Diaries of Signalman W H L Woodgate spanning November 1941 to October 1945 - Part 4
[*TUES*]
WENT TO TH= GARDEN PATCH. THERE IS A
MATCH ON TODAY & NATURALLY NOT TOO MANY TURN UP.
WE HAVE ENOUGH GROUND DUG TO GROW ENOUGH VEGS TO PEEL
THE WHOLE OF THE SIGS "BUT" WHAT TO PLANT & THEN THE
AFTER CARE & ATTENTION IS WHAT WILL BE THE NEXT JOKE..
WE ARE STARTING AT THE WRONG TIME OF THE YEAR &
WILL HAVE TO CART OR PUMP TONS OF WATER & THAT IS WHERE
THE FUN WILL START. OUR BREAKFAST THIS A.M. CONSISTED OF
SOUP & 3 BISCUITS I AM WELL SATISFIED ABOUT OUR COOK. TOO
DINNERS- FAIR & THE TEA WAS OF USUAL CALIBRE. "UPTA"
ONLY 4 DAYS TO A BIRTHDAY WONDER WHAT IT WILL BRING & WHAT
WILL HAPPEN BETWEEN THIS & NEXT. WE GET A LITTLE NEWS NOW & THEN
MOSTLY THE PRODUCT OF SOME FERTILE IMAGINATION WHICH
GETS INTO THE HANDS OF SOME FAIR ORATOR & THEN AWAY
GOES & OF COURSE IT IS ALWAYS "AUTHENTIC" WE ARE A BIT STIFF
AT PRESENT AS WE HAVE NO WIRELESS. HAVE A NEW HAT. A
REAL TIGER CATCHER. I SWAPPED TINY MATHER A TIN LID FOR
IT YESTERDAY MUSN'T FORGET TO GET IT AUTOGRAPHED
BEFORE I GO HOME. THERE WAS A CONCERT ON HERE TONIGHT
ONE THING ABOUT OUR COOK HE CAN RUN A GOOD CONCERT
[*WED*]
WENT TO THE DENTIST THIS AM & ALSO SAW
MAJOR EDDY. RE THIS TIREDNESS NO MEDICINE
AVAILABLE SO WILL HAVE TO LET IT TAKE ITS
COURSE. BLUDGED ABOUT MOST OF THE AM &
WENT TO THE CABBAGE PATCH IN THE PM. NOT A
VERY INTERESTING DAY. TEDDY BEAR SHAW THE
CAPT. WHO BROUGHT US OVER GOT AWAY WITH THE
MOB OK. BUT WHETHER HE GOT HOME IS ANOTHER
MATTER. WELL AM GOING TO SEE RUSSELL [[?]]
STOP TILL THEN. SAW THERE
THE THING HE MISSES
MOST IS "A POTS" SAW ROBBY & FIXED THE MARELLA & DARRA?
ADDRESSES. ALSO ARRANGED A RUTHER REUNION FOR TOMORROW
[*THUR*]
TODAY WAS A BIT OF A DEPARTURE FROM THE USUAL
EXCEPT THAT THE COOKING IS JUST AS BAD AGAIN. TODAY
A SWARM IN A LOO WILL GET THEM AT FIRST 'OTPY' WENT TO
OUR REUNION ON THE BOARDER OF OUR AREA. ALL THE RUTHER
CHAPS ARE HERE. THEY ARE RUSSELL HENDERSON. BILL BARNEL
PLUGGER BRIGGS & SELF ALSO JIM HOLOHAN [[?]]
WE HAD A GREAT OLD YARN AND AS THE TALE WAS RATER
DRY WE DECIDED TO HAVE OUR NEXT YARN ON T AT
HOME ON THE SILENT COP AT THE CROSS ROADS IN RUTHERGLEN
AND IT IS GOING TO BE A WET MEETING TOO BELIEVE ME
ITLL BE WET ALRIGHT. THEY ARE COMING OVER AGAIN TOMORROW
NIGHT THINGS ARE STARTING TO MOVE A BIT AROUND THE JOINT &
THE BOYS ARE IN GOOD TRIM. WE HAVE ALSO LOCATED ONE OF
THE CHANDLERS HE IS IN HOSPITAL & WE ARE
GOING TO LOOK HIM UP AT FIRST "OPTY"
2.
