Diaries of John Kevin Lloyd - Part 25

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

Page 1 / 12

SUNDAY SEPIE AONDAT SFF24 Dave West &bol boaks left by an for Lingaheri. Coll have had attended alass at the Capinelate Chapil at 5700 his. The priest taleson, the alter bo a that, wheeh the congugation carsished if i bad news. All shops wnly thense closes. The Chinise do mearg all busin in Ranback, so the whibe is serious. Loril angpans lay ma 3 of us 2 Curopean seveal curasans, dozer of tharsa ate bhinise. There must be at leasd 19nuns in the claistre. state that the Chiess actuall pudgininate bere but the hares will never admit it. The Rurntaket stat gop calmnt resigned a ben MORVAY SELI7 Hheld a cochbarl hark in the Meas to intertain Banghah cwehian daiss ago and has been replane o crannet hisin Washingbar Consuld be who have helped the part about 150 attended cnly on other dalled on the abranwvits. He is b kueck who longht oer the Russan offieane myself were left after the crowd had departed. I hread geftr during the last war, got out of sifles before the Conmunist took it over Fainels admidble Retty and estered to the wiieless there wee ina avent to succe last s so aent to staty until fored austialians in learn, and a tetal of over 29,000 all nationalitus. but of there in 30 by Anti-Hunebie elgistation, then to bentap UESOAY SEL we furrally to Lian. N ablomenits is a white Aussian, Cuper visited thert Clurly apter dinner and had a durt with de togel, they had titted. ins died. Mtdy I visited the goh camp in onstold a band cncers but Pdiluststay. Drove to Orientol, a pictur ther cahih at the ghowns. Here are collected all PW gap staffe. was on there but the round will no bad I did not stay. wot a yestedy also I was pistued o a small German woman who its confind a itenmgn by vicyele rickibe bait to alliance Fancaine passing in rante the a Than go ber bense under thai guars to t Suat of the low down typeof bar and perhaps santhing else at the SDALSEPRS Ltshiesounas griety. The shibe continuues, balled on tay liance the ladit of Barighih were giving a dane to ORS. At seveal old ex-on friends nadaine millis, wthe gogenin a ans alamenitit Jorgmem and her new. Met Risc, who is a//c anst tard boy woeated at deted another nit of greenvallle- dins to enable me to charge 7KevHD. Dueens Bn 1Br) is in Palace alongside. Net t boe (an daily brarn I have a lead heat -lash all over. chare and heut Haopton woth m fam bg several if the WEONESDAY SEP ses who were with us at legamed one siglaced, were billed off 0 met st Lunt Therhren BW2At who is taking out by an to ti tinatio or untehyud Hanal ercaped Called on the longungen and the seytons out on the thrm road, shrehs wp the irisht te all the Wa whom he can hind 19 a present Tolal wainatio to dute an Uk9966, Dubch 286, aust 519, B3A294, Widian 555, others s. tobo for Kulnan in very heavy larn. har bod to be liftedont of hale 11625. The head here is extremily hund. One is purpsing all do stead that toing bad ban arounded by trullet. He fmeresd bu WEONESDAY SEP26 long mesquitoes eat ae alive even through clothing, expenaill at Chantiar Fincet a good many of the men from our variou he eveny MESOAY SEO camps from day to day, and they all ruin pleased to see me. I am went to denver at the home of the Twvedish Consol n ensted agguining to believe that some of their llattery, may be sincipe fo John Carly book me aroung for intenting, frrst to the Birtish f treet his wife. It & ne rullet, seetary to the Ferrch mision woM Gente (ause, an abebration) boe Twentin o lve Lickwan of 7 Dir. Heard same were we wret a lwon Docboy? a Persian and violyt Kerr where ighting going on juest after denver father I stayre with at welling. Then we visited the convent of nata strle EEIDAY BDR2/ Dei runly the Arsalie murks, visited androme to contact the 261 Anshalians nt attubed HHS Ttee bousing has been cited is a war crimnal in daiger yesterday. tie theB ed in the thar officers mess balled on taken ane that tuett oharter have reached home visited Rix at h save t knutson tosey if the Genty bltow that ther are to be wa teriew Thrsnghout the i eall ai fire and gienad Headcunbers. The Dribeb are gradually taking over from in, the have been making a lot afncite. The excitement in Chinakonen is have almost petend ent, and a few RA0W1 people, are craining he glibing the Thaid Nace arrived from austater but not They are learn the wark. Welfare hampad, camp contral of ts Hl have all SATUROAY BEE23 assed to other band, Aa Dutit 20 drame, that Macten again the fiabling still continues tome of our MPs have been agn wounded to we are shipting then quarters out if chinatonen. Tenbues who was but on back with a gretude will die. SATURDAT SEP2. SUNOAT SEP23 ment to a dance at the lilgon Clerk. Hast was a than tran mars at the Carmilite Coment. Helfr Mr Ensteadt find was quite representabiy of all rection of the present Banghok popsent ume sick men at 54/1d Ay I afternoon at atteance natrean am reading tene thatter-Pertus The Belmaster. Had a sum at the Yark Club Fenth got who use to dive of SUNOAY SRPSO well at Kingafore was there excertd by young Harris. Iighting to nut beary Conton and Hennesor at ways. Had a delightful died down but the chinise baw dulaild a 10 day givice swen duriy the morning at the sperks Club. John Carry andI as fiam tancrrew as a pictest against the robbor of several book Missis Abramovit and Kres to the Laus. It was a real natu abuse shop of $2000.000 tieals, b thai patice & soediers du show. Tome f the rac were for paies. all were four finting the metce. Cultew on all hore were bemn 1900b dasher. The sockeys were bankibil I but on the babe and i
October 12 Stotkedealy a t lu eas& prcts from Slavs. peasants in Fp ament I commber national Lress. Hayd out of tonnatoeff Arapes from Grats Beautiful li yed indew. Pags ter n Laguethen 28 Yr in Balra Kought chickens and Osome eigarehes cusages wha he Passing ree Deng bot. Bulgar duche sme still pli intrt seal Boudge passed through Ves. As. 122 Bulram Srone 30t October 18 (a2) ladie trust told us that our Ad bn 454 was lonsyam that wrong (& he did it Watched (raylespl. after lunch letter w cad to rid Ponna and ye Casked for shoee &funs October 13 Subs igh cold dud Bitterly Sill going don't feli fofe cultig e had pist ortside Belgrad Dalk Nh Wch nailwal Gards Get Red & apolvgrsed lat histmal thong mone pul fildee, damage could not sucentre phed gut to wes after wrsingn andle into Eroation Lanban was
