Diaries and documents of John Dominic Palandri - Part 24

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
AWM2024.6.7
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

Had 2 fire Sortin ewr Co daw All of Haly soh of Salumo in Angls. Aminian hands, olld taken by the Genans & and John Rusians pnsthing lake hell. but down one pist batch of thore. low 5o. day, Alten honing precked up by a day with his. iolin lerson & from Lient Topol hill of anic bloke Jewish 2 pt r hin ntrine Snafinil pus to te Lan all da Allerante o stted o Sarle tin and carks to you L Ond gand tilli whote nin fus and to Rm Anet again o hamy anret aine tas paitd Jnilin 36 padin. teahe oitl impleamnt. anonce heans mat J epe Ramans highting Kiee middle. Dieed 2do and manned Goul Loteg 44. hough somethins llon up rom. Enolenh 00 is the saeme soe here years ago sime I had my last glimpre Sp Glad & John on Tremankle wharf. Early &farsh conpnion. Ricnded hwd tints Cais thn, but fom AR.C3. 1o day. dis widh aloawn this eening at 12315 lus. e. fobed, & all. dear came pusll 2380 bn A paril o i mating o Colanceo Mom 15 Jines pumonnce loltdiea &afrach & fiptey Gounl At wotin had mut bormned a wiohin to do a ps of prastinis wdnun Sten foldin 3 I was to pack and prsh if to Elstishort at 13500 hos. I houeht he was puilling my les and that behuand and Heale were foo but I went wih tealed to the Cheant whs confined it, though he could give no momatton as to why I was going ?. All the could lill me was that it was an order from H. B. Anywhy, I was all set and on me station at 1445 not particularly pleaned about it, as it meant leavnd nowsille of his Lrunch- linions, a Topol a he irdin. Oohe Cip o Horaned. was meentful, and I was met Then by Valer Jouesd a . B. ordely. Who pulled the bruck s m cras the 5 hen To Eleeshion. Tft his, Allaw brank, ques. G. Chank funear and the rest of the crousd, was phoud my ron, a later went with hes to met the trinch fent putients wish one of whom (p. Mens I got on especially well. In woming with a 7e fa dlane polmncher & Blockswardty and a bunct Doe, Capt. Satan. J his is fis Loyd 742. Had a poer look acound, net Jackoway, and some other of hes 5t. A. Gy. H, and felt a bir. 4 more at bhome. He oher bitish of o are ye tott, theme, I very deent drap f y adany who was at he Con. Camps in Athins and and thlr Englishmen, Capt. Myles. Toe are, hadis, d. tantie (Black Wath inusprte) bider hane, and c F.A. J. L. Catlall I Que agord buuch. he Lranch Smet but their names I don't remember. The Lrunch Padoe sams a ve decent that them was a pertch foosball match in the aflinon, and a conent for the patints at night. I hanks G. l he way, has leamed to play hi nccordion, wiich he does paidly will, and is in the orbusthoa. Cuite a munbed of the 5th ftr t people are nen on he saff, including Sxt. Bmisth (ofh. in Athens) in the hestre. of it the Al Chessnt, a lot/ and the new one, a Fajor today. About 2.200 wards from the hosps tal is a much Aleg St abouts 3/580.] [Discovered to day that I had left two Canadian parals in he Crnis. Hell?
Sundary Tonby Jass Comnion, after wich I went locks to bed and slept for most Johnis exeiting Had quite an intersting wallk in the afternoon into a village 3 of the monning ? the afterson was takken np mainly by a foobnill march against about D3 miles Taway, where we had a fan beers then houe again Geny Holt was Hommandes temn from brta, composed mainly of Engishmh. they were munch to o gord most internsting in his denmiption to me of his inipe to awn and Englant Clarges for our fllow, anywsay, and from by about aeen or right gouls so nit. The count was fort or again Britge in the wvening with him Aers, &n Allon. taken Et for the vinters and Baff duing the aftemoon, and here with his smit a S. at Hl Alenumn, from Hanham, Visows, and almot a next hor mishbour of Cletirs Sheman. Runill Gally has told me amongst oher news, that Stewie Kinghas hrewy kalled C t. and that upus Egan in dend ? fenpent about bod iting, speially he later - Ie was anfully mile, and a very good frind Ollanw ying fave me pome newr the Klmns hae had and lent hos childeren Cohtmnated plin), Jmary Cunle in a playsin anges and tany him had recied my leter asting for his copy ofbing. 21 he Coms caled in for sady for he gronene gt stes again atentet the unel 92 arristh les todo two es on a donble diset n henen he thes a tondete then saw a sew onut patints. Hill of a sap on, reports emanating from ofice that lists of one of the he patients who had commited sninde a Jn minuters before I amived in trdan fos deil the Gunans proiting an fining party. In the nenins the librnion E. were to be prepased thgcher with sntunding of canl. hidones of all fefort. casis] the and I hat a tructh lesion from Champr, hand tely a hol mater, Condimng d na remented by hwvrinte place in in a bloody tunol. Two letters to night, one thm Glad (April B3rd and the other from & promises to be blody cold her in himer, aleady I am at the A. Hankert page and winter has not sawed ? Yun 29th Apsil. Glads had nvey good piots of Dad Jun, John afall, and Johe told mt that Daid hink ha it walh be a peie one his year, and one budnels hay only migh windows. fhrom this print of ven of who siting on the table helping her write the litter He was extumely with, vey intilligent, but shil no thalke Ereament this place is prety hrough, wunhing bring done from sumply huggine measoes to oen and and the tnd taking falfh Chrspes nhince and coneitting a vice. hentist Erlighing ae O. K. f ll gain doack humncoplarty, and its a grand opportunty for anyon with a tarth for this openially. All thie lads dy might but shil fin D. Johns, Ha in law, bleas he will with flad. The Cllard f lares me o. . Ofhins have hen in thit pont of he countiry anme to have hun ney hubly with phiotes, they have leots of his taten in appiont. little too, had a snatl o her abad, very good gave general sews, asked for his posmen, and told me Ddule we por Brolinend were compltily left ont in he cotl, tke has one yine at Adeles in mderalates, signing that rad was at the Chuntal in bush, oeson tholdly at home. Raye wt fing (blidhy /.0. kay brks under m thire- bne and talkhing to Sst. Kiner. I must got a eopry. and won against Olan L ues. Started (my mos. again his monning. Pet 2nt I al the behat ceas w hniging heis baggage w o the offce, the sa chesan t late in an the Cdlfen gented in at al othes this moning i do age at prtients, and I srath to prt in an homs a hyo hat way. Son him do a peuune cute hind the ying of a sappenons came lack with news that only thou Dr G. Britamn, Canada a O.S. A. Were Esqs o bin after lunch, wndeled a pesthall match later, and gt toe t. in the evening distened to g 7h or 8t) otus to go later. Capt. Allad adtived from Komnanwha in aftenton tit. w intruting lartime by a G.A. F. fying efistr. senses of whom the Indians Cxprists, and thletimians Ifconne, are out O) lucks this te their appen the mos Ihe non in he ane ane witene in fore en col nenes Clegnte and thet te accomng dttion was a pablen aat took some solving. Jota new pai offents from soe, and in do a hill of a lot ofit. Ereone doing a spot of work prpng caus o interedt fot thir inspuction svening Brition off ins aclepted a meal from Indian Hhankedans on the eve of commendement I Ghamagan by a cmuple of Grnnan ppanaliss who wre wohing to onow. y frund, Apt. Hngules, in to o them to of cohrne I got indiges: in ofle it Had along talle with thank his evening, and he flas gbhy, and dve craged for him to sunkh me a Lunch famicdhn gorunnan. if fete for a gave me a lott) the mide don of the Apeuts, of malbles I viasmendes yearly lise at hall toms at ao i Nalian Higswake and leve. Got a pris of he new lable doens tomnsn. 03 far s Cominion thes monnd the te ill t te ante n e enes in t. Capnion for Comn Sope onitige in aldeng paloing a eas igts o order, proprsed puting up Hough popigande photor in our barack, but hes won that antinance of the londs of Empoe dills pt an orcauneal saenfiece this comnia Irnste a letter and a card H Glord, a letter to des, enrds to of wne Ded arguntnt, 6o. This moning, or ansabening, I found an latter from Brick. His back in England, whn he was snpertch of and Das watenalle deand by a load, and is once mone on dity. John Desan a Cuhn 17. Dreny. Paid in 27./350 hoefh H. Falane, and bronnet goungtaty He lalkes fa runion with Com, who must be at home to0. This moker is will, and Cemilla, as he muntiond Wundischy he few thos Schol? lop before, is mamed. He letter was dated 30 Iume. Clayed a gaine of foshall this aftemod, forethe much out of condition / and a wrt sandy ground dident make up for ty of ny thebiauncies, aod a playe! Hath ut fim thich dinne when Sxl. finer came in and told nos that Chapsone Oshals had fut intived from hon sdad dith hrse others, Ant the same dd chapfre the loysdown her are all will, but ld Joe Welse has hemp on the list I hae to stay behind in case of Ripettation t thas prets tough, to say the bast of it.
Sept in Cill 1230 h. - what habits I do have 0 Saw Jankoric’s cans this aftemon Confeirsion, Yau, Commnnion. Bert of the day spent manily in listeing to an Isun aid 23 plisted 17 A. P reflls for to monor morning which I om to do with Chon, and gave 4/4 concict /(by tunch Stalas Condit. thity (manily ochistrall) To another by the Roled from Vesaliamin to a cane of ling alrets brika in the lale atemon, and by wathing a poosball -match later and with Pridge in the svrning. the local fildwelel a prince pperints ofor sh. ined go s top he Coles from 2 Openly for Pas Communion her did 14 o Jantenies t B npte witon couniy, and amnounced they wer not but his went to the Chefary and they came Bue kmorgh incident Crepared in the aftenon a list. of ncommendations with Wails of the I was Woe cold for hem, and 140 late to play much in the akemon, but they inirbed he ffiers t auices rendend on Carte by Hanke G, Wax N. ] S. yr. Lawonnl, Cpl. Chappie Bupld Solish Samitaters rom in the evening whre they played a saig mitil & 1830 Mrs. Thin were and Carta Pritidge. Had hoped that Hhes would tay to get thim sout through Broletiny Coens excellen, and the spint of their mume kand behawdodr gave a god poinber as to why He bole fut he thinkes hill eot it gs uis buthday To. d. -64 ean never be misted - and that's not so muche bull gh guned a leter from o h ttr poarll Crow Wing Conmander t. D.T. L. O.B. E.) dated 2 Wan & Communion again Wathlek Choan do a Fet on de londes arstat . pter y alan, but did not gett much of a look at it. Checked Vanber, casis had n Ant Coledat a copts prats his nening ateat af ren in te af en nt it 64 usual French Curok from Champs (his very thorough) and played Bridge Saliam with y. Jour thoue funah ofieus diuning he evernined. One of them who wen the local Ofling & champoship. wo horis repuentating he protetcting puber Ccapital [ please) calne this moting, du Bety O tid althe with, ansther talean lenson in te aftenton ontg in hedeing ant hit Ae hadl them all over the place, and over allquestion land eliven sauit abers amined from about all. haten news is that the English Comadian, a tanke Septt. cnes leave ohr Fndany fini gwanla in aftemond to accomping the pht batch of repaties and hat he Hhived Commision o 5on Fiday 15.) to riren the cals no get prarncd ed lter day Ion leter and a proate towolete from teat ofe t hrne on po. Monly concerned inth camying out insetigations of Capt Elest from Coltes 62 Mes (opry 31) and one from fa in late (Youns 3r]. Glads first ghowed due remembenech my prmntation to the Cominion. hi main conplent in a plonly propaine a onents buthday (biy thill) mes bach a work, fitt and if d gone house and vere much te mained apondagh is with hinstory 0 and be tiths fim Gadlosne; no newsr of Ranke of. Glaks second twithen gout alter hes Bisthedany) prict out were pluet to thing to the arane without being sacher, the kids still think sit foret important. I enty ond 15 Competend bliosts mnsigein the wenisth the hith Guents talen t helope Hison Ofice again as haring then he brastice - David not with spuch teprst yet. The loves me Sill ? A set in ea shows ins progun mine hune, as was to be expected bublles factitional fest meal and letter One orfarks John, he ohes of John & anohes lard C. Figh Bilwsh). Ies back at worth after 7/1 Bon feal phoad depinte F. He shald be . L. Co monon leave, and hough in Lanly chart &. Foy lorsnot pupe, dhe semes fouly well now. Archie Canons lately Der. 1t wared in of wikes at Dyadas s drwoned. Whim will well wirt h pon 600/ hge heard at home hit hat the lomntin to him and a Genan hesan abonut o in ant leat e tn letter from his ponnic. W. B repots all mill, fill much bethr-affetite coming back. Cetechnines in Janalwrod the Jenan raw bhe chow, hough the hiris faior was oupposed to be president. to my mind to ampong her time. Gloving rephts the him bids. Called on for at Billingap 6. lithe Brosands. Peachers the heaning was most msatisfactory at one stage two H. Bays na mconsionalen odpeninted 126 nectaines donng fim. tant sen tet for a year. Bur wides prow alle. Ialld proul Cineatt) was veygnl on the rreing seren, nobrly alee notich it (no medler d he Cotimission, hia is) an dh whicn I seplrated thes lig, Seto r d showe 2 Enighetr, dinto Rull cops Emahu Comle) hi t cont, sod hush 2op no one took and her look Tot had buis first attack of Cmmy- Crouble tin years ago, which was taken int Sap, tanls 2/ Chos, P.Rs. Hope Had wont mind, but Iill have to ue him to replates good, but aedepote consideration to the exclusion of the fret that he had had nto recuvence of sumptous until, about 2 yos. ago. winch I sall give to ladswhomch it. I lask veylih wre, hunds o far. Ragd bat fe wih tauch to dan Amyhon, he wsas truned down & bold that hewers for reconsideration at the commissions ne xt vint. Bath luck no thds a gennine cnre. Id some Eanish in afternon with a frunch opics, and Salian with fourt. & Ian hig hath dtentin naeter o oat tentet in o on ge ant go it fer the thin lying ans for pesistion pove talen to he trin duny the arninge might for wes fune yf lonin Bid the Hommands ambulmts this moning. drsisted they dw den iergine po hins waning hruat on to le a mitie conecuin with ge afe, ant pentoneal 1 et he mithen inth les nigts depe ins arne he hea his an th henelt han ted dorn. Wtaitan on this reture from he Eram, told m hat Capt. Foler B. A./.l. (ex. Wha) was on broand. of uhich d ams way glad 25 peteden to no Ioe cans an he it f ti to epor on ideion , lant nith a fo of the stay hat a guard broke a rifheobut onr his head at his second enceps atimpt is tine, his a legieal tnped to o. Junaer Eonpetia) landed in Binley ins June - g unck ntodes. Iin Reping an aige an hem hin ixpenally as his it. Fonsry. W Ipen hat the sting euusgo to morres. Hid anohe lhun d Jaunitint Hawrins. Io l Kayed frothall in afterison a sund a goal ae of ths things hey do to pren the thias at the Oflag-amazine. Whote two likter (to Red (x mip) & card to in laws
Yau & Communion this monning, then said good. bye to Doe Ollan Lt. Padde Buker (ish Gund Oct. and Rit Huight, and houw amongst the enthis wik and of Brelin wrs lest Jos Repatint it. 4 about 150 in all? that makes a toal in he last tho days of 250 in round figures. I hinds seen to by under way at last. A team from Boshamaer pdos. BBr.) leat on lads &) at poshall in the aftenion Ddwvere prnt good. whose a leter in the Suins to Upun L Dad, and carks to dus, this Calestiman, & Luigs Calantin & Randilagat, oe made only very guarded mention of Report, in my letter home, in order (to raise no palit hapes about my chandes he no illenong abdut him myulf, and I dent no and to le disepoiteth that would lo a bit to ong. did a fuw fommands perople this moning and themn said gordblye to about 70. 50 more patints 00. & Samates who are gomgs home, Aucnes, of 2as, Indian, Exfenrders, Egpptians, amons then bing Bunnet of hy munt of T with t. We givn him Glaks adres, as I did to guies a number of othes is that they should bealle to Conmnin hid hat Sin D. fi. Ene old hungs pay nohing about ouo chences of Repent, mnich as thy are, for reasons wated above] To Cerry Baubrook, a Victorian who worled in our oous, I gave also the addremes] &. Smuply, Jick Parler, Ed. Erindergas and Tom Duly. When he people came back from the train Co night Iheanrd. that Areme Kidlie and Fanga Adams weare on the thain d Low hongmore too, and hat most of he mest have goves ane goung. Good luck to him. but, oh bill? Ald wih mang hith alenutd to mn life ont uany 2 3 migsts hur wohigheppes ahant he t Eit o fornands woth this moning armited beset ther of hes afenon hanian At. 1t cise, pills Spent aevening storing pones for the brow. pimteh at teo tin with a batele thel, him sor Sheat the whole dow Soring Comnes 2th them on to sow, the Canlsd Lady, sd it wont belong now, waing from 2020 until 2220, wich bags of explonions to nork and widt) manly hldpe. Our kiten Bed on my bet forthe theit tine hid wering hit I pidled hid by hangfo on mny goine tuet post, and mothing ind new in it aftemeards thes tat the fefet laty boundt the Eachand hae aleade le eten in entet N. 2 Tthe primes ts the roisins are bot in the banll. All diit to pith Had a ven inid lible dimer with handens and his mon mate, A played oridge aftenend with Hart, gid. Dylles. Asfited hes do two humins to day. Homntentor this moning a Genen pelhe ith hech tialeon in atenan n fo at sridge his eveng tohe hid I selen dyngs pene non sent alled to the sren Buct day. A little Iall the landmaur! I leaued for the furt time Fodey, that O5 1 Raddy Conter wholeft with the pespaen lass, and who is al lowt in the Irish Grards i an the Hoed. Ealnick Bonblet, and son of hord Dun Woune & let me a shade dared Ill admit his a quiet had very frindly and obliguing and wer though bid no cleas iden of what a spig of the whilitf would be lite in the blesh, he duntinly isnt it] Ioent gavene a few lips on the appelatin Of was To day and we playld Bridge his Dening. Ot. 2 Wan today. Sana comple of patients Puriyhad taken for me, Coh Polis. fin firs his ones to mayon. his gave me he job B Baistnar o hosptal, which, I suppore meane the lrew is wokend well. some wot 2 againsation. het in no o he day on wihens out cdoeuts chorng planing of palten t in fone 5 vanions stations. Buly Go did whoht. hee was of Hommandor. 6 ters todes hat repetits hase reatet tn chant and Banilons Sill poteins on charts. Ipfecined thre more patints two I them very sick, English, who were taken nt sobmichs & hild in Staly. Assised hs do an elerguncy appendiceatoring and received two letters - one from Qus (4. G, and the other from John Slfandi Bh. Tuess w chuny enough, but apporontly she was d lit woned about her health bt the time, poor kid shope a is cell The sing me a plots of herelf taken on leawe, and she looked in bit thin; Iher thintord sums to have grown a lible, but pdhap) the lighting, shows it up more from usually. John’s was manly to lit ne kenow shat dia fenia (fuit 28, in fraty will again 30 watled on the chats all day of mone stoul all the affenon at alepin moning 2. fonmandor ward dhats Judge I poid frm hil rthy es at hrnter o nete. latten from Yous 1f. Jury 128 Mly a 6. A 8. 29 whart thents (uane entnes for 25th 20t) or hanes conin ion, now a Vfgor 22 pactially fistit with fant slelf. fal ye dnmn again DW. 3 Hoan is mratine 40 All Fants Day Contimnon Yours, Comminon, and attudled, ith truncth lotisa 1 sunice at the Ceal cuittry in memory of the hospitals dead. Took over the muning of the ffers from Sr Wicks and Wad a grand fime making an muntary Offenierd the ford in park. by te ampled & sne coninghe. 2 2 2 the burnste is to le debreored Lo. monor All Ends Dan. Fothins munch dome as there are a dene of the litte blighters in a comple of the woms. Hllooks as thoud a good time will be had by all, what with siftind winghing in the ir. at Reeuict firo him O Coloues from the Akl. 1 o ting f racth inm potinte. tohnberante rongant and I larmngpipt. Spew pone ot the aftenon a all W till o5 fittine histet to from the lrew
