Diaries and documents of John Dominic Palandri - Part 7

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

Page 1 / 10

April 21 Had a peu quver docams last night, excapes from this and that ad never a mie making it and was awakened at about Ca.m. by the orderly who told me that. Patey, A From I had dind. O he was a miliany th who had become much worse in the last two days, poor divil - Frendiman who should have bum reprthted some time ago. Ole anantetic this moring and then paid goodlye to a few of my Kursians Who were going out Steths the OGuleml actually enid bupe he lt. ike a nish of Casis ill aboutour o'dock then. Jame of bowls, and before and after tex and affet wste lten to Had and Labus Bi Kelly in V.3. A and cards to Ophn, Honk, and Dairk. had ausher iaistetie late 10. night, acute aldo. Stated dope just on midnight, did t. submit. promuedian, pus &, fould & removed nomeal appendix then Hosy did upper N mirion o overwsed pubated duodedel. Bed at about 22.4 "He reaction If suguons while Speratin. o might mm to tas somethim like on to this, loke a good chapt and inthex lreak shanked of ray for I somthing with a fferie lranconp? April 22 One sob this morning quick look wound them dorsed down till lunchor) VDitto atterwards fill after. noon tea, and so pased the greated pout of y i peasemly 30t of Cas akenards, bridgs in evening Alle, folen, and Fintlead, and anded up pldying Crapetle with Folut until close on 2
ApriI 23 10 day is the annversing of our pulling out of the Brallos Purs- Time oer In two annisteties this morning, and iner is as terrifically Sprng-smitten hath Ii apaid that sis canfll, Iile mfe in deligs fuly ost dy fate. Cuscked around again, Blonde, hunch t, looks bad, as does the R Henan captain. Asated my pet Ruaske in afkima and dre of W570u of ut be a beord - this worked up to it to gratentle that he didn’t hum a hawr letter Es day from Lingi Palandir, son of Tia Clementina Po Piandeldsoti. Rubuer qpast work, as I wrote to C on Habch 8th Thene very well, and he kills me tat Fr of his losteshad I rebled in Walian E. Apria, one, Ouids, who was there without faiily is now in Bombay, the other, Amadis, with lamly, was will Trording to his last letter in 41. Du Ffamily is cntainly seig the world ueder mural unistences. I OBridge hiis wining with Wlhire, B Aata, and Fimbuad, from the latter whom e heard that he the eads ane sill at Busslag, and, it saes Fruch also. Cis. Eduns bithday Apri1 24 One dope, a look at Blonde, who's sinking and a comple of Wistones filled in the morning; and a give siff walk wih tody of abouet 3 6 mitts fived upt a Kinoon. Ano hr awnishetic before diner, and another before midwight were rabut an municl orcumence Folet gave us vnews that he five ex escapies may come back here - asked for by Stlag a velid by chuirdot on the grounds that it would be lad for Hould. ews o Sposible awhuntinty regarding p loxes in adnondmnl bables, and I mhs of Prulphary landings nt Bonlsgne a Brest. Ond the Cusnal hom or two discursio on te pospes of the was. Dysmerons lept. Co day to go to Ballyg. idly 1 Tedesday betore prshd y is andmd of my en wh rer puty soth of Brllos he k down tojon h t of he nn ould to near o their adventured) abrdoning of muit and puonal gear, and the night ide Po Hegara. Kingsley Bichwit's Crithday Air id alarm in early monting, I course I dd not her the cir. No bols Fr Ka Sidtobe only one Bitish place which came & swent. hs n Imon, so pantly something is or nd be, in the our,
Aprif 25 Anrae Daw! Oue year ado we ppent bust put of Ith. lying low in the growslat tegar, Kaping on of right, and punalle gitting laday at wight plus nores I omselves in the Wrde Iwich had furn us auch a oic & chuny plwell from Clekk a lith over a forthah pranaly. An anaisteic, duning which we finshed the last of he chls and stnted lack on ether again. to most chls, in Jennany ? or aimply none to sae for Exenguen wuth our warks, doped in sur, volleye ly in atternoon and bridge at night Sunday AO 26 cumversang of our anival in Crote? Entenon, fer, comnin wars. Lunt slip and howls. Vanious mios- one I am escape o) a high Lush General Grank, from a sudlon of 153 of Run And of a snd of 0 marks for his Captd, other o Lending in Span and Aminian i France, wil Ha, Vif something docent crack soon, half or as potty – procels ae going it, only invalid ohbitons and, a monatinous lete The mablilis ts sitle plover to any desent stirdy maiked had ever and an indelmte perisd of statching away into the putie, nt know how hies with he at the end of it inter, wost of all, no inflications, of how things bare at home. What a bugger it all is.I Even some not of intensting oumparin would be a help. Whem he sndy of Yours Batients are open Bs for whom no ting at be done, and whose propertan nothen it only helps to make the preailing dipeman so mund got lak to ffod and wse. I Good, iIf I could n to with stont. the ids Hill, Iamn Hleven more years ano Vin more months at lead the draher is good