December 23 hight pnow 1o day. Vay be peasonal for Cuistmas? Decorations going up at a great rate under patimal) ey Stanley Suker Visifed by Carol-sniges from anshe hut and brconcet par. Possibly the best putoniances in OHeill's play were Hobbn Clark as Tank, Pevry R Donall As Cocky land Padre Bill tist as "Iidse? Anyhon it was extremely good, and could be put fr in any company, sould be put on tor rst I camp I offices down stitted too sson. Hand hid Wedshouse would ao far towards making a and prosramme. Pliet after sittling fm Dbid att 1oclock Seloun band shk o Bet your kids will be getting into their K. sttatls now what a hopt Iume this night an air tre sergeant made succesfful breaph from he comffound, December 24 Heavy carpe it snow this morning. Atter Seding Kork. Gillwan nTerday mad hilthe eforte 6odbry to get rim Lunder & lads of this het Hisnisted and pen back 1of 384 but had no luck. He brought me a loas of lreade blesstis hea? Saw He. Biny abon r To stay in over Christman Sintentis Bad Cult Excellent nns 6day and previously re Kurria Cuiarvolis. Bordid) L Lyla Blngari fallen, Ramn washing away pnows. I Jan paruld ofsnd. He Gook. Exallent concut party came tous from in or barils bes with us!! Hops is the real of cCoy sheake in other en Ihut Excellent pregramme including sitlits o one act play d Engin O full bat. Comel for Cardiff Anoe by Dodehouse sandy Bardwell in solo Skebel Cawol. Eingers osond own did ons sint efor.
p RS0O FRIONY OCF19 Ken Buggs is firmy with his companson of the shipdg Watter was worse than yesterday, but so far I harre omanies be bond rang. He goes on the boat dick early t see the not felt sea-sick. Investigdbed the ship. We tharn for 1st four, King-neve Losse, laverdell, Eagleston ale ann of cornie class passengers a dinny loim, lounge with prans, a sopt the fittred themselves there are raint ontarders others tave the rgu absst was the better on some is 6104on, wondill lead in the I dushbay calrtien; and boat dok one babble if bear is given weight for age, some telies are difficull to being to the baglier ho each if us daily, with rum substibubed, oclassnad he dred to dance but the relley of the ship we too great. Cigareths and pipe tobuccs are rabiord. Sheeling is the cutum used. Played budger with new cards Read Fank KIDAL OCL2E Weather will first and rough. Boat will is now a this Clerrves Dig ?te stay of the Burbe and Wills expedition. of the past. Inspection is still made at 1930hs. the ampleps Had a mr night with Herree, Edwards, Winng, Rid bisn shen is very poo We hear news about every recond day superintendent, L civiliar, Rex; etc. attended a picture show. SATRDAY O SATURDAY DCE, 20 tnspected the engiire rom. Nearly all machene is centiation tounded the meth of turnatio and saw tabang Island (Wis an amaging place with its twin 4 clender Doxford enguire on the houzon. Weathl has calmed. I am still turiby fit water coolng, it pressue and supply, conpressi an starter ameggency humps, cllctucie systi, repligeratin plant, wteam unpatient to reach have theaker. the SINCAL OCERI SUpAY OCT 28 ighted, land at dawlight, and doppet anher a few unte off Mass in the cineina hall net M Beatly a Dutchwane i is married so an auxhaliag, atso Mr Broohmat, a French widew ano he sible at 0600 his. Pittled in to the what about ocvolin. Fur Thus girls in their teens. I have a battle of ben or a bat of ru atiancely appected by the Lamibiar sight of andubon mew and beachtnigh about 1800 his with worse and sanetimes Bhown aswe a blass lane, Lushalian uba havy buildings etc. the familles of wa voy were delightfee to watch. They wihelsen I like a bot of ruin are feels as if, are is walkn on an for an hein ar two afterwards. Crassen the equala about eventually beoke down the bazrion Pard wayed go mad with joy where they frrst sighted their box, ten twth and his MCs1OAIOCF2 wther were there to weet in thy carise aboart for a drugh the weathr so for hus been lresh and to one who ba been and lage grove us via a river erplanade to the bogt o tan the trepies for file gar it is delightful. We have had no only nour it. There dix who was wk me and myself called our tharles beeen. We left him about usidd bo chand a wne eale, the ship is pitthing all the kine as a wull man as in the city but the hotels could not bake ins in exenbual searect. I myhelf reem to be a good sailer. I enjoy the malig we obtained a mist at the Shylles Dean, inifibube. Ther we and have t priss one meal. The cool are is ldding my the met two WAtts masis trisdand another. the jamy phant a cat of good threee daily I receive attention with caln tat and some green colsune spirit When painted all over I look whether warried sisfer Nr Burston whese husband is Dr Bursbnr lehe f 2ooinh boad Camonwell, and after wissuiorees changed Hargan comcreplaged. attended any finst pieture shew and saw friens at ante? lpe Benforr was the newean) we med was Indiane in tchniccour. Beriston and gione ont to Coino beach, trom there we TUESDAY OCT 23 drove baily by the poreis's for ba. The girts father is bhyg mry daily outure is very simple. I rse about neven tatfastaandita of Balgetys, Phank varry and furlns quat ddlig which wild buit such an accesien. Her eight and then read furth and my war nates, and ther plubup in saying arryth vouesded dly awill, and young ann spet tihe avovil or I play againe of drdge. after tiffen at 1306 hr an advlt. I was staggens. Went be the Rendes vons for reain with a weench for nfenc or read again unt antorie people, danel for an hary participabed in a welr time at 1800 his. the lg wal as eaben at $1900 b again carts book or a yain unbie 2230 trs a walk on the boat (hal eers, broodcast during which kix and 7 were wellsied have and were put on the bus by usery deck sevral himes a das is my ony exercise There are 71 chars i alvar and hesblend of the wanin land ariny arry of V0 on the strip they are regregated and umportunately in the and joined a party of iin in the calan of Oc hp lwease Received a litter from Wancy, one of the few. at last I draie WEONESDAY OC2✓ tthacked tullen French to M Brosteman, I anterd to sfol had a brcal with marg. It was a loully day, the weather a pred deally with her It has given me confidence already. way, hire, the night are like wine, the gardin bealitifne with sherirs
MONDAL OCT29 culled out about 0B3ol, the weather is perfect. Received shlgamy, hea sany Loph and the annby. Had be chanrge cabres to glue room to a TB anparce officer namd baron an wae in with Col wadder yourd with the the tapeain. Had pusho of a georers sunbath in the burret of the rocket thnswer. Law a whole TUESNAY OCTSO Law the last of W.A. It tooked like some mountainans istands on the horison. Am reading trank bunes Dig, the story of the Bube ar walls expedibions. The weakn is bshening and the ship has a le Imovement a is sur first really cold day. Have seen severe abatases Carey Toose, Condell and Msonald car a combined wuthday party, a very buight franly indeed, I remarnle sober. WEPNESDAY OCE she coutrest neas yet. However I do not feet the teast but se- sick, I have been the same for the whole hip. Nearly every afternoon before dinnice I have a very pleasunt glass f ou wit ot hoop oc diaps & Werae. A soldier ngud Coghlan committed succese by jumplig ovuboard at dush. Light & bush were dispped, the sut stopped and a eifeboal party put off and wase a wunk wberd succes. Went to the pictures andd saw Holy ranimary. the stary of the paint who heres as his dead butler Re-read for the umptewith time all of Harrey's letters HURSOAY NOVI attended tes at 0900 hs Went to pontistion. I am in a grand atate of excihment. Te next two days will never hass tothing sum to wary me, in fact everything sems so pleasantand of the caming se-urrion ven and oun again and hup visuitin fevery detare of my meeting my fernily. Ifeel that saturday nxt will be the happiest day of my life. ERIDAY NOV2 dead all day to keep my mind off the morrow. Am eren more excited than yestera. The coast caute into view during the mndning and we counced cape atway in the early afternogn attended a picture shrew at night. Erstered the neads alon sovo his it is impossible io dincube adequatie, We effect seeing the light of wortr tarints and theen - wbsunt abee etory be ship deopped amber of Willia istoren at 2300h Thought, would nor neep, but fell off cnay immediatel SATURDAY NOV. up at 0500tn. Hat a good took at Helbenmn from the bay, the first of my great wribs fulfilled at last, said Various good-byes the ship beand at 5800 his and I went off about ogoo his