12700 Rinh litter from Gosfasten, 9o fry, amonang sending fapanel. Iame Eno Harkes Day, but no firerokes. Thou new 1/. Os to come here shortly or sotlall oid insthnantst arriteh bhe do a gaug non affentin to hist. torck Gallon ws 5 34 ohingt pepeot told that he had been asked for by name bly somone not speifuild at Chromahsped and that he would be going thet within a fornight. He fals bloody about t and were no thro baden trases gave ine a pipe almos and, and it forthy good I hinst nos fates his an ous a Commanion Our bunt Watin Ho patins camein, Peuthi hesctome mnalaned in with a bout of which he was in hosp tall in Grece when taken by the Gunnaus. Took thre days to done here, locked alone in a Catle tmek with no bldkets & almos Comprnion las night fars Commnior his moning. The has had ary good gaune agans Benghamner to day, and managed o win 2-/.) had a mort miterlsting letter from neford, damuich wold meatier, 1oo. Hy new lathe drmngutet conplet ith bouton, latges aprdes, leter had taken a long time to reaih him, I him had alorsndly told Grarmns o 1. July. hinse diwers to the bots thout walt not gou him my addres, and ro le war a long time ansung. He had u 13 Spuit a lo o the aftenton prting on the wets paonets arnging he mem- tatung Aut Orhsdex frest is with us No day for a sut puneral, and is sleeping on a fom Guion & taisan hat his family a Wlo weae O.. (thought &is dead). Cant aand me paruls Eriaus of camp stritcher in our non. His to be adder at ord hs, in the moning. P.O. Leaney nen ot kin mile, hope be dorent ask for gead to riling nish sights he pretably with with the henst I intentions . yune nors lesaune of Leant. Cmble, appoinbly vatenlar, which has I woubled him nnley. D. I Miigmntes [(R.) gnve no, a mort intinsting talke this exening on Sr. Le raie. Did a Fraunch leson Cih Chang dnm by Cung taffeinill to look on my bookshelf to day and fould a letter Grome pum detid a sume which 3 in 24, Mrs Erof in Ladin Aninian Durdies at Gin of touston, Horking for Dith. Conmngers wonon pt ie. of Kipars had never ren before I can't thne hullday fits amonl so mus put it down as to day. Good manied a girl of Eonglish ancrstine in 41. Angelin fastnron desiget a port. noreg m prnger f a lnemers in Oins. with intereding actuoal news report of Anhie Amoni's deable and a few words from Dad saying h Wrote Plettin so Tad, Iuns dad & salome, 2 eard o pilo had seen Charlied Corsen at Yorhdn and that he sent me his lest wishle. Sums the may be in Wathins I much inmproteance to dery sener len onety s en to nist ently tent ofinis leter like mont of mowe d ncuve was delayed a month in Hfelbomine aruy 1 to pon eratlen conelian w hele compaing had mppe in one him of eonds oahaly mancte dong 6 fueneth a lite frm te proy dated 12th Set ay no much tyrean hnd me in way. Seant Jalion Hx aniet prety nit 160 bookes from and ofe Amstalia & Commonwealth hear Book can't be rent. To me in Genanry. will do what he cam. Received a Gunan book on phos smaphin. Irs tale in takhen pritid 18 that a lite to day from y7 i noatine, 1 o lallin tne hillis o. toda Excllent colonr phot ogre plis & [R.J. 8. 60 Two new in Genan ty Wechral Hunilley 12 more Hfalinn Bor Eame in, mot faily wik, and two Elnglits lads, one Ipdian Hiden amnd 4 27C. Capt and S. 27E Capt. named Clay a Caywold resputively. The first was Petch, seems to have been with me at Staaken a Celton. According to him most of the them in the dean np by he Genes of the N. 2 hos onbside tobluch for. 4t, he Cattle at Nobrnch whher it fell, and both Chave ben in Haly hill lately. Clay go awdag from Corke, but on his way Britich Ps. D. W. have left I.3 Long ais raid waining to might of thwr hond. poine place to th Ts Haly & apent some time in his original ramp or Mhr Island) IAltogether ty havnt had the noth go pading punte bit of Goord hims. Hilpoud hes do at lapandoing a mcbage od in neeed firmers stings. 1 ofen mnot of hey doing his ins opatien o te il af e nitinght ating et in order. poling funy four iprtine Hoting mnemnet epuin far forthe falles Ball prate al fru t al nat int i capal f ateating nt Samitatus p 2 nuns, oilunce. Fro letur— from . My Cl. Lept)— Fnd Connanguthn Mck hoe 2nd frm fir Ida Wouls, Hhills, London litting he ahe no sundines bitonbly mplis of Lonsnin Brdes o. Conpenion far s Communion. hit ilet in to ite that end to he in wrning givng be chane if he wides to nd to se ae, as ues is toaet hen ho whote letter to ffard enplaining Eracomos regust for rent of thim nihts enods to lrys, o tia Colerkina Knd Comanamn Set pitin rianion his ones untart a fai he o wrte Bgret noth tomnete t ory hanen wou laste to oflag lodag Good him my mes plosto bok for mlinting with leates obetaned from t mnon. 1 olenae ade for aleane for feoned mne poe mnguns Mrishd an ho denth hens and cioe a plageh for tatl tend that 2 20 oe ghonts we deppet or tetin lat in 23 an plans down
Bunt all the altemon inducing NPs on my stalians, sueceided in 6 out of A. another shoat 243 altr here. Gdd take away foo Bulin. I Had two letter from home one fom glad JJuly 13th out by fedt July Ad by C. P0 Aus 2nd) oher frm Dick Bird Cnddate - ne Rid & Aug 19t2 by G. 95 Auy 21J. Glads was & good, wenyhinlg o i he ro lhigleds wand one to know Kugse helfine opny with the lawn & and the wood, and hing misistaly or talding me card to drem to the barbey whic kinghad their hair cnt. David wandered of and was found m someonies Kibchie word knows how for Away, helping make an cale what a time flad must have with them. Dicls meny and more or sixs general letter was ohines dorig Eaty all. 1612 that another lite frm Glad to day Clugot. Frece ly Get Ans. 14. Cr CEosd. Aung 21t. all yohe wallad has had anoher o Ox, david had lont Radds Jountai. Den & not yet talking will a puitting on weight. Bidolin (awell before) Eolen Homand just one a pirions Ellun afte hispt hal aninel efen humily enough, was askines wrehes his letes all acting knough, ust 2 day lons me. Helry wick north and note et to onght. tahins muth Hill wothing on case meth, ot preins hepetes all hat aten ges t Ben cought a prelet last mipt. baying alithe Bidge pachienly weiry wrening. that letter 1o hay from Mr. Adumnistention London, dalch 13th Dt. Collngne the in notind in the matons that we are to be tbilised as poon as releared. Of Jan & Commanis this morting Hard tonight that f. Soalmangh is at hlling 173 Eaguort old me Anby had that Sne Coper, ay tahiby, Tate & tod an the tes taten petint amuch forme, and an Engtish ladmantd Clante, lote on onmnentin e. 29 and I runvid copis of maps ( 3expopn & prit) aken just lefore I left here, sido I sen to Clak, on sasn to i um n dad, and hus, leutring a print I sach for sapetis ade ladrs fonn leaves to monord so we tuned on a srow for him to might - salluon patses, Chuadian Fot . Fse t. a lon byomnist Einafle s lusard, Whils Gaslit, a speial cale, lindts, Jam, chure, chosobats, suats, cofe, and tro bobles o fury sunal intage (puity good, (oo] () what! do pop. . Grand role, his P. /l, mstat t phat a lest) Tome compensation when one ous him really blocked once in a wdute. Whot e thor litten to Slad, one to thun 2 In one to mes and cards to Dist Bid, Gon, and to lapt. Fos, Jt. Humnstration, burnalia Horer London thanking him for his letter. Anoher Valiam patent Pand, disbut goather all Eveyone tellinghim it tns a cord itea o snad he mnnion 2 as it wroted by giting at leand one gotedinend out of te n hinidne End mone dis. optins much dony 2nd R.2 23 2 2 B. 2 24 24 2. 1t. 12 D 32 2 was on of the atdday Gond anid ppwoth fomight 2 M. Catse d bergan disiding hi f gues on hadt reported heary nicting moth e cart lat misht Peteran 6550 and 8500 hn, isth pricte coming through very will. Afraid I heard nothind Did a gound his monimnt and A.B. in prem pritife agtiling at night Going will. fars Commcunion got the sitl going agin and had it on all day tond ite les pares for last hee or four days, in pumanently on pol. Ciniet Snewin Ti mrony a lite y als Iivilling muly. Letters from Glad and 7a in land Cout 10h. Rt 22pt 423 82p; but Dling, It Slung 683 t6o ling Smonch wl dung night, shoaw. Glad was getting & fus letter from me, sveryone well, op pt. wallone fights on the plae 1o day 4o fill vaked havd sons, car being dueach, and she loved in still, m pays this womd aboutmne as a litter I wro ty on lengar dny Sung of litte Was dated Aug 23rd. had sard from me, 6o0o fin of i hes pone agy Heard from Jrune a dad, bo h well Ffatl failes with and lovisher sun tirs topt fill rans. work. 1ed away now 712 he a family will. Hhe sent a corone t addres cent in it a Samps stick on Dad Younges maw wer, Hen this moning that a lete 1 a lit fathers Good newgall round. ie lopn ip. dated 10 Ot & deans . crmies a perty adunne get back, and it counds frsty danguons whoste leter to flad and ind laws. Bay cold last night. De 2 one in my or tahien o is 129 6o tar iity t ope not secld hagh it in ail hat on the port ant h nraers not hame Cards R. Yur a dod and to dues. Counted litters las night and found that mi gefangens di I pave had for leter from Australin all old. of pohbr for 2 yeap? tohing doing uip to the prent. The 165t was thinsts hind linthidany, ant on that might ad were Intaltained to a dinner by the Indian pations and theis ditainle hum a the sod, quantity a guality. Dlotmy frot Naliam Codle on and his pulunal A wabch of s ths, rearly all the, amied from Lamsdoo in thie v. early monin in charge of Dunctn 1/. Ras as 1/. 8. (Scots /atunationad Hugger) who Chad Coleave axtin atter He told me mat most of he lads of the unit got away onr in Repat. partiy
eputy o Kmore Delians mned 2 dis l ation idiah on the prning St muith 65t. Hlst) wast aconed at he weards as tates Aunismas a shor consid afterards him of dnight yan & Communion), duning whichy I hondet of Gead wbahing the hidy ofpening hung Cidmnes fodings. the Ion, in, stat ound the ptints his Cistinas dineng in he tieat. 2 for hon docubres, sonp meat coue, &. Vasfudding, cake, and cope fllowed an in pomptn concent. Our hum came as night, he had our lrend lhipcally and were diucd by the patients the same diner a heghad had followed hime pla tat iplng in concent he whole know went extrnely will Snidan o Repanrs Day Bxingday Jorn Homenton An chalent pobel 2 match Eegainst Enla in the mld a plum pazant won 5.A. Hose. mutting at might fogdeed by Jowit, and with finear as anitionier o hores coune ote wads an abrolutely raning sncuss Qute a lit was made for hes Rud complete hind, and about 8.9 of he Naliaurwine up Ohuere and had a few bets and exsored Altoageley the Reammnte which has organined he festuntes have make a joly themselves Viscntion is my second Halian to die gok 5 thintde wering hid tealien todny o 29t. Duc. 2139. Continationof Setinlig. aist Hh lat b tletn ol pe alet In hin nondent an ft ng g ne 2 Today him were two hnonls, an dudican Clened fran, and Cunedey, to which I marchedl on giop of Talians, as I did ato the oter two. Les always tmsup for humoals Halian oner hs will as the ohers and mone power to him for it. One aarieable suptie Iie had in that the authortis brg Halians with fill militant Sonoing. Wthe helf from madoe fraus, and verg good work by the frunch or ddlies a Cook was able to tu on a deent fen Wat's Eve dinner onald a Caron, Barinison toast (i n good same), Consmne, aggis with pott os beans, cansts and fur hut he raunns, uuty, chos bisuts a shothread, affles fchusy gain, hones wine (by comting If Capt. Riz) and a share out of accumlated chocklate. To now the lons have had hind choislel Lent Hoobread and hir chocklate Cricuits, and thuie already done hind lest with the Chisimas kudding he last oou spints, & much better flowmnd with pepferment, and add dimles here and there save the right fonch o the evening, which was rounded of e a visit, at lid night to ur Edwhis dinner in tour Banacks presided over ln Sa. Sergcant Lonemuer (en Sist. Chardsman, Be 4.odd years young and a farther deight 1 I was able to be ant, he moming en aeing a san for Lr. Cuine, whith te clebratit to considente a Host for a dying ble (hy dub at 2350 h. his iddia) and received Communion myself Cuie Of know fell this evening 8 unds 1943 an wentful year which for me nearly finished at he beguining. For my part I cannot sumble - 30 for as I know Gead and the boys, sad, fim, a tres, and the in. luts are all will, my nlatives are still alwoe, though some at Pleas must be having a thin time of it and I am will through middle aged. The was in Enope appears to be naning its condntion thank God, and all I pray for in that pence may cone poon, and allow us all to get back folon families and Fo. do what we can Cowards purting bhe pins tagether again. 1829 Jan tim punt lene ndg ad Con Cupl. lads cha Corte 4 Panted Wueer taping fire ing plars Dntes Conn ar ang nte sent daidting la. P260 fi fort of the nigh auete and must with ta tla ting etes pnce 34 fin turting oix Hatiatis Se te B thrnd pn atended and othrs o pre pene moru Tantar Puts after vaca persan and to tale
Sonns he porn Tan a & Wihlberg San 4 Dromnh w Ded fa a and Do Cae litter ams monn and heard ofery m 284 ecs hns 2 vench Sa me Som Iam Sam Shm Chesan few all under teatn shi hope that eed after phians an henr fany thin R ep a ordelys ad well Expese arflef in mayby Te Jurs Crt. haghone Iwera ku to day m am newy in that moxt fopsty respected att lend of the bging repat fnd Have long tenn homes ider Cherny chttes Fato 24 Slaying Bags Dtwot fat Mn up to daten Sill this moringg anynersing of ting bombed out of seltot mow chanagd penl tin, but o evenin s and 15/ Hes away this moing someg boys any t late in tils y W Ieslaal and event y oopted a Gong f snally Ast betn men 3 Fely s b s en 53 o 65 t and atenon, and shant alnos Stenty t npet Chefan falrr and said he would could not againstrt Jepnan officers hem placted and its not beyond rounds this ont when he is knowd into clante tha ling lte a good picture wrt Bin tin atlems pub
Li nowin R 1 Ba B Jam 2 turka much onai 11/26 a m had w the cash but Y. Bun and C 449 accout hast my on g glars chimme air ain empt. is up and Di did Deond Eochran a wo parch Sepat but it lookes as he list missing a chance of woold the porsbility of thos. Etalited as fir hits have tohe int on . I excmmation befor hers fomn a nest generally hes shore continged and the tre of the placl. takful for atter lett Letent mtons e that sepatiation tales place un March. A 01 Sit day frened oi letene, 3 ton geat 8 28 C Pepp per 45. fors) Glads and hrm Cuy 22 2p8 27 pin of mene 6 bo really good m hnd h iten a bee A sums that te 202 Had sent a paonl in Sknon mnt chands W Sepat blast a o ai te hed take disa a hiry Crng 1 n) and dut ter in hnonpento. nt regards, Jly hadh t d Sana avm andths bale the Conshin Cand A4 t and but cond Eneghing 4 John remenheps we as much as any thing lig th thos him pow leaving. Reg nt. it sems hav in feny and andprtm forache Pop messtef leftng a giners. plie with in adilard Hea the mips at well a le atte a n whet a anted Rahesaghih st in he anng, and the peaches & nest ds are in belom oh heds was a good letter & full of meat. June fook a month to get to England, of then chased him for 2i all by vay baik home. the got his F283, was khnowg bl4 he A.F. In Apila and saw sente with fumnng beters & Skapperd, the fortmer a iuo the later badwith scales when he got bagks, but reconrd, doing a govd y I can easily believe. Eventually get home 2 weikes leave An loker with E Halloans, Cordens a clergy. Yanyin anng runing / Padd Faken & mother OR. Bunin annn a has a June 2 fall of Catrlis Aessen & Jamuing Gal a higlegal Eight frant Haygdin, Weary dons diggingin m Collins St redt Handen wileing hath with agrowing fammile. Hhoans llavemont, fon o mens of Charlie 7iphny tis now in paine ended as Dack Wateon fo ho aands n regards. ngs lekey had inteen tig nens - Paddy C is in England foud in H. Guners as Cnightmon in England in change at Bedats Honn B Sand whiles had bdn &. l. a dayed home her a while but she thinks he daly have gove morth and Fomnis Festhe abll hult fayor ark - Ill bet his the pimple msilt boy The wons an fullygs oo ii to have allker to glad a ingrapt dom takes about 1 days. his bithday to day Austrhia against fo bert R and hill w my J 5 to m till 13o thin. on Tallofns for as a aftentors ey at pis t nothing smons, but he pnt cocame and spul but wity a anlage bor it. o day, ly. the punfar p0 fur May betn no mon he traid an avernge ony at hidmne bux gave m a sis of pt. Jou a Coate n internting I ferst that Sedibowngh in at Colditz and Gl. Clanl Suit, of Hd. Anl. ioted us from Sohmstan. He was my odely at Haaken and wss withn at tel Graf admntse of Danwas 1. Oue S sohing munal later to lad tomighe Donnah ohie to day ues foll an Halian 7f O had ambel s went int mut him named Andreassn of Covenza Calabna, Domatoland fath asecond specially 1 sums to have any Iided wh 4) iscome wl Anglish & Sean funny lible charg aged 41 bu lock mn d
Aln t did we mnow but not much Halian ther mine Rei te hips thee for a long. Prosescional- clases live in ouite a different. tinds to cenfiu this idia. He takes werything or dend a such a detached manner 33 that 2 af pre aes to hand, have takken t hds an aling their ablity suer 25 en fom this evening hum 1 boay bay a Salian mpper by the manes, and wards any kndn and taken pdper and his et and ponm s bem Fill pnov 10 oulis Autns, a Seo, and towink ane to leae to monow for Stalas. King is he fint more in the fegule replacement o ophties shol ad o2 teb Stilf ving hoent nderen oenl got e o e o es ns know it of not. Hhe depintely doini hid compatino 65 not intensted claims his incompetent att it, and awan of his secalting, and sending a note coveing there pounds to the Chesan md done the departing sdulied had two palde Sit. at 2130 hs, and at e tollan at 0 Ms. tomon 24613 Gill lap pnte ded a fund Contenion 1 tan d Compintion Polin 2 Have hll fo deon is hn ntt ad lt lately but the S dys ola Cant find hunc on hits l 43A thip evenied thene a falk on the ds in was pitty shalf but Ihape it in tepited them Cunst Mnotgh his atter Jante o. Ale panten fers. pound and yoll Goln middle got at about 18531 F.O. Whalled ofar Dour at oc is and amnn tt letters Thoughed from dons homfor B Had Pla ft t fim ave fim H 1 B ie g Johns Juneral cnly 18 Drst again Ener d stated frnt fus brow fll sn Asters Weatgons fin ant aes ar thes roming tre to tin appeation onpte alt gunt 42 Dmal Ban Aatel fementine Cawoand Sck Tohn on £45 mnlye Fanteoagd ff con N S days ltly Guny & benng

