I had at 520. A bit stiff again after to-days game, too. The lads of 404 are
an energetic lot and seem to have had sports and entertainment well organised at Dabendorf. They've
injected new life into this camp, and, under their influence, organisation is proceeding apace. At a
meeting of sports and entertainment committees to-night, the officers were
asked to step in as future
chairmen and give a hand. We're glad to have a try, and I hope I may of as much help as
Annan and Bill seem to have been at 404.
Sunday
August
9
Father Scarborough came this morning and I
served 10 o'clock Mass - General Absolution (Confession
not permitted) and Communion - A few hymns
interrupted afterwards by the Commandant who was
stamping about in the hall insisting that we hurry. No
one allowed to speak to Father at all - grand show!
Freedom of worship, my eye!! Same with Bill Hurst who
conducted the C. of E. service immediately afterwards.
Rest of day uneventful - am reading Robert Graves
book on Count Belisarius, which is most interesting
Gowrie and I took the other two on at Bridge again, and
had our second handsome win.
August
10
Slept in morning and most of afternoon, ankles
still a bit swollen. Kommandant came in at
about midday to say something about arrangements
for delousing, which I only half understood - still
almost asleep.
Worked out infestation figure for Camp on
Saturday's examination - 25%
MONDAY MAY 17.
Yarned with McCauley until late. Could not get to sleep until 0600
hrs from the bugs. I feel rather tired but went out with a small party
to gather cuttings from the village. I was surprised at its size, a rubber
plantation on the outskirts is being tapped. The Japs have a large
truck
park in the rubber, hibiscus, frangipani and exora abound. 10 men
came in from 75 kilo and said that only sick men remained there now.
Tropical fruits I have eaten are cocoanut, pawpaw, rambattans, mangoes,
mangosteins, bananas, limes, pineapples, guava, small mangosteins?
jack fruit, small red acidy?
TUESDAY MAY 18.
Two more men died from dysentery. Bamboo is used for many purposes,
posts, rafters, stays, floor, walls etc. in building, water or food containers, brooms,
swab, basins, fire blowers, bed chamber, ladels, furniture, cylinder containers,
urinal tubes, fencing, tying bands, baskets, water ducts, guttering, scoops.
WEDNESDAY MAY 19
The sunsets lately are beautiful. Twilight lingers until after 2100 hrs.
A Capt Graham visited here for a meal. He is from the 7000 force from
Bangkok. They have lost 3% dead. Also an American officer from No 5 POW
branch Smith by name. Conditions at are much the same at all camps
along this line. I find P.T very tiring, more so than before.
THURSDAY MAY 20.
Went to Mass and received H Communion. Offered them as usual
for my beloved ones. I hope my prayers are as efficacious as those
^of them who are praying for me, as I am certainly faring very well as
compared with many others. I played bridge today with a friend
Watson who can hardly walk from rheumatoid arthritis, developed
from a fall. There is a Lieut Rossiter who attended a few
dances in our Mass at Hawthorn as guest of Capt Cummings
His face was familiar as soon as I saw him. Bestock, Stringer
and Mullins returned to camp today.
FRIDAY MAY 21.
Yarned last night with a Dutch Judge from Java & Sumatra. Am
reading "All this and heaven too" by Rachel Field, a true story built
around the Praslin Murder case in Paris and the laying of the Atlantic cable
by
Cyrus Fields. Held a sports meeting this evening for the workers - Buppin Ryoshoke
R.A.P railway workers, Honbu workers & Dutch. Pickett's broadcast were very witty
75 + 100 yds, siamese sack, and barrow races and tug of war were the events. I "was down from the country for the week end sports". Two men died.
SATURDAY MAY 22.
Graves now number 125 (41 AIF, 10 BEF, 1 USA, 73 NEI). Helped to eat a large Jack
fruit. Discovered that Summons is Engaged to Peggy Mulcahy. Rained
heavily for most of the day. Heard that Moulamein had been bombed 2 days ago.
SUNDAY MAY 23.
Went to Mass & HC at 0800 hrs and Mass again at 0930. Am reading William
Gibsons "Wild Career" A story of the Russian Revolution and much
before and afterwards. Discharged as from today. Prepared to go back
Father Gorry is sick probably dysentery.
MONDAY MAY 24.
Raining very heavily and there is no word of my being marched
out. Rain kept me in all day. Played bridge with Graham, Lalor and
Smith (USA Navy). Most of the coffee and food vendors were put
out of action by the wet. Am reading Max Werners "The Military Strength
of the Powers" translated by Finlayson. His grading of the Red Army
as the best in Europe and of Japan's might as on a par with
Italy's is very heartening. Finished a Novena of Rosaries for peace.