December 3 M early this morning and with ladre comon took ten to he lads of the table in bed. Rest of the day passed qpite ameventfully as ever alst of the fim as usual (Weing taken up by Bridge. Should have been Fr. Burny's cosking May io Look it over for him. Rather stuk dishes to make, as we were short of miht but swapped a tin of musard for ons A meat till and tumed on the usual weat potats pres one perman in fish hs Whither will a iscit-lread - ig finlh with a reacle - enter- sngar pudding was very will milk and treade ance Amateur theatricals - bt class daph between two asprig podncers Collock o Selwrn de Chowe and Selwyn knowed steadily all day. complitely covered. Supteet Inder contil inew oues natmore deaths fow ofive cases apparently recovering I seep that bok in and sut mark are held up. December 4 nothing much Quiet day today doing - stayed in bea most smorning and dunne evening wrote letter car to Rad ant Jenn a a cards buk and filt. Did not ful partiulad I his evening I
he had continued to boint and shall the houps who had truchs mosbly used for parsinger service, the taxers are tube eard dowen their arms. The case for the prosecution wasminiatie buses with a door at the back and room for fau and very duity, Garry's are failly numerous and the perries carcluded and connsil for defence asked for a tender hainess is heavely oenamente with brass. Manry square adjournment. He was given to 28 gan, We drove batk navne, bought from carthers of ugagethed for i pews aun goggetmtes of tent onttaleas on open fields have been made int tirmertse caups or diemps or teansport lines, I have been for 2.25 and of course, a batble of icid veer! sahe aroue dis to the remaining affriers quarters, E4AF48, per diingacres and acces of food, of tyres of oil, of general, equipinery o when vehichs did so ort, as I write this officers quartered the only unusual dish was the sonciowe vigitible. now denkore in the cub on the ninth flyer. detrned home and mucte to vanrey, here are by bath ving beer watters into the suens of an emp wher are the room in the adjoining block, a drop of eight sto TUESORY SANDE places one into what was once the inner, i Leturn op early, had bealelary at the Marrily Hetel and toots collects all round. To far no one has been billed. the tlin bus to the Ft betor 5800 lm. Worlond hard all day THURSOAY VANEA on our lish, with a bitale for lunch with bol Tergugan Waid usual troyrs until 1600 hrs. I have read vonn if at the avenue Hotie, daia thyes drove us aisuing the the tiles on atiocitys, and they make me mad, Everywhere city and desred with us at the nanila. We banghy same therelfat beauts went, from Uancayuia, to New Guinee, Buina inde ciquetes and a touplain hent,20), then we saw so the admiralty tolards they left behind them a trail of anchar awaigh in technicold with Gene Kelley as massacre, uneide, Tbeatings to death, behadings, raper cruelty kinded hooled an at the dence on the 9t fleer in this starvation, looking and distruction. The crimes against building and their wrote to awn. hermanity are sa widespiead that one can came only to one conclusion that it was a policy directed from Lohn NEONESDAY VAN 2 walked bath through Inteamurss. The walts ane immensity nted tel again, all day. Met yesterdon wajer wilde A.t. which and beeached in several peaces. 50000 whells fill into lapt bole of the war Crimis Hition Read a few of the courty thiscity and almost wifed, it out. I visited the only, buiding ontah atiocitys - they are beastial. Bought two evershark still ishabited- the church and attached monabtery of Lai for 13 peas eath, feel absolutity fit. Marlifa was bombed& angurtan converted in 386 at Caithage. I signed in the bosh be laps when they were conqucking the P.S. and same dawg widde a donation and was shown wto the inver court wastaboe, even, though the city had been declared ofin. The or what is left of it. Very large haintings, all of holy subjects taks on the other hand, carristent a deliberate wreeking and line the fair walls of the cloister which surreunds the court, bvening of the city before they were driven ont in tieen. The the buildings ay two sides apposibe each other are a mass of city is almost a cauplete ruin. There is not one building ruins ou donther ride is the uniduhal portion and on the Puntealred. all main buildings were dynamited or built bvns inside, the altar fouth side - the church. The red ear before the, were loied out. Shelling accounts for alot of dawag is plain with beaten silver lining the wall above it. around and mixt buildings are spattered inside and out by MGF each wall are side altars in alcoves each with its stabue, some bullets. The assimall and other public buildings are sutipe deissed memorine heates to the dead. Great chandelabras hang a mars of corrciete von and hin. Even the arrceent walls man the roof. ont about half the floer is covered with seats around the walled City Intimuros are breached. Neary all Near the back are the hand earts which bear a statue for churches, and schools, Dominican, De La Lall, etc shang the a procession. The stations are rather povr. The organ is annot same fate. Hve of thyse were pirceless, old buildings. There but very good excepting that the oilifands have abolon the are acres and airts of completed brent out areas, few trees motor. Einmensy parchment books more than two feel aquare are left standing and Eveewhere the geass is running wild. and hix enchys thich stand on a levelving pidistal, the wne Desloyed hancers line, the streets and the vs anry bad med and wads in eaten, are so beg, that the choir, can see them from new roads over the beacks all budges are demaged or brcken. arry part of the loft. the roof is 12 metis thich thinng to one the civil, eleckic light peant was destroyed. Water is tunning in metcc at the tap, Heally earth qualse proof. Unfortunatel everyth some of the buildings, mostly occupied by the ary Evenh lioks old, neglected, durly almest lawdry, then is a bill tober is dirt, tiely dients, pover of wald dustt, and dubbled it above, I yained with the Spenish priest - dressed in white. He banksing de near where I wish faied not so ladly. The tongkon said that bs congegation now is enterely made up of ar & Uanhar Bank however was bynet ont, the heappie of ann husgunes. He is very ataunch in his support o narceo! antrille vehiely is serific. The rule if the road here, rulee, July call i the church is almord surrounded by ameriein negis camps to keep to the light and I have great difficulty in getter and n.t. Yards. ehanged, went to the Manila for dinner and used to it as I din dren around in jeeps. There are a a picture show, walked dowen heven in time to see the nigh I considerable number of civilian whiches and bought any ctubs clering at 2230 bis and came beane to bed
