Diaries and documents of John Dominic Palandri - Part 22

April 12^th - Went off to-day with the unteroffizier (Tully), Jimmy Ellis, Jacky Morris and Paul Henney
to Stalag, and after considerable buggering about, during which Henney had his name xxx
taken for not standing to attention to a Hauptmann, and then delivered them to 517, 520
and to ourselves We later, Doc. Annan Hurst, Ernie, Sam (batman) and I (the Snakes) won our first
engagement in Barrack A. first division basketball by 4-2. Bridge in evening which we won
comfortably.
April 13^th - Sgt. Smith left this morning for Lager 730 where he will probably stay for a few days
before going on to his permanent address. Game of basketball at midday which I did
not enjoy, started putting up a rail fence around our garden, in which Hewitt & the
pard are now planting seeds.  Had a good game of Rugby from six o'clock to seven against the
champ-team, and they beat us 3-0 right on time - a penalty of which was wrongly awarded. I finished
with a recurrence of the left calf-damage, and an injured right thumb.
April 14^th -  Quiet day. Finished fence around the garden. Received & accepted R.M. 36
pay
April 15^th -  Very warm day. Many of us were outside in thin shirt & shorts, including me, and it
was very pleasant
April 16^th - Away at 7 a.m. with four of the lads and a guard to. Res. Laz. 122, me for X-Ray of right
thumb, one of lads for X-Ray of foot, another for one of tooth, and the other two for electrocardiograms
[*2*](E.K.G.). The X-Rays were finished by 0930 hrs. and then we waited until 1315 hrs. while
late-coming soldiers & civvies went in ahead of us. At the end of that time our posten entered a protest with
the sister, who was packing up, and she, crusty old -, rushed us through in obvious bad temper and
many requests for speed - bloody hide! We hurried back to Tempelhof station and judged it
nicely at Lichtfeld-Ost for the 2.0 to Teltow, and were just making it when the guard told us that, as he
had bought no tickets, we should have to walk the four miles home!! Anyhow, when we returned there were
two letters, one of 8^th Oct, from Godfather wishing me Merry X-Mass, and other from Glad, Jan. 26^th, telling
me she and kids were still in Busselton and had all had Chicken Pox! Well!!
April 17^th - Helped Hewitt plant seeds in garden, then had our little altar repaired by one of
[*2P.*] carpenters, and got renewed insight into Gerries keenness for wenching. One young
neat-blonde, built for comfort with a fair share of curves, I must confess gave me ideas
more fitting in a bachelor than a married man. Had two parcels to-day, small ones, of tobacco
and cigarettes.
April 18^th - Sunday. The lads played football in the morning, and in the afternoon the lads
[*4*] from 428 arrived and played us Rugger - Readman did not come with them. It was a
very good game, fast and open with plenty of back and forward moves and we won by
26-8. 428 were not outclassed as the scores suggest, and, for a small lager did very well. Fr. Scarborough
came during the match and afterwards had Confession, Mass, Communion. There was a concert during the
evening, but I stayed away to write letters - one to Glad, and cards to Mum & Dad & to Ines.
April 19^th - Quiet day, started making a light rake for the garden. Pard & I (Eric started
game for me) played Jackson and Kidd the first leg of 100 rubber up, and they got away to
a good start, winning by 1700. Had definite news to-day that men of 517 are going back
to 404 and that Annan is to go, too. Bang goes his chance of a hospital job! very sorry to lose him, too.

April 20^th - Hitler's birthday to-day and the populace obeyed the instructions in the dailies to fly a
flag from each house. Quite a lot about, too, one on every engine passing on the line
as well. Pard and I and nine sanitaters went for quite a long walk in afternoon,
to Grosshunen and back, and we had a game of Rugger in evening. Betting brisk on chances of a raid
to-night, and "yes" won. The sirens blew at 12.30 a.m., and I hit the deck almost as the first blast
sounded. It lasted till about 2 a.m. and was not particularly virulent, certainly not about our area.
Broke our night up, if nothing else. Had a dream about Glad & Jack Livingstone, and I nearly killed the
little blighter.
April 21^st - Practically the whole day was taken up with miniature Chest X-Rays of 528 & 520,
very interesting and very efficient - put through 1000 men in a few hours, and it was
[*1*] evident that the single plant could have put through 2000 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with