ApPiI 27 Complete Eugh Odo- Eter anxistitic to day and it went rely smly - none of the mcertain dept), sudden andoed ncation, coushing, med Oex heat was common with Chlo, and amh sulbode potir induction. I Monder I was beganning to like Chls but I amess ill mut growl at etter addm Ho thing mude doing for he not o te day. Wlshi and Charlto one ou atimeas loh got pacls to. day and Chadkn enve be a stick of savidg &son, while Willins will le quite handy in hulfting alone to viors. telnn st on sent nown for Clankes Co. day Wishon for hi amatioat Habllens Wold me Vo day hat. He large in the office not the atamonns Wanla had a ns homen fom a munst ast po les cop 510O During the op his moning, Urula walked pland o lit of lack cha (t iiter in Guan Thereupon Vould bleked, gned a lible, a hick, Couldnt 1op Iister lanshi, aftenards - appears that sid cirigled her p and then sadnl had haemenhoids and should have thim done. fmere. April 28 Back on to Culo- again – the dispusing has approandly dug up some more. W, M E.C.B. Iam A Wesi and I had our bet welk yet his tm aeman. A ption Cook us by I ground on a ds hour si to Gunllde, wrince I wilked to be lake si and stoped at the "Alle Lishohute"for a hea dilichob litle open. an cale right on he waters edge. must ld larly in a peacee sing of e, walled hem for an hour through he wods and around he visions lakes and hem hole by anoher line. srs all grand + Amied back to Ofind that Brolis ofo had been whiched of ar a moments rotice Co Stalas, Lord only knowd why allegedly drpped bn he Lolmcder of Adner, hope no himg hapfens to him, definitely segal if ir dais on pur history as as a member ofhe fordes. spent a quartle If alow Batchins one of my Frank ts due, Caillderd. the llonde promises to bring Gromi Ffoi to rmand
ApPII 29 Two anxistetics. Olan made ip punc o blanlet a greatisat for lads and had him haded to Remis th leamed from Lench o.3. from Reridod that he left this moning for ukenown distination Wow can I net that great but back again n the last few days tha las been a Cot a counte. bonbing W) Lublick, Bath, Exser, R. Stock and forwide. Bensler Eainens his war, port hime divs auto matcest, guib do. Chyared seh 1/. Is room for allead latr from Vndelep Gor Fomsn Fon Coda. to sdice of Cold losks sitch yeder nglun ApPII 30 One amnistilic this moning, came back to rom to hin a letter from Ghad, Iwith a map and full news. The rnas (was grand, the id Vaken you A Bussilton back gadden with them a Dad and looking grant, the pr two have drwn ar lor, and Danitt Ollds like a litle aid blus him, tough? anees its an efect of the snef. Aad is ricdded to sits with hm - he has eolden Duls. Thi's having a pioto taken with him and hopes to send me a cop Bill C. is in the anny, and he dad poan have a daughter of which Jaf is nmensils pround, and whom nd protensts be ialous. nger gon David hs rell hair, and I Iam is loked paps wihe tw tails Bu Jnston and wife expect an ur, and Bitl Row collapsed and Ded Lt Cemes comn occlusion. Had had no mand at time of writing O - Winken Jan. 2 Ast called all Bits M.D. Vs him a Ma, toldnt am was piled pr substage - helping puls to ples illumes Colstay in, sand gand in a laf wrow Bid Coight oWeding, Tembread & Ballaka.
May To anaistitues his morning, here nost of monning and Baut of afteroon strut in comlting a detiled of he this. Rinnohos that som b hend threx to be exaliated a not before tim, sither. Bridge in evening with Pade, Golnt, a tenhad. Lunay Ine were don a lit, when he opponition ballekh up the bidding somewhat and, vnlherable lost 200 m the hand. Fowtually got to bad at 12.20. Sata He Sn el May wo anashuhies this morning - an app and on F.B. in Reg. Latter was a young Kuedman who had hew out since ril 9 slkered ly n , and was resquiaed by a stalds guard who whi he bibed but him tres e in Olel with so .22 or. 25 antomatic. the one teat ost removed intened pie of h. Noot and tnvilled ws mallious- apanlg raught hom bolunidl while it was litel in ralung Yan a Comamion this moning; and a Jemes ere alibating say dry by whole Iholiday to. By stent most of Our Pine a deprn, & lods? Bidge again in euming with dine, Bd a Tintead
Sunday Mayb 3 ladoe did not call me for early yars, so went to that at 10.20 instead, and he medested them that he would like to ru me make a prautlce of I to give example to any Brilish Caholics. Good id 3 have hought of At myself. Asoluttily boning a deprssing day. much down in aint don't uo h through reading Eir Kiith urdoch's aont in campt oour balls-p of 1o/alaya ing apore die a pling anssicim that dit wns pritty wiell boked ap by the Kines before hing rete in Camp A3 wd. pape) Abnt. I thitth 100. That there: is a considerable element of truth about it Even he weater was against is to day), as for the last few day, oesoes? treatering a cold, not cnduerve th bowlst or volley bott, in jact, cold enough to keep wensone ins lod and Megnewn to deliner tonnight, Callked on vill 1, about the war & eveuything, and vere condudch as usual that it will le Engish plicy to let the Enskeen show continue bill endof x year. John L Hpank will be using my rago wh Preture to Glad & tem. Camp for what its work, printed reports of new taxation a inerlncting on luxunses, piod, Delohing in England - sum to be waking up at last to jast that wers on May Some after awaking we were told tat a idish comminsin Iwas to visit us to day, 20 put in my last bit and ae i boots instead of sliphs, and went Talons t tt give he sgh aash & sust as we Ded he OCommisson, one dear old lady and about a dozen yung oficers, including Ober who made hm as Conineus as usuall] We were introluced - said his or iners who was done was, i t Turnaus in the last sow and away thi tole Stations x and it were left on od Vonder why? fert of tay dind dull and srnt bed. 4o much differet in evening. thought of somone clse Io write ts, cohld drop a lied to Fill overent acd wive approrching Clutan chest K. Jays W ldmr are ae een to have thr chssdone for orar ersons, and Im wondering whether & might be wnd shile enquiring re podalita of Sift 1s Wally bicause o lad back in witter and Msowledge or to a sol amongst Walian wokers per the Rrdish notor of his moning apperently did alo of vry good woth amongs Pean pr in s pps i Handalay oning me last war.