[FRI 6/3/41*]
THIS AM WE OCCUPIED H.A. QUIZ AND RATER
ENJOYED OURSELVES. AM 007 NO TO THE
G JACK TOMORROW DONT LIKE THE FEELING OF A LUMP
IN A GROIN AND THE NEXT EPISODE IS THAT WE HAVE
VOTED OUT OUR COOK AND PUT A PETITION TO THE
MAJOR ANOTHER CHAP & I VOLENTEERED FOR THE JOB
BUT I THINK THIS TIME THE COOK WILL SEE REASON
[*SAT 7/4/42*]
BIRTHDAY TODAY. WHAT A PLACE TO CELEBRATE IT
WE HEAR TODAY THAT GERMANY HAS TOSSED
THE TOWEL IN? THESE RUMORS I HAVE OFTEN
READ OF THEM & HOW THEY ANIMATE IN PRISON
CAMPS IF THEY WERE NOT SO TRAGIC THE WOULD BE
FUNNY BUT THEY ARE NOT THE LOT SWALLOW
THEM Newspaper article see original document
[*SUN 8/3/42*]
[[B?]]URNT OFFERINGS. SAW VIC LEVY TODAY. WE OUR YACHT IN ARGUMENT
I THINK NEIT∧HER OF US NO TOO MUCH ABOUT IT
MUST WRITE A FEW MENUS INTO THIS TODAYS & EVERYDAYS DINNER
WILL BE WRITTEN IN. "RICE 1 HALF PEACH & JUICE 2 BISC WITH
FISH IN BETWEEN. TEA NO MILK OR SUGAR." I WILL ALSO WRITE IN A
FURPHY BUT WILL WAIT TILL NIGHT TO PICK THE BEST ONE.
I HAVE TWO. ONE GERMANY HAS ONCONDLY SURRENDERED
TWO KINGSFORD SMITH IS A PILOT IN AIRFORCE. WELL THEY ARE
[[DR?]]EAMS. WHEN FULLY PUT UP & HOW THEY RUSH IN WITH THEM
DARWIN.GERALDTON.BROOM TOWNSVILLE
[[?]]
[*MON 9/3/42*]
AM THINKING OF CHUCKING THE FARMING. 16 OF US ARE
DOING A GOOD JOB & THEY WANT DUTIES ON TOP OF THAT
WELL THERELL BE NO MORE CABBAGE PATCH. WE WORK ALL "AM" ON
THE GARDEN & ALSO IN PM. THE DUTIES FOR US ARE FINISH
THE POTATOES? THE DUCKS? & THE MONKEY MAN FROM
BELGRAVE? THE AGRICMAN & THE BURNT OFFERING? & HOME
TO TEA 3 COURSES SWEET RICE BULLY & BREAD & BISC'S & FISH
& IT NEARLY BEAT ME. THE NEWS SOUNDS GOOD BUT, HOW GOOD?
TONIGHTS "FURFY" GERMANY REQUESTED 3 DAYS TRUCE TO [[?]]
DEAR IN BERLIN & RUSSIA REFUSED IT?? WILL THESE BLOKES EVER
WAKE UP. MY TWO NEWSBOY SMILEY & TREG HAVEN'T BROUGHT IN
ANYTHING [[?]] THE NTIL TONIGHT YET I CAN ENJOY THE YARNS
FROM TODAY IF THEY DONT GET TOO THICK. THE CIGAETTE
POSITION IS GETTING RATHER ACUTE. NOW I JUST SWOPPED
RON CRAIG A PACKETT OF SMOKES FOR A CIGARETTE
CASE GENUINE SILVER ILL GIVE IT TO HIM BACK ONE OF THESE?
DAYS FOR THE SAME PRICE. WHEN WE ARE HOME
& ALL IS OVER FROM THIS AM SEEING DON TONIGHT AM FEELING OK
NOW & CAN GO A FAIR WILE OF A DAY NOW.