a break for lunch. Had a letter from Glad written 5^th Jan., very pleasant, interesting, and she loves me
still - no mention of chicken-pox at that stage.
One of the Sergeants who came down with the 520 lads suggested intercamp Rugby for next (Easter)
Monday, and, as the representative teams are meeting the following week-end, I shall try to arrange
a 2^nd XVs match here through Stanway.
April 22^nd - During the last few months a concrete pool, about 25 yds x 10 yds x 3 yds has been
built in the camp-grounds to act as a reserve in case of fire, and to-day, for the
first time, water has gone into it to a depth of about 4 feet. Quite a number of the
lads went in for a swim and voted it bloody cold, but otherwise O.K.. As it was not intended
for swimming, and obviously has no filtering plant, and, besides, can be filled only by a 1" hose, I foresee
the water becoming quite dirty, and a probable source of E.N.T., and respiratory, & bowel infections.
April 23^rd - Good Friday. Doc. Annan went off with Stabsfeldwebel, per bike & train, to have a look
at 404 Dabendorf, and the rest of the camp played the XV and narrowly missed beating
[*1*] them. As it was, we drew with one try to a penalty-goal. I received a letter from Ines, dated
4 Jan, very cheery, with general news, confirmation of my having written several times to Ron, and the information
that Dick is in Canada. We discovered to-day that King's friend is O.K.. Fr. Scarborough came in afternoon
for Stations of the Cross and I went to Confession. Had a dip in the pool, after Rugby this morning, about 8' deep
and absolutely freezing. Could hardly breath after the first plunge. Two years ago I was with my small
rearguard on the Brallos Pass with only a part of the 2/4 between us and the enemy.
April 24^th - Holiday yesterday, but some of Kommandos were out to work to-day. Unteroffizier came
in during the night and told us that to-morrow medical parcels and Dr's heavy stuff
would go to Dabendorf on the truck taking football team to 517. One year ago I was
at 119, two years ago I was awakened by Messerschmidt 109s in a little village 1m. south Brallos village
where I was one of our rearguard of 13. We spent that afternoon and evening getting south to the coast,
April 25^th - Easter Sunday and Anzac Day. Stanway a spot abusive when he found us loading stuff on to
"his" lorry. The team and Doc. Annan pushed off at 0900 hrs, being preceded by 100 supporters
[*4*] going to 517 and the Pard, on a bike, away with his posten on his rounds. I was left
on my own, both Hewitt & Sam having gone to 517, so I swept the floors, tidied the room, washed the breakfast
& afternoon-tea things & got my eye in again generally. Fr. Scarbrough came in afternoon - Mass & Communion
and the lads eventually came back from 517 having had a lucky win 3-2, and having enjoyed a very
good concert. Wrote in evening to Glad, the kids, in-laws, & Ron, 1^st & 3^rd being letters. Sgt. Gardner
to whom I spoke, consented to take on job of Head of Camp if offered the job. Easter Sunday two
years ago we landed in Greece, Anzac Day two years ago we were lying in Greek olive-groves waiting to be
taken off again.
April 26^th - Monday. The rest of the Empire played Wales at Rugby and managed a win 11-3.
International Soccer matches in afternoon, and a big concert at night, some, a lot, of which
was very good. Found that one milk- and one food-parcel are missing from my parcel-room,

and no amount of checking can account for them. Have put in another application for a better room, as this one
in very unsatisfactory. All the parcels going into Stanway's bulk-store pass through it, and it's not possible to keep an eye
on all the men going in and out.
April 27^th - Lads back to work to-day. Quiet, rain and cold, and some blighters pinched
a couple of boards from our garden fence presumably for firewood. So bridge this
evening and we managed another bit of a win. Talked to S/M Woodfine re
Sgt. Gardiner taking his place, and later Sgt. Stanway came around to me and we got down to earth
as that now I think everybody knows how everyone else stands. Managed to obtain a spare watch
to-day from one of the lads. I have only one other, and as the new one has a second-hand, it will be invaluable
for medical purposes, etc., should the first break down.