May Did most of my round behad huatre, and hinshed it after the se anxistheted. Intensensed the Delant about the X. Tays and the transter to Wall He s he will aothe hibinge screemings miti photos he chiss of all Imedicl kinsonnel here Enclish and tpch, as as possible, and tat this willl pobably be done in two batches. On the quistion tanspod he told me that I course no decision be qui here but tat it I would write out onr application, he would fomard it to his superiors. Chupars in his dealing with us has always been very fai, and I tink tat his meply in this Pace. is as much as I could pasilly hadd expected fom him. Some men migh no have been so synghe his afternoon the fou ofus had a very fensant onting to wnnary, Where, t affrars the Cha station of oe last Lymfric James wishild - to certain oohn point I oveld attractive, and aftennoon franks wih that Plast Tuesday for plasure - grand to see woods and lakes Sloating Clubs and (the good. dois houses which have been lmilt here, poor ay of describing it all, and a ih to be away pad the strats of the city where evee is even o mild degre vinqui ten. May Appel as usual, one dope, had a look anud the wards then Habsez? did and taking in my tho. Hitan Indian Major in Homl's eye-clie Isoon Saprineds and had him dup for a cup of ea, nice old birk. Simedlast was as a Eq. d Bhn in He, rer of time in Sun a Phluti. ame of San Sis Fm. Was Faklen no hylsa last yeas wist of Wollach, when his cosh with tefles , no astille or plakes, fced Junes, and strck it out for 3days witt lood or ninns. Whas a brokers prisonns - ho clesld, one det h on ofier. Wioe my application for transter to Haley, (ook it to Cne for Fransat on a Crausn ssin through Adart to the ahollkis, later wrote lettersto glad Home, Wle and Linss Palantin Piandlagt) & calds to dus, Broashalls, and Ts Ben& Hs. Joston. Raget hidge an night with badse, I lent, & tindersd Eonfersion afterards & bed at 1.30 – bad kalsts. Phitis han ocmupid Vndagencar, which much to my imprise, is actually Hanged Ma Frnme. Brtis a Yentle hoths have wrstallsh Jaks.
May Yana Communion, purt if round one done, and fiished mounh with Nalsant. He Idecided to kind out Helger Charltom, but as ids had been promised to us as permatient batman by Chesar, De got in fist, Corw the latter, and did out best to fixiup. Walse who homifid to hind hoe convedsing realetin he 1Diph. wad C wer though it who explained to him that there was no won for them aulahee else I. Luckely he had to leave iust then, ohe would Opsidally have had a fithe mext tt patients were cases of Vumps? I L. Redmond calld in hou his Commands 1to e4 no to hay s had lhuch with us, and the bunch repatres lett at 12a Had for their sakes - 14 from Gus 122, Hoald havd bee mor I hebe hom glad to day, dated teb. 10th, with sap John is Baik on Bussilt beach, they look tire. John Was going brack to school next day, I/ al wilh the goone a little ated, and Drvid is walknt Yo had bhth the kids bade and stouh o few Mays, Mis was dont & so the house was quite Hill, what with the new maid. Harel may be connnd back later. Frank Wallace has an O. B. 3, and Balph Honner & Gible Hanland have pometing Tos Had did no say for what henices - good luck to them fill was with Gad Os banill, is very thin t no diagnous made I not well by any mas. Go I do lioke the Kid's O.K. Gead missed me like the dophins, imth it grand! Wish I could put it right. Two who henche does, have some from Phukenwald, exhange with Vialle th Sandebeg, nee chaps. Vuos of Jurnian women & hid prisoners there. May Long Cold lads at momning appel that all tentish medical Ope were to go ond chirt K. Rays to day which they sid this monng, Icptill borg me, u ws wee e theat. Cone back fo e vs hid aue letter from Rad, written on Jan V12 which, I think, is amn in Dnd's willding. Hor much news excep that weede Orsds will, and hat dod had been to Explanate for e poker with Eilun Faman, him a per fartin, H. Bman and a Ro. Wallker – lost he anm as nsual kids were fe, and, us I had guiessed by the size and shape of the Osneps Eve reauived she had Crss Voshander witht. Very litle to say for nest of day, except that, in spte O all, h Cupar had contmnich Vedgers inpunding discherge, and that will hoe to pind she pin batmen fom amount the Endish Sanitalurs Bods in aftenool and lullge in evening wit Witshire, Ballata, & Limbuad Bis naval battle reported of caast of Qunsland, in Aral Eda, between Angls. Amuiche and Jap fleets, in which Japs claim their nsual Fremindons poty Mrt dopes this monning
May 9 One anaistutic then hranded over a number d cases to Dr. Callon. Haval bable a yesterday will i proguent pps 20 far clai hwo Wank plsnd cannon and one ls and one English ofwrsie clars – I comss theris mopten up wintid and Austplia is donned st of day very quiet, bnds in aftemon and bridge a nifht with Shenclikd Pada, and Dr. Lanchon is petty good. Rnan proclaiation that all frinds a Belsian P.O.H mant wrk fir pctoris for the good of the New Dude, which can be allrused of ould by a Gundan withr Genaltis dhis a da for non mpliaee. Sudan MaYS 10 Comminion a two Masser to day, not be rasion of any outstanding vitue, but becence & Indminted Obreck at before 1.3, and am a bot self consios about. Comunion at a late 1/250. Sum a volley. bath in Apmoon damned good sines s then Sacted as Meac maker in a dustn eur one of our batmen yand a French paintater one prsidence at Whe casinng. Copped into the pat, lat bae indolved m onr argument wih 28 oer the miquities of the fenthts in their 3/34r. mudingin Weir intanss expiciallyin te Churdh in gehoul. I Encland and lelt kinly my lack knil to hold our endn of knowledge of Amoch iston. Padee wi to leter and I inercased my rept for him (o lst lans he showed the extent of hid notmotton on the vanous poinds under discussion, and proved himself no bigst, but a man of considerable commn-sture, About the fouth or lifh night in nicernien on which e been s bed after 1am – disgraceful. Anyone would think me will at home