TOMORROW ITS BEES MAKE ONE FEEL AT HOME AGAIN
[*TUES 10/3/41*]
STARTED OFF TODAY BY GOING WITH BAUNE TO SEE THE
BEES AND THEN ON THE ROAD HOME WE SCROUNGED ENOUGH
BOXES BOARDS ETC TO MAKE ONE BODY AND SOME FRAMES
BY TIME HE ARRIVED BACK WE HAD QUITE A LOAD WE
SORTED UP OUR STUFF AND I SPENT THE REST OF THE
DAY MAKING A SMOKER AND A BODY AND FRAMES
I HAVENT WORKED SO HARD FOR A WHILE I FINISHED
JUST BEFORE TEA AND WENT OVER TO THE HIVE
BUT I HAD BETTER DWELL A WHILE THE TOOLS I HAD TO
DO THE JOB WITH CONSISTED OF A ROUND PIECE OF IRON
AN OLD SAW HANDLE BROKEN A PAIR OF SCISSORS & 1 PAIR OF
PLIERS & A POCKET KNIFE THE SMOKER IS NOT A
BAD JOB & DOES ITS WORK WELL. THE BELLOWS LEATHER
IS OUT OF AN OLD GOLF BAG. THE WOOD COMES OUT OF
DRAWERS AND THE BARREL IS AN OLD ETY TIN MADE SPOUT
AFTER TEA WE WENT TO THE HIVE WHICH WAS ABOUT ¾ MILE AWAY
THERE WERE AS USUAL THE NORMAL MOB OF 6 BUT THEY CAME
ON CONDITION THEY LEND A HAND AT FRAME MAKING ETC
WE REACHED THE HIVE & I GOT INTO IT WE HAD A LITTLE EXCITEMENT
GETTING THERE IT TOOK 10 MINS TO ROB BOX & GET WE CREATED
A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST BRINGING THE HIVE BACK &
WE ARE ALL VERY PLEASED AT OUR EXPLOIT THE ADDITION OF BEES
HERE HAS CERTLY CAUSED A RUSTLE AMONG BOYS AND THERE ARE A LOT
INTERESTED & SO ENDS A VERY BUSY DAY WITH MANY THOUGHTS
OF MY BEES & ALL AT HOME WONDER HOW THEY ARE DOING THERE
& WHAT COND'T'N MY BEES ARE IN?
(4)
Newspaper article see original document
SEE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT
FRI 6/3/41
THIS AM WE OCCUPIED WITH A QUIZ AND RATER
ENJOYED OURSELVES. AM GOING TO THE
QUACK TOMORROW DONT LIKE THE FEELING OF A LUMP
IN A GROIN AND THE NEXT EPISODE IS THAT WE HAVE
VOTED OUT OUR COOK AND PUT A PETITION TO THE
MAJOR ANOTHER CHAP & I VOLETEERED FOR THE JOB
BUT I THINK THIS TIME THE COOK WILL SEE REASON
SAT 7/3/42
BIRTHDAY TODAY. WHAT A PLACE TO CELEBRATE IT
WE HEAR TODAY THAT GERMANY HAS TOSSED
THE TOWEL IN? THESE RUMORS I HAVE OFTEN
READ OF THEM & HOW THEY ANIMATE IN PRISON
CAMPS & IF THEY WERE NOT SO TRAGIC THE WOULD BE
FUNNY BUT THEY ARE NOT THE LADS SWALLOW
THEM WHOLE & THEY LOVE THEM. BUT WAIT TILL THEY
HEAR THE TRUTH. THEN. I FEEL SORRY FOR A LOT
OF THEM. WELL I WENT TO IDENTIFY ME TODAY
& I TOOK BILL BARTEL WITH ME & WE FIND A LAD WE
BOTH KNOW. BOMB. HAPPY & HAS LOST HIS MEMORY
BUT WE BOTH ARE SATISFIED AS TO HIS HOME
TOWN. HIS SISTER USED TO RIDE WITH BERYL MATHEWS
IN WANG AM VISITING RUSS TONIGHT AND WE HAVE
ANOTHER TO ADD TO THE CELEBRATIONS ON THE CUP
WHEN WE GET HOME YET WHEN WONDER IF THE
FAMILY HAD A CAKE THIS YEAR & WILL I BE HOME
NEXT? WELL IF WE EVENTUALLY WIN I WILL HAVE A
NICE LITTLE CHEQUE TO ADD TO THE HEAP & WILL TAKE
THAT LITTLE PLACE OVER WELL SO MUCH FOR TODAY
I WENT TO A CONCERT AT THE 2/4 TONIGHT & MET
JACK LOWRY & SEVERAL OF THE 22ND BOYS. JACK IS GOING
TO GET ALL THE ADDRESSES FOR THE REUNION MEETING.
ALL THERE MOB CAME THRU OK.