Attended the burial of the body of Stroud, one of our cooks.
TUESDAY MAY 25.
Jap quarters caught on fire just at dark. Mild excitment for 15 minutes.
Discovered a few glow worms. Summons recounted his nephew at the attack on Fort
Marjayren in Syria, and how he was moved by plane from Aleppo to Athens and
then to Salonika, Jugoslavia, Austria, Bavaria, France, the Riviera (about 1 week's
train journey) and then back to Pakistan by boat when we forced the Fr
hands in Syria by interning some 30 Fr officers. He was under
Fr Gendarmes all the
while, poorly fed, well treated otherwise.
WEDNESDAY 26.
Still raining, for 3 days now. Wrote a letter card to Nancy but I do
not anticipate it will reach home. Was able to purchase some eggs again
Am finding McCawley great company. Thomas Desmond McCawley
Barrister, Brisbane, Rumours that banks and bridge are not standing up to rain.
THURSDAY MAY 27.
Yarned with Rossiter about 2/2 Pioneers in Syria (Meagher, Wellington,
Daley, Asken & Handasyde. Still raining and I am still here.
FRIDAY MAY 28.
Let out at 11.30 with Canteen truck carrying goods for 30, 60,
105 & 108 kilos camps. They crammed in Jap soap, drivers and about 10 Japs
Truck broke down and we pushed in to 35 kilo camp, and driver went
away to bring a mechanic and I had to camp there for the night.
Slept in the back of the truck. The Jap was concerned about my
safety from Burmese over night.
FRIDAY MAY 29.
Waited about until mid-afternoon. Rain fell heavily and [[?]] over
the attap roof and over the goods themselves, failed to keep ^it out
the rain Aided by some Burmese I shifted the stuff into a hut.
I was soaked from early morning. Then there was a mad rush to
get the stuff on to another vehicle. Their staff work and
organisation is beyond comprehension. We pushed on in the
pouring rain to 75 kilo, unloaded once again and settled in for
the night. The line is now hard to 62 kilo but the truck is sinking everywhere.
SUNDAY MAY 30.
Ready to move at 0900 hrs but no truck was available. Sick now
and men unfit for rail work are left at 75 kilo camp. 144 AIF and 80
Dutch, under Col Coats. The Burmese, living on both sides of our men,
are dying like flys from Cholera, as many as 15 in one day. Three
of our men at 60 kilo camp have died of cholera.
MONDAY MAY 31.
Left 75 at 1000 hrs after loading under the supervision of several
screaming Japs. They have absolutely no consideration for us,
their courtesy is entirely superficial and their good fellowship is
a very thin veneer. They gave me no help at any time, and not only
took no interest in protecting the goods from the rain but actually hindered me. We were bogged several times on an awful road, were
pulled out by tractors, elephants, or other trucks and reached 95 kilo
camp in time for the evening meal. I slept in the truck in a storeyard.
TUESDAY JUN 1.
50 prisoners are at 95 kilo camp on antimalaria work to do
microscope work all day. Yarned with Capt Dramer and other Dutch officers
The Jap private here in charge tied one man, Wallace, to a tree for
24 hours without food, water or clothing, other than trousers. The rope around his neck almost strangled him. After the worst journey I have
ever experienced I arrived at 105 camp just ahead of Nagatomo and the
Brig. I unloaded the canteen goods and sorted out my kit for the
night.
WEDNESDAY JUN 2.
Settled in and dryed my kit all day long. This camp is well into the
virgin jungle. Men are cramped, there is plenty of mud, and little variety, in
the diet. Men are doing only road work. 60% of them are sick and weak.
3 have died of cholera but there have been no fresh cases for 3 days now, water
is scarce. I am relieving Economic Officer. Presentation of cigars.
THURSDAY JUN 3.
Brig and Nagatomo left this morning. I inspected the area. It is rather
muddy. Well hemmed in by jungle, crowded and rough, but we can
still be comfortable. One more case of suspected cholera occurred
and he and his bay-mates quarantined. Had a new wristlet
watch strap made and my boots repaired, and yarned.
FRIDAY JUN 4.
Took 443 men to 100 kilo camp to pick up rice, onions, beans,
salt, fish and chilies. Met Major Robertson, old Xaverian, and
had lunch with him He is from 2/2 Fd Coy and was "rescued" in
Java. Bought 6 eggs there. It was a fine day, I enjoyed the walk
and would like to do it often. There are at the 100 kilo 800 Dutch
400 Americans & 330 AIF. Work on the railway is almost at a standstill.
SATURDAY JUN 5.
Attended the burial of the body of Hervisson last night. Cornelis 2/29
went down with cholera during the night and has been moved
into isolation. Played bridge with Kiernan, Bostock and Howse.