Sept 18th - News To-day - All of Italy south of Salemo in Anglo. American hands, Elba
taken by the Germans, and the Russians pushing like hell. Put down our first
batch of 'home-brew' To-day, Allen having preceded us by a day with his.
Had a violin lesson from Lieut. Topol - hell of a nice bloke, Jewish.
Sept. 19th - Mass this morning.  Very quiet all day.  Unofficial news to-day is a snorter.
Wrote a letter and a card to Glad, and cards to Mum & Dad (telling of Uncle Luis'
death), and to cousin Luis Pialentini.
Sept. 20th - Quiet again to-day, overcast & raining.  Was paid R.M.36.  Spot of violin
practice.
Sept. 21st - Weather still unpleasant.  Germans announce heavy fighting "north of Sea of Azov",
in middle . Dnieper Sector (Kiev), and N. & W. of Desna (nearing Gomel). Looks
as though something will blow up soon.  Smolensk, too, is the scene of some pretty
fierce stoushing.
Sept. 22nd - Three years ago since I had my last glimpse of Glad & John on Fremantle wharf.
[*1P*] Early Mass & Confession.  Received two tins of Capstan Navy Cut from A.R.C.S. to-day.
Air-raid alarm this evening at 2315 hrs.. We pushed off to bed, & all-clear came at
2350 hrs..
Sept. 23rd - A parcel of two more tins of Tobacco from A.R.C.S.  Germis announce fall of
[*1P*] Poltawa & approach of fighting to Gomel
Sept. 24th - At 1100 hrs. had just borrowed a violin to do a spot of practicing, when Steve told me
I was to pack and push off to Elsterhorst at 1500 hrs.. I thought he was pulling my
leg and that Ahmed and Neale were too but I went with Neale to the Chefarzt who
confirmed it, though he could give no information as to why I was going.  All he could tell me was it
was an order from H.Q.. Anyway, I was all set and on the station at 1445, not particularly pleased
about it, as it meant leaving Goiville & his French.lessons, & Topol & his violin.  The trip to Hoyerswerda
was uneventful, and I was met there by 'Tater' Jones & a N.Z. orderly who pulled the truck & my gear the 5 Kms
to Elsterhorst.  Met Les, Allan, Frank, Russ. G., Frank Kinnear and the rest of the crowd, was shown my room, &
later went with Les to meet the French Officer patients, with one of whom, Cpt. Hugner, I got on especially well. I'm
rooming with Lt. McFarlane (dolmecher-Block Watch) and a French Doc, Capt. Marceau.  This is Ris Laz. 742.
Sept. 25th - Had a further look around, met Jackaway, and some others of the 5th A.G.H., and felt a bit
more at home.  The other British M.Os are Jerry Holt, [[Am?]], a very decent chap, Maj. Wallace
who was at the Con. Camp in Athens, and another Englishman, Capt. Wykes.  There are,
besides, Lt Fairlie (Block Watch- interpreter), Padre Fraser, and a F.A.U Lt Catterall.  Quite a good
bunch.  The French I met, but their names I don't remember.  The French Padre seems a very decent chap.
There was a scratch football match in the afternoon, and a concert for the patients at night.  Frank G., by
the way, has learned to play the accordion, which he does fairly well, and is in the orchestra.  Quite a number
of the 5th AGH people are here on the staff, including Sgt. Smith (Cpl. in Athens) in the theatre.  Met the
old Chefarzt, a Col, and the new one, a Major to-day.  About 2-300 yards from the hospital is a French
Offlag of about 3,500.  Discovered to-day that I had left two Canadian parcels in the train.  Hell!