the dity is full of amuican officer, soldies, sarlars and airmen. Cemmunuen ilI Many carried their batres and a cantle whled their diess as faily unifeim they wear their shiil sleeves long and pther young children wander aimdeasly acound their mathers oeering to be wndel what it is all about. the cargugat the apswear helmeds. Hibchlicking seems to be the recognised forming and there are peges not asyde her it keeps by the theronghas frill access to the span wand the altar and rebuse darke in and out the havin hiffie which ealsing of some avemlar tnealt there or wandered in and ant -dury nass. a girl andmens wehicles. The men are avery misced nt fom whitefooh up one of the collection, alone, wavder byto sath werch in buen. But for may bration windows the church, is. ho black, wellow ho red. There are many american born aoit intait Commnion was given after stary and the must whs are called visie, at night, the opplees sut in the wotit that to distynguish between communicant ane the woman who and clubs-amed the rins - ibuerd man, entisted pusonng urneal at the drares for the whole of mess. the frauce of the weck diversion mound the lighted portion of the eity with Havian care a oss it dressed in black eober, the wanter guan its hot dog tables, and night-cubs. On the whole the are wer for treatifast and then was denen ho the damilg Hepee behaved uet or berchieks over their hair. Rebunginto theras for a days ERIRAY PAW 25 ouby. We drove sonth for some 35 wiles through close Waitred all day. Became a visiting member of the army and dav rethled came producy rice, sugar, coen, sall, fruit and tlib and spent the evening there? It was meat enjoyable, a bothe of beer in the bar, then a bey tarby four course denner with a poully, theath of the riee is donely the simplest means Tilipine bane playing sweet dinner isie later to be followsn in fon I mast huses ie or cowvant, or coffe, aneo by darrie urrsie ho spiead out on wah to diy, It was a delight to leave the ined and dil elty. The dive along hagung de boy was prichuisg SAWUROAY VAN 26 ratled as a fap P0W camp for wuch with hin tpencer, the wirked until nearly 190pbis to finish the job. Went as conteast with what I experiened as a POW was must markid. a quist of najer Pertr to the AtN Ellil for a p asaut fe aild dinner Laber returned to bee the great of the have electiv ligey and bury water, camp stretibus, about wd at the dinner dance. The Pipenes are goiry through a rather bard fir s flet bo a man, well equipped and willl stocked bibeherg thy are short if clothing and wary everymtin wears &5 umfi and a panciana of instintar, lates and count side. there are seveal compounds wrludy specal an for very hgh rank for part unilain. on the whole the are shably and a good inar ing officer war cumnols wamen (about 400) officers and are dirly. teww of the woman shill wear the headrbial dres ordin Poi. The Pows do all the wert hox the Faminian with it blouse, of hausparent net an vere with high shaneairs aiset woman however badopt wishen diess of a rather fomtapps and growe all veactables. I saw yamastutas bnt in the ctenderined to death rection. Drove on to the or simble type. Both sixes, particularly the woran, are shor pirt of Balangas in the routh f the istant and had a loch and deemply. They have no beavs or beams and are now dependentad all rast of behily for their beanshart from at the shippil. There are many landing capt shill stielng ont of the water where the were sunk in the attack. Toldrers bought Us any truche and sups to miniature olisis and por thronged the stueets coming from the innunnable caup, and garre thy have built thersteves shanties amitet the rui dng all along the rood a votble o bur crat me 4/6. or are huddlery in eviner o large demornited buildings. The continue alo the woard through borlens which for a charge are carrying an uven qual difficulties, caundris, but eavour, willing woodsup cs hal doge catting pe had not been destroyed by the war. some contain annart churches indominatl positions, Cathle, carabou & bealiming of speeks, a fanr amount o tirned abulh brught or stolen fugs and poult were quite plentifil. We sawe two flain the 1s diy, lishing workg in clrical presition with cockfiabl aranar, and hundred of when evrwhen cam sarry, providing MPS. Ae. the bist frablers to a neighbour ar to the archag Darlmer fell before but could reach Labe, saal and the Loal Vishe hosbel, SuOrY SpN 27 Returned to rarla and had coppee and sandwiches at the cl went fashing to teass in the Quijsn Shurick, founder in 1586.I was an enlightern expenience, Boblls selling all wors of they IADAY SAN2S daytight for Bubane. Icatled oenae wuded te chuch. at the doors sbood caudle sittly Tigliams left betory at the office and wishe a letters to dary, then I had my fira ane a blid man squally in the widdle, of the way with his wife god children ogilatl peaude behind him in a chaigh good tih of the boven. I wandered for Lners through all tork f shreep and allerways, went into, disery of whips and frow tuide the chluch, was rralvded with both renes. thhe wisited two churrches, there are plevst of goods for sale nail was conabut morment of people com or gong or even walk all amnerican. Native bandiciapt is extunsly raid and artificial through for a shart cul! the most amany feature aver the The geass shirks which are being pressed on the 45 are simp women who lined at the doar and wosh their we on their sances eight up the cisle to the eather upen space at the not worn. The americans wanted ho believe that the Tilipir wowen were throe things and so these people have wads
December 171 hot contulutions powards K. Yars dimer from our pavuls midday dinner is to He prepased and rewved B batmn and & A plosonnal by frem &irce versa at night and if wesan get he doings he Cmp. Commandand a flin are to l moned accon for a drnk. Pumons tol night thrat ate oftins his sended 28 oers mainly combarns are to as Bxan oflag medtets ogo to woking paides. Kumons that Jpan is in against V.S. A). Cota Rica Britist Dussre and hat she has suk "hince ofes a Sepulae, L King George December 12 Susher atempts at organisation of medical personnel for work in saons com pounds, more or less lixed up nou
November 27 Ja November 28 Repors of aplins athnek. Cattembt t hus it up met with cold rspouse A talk on the matter given in evening by L. Col. Bult. Quite good. Evenyeed on I look out nor lice mar ever. Poor on thok te Gurnian tham prisoners under their conditions ewing - lice peor inution. Probably many will die Pay 10 day. Our men still not being paid O 36 oth welster had letter from home
Torend