SUNDAY JUN 6.
Jap movie operator took pictures of our working party parade.
Detailed to take another ration carrying party to 95 kilo camp but rain
caused a postponment. The men are in lower spirit than ever before.
Diarrhoea is awful in its consequences. Photographers 'shot' funeral,
church pde, trucks, men off to work. Fever cases quite often run to 105o
MONDAY JUN 7.
Took party of 500 to 95 kilo camp for rations. Carried back 47 bags of
rice, beans and salt. Road is in a deplorable condition. We soon became
covered in mud and wet to the skin. Our boots were soon falling to
pieces. I myself was not very distressed. Jap troops were moving on to
Thanbuzayat with their baggage on hand trucks. They were almost exhausted
and many seemed to be in a state of coma. In the evening the Japs announced that a bridge between 70-75 kilos been washed away and
we are now cut off from base. There will be no work for 7 days and
we will only have only ½ rations. Troops are pleased to have a rest.
TUESDAY JUN 8.
Am reading "And so Victoria" by Vaughn Wilkins a powerful indictment
of the George I - IV family. Reverted to my old programme of Jap history
and bridge. The RCs now say the rosary every fine night after tenko.
The Jungle around is very beautiful It resembles some of the best bush.
WEDNESDAY JUN 9.
Took another party to 95 kilo camp for rations and carried
back 26 bags of rice, 20 bags of beans & 4 of salt. Bought a haversack full of
white sugar for our bad R.A.P patients. The trip is ......st
exhausting. It is some 14-15 miles and extremely slippery, all the
way. I saw a deer on the track on the previous trip. Life is
hard to maintain under these conditions. Only 468 men could
be obtained to make the trip out of 1900. Others are all in
poor condition many of those brought here for [[meal?]] die
from exhaustion. An elephant collapsed ^and died just outside the
camp a few days ago.
THURSDAY JUN 10.
Had another day in camp. Received an ant-cholera injection
my third since arriving in Burma.
FRIDAY JUN 11
Made Camp. Adjt to replace Herce who is now ill. 422
Dutch arrived to work here for 10 days Lt Col von GULIK. I
spent most of the day settling them in. It is a bright sunny
day the first since we reached here. Heard for certain that Morgan,
Gibson, McQueen, McGlynn and Hackney are alive and some 30
kilos further on. Also 2/29 under Rand are all there also. They
marched from was Bampong a most gruelling experience. 13
have died of cholera already. Assisted at the burial of another body.
SATURDAY JUN 12.
Took a party of 200 to 102 kilo dump and brought back 50
bags in 2 trips. Japs are now corduroying the road. The dead elephant
is showing signs of an early dissolution.
SUNDAY JUN 13.
Out again with 200 men to carry rations from 101 kilo dump to
104 kilo dump. Some more men arrived from 75 kilo camp with
3 officers. Rex is not too well. Bernadin is almost dead. The sickness
is awful and the Japs do nothing to help. Ulcers are on the increase and
many are as large as as [[can?]]. Malaria attacks [[?]] to go out to [[?]]
MONDAY JUN 14.
Hundreds of men have diarrhoea and dysentry. Many are not much more
than skeletons. These uncivilised, ruthless barbarians go through the sick
men every day now and send out some hundreds to work from 1400 hrs
Went out with 200 men to carry rice from 101 K dump to 104 dump. Met a Jap
doctor who was full of usual nonsense of Jap power, honour and
propaganda. Heard that a Cpl McDonald here is Howard Davis father in law.
I myself am feeling quite fit but if I should go down as many fit men do
quite suddenly, I want Nancy to know that I loved her to the end, that
she is the force that keeps me alive and determined to win through so
that we may renew the happy life we had together and enjoy to the full
living over again with our young ones. If I should die I will do so with
the thought that they reasonably well provided for and that as I tried
to live a good life, I may find a place in heaven to wait there for them.
TUESDAY JUN 15.
Life [[?]] camp serving and cooking - quite nerve-racking for me. Heard
that [Thanb]uzayat was bombed and that the casualties were 20 AIF
80 Burm[ese] and some Japs. Yarned with Cpt McDonald. He must be 55 yrs
old a [[?]] revealed has 5 children the oldest being 32 years and was
a member of 105 Transport Coy evacuated from Near East and landed in
Java with 2000 others from the Orcades. Am reading Sinclair Lewis's "Elmer Gantry"
WEDNESDAY JUN 16.
Had another day in camp and much more restful. Greater Asia has
arrived May 30 issue. Yamamoto, the Admiral, has been killed.
THURSDAY JUN 17.