April 28^th - Quiet again, another fairly dirty day. Played goal in a Soccer game in afternoon, it
looked simple, but wasn't quite so easy, as the two goals scored against me were awful
[*1*] sitters - should have stopped them easily. We won 3-2. Bridge again at night, and
Jackson & Kidd finished with a grand total of 1 rubber up and 700 down. Received a very cheery 
letter from Ines, dated 27 Sept. 42.
April 29^th - A young Zonderführer came to the camp to-day and spent almost 4-5 hours with us
and unofficially talked to us about the war, Germany’s political outlook and aims,
her actions, and aims, leading up to war, etc., and about the war, its conduct and
probable outcome, and propaganda generally. A charming chap, born in Germany to which he returned in
‘37 after spending most of his life in America, having served in tanks, anti tanks and mountain-troops,
mainly in Russia with several trips in Subs., he is apparently very convinced of the rightness of the German
outlook on all things and couldn’t see our point. Scarb. was here too. Couldn’t quite get his reason for talking
so long to us, but probably there’s something behind it. An artist with him platched one lad, wants to do me, ? as a typical
Aussie. It would rock him to know that my parents are Italian. At a film to-night a few lads made a noise on the
appearance of the Fuhrer & Goering- complications narrowly avoided. Suggestion for British volunteer to be flown to Katin to
view mans grave & make a statement definitely turned down by officers & Conf. Man on behalf of camp.
April 30^th – Sgt. Mortimer brought a small dental party from Lager 730 to-day, including Andy [[Mu?]]
and George McPartland, and, with them a letter from Mum dated 24 Nov.. How it got to 730
[*1*] I don’t know. It contained general news and was very cheerful, all things considered.
Andy and Co. had not received any fag-parcels, so I slipped him a couple of hundred to distribute
amongst the boys.
May 1^st – National Holiday, and day off for gefanganers. Wales played England in the
final of the Soccer International and had to draw to win the series xx on points. However,
England pulled it off 3-2, much to the woe of Wales, and the detriment of their cigarette
reserves. Our young Zondenführer, who is thought to belong to the Propaganda people, was a long time
amongst the boys, but his seed fell on rather stony ground. Had band-concert and cabaret this evening
with some very good items. In view of to-day’s national holiday, we expected the R.A.F. this evening,
but they let us down.
 May 2^nd – Bill Hunt away on his rounds, and I left at 1000 hrs. with 20 men to play 428 football. Last of all, in spite
of 20 mins. Wait at Teltow, the guards missed our train for us, then, having walked from Konigs wusterhausen
[*4*] to Zernsdorf, we were waved past the camp to the ground, completing a fast march in one hour. Match was
played from 1500-1600 hrs, we losing 2-3, back to camp for a snack, and away from the local station at 1820, thence by
guards-van to [[Gr?man]], where I missed the train. With a big moustache & slouch-hat I was the centre of attraction for the
holidays crowds and the only way I could get away with it was to kid I was on a desert-island and ignore them all. I got the
next train to Papenstrasse to rejoin the party, and a perfect day was ended by a compulsory march from Lichterfelde-Ost. We got
back to find that 528 had won boxing from 520, 7-6. Four letters, too, one from “Champ” acknowledging Aussie news [[intra operation?]]
will be published, one from John Stefani (March 28) Zia not well, from Ines (23 Oct) general news, & from Mum (14 Feb). [[Carsons?]] say her
letters are getting there & mine acknowledge them, the Mill is sold (Millar’s), Mr Hancock & Mr Klein dead, Bowling Carnival starts, Glads kids well
May 3^rd – Main event to-day was the arrival of a letter from Mum & Dad dated 5.Nov.42. The
[*1. 2*] news was general and the tone very cheerful. I wrote cards to Glad & Mum & Dad, there being no
official mail away this week-end. M.O's meeting at Stalag to-morrow, Eric not included. I
had a game of football this afternoon, in goal again, and missed two "sitters", but we won 3-2. Doc. Annan and
Sam going to Dabendorf to-morrow.
May 4^th – Day was spent mainly going to, waiting at, and talking at Stalag. General stuff, nothing
outstanding. Said goodbye to Doc. and Sam afterwards. Oberstabsarzt Pierson was in
while I was away.
May 5^th – Quiet sort of day, looked around the place a bit and watched a good Rugby game in
the afternoon, in which the Possibles beat the Probables 9-5. Quite a good game of Bridge
in the evening, during which we increased our lead by a bit. Arranged for a couple
of lengths of hose to be stretched from Barrack B wash-house to our garden for an early morning watering.

May 6^th – Up at a quarter to seven and took over from Hewitt and got a good part of the garden
done before the hoses were claimed by the gaffer of the party cementing the Lager-Fuhrer's
air-raid shelter. Fr. Scarborough was in in afternoon to have dental attention and I
went to Confession. News from Africa seems to be good but not startling.
May 7^th – Nothing to write home about to-day.  Had another game of Soccer, in goal, and
allowed the usual two sitters through. Once more we won 3-2.
May 8^th – News to-day that both Tunis and [[Biserta?]] fell yesterday. Things are moving along
well. My letter from the A.I.F. Paymaster (U.K.) published in this week's "Champ", in
full.
May 9^th – Big crowd, almost 200 went along to 520 at about mid-day to-day to play Rugger
Our lads won, 11-6 after a very scrambling game, not under control, and we were
[*1*] entertained afterwards to a meal shared by five very happy-looking guards who
seemed to be enjoying themselves. Came home to find a letter from Silvio Piacentini, written on 16 April
in which he acknowledged the one I wrote him while we were at 520. Wrote in the evening, a letter to
Glad, and cards to Ines & Ron, after seeing the first half of a concert, which was not bad.
Papers today announced African news. Padre Bill cycled about 34 miles to-day and
finished up with a sore bottom. During our walk back from [[Gunbeeren?]] a couple in a nearby
field staged an unrehearsed exhibition of the more virile methods of love-making - much
appreciated by men and guards alike
May 10^th – River empty to-day, second time since I left hospital. Starting laying strings for
our peas and prayed for a bit for rain.
May 11^th – Looked like rain most of the day, and we stood about hoping.  Eventually it came, 
and did it come! Apparently our garden is partly over porous soil, because sections of
it subsided to depths up to 8 inches, carrying about a quarter of our carrots along, too.
12-a-side Rugby started to-night and we won 5-0 after a very scrappy game. The other match was
better and ended 3-0 in favour of Eric's team. Cleaning up in Tunis.
Oberstabsarzt Pierson came to-day and had a look around. News that the remains of 517, and
also 520 are drifting to a new camp east of Berlin on Saturday 15^th, and that we shall probably join