SUNDAY SEP I6 
Attended Mass of the Carmelite Chapel at 0700 hrs. The priest was 

Salesian. The altar boy a Thai, whilst the congregation consisted of 4
lay ^Thai nuns, 3 of us, 2 or 3 Europeans, several Eurasians, dozens of Thais and

a few Chinese. There must be at least 19 nuns in the cloisters. 
MONDAY SEP 17
Held a cocktail party in the Mess to entertain Bangkok civilians

who have helped PWs in the past About 150 attended. Only one other officer
and myself were left after the crowd had departed. I read Jeffery 
Farnols "Admirable Betty" and listened to the wireless. There were 4636 
Australians in Siam, and a total of over 29000 all nationalities.

TUESDAY SEP 18

Visited Sports Club after dinner and had a drink with de Vogel. They had 
a band concert but I did not stay. Drove to Oriental, a picture show 
was on there but the sound was so bad I did not stay. Took a
bicycle rickshaw back to Alliance Francaise passing en route three
of the low down type of bar and perhaps something else. At the
Alliance the ladies of Bangkok were giving a dance to ORs.. Met 
several old ex-PW friends, Madame Millie, Mlle Jorgensen &, Miss Abramovitch. 
Obtained another suit of green battle-dress to enable me to change
daily because I have a bad heat-rash all over. 

WEDNESDAY SEP 19

Met Fl Lieut Thompson RNZAF who is taking out by air to Singapore
today, all the NZs whom he can find - 19 at present. Total evacuations
to date are UK 9966, Dutch 286, Aust 519, USA 294, Indian 555, others 5. total 
11625. The heat here is extremely humid, One is perspiring all day
long. Mosquitoes eat one alive even through clothing, especially, 
in the evening. 

THURSDAY SEP 20

Went to dinner at the home of the Swedish Consol, Mr Enstedt.
Met his wife. M & Mme Miller, sectary to the French Mission Mr & Mrs Ginley
(wife an Australian) Col Swinton, a Col Lickman of 7 Div. Heard some

street fighting going on just after dinner. 

FRIDAY SEP 21

Visited aerdrome to contact the 261 Australians who arrived from
Saigon yesterday. Lunched in the Thai Officers Mess. Called on a 
Dave McKnutson to see if the Gentry know that they are to be evacuated 
tomorrow. Throughout the night, small arms fire and grenades

have been making a lot of noise. The excitement in Chinatown is great
They are fighting the Thais. Mail arrived from Australian but not for me. 

SATURDAY SEP 22

The fighting still continues. Some of our MPs have been 
wounded so we are shifting their quarters out of Chinatown. 
Jenkins who was hit on back with a grenade will die. 

SUNDAY SEP 23

Mass at the Carmelite Convent. Helped Mrs Ensteadt  find 
more sick men at 54 Fd Amb for afternoon at Alliance Francaise
Had a swim at the Sports Club. French girl who used to dive so
well at Singapore was there escorted by young Harris. Fighting has 
died down, but the Chinese have declared a 10-day general strike
as from tomorrow as a protest against the robbery of several 
Chinese shops of 2,000,000 treats by Thai police & soldiers during 
the melee. Curfew on all service men from 1900 hrs. 
MONDAY SEP 24

Dave West & Col Coates left by air for Singapore. Both have had

bad news. All shops run by Chinese closed. The Chinese do nearly all

business in Bangkok, so the strike is serious. Local Europeans

state that the Chinese actually predominate here but the Siamese

will never admit it. The Bunyakit stop-gap cabinet resigned a few 
days ago and has been replaced by Pravnet from Washington Consulate

Called on the Abromovits. He is a Greek who fought for the Russian 

during the last war, got out of Tiflis before the Communists took it over

in 21, went to Greece, lost his money, went to Italy, until forced 

out of there in 36 by Anti-Semetic legislation, then to Constantinople

and finally to Siam. Mrs Abromovits is a white Russian. Curfew

lifted, Jenkins died. Yesterday I visited the Jap camp in our old

camp at the godowns. Here are collected all PW Jap staffs.

Yesterday also I was pestered by a small German woman who is confined

to her house under Thai guards pending internment by the Thais. 

Called on Ministry of Education.

TUESDAY SEP 25

Chinatown is quiet- The strike continues. Called on Mrs

Jorgenson and her neice. Met Rex who us 2/IC Aust Guard Coy located at

7 Div HQ. Queens Pn (Br) is in Palace alongside. Met Lt Col (Miss

Chase and Lieut Hoolihan, both nurses from Kabong. Several of the

nurses who were with us at Legamet and Malacca were killed off

Sumatra or butchered. Hannah escaped. Called on the Jorgensons and

the Zeyton's out on the Palanam road. Finished up the night looking

for Kurnair in very heavy rain. Car had to be lifted out of hole.

WEDNESDAY SEP 26

Heard that Pong had been wounded by bullet. He financed PWc

at Chunbai. I meet a good many of the men from the various

camps from day to day and they all seem pleased to see me.

Beginning to believe that some of their flattery may be sincere.

John Carey took me around for an outing, first to the British Legation

were we met a Simon Doobay? a Persian and Violet Kerr whose

father I stayed with at Mellong. Then we visited the convent of Mata

Dei, run by the Ursuline nuns.

THURSDAY SEP 27

Heard the Bill Cousins has been cited as a war criminal in

Japan and that Rivett & Carter have reached home. Visited Rex at MP

Head Quarters. The Dutch are gradually taking over from us, the Br

have almost petered out and a few RAPWI people are beginning to 

learn the work. Welfare, transport, camp control of this HQ have all

passed to other hands, RAPWI or Dutch.

FRIDAY SEP 28

Visited drome. Met Maclen again.

SATURDAY SEP 29

Went to a dance at the Silom Club. Host was a Thai. Crowd

was quite representative of all sections of the present Bangkok population

Am reading Gene Stratton-Porter's "The Beemaster".

SUNDAY SEP 30

Met Carey Condon and Hennessay at Mass. Had a delightful

swim during the morning at the Sports Club. John Carey and I

took Missis Abramovits and Kris to the races. It was a real native

show. Some of the races were for ponies. All were four furlong

dashes, The jockeys were barefooted. I bet on the tote and won

 

October
12
Stopped early, allowed out 5 minutes

to buy eggs & sweets from Slavs. Pleasant 

agricultural country - peasants in type of

national dress. Hand out of tomatoes & 

grapes from Greek Red+. Beautiful little

homes on hill-sides with window ledges.

People of good -type- cattle & agriculture.

Now in Serbia - bought chickens and

sausages what-ho! Some cigarettes.

Passing many trains or vice versa both

directions Italian troops on some, Bulgars

still policing country there. Country here

? ceded to Boulgaria.

2200-2400 passed through Nish-Nish

Best rain done for 30^

3 October

18 (42)

Padre Hurst in this morning, told us that our

boss's yarn that match was cancelled by 424 was 

wrong -he did it himself - Watched Argyles play

RHF after lunch - 3.3. Wrote letter to Glad cards 

to Zia Rosina and Ron W. (asked for "Three Nuns")

October 

13

Bitterly cold and light snow. Subs

don't seem to mind. Still going

up valley of Varda, through gorges.

More cuthroughs - 1600 hrs. train stopped

just outside Belgrade - v. cold, had

walk of ¼ hr - conducted tour of

railway yards of S.E. Europe. Went

to siding where Serb Red & apologised 

for inability to supply hot meal through

lack of justice. Went through outskirts of

city, apparently beautiful place, damage

not evident here, could not see centre.

Went through & stopped just to west

at [[Topciden?]], after crossing wide

River Sava, tributary of Danube.

Moved at 1900 hrs into Croatian

evidence ++ of German occupation.

↓One man removed from train to hospital

suffering from ac. appendicitis

 

December 

23

Light snow today. May be seasonal

for Christmas. Decorations going up at

a great rate under paternal eye of

Stanley Sykes

Visited by Carol-singers from another

hut and by concert party.