Took ration party to 101 kilo dump twice. Met Yank Lieut
SCHMID a very tall young naval officer. Saw casualty list from
127 kilo camp containing 11 names of dead members of 2/29. Thomas
has lost his brother-in-law. Dave West went into the RAP
suddenly with severe ^internal pains. in the I am really depressed
at the condition of these men. Their state of health is deplorable.
Whatever happens the Japs should be punished severely for
the untold suffering they are imposing on their prisoners. A
race of barbarians would treat us with more common sense
if they want us to work for them.
FRIDAY JUN 18.
My birthday, and I felt that Nancy and the children attended
Mass for me. I hope they have some party in my honour. Took
ration party out again. Developed some sort of fever and
went to bed early aching all over with flushed face.
SATURDAY JUN 19.
Illness not so bad this morning. I am throwing it off Japs seem
to be easing up in their demands for labourers. Have had 600 deaths
in the newly arrived force in one month. Only 5 at rosary this night.
SUNDAY JUN 20
Fever came on in earnest today. Developed temperature of 103°, back, legs
& head aches and I felt very weak. Developed fever at night after a
[[?]] [[?]] [[?]]
October
10
Searched gave up [[?]] and got
receipt as "personal" property. Issued rations
for 6 days 2½ loaves of bread and
4 tins fleisch. Marched to station
and entrained - officers in 3rd class
carriage, O.Rs in cattle trucks with
4 small barb-wired windows.
Moved out at 1800 hrs.
C.O. Frank Gallash Peter Mc[[Crosher?]]
and Bassett left behind and
Keto here and my less seriously in
hospital Most of others [[?]]
C.O. Frank and Weasel pick Peter CO's
batman
October
11
Travelling N. through Jugoslavia
v. slow. Train well guarded and well
down preferential list. Crossed
Greek-Jugo border at Erdomene
at about 0900 hrs., immediately
afterwards great sensation when
ex-escapees in truck next to us were
shoved out hole found partly cut
through truck, and search revealing
files & saws, somewhat roughly
handled but most dignified of whole
crowd. One officious Bulgar most
repulsive of lot. Bulgars policing
railway. Beautiful country, rather
wild & damned cold at night, hot
during day. Draping ourselves
anyhow over and under seats at
night. Filthy latrine.
Trip to the Philippines 1946
my first assignment on the War Crimes
duties of the Directorate of Prin of W and
Inter, Asn 11 end [[?]]
FRIDAY AUG 24 1945
My cold is very heavy. Food is not quite so plentiful. Red
Cross representative said he would have to reduce expenditure
as he had already spent much more than he was allowed.
Met Mr Ramussen a Dane attached to a firm of builders who
constructed the godowns. Am reading Captain Horatio Hornblower
by C. S. Forester.
SATURDAY AUG 25.
All field officers not employed were moved during a terrific
rain storm to the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. This hotel is on
the river bank and we can see much of the river life. The staff is
completely POW, over 100 cooks, batmen, etc. Some 250 officers
including all Australians arrived at the godown from NAKON
NOYAK just as we were leaving. More than 100 Australians followed
us into the Oriental as they were washed out of godown before
they could settle in. Met a white woman for the first time
in 3½ years - Madame KAEMER? She is French and has been at large
throughout the war.
SUNDAY AUG 26.
Slept well on a mattress and bed but the mosquitoes were
were bad despite my net. I am now getting used to tables, chairs,
cupboards, mats on the floor, hand-basins, baths, etc and
all of us are considerably interested in our reflections in large
mirrors. I must confess I was rather shocked at my general
appearance and raw-boned shoulders. The Japs were in here
for the period of the war and the Bank Building next door
was their Kempei HQ. Thais are moving furniture by river, probably
returning from dispersed areas. Heard that two aircraft
carriers which were in Sydney are on their way to Asia with
aid for some POWS but are they for us? Recovered my diary,
map of Johore and papers from my underground cache at Kanbuhi
through Lt Col Ramsay and Atyeo and took out my papers
from my mattress. After dinner I was called to Allied HQ with 7
other officers. We received orders to act as liaison officers to all
camps in Thailand to take with us Jap officers, to proceed to
named camps and to ensure that all Jap guards were withdrawn
immediately and to contact parachutists with wireless in these
areas. My assignment was to PETCHABURI about 150 miles south
down the peninsula.