them in August. Tunis finally cleaned up.
May 12^th – It appears that very little is left to do in Tunis, and that prisoners number rather over
100,000, so much to the good. Had a busy evening at sick-parade, and aspirated
four cauliflowers ears, including Eric's. Rugby is such a nice game. Ready was
up to-day for dental treatment. A parcel of two tins of tobacco arrived to-day
May 13^th – Fairly warm again to-day, good game of basketball in the morning and of 12-a-side Rugby
in afternoon after sick-parade - we scored our second win in this. I weighed after my
shower and found that I was 73.3 Kgm, or near enough to 11.7, the lightest I've
been since my rowing days at College - and I feel very well, too. Fr. Scarborough came along with a
dental party, and I raked over the garden - saved most of the carrots. Bridge in the evening, and
Pard and I passed the 25-rubber mark for the first 50 - got to 26. Alarm at 12.30, lasted
'till about 2 a.m., mainly over Berlin, with very few planes

14 May - Dental party came from 730, with Sgt. Mortimer who told us that bombs fell not
far from them & that fires were started. The Feldwebel told us a few planes came over
& dropped pamphlets. Sgt. Alleybone, ex-jeweller, came for Dental treatment from 730
and took my Rolex away with him to overhaul. We won our '50-rubber session against Jackson
& Kidd 31-19, and 15, 300 pts.
15 May - Sent a party of men to Stalag to-day to bring back 20 milk parcels as we were
completely out of them. Received a parcel of 500 cigarettes and a letter from
[*1.1P*] Mr. Troy, dated 12 Apr. Alarm went xxxx 0155 hrs. and we were out for an hour, but
apparently it was a false alarm as nothing happened at all. We balloh-ed Dent - on the fact
for the first occasion on which he was first to hear the alarm, he had to pick a false-alarm.

May 16^th – Sunday. Padre away on a trip, and 119 came to play as football. We put out a
good team to see what sort of combination they'd make, which I thought was not so
good, seeing they've only 25 men to pick from, and we won 8-5 easing up. Tony, Alan B
Backer and Wiltshire came, the latter two playing, and S/Sgts. [[Ergelins?]] & [[Lumhead?]] came, too, not to
mention many others. We entertained them afterwards, & Padre Scarborough came for Mass & Communion.
Another alarm at 0110 till 0210, this time with gun-fire etc. in the distance, but not much of it.
Heard that Sgt. Jones has to go to camp 700 to look after them
May 17^th – "Jonah" definitely going to-morrow, and it appears that Cpl. Carr from 520 is
coming to replace him. The Zonderfuhrer SchulzWolfing visited us to-day, told me
[*4*] he was leaving Stalag, and introduced his successor Hauptmann Posten. They
intimated we should be leaving soon, and both our Feldwebels told me later that a camp is being prepared
for about 1000 British prisoners, & that, as soon as finished, all British camps would move there.
Wrote letter to Glad, cards to Mum & Dad, in-laws, & Ines. Padre's birthday, 31^st
Hewitt put more lettuce & onions into garden
May 18^th – Doc. Annan came to-day from 420 Dabindorf for dental treatment and we
had quite a pleasant yarn for a goodish while. Started on German again,
and only hope I can keep it going - Pard is setting me so much to do each
day. "Jonah" left this morning, and Cpl. Carr came from 520 to replace him. Hewitt
transplanted lettuce and onions into the garden. Our own stuff is not doing remarkably
well - the ground is poor, and this is the first time it's been cultivated. Local papers report
extensive damage by R.A.F. to two big dams in the Rhineland with widespread floods.
Game of Rugby in evening, ostensibly a final game, but a pretty poor one.

May 19^th - Slept all morning, blighters didn't wake me, and I'm not too good at that on

my own. Game of football at inside-left this afternoon - felt quite

helpless. Re-aspirated "cauliflower ears" for Dent & Alec Clarkson - and

fixed them afterward with dental stent moulds. Had game of basketball in evening.