Possibly the best performances in O'Neill's play 

were Nobby Clark as "Yank", Percy McDonald as

"Cocky", and Padre Bill Hurst as " Disc". Anyhow

it was extremely good, ad could be out on in

any company , should be put on for rest of camp

if officers aren't shifted too soon. It and the

Wodehouse would go far towards making a

good programme. Quiet after settling down

in bed at 11 o'clock. Selwyn said "Think of it

But, your kids will be getting into their
X.Mass 

stockings now" What a thought!

During this night an airforce sergeant made

a successful break from the RAF compound ↑

December

24

Heavy carpet of snow this morning.

After seeing Corp. Sullivan yesterday, made

further efforts to-day to get remainder of

lads of this hit disinfected and sent 

back to 38A but had no luck. He 

brought me a loaf of bread, bless his heart!

Saw Fr. Berry again. He's to stay in over

Christmas - [[enteritis?]]. Bad luck.

Excellent news to-day and previously

re Russia (near Polish border) & Lybia 

-Bengazi fallen. Rain washing away

snow. X. Mass parcels opened. VC good.

Excellent concert party came to us from

men. Six barrels beer with us!! Hope

it's the real McCoy. Theatre in other end 

of hut - Excellent programme including

titbits of one-act play of Eugene O'Neill.

"East=bound for Cardiff", another by

Wodehouse, Sandy Bardwill in solo sketch.

Carol Singers of one's own did our first effort.

 

FRIDAY OCT 19

Weather was warmer than yesterday, but so far I have

not felt sea-sick. Investigated the ship. We have for 1st

class passengers a dining room, lounge with piano, a soft

drink bar, canteen, and boat deck. One bottle of beer is given

to each of us daily, with rum substituted occasionally.

Cigarettes and pipe tobacco are rationed. Sterling is the

currency used. Played bridge with new cards. Read Frank

Clunes "Dig" - the story of Burke and Wills expedition.

Had a nice night with Herne, Edwards, Wining, Red Cross

superintendent, a civilian, Rex, etc.

SATURDAY OCT 20

Rounded the north of Sumatra and saw Sabang Island

on the horizon. Weather has calmed. I am still terribly 

impatient to reach home.

SUNDAY OCT 21

Mass in the cinema hall Met Mrs Beatty, a Dutchwoman who

is married to an Australian. Also Mrs Brookman, a French widow with

her girls in their teens. I have a bottle of beer or a tot of rum

each night about 1800 hrs with McCrae and sometimes Brown and

Nichelson. I like a tot of rum. One feels as if one is walking on

air for an hour or two afterwards. Crossed the equator about now.

MONDAY OCT 22

The weather so far has been fresh and to one who has been

in the tropics for five years it is delightful. We have had no [[oily?]]

calm. The ship is pitching all the time As a result many are

seasick. I myself seem to be a good sailor. I enjoy the movement

and have not missed one meal. The cool air is doing my skin

a lot of good. Thrice daily I receive attention with calomine lotion

and some green coloured spirit. When painted all over I look like

Tarzan camouflaged. Attended my first picture show and saw

"Indiana" in technicolour.

TUESDAY OCT 23

My daily routine is very simple. I rise about seven, breakfast at

eight and then read punch and my war notes, and then perhaps

a novel or I play a game of bridge. After tiffin at 1300 hrs

I yarn with a woman for preference or read again, until

beer time at 1800 hrs. The evening meal is eaten at 1900 hrs and

again cards, books or a yarn until 2230 hrs. A walk on the boat

deck several times a day is my only exercise. There are 71 cases

of VD on the ship They are segregated and unfortunately on the 

increase.

WEDNESDAY OCT 24

Started talking French to Mrs Brockman. I intend to spend 

a period daily with her. It has given me confidence already.

THURSDAY OCT 25

Ken Briggs is funny with his comparisons of the ship board

romances to horse racing. He goes on the boat deck early to see the

fours, Ring-nose Toose, Coverdell, Eagleston etc and of course

the fillies themselves. Some are rank-outsiders, others have the race

almost won, the betting on some is 6 to 4non. Everdell leads in the

weight for age, some fillies are difficult to bring to the barriers

etc. Tried to dance but the rolling of the ship was too great.

FRIDAY OCT 26

Weather still fresh and rough. Boat drill is now a thing

of the past. Inspection is still made at 1030 hrs. The amplifying

system is very poor. We hear news about every second day.

Attended a picture show.

SATURDAY OCT 27

Inspected the engine room. Nearly all machinery is centralised

It is an amazing place with its twin 4 cylinder Doxford engines

its water cooling, oil pressure and supply, compression air starter,

emergency pumps, electrical system, refrigerator plant steam

heater etc.

SUNDAY OCT 28

Sighted land at daylight and dropped anchor a few miles off

Fremantle at 0600 hrs. Pulled in to the wharf about 0800 hrs. I was

strangely affected by the familiar sights of Australian men and

women, a brass band, Australian wharves, trains, buildings etc.

The families of WA boys were delightful to watch. They

eventually broke down the barriers and would go mad with

joy when they first sighted their boy. Ken Smith and his

brother were there to meet us. They came aboard for a drink

and later drove us via a river esplanade to the foot of

Mount St. There Rex who was with me and myself called

on Charles Green. We left him about midday to have a meal

in the city but the hotels could not take us in. Eventually

we obtained a meal at the Phyllis Dean institute. There we

met two WAAFs Misses Morris and another. The former phoned

her married sister Mrs Burston whose husband is Dr Burston

late of Toorak Road Camberwell, and after Miss Morris changed

friends at air HQs (Cpt  Burton was the newcomer) we met Mrs

Burston and drove out to Como beach. From there we 

drove back to the Morris's for tea. The girls' father is Chief

auditor of Dalgetys. Phoned Nancy and found great difficulty

in saying anything, which could suit such an occasion. Her

voice sounded richly novel and young Ann spoke like

an adult. I was staggered. Went to The Rendezvous for

airforce people, danced for an hour, participated in a

half hour broadcast during which Rex and I were

welcomed home and were put on the bus by Morris

and [[S?bland]] of the womans land army. Arrived aboard

and joined a pack of men in the cabin of the OC troops

Received a letter from Nancy, one of the few. At last I have

had a break with mail. It was a lovely day, the weather

was fine, the night air like wine, the gardens beautiful

with flowers.

 

MONDAY OCT 29

Pulled out about 0630 hrs. The weather is perfect. Received

3 telegrams, from Nancy, Soph and the Aunts. Had to change

cabins to give room to a TB airforce officer named

Cameron. Am now in with Col Madden. Yarned with the

Ships Captain. Had two hours of a glorious sunbath in

the turret of the rocket thrower. Saw a whale.

TUESDAY OCT 30

Saw the last of W.A. looked like some mountainous island

on the horizon. Am reading Frank Clunes "Dig" the story of the

Burk and Wills expedition. The weather is freshening and the ship

has a lot of movement. It is our first really cold day. Have seen

several albatrosses. Carey, Toose, Evindell and McDonald gave a combined

birthday party, a very bright party indeed. I remained sober.