MONDAY AUG 27
I picked up a Jap officer by truck just after midnight and
set off on our trip. The great draw-bridge across the CHAOPAYA was
smashed and we crossed by ferry. Dawn found us at NAKON PATOM
with many natives wending their way along the road with
their baskets of produce for the markets. We dropped necessary
people there and I proceeded with the rest of my party. Ensign
Hamill of the Heuston, USN, and Pte Letts. Thai interpreter. The
country is very flat consisting of rice fields acre nut palms and
orchards. All railway bridges are smashed. We crossed by ferry the river at
RAJABURI and breakfasted in a Chinese cafe, much to the interest
of the local people. Approaching PETCHABURI we passed through fields
worked by a special type, the LAOCHUNG(?) people who have settled
there as well as CHUNGMAI in the north. Both sexes dress in blue
homespun, the short white striped skirt of the women being the most
outstanding characteristic of the dress. At PETCHABURI station we
discovered some 400 POWs recently arrived from the south on
their way out to the camp, 16 kilos south. I took some sick in
our truck and arrived at the camp in the early afternoon. Lieut Davidson
was in process of handing over Command of the camp to Capt
Wright, USA and I passed on the necessary orders. Then Lt Col Hargreaves
arrived with 13 other officers to take over Command and so I had
to repeat the orders to him and then ensured that the Japs thoroughly
understood their changed status. This completed my next task
was to find the parachutists. I returned to PETCHABURI and contacted
Major Bartlett USA who was in semi-hiding well covered by the Thais.
Bartlett had dropped by parachute in May and had brought with
him 4 officers and 2 ORs including a Thai medical student from
Washington. They had their hide-out in the hills, but he and Capt
L'Heraut had ^had advance HQs in the town for a few days. I met several
Thais including the vice-governor and Col WATANAROM commander of the 5
Military District and his special liason officer Capt SONTORN of the
Thai airforce. Then I learnt of another wireless party in the area, a
Capt MACKLEN of E Group who come down unknown to
Bartlett from RAJABURI. I got them together in the Thai Officers Club
and later Bartlett came out to the camp where he received a
tremendous ovation from the POWs assembled to hear the news. We
returned to PETCHABURI for the night, and slept in Bartletts advance
HQ with Hamill, Letts, Wright and others.
TUESDAY AUG 28
Set off at daybreak for Bartletts hide-out. Saw many
priests securing food from householders along the road. Several
householders stand out on the road giving something to each priest as
he passes. The road to the hide-out branched off the main
road, 7 miles north of the town, ran over 3 kilos of mud across the
padi fields and then winds up a very rough track over the hills
The 22 kilos took 5 hours as we were constantly bogged or the engine petered
out. The hide out was amazing. He had cleared a dropping strip 440 yds
long by 100 yds wide, had constructed several huts for the 50 odd Thais
and 8 escaped POWs who were assisting him, had stocked an
armoury with hundreds of MGs, sub MGs, mortars, rifles, revolvers, bazoukas and thousands of rounds of ammunition and grenades, had equipped
a hospital and mended a broken leg, had his wireless operating and
had electric light laid on from his 3 portable generators. He was
getting some measure of the protection from a Thai army company
in camp near-by and the natives were loyal to a man. I
sampled all sorts of good food and obtained a colt with ammo as
a gift of the USA army. In the afternoon Bartlett set out with a
loaded truck including his wireless and we arrived back in camp
just after dark. Macklen had come in also during the day. My job was finished.
WEDNESDAY AUG 29
Bartletts first plane arrived during the morning and landed on
the strip near the camp. Several US officers came off into the camp
including Lt Col CRAWFORD, Major JOHNSON Capts White and Short. The
plane left a few hours later with 24 POWs including 8 stretcher cases.
The Jap Camp Comdr was still unable to realise his changed status
and backed by me, the Col finally made him withdraw his guards.
Letts and I returned to the Officers Club the guests of Watanarom and
dined there with the 4 AIF escapees and 1 British escapee. The meal was completely western - including the first grapes I have seen here.
THURSDAY AUG 30
Caught a motor launch at daybreak and went down the PETCHABURI
river to the gulf of Siam The river is lined with houses, shops,
boat building yards, mussell pickling huts and woman and children
handle all sorts of craft, some heavily laden, as skilfully as the
men. The gulf is very shallow and is covered with fishing traps,
and in occasional places a few bushes are growing 10 miles out to
sea. Chugged up the MEKLONG river, also lined with houses and
shops but of a better class than on the other river, and also with
many structures of bamboo, just like a scaffolding, for drying
fishing nets. The crews of the many fishing tonkans wear a
sienna brown uniform and several boats fly the Thai flag of
Red, white, blue, white, red stripes. Woman and children with
small sampans laden with sugar cane, cocoanuts, acre nuts,
bananas, cooked foods, tapioca roots, fish etc. and men with
sampans laden with salt ply up and down both rivers. At ME KLONG
the small train was 8 hours late and we could not connect
with Bangkok so we spent the night with Mr Kerr, an Eurasian
with his son James and daughter Violet.