 

Sept. 26th - Sunday.  Early Mass & Communion, after which I went back to bed and slept for most
of the morning.  The afternoon was taken up mainly by a football match against the
Kommando team from Erika, composed mainly of Englishmen.  They were much too good
for our fellows, anyway, and won by about seven or eight goals to nil.  The concert was put on again
for the visitors and Staff during the afternoon, and there with Les I met a S/Sgt  , taken at
El Alemein, from Horsham, Victoria, and almost a next-door neighbour of Cletus Sherman.  Russell Godby
has told me, amongst other news, that Stevie King has been killed (R.A.A.F.) and that Miss Egan is dead.
Felt upset about both items, especially the latter - she was awfully nice, and a very good friend.  Allan King
gave me some news.  The [[?]] have had and lost two children (contracted polio), Murray Clarke is a plastic surgeon
and Henry Sims had received my letter asking for his copy of Bing.
Sept. 27th - The [[?]] called me for early Mass, but of course I fell asleep again.  Attended the funeral
of one of the patients who had committed suicide a few minutes before I arrived on Friday,
poor devil, the Germans providing a firing party.  In the evening the librarian, Sgt.
and I had a French lesson from Champi, French Orderly & School-master, to whom I was recommended by Goiville.
It promises to be bloody cold here in winter, already I am at the 4 blanket stage and winter has not started.  I
think that it will be a severe one this year, and our barrack has only single windows.  From the point of view of
treatment this place is pretty thorough, everything being done from simple hygienic measures to open and
closed [[thor?plasty]], and its a grand opportunity for anyone with a taste for this specialty.  All the lads who
have been in this part of the country seem to have been very lucky with photos.  They have lots of them taken in captivity,
while we poor Berliners were completely left out in the cold.  Frank has one of me at Adele in underclothes, signing
pay-books under an olive-tree and talking to Sgt. Kinnear.  I must get a copy.
Sept. 28th - The Old Man yanked me out at 0830 this morning to do a few out-patients, and I was able
to put in an hour or two that way.  Saw him do a phrenic crush and the tying of a Saphenous
vein after lunch, watched a football match later, and at Toc H. in the evening listened to a
very interesting lecture by a R.A.F. flying officer.
It appears that most of the men in the area are working in open-cut coal-mines (lignite) and that they
do a hell of a lot of it.  Everyone doing a spot of work preparing cases of interest for their inspection
by a couple of German specialists who are coming to-morrow.  My friend, Capt. Hugner, is to return to
Offlag shortly, and I've arranged for him to send me a French-Spanish grammar.  We spoke for a
half-hour or so in Italian.
Sept. 29th - Mass & Communion this morning, then slept till 0945.  The authorities, following an O.K.W.
order, proposed putting up Katyn propaganda photos in our barrack, but Les won that
argument, too.  This morning, on awakening, I found a letter from Dick.  His back in
England, where he was suspected of Tb and was eventually cleared by a board, and is once more on duty.
He talks of a reunion with Tom, who must be at home too.  His mother is well, and Camilla, as he mentioned
before, is maimed.  The letter was dated 30 June.  Played a game of football this afternoon, pretty much
out of condition, and a wet sandy ground didn't make up for any of my deficiencies as a player.  Had just
finished dinner when Sgt. Kinnear came in and told us that "Chappie" Drysdale had just arrived from Lamsdorf
with three others.  Just the same old chappie - the boys down there are all well, but old Jack Webster has been put
on the list of those to stay behind in case of Repatriation.  That's pretty tough, to say the best of it.
Sept. 30th - Nothing exciting.  Had quite an interesting walk in the afternoon into a village
about 3 miles away, where we had a few hours, then home again.  Gerry Holt was
most interesting in his descriptions to me of his trips to Java and England.  Played
Bridge in the evening with him, Russ, & Allan.
Oct. 1st - Assisted Les to do two ops., one a double direct right hernia, the other a st. indirect l. H.,
[*2*] then saw a few out-patients.  Hell of a flap on, reports emanating from office that lists
were to be prepared together with summary of case-histories of all Repatn cases.  The
place is in a bloody turmoil.  Two letters to-night, one from Glad, April 3rd, and the other from
Mum, 29th April.  Glad's had a very good photo of Dad, Mum, John & Mark, and she told me that David
was sitting on the table helping her write the letter.  He was extremely well, very intelligent, but still not talking
and she was taking Ralph Crisps advice and consulting a voice-therapist.  Everything else O.K., Nell gaining
weight, but still in St John's, Ma-in-law, bless her, still with Glad.  She (Glad) loves me still.  Mum's
letter too, had a snap of her & Dad, very good, gave general news, asked for Zia Rosina, and told me
that Dad was at the Carnival in Perth, Shes on holiday at home.  Played with Kurz (Polish M.O.)
and won against Allan & Russ.  Started my "mo." again this morning.
Oct 2nd - All the Repat. cases whizzing their baggage into the office, Les saw Chefarzt late in a.m.
came back with news that only those for G.Britain, Canada & U.S.A. were to go (on
7th or 8th), others to go later.  Capt. Allan arrived from Konigswartha in afternoon with
50 cases, of whom the Indians, Cypriots, and Palestinians, of course, are out of luck this time.  their
accommodation was a problem that took some solving.  Got a new pair of pants from store, and, in
evening, British Officers accepted a meal from Indian Mohammedans on the eve of commencement of
Rhamadan. of course I got indigestion after it.  Had a long talk with Frank this evening, and he
gave me a lot of the inside story of the upsets, squabbles & vicissitudes of early life at
Königswartha and here.  Got a pair of the new battle-dress trousers.
Oct. 3rd - Confession, Mass, communion.  Spot of indigestion all day following on last night's spread.
[*6*] Maintenance of the bonds of Empire calls for an occasional sacrifice.
This evening I wrote a letter and a card to Glad, a letter to Ines, cards to Mum & Dad,
John Stefanie & Arthur McSweeny.  Paid in R.M.150 through McFarlane, and borrowed Gerry Holt's
copy of Windisch's "The New Photo School".