WEDNESDAY OCT 31

The roughest seas yet. However I do not feel the least bit

sick. I have been the same for the whole trip. Nearly every

afternoon before dinner I have a very pleasant glass of beer with

OC troops, OC draft & McCrae. A soldier named Coghlan committed

suicide by jumping overboard at dusk. Light buoys were dropped

the ship stopped and a lifeboat party put off and made a search

without success. Went to the pictures and saw Holy Matrimony the

story of the painter who poses as his dead butler. Re-read for the

umpteenth time all of Nancy's letters.

THURSDAY NOV 1

Attended Mass at 0900 hrs. Went to Confession. I am in a grand

state of excitement.  The next two days will never pass. Nothing

seems to worry me, in fact everything seems so pleasant. I think

of the coming re-union over and over again and keep visualising

every detail of my meeting my family. I feel that Saturday next

will be the happiest day of my life.

FRIDAY NOV 2

Read all day to keep my mind off the morrow. Am even more

exited than yesterday. The coast came into view during the

morning and we rounded Cape Otway in the early afternoon.

Attended a picture show at night. Entered the heads about

2000 hrs. It is impossible to describe adequately the effect of

seeing the lights of Portsea, Sorrento and then - Melbourne. Retired

before the ship dropped anchor off Williamstown at 2300 hrs.

Thought I would not sleep, but fell off almost immediately.

SATURDAY NOV 3

Up at 0500 hrs. Had a good look at Melbourne from the bay, the

first of my great wishes fulfilled at last. Said various good-byes

The ship berthed at 0800 hrs and I went off about 0900 hrs.

 

Back Cover

 

December

3

Up early this morning and with

Padre Cornish took tea to the lads of the

table in bed. Rest of the day passed quite 

uneventfully as ever, a lot of the time as 

usual being taken up by Bridge. Should

have been Fr. Berry's cooking-day, so

took it over for him. Rather stuck for

dishes to make, as we were short of meat 

but swapped a tin of mustard for one

of meat roll and turned on the usual 

meat potato pies, one per man in fish-

tins, together with a biscuit-bread-fig-milk

-treacle -butter-sugar pudding, with a

milk and treacle sauce - went very well.

Amateur theatricals - first class clash

between two aspiring producers- Pollock

& Selwyn de C. Lowe and Selwyn won.

Snowed steadily all day, ground

completely covered. Typhus under 

control, no new ones, no more deaths

four of five cases apparently recovering.

Seems that both in and out mail

are held up.

4 December

4

Quiet day to-day, nothing much

doing - stayed in bed most of morning

and during evening wrote letter-cards 

to Glad and Mum and Dad, & cards to

Iris and Nell. Did not feel particularly

well this evening.

 

he had continued to bomb and shell the troops who had

laid down their arms. The case for the prosecution was

concluded and counsel for defence asked for a ten day

adjournment. He was given to 28 Jan. We drove back

home, bought four cartons of cigarettes for 4 pesos, sun goggles

for 2.25 and of course a bottle of iced beer. Tighe drove

us to the remaining officers quarters, ELENA FLATS, for dinner. 

The only unusual dish was the soucrow(?) vegetable.

Returned home and wrote to Nancy.

TUESDAY JAN 22

Up early, had breakfast at the Manila Hotel and took

the ferry bus to the TC before 0800 hrs. Worked hard all day

on our lists, with a break for lunch with Col Ferguson

at the Avenue Hotel. Major Thomas drove us around the

city and dined with us at the Manila. We bought some 

more cigarettes and a fountain pen (Ps 1.20). Then we saw

"Anchors Awaigh" in technicolour with Gene Kelley and

Lindra. Looked in at the dance on the 9th floor in this

building and then wrote to Ann.

WEDNESDAY JAN 23

Worked hard again all day. Met yesterday Major Wilde AIF, &

Cpt Cole of the War Crimes Section. Read a few of the courts

on Jap atrocities- they are beastial. Bought two Eversharp pens

for 10 pesos each. Feel absolutely fit. Manila was bombed by

the Japs when they were conquering the P.I and some damage

was done even though the city had been declared open. The

Japs on the other hand carried out a deliberate wrecking and

burning of the city before they were driven out in turn. The

city is almost a complete ruin. There is not one building

unscathed. All main buildings were dynamited or burnt

before the Japs were forced out. Shelling accounts for a lot of damage

and most buildings are shattered inside and out by MG

bullets. The Assembly and other public buildings are simply

a mass of concrete, iron and tin. Even the ancient walls

around the Walled City. Intramuros are breached. Nearly all

churches and schools, Dominican, De La Salle, etc shared the

same fate. Some of these were priceless old buildings. There

are acres and acres of completely burnt out areas, few trees

are left standing and everywhere the grass is running wild.

Destroyed tramcars line the streets and the US Army had made

new roads over the tracks. All bridges are damaged or broken. 

The civil electric light plant was destroyed. Water is running in

some of the buildings, mostly occupied by the army. Everywhere
is dirt, filthy drains, pools of water, dust, and rubble.  The

banking area near where I work fared not so badly. The Hongkong 

& Shanhai Bank however was burnt out. The traffic of army

vehicles is terrific. The rule of the road here since July last is

to keep to the right and I have great difficulty in getting

used to it as I am driven around in jeeps. There are a 

considerable number of civilian vehicles and bought army

trucks, mostly used for passenger services. The taxis are like

miniature buses with a door at the back and room for four

and very dirty. Garrys are fairly numerous and the ponies

harness is heavily ornamental with brass. Many square

miles of burnt out areas or open fields have been made into

immense camps or dumps or transport lines. I have seen

acres and acres of food, of tyres, of oil, of general equipment, of

broken vehicles and so on. As I write this, officers quartered 

here and now drinking in the club on the ninth floor

are throwing beer bottles into the ruins of an empty bath 

room in the adjoining block, a drop of eight stories. He who

places one into what was once the inner sanctum

collects all round. So far no one has been killed.

THURSDAY JAN 24

Worked usual hours until 1600 hrs. I have read some of

the files on atrocities and they make me mad Everywhere 

these Jap beasts went, from Manchuria to New Guinea, Burma

to the Admiralty Islands, they left behind them a trail of 

massacre, murder, beating and destruction. The crimes against

humanity are so widespread that one can came only to one

conclusion - that it was a policy directed from Tokyo.

Walked back through Intramuros. The walls are immensely

thick and breached in several places. 50000 shells fell into

this city and almost wiped it out. I visited the only building

still inhabited - the church and attached monastery of

Augustan, converted in 386 at Carthage. I signed in the book.

made a donation and was shown into the inner court -

or what is left of it. Very large paintings, all of holy subjects

line the four walls of that cloister which surrounds the court.

The buildings on two sides opposite each other are a mass of

ruins. On another side is the residential portion and on the 

fourth side - the church. The red lamp burns inside. The altar 

is plain with beaten silver lining the wall above it. Around

each wall are side altars in alcoves, each with its statue some

dressed, memorial plates to the dead. Great chandelabras hang

from the roof. Only about half the floor is covered with seats.