FRIDAY AUG 31
Departed from ME KLONG by train at 0800 hrs The train was
packed with Asiatics men woman & children The first half of the
journey was through mud flats covered with atap huts and
salt pans. At TACHIN we quitted the train, crossed the river
by ferry and caught another train, this time through rice
fields and orchards and gradually more settled country up to
the great [[megram?]] from there I took a bicycle ricksha to HQ
in Sathorn Rd. and made my report. My only expenses were 4.50
rail & ferry and 20 Tcs for the ricksha. Returned to the Oriental
Hotel feeling rather sick from the jolting in MTs. & the irregular
and rich foods.
SATURDAY SEP 1
Planes are very busy evacuating. There were 28700 POWs still in
Thailand yesterday morning. Movement of Australian and Dutch
is stopped pending a changed programme for gen evacuation.
We all will be disappointed if we do not go to India. John
Careys brother, a Fl Lieut, came in by mosquitoe to take John
off but he would not go. Several of us sent letters out with him.
They should reach home within 4 days by air mail. There is
still no leave, but many are drifting out unofficially.
Visitors are coming in and out all the time. The Japs withdrew
to their guardhouse, The food is quite good. I cannot manage all
of it and we are being showered with cigarettes and cigars. Recovered
my watch and collection of Jap notes. Many officers went to a
dance at the internment camp, and there were there also several
officers just arrived from outside or parachutists who have
been here for several weeks. Met Dick De Vogel from the Sports Club Camp
SUNDAY SEP 2
Went to two Masses in the Cathedral at 0630 & 0830 hrs. Not well
attended. Priest said there were only 3000 Catholics in Bangkok
mostly Chinese. The priests are French Missionary, the Nuns the
same, there is a Bishop and they have great schools for both
boys and girls. A bomb damaged the Cathedral in 43. The
women do not wear hats in church and many do not wear
shoes. A choir of girls and young men sang in Latin at the
second Mass. Met after Mass Mr Gassouin, French Charge d'affaires,
Mr Bonenfant of the Bank of Indo-China, Miss Jorgenson and
the procurator (?) of the French Mission. I believe that a British
Military Mission is to arrive today and many stores of food and
clothing and tobacco for ex POWs. Saw a real beggar without
toes and moving on his seat. Dave Thompson came in for a few
minutes, Hobbs, Cumming, Herrce, Hamilton, Murchison and others are
here.
MONDAY SEP 3
Am still feeling rather sick and cannot face food. The
management of this place is presenting many difficulties. The ex PW
staff are not working unless almost forced to do so, and there
is some hesitation in employing chinese boys. The place was left very
dirty by the Japs and little effort has been made to clean it.
Food is still served in a queue and we are still using our dixies
which are now rather greasy from lack of hot washing water.
Chinese boys run a bar, canteen and ^sell ice cream, papers come daily
We now have a piano, books and magazines, wireless, regular
truck service to HQ and the other Bangkok camps, we were allowed
to write our first air-mail letter, recreational apparatus is coming
in, we are embarassed with tobacco and soap, water is usually
available in the taps, electric light comes on every night about 1900
and in general things are not too bad. Nevertheless we all are
much unsettled. Between 1000 - 2000 ex PWs flew out today but
we Australians have to reconcile ourselves to a delay of perhaps
weeks, which we find very galling as we all would have
liked to go to India. In the afternoon Mr Rasmussens car was at our
disposal and Meagher, Daly and Jacobs and I went for a tour. We
drove through the city and Klong Ong Ang to the magnificent
Throne Hall a picture of which appears on some of the Thai bank
notes. Next we visited the zoo in Dusit Park. All animals seem to be
indigenous including alligators, pythons, bears, leopards and long
armed black monkeys that are chained to trees just outside the zoo
enclosure. From there we drove through streets of very pretentious
and modern buildings, to Wat Po, where we saw an enormous statue of
a reclining buddha say 160 feet long, and 40 feet high, the shrines built
over the remains of former kings, hundreds of buddhas, an anatomy
school, tree and rock grottos, queer figures of men and beasts and a
magnificent temple with gold buddhas, red carpets for kneeling, [[?]]
doors and windows studded with mother of pearl. All walls and pillars
are covered with coloured tiles or paintings or or mother of pearl and the
roofs are brilliant with multi coloured glazed tiles. From there
we drove to the shattered draw-bridge and then on home. Most of the
public buildings are better than anything we have at home.
Some Indian troops (ghurkas ?) arrived by air.
TUESDAY SEP 4
Still feel bilious and have a constant head ache. A Chinese living
just across the river from the Hotel took nine of us upstream
in a sampan towed by a motor boat. The river teams with
craft of all sorts, carrying all kinds of goods. We visited Walarrin
and climbed half way up a great chedi from whence we had
a fine view of the city. In the evening all Australian officers gathered
in the dining room to meet Group Capt Bell of the RAAF and
Major Burford of the Australian Mission. This latter I recognized as
being from the SSB. They gave us first hand information of Aust.
and we were avid for news. Planes were very busy again and 7 Ind.
