Diaries and documents of John Dominic Palandri - Part 2

January
12
On several nights have dreamed that I
have retuned home on each occasion Glad
would have nothing to do with me and I
failed to see kids & hell! Ice on inside of
windows and windowsills. Today, not new
but for the first time we heard the temp.
27^o of frost.

A few people got letters to-day, but I
missed out - gosh, I'd like some more.
Rumours too, that one of S.T.Z. padres has
been told he is getting a parcel from home,
what that means I don't know, maybe it's
in camp. Bill & Steve left, went through
[[deloncer?]] to Reviere, preparatory to departure.
[[Ladmnogra?]] states that [[?]] of one or
more [[posteur?]] have been evacuated from
camp quarters.
I think it's the anniversary of Mum &
Dad's wedding.

January
13
33^o of frost last night, and I woke with the
old lumbago playing tricks again, great
life, glorious weather!! Missed appd. Got up
at about midday feeling like an old man,
longing for letters from home. Sgt. Croniutal
came in having just left clink where he
had had a pretty poor time, though now
he has an accommodation of 4 Red & parcels
a sigarette issues. Hughes Stauton and
Stan Sykes read in "Camp" to-day that
wrongly addressed parcels from home were
awaiting them, but had no luck in Trying
To collect them. Did inspection of coffee-[[cooks?]]
with Hutt and drew a blank. Jnr Bing &
Webb left the Reviere To-day.
Further rumours of [[Reviere?]] advances -
[[V lua 2 Riga?]].
Afraid this [[ingariiration?]] does things with
one's thoughts - a Turkish sultan in reality
has nothing on them - just as well we're not
loose to give them play. L'Col. Bull and
Maj. Fosbrooke are to go to the Lazarette near
[[Beduin?]] on Friday 16^th. The hot brick is a
comfort in bed these nights.

January
14

Galling to be here helpless & useless while
Aussie is [[slilising?]]. Can't even be of any
use to our own kith and kin, Hell!

[*away, escaped, went to hybia, was taken
a third time and is now back in [[Crete?]]
where he started from. Some of them who got
away from Crete went thru' Turkey where
they had such a good time that they
took 3 months to back to Alex. .*]
 

January
15
Quiet today. Jolly cold. Col. Bull &
Maj. Fosbrooke leave to-morrow. Saw Fr. Beny
this morning, he's saying Mass to-morrow.
Stones of [[marhes?]] of month in office awaiting
sorting.

Played poker this eveni Played poker
this evening and was well slugged.
A crowd. of men came in from Crete
To-day
Got permission to go to Lazarette in
a.m. with Padre Hiddleston.
Heard from new arrivals that N.Z. 4-5-6
[[H. Cumbs?]] went to Tobuck with mobile
surgical unit and were all captured and
taken to Crete, now [[mu?]] by this. That almost
wipes out N.Z. medical practice - Join the
Dominions A.M.C. and see the world!!
Heard that Skipper Tomey & [[Garrith?]] got
away from Crete. One man of Bill's also
was Captured on 1^st day of Crete blitz, retaking
by own men, retaken by enemy, got

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refer to margin previous page

January
16
Bull & Tony left at 8 a.m. I served Mass for
Fr. Beny, then had a most pleasant walk to
Lazarette with Padre Hiddleston & then spent
morning there talking to C.Eng. Tome, John Bonas,
Rex King & Alf Slater. The pine woods in their
mantel of snow look beautiful, but give me the
sun anyday. I can imagine the kids having
the time of their lives here with snowballs & 
snowmen - and to-day we hear that there is
a heat-wave in Australia!!
Inspection in 38B in p.m., a little bridge
later, and poker at night with a win of
30 marks.
Hill's birthday?

January
17
Mass again this a.m. after a freezing night
and a freezing morning, [[sury wte damged?]]
for inspection of warrant officers of contraband in
p.m. Visited the new arrivals from Crete and
found two lads, from 2/11 one from 2/1 and
another man from 2/7 Bys. They had an absolutely
bullish trip from Salonika because of cold.
One man so rumour has it, had [[lotte?]] just
amputated because of frost bite. Can confirm
from medical authorities.
Just up in my compound after lunch where
several [[sui?]] W. Up refused to be inspected. I
reported them to Stan Sykes S.M.O., and I hope
he forces the issue – He should
During S/S Ogdens session I met an RAF
Flight Sgt. who was pal of Dick's - funny to
meet pals of Nico and Tom in Barre, then one of
Dick's in a Stalag - strange world.