I weigh 73.8 kgm. stripped. At about 0035 hrs. at night the siren went , and we were

out for an hour. Saw two planes in the lights way off north, and A.A., but otherwise the hour

we stayed up was lacking interest. Got my Rolex back to-day, going well.

May 20^th  - 2nd anniversary of the commencement of the 'Blitz on Crete'. Had two daylight 
warnings to-day, the first with gunfire off to the north, but saw nothing on either 
occasion. The first raid was at about midday, the second a little later. Neale was 
along from 520 to-day for dental treatment. The warning to-night started at 0025 hrs., and 
soon after we saw one of our planes well held in the lights high up with the local gentry chucking
everything at him but the brush-block and the kitchen sink. Some of it was pretty close, too, but he
messed about a bit then made off with a turn of speed that fairly opened our eyes. He left all the 
sh-t well behind and appeared to get clean away.

May 21^st  -35 years old to-day, but still feel young enough. 2nd anniversary of the first time I was
captured. High Reichsbahn officials were around to examine the camp and gave the news 
that 520 and 517 are leaving this week-end for the new camp at Wuhlheide near Karlshorst 
that we go here in mid-July and that Dabendorf.429 and Zernsdorf. 428 follow us in August. Stabbie has
seen our proposed quarters and says they’re pretty good. Found some sponge-rubber I had kept from
No1 P.O.W. Hospital Kokinia and used it for the pressure on the ears of Dent and Alec Clarkson. They say it’s a 
great improvement. Plodding along v. slowly mit dem Deutsch. Saw Aussie News from [[Crisp?]], London, 30 March, 
reporting cyclone over south of W.A. - 2 deaths, 100 miles devastated, torrential rain. Hell!! Tonight’s raid started 
at 0005 hrs. and all clear blew at 0120. Nothing to see for an hour, put our gear inside, then had to take it out again straight away 
when the lights picked up a 'plane away to the west. Finished 2-1 up in new 50-rubber series

May 22^nd. - Rumours that all Italians have been recalled from Germany to Italy. 517 2520 moved off to
[*3*] new camp, and 520 left us 20 of their men. Our garden threatens to be a flop, as this is its first
time of cultivation & all the top-soil was removed to cover the air-raid shelter. Wrote letters to
Glad & Mum & Dad, and a card to Maj. W. Howlett A.I.F. Paymaster (U.K.) reporting publication of his letter in
"Camp". Asked him to phone acknowledgment of my receipt of Mr. Troy's letter on 15 May. News to-day that the first
200 of our men are to go to the new camp next week-end.
May 23^rd. - 40 Cypriots, under Sgt. Emery, came from 837 to-day for dental treatment, & Eric got
going on them in Yank mass-production lines, and it was quite a show to see them passed

for scaling, etc., from one to another of six to seven dental assistants & sanitators. He got through
a hell of a lot of work by doing it, too. Fr. Scarborough was unable to come to-day because of 520's shift
yesterday, which certainly made things easier for the entertainments people, who put on a concert from 1700
hrs. until about 2120 - the best one they've put on yet.
May 24^th. - Nothing much doing to-day except that we received news that our old friend
Oberleutenant Daniel is in charge of the camp for which we're destined, 329, and
did it cheer the boys up! News went on to say further that he is in charge of four
camps with three Feldwebels at present at 329. Started copying out German lessons in "Camp".
Fr. Sc Played Bridge this evening and finished up with something of a lead
May 25^th - Rained most of the night and this morning also - if there were anything in the soil
of the garden to push our plants up, they'd be climbing like Spitfires. Did some
more copying of the "Camp" lessons, and Pard and I were visited by the Feldwebel
and an Oberleutenant, Kommandant of the local A.A. post - young chap, and seemed very decent.
Bridge again to-night, and finished up ahead again.