[*5*]
April  
21
Had a few queer dreams last night, escapes from this
and that and never quite making it, and was
awakened at about 6 a.m. by the orderly who told
me that Patey, of Room T, had died. He was a
miliary Tb who had become much worse in the last
two days, poor devil - Frenchman who should have
been repatriated some time ago.
One anaesthetic this morning and then said
goodbye to a few of my Russians who were going out.
Vatrekus, the "General", actually cried before he left.
Quite a rush of cases till about four o'clock then.
Game of bowls, and before and after tea and Appel
wrote letters to Glad and Father Bill Kelly in U.S.A.,
and cards to John, Mark, and David.
Had another anaesthetic late to.night, acute
abdo.. Started dope just on midnight. Elbaz did it.
subcut. paramedian, pus+, found & removed
normal appendix, then Fosy did upper t. incision
& oversewed perforated duodenal. Bed at about 2 a.m..
Re reaction of surgeons while operating - Fosy
to.night murmured to Elbaz something like - "Hang
on to this, like a good chap" and in the next
breath thanked Murray for something with "Merci
beaucoup".

April
22
One job this morning, quick look around, then
dossed down till lunch. Ditto afterwards till afternoon 
tea, and so passed the greater part of the day
quite pleasantly.
Spot of bowls afterwards, bridge in evening with
Abbē, Robert, and Fernhead, and ended up playing
"Crapette" with Robert until close on 2 a.m..