Division is coming in by air. Sent first cable to Nancy.
WEDNESDAY SEP 5
Took over command of the hotel from Lt Col Lardner Clark who is
to stand by for evacuation. Had a busy day pushing on with several changes
which I think are necessary, messing contract with Teck Soon, cleaning
contract for Chinese boys, filling in of air raid trenches and removal of
sava-bags from the hotel, reducing the number of ORs who are
useless and so on. Am feeling normal again.
THURSDAY SEP 6
Received visit from Mrs Gerrard, Mrs Williams, both Lt Cols and
Gp-Capt Hill, all members of Lady Mountbattens staff, and
entertained them with a little refreshment. Handed over command to
Ramsay.
FRIDAY SEP 7
Received visit by Lady Mountbatten, General Thomson and others. The
good Lady is charming and reminded me somewhat of Nancy. Went
for a walk out with a Malay boy, visited the magnificent post
office building, bought stamps for Ann and John, saw the teeming
life in Chinatown. all shops are well stocked and theatres are on
every corner, had coffee in a chinese cafe and enjoyed myself
immensely. The food here now is very good and I am much
more contented. The hotel itself is cleaner and the staff is
working more smoothly. We are almost embarassed with gifts
of tobacco and toilet gear from the red cross. Played bridge
with Lt Col Pargeter, Schmidt & Harrison. Received balance Jap pay for
Aug. Visited THAIM HUA Chinese Hospital
SATURDAY SEP 8
Visited Father Chorin ^[[?]] at the Church Mission concerning Mass at
camps in Bangkok area. Obtained permission to use his waiting room
to do a little study of French. After lunch, drove to the Red Cross Hospital,
part of which has been taken over by ex PW medical staff and where
we have 150 sick ex PWs. Met there Mrs Vertsmann, a Viennese, Madam Suigen
French, Mrs Ensford wife of Swedish Consul, 2 Russian girls, and a Danish
woman. Mrs Gerrard and Miss Miller, Lady Ms staff also called. Walked
back to Allied HQ, caught bus home visiting Admin HQ en route. Saw
there the first batch of Australian ex PWs who have come in to join
an MP organisation with Carey and West to control Bangkok under
a Capt Simpson. Mr and Miss Abromovits, Greeks, drove us to the intern
camp to view a concert. The electric light failed to come on as usual
at 1900 hrs but the show went on and it was a pleasure to see
real white women on the stage. Met also Fred Hibbits friend Miss
Sparrow who is to be evacuated in a few days time.
SUNDAY SEP 9
Mass at 0830 hrs. Had Tiffin with M. and Madame Suigen of the
French legation. Their temporary home is in Sathorn Rd and it was
delightful to go into a real home and to eat for first time
for 3½ years just as one would at home, cocktails, roasted peanuts and
chip potatoes in the lounge, fish and oysters "au gratin" in large shells,
roast goose, potatoes paties, mince meat, water cress and baked banana,
then a batter-like sweet, fruit and water and finger bowl with
slice of lemon in the water and finally back in the lounge, black coffee
These people hope to be evacuated soon. The French are no longer
friendly to the Siamese because of the war in 1941 and are withdrawing
almost all of the legation. Saw several bombed buildings including
one of the usual Japanese brothels. Pereira who is an Indian not a Malay as
stated above and [[Ching?]] took three of us to the Nakon Karim (Siamese)
Theatre. It is a wooden structure built on the same lines as our theatre complete
with usheresses, fans, microphones, etc. but without pads to the seats. The
orchestra consisted of some dozen instruments, all Western, and the music was
restrained - for the East. On the stage, a play depicting a young ambitious
Thai who aspired to the governorship of Kanburi, the late-governors daughter
and another woman. Most male parts are played by women. The men
wore the dress which was traditional until the recent revolution, the
most unusual part being the [[fanning?]]. Between acts, there were several
items in front of the curtain, two youngsters making love, a girl songstress
and a studio manager employing a new band. A Siamese wood-merchant
came to sit alongside me and explained the story of the play in broken
English. At a Chinese cafe afterwards I saw a chinese orchestra and
songstress whining away whilst the guests gambled with chinese cards. The
chinese violins consist of a small barrel about the size of a goblet with
a long arm to which is attached two pegs to tighten the two strings.
The body of the instrument is held on one leg by the other foot, resting above the knee. Chatted during the afternoon in French with three priests.