January
18
First Mass for Sunday for a long time. Served
for Fr. Beny

January
19
Sept in, missed Mass. Waited impatiently
for afternoon for long promised distribution
a mail sorted in last week. I missed out-
I am still out of luck. Must write soon - have
been waiting so long for more letters without
success that I've not written since John's
birthday. Pretty bad, but I've wanted so
badly to hear again from Glad.

January
20
The old humbags has been rearing its
ugly head again, brought on again by
this bloody, awful weather. It's not the
cold that matters but the eternal
dampness - water and ice on the floor &
walls, ice on the inside of the windows,
and everything that goes with it. A
pair of boots [[dot?]] won for a couple of
bucks show a lovely growth of blue-
mould.
Did sick-parade his morning in
compound, and house-inspection of
soup-cooks after lunch, and had a
long talk with Ben Humphreys about
the chances of getting a decent second-
hand car in England when we got
there.
More mail for barrack, no luck

January
21
Heard Mass, served for Fr. Beny and met
Staff. Lawrence afterwards. He told me that
Fred wished to have a note from me in
reference to his services since capture
up to and subsequent to joining us in
case we should be separated.
Went along to their hut after finishing
rounds in afternoon, and came back
to our own barrack to find that we
had received two issues of pay - 72wks
Am saving so that I may get a good
camera in repatinaton.
More mail, but still no luck.
T/O Red & parcels this week yet, not
any cigarette-issue, must be some hang-up
in supply.
40^o of frost this morning, Brrre!!!

January
22
Spent this morning again in 35-38
looking his lads over, checked over a lad's
ear after lunch and had a look at those of
"Fever" Hay, who complains of deafness - no
wax must find out if anyone at Reviere does
R.M.T. Looked in on Staff and Fred and
others and took them my notes on [[Contrant?]],
then across to Reviere and had afternoon-Tea
and a long chat with the M.Ds. They told me
that latest from authorities is that soon after
lifting of Typhus ban all dien except St
t and dintists at Henine and a
at at ha gane will more to an aflag
lond new far as propicts your
Combort are concerned. but it metes parting
fom the men. All o B. Co. except 2.Bare
there and others numburing in all almost an
100 and I hate leaving thin. Wive been
Sog ther prace first camp (nd have been
thsh a lot Ooaher I had, lisked for it to
be keppanent.
Max got his ffon leter
spts of the niper to day very feled
tome for the - Ablast! () Another small wa
at pite - back not so good
fed & Darcels today - Cohadian.
 

January
6
23
the old back not so good so prent he moning
in obed but impreved the dining hemr by writing
hwo letter to Glad one ts family, cards to in Cans Iick
Ron Worky Cunty direy, and Briacomo. Op later in
lay and went acors sate t Zed & Store and
collected eweate stis sods pept will ty to
exchange sweater a god one for dthewith a
rell-nic. Isore littler to night, but still none
ser m
a Gurs. Godly did my sick parade & check up in
at
coffeet corkes
W fick thilan had letter from his dad Filling I
a visit from his C.O. which blends colour to the
mmon Hat remnants of 6th In went home on leave
Wonder whither it is true
 

January
243
Uplate again, in time to furish of to days
half of lonse cnspection. To rell d sweats
in at presentmans get one later St Edins
persion (to day was o fute in Teristing. OHeard
comments. Of Lillan campaign and reason for
predomiatingly Walian losses quite illumin ing
Hore d more letters coming in still none for me. Bout
the worst oddmights must break pooner or later.
Heard that It may be persible to buy a
camera, inteested in Leea of Contax allo in
thinkel in ror (Folls tupe) and sit of Spaltchol?.
Would love 165 get photos of Rad and litls.
 