 

[*1*]
ApriI
23
To.day is the anniversary of our pulling out of
the Brallos Pass - Time Marches On!
Two anaesthetics this morning, and Sister is
so terrifically Spring-smitten that I'm afraid that,
if she's careful, she'll suffer a delightfully sticky
fate.
Checked around again, Blondé, French Tb, looks
bad, as does the Tb Russian captain. Aspirated
my pet Russki in afternoon and drew off 1570ccs!
Must be a record - he's worked up to it so gradually
that he didn’t turn a hair.
Letter to.day from Luigi Palandri, son of
Zia Clementina of Piandelagotti. Rather quick
work, as I wrote to them on March 8th. They're very
well, and he tells me that two of his brothers had
settled in Italian E. Africa, one, Guido, who was
there without family, is now in Bombay, the
other, Amadio, with family, was well according
to his last letter in '41. Our family is certainly
seeing the world under unusual circumstances. 
Bridge this evening with Wiltshire, Ballata, and
Fernhead, from the latter of whom we heard that the
three lads are still at Biersdorf, and, it seems, the two
French also.
Cec. Cohen's birthday.

Apri1
24
One dope, a look at Blondé, who's sinking, and a
couple of histories filled in the morning, and a give
stiff walk with Fosy of about 5-6 miles fixed up the
afternoon.
Another anaesthetic before dinner, and another
before midnight were rather an unusual occurrence.
Robert gave us news that the five ex-escapees may come
back here - asked for by Stalag & vetoed by Chefarzt
on the grounds that it would be bad for morale.
News of possible authenticity regarding Jap losses in
various naval battles, and news of temporary
landings at Boulogne & Brest. And the usual
hour or two's discussion on the prospects of the war.
Fitzsimmons left to.day to go to Stalag, possibly till
Wednesday before pushing off. 
To.day is anniversary of my few hours with the
rear.party South of Brallos, the trek down to join the
rest of the unit and to hear of their adventures, the
abandoning of unit and personal gear, and the 
night.ride to Megara.
Kingsley Beckwith's birthday.
Air.raid alarm in early morning, of course I did 
not hear the siren. No bombs or flack, said to be
only one British plane which came & went. First night
of moon, so possibly something is, or will be, in the air. 

 

April
25
Anzac Day!
One year ago we spent best part of 24 hrs.
lying low in the groves of Megara, keeping it out
of sight, and finally getting away at night plus
nurses, ourselves in the Hardy which had given us
such a prophetic & cheery farewell from Alex a little
over a fortnight previously.
An anaesthetic, during which we finished the
last of the chlo. and started back on ether again.
No more chlo. in Germany? or simply none to spare
for Gefangeners??
Check-over wards, dozed in sun, volley.ball
in afternoon and bridge at night. 
 

Sunday
April
26
Anniversary of our arrival in Crete!
Confession, Mass, Communion. Wards. Lunch,  sleep
in sun and bowls.
Various rumours - one of an escape of a high French
General, Giraud, from a Schloss of 150 of them, and of a
reward of 100,000 marks for his capture, others of English
landings in Spain and American in France. 
Hell, if something doesn't crack soon, half of us will
go potty – parcels are going off, only invalid comfort ones
now, a monotonous life, the inability to settle down
to any decent study more marked than ever, and an
indefinite period of it stretching away into the future.
Cannot know how things will be at the end of it,
either. Worst of all, no indications of how things are
at home. What a bugger it all is!! Even some sort 
of interesting occupation would be a help. When the
majority of one's patients are open TBs for whom
nothing can be done, and whose prospects are rotten,
it only helps to make the prevailing depression so much
worse. Gosh, if I could only get back to Glad and
the kids!! Still, I guess we'll have to stick it out.
"Eleven more years and ten more months - ."
At least the weather is good. 