SUN 8/3/42
WENT TO EARLY MASS THIS AM & ALSO TO 10/30 TO
WHERE THE ANNOUNCEMENTS THEN TO THE CO RE
THE BOMB HAPPY WANG BOY HE IS A BIT OF A
PROBLEM POOR DEVIL I AM SEEING RUSS TODAY
AGAIN RE THE POOR DEVIL THE MEALS HAVE IMPROVED 100%
SINCE THE EPISODE OF THE COOK. AS A MATTER OF FACT THE
COOK IS OFF DUTY WITH A BURNT FOOT AND I WOULD SOONER
SEE HIM STAY OFF WITH IT THAN COME BACK & GIVE US MORE
BURNT OFFERINGS. SAW VIC LEVY TODAY RE OUR YACHTING ARGUMENT
I THINK NEITHER OF US NO TOO MUCH ABOUT IT
MUST WRITE A FEW MENUS INTO THIS TODAYS & EVERY DAYS DINNER
WILL BE WRITTEN IN. "RICE 1 HALF PEACH & JUICE 2 BISC WITH
FISH IN BETWEEN. TEA NO MILK OR SUGAR." I WILL ALSO WRITE IN A
FURPHY BUT WILL WAIT TILL NIGHT TO PICK THE BEST ONE.
I HAVE TWO. ONE GERMANY HAS UNCONDLY SURRENDERED
TWO KINGSFORD SMITH IS A PILOT IN AIRFORCE. WELL THEY ARE
DR-EAMS. WHEN FULLY PUT UP & HOW THEY RUSH IN WITH THEM
DAR-WIN. GERALDTON.BROOM TOWNSVILLE
*AN.A/C/C?*
AM THINKING OF CHUCKING THE FARMING. 16 OF US ARE
DOING A GOOD JOB & THEY WANT DUTIES ON TOP OF THAT
WELL THERELL BE NO MORE CABBAGE PATCH. WE WORK ALL "AM" ON
THE GARDEN & ALSO IN PM. THE DUTIES FOR US ARE FINISH
THE POTATOES? THE DUCKS? & THE MONKEY MAN FROM
BELGRAVE? THE AGRICMAN & THE BURNT OFFERING? & HOME
TO TEA 3 COURSES SWEET RICE BULLY & BREAD & BISC'S & FISH
& IT NEARLY BEAT ME. THE NEWS SOUNDS GOOD BUT, HOW GOOD?
TONIGHTS "FURFY" GERMANY REQUESTED 3 DAYS TRUCE TO BURY
DEAD IN BERLIN & RUSSIA REFUSED IT?? WILL THESE BLOKES EVER
WAKE UP. MY TWO NEWSBOY SMILEY & TREG HAVEN'T BROUGHT IN
ANYTHING AUTHENTIC TONIGHT YET I CAN ENJOY THE YARNS
FROM TODAY IF THEY DONT GET TOO THICK. THE CIGAETTE
POSITION IS GETTING RATHER ACUTE. NOW I JUST SWOPPED
RON CRAIG A PACKETT OF SMOKES FOR A CIGARETTE
CASE GENUINE SILVER ILL GIVE IT TO HIM BACK ONE OF THESE?
DAYS FOR THE SAME PRICE. WHEN WE ARE HOME
& ALL IS OVER FROM THIS AM SEEING DON TONIGHT AM FEELING OK
NOW & CAN GO A FAIR WILE OF A DAY NOW.