May 26^th - Nothing of very great importance happened to-day, except that a fair amount of
rain fell, and Dent and Pard both went to Stalag.
May 27^th - Some of the lads came from Wuhlheide 329 and reported that the camp is quite a
[*3*] good one, confirmed by Pard who visited it to-day as well. Quite a business all
around camp arranging the personnel to compose the 200 leaving for 329 on
Saturday 29^th. Finally picked on 4 Sanitaters to go, though the Feldwebel wanted more (Stabbie was
at Dabendorf) and all permanent light sick. Had three letters from Mrs. Parker, Senr., from Ines, and from
Glad, dated 17 Feb 43, 12 Dec 42, and 22 Feb 43. Mrs. Parker's was to acknowledge mine sympathising on Mr. P's
death, Ines's was v. cheerful, and Glad's v. good. Poor little blighter had axillary abscesses following the chicken pox,
and then she went on to tell me "We have a new baby in the family" - I was absolutely flattened, Ps.O.W. are rather
touchy on the point, and then she mentioned it was the maid's! Whew!! John is eating well, Mark is nearly as big as
he is, and David is not speaking so far - time yet. The watch (pocket) Mum & Dad gave me, and which was bust
on 16 Jan, I gave to Sgt. Alleybone to have go at (returned a week later - necessary parts not available).
May 28^th - Stabbie hit the roof this morning, as it seems that the Feldwebel arranged for shifting of
Sanitaters & sick without consulting him. He stopped the move of the Sanitaters altogether
and also of the original 528 permanent sick, as they're to move to 730 soon. Spent a
lot of the day fixing up the medical papers to go with the party to-morrow. Pard goes with them. Hewitt
gave us supper to-night of toast, topped by spinach from our garden and crowned by fried egg (flakes).
It was jolly good. Lights on till near midnight, 3-4 bands of "[[?]]" in barrack, and the lads had a great
sing-song, ably led by the Welsh, and they can sing. They always give me the impression that they spend
the bulk of their time either singing or arguing.
May 29^th - The Barrack practically empty this morning except for about 20 men, the M.I. Room & Reiner
and our own barrack, much arguing, decisions and counterdecisions as to whether the 20
should move out, or Barrack D move in here. By nightfall it was more or less decided that
the move should be to Barrack D and the others. Ken Jackson and Paddy Madden came to play Bridge and
we had a long session until about 1.30 a.m.. At the finish, just as I was finding a bed in Reiner for
Paddy (from Barrack D) he spotted a posten through the window and had him escort him home.
Finished three years in the army to-night.

May 30^th - Two years a prisoner this morning, and the place is like a morgue, as the remaining
lads have moved to other barracks, leaving only the M.I. Room, the occupants of the
[*4*] [[Riner?]], and us two. Fr. Scarborough arrived at 11.30, Confession, Mass, a Communion
then and he left at about 1400 hrs.. Quite satisfied with the new camp, and he's bunking with Bill Hunt,
with Neale and Steve together. It appears that a couple of lads have joined them there from Lamsdorf.
Sgt. Emery and 15 Cyps. came for treatment. Wrote two letters to Glad, and cards to in-laws
and Ines.
May 31^st - Quiet day, nothing doing.
June 1^st - See last entry.  Had a game of Rugby in afternoon, v. enjoyable, though up to
half-time I thought I was a candidate for the "Cauliflower Stakes".  I discovered
then that our left 2nd now forward had a metal buckle on his belt, just at
the right hip, which was doing my left ear a bit of all right.
June 2^nd - Had a visit from 730, amongst them being Cpl. Taylor whom I was quite
pleased to see, and L/Cpl. Assaf, who presented us with a packet of tea.
Cpl. Taylor brought back my watch from Sgt. Alleybone - possible to repair
it, given a few innards, a new face, new glass-mounting, etc., but these are not available, so
that it must await repatriation.
June 3^rd - Sacrificed the half of what was left of my piece of sponge rubber to go towards
making a scrum-cap which I got under way with "Chugg" Heaney, the tailor.
[*2*] Ken Jackson & Paddy Madden came in to play us Bridge during the afternoon,
and while we were at it two letters arrived from Glad, one dated Jan 25^th (12 March from
Melbourne), the other March 17^th (31^st from Melbourne). It was grand to get them, even though a quick
search chased no photos. In the 1st Phil Thomas sends his regards, Dorothy Champion & Ethel Roberts are
both married, and there is no news of Claude A. or Jack Throssell. But [[?]] & Adrian F. O.K.. Myrtle and
Frank having a nipper. David has the worms. The 2nd shows that Glad knows I had received my 2nd parcel,
she's sending more, Nell is very ill again, and the in-laws are with Glad - Poor Nell! Accident with car, no one
hurt, Ralph Horner home on leave, David not talking - wish I had more room for comments!!
June 4^th - A young German M.O. came to-day, I don't know the official ranking, but I think it is
Unterarzt - Officer's uniform with Feldwebel's shoulder-straps and two stars.  Seemed a decent
[*2*] lad.  Played a game of basket-ball in afternoon, scrappy, and too much arguing with
the ref.. Two letters came, one from Mr Troy, dated 22^nd April, confirming story of storm and floods in S. West of
W.A.. Told me he'd sent news of me in weekly cable to "West Australian". The other was from Ron, dated 23 April,
and the best he's written yet. First he apologised for not writing for a while, very busy, acknowledged my cards of 8 Feb
and letter of 13 Mar., both received previous day, telling him his fags were arriving, & 404 were here. Visited Australian House &
got special batch & book of coupons for me - And. H. cabled Glad to let Ron send next-of-kin parcels, but she prefers to send
them herself, bless her, but Ron will send a parcel, and hopes to get cap, gloves, & all through. He's had several letters from
Ines, and a batch of "Western Mails" which he wishes he could send on - I'm with him there. Cheerful throughout, and
ends on a very charming note - everything better & better in Blighty, and hopes it won't be long!!
June 5^th - Dent. left early for Zernsdorf 428, to inspect the men, and eventually got back at about 2050 hrs.
I had a long day, started work at 1045 hrs. and eventually finished at about 1930 hrs..
Fairly busy all the time, too, what with one thing and another, hardly a wasted moment. Hewitt
turned on a really special tea - Spinach and fried-egg-flakes, fried bully and creamed potatoes - one "right out of the
box". It could have held up its head in any company. Very strong rumour this evening that we'll all be away
from this camp before June 20th.
June 6^th - Glad's birthday - should be home now celebrating it with her. Had hardly had breakfast
when Annan walked in from Dabendorf 429, having come over with the football & b-ball
[*4*] teams, and not long afterwards Bill Hurst joined us. The basket-ball, quite a good game
to watch, was a draw, and the football we won 6-3, though sick-parade was on throughout the greater part
of the match. Bill, Annan, and the party, all left to catch the 4.15 from Teltow station, and after
having written a card and a letter to Glad, cards to Mum & Dad, and Nell, I joined in a game of basket-ball
myself, which, considering the rain which had been coming down almost all day, was something of an
adventure. "Chugg" Heaney finished my scrum-cap, and it's quite good.
Second anniversary of our march from Rethymnor to Georgiopolis, on the first and, thank Heaven, only
leg to Kania.