 

ApriI
27
Complete Ethyl Chlo-Ether anaesthetic to.day and
it went very smoothly - none of the uncertain depth,
sudden arrested respiration, coughing, need for O2 etc.,
that was common with Chlo, and a much smoother, faster
induction. I thought I was beginning to like Chlo.
but I guess I'll never growl at ether again.
Nothing much doing for the rest of the day. Wiltshire
and Charlton, one of our batmen, both got parcels to.day, 
and Charlton gave me a stick of shaving-soap, while
Wiltshire's will be quite handy in helping along the 
rations.
Hetherington sent memo for blankets to.day and 
Weston for his greatcoat.
Martalanz told me to.day that the large blonde
in the office, not the glamorous Ursula, has a
copy of "I Promessi Sposi" - must ask for a loan of 
it.
During the op this morning, Ursula walked in,
followed a bit of back.chat with Sister in German,
whereupon Ursula blushed, grinned a little, & retired.
Couldn't stop Sister laughing afterwards - appears
that she'd enveigled her up, and then said Ursula 
had haemorrhoids and should have them done - some
sense of humour. 

April
28
Back on to Chlo. again – the dispensary has apparently
dug up some more. Well, the E.C-E. can wait. One
anaesthetic.
Fosy, Wiltshire and I had our best walk yet this
afternoon. A patient took us by U.ground on a one.hour
trip to Grunewalde, whence we walked to the lake.side
and stopped at the "Alte Fischerhutte" for a beer - a
delightful little open.air caffe right on the water's edge -
must be lovely in a peace-time spring or summer.
Walked then for an hour through the woods and around
the various lakes and then home by another line. It
was all grand. Arrived back to find that
Basilis Marin had been whisked off at a moment's
notice to Stalag, Lord only knows why, allegedly
stopped by the dolmecher Kleiner, hope nothing
happens to him, definitely illegal if it does on past history,
as he's a member of the British forces.
Spent a quarter of an hour watching one of my
French Tbs die, Caillaud.
The blonde promises to bring "Promessi Sposi" to.morrow. 

 

April
29
Two anaesthetics. Alan made up parcels of blankets
& greatcoat for lads and had them handed to Gerries,
then learned from French M.O. from Biersdorf that they
left this morning for unknown destination. How can
I get that greatcoat back again?
In the last few days there has been a lot of bombing
& counter.bombing of Lubeck, Bath, Exeter, Rostock
and Norwich. Senseless business, this war. Report
[[?heinie civs guts]] mafeesh, grub do.. Chef. searched French
M.Os' room for alleged letter from Vanderbecq.
Got "Promessi Sposi" today.
Box & dice of local bosses snitch yacker regularly.

[*1*]
ApriI
30
One anaesthetic this morning, came back to room to
find a letter from Glad, with a snap and full
of news. The snap was grand, the kids taken in
the Busselton back garden with Mum & Dad, and all
looking grand. The first two have grown a lot, and
David looks like a little girl, bless him, though I
guess it's an effect of the snap. Glad is tickled to
bits with him - he has golden curls. She's having a
photo taken with him and hopes to send me a copy
Bill C. is in the army, and he and Joan have a
daughter of which Joan is immensely proud, and of
whom Glad professes to be jealous. Ginger's son,
David, has red hair, and Ian is like a pup
with two tails, Ben Johnston and wife expect an
heir, and Bill Row collapsed and died at tennis
- coronary occlusion! Glad had no maid at time
of writing.- Written Jan. 23rd
Chefarzt called all British M.O's to him at 11 a.m.,
told us Marin was punished for sabotage - helping
pals to fake illnesses to stay in, and gave us a tactful
warning.
Bridge to.night c̄ Wiltshire, Fernhead & Ballata. 

 

May
1
Two anaesthetics this morning, have rest of morning and
part of afternoon spent in completing a detailed round
of the Tbs. Rumours that soon the French Tbs are to be
repatriated - not before time, either.
Bridge in evening with Padre, Robert, & Fernhead.
Funny - we were down a bit, when the opposition
balled up the bidding somewhat and, vulnerable, lost
2000 on the hand. Eventually got to bed at 12.30.
 