TOMORROW ITS BEES MAKE ONE FEEL AT HOME AGAIN
[*TUES 10/3/41*]
STARTED OFF TODAY BY GOING WITH BAUNE TO SEE THE
BEES AND THEN ON THE ROAD HOME WE SCROUNGED ENOUGH
BOXES BOARDS ETC TO MAKE ONE BODY AND SOME FRAMES
BY TIME HE ARRIVED BACK WE HAD QUITE A LOAD WE
SORTED UP OUR STUFF AND I SPENT THE REST OF THE
DAY MAKING A SMOKER AND A BODY AND FRAMES
I HAVENT WORKED SO HARD FOR A WHILE I FINISHED
JUST BEFORE TEA AND WENT OVER TO THE HIVE
BUT I HAD BETTER DWELL A WHILE THE TOOLS I HAD TO
DO THE JOB WITH CONSISTED OF A ROUND PIECE OF IRON
AN OLD SAW HANDLE BROKEN A PAIR OF SCISSORS & 1 PAIR OF
PLIERS & A POCKET KNIFE THE SMOKER IS NOT A
BAD JOB & DOES ITS WORK WELL. THE BELLOWS LEATHER
IS OUT OF AN OLD GOLF BAG. THE WOOD COMES OUT OF
DRAWERS AND THE BARREL IS AN OLD ETY TIN MADE SPOUT
AFTER TEA WE WENT TO THE HIVE WHICH WAS ABOUT ¾ MILE AWAY
THERE WERE AS USUAL THE NORMAL MOB OF 6 BUT THEY CAME
ON CONDITION THEY LEND A HAND AT FRAME MAKING ETC
WE REACHED THE HIVE & I GOT INTO IT WE HAD A LITTLE EXCITEMENT
GETTING THERE IT TOOK 10 MINS TO ROB BOX & GET WE CREATED
A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST BRINGING THE HIVE BACK &
WE ARE ALL VERY PLEASED AT OUR EXPLOIT THE ADDITION OF BEES
HERE HAS CERTLY CAUSED A RUSTLE AMONG BOYS AND THERE ARE A LOT
INTERESTED & SO ENDS A VERY BUSY DAY WITH MANY THOUGHTS
OF MY BEES & ALL AT HOME WONDER HOW THEY ARE DOING THERE
& WHAT COND'T'N MY BEES ARE IN?
(4)
[*WED 11/3/42*]
LOOK AT THE BEES THIS AM AND THEY SEEM TO HAVE
SETTLED DOWN RATHER WELL. WE ARE GETTING MORE
TODAY & I HAVE A CREW MAKING BOXES. THE WIRE IS
ROUND THE CAMP NOW & THE GUARDS ARE COMING ON
MET ANOTHER BEE FIEND TODAY AND NOW HAVE A MATE TO WORK
WITH ALSO TWO WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE PROJECT OF THE
BUSINESS OF HOME. NOT BAD MATES EITHER. WE WENT OVER TO THE
BEE TREE AND AFTER CONVINCING THE MAJOR OF THE PRACTBTY
OF THE SCHEME AS RELATED TO THE AGRIC GROUP & THE BEE
SCHEME IN GENERAL. HE AGREED TO THE TAKING OF
THE HIVE THE AXE WAS AS BLUNT AS COULD BE & WE
DID NOT GET THE SWARM BUT HAVE ARRANGED FOR
TOMORROW COME BACK AND FIXED UP NO 1 HIVE GOT A
PILE OF STINGS. YARNED WIT GORDON SPREADBOROUGH & MATE
TILL LATE & SO TO BED. TOOK A CONFIDENCE CENSUS TODAY
AND SORRY TO SAY ONLY ONE MOB WOULD STICK WITH OFFICERS. THE ANTI TANK
[*THUR 12/3/42*]
THIS AM I WENT TO A REQUIEM MASS CELEBRATED IN
THE GROUNDS. THERE WERE A THOUSAND OR SO THERE
WHAT XX A QUEER BUSINESS POW'S AT MASS WITH AIRCRAFT
PRACTICING OVERHEAD. THINGS IN GENERAL CANT BE
TOO GOOD BY THE APPEARANCES HERE. AFTER MASS I CAME
BACK & SHARPENED UP THE AXE SO TO BE READY FOR
THIS AFTERNOON. TODAY THE FURFIES HAVE CHANGED & THEY
ARE JUST THE OPPISITE. NOW TO WHAT THEY WERE. SUCH AS
ONE CHAP WHO IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE SEEN A PAPER SAYS
THAT JAVA HAS CAPITULATED & THAT THE JAPANESE HAVE
DICTATED THEIR TERMS TO AUST. ALSO THAT THEY HAVE
LANDED IN AUST. I WONDER ALTHOUGH I DID EXPECT ON THE 7TH
THAT THIS REBOUND WOULD COME ND BRING ITS TRAIL OF
DISAPPOINTMENT WITH IT. PM & I WENT TO THE 29TH TO
GET ANOTHER SWARM BUT GOT A BEAUT BUNG EYE INSTEAD. I ALSO
LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THE LOCAL BEE & THAT IS HE WONT STAND TOO MUCH
COMPANY OR WILL HE STAND ANY ROUGH HANDLING. I NