Diaries of John Kevin Lloyd - Part 9

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

Page 1 / 10

OCTOBER 10th onth- 13a2 I3 TUESDATEST cor of tusplen a dablia al a P24 panne oi ad gaiage abe sack the wark hau Jat that romd the Tr claraed man hat warberand as harder new aveclredy at chundagah, bears chrlt in yuu nr men then disgusupper of prea coffy JANUARY 1322 32 and trenght be w brser mny also the girt caltin but TES SUNDAY 25-340i he another in angthudan an lap as rsmet ying elect by Hessaton a gringle deterrnd soit sold mark has lev air ber or are to swill intrance my 170 Boba Forth it and prshedny Vank, 2509ls for dispibune the aria the rgtee 1uich & ND Bnes Burmary be nothing in the at in features Dec. Bridge, Brrl heart f Taut of . aman still 6 of Loves Terenade deen good and a that of e thisle havelowe when it now diist than ern
OCTOBER 6B abe as eteatid cruelt in as therd 4 10th 2 1912 I3 TUESDAWEST hr sie and lean frut inCarta vi dvi mes teaben wrks alwint And Jap loss Batble Lashed pwist an to sppres, re loady JIN al adi 2 4 gurls Hasbalt Wine har bawever res mat draat. hn shed appear A lardt art dust JANUARY ays 2322 312, and treught be r any also the girl captin but TES SUNDAF 25.340 in her am dar anothurdayin osbly about ying aluti Very cod monpt a grngle and all soil oght mark ror l Eiven asance officer fll forth have ruggested syaber of do bengure my diet 5 a tup in ho Thantnrayed a l when fiat famr men are tpol in L1 Touth of th an islander wst a ses Lerenad belove the Bur home when aspole t home it now. outet
OCTOBER 246 Wb Jay h2 teal c as the 10th 1- 1942 I3 TUESDAWEESS p Nt0 This sening takes. fl tongue, very frequent mination an camp is as buakfst, tenbo ha Jap. 12his thei genagle to D Fsurrs dge at 1630 capin 1915, yain to bed tim aliphe for 18 at le an the sude. hamp any lys the ihof all JANUARY 1942-31 DayVS it, and bought be w beseen myalso the girl catitin bat 1TES SUNDAF 25.310 i her Working all anothurday and duist. Disidying elute offiom dowler knk a gungle and Jessue, at byld mant 123 dars with RC ser or Protistant Tebrance still very sore. Yrthe g the ni palishin bathet by me with Lwhen on adth to get vp bring vey Jamed also in 213 MG. who himes. Bunmin telae ill abfol in features weitheat Ht. Teuth of the 67 Lowes Lerenade pole h lowe when it now.
OCTOBER ag t DENC at tese J Licat weat chuelt in as thertyo snerof Month-184 B-TUESDAVE s Wabeled in Indians. Japo wulding Had in who moved their dash.I angleaden at wight a different man t him of his as triding behive as not that ght the anto for 54 caugt i ths 218 JANUARY 1942-31 1d and trought be u beser mny also the girl cattn but ES SUNDAF 25.340 i her in ancthorday a day in Hadying electe minal was the a gerougl keiet unwell. A. Phrfe mart ear wamew baf and improasance ith if fr bacheh do not last half wbu unable to n a pt of flawa Dring bvy her mes any lebe hibebi are features fol in out if you 1 Teuth of Japhilessant Teremad Lo wlow when I knt eaher it now.
1an a Commnion again todaw the pest oWhre daw buins much as yeturdan excep for Iam. our misting Ender. IJohn Keone is to be brued to o and a small pontys is guied amonge our oads, Bgher with ane donr officen frm 16 teark too that Bualles C. D.. A. bing proved alead with at Tilton, and that it hould be pll co pend 200 men bouk in 23 wekes frened a leter frm consin Elirs Pisentin (Castillange, Sase), dated Des. 12. binging Ainisprnes wrohes from him pounly, and oe nlatgiues Ofan to Commntion this moning ner o day timnested. think it was to day hat I reoed a note from Stalig Bachien with two copis of a ncipt form wuded I was asked to fill n for the Enp maund from ohe Fer & so after my anuval at Stalen, I am almost moe [I sent back he oniginal nesthept. founs dulen sianed bnt thad must have gone astay. John Know was luund ay pseher with 8 oe Rf. At. who los his lives ind he raid I canneles Kinors and English, one or woo. Whe right bling ntidents pable. 