January
28
 

January
26
ass at Gamm. in heatve and Gos was it cld.
going across! went back ts "fectory after luuch and
played bridge for about an hour wih Radoes Gnfiths
Ottunst and Folddison, then dashed acwoss with Pollin cllin
it at ailor to have alterations made to Stint, was
messed about thire by the Genan J.C.D. who mnsted
Iav into the ofice first to ged pumission and procuded
to bleave me these funable Vo Ispeake to the mgn in charge
and without a dolmicher. Had to get myself one in the
and and almost kept Bollre Cale for his 33 apprintint
with guard to take hup tto Lagarebe He took me Whnough
firt gate to Euman ofice wu I made enguious ve
Lame, Spalkenoll and Huntel razor, and fot my paines
was refwed Hack 10D. W.3. Tinif Ccamp tmshe) nd Jfrany
who supplys cantun.
To letters to night. Raynd pontoon and won a
conble of marks.
Pened marks at rake of 18060 donchuae for
monly taken hom us when he left Slonsha (and
on onl) annal] here - 3750A in all.
Genen ress. wanted to know why Gurnaus had no 1/. 55 Gennans rphich
ther had rebusid British ons – Balts! apparently Rids was a humed
efort at covering up, comntemnded latel on that no amondates
abnibable. Lath order was that You Sewarr a (pou Longmore are is
be ready to go out to working- parties. Major Viston wo had.
a now with under Sabsars (af the Lazerette, I jouned us 10. day. Hes
were taller than Mobby"Clarke, about 66"
 

Tanuary
27
Damued cold this monning, nothing to do so payned in
bud wintwally geting up attabout 3fin. feie Jous f.
letters them on om pn& Dnd hom His, from Bosshalls In
(eddy has shids now and from From Hiagher that hromps
fum and Dad gave me inforation re te Blestina andd
Almentina should I have a chance to visit thim, and
told me that it was op wilder who gave Glad the wrnter
news tat I was P.3. W. having picked up ope 2 a.m. I
hear that he and fislof ane standing for Panliament.
Good luck to him. Iu and glad ank fa in law we
sending me woollens for winter Im can I should be
cold? O dus tills me that thea is an new super at he
Sam with goahead ideas and purgical adibitions th
Alla tome ins Varristant. Gon worthy has wincd the
R. A.F. as hope my letter resiches hund som paghers
note containidd sol meat and a lot of belge abot
your magnificent part in Nations wascefort Your dear
worhig to be a hews wip etel Ilent of hish to write
but the might have been a liff more down- to parke. Tis)
flas Happing gives one a pain.
O. hell tytme a phole of hre lids on the baik lawn
with Nichall Hallock and young savidson from next
dor. Te good of sand, Clngleglite hall lnt is
light sogged insorumately
Bix pap thismoring orders for /ax, Hatherington Balland yne
longmon (Stewart, and allen t g0 pmmediabely to furnider,
Stully - conntanmanded soon aftemsards, Affepers that
 

Janyary
28
Up belines, Yass & Communion in Iish Aut, 29 next
door, then put in the rest of the day cooking – masted
potats nissoler wast sonds, woast muat-hell, primis a misi
ant with custard. ounds good would spen the ms
of our people at home who polably imagie us on fur
fam Adg. Youg thanks asain Oto Ged &
ot from Arsn V.F.C. A. Iman in London re advics
for disposall I finds he was from Ansoue wad & and others
for use ) our own men. Our prosgestion was that we
Ollus. Iran) think he might send s goods in protsortion
1o totel your strength here and that we hand Hn to
English camp-tuusties for general use – only fair since
up Ots present English I, Sistish .2. Olr Indian
Cytt. Pallotimans Eduadians, all Bribish P.S. Ws. have
b partin pating equally in ptuf sent from England
fote mached hs Gesterday and was considered immdiatly
said 36mkes to day – payday. Should have n
bit in the old sock poor.
V
tinals of a cook - the oven was hardly but enough to
cok he mot course, and the insard in Preha i
was bunnt, in never mind, I know how glad has
now when things gowrong.
Gowoon to nlahe did Qe wrong 1ms down
Tuptens ban to Obe lifted on Yonkhy, Feb. 2
 