May

2
Two anaesthetics this morning - an appix and an F.O.
in leg. Latter was a young Frenchman who had been out
since April 9, sheltered by Non-As, and was recognised
by a Stalag guard who, when he bolted, hit him three
times in left leg with shots of .22 or .25 automatic.
The one that was removed entered sole of l. foot and
travelled up to malleolus - apparently caught foot
from behind while it was lifted in running.

Mass & Communion this morning, and as Jerries
are celebrating May Day by whole holiday to.day,
spent most of rest of time at sleeping & bowls.
Bridge again this evening with Wiltshire, Ballata, 
& Fernhead. 

 

Sunday
May
3
Padre did not call me for early Mass, so went
to that at 10.30 instead, and he suggested then that
he would like to see me make a practice of it to give
example to any British Catholics. Good idea - should
have thought of it myself.
Absolutely boring & depressing day, felt pretty
much down in spirit, don't know why, possibly
through reading Sir Keith Murdoch's account in
"Camp" of our balls-up of Malaya & Singapore.
I've a strong suspicion that it was pretty well cooked
up by the Jerries before being reprinted in "Camp"
(P.O.W. paper) but I think, too, that there is a
considerable element of truth about it. Even the weather
was against us to-day, as for the last few days, overcast,
threatening, & cold, not conducive to bowls or

volley-ball, in fact, cold enough to keep everyone indoors.
Elbaz and Macqueen to dinner to-night, talked
on till 11 p.m., about the war & everything, and we've
concluded, as usual, that it will be English policy
to let the European show continue till end of next
year. John & Mark will be using my razor when
I return to Glad & them.
"Camp," for what it's worth, printed reports of new
taxation & restrictions on luxuries, food, & clothing in
England - seem to be waking up at last to fact that war's on.

May
4
Soon after awaking we were told that a Swedish
commission was to visit us to-day, so put on my best bib and
tucker, i.e., boots instead of slippers, and went along to
give the single anaesthetic. Just as we walked finished in

walked the Commission, one dear old lady of about 70
and about a dozen Jerry officers, including the Oberarzt
who made himself as conspicuous as usual. We were
introduced - said she's a princess who was doing war-work
with Russians in the last show - and away they went.
Notice Stations 1/A and III [[?3]] were left out of the itinerary
Wonder why?
Rest of day dead-dull, and spent almost all of it in

bed.
Not much different in evening. Thought of someone
else to write to, could drop a line to Nesa.
Still overcast & cold.
We're approaching Chefarzt re chest X-Rays, Wiltshire
and I are rather keen to have our chests done for obvious
reasons, and I'm wondering whether it might be worth
while enquiring re possibilities of shift to Italy because 
of bad back in winter and knowledge of language,
or to a job amongst Italian workers here.
The Swedish visitor of this morning apparently did a lot
of very good work amongst German prisoners in Russia
during the last war. ––– Japs in Mandalay.

 

May

5
Did most of my round before theatre, and
finished it after the one anaesthetic. Interviewed the
Chefarzt about the X-Rays and the transfer to Italy
He says he will shortly arrange screenings & miniature 
photos of the chests of all medical personnel here, English
and French, as soon as possible, and that they will
probably be done in two batches. On the question of the
transfer he told me that, of course, no decision would
be given here, but that if I would write out an
application, he would forward it to his superiors.
The Chefarzt in his dealings with us has always been
very fair, and I think that his reply in this case
is as much as I could possibly have expected from
him. Some men might not have been so sympathetic.
This afternoon the four of us had a very pleasant
outing to Grűnau, where, it appears, the aquatic
section of the last Olympic Games was held - not
certain of this point - very attractive, and the
afternoon ranks with that of last Tuesday for
pleasure - grand to see woods and lakes, boating
clubs and the good-class houses which have been
built there, poor way of describing it all, and a
relief to be away from the streets of the city where
everyone is even to a mild degree inquisitive.

[*7*]
May

6
Appel as usual, one dope, had a look around the wards
then Stabsarzt did a round taking in my Tbs. Met an
Indian Major in Monel's eye-clinic soon afterwards and
had him up for a cup of tea, nice old bird. Served last
war as a Sgt. – 3 yrs in France, rest of time in Syria & Palestine.
Name of Major Sis Ram. Was taken in Lybia of August April last year
west of Tobruck, when his crowd with rifles & M.Gs, no artillery
or planes, faced Jerries, and stuck it out for 3 days without
food or ammo. . Has 4 brothers prisoners - two clerks, one
Sgt., & one officer. 
Wrote my application for transfer to Italy, took it to
[[Grok?]] for translation & transmission through Chefarzt to the
authorities, later wrote letters to Glad, home, Nesa and
Luigi Palandri (Piandelagotti), & cards to Ines, Boxshalls,
and to Ben & Mrs. Johnston.
Played bridge at night with Padre, Robert, & Fernhead

Confession afterwards, & bed at 1.30 – bad habits.
British have occupied Madagascar, which much to my
surprise, is actually larger than France. British & Yank
troops have forestalled Japs. 