50. ald trucimen are awanting brnad st fanin feld. din will phenting & god for my onn got fohne (and for he gord forfine of the nest g us. San this mnonend aoting I intent 2 F. Seculyomcth pant f to 1317. Chuntan, to gas sart, as teat ser i it aspat San 1530 Ms. Cohprson, Man, a Conmnin, and I showt same o Bridge in the Counay. ememing - plankd four mlbles, and were 730. down, which agmant in Joo our hast effert. Sent of the nedipts Wuich Vanwed on Fidan. If wr h was seums to be sy much improved wen the Gunan patens admit that Aings hor not sony well. Our people fom the Hestimn Desict antand Fripole gloteday monning. I chan ma sinel that fulugs of ay wnah whron lot it was to have got as far as lehlin on the fist ws attempts and finelley whater pneuded in raing he goal on the Bind. We hlaves not buen alle to ponibs hotne now Jot two wukes dua to he diseamisation caused by tre fraik (an a Commnion again, It affpears that repair are going ahead mnfidly on Barrack I) Ian at Kilton, and also wity Bannik C; one or losh should be ready for dimpation from Had a gume a baslet ball in the monning and prished up with a gnte paigul nuight call handes being andane f or Rpinige acke in the hress I ghalles of Januans $381. May news sood. Rundas taking manly prisontes in they Cancasns, which they have almost complutiley regained, and and cloning in on Botot. Advaneat on all pont except, the Don. Blnais of Gnnan &. Anng amounded in Salingak, and affaretly putilgy up a distins of a god oho. o Hen is none Dent daw -hawe had ratient that f anrnge for th hats San Ohertabsar Limon odited in 6. da yrtinher & to day and 1o day for he cnly dis gunal asder. 654 fintet th Ha idtiles Ent. wheter hints and paint it ne asot inpen a lot. H. S/ and I do an how or so Of Walian each day, duk were oh Villow ane oish saming this exeune. Bark & caly prefically right again Har a Communnon Mers Comnion Rety ineped af e lunth. guet te San
October 30 hdg and to fon wo Jov.R Ed ti reblixed Cemum en that I was tog litk th that 01.29 letter from mes and ton - Iss wrten 152 has mew bellows in carity interesting says The sale RB went thnigh, and my owas age co on the new Bot opelers, written 15 ept long ive commite cheerfol and interesting his d rea hr Sar an Santor tchall, and Hend Ibook Dean& October 31 Nov 252 42 chaps Gad par ve was saifed at & desind aning aperioo a dvenl 75 29 (Valom D. K.) and Ne. Lanshed enguiry this momn that Bill thirs as lx about Imnute had to stand in the Cat whohad come ao ollor rain at the grte as the fatle Untficir a him near father Fashoror Twithout an inter and Fafher Bill had o as he was oulden't even allow another guard to accouppan Whote letter & card to Glad i a eard tor
December 31 Austher distubed night, not so bad as that 28-20. O reasonally) early, not too early has day of 4 wch Jot. Intelsted recalled out last Hadmanan on the Emuptian side of the we atOx38 ith BS A7.. polishing of 7s Cotle If whishes and a double Him rod. A Saw that ou in ary will rather diferent this time, thouch were Ball Vosether, whs knows? Text one iy be in sedlands Will Hutt alucked over accommodation in 3r3 and find trouble as transpr in & expected translys are more than the barracked) can take eld over to Herere spoke to Hany Caay and n Whson here AlanHing then FpA2W Co back to barrack to wad that sik) had given Hax and me 50 G. Htle between ut Dcent of him. Speaking to Taff Lawrence M were moked over tolicted from soad & found mysell but deep in snow in ditch - was (it cold? the ad s nik. Inibe a number o oficers go letter today -V. hapy. debate to night on state of portwar be, & good. Sais ew Sr 88.2
46 H. Scahrough away this moning o G o say and shart Yan a Communion. Bruet day. Still ms sick parade (old cased) at 523 at after tunch he inumed followed Cnt. Stulnson hhnight and the boxing. lam from about mid day Teltow parnde in late aftemnooh, and new cares at 320 587. Ant time Id aun Btwo for a Year and hes paint changed much a bit krowned Loued that saltors schesber, Wationd 325, ofpcales for tile s off with hinps, but othermane nut the same. I was shuhille flrun enigled ino Stuript of jidge Sill o in to Gonbrough at the Valitn much to his ofles / and had a ring side seat at a solled good show, somce of the matches Exenndy biing wery good. One whe 520 lads at he end was m pormate enough 1o slop a ptinger on the cites en on his Rorong pot, and, though prbably out lefore he Colded, whacled this head a leandts and I think may have finm shere pe ogh a prsctuded o cull 520 wtn by he odd march ! went later for sike pavndes to hilted and recenved a cone aent from Dulson a Stanners rn Eq. ochan's uining (or not ) I angar ngauin to day be mst o/E. Os bikter and quarcd amongst thunkelves. not O9. 7. 1.10 at Bridge. 46 looled in o yesterdens compleamnt andh faund nery litte mn it. Stannery appontle peped at thl dute Calantie this a Eigant no tons trom henoes Sunh is Ant 4 the ma being tiked ie and taking at on o he ddent like. Jas s Cmdumon Hdday. have put his addren. the letter fnp, and whoat wos it was it was slailed at d Donl eidk parade at mid dary and went down to tiltow at about 17o0lus, after lo ding me all this people aoe well, and to addres a reply there as he would is about he sizs a litte at Bidgr. Cusle a lst 6o do at Tiltow more fraw hure. Yfou sitiliateds on intes o. C. T. littemen. of a pea nut now, and no inla whet tue next more fill be? Had pleasure in bitting San. Vut. of the. Hill, what a lip? Wrothe fius leters to Rad, ane Ro funs af Dord, cards to Mes, M. lows, fon Co. day disanted fhe Obertabsans to en all my wick to mefurth the acmostion against me of Kespino & hem in withon Silvis Piaunhim, and John Sesany. About fine some of the meaning leters amund, ueped or no ocaron the suggestion that I should aer them thi was receed a it denied. Hhe tok B & Jastrnst aporet in spain. him to Damn thats penk to day to get enpplit for both ullow a Gronburin camps thrne more parils tor me, on 500 pags, one o a 1000 and the largest full oftins nature masentaed. Her news gold. fumans adsanting e dinetining Rolst, fauly geuet in Asia, but preguring paromably in Slotonsas M. Janes. 44 ars Comuntion ms at lalton tt 46 o hint tom theastmnt at oant ei ntorctet in te ten to te thentet th ean unal nnt 1y day stowland 3H. Hakin Walker are to levs early Stat e Togeth Enguitid to the Tillow Ent Of. hnt a large tom in Bruack H. be diriked in to h one fmonning 2for S. if thoeland and I were working up a miee 8H pard to be haid as of/ 1. Foom, the oher as Bamtaters rom. Nfext to rt should ent he Einhat, conlination, too 53 Jags each as a priting. gt I can ppan & Chule days. Runes, and finally my onamal that would very conveniently occupty one side of BR. A, and I expeted the fint two togs, but dobsontsas a complite emprise, a he had buer instaled as head of Ramp e Ant. Of a goud without exception, saring that he diest mbnit the proposly to pt heldwebel, and io had nrot applied for a tnsfer Hoskyn Walker as was mnnexfreted as he has changed awowtnd paps prineipals the Lagefulno. for appedal a lot Oatily nght he yould day for a Howlandis Addrey 2 gave Vanad 50 dayat Daly Hen s Commnnion 24 85 Limyon Dan eales to t. Senhrough aon to his 192 Dalunty peped to pi of. M Banatec M. apked latter of which was omited by the 520 Kudby taads a madit was mostd Cutay an o hitts 44 Shen ook & kow at 1 8 in farrons of the houde tramd Dinr Co Fillow as uual. fortre hill 10 da 6 same Ser bng os nd and that I would have to redunce them tough his Iuphid Bustians with furter oneures letwlen Chankor and Oul. neoad lan ltely on Dnen ppo Elt t by an his apk and entainly would not discns he ater in p7. uyt bmopt. lefica pearonably qui 8t. Anny sill advaning oradinally Wrote lter and him, and walked ou as dret tho was phonting about Sals cark to fad and card to Drik Seckes brning him take fe pid out of. daon
JANUARY 1st Month—1942 28 WEDNESDAY 28-337 bulle Barrian waggen by the hour and ber persd goving to hrs isurr the mar go unperbed is hay. wonder of wlats between Engadmince are all that t las be. a confering of petitiane ac chargs woull be valuable. days on camp. his Omorior ball for all trosps. Hharked to DLary Havoe by Bwerley Auchol The Durbeh ane anauicans are heaching me to talk English. the pay wne have a duadful recent. I leve only for the day I can ae Mny Hum John and Mary again this well be so marvellous that aften think it will be too good to be tiue and an impossible drew JANUARY 1942-31 Days 2. MRSA D.S A 109 Hichb clarding 25 officers. They left gave of 1700 sabl went a cae ber on to Kangoe Changea aynde abvarien 100 fill & a from dyeeby places a dat Perang hardedo wsh not ireadustand augh ing ameucang Japs edly Htalran Nilegs Actives, arrst aboue rese, and Aushdn but over rsene Japs. I had 2 beth filled with apray fillings. Had a rim te hown peor.