 

Oct. 4th - Slept in till 1230hrs. - what habits I do have!  Saw Jankovic's cases this afternoon
& listed 17 A.P. refills for to-morrow morning which I am to do with Chon, and gave 154
Neosalvarsan to a case of lung.abscess.
Oct. 5th - Up early for Mass & Communion, then did 14 of Jankevics A.P. refills without
incident.  Prepared in the afternoon a list of recommendations with details of the
services rendered on Corte by Frank G., Max M., S/Sgt. Laurence, Cpl. Chappie Drysdale
and "Pasha" Prestedge.  Had hoped that Les would try to get these out through the Protecting Power
but he thinks hell let it go.  Mum's birthday To-day - 64.
Oct. 6th - Mass & Communion again.  Watched Chon do a "Section de Brides", assisted by
Alan, but did not get much of a look at it.  Checked "Yanker's cases, had my
usual French lesson from Champi (he's very thorough) and played Bridge with
three French officers during the evening.  One of them, who won the local Offlag championship, is
pretty.  Two Swiss, representing the protecting power (capital "P"s, please) came this morning, and
he had them all over the place, and over all questions, and eleven sanitaters arrived from
Königswartha in afternoon to accompany the first batch of repatrie's.
Oct. 7th - Red-letter day.  Four letters and a parcel.  Two letters from Glad (May 21, June 7), one from
[*4-1P*] Ines (May 31) and one from Ma-in-law (May 31st).  Glad's first showed she remembered my
birthday (big thrill) Ines back at work, Nell and Ma gone home and very muchx missed,
and the kids fine.  Glad loves me; no news of Claude A.  Glad's second (written just after her birthday) points
out we're almost tottering to the grave without being together, the kids still think I'm pretty important.  Mentioned
Music again as having taken the practice - David not with speech-therapist yet.  She loves me still.  A snap in each
letter - one of Mark & John, the other of John & another lad (? "Kinga" Beckwith).  Ines back at work after 2/12
leave, and, though an early chest X.Ray was not perfect, she seems fairly well now.  Archie Amour lately
washed in off rocks at Wyadup & drowned.  Mum & Dad well, Rick & Ron too.  They've heard at home I've had a
letter from Zia Rosina.  Mrs B. reports all well, Nell much better - appetite coming back, teaching in Janahwood
to occupy her time.  Glowing reports of the three kids.  Called on Ev at Dwellingup - 6 little Boxshalls.  Peaches &
nectarines doing fine.  Hasn't seen Ted for a year.  Best wishes from all.  Glad's parcel (xx xxx 26 May) was very good
- Pyj 1, Socks 2, Shorts 2, Singlets 2, Shirts 2, Skull-caps 2, Sweater 1, Comb 1, [[?]] & comb 1, Tooth-brush 1, Sh. Soap 1,
Soap 2, Hanks 2, Chocs, P.Ks.  Hope Glad won't mind, but I'll have to use these to replace good, but older stuff
which I shall give to lads who need it.  I lack very little now, thanks to Glad.  Played Bridge with French to-day.
Oct. 8th - Gave my 'heather' sleeveless. sweater (1st Glad knitted me) to Frank G., and got rid of a few other things
too.  Did the Kommando "ambulants" this morning.  Assisted Les do an emergency
appis this evening, turned out to be a mobile [[?]] with 9" appx, sub-peritoneal.
Oct. 9th - Yesterday 30 non.Tb cases came from XVIII A, etc., for Repat, one of whom, a Yank with a fracted
l. femur (infected) landed in Sicily in June - quick work.  I'm keeping an eye on them.
Played football in afternoon & scored a goal.
Oct. 10th - Confession, Mass, Communion.  Rest of the day spent mainly in listening to an open-air
concert by French Stalag Concert. Party (mainly orchestral), to another by the Poles from
Erika in the late afternoon, and by watching a football-match later, and with
Bridge in the evening.  The local Feldwebel, a prime specimen of a sh-t, tried to stop the Poles from
coming, and announced they were not, but Les went to the Chefarzt and they came sure enough.
It was too cold for them, and too late, to play much in the afternoon, but they invited the officers to
the Polish Sanitaters' room in the evening, where they played & sang until 1930 hrs.  They were
excellent, and the spirit of their music and behaviour gave a good pointer as to why the Poles
can never be crushed - and that's not so much bullsh-t.
Received a letter from ^father of Sqd. Ldr Howell (now Wing Commander H., D.F.C., D.3.E.) dated 22 Sept.
Oct 11th - Omit, looked at a couple of cases this morning, attended a funeral in the afternoon, and did some
Italian with F./O. Jowit
Oct. 12th - Did a little work, another Italian lesson in the afternoon, Bridge in the evening, and that's
about all.  Latest news is that the English, Canadian, & Yank Repat. cases leave on Friday,
and that the Mixed Commission mts on Friday (15th) to review the cases not yet passed.
Oct. 13th - Mainly concerned with carrying out investigations on Capt. Elliott, from Colditz, for
presentation to the Commission.  His main complaint is a slowly progressive osteoarthritis
spondylitis with history of a D.V.
Oct. 14th - Completed Elliott's investigations (he was with the Irish Guards, taken at Boulogne).  His Spondis
shows no progress since June, as was to be expected, but his fractitional test meal and
Ba. Meal show definite D.V.. He should be O.K. to-morrow.
Oct. 15th - The Commission, two Swiss and a German began at about 1030 hrs. and Elliott was first in.
The German ran the show, though the Swiss Major was supposed to be President.  To my mind
the hearing was most unsatisfactory at one stage two X.Rays were unconsciously superimposed
on the viewing-screen, nobody else noticed it (no member of the Commission, that is) and when I separated them
no-one took another look.  Elliott had his first attack of tummy-trouble ten years ago, which was taken into
consideration to the exclusion of the fact that he had had no recurrence of symptoms until about 2 yrs. ago.
Anyhow, he was turned down & told that he was for reconsideration at the Commission next visit.  Bad luck,
as he's a genuine case.  Did some Spanish in afternoon with a French officer, and Italian with Jowit.  The
lying cases for Repatriation were taken to the train during the evening & night.  Jowit was passed by the Commission.
Oct. 16th - Slept till midday; with last night's departures some of the shouting and the tumult has died down.  McFarlane,
[*3*] on his return from the train, told me that Capt. Stoker, R.A.M.C., (ex 11a) was on board, of which I am very glad.
If the story that a guard broke a rifle butt over his head at his second repatn-attempt is true, his a logical Tripper this
time, especially as his ex-Norway.  It appears that the sitting cases go to-morrow.  did another lesson of Spanish with Laurens, who told
me of some of the things they do to pass the time at the Offlag - amazing.  Wrote two letters to Glad (+ map), & card to in-laws.

 