Janyary
29
Glepsing in this moniing when Stan Sykes came along
at about 810a.m. and Domed me that the Sabran,
had told him that four o) hs are to leave tomo a. I
for a hosptal near Bul - all his quie casnally as
though Btan already knew. The four are wes
allad Ballantane Dugr Hetiglon (and I. Dont
guite know how I ful about it h it will be the prot
tim pince inlisment that I'll have been partal
hom the eads of the company, very some about fit, but
It was menitable amsn had again, the oficers here
are a good gang and (x (get along together - would
have g to as o erand so
ances whither hose On employment bill be advirbly
affected should be constantly doing a nestion I repatiaion
be remiected. At all events) we oud be ma pompoall
and may be about to hear someting from consun
Ricks frieds.
Spent a busy day at dilouser getting addresses,
suis plast of the Oboysa evenyone. Soid Goodby to
H. Btn. Att 1600 wosI went aon to efice wh most of
gear a Cmodiment a quite horough resoch.
I Rnund tamell game B pontson al, mainly due to
one goot bank made hup my 14 mks. 10 be
up sly in am.
Jnly Islis was mability 10 ge address d mstA
poor Old Agus lod, wold have witen tto he
atik eventually) sunt him a pliots of his grave at
Cdele
Ides Wanee is 1o0 20 1omorrow at same time as onnilves
to a duital job atO Black hammer
 

Janyary
30
Up at a litle after rix, acron to office by 7.30, almust
semiting m waterlothe and Bed & papsil— I one parcel & tin
O ats Deveny man leavins hspital camp. said
O To Sock Wilster houghll llighter made me
ip tin Bnudles buttons thras & worl pstrday. w
te to get fhiim ip to me of possible.
walked to station with our Doluccher as him in 30
and Underfiltubel, wil a granp of lads towed our
gar to the station on a pled + Goodly To Stalag B
Damisdoy, a good Rixona lown
213a toppe in the trmp, chainged to anshed at Walm, wher
we parted from yohn warren, and shortly afterwards
I nstink hal I was mims my fen box my
chocr, eigs, extrarations case Prair-book, syatts
doiring down abe concluded it Cunst have left
a hat cauld ut at Bristan. I tink, Jolmisher, sent of
oefor tha again atmilany and
found were out of Pluck) and would have to wast
pntil late evening o conmection for Belin humpin
on gear about is n annoning sburmen.
of fo dan os o aftingon & carly ig n a
dwith takles Ain t
compert
sot at hidt bitet
wileome
twops, tht apploinly cunte for th
prople Tler spoke during evening.
Haid at about 19.20 and [sbent next of night
ming to clut in a 3rd clars Compartment Ourthow
much Cluck.
 

Tanyary
31
oke up as about 6 am and found that the night
Iad done my dais no road at all bldy uncoorally
for he nst of The day. OAnnsed at one 2 O Budins stations
ae and s no of our far in clock
and went ell, after growd tit Dackel city obe I stales
where me pd a glde who took us allother n
to hospital well inside Outs. Chilart appuradly no expeting
in ba was ey deciar to us and. Ct into linde wth
Statiant and Ov. stabrant is. He met Capt. Stoker, tke
in Houbdy, were given feld and taken Vo Stokers
after taking prvill S and thankin our isoot who
sad treated (fes well [ Her Lalmke And hard that
Bull had gone on to another hospital,
dater werwere guen w.Is during few days h
our own is being proprsed, and heards hat onles
ac and I an aso Sation 1 medical, and Owen
to Station 2, surgell, Hixch Engluse of about t0
French, Binlish a RDman patints bonous Stlaps
6 Mruch 1/.Ds ald now 6Bh eta conple
hinds a will meet others later. Very warm & cft
here, quite different to F. B had bushful not baff
but since tho win kror, Alex, last Harde and am
Able Todo without mor of my clotes. Sams silent
film is wvening on 36 Flyrfin Games in Burlin,
most interesting and afterwards spyke to Frinds
corpont) in truch & Stalian. Wery nice li
hill tench me frinds again) asrin
ong aft 6am.
ayed up all d
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