Near the back are the hand carts which have bear a statue for

a procession. The stations are rather poor. The organ is ancient

but very good excepting that the Filipinos have stolen the 

motor. Immense parchment books more than two feet square

and six inches thick stand on a revolving pedestal. The music

and words in latin are so big that the choir can see them from

any part of the loft. The roof is 1 ½metres thick, thinning to one

metre at the top., really earthquake proof. Unfortunately everything

looks old, neglected, dusty, almost tawdry. There is a bell tower

above. I yarned with the Spanish priest-dressed in white. He

said that his congregation now is entirely made up of army

personnels. He is very staunch in his support of Franco. Outside

the church is almost surrounded by American negro camps

and MT Yards. Changed, went to the Manila for dinner and

picture show, walked down town in time to see the night

clubs closing at 2230 hrs and came home to bed.

 

The city is full of American officers, soldiers, sailors and airmen.

Their dress is fairly uniform, they wear their shirt sleeves long and

the MPs wear helmets. Hitchhiking seems the be the recognised

thing and there are places set aside for it. Jeeps by the thousand

dash in and out the heavier traffic which consists of some

enormous vehicles. The men are a very mixed lot from white 

to black, yellow to red. There are many American born Japs

who are called Nisie. At night, the officers sit in the hotels

and clubs -amid the ruins- whilst many enlisted personnel

seek diversion around the lighted portion of the city with

its hot-dog tables, and night-clubs. On the whole they are well 

behaved.

FRIDAY JAN 25

Worked all day. Became a visiting member of the Army and Navy

Club and spent the evening there! It was most enjoyable, a bottle

of beer in the bar, then a very tasty four course dinner with 

Filipino band playing sweet dinner music later to be followed

by dance music.

SATURDAY JAN 26

Worked until nearly 1900 hr to finish the job. Went as

a guest of Major Peck to the A& N Club for a pleasant beer

and dinner. Later returned to see the great crowd at the

dinner dance. The Filipinos are going through a rather hard time

They are short of clothing and nearly everyman wears US uniform

or part uniform. On the whole they are shabby and a good many

are dirty. Few of the women still wear the traditional dress

with its blouse of transparent net or veil with high shoulders.

Most women however adopt western dress - of a rather poor

or simple type. Both sexes particularly the women, are short

and dumpy. They have no trams or trains and are now

dependent on all sorts of vehicles for their transport from

bought US army trucks and jeeps to miniature buses and pony

garrys. They have built themselves shanties amidst the ruins

or are huddling in corner of large demolished buildings. They

are carrying on under great difficulties, laundries, bus driving

labour, selling foodstuffs, curios, hot dogs , clothing, blend

of spirits, a fair amount of tinned stuffs bought or stolen

from the US army, fishing, working in clerical positions with the

US army, providing MPs, etc.

SUNDAY JAN 27

Went fasting to Mass in the Quison Church, founded in 1586. It

was an enlightening experience. Booths selling all sorts of things

almost surrounded the church. At the door stood candle sellers 

and a blind man squatting in the middle of the way with his

wife and children squatly placed behind him in a straight

row. Inside, the church was crowded with both sexes. There

was constant movement of people coming or going or even walking

through for a short cut. The most amazing feature were the

women who kneel at the door and work their way on their

knees right up the aisle to the rather open space at the

communion rails. Many carried their babies and a candle whilst 

other young children wander aimlessly around their mothers

seeming to be wondering what it is all about. The congregation

has full access to the space around the altar and several

women knelt there or wandered in and out during Mass. A girl

took up one of the collections alone, wandering into each

bench in turn. But for many broken windows the church is

almost intact. Communion was given after Mass and the priest 

has to distinguish between communicants and the woman who 

kneel at the rails for the whole of Mass.  The figure of The

Saviour care across is dressed in black robes. The women wear

nets or kerchiefs over their hair. Returned to the Manila Hotel

for breakfast and then was driven by Lieut Thomas for a day's

outing. We drove south for some 35 miles through closely 

settled country producing rice, sugar, corn, salt, fruit and 

poultry. Thrashing of the rice is done by the simplest means

and in front of most houses rice or coconut or coffee, or corn

is spread out on mats to dry. It was a delight to leave the

ruined and dirty city. The drive along Laguna de bay was picturesque.

Called at a Jap POW camp for lunch with Lieut Spencer. The

contrast with what I experienced as a POW was most marked.

They have electric light and running water, camp stretched about

5 feet to a man, well equipped and well stocked kitchens

and a panorama of mountain, lakes and countryside. There

are several compounds including special ones for very high ranking

officers, war criminals, women (about 400) officers and

ordinary POWs. The POWs do all the work for the American

staffs and grow all vegetables. I saw Yamashitas hut in

xxxxxx the condemned to death section. Drove on to the

port of Batangas in the south of the island and had a look 

at the shipping. There are many landing craft still sticking out

of the water where they were sunk in the attack. Soldiers

thronged in the streets coming from the innumerable camps, and

dump all along the road. A bottle of beer cost me 4/6d.

Continued along the coast through towns which for a change

had not been destroyed by the war. Some contain ancient

churches in dominant positions. Cattle, carabou & brahmin

pigs and poultry were quite plentiful. We saw two

cockfighting arenas and hundreds of men everywhere carrying

the best fighters to a neighbour or to the arena. Darkness

fell before we could reach Lake Toal and the Toal Vasta hostel.

Returned to Manila and had coffee and sandwiches at the club. 

MONDAY JAN 28

Williams left before daylight for Brisbane. I called

at the office and wrote a letter to Mary. Then I had my first

good look at the town. I wandered for miles through all

sorts of streets and alleyways, went into dozens of shops and

visited two churches. There are plenty of goods for sale and 

all American. Native handicraft is extremely rare and artificial

The grass skirts which are being pressed on the GIs are simply

not worn. The Americans wanted to believe that the Filipino

women wore those things and so these people have made

 

December 

11

First contributions to-wards X.Mass dinner 

from our parcels - midday dinner is to

be prepared and served to batmen and

F.A.V. personnel by officers, & vice-versa at

night, and, if we can get the [[donigs?]], the 
Camp-Commandant & officers are to be

invited across for a drink.

Rumours tonight that after Egyptians

has tended, 28 officers, mainly combatants

are to go to an Offlag, medicos to go

to working parties.
Rumours that Japan is in against

U.S.A. Costa Rica and British Empire

and that she has sunk "Prince of Wales",

"Repulse", & "King George"

December

12

Further attempts at organisation 

of medical personnel for work

in various compounds, more or less

fixed up now

 

November 

27

November 

28

Reports of typhus outbreak. Attempt to

hush it up met with cold response.

A talk on the matter given in

evening by Lt. Col. Bull. Quite good.

Everyone on look-out for lice more

than ever. Poor outlook for Russian

prisoners under their conditions of

living - lice & poor nutrition.

Probably many will die.

Pay to-day. Our men still not

being paid. 36MK.

Jock Webster had letter from home

to-day.

 

Back cover

 

 

 

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