Oct. 17th - Mass & Communion this morning, then said good.bye to Doc. Allan, Lt Paddy Butler (Irish Guard)
[*4*] and Fl/Lt Knight, and those amongst the "sitting" sick and M.Orderlies who left for Repatriation,
about 150 in all.  That makes a total in the last two days of 250 in round figures.  Things seem to be
under way at last.  A team from Berghammer Kds. (Br.) beat our lads 4-1 at football in the afternoon, & were pretty
good.  Wrote a letter in the evening to Mum & Dad, and cards to Ines, Zia Celestina, & Luigi Palandin of Piandelagotti
I've made only very guarded mention of Repat. in my letters home in order to raise no false hopes about my chances.
I've no illusions about them myself, and I want no one to be disappointed.  That would be a bit too tough.
Oct. 18th - Did a few Kommando people this morning and then said goodbye to about 70-80 more patients
& Sanitaters who are going home, Aussies, N.Zers, Indians, Cypriots, Egyptians, among them being
Barnett of the unit M.T. with Tb..  I've given him Glad's address, as I did to quite a number of others so
that they should be able to convince her that I'm O.K.. I've told them to say nothing about our chances of Repat., such as they
are, for reasons stated above.  To Percy Baubrook, a Victorian who worked in our Mess, I gave also the address of
Fr. Murphy, Jack Parker, Ed. Prendergas and Tom Daly.  When the people came back from the train to-night I heard
that Archie Ticklie and "Kanga" Adams were on the train & Lon Longmore too, and that most of the unit have gone or
are going.  Good luck to them! but, oh Hell!
Air-raid warning with about 20 mins. lights-out every 2-3 nights, but nothing happens about here.
Oct. 19th - A bit of Kommando work this morning, assisted Les at three opns this afternoon - hernia,
circ., piles.  Spent evening stoning prunes for the brew.
Oct. 20th - Spent the whole day stoning prunes, finished at 1800 hrs. with a bucketful, then put
them on to stew, The barrel's ready, so it won't be long now.  Warning from 2020
until 2220, with bags of explosions to north and west, mainly the latter.  Our kitten
peed on my bed for the third time this evening, but I tricked him by having put on my ground-sheet
first, and rubbing his nose in it afterwards.
Oct. 21st - News that the repat. lads bound for England have already left Sweden in English ships.
The prunes & the raisins are both in the barrel.  All quiet to-night.  Had a very nice little
dinner with Laurens and his room-mate, & played Bridge afterwards with Jowit, Gill, &
Wykes.  Assisted Les to two hernias to-day.
Oct 22nd - Kommandos this morning, a German film with French dialogue in afternoon.  Same four
at Bridge this evening.  Four tins of Golden Syrup & some yeast added to the brew.
Oct. 23rd - Quiet day.  A little of all the languages.  I learned for the first time to-day that
Paddy butler who left with the Repat. lads, and who is a "Last" in the Irish Guards, is an
the Hon. Patrick butler, and son of Lord Dunboyne.  It left me a shade dazed I'll admit,
he's a quiet lad, very friendly and obliging, and even though I'd no clear idea of what a sprig of the
nobility would be like in the flesh, he certainly isn't it.  Jowit gave me a few tips on the application
of wash to-day and we played Bridge this evening.
Oct. 24th - Mass to-day.  Saw a couple of patients Rusty had taken for me, both Poles.  Fix their
histories to-morrow.  Les gave me the job of Registrar of hospital, which, I suppose, need
some work & organisation.  The brew is working well.
Oct. 25th - Put in most of the day on working out charts showing placing of patients in rooms of
various stations.  Rusty G. did what there was of Kommandos.
Oct. 26th - News to-day that repatrie's have reached England and Barcelona.  Still working
[*2*] on charts.  Received three more patients, two of them very sick, English, who were
taken at [[Tobmih?]] & held in Italy.  Assisted Drs do an emergency appendicectomy
and received two letters - one from Ines (16. Apr), and the other from John [[S?]] (28 July).  Ines's was
cheery enough, but apparently she was a bit worried bout her health at the time, poor kid.  Gosh, I hope
she is well.  She sent me a photo of herself, taken on leave, and she looked a bit thin, Her thyroid
seems to have grown a little, but perhaps the lighting shows it up more than usually.  John's was
mainly to let me know that Zia Lucia, just 75, is pretty well again.
Oct. 27th - Worked on the charts all day, or, more exactly, all the afternoon, as I slept in all the
morning.
Oct. 28th - Kommandos & ward.charts.  Rusty & I scored from Gill & Wykes at Bridge to-night
[*2*]
Oct. 29th - Ward. charts (Reverse entries for 28th & 29th.  Letters from Ron & Mr Troy 28th July & 16th Aug Ron has met cousin Tom, now a Major.
Oct. 30th -     "          "        practically finished, with Jowitt's help.  Rusty & I won again.
Oct. 31st - Mass this morning.
Nov. 1st - All Saint's Day - Confession, Mass, Communion, and attended, with French & Poles, a
service at the local cemetry in memory of the hospital's dead.  Took over the
running of the Mess from "Wicks" and had a grand time making an inventory
of the food in stock.  Received R.M.36 - 2nd pay I've accepted since coming here.
Nov. 2 - All Soul's Day.  Nothing much doing.  The barrack is to be "debugged" to-morrow,
[*2P*] as there are a few of the little blighters in a couple of the rooms.  It looks as though
a good time will be had by all, what with shifting everything in the Mess, etc..
Received two tins of tobacco from A.R.C.
Nov. 3rd - Nothing of much importance.  The "woker baracke" was gassed and I lost my pipe.
Nov. 4th - Spent some of the afternoon & all night till 0215 filtering the thickest stuff from
the brew.

 

Nov 5 th - Guy Fawkes Day, but no fireworks. Three new M.O's to come here shortly.

Nov. 6th  - Did instruments & assisted Les do a gangrenous appendix to-night. Frank Gallash was
told that he had been asked for by name by someone not specified at Obermaasfeld and
that he would be going there within a fortnight. He feels bloody about it and we're not
happy either. Padre Fraser gave me a pipe, almost new, and it's pretty good. First snow-flakes this a.m.

Nov. 7th - Confession last night, Mass & Communion this morning. The Laz. had a very good game against
[*14*] Berghammer to-day, and managed a win 2-1. I had a most interesting letter from
Giacomo of 1st July. My letter had taken a long time to reach him. Mum had already told
him I was "in the bag" though could not give him my address, and so he was a long time answering. He had been

from Geneva & Vatican that his family & Nico were O.K. (thought Nico dead). Can't send me parcels because of
next-of-kin rule, hope he doesn't ask for Glad to relinquish rights, he probably will with best of intentions. Turned

down by [[Cunny]] & Mary because of heart-trouble, apparently valvular, which has troubled him recently. Dr of [[?]].

in '29, Ass. Prof. in Latin. American Studies at Uni. of Houston. Working for D.Ph (Summer course at Uni. of Texas)

married a girl of English ancestry in '41. Angelia, fashion-designer & part-owner-manager of a business in [[Diss?]]

Wrote letters to Glad, Mum & Dad, Giacomo & card to Nico.

Nov. 8th - Nothing of much importance to-today. Saw excellent variety-show to-night, mainly French,
Lt Lawrence excellent comedian. Whole company had supper in our Mess afterwards.

Nov. 9th - Received a letter from Mr Troy, dated 12th Oct., says not much he can send me in way of
books from and of Australia - Commonwealth Year Book can't be sent to me in Germany.

Will do what he can.  Received a German book on photography "Das Jahr in Yarben", printed
in German by Michael Neumüller. Excellent colour photographs - R.M.8.60. Two new

officers arrived, N.Z.M.E. Capt and S.A.M.C. Capt, named Clay & Caywood respectively. The first was 

Taken in the clean-up by the Germis of the N.Zers outside Tobruch Nov. 41, the latter at Tobruch
when it fell, and both have been in Italy till lately.  Clay got away in Crete, but, on his way
to Italy, spent some time in his original camp on the island.  Altogether they haven't had the
best of good times.  Helped Les do a laparostomy & curettage of an infected femur-stump.
Nov. 10th - Nothing of any great importance
Nov. 11th - Requiem Mass for the fallen.  Small parade of all officers of all nationalities capable of attending, and
Sanitaters & 2 mins, silence.  Two letters - 1st from Mr Troy (17th Sept) - Fred Connaughton back home
[*2.6*] 2nd from Miss Ida Marks, ARCS, London, telling me she is sending 6-monthly supplies of Penguin Books for
distribution to sick.  Wrote card to her in evening giving her chance, if she wishes, to send to someone else, as Les is to get them too.
Wrote letter to Glad explaining Giacomo's request for next-of-kin rights, cards to boys, to Zia Celestina, Fred Connaughton
& Mr Troy.  [[?]] goes back to Offlag to-day.  Gave him my new photo book for rebonding with leather obtained from Sgt [[Ingram?]]
to be used also for albums for Mc and me.  Note to Hugner.  Assisted Les do double-hermia and circn & played football.
12 Nov - Received letter from Godfathers, 1st May, announcing sending of a parce.  Game of
[*1*] football.
13 Nov - Nothing to report.
14 Nov - Mass & Communion.  Our first Italian Tb patient came in, Sentti has chronic malaria, too,
with a bout of which he was in hospital in Greece when taken by the Germans.  Took
three days to come here, locked alone in a cattle-truck with no blankets & almost
no food, damned cold weather, too.  My new bathe-dress jacket complete with buttons, badges & patches.
15 Nov - Spent a lot of the afternoon sorting out the week's parcels & arranging the menu - not easy.
A Serb-Orthodox priest is with us to-day for a Serb funeral, and is sleeping on a
[*1*] camp-stretcher in our room.  He's to be away at 0400 hrs. in the morning.  P.O. Leaney
(R.N.) gave us a most interesting talk this evening on St Lazaire.  Did a French lesson with Champi.
Happened to look on my bookshelf to-day and found a letter from Mum dated 9 June, which I
had never seen before.  I can't trace the day of it's arrival so must put it down as to-day.  Good,
with interesting general news, report of Archie [[Connor's?]] death, and a few words from Dad saying he
had seen Charlie Cogan at Northam and that he sent me his best wishes.  Seems he may be in the
army.  Mum's letter, like most of those I receive was delayed a month in Melbourne.
16 Nov - Nothing much doing.
17 Nov - Second Italian Tb arrived, pretty sick, too.
18 Nov - Had a letter to-day from Mrs Bill Woodfine, 17th Oct, telling me Bill is O.K.. To-day
12 more Italian Tbs came in, most fairly sick, and two English lads, one of whom,
[*1*] Patch, seems to have been with me at Staakin & Teltow.  According to him most of the
British Ps.O.W. have left IIID.  Long air-raid warning to-night, of two hours - some place to the 
north got quite a pasting.
19 Nov - Spent most of day doing histories of Italians, worked till after midnight getting records
in order.
20 Nov - Nothing unusual
21 Nov - Confession, Mass & Communion.
22 Nov - Still writing up various histories, entail a fair bit of work.  Big raid north to-night.
23 Nov. - Heard that 2,300 tons of bombs were dropped on Berlin last night, 23 of our planes down.

 

Nov. 24th - Spent all the afternoon inducing APs on my Italians, succeeded in 6 out of 9; another short
alarm here.  Glad to be away from Berlin.  Had two letters from home, one from Glad
[*2*] (July 15th - recd by Red+ July 22nd - by GPO Aug 2nd) other from Dick Bird (no date - recd by
Red+ Aug 14th - by GPO Aug 24th).  Glad's was v. good, everything O.K.. The two big lads want one to know
they're helping Mummy with the lawn and the wood, and they insisted on taking my card to them to
the barber when they had their hair cut.  David wandered off and was found in someone's kitchen,
Lord knows how far away, helping make a cake.  What a time Glad must have with them.  Dick's
letter was cheery and more or less general.
Nov. 25th - Nothing doing.  Pretty cold.
Nov. 26th - Had another letter from Glad to-day (Aug 8th - recd by Red+ Aug 19 - by G.P.O. Aug 27th).  All
O.K., David had lost Glad's fountain-pen & not yet talking.  Myrtle Wallace has had another son
(a week before), Eileen Noonan just over a serious illness, Nell well & putting on weight.  Dick Bird
funnily enough, was asking whether his letters are getting through, just 2 days after his first had arrived.  Glad still
loves me.  Heavy raid north and north-west to-night.
Nov. 27th - Nothing much.  Still working on case sheets, etc., pneumo refills & all that.  Berlin, Stuttgart,
& Bremen caught a packet last night.  Playing a little Bridge practically every evening.
Nov. 28th - Had letter to-day from A.I.F. Administration, London, dated 13th Oct. telling me there is
nothing in the rumour that we are to be demobilised as soon as released.  Mass & Communion
[*1*] this morning.  Heard to-night that Fr. Scarborough is at Mühlberg, 173, Caywood told me.
[[?]] heard that Eric Cooper, Maj. Forbery, Tate, & Todd are there.
Nov. 29th - New Italian patient arrived for me, and an English lad named Clarke, both from Konigswartha,
[*8*] and I received copies of snaps (3 exposures - 7 prints) taken just before I left there.  Two I sent
to Glad, one each to Mum & Dad, and Ines, keeping a print of each for safety's sake.  Padre Fraser
leaves to-morrow, so we turned on a show for him to-night - Salmon patties, Canadian [[R?]] & P. de T. a la Lyonnaise,
Pineapple & Custard, Welsh Rarebit, a special cake, biscuits, jam, cheese, chocolate, sweets, coffee, and two bottles
of Kurz special vintage (pretty good, too) ("What! No Soup?").  Grand job, this P.M.C. racket!  What a life!
Some compensation when one sees them really bloated, once in a while.  Wrote three letters to Glad, one to Mum & Dad
one to Ines, and cards to Dick Bird, Ron, and the Capt. Fox, A.I.F. Administration, Australia House, London,
thanking him for his letter.  Another Italian patient
Nov. 30th - Pard. didn't go after all.  Everyone telling him it was a good idea to spread the rumour,
as it worked by getting at least one good meal out of the Mess. President.  Two more Ites.
Dec 1st - Nothing much doing.
Dec. 2nd - Good raid up north to-night, 2 hrs.. Catts & I began distilling.
Dec. 3rd - Life goes on.
Dec. 4th - Lads reported heavy raiding north & east last night between 0300 and 0500 hrs., with sounds
coming through very well.  Afraid I heard nothing.  did a round this morning, and A.P.s
in p.m.. Bridge & distillery at night.  Going well.
Dec. 5th - Mass & Communion.  Got the still going again and had it on all day.  To outside below freezing
for last three or four days, ice permanently on pool.
Dec. 6th - Quiet
Dec 7th - Snowing
Dec. 8th - Still snowing a little, v. cold.  Distilling nicely.  Letters from Glad and Ma-in-law (sent 18 Aug
R+ 2 Sept, G.P.O. 9 Sept; sent 2 Aug; R+ 5 Aug, GPO 16 Aug).
Glad was getting v. few letters from me, everyone well, Myst. Wallace
& Nell Baker have sons, car being ducoed, and she loves me still.
"Mum" says she's worried about me as a letter I wrote on Anzac Day
was dated Aug. 23rd; had card from me, too, first of either since May.
Heard from Mum & Dad, both well.  Nell fairly well and loves her
work.  Ted away now 12/12, he & family well.  He sent a coconut
/c address cut in it & stamps stuck on.  "Dad" younger than ever, &
"Mums" a bit fatter.  Good news all round.
[*2*]
Dec. 9th - Snowed well during night, snow-fights
all over the place to-day.
Dec 10th - Snowing a little.
Dec 11th - Snow has stopped, still has not.
Dec 12th - Mass this morning.  Had a letter from
[*1 2*] Eric Cooper's wife, dated 18 Oct, and
v. cheery.  Promises a party when we get back, and it sounds pretty dangerous.  Wrote letters to Glad
and in-laws.
Dec. 13th - B-y cold last night.  Misty to-day.  Dec. 15th - Florano is my first Italian to die.
Dec 14th - Misty to foggy, not so cold, though ice is still thick on the pool, and the snow is not thawing.
Cards to Mum & Dad and to Ines.  Counted letters last night and found that in [[gefangenschift]]
I have had 101 letters from Australia, all told.  Not so hot for 2½ years!
Dec. 21st - Nothing doing up to the present.  The 16th was David's third birthday, and on that
night we were entertained to a dinner by the Indian patients, and they certainly turn on
the food, quantity & quality.  I lost my first Italian to die on  , and his funeral
was on the  .  A batch of 40 Tbs, nearly all [[+ve?]], arrived from Lamsdorf in the v. early morning
of the  , in charge of Duncan McRae as M.O. (Scots International Rugger) who had to leave again after
midday.  He told me that most of the lads of the unit got away on the Repat. party.