[LHS page before torn page]

OCTOBER
10th M
13 TUESDAY 286-79

 

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1942-31 Days JANUARY

25 SUNDAY 25-340
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Jan. 21st - Mass & Communion again To.day, the rest of the day being much as yesterday, except for

our missing Bridge. John Huon is to be buried to.morrow and a small party is going from

amongst our lads, Together with one of our officers from 119. Heard too that Barracks C & D. are

being pushed ahead with at Teltow and that it should be possible to send 200 men back in 2-3 weeks.

Received a letter from cousin Silvio Piacentini (Castellanza, Varese), dated Dec. 17th, bringing Christmas 

wishes from him, his family, and other relatives.

Jan. 22nd - Mass & Communion this morning, rest of day uneventful. I think it was

to.day that I received a note from Stalag together with Two copies of a receipt, form

which I was asked to fill in for the cap I received from the Red + soon after 

my arrival at Staaken. I am almost sure I sent back the original receipt.forms, duly signed, but

they must have gone astray. John Huon was buried ^to yesterday, together with 8 of the R.A.F., who

lost their lives in the raid, Canucks, Kiwis and English, one or two of the eight being unidentifiable.

50.odd Frenchmen are awaiting burial ex Marienfeld. I'm still thanking God for my own good

fortune, and for the good.fortune of the rest of us.

Jan. 23rd - No Mass this morning, nothing of interest.

Jan. 24th - Fr. Scarborough went off to 517 (Genshagen) to say Mass, so that, for us it was at

[*Sunday*] 1530hrs. Confession, Mass, & Communion, and a short game of Bridge in the 

evening - played four [[?]] and were 700.down, which squared us for our last

effort. Sent off the receipts which arrived on Friday. News of the war seems to be very much

improved, even the German papers admit that things are not going well. Our people from the

Western Desert entered Tripoli yesterday morning. I can imagine the feelings of any man whose lot

it was to have got as far as Aydabia on the first two attempts, and finally to have succeeded in reaching

the goal on the third. We have not been able to write home now for two weeks due to the 

disorganisation caused by the raid 

 

Jan. 25th - Mass & Communion again. It appears that repairs are going ahead rapidly on Barrack D

at Teltow, and also with Barrack 3; one or both should be ready for occupation soon.

Had a game of basketball in the morning and finished up with a quite painful right

calf, besides being aware of a definite ache in the back - shades of January '38!! War news good.

Russians taking many prisoners in the [[Canearus?]], which they have almost completely regained, and are closing

in on [[Rastor?]]. Advancing on all fronts except the Don. Remains of German 6th Army surrounded in

Stalingrad, and apparently putting up a dickens of a good show.

Jan. 26th - No Mass this morning. Quiet day - have had radiant heat & massage for the back

yesterday & to.day, and to.day for the calf also. Oberstabsarzt Pierson visited us to.day

genial as ever.

Jan. 27th - To.day I finished Fr. [[Montmidale's?]] book "What are Saints" and found it very good, improved

me a lot. Fr. S. and I do an hour or so of Italian each day, and we're both improving.

Back & calf practically night again. "Yellow" air.raid warning this evening.

Mass & Communion.

Jan. 28th - Mass & Communion, quiet day. Bridge interrupted ++ after lunch.

 

October 

30

Nov. 21, '42

-

Nothing of interest

-

[*3*] Nov. 22

-

Slept reasonably late, spent a quiet day, and

at night, wrote letter to Glad, and cards to the

Kids and to Ron Worthy.

-

Nov. 23

-

^Was paid R.M.36.

Slept late, Sgt Stanway returned from visit to

Stalag. Seward told him that responsibility for

notifying re mMixed Commission rested with Gerries who

were going into it, that I was to get no official

letter-forms (letters are to go through him), and

that invalid-foods are to be kept in food-store

-

[*2*] Nov. 24

-

Letters from Ines and Ron - Ines's written 15 only, very

interesting, says she has new bellows in the old camera.