 

[*1*]
May

7
Mass & Communion, part of round, one dope, and finished
round with Stabsarzt. He decided to kick out Hedger &
Charlton, but, as Hedger had been promised to us as permanent
batman by Chefarzt, we got in first, saw the latter, and did our
best to fix it up. Stabsarzt was horrified to find two convalescing
scarlets in the Diph. ward, even though it was explained to
him that there was no room for them anywhere else. Luckily
he had to leave just then, or he would probably have had a
fit - the next two patients were cases of mumps!
Lt. Redmond called in from his Commands to see us to-day
& had lunch with us, and the French repatriés left at 12a.m.
Glad for their sakes - 14 from Rms 1 & 2, should have been more.
Letter from Glad to-day, dated Feb. 10th, with snap of
John & Mark on Busselton beach. They look fine. John
was going back to school next day, Mark will be going a
little later, and David is walking. Mum had brought
the kids back and stayed a few days, Ines was down
& so the house was quite full, what with the new maid.
Hazel may be coming back later. Frank Wallace has an
O.B.E., and Ralph Honner & Gibb Maitland have something
too, Glad did not say for what services - good luck to them.
Nell was with Glad, has been ill, is very thin & no
diagnosis made - not well by any means. Gosh, I do
hope the kid's O.K., Glad misses me like the dickens,
isn't it grand! Wish I could put it right.
Two new French docs, have come from Lukenwald, exchange
with Viallat & Vanderberg, nice chaps. News of Russian women
& kid prisoners there.

[*1*]
May

8
Fosy told lads at morning appel that all British
medical personnel were to go for chest X-Rays to-day
which they did this morning, excepting Fosy, me, and Murray
who were in theatre. Came back from theatre to find another
letter from Glad, written on Jan 12th, which, I think, is
anniversary of Mum and Dad's wedding. Not much news except
that everyone was well, and that she had been to Esplanade
for game of poker with Eileen Noonan, Lin & Jess Martin,
Fr. Brennan and a Mr. Walker – lost her cash as usual. The
kids were fine, and, as I had guessed by the size and
shape of the snaps I've received, she had Annie's Voigtlander
with her.
Very little to say for rest of day, except that, in spite
of all, the Chefarzt has confirmed Hedger's impending
discharge, and that we'll have to find another 'permanent'
batman from amongst the English Sanitaters.
Bowls in afternoon and bridge in evening with
Wiltshire, Ballata, & Fernhead.
Big naval battle reported off coast of Queensland, in
Coral Sea, between Anglo-American and Jap fleets in
which Japs claim their usual tremendous superiority.
Two dopes this morning. 

 

May
9
One anaesthetic then handed over a number of cases
to Dr. Talbot. Naval battle of yesterday still in progress, Japs
so far claim two Yank 'plane-carriers and one battleship,
and one English of Warspite class - of course they're mopping
up everything and Australia is doomed.
Rest of day very quiet, bowls in afternoon, and bridge
at night with Fernhead, Padre, and Dr. Lanchon, who
is pretty good.
German proclamation that all French & Belgian P.O.Ws
must work in factories for the good of the New Europe,
which can be assured of only by a German victory.
Penalties of this & that for non-compliance.

Sunday
May
10
Communion & two Masses to-day, not by reason of any
outstanding virtue, but because I wanted breakfast
before 10.30, and am a bit self-conscious about receiving
Communion at a late Mass.
Sun & volley-ball in afternoon, damned good series
of games, then acted as peace-maker in a dust-up
between one of our batmen and a French sanitater over
precedence at the gas-ring. Popped into the path. lab
in the evening & became involved in an argument with
S/Sgt. Fernhead over the iniquities of the Jesuits in their
meddling in politics and their intrigues, especially in
England, and the faults of the Church in general.
Tried to hold our end up and felt keenly my lack
of knowledge of Church-history. Padre joined in
later and increased my respect for him a lot, because
he showed the extent of his instruction on the various
points under discussion, and proved himself no
bigot, but a man of considerable common-sense.
About the fourth or fifth night in succession on
which I've been in bed after 1a.m. – disgraceful,
Anyone would think me still at home. 

 

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