 

Dec. 22nd - A party of 7 more Italians arrived.
Dec. 23rd - Distillation finished.
Dec. 24th - In the evening Sgt. Smith (5th A.G.H.) went around all the wards as Father Christmas,
a short concert afterwards then Midnight Mass & Communion, during which I
thought of Glad watching the kids opening their Christmas stockings.
Dec. 25th - The Doctors, Officers, & Staff served the patients their Christmas dinner in the theatre,
fish hors d'oeuvres, soup, meat.course, X.Mas Pudding, cake, and coffee followed
by an impromptu concert.  Our turn came at night, we had our brew, terrifically
fierce stuff, then were served by the patients the same dinner as they had had followed by a
short impromptu concert - the whole show went extremely well.
Dec. 26th - Sunday, St. Stephen's Day, Boxing Day - Mass & Communion.  An excellent football
match against Erika in the mud & slush, Lazarett won 5-4.  Horse-meeting at
night, organised by Jowitt, and with Kinnear as auctioneer of horses, course
complete with tote, was an absolutely roaring success.  Quite a bit was made for the Red +
Fund, and about 8-9 of the Italians were up there and had a few bets and enjoyed
themselves.  Altogether, the committee which has organised the festivities have made a jolly
good job of it.  Visentin is my second Italian to die.
Dec. 27th - 29th - Continuation of festivities.  Aiudi was my third Italian to die, on 29th.
Dec. 30th - Quiet.  Arts & Crafts Exhibition (Pts. & Staff), excellent.  Some Polish woodwork caught my eye most
Dec. 31st - To-day there were two funerals, an Indian, Ahmed Khan, and Aiudi, to which I
marched a group of Italians, as I did to the other two.  Les always turns up for funerals,
Italian ones as well as the others, and more power to him for it.  One agreeable surprise I've
had is that the authorities bury Italians with full military honours.  With help from Padre Fraser, and
my good work by the French orderlies & Cook, was able to turn on a decent New Year's Eve dinner -
Tomato & Bacon, Sardines on Toast (/c v. good sauce), Consomme', Haggis with potatoes, beans, carrots, and peas
Fruit Pie, raisins, nuts, choc. biscuits & shortbread, apples, cheese, jam, honey, wine (by courtesy of
Capt. Kurz) and a share-out of accumulated chocolate.  So now the boys have had their chocolate
their shortbread and their chocolate-biscuits, and they've already done their best with the Christmas
pudding.  The last of our spirits, v. much better flavoured with peppermint, and odd drinks here and
there, gave the right touch to the evening, which was rounded off by a visit at mid-night to an
Orderlies dinner in our Barrack, presided over by Staff-Sargeant Longmuir (ex Scots Guardsman,
RAMC, 40-odd years young, and a father of eight).  I was able to start the morning by serving a
Mass for Lt Crisier, which he celebrated to consecrate a Host for a dying Pole (he died at 2350 hrs
this morning) and received Communion myself.  Quite a lot of snow fell this evening.
So ends 1943, an eventful year which for me nearly finished at the beginning.  For my part I
cannot grumble - so far as I know, Glad and the boys, Dad, Mum, & Ines, and the in-laws are
all well, my relatives are still alive, though some at least must be having a thin time of it,
and I am well, though middle-aged.  The was in Europe appears to be nearing its conclusion,
thank God, and all I pray for is that peace may come soon, and allow us all to get
back to our families and to do what we can towards putting the pieces together again.
1944
Jan 1st - Slept till after 1100 hrs., up in time to shave, have a quick lunch, and go off
with football team & supporters to Erika in a driving snow-storm.  Unpleasant
trip across, not allowed into camp (lads changed at delonser) and match
abandoned at half-time.  Met Capt. Burns, N.Z.M.C., who has been at quite a few
[[?]].  Seems to be a decent chap, though harassed by the Control-Officer.  The trip
back was better with the wind behind us, and dinner was very welcome.  Played a little
bridge in evening, with "Wickers", Gill, Jowitt, & Mr Wilson, got to bed early, and
remember having an air-raid siren during the night, could not decide whether an alarm
or an all clear.
Jan 2nd - Sunday (Holy Name) Mass & Communion, quiet day during which I did
a certain amount of work.  There was an air-raid during last night.
between 0300 until 0430 hrs.  Most of the night I wrote up case-sheets, and
to-morrow, John's 7th birthday, I must write to Glad, and to the others.
Jan 3rd - John's 7th birthday.  Nothing else of importance
Jan 4th - Quiet, 2nd diph case discovered.
Jan 5th - Quite a sizeable bunch of Italians patients came in 34, including six Italians arrived, some very sick.
Jan 6th - More Italians and others, attended Serb XMass Eve service with Les and some
of the other officers
Jan 7th - Early this morning "Yankers" who is coming back, took away about 38 Serbs
who are being repatriated.  Patients started coming in immediately afterwards
to take the vacant beds.  Our 8th wedding anniversary, filthy weather, wrote a letter to
Glad, attaching photo. Filthy weather, rain & wind

 

Jan 8th - Still shocking weather, 21 French announced as coming.  Impossible to
get them in without putting a few in officers' barrack.  Les not pleased
as it seems that the promised total bed-state of 350 will be exceeded.
During evening wrote second letter to Glad.  Quite a good game of football to-day.
Jan 9th - Expected total of 21 French rose to 27, this morning & I referred Hempel,
who told me of it, to Les, who when I informed me of it, stuck out his chin
& his whiskers and popped out his eyes and prepared to go to market
which he did with the Chefarzt later.  The latter pointed out that he had warned Derden
of the possibility of overstepping the 350 bed mark and could not help present happenings.
Les demanded to see Lt Col Fiedler anyway (Chon, who looks after one of the 2 diphs turned
out to be a clinical one himself this morning, which makes things in general even more
interesting - Confession and Mass at 7.30 in Italian room.  Got up early to start on
the 14 histories I have to get through, turned down trip to Hoyarwerda to pictures for
same reason).  To cap it 28 French arrived at 10.30 with French M.O, who returns
in a.m. to Teschen, VIIIB, which makes our bed-state about 355.  Cards to each
of the boys and letter to Mum & Dad.
Jan 10th - I had to pick to-day of all days to sleep in and was interviewed in
bed at 10 by Chefarzt, who was very cheery about it, and later by Les.
Finally got up at 11.30, all behind with my work!  Finally managed
to allot the 25 French and Chon's and Yankers' cases, then heard that Chefarzt
had discovered that Teschen had sent the French here without consulting Dresden first
and that negative ones not in need of much treatment are to go to Königswartha
& Mühlberg to-morrow.  Cawood told me to-night that Eric Cooper went from
Mühlberg to Colditz before he & Clay came here.
Jan 11th - All quiet
Jan 12th - Anniversary of Mum & dad's wedding I think.  Had three letters to-day from
[*(3)*] Glad, Mum, and Ines (June 21st - June 29th, July 2nd).  Glad's was very cheery, had
just had four from me, wants a photo of me.  Tom & Jeanette Flintoff divorced, [[?]]
Kevin O'Keefe. Tom married again.  Mum says mine are reaching her fairly regularly.
Everything there OK, had heard from Giaconio.  Ines had just had a letter & had been having
cards from me, and had heard from Ron I was getting along well.  Is sending me fags, etc
Off-colour sometimes otherwise not bad.  Mum has trouble with hands occasionally.
10 more Ites arrived which puts us up to the same figure more or less as 10 French went
out.  Lt Col Fiedler came from Stalag & Col had it out with him, everything going well -
promises of better conditions & Hempel going.
Jan 13th - All Italians to go to a special hospital for Ites and I pity them.  Those
who are too sick or under treatment which can't be done there, are to stay.
They hope that they'll be looked after by Germans and not Italians, as they say their
own officers & orderlies feed well at the expense of the patients, who are left to starve.  It may be
true.
Jan 14th - Two Swiss (Protecting Power) were here to-day, main news is that next British
Repat. is expected at end of this month or beginning of next. xx xxxx refused
to have long-term prisoners or prisoner-students sent to neutral countries by
both sides.
Jan 15th - Chefarzt checked Italians - 32 to go, 17 staying.  Bags of work lately
examiniing new patients, and getting X.Rays & case-sheets up to date.
Jan 16th - Still going on case-sheets.  Mass & Communion this morning.
Anniversary of being bombed out of Teltow.
Jan 17th - Got list to-day of Italians going to-morrow, changed several times, but
finally O.Ked.  Had a few words to them all this evening, they were
very grateful for what we've been able to do for them, and understand the
position thoroughly.
Jan 18th - 15 Ites away this morning some good boys amongst them too.  Quiet enough
all day, then late in evening, we suddenly notified that all Ites, Polish
soldiers & Serb soldiers were to go.  Hell of a flap then, checking & rechecking,
Chefartz came along at Les's insistence and examined cases, and, eventually stopped a
few from going, finally list being 31-2, including 15 Ites, 3 Serbs & all the Poles but 3,
one of them mine.  We eventually got to bed at about 03.30 hrs.
Jan 19th - up at 0615 to see convoy off, and then slept till late.  All Ites, 19, now
in my barrack, No3.
Jan 20th - My room fumigated in BkIII this afternoon, and I have almost all the
furniture I want.
Jan 21st - Started moving in.  Les had hell of a show-down with Chefarzt about
failure to send Hempel away, and said he would could not again trust a
German Officer's word.  They parted coldly, and it's not beyond the bounds of
possibility that I may have to take over this joint when Les is thrown into clink.
Beautiful air-raid to the north-west to-night, and a quite a good picture with
English sub-titles this afternoon.