The sale of part of "Fairlawn" went through and improvements

on the new property are complete. Ron's was a general

sort of letter, written 10 Sept - long time coming - very

cheerful and interesting. Just finished reading

"A Warning to Wantons" by Mary Mitchell, and it's the

most amazingly written & [[?]] book I ever remember.

 

October 

31

Nov. 25-27. '42

-

Uneventful. On 27th Price asked permission

of Kommandant for me to join 'Strafe' lads in 

their daily gallops to get exercise - refused as I 

expected

-

Nov. 28

-

Wakened this morning & was getting out of bed when 

Sgt. Stanway came in with a Pte Malone, a permanent

light worker. It appears that Malone drew food from another

chap's Red+ parcle, allegedly by mistake, but as some 

query was raised about his honesty, he was most annoyed

& desired an enquiry to clear himself. Spent a lof of 

afternoon & evening, with RSM Howland, getting statements

from fellows concerned.

-

[*3*] Nov. 29.

-

Finished enquity this morning (Malone D.K.) and kept 

Mass late about 20 minutes, result was that Bill Hurst, 

who had come for the CofE service, had to stand in the 

rain at the gate as the tubby Unteroffizier would not allow

him near Father Scarborough without an interpreter by, and 

as he was with me and Father, Bill had to get wet - Tubby

wouldn't even allow another guard to accompany him in. 

Wrote letter & card to Glad & a card to Boxhalls.

 

December

31

Another disturbed night, not so bad as that 

of 28-29. Up reasonably early, not too early.

Last day of '41. With Jock Webster recalled our

last Hogmanay on the Egyptian side of the 

wire at K 38 with B.Section of 2/3 L.F.A.,

polishing off 2/3 bottle of whiskey and a double 

rum-issue. Saw that one in very well, rather

different this time, though we're still together. 

Who knows? Next one may be in [[Pedlainds?]]!

With Hutt checked over accommodation in 35-38 

and find trouble, as transfers.in & expected

transfers are more than the barracks can take. 

Nipped over to [[Renier?]], spoke to Harry Bray and 

Syd Lison there, Alan King, then Fr. [[Berry?]] & Webb

Came back to barrack to find that Syd had 

given Max and me 50.G.Flake between us - jolly

decent of him. Speaking to Staff Lawrence then

wire moved over to him from road & found

myself get deep in snow in ditch - was it cold!

He had no news. Quite a number of officers got

letters to.day - v.happy. - Debate to.night on

state of post-war Europe, v.good. Saw New Year

in

 

[RHS page: stamp, see original]

 

Feb 7th - Fr. Scarborough away this morning to [[??]] to say Mass this morning, and shortly

after lunch he returned followed by Stevenson & Wright and the boxing-trainfrom

517. First time I'd seen Stevo for a year and he hasn't changed much - a bit browned

off with things, but otherwise just the same. I was cheerfully "bum-swizzled" into Stevo's job of judge, 

much to his glee, and had a ring-side seat at a jolly good show,  some of the matches especially

being very good. One of the 520 lads at the end was on unfortunate enough to stop a stinger on the chin

when on his wrong foot, and, though probably out before he landed, whacked his head a beauty, and I think

may have finished up with a fractured skull. 520 won by the odd match. Went later for sick.parade to Teltow

and received a complaint from Dobson & Stanway re Sgt. Mackay's issuing (or not) of sugar & jam to.day. Why

must M.C.Os bicker and quarrel amongst themselves! Lost R.M.1.10 at Bridge. 

Feb 8th - Looked into yesterday's complaint and found very little in it. Stanway apparently pipped at

being ticked off, and taking it out of someone he doesn't like. Mass & COmmunion to.day.

[*8*] Local sick.parade at midday and went down to Teltow at about 1700hrs, after losing

a little at Bridge. Quite a bit to do at Teltow, more than here. [[?lights]] on  [[?]] M.c.o. bitterness

to.day. Hell, what a life! Wrote two letters to Glad, one to Mum & Dad, cards to Ines, In-laws, Ron, 

Silvio Piacentini, and John Stefani. About time some of the incoming letters arrived, upset or no 

upset in Spain. 

Feb, 9th - Mass & Communion, usual sort of day, news at Teltow that S.M.Howland & 

S.M.Makin, together with S.M.Dobson & S/Sgt. 'Hooky' Walker aim to leave early in 

morning, ? for TXA. Pity S.M.Howland and I were working up a nice

bridge.combination, too. Gave them 50 fags each as a parting-gift - I can spare it these days. 