June 7^th - Quiet enough day, and in the evening, after afternoon's Bridge, Chugg finished
my scrum-cap and it promises to be fairly good Did no German to-day, or very
little. Second anniversary of our return flight from Crete to Greece and introduction
to No 1 P.O.W. Hospital Kokinia.
June 8^th - Spent most of the afternoon at German, and got through the greater part of a game of
Chess with Jack Geary. Rugby game in evening, very good try-out for cap, which
came up to expectations except for tape under chin which was damned uncomfortable
Must have it changed. Finished game at about Roll Call, and managed to win, which leaves me with
a slight lead at 2-1.
June 9^th - Nothing of interest. Rained all day. Oh for our home climate!
June 10^th - For the last several months, in fact since we came here, I've been putting in periodical
reports and complaints about the trench-latrine in our compound, and since March
or so, about a shed alongside Barrack A. in which empty food tins are deposited. The
latrine has been neither filled in or in any way treated, the tin-shed is still with us, and now we're
reaping a harvest of flies which is driving us silly. A few fly-papers and gauze screens on the windows
fitted to-day, are making our room a little more habitable, but it's still a race to beat the flies to our food
I hope nothing worse comes of it.
Had a very enjoyable game of Rugby to-night, and a reconditioned scrum-cap is "the goods".
June 11^th - The world rolls on, as it seems, though here we have to take other people's word for it.
Nothing of interest has occurred in our little, universe, and we can continue to emulate
Mr Micawber.
June 12^th. - Saturday, and the commencement of the Whitsun holiday. Quite a big Cabaret
show and dance, which was of fair quality, in the Casino to-night. This
morning the effects of a concentrated campaign of fly-papers, window screens, and
swatting are evident - not one fly left in the room. In each of the last four days we have caught
one bed-bug, two on the table, and two on Deut.. He swears that any bug within a mile makes a
personal enemy of him, and he does not like them. Seems he had bags of fun for several hours

chasing each of the ones whose scalps he got. Some people do amuse themselves in funny ways.
June 13^th.  - Pentecost Sunday. Fr. Scarborough came - Confession, Mass, and Communion before
lunch, and the fun started jut as he was leaving. the guard was turned out in
[*4*] full force, live ammo, teams turned back from a football game, everyone inside the
compound, and all, officers as well, on parade. A complete check showed that two of the lads had cut
the wire and got out about an hour before. No one allowed out of compound for the rest of the day.
The papers this morning report the fall of Pantelleria, the Italian base between Sicily and Tunis. This
evening I wrote a letter to Glad, reminding her that Mine's buying of practice did not let him off paying
home-rent, a card to Mum & Dad, another to the boys, and a letter to Ron. Siren blew at 0110
hours, all clear at 0210. Nothing to write home about.
June 14^th.  - Played basket-ball this morning, though my back was just a wee bit
uncomfortable, and half-way through I felt it give - Pretty ripe by night-time
and it was about as much as I could do to move about. We are still
locked in our compound, double guards everywhere who seem about as pleased with the
performance as we are. No outside sport, and men paraded and marched across to cook-house
for hot-water!!