 

Jan. 22nd - Moved in finally this morning, now in Rm 13, Bk 3.  Les's few words
[*4*] with Chefarzt yesterday had sudden results, as, latter told him at Book
that Hempel leaves on 24th, much to everybody's satisfaction of all,
Gefangerers & Goons, with exception of Hempel &, possibly, the Chefarzt.  Gaggle of
Goons descended on us at 0930 hrs this morning & searched our rooms, found
R.M.26 on my table which I had completely forgotten, Told the Gestupo Officer that
had I remembered them he would not have found them.  He grinned and confiscated
the cash, but I got a receipt, stamped.  Had four letters to-day, from Glad, Mum,l
Mr Berry, and Mr Troy (Dates (1) Written 4.7.43, R+ 8.7, GP.O. 20.7 (2) Written 29.7.43,
R+ 4.8, G.P.O. 7.8. (3) 23 Sept. (4) Dec.)  Glad's had a grand photo of John on a rocking
horse (gosh he's grown.) She loves me more than ever, and everything is going well.

Everything is OK with Mum & Dad, she reported Giaconio's letter again, and says old
Mrs Killerby had died at 77.  Mr Berry says his wife is v. ill, and that Father John
is v. well.  Mr Troy announced sending fags for Christmas.
Jan. 23rd - 27th - Generally quiet, settling into my room gradually, getting, getting -
things shipshape made myself a bookcase and a lamp for use in
air-raids, complete with glass chimney - not bad what one can do with
empty food-tins.  Two of my Italians, Gariboldi and Olagnaini, latter from near Piandelagotti
died during night of 26-27, and Hempel has gone.  Chon is up and about though not yet back
at work, and it needs only the arrival of Cochrane to make our crew complete.  Two lists have been
prepared, the first of 10 orderlies who have worked with Tb for over 9/12 to be transferred elsewhere,
the other a complete list of orderlies British protected personnel (exclusive of officers) in order of priority for
Repatriation.  Les asked that the transfer be not effected until after Repatriation had taken place, to
avoid the possibility of those on the list missing a chance of getting home, but it looks as though his
request will not be granted as their kits have to be in on 29th for examination before their transfer.
Hempel finally left us on  , and the tone of the place seems generally rather more contented.
Latest rumours are that Repatriation takes place in March.
Jan. 28th - Big day, received six letters, 2 from Glad ((1) Sept. 30, Oct. 2, Oct. 11 (2) Oct 4, GPO Perth 5 Nov
[*(6)*] (3) Oct. 12, Oct 25, Nov 5), 1 from Mrs. Boxshall (Sept 27, Sept 30, ?), 1 from Fred Connaughton
(Aug 25, Sept 8, Sept 16), and 1 from Mrs Troy (Nov. 22).  Glad's letters were right out of the
box, really good, and mine had been getting through v. well.  Her main points of news were very interesting
It seems that Dad has been having a legal case against Phil Ryan, which did not seem to be going too well,
Glad sent a parcel in mid-Sept, containing shoes, etc., kids well and David beginning to talk.  Has hopes
of my Repat - blast! just the think I hoped would not happen  I know my chances, and it would be horrible
for her to be disappointed.  2nd [[B?]] took a couple of John's milk-teeth out (he was v. good, both of
them) and did a couple of fillings for Mark.  Neil Croming (Major) lives two doors away, and sends his
regards, Else had her first card from Jack (tickled pink) written 15 months before, [[?]] is through that
Claude A. is O.K., and the Conders are having another baby - Jean a bit worried about her slim figure.
Everythink is O.K. in [[Junahwood]].  Nell still thin, but coming on, had Aug. holidays in Perth & sent
John remembers me as much as anything by the P.Ks I threw him from the boat as
we were leaving Reg W, it seems has not been well, and may return to practice which
Pop Webster left in a mess.  Julie still in Adelaide
Glad & the nips, all well.  Eve & six nips had just left after a visit, what a handful!
Ted has a good job in the army, and the peaches & nectarines are in bloom.  Oh boy!
Fred's was a good letter & full of meat.  Mine took a month to get to England, & then
chased him for 9/12 all the way back home.  He got his FRCS, was through the blitzes, was in
the A.I.F. in Africa and saw service with Jimmy Peters & Skipperd, the former a "big noise", &

the latter bad with scabies when he got back, but recovered, doing a good job & v. popular which
I can easily believe.  Eventually got home 2 weeks leave, but didn't see Glad, though he had
Poker with O'Hallorans, Cowdens, & clergy.  Mary in army nursing, Paddy in RAAF, Kath & Bill
in old jobs.  Father & mother O.K., Ben in army & has a fine son.  Went East, saw Spike,
full of Catholic Action & farming  Gal a big legal light, Frank Hayden, 'Weary' Donoghue & Tony Kelly
digging in in Collins St, Ted Pipendy working hard, with a growing family, Frank P. super at
Claremont, but no news of Charlie Murphy in Heff..  His now in same crowd as John Hayden &
Jack Watson who sends his regards.
Mrs Troys letter had interesting news - Paddy C. is in England, Fred in N. Guinea, &
Max Crightmon in England in charge of Kodak House.  Richard Wheeler had been v. ill, and
Rig stayed home for a while, but she thinks he may have gone north, and Tommy Meagher is
with 2nd Mayor of Perth - I'll bet his the simple unspoilt boy!  She was awfully good in
offering to have a letter to Glad typed & sent airgraph home - taking about 18 days.
Les's birthday to-day.  Played football for Australia against France, lost 4-2, and stopped
the ball twice with my eye
Jan 29th - Rus Godby stayed talking to me till 0300 hrs. - result I got up at 1100 hrs.
Funeral of my two Ites in afternoon.  Kurzy had a look at my left eye this evening
nothing serious, but he put cocaine in it, and I feel lost with a bandage over it.
Fall to-day, but the winter so far has been no more severe than an average one at home.
Rex gave me a series of photos of Greece & Crete, v. interesting.  Heard that
Fr. Scarborough is a Colditz, and Cpl. Alan Smith, 2/1 Fd. Amb, visited us from Schmokan
He was my orderly at Staakin, and was with me at Teltow.  Great admirer of Stanway!!
Jan. 30th - Quiet  Jan. 31st - Nothing unusual.  Wrote a letter to Glad to-night.
Feb 1st - Down at the office to-day I was told an Italian M.O. had arrived & went in to
meet him, a Lt named Andreassi of Cosenza, Calabria, otomatologist with
a second specialty of E.N.T.. No-one seems to have any idea why his come.  Speaks
some French & a few words of English & German.  Funny little chap aged 41, but looks

 

35.  A bunch of 7 french orderlies came from Stalag in the evening, and took on
duty as prompter for first time this evening - Catts is producing "Jonney's End".
Feb 2nd - Had a look at an X.Ray of my chest to-day, seems a bit clouded in rt.
lower field, but I've never had pleurisy, so I guess it's nothing.  Got sudden
warning at night that Cochrane [[?]] on his way up from station and
made hurried preparations to accomodate him, but instead a S. African "lost"

named Beamish arrived, from Hermansfeld, with news from Frank Gallesh, and various
of early Repat.
Feb 3rd - All quiet  Wrote a letter to Glad
Feb 4th - The Chefarzt came around to-day with a new Oberarzt and saw all the cases
in Bk 3.  Suggested A.Ps. on a number of my cases, with which I agreed
(privately) but which Alan had advised me against.
Feb 5th - Taonmina died quietly this morning.  4-5 new British orderlies arrived.  Snow fell.
Feb 6th - More snow.  Mass this morning, and "Aladdin" was put on by some lads from
, and considering it is a Kommando of only about 50 men, they
did extremely well.  Wrote a letter to Glad.
Feb 7th - More snow but not much.  Lt Postel gave me the book-stand he made
not bad, either.  6 Italian orderlies arrived, one a Sgt, one a Corp
Feb 8th - Ite Sgt & Sold allotted to this Bk., former with 18 yrs service civvie & military,
latter with 8 year's service.  Taonmina buried.  Parcel of 2 tins of
Player's Mixture arrived from A.R.C.S..
Feb. 9th - Conditions become a little difficult in the Mess due to the presence of the Italian M.O.
For a long-time I've had a half-baked idea that the Italian upper-, officer-, and
professional- classes live in quite a different world to that occupied by the masses, and our friend Andreassi
tends to confirm this idea.  He takes everything for granted, and regards any kindness done him in
such a detached manner and more or less as what is due him, and takes so poorly the lack of anything
he wants, that I'm afraid he won't do.  He's not vicious by any means, and his certainly no fool, but his
outlook is so different to ours, and he shows such an inability to adapt himself to his present condition
that I find it very hard even to begin appreciating his point of view.  The six Italian orderlies on the other
hand, have taken to the place like ducks to water, they are very popular by their willingness and
their ability to work, and the lads are taking them very much under their collective wing.
Bags of Snow.
Feb. 10th - Still snowing.  10 orderlies - 5 Aussies, 4 Scots, and 1 English are to leave to-morrow for
Stalag.  This is the first move in the regular replacement of orderlies who have worked
with Tb for 9/12.
Feb. 11th - Still snowing  Friend Andreassi is successfully getting on everybody's nerves, whether he
knows it or not.  He definitely doesn't want to look after his compatriot Tbs, is
not interested, claims his incompetent at it, and wants to do one or both of his specialties, and is
sending a note covering these points to the Chefarzt.  Something must soon be done.
The departing orderlies had two false starts, one 1100 hrs, and one at 2130 hrs., and are
now due to leave at 0330 hrs. to-morrow.
Feb 12th - Still bags of snow, must be over a foot of it on the ground now.  Confession
Feb 13th - Mass & Communion.  Golin is pretty ill.  Have had to decompress his right side
a bit lately but he gets bad attacks of dyspnoea.  Can't find much in his left
lung.  Gave a talk on the S.W. to lads in Rm 4 Bk 4 this evening - was probably
pretty scrappy, but I hope it interested them a bit.
Feb 14th - Quiet enough.  Pictures this afternoon, Marika Rokk in "Alls, Jarmine", French
sound, and jolly good.  Golin died suddenly in the middle of it at about
1555 hrs.  P.O. Whalley spun yarns about the Navy for best part of an hour at Toc H.
to-night, and it was very interesting and amusing.
Feb. 15th - 4 letters.  2 from Glad, 1 from Ines, 1 from Ron.
Had Ice TAB.
[*Cawood ill, ? bad flu
? Ph Fever. Gave him
my room where he could be
quiet*]
Feb 16th & 17th - Still snowing.  Golins funeral on 17th
Feb 18th- Quiet again.  Prepared fruit for brew.  Blood, ?pus, in emission.  Started brew
Feb 19th - Still snowing, went for a walk with "Wickers" in afternoon, the weather was
good.  Added yeast to brew
Feb 20th - Mass this morning.  Ferrara died soon after eleven.  Fine to-day, sunshine
Feb 21st - All quiet.  Sprinkle of snow.  Brew started fermenting
Feb 22nd - Cawood back to his own room, I into mine.  Yanks and RAF carrying out v. heavy
day & night raids lately over Germany & occupied Europe.

 















 
















 

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