I expected the first two to go, but Dobson was a complete surprise, as he had been installed as Head.of.Camp

& had not applied for a transfer. 'Hooky' Walker, too, was unexpected, as he has changed around such

a lot lately that we thought he would stay for a while. Got S.M.Howland's address & gave him mine. 

Feb 10th - Usual sort of day after the S.M.'s had gone - Mass & Communion. Was called to 

office to.night, found the Sanitater Unt.Off. sitting there, did not rise or greet me, asked 

curtly how many were on Teltow's combined sick.list, and when told, shouted something

about theire being too many, and that I would have to reduce them - I replied, through Price, that I

would not xx be spoken to like that by one of his rank and certainly would not discuss the matter with

him, and walked out. As I went he was [[?]] about Stabarzt Wiecke, and I only hope he 

brings him down - I must take the starch out of him. 

 

Feb. 11th - Mass & Communion. Quiet day. Still ran sick parade (old cases) at 520 at

about mid-day, Teltow parade in late afternoon, an new cases at 520 in 

evening. Found that Teltow Schreiber, stationed at 520, speaks fair Italian.

Still getting along with Fr. Scarborough at the Italian.

Feb. 12th - Letter from Dick Palandin, he's a Sergeant not, but Lord knows where he is. He may

[*1+3P*] have put his address on the letter. flap, and whatever it was it was blacked out. Told

me all his people are well, and to address a reply there as "the world is about the size

of a pea-nut now, and no idea what the next move will be." Had pleasure in telling San. Unt. Off that 

I wanted the Obenstabarzt to see all my sick to refute the accusation against me of keeping them in without

reason. His suggestion that I should refer them to him was received as it deserved. He took Ray & Jock with 

him to [[Sanitaatspack?]] to.day to get supplies for both Teltow & Grosshaven camps. Three more parcels for me, one

of 500 fags, one of a 1000, and the largest full of tins, nature unasertained. War news good. Russians

advancing & threatening Rostov, fairly quiet in Africa, but progressing favourably in Solomons & N. Guinea.

Feb. 13th - No visit from Oberstabsarzt yet - supplies untouched as they have to be checked by San. Unt. Off.

Suggested to the Teltow Unt. Off. that a large room in Barrack A. be divided into two, one

part to be used as M.I.Room, the other as Sanitaters' room. Next to it should be the 

[[Rivier?]], and finally my original room. That would very conveniently occupy one side of Bk. A., and 

the Unt. Off. agreed without exception, saying that he must submit the proposals to the Feldwebel, and

principally, to the [[?]], for approval.

Feb. 14th - Early Mass & Communion. Fr. Scarborough away to [[?]] 119 & Dabendorf the

[*3*] latter of which was visited by the 520 Rugby Team as well. The match was unfinished

at 9-8 in favour of the home team. Visit to Teltow as usual. Rostov fell to-day to the 

Russians with further [[?]] between Chaukov and [[?]]. Several heavy attacks lately on Soviet

& N/West Europe. Africa reasonably quiet, 8th Army still advancing gradually. Wrote letter and 

card to Glad and card to Dick.

 

JANUARY 1st Month-1942

28 ^Thursday Wednesday 28-337

Burman bullock 

waggon by the hundred have passed

going E this morning. The main goods item

transported is hay. I wonder if relations 

between Eng & America are all that they

could be. A conference of political army

and navy chiefs would be valuable.

One of my usual days in camp.

[[?]] now at 2000hrs. Quinine tablets 

provided for all troops. Started to 

read "Cry Havoc" by Beverley Nichols.

The Dutch and Americans are now

teaching me to talk English. They 

say we have a dreadful accent.

I live only for the day I can see 

Nancy, Ann, John and Mary again. 

This will be so marvellous that

I often think it will be too good

to be true and an impossible dream.

 

1942-31 Days JANUARY

29 ^Friday THURSDAY 29-336

209 Dutch arrived

including 25 officers. They left Java in 

xxxx a convoy of 1700 Dutch. went 

to Changi, and then on to Rangoon.

700 fell by the wayside at various

places and over 300 died from dysentry

and [[??]]. 2 escaped at Penang.

Several are RCs and attended rosary 

although they could not understand Eng.

Here we now have Eng, Americans, Japs, 

Dutch, Mexicans, Spaniards, Italian, Malays,

[[?]], Javanese, Achies, Aust Aboriginals, 

Pacific Islanders, Chinese and Australians.

A few Dutch straw hats were issued 

by the Japs. I had 2 teeth filled with

temporary fillings. Had a swim

at the town pool.

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Michelle ForsterMichelle Forster
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