June 15^th. - Spent a most uncomfortable day ini bed, got out for sick parade. Alarm blew
at 0245 hrs., but I stayed in, couldn't get out anyway. All clear at 0315.
Funny sort of raid, the clouds were very low, and yet there was a lot of pom-pom stuff
being chucked about. That was not strange, of course, but the fact that the air-craft, which, to be in range, should
have been quite low, should have made a lot of noise and did not, was bloody funny - seems to have
been all balls.
Lampedusa has fallen
June. 16^th. - Curled up again in bed and not much fun. Neale arrived in afternoon from
Wuhlheide, 329, as result of my request for a locum, as the problem of sick-parade
etc., is solved. Read with great pleasure Ruth Manning Sanders' "Luke's Circus" - found
it very good. Back easing up a lot in the afternoon.
Stalag search following on Sunday's "flit".
Another half-hour alarm from, roughly 0145 hrs. to 0215 hrs. Nothing doing,
and stayed in bed again.
June 17^th. - Report that the two escapés have been roped in. Neale reports that Stabbie has
told him that he is probably to stay here and I to go on to Wuhlheide. Drew
a pay of R.M.36. Another ½ hr. nuisance-raid. Same time as last night
June 18^th. - 
Visits from Ready, 428, and Sgt. Mortimer 730, and Oberstansarzt Pierson, otherwise
quiet.
June 19^th - Very much better to-day. Wrote letter to Glad, cards to Dad & Mum & to Ines.
Big session of Bridge in afternoon - Ken Jackson and I took on Eric and
[*3*] Jock Livingstone ("26^th. Gen. Hosp. against the rest") and had a comfortable win.
Jock is a cheery blighter, plays his cards well enough, but has a poor idea of bidding.
June 20^th - Bill Hurst came in on his rounds this morning, and we watched a very interesting
game of Rugby before lunch - I was itching to play. Bridge almost all the
afternoon, Ken & Paddy Madden against Eric and me, and we managed to keep
ahead. During the night (25^th-21^st.). had an alarm from 0210 to 0255, a little distant
Ack-Ack, otherwise S.F.A.
June 21^st. - Quiet, did some German, and played a game of basket-ball, and felt damned
stiff afterwards, Quite hot to-day and yesterday.
June 22^nd. - Read "Farmer's Creed", by Crichton Porteous, quite good. The Camp Rugby Probables
narrowly escaped defeat at the hands of the, theoretically, very much weaker
Possibles.
Usual fun and games to-night between 0215 and 0245. Began with lights
and gun-fire a little way off to the west for a few minutes, & that was all
Second anniversary of outbreak of war between Russia and Germany.
From hospital to-day came Stanex, the man who was hit in the raid of 16^th Jan..

June 23^rd. - Had a short note from Ron to-day, dated 1^st. May, announcing sending off of parcel.
[*1*] Reinforced the wooden case made for me at Lamsdorf. Put metal strips all around the
edges of body and lid, a pair of handles on the ends of the body, and an extra hinge
on the outside to take the strain off the other two.
June 24^th. - Back not right yet, and I've developed a pretty good effort in the way of a head-cold
Latest rumour is that whole camp moves to Wuhlheide between 30 June and 5 July.
Another Rugby trial match to-night. The bed-bugs are giving trouble, and,
besides them, the flies and the mosquitoes, we now have ants, not to mention a few fleas - it needs
only lice to make a "full house".
Spent the afternoon making new whiskers from Red x parcel-string for our broom.
June 25^th. - Overcast all day. Cold in head going strong. Finished broom which is not too
bad.
June 26^th - Everyone asking whether the Rugby-trip to 329 is on or off to-morrow, Stanway seems to have
done no more about it - Tony got the Feldwebel to ring up, found that we were expected, but
that, as he has no orders, nothing can be done about it. Lot of growling going on. "Wod a
lovely crowd idda hadd  ib god!" - ful 'bloody'.
June 27^th. - The 'Rest' challenged Camp XV and almost beat them this morning. Score was
9-6 for Camp, but a draw would have been much better. Wrote mail in
afternoon, letters to Glad, and Mum & dad, and card to John Stefain.
June 28^th. - Took my first sick-parade this evening, after a walk to the laundry with the lads,
[*1P*] Eric & Neale having gone for the day to Wuhlheide 329. Received a parcel from
the Students' Help people containing "The Modern Chess Primer' by the Rev. E.E. Cunnington,
and a folding pocket chess-set.

June 29^th. - Doc Annan arrived to-day from Dabendorf 429, with another batch of
Sanitaters, making a total of 23 recognised orderlies, not counting M.Os..
Quite a good Rugby game to-day. Possibles had a near go of it to-day against the
Probables, but lost 6-9.
June 30^th. - Quiet to-day. Neale & Eric, with his dutch show, are moving on Saturday.