MONDAY SEP 10
Had quiet day in the hotel. Visited in the afternoon by General Evans
7 Ind. Div. About 8 - 9000 UK troops have already left & of course all USA troops.
TUESDAY SEP 11
Drove to the DON MUANG aerodrome 22 kilos north of Bangkok along
a good road, bordered by klongs filed with beautiful red water lilies
and rice fields about. 30 Decodas were taking off loads of U.K. ex PWs
The Thais have a half dozen small or old planes. Met a young pilot
from NSW named Woodley and his Australian crew and flew with
them and a load of ex PWs to RANGOON. It was a marvellous experience
The rice fields show out in a delightful fashion and the jungle looks like
a dark green carpet out of which rise ranges of mountains. We had to
climb to just under 10,000 feet to go over the clouds and were soon
feeling pleasantly cool. The first sight of the Indian Ocean was a thrill and
we flew up the coast for some distance and then crossed the Gulf of
Sittaung, flying so low over the sea at one time that we must have skimmed the
water. The coast below Rangoon came in sight and as we flew over more
rice fields we could see a great pagoda near the city. We flew low if the city
and I could see everything clearly, buildings including a great number of
barrack like structures, many camps, much transport, a scattered city, with the
business houses near the wharves About a dozen ships lay at anchor in
the broad muddy stream. We made a safe landing at the Rangoon airport
and I had a look around. The drome is littered with all sorts of planes including
a few US C47s. There were dozens of C47s Spitfires, Bofighters, hurricanes and
mosquitoes. The strip is covered with perforated metal sheet about 6ft by 2ft
with a foundation of tarred felt. I met another Fl. Lieut, Smith by name,
and he flew me back to Bangkok with stores and passengers including French
officers and ORs for Saigon and British Liason officers attached to the [[?]]
and some Ghurkas for Bangkok. The most spectacular view on the return
trip was the mouth of the Salween with its large islands and with
Moulamein in the distance, and the numerous great klongs which line the
Siamese countryside. I arrived back 6 hours after leaving, after having travelled
900 miles. Picked up a truck with Jap driver and was dropped at the door.
Visited during the morning by Brigdr John Lloyd, chief of the Australian
RAPWI and Capt Ken Loughman on his staff. I was a thrill to meet Ken
again and hear of mutual friends. He saw Nancy in 1943 and said she
looked fine. Spowers was taken prisoner at Tobruk. Newbury is missing from
Timor and Mollard from Rabaul, G de V Westley & Clive Newnham were
taken prisoner on Timor, Harry Gunn is on the RAPWI staff and on his way to Singapore. Received a letter dated today from Fred Hore.
WEDNESDAY SEP 12
A quiet day and wrote 2 letters to Nancy 4 & 4A. Went to the Odeon.
THURSDAY SEP 13
Visited Dental Officer at Red + Hospital (Public Outpatients
building) and the Pasteur Institute where I saw their snakes
and horses used for obtaining serums. Bought a pair of shoes
with the aid of Mrs Weitzmann from Vienna.
FRIDAY SEP 14
Visited Sports Club and inspected pool. Started work at
Ex PW HQs as Evacuation Officer - All nationalities, vice
Major Meade H.C.H of the Dorsets.
SATURDAY SEP 15
Moved into Sathon House annexe. The main building is
a palatial open-air residence where we have our Officers
Mess. The annexe is residential and the office - a wooden hut -
is adjacent. General W. SLIMM called and addressed us. It was a
pleasure to see the man who was pushed out of Burma by the Japs
early 1942 and who came back with such a punch in 1944-45.
Settled in to new quarters - in room with John Quick. Went with
Quick at night in a "Jeep" to the Thai Officers Club at the invitation
of Commandant Sargon. The Club is very modern, a flat roofed
building set in a park, open on three sides and consisting of a large
dance floor surrounded by a raised verandah on 3 sides and a hooded
stage on the other. The orchestra was as good as most bands heard
in Australia and played well known melodies. Between dances,
girls dressed as male and female performed ancient Siamese dances.
The fingers of the hands are kept wide apart bent far back and the
arms are moved about like graceful swaying branches. The knees seem
to be [[bandred]] out most the time, and the feet are not pointed.
Sometimes they dance on the heels. The body is not moved very much.
The costumes are brilliant. The Thai officers were there in plenty,
all services and many of high rank. Thai civilians were for the
most part dressed in white dinner jacket. Chinese were excluded.
In addition there was a thick sprinkling of Br, Dutch and US
officers from everywhere. Generas Slim and Evans were present.
Met and danced with a Thai girl who is an instructor at the Teachers
College. She spoke good English and explained the dance to me
Thai couples have a new form of modern ballroom dancing adapted
from the ancient dances. They also not touch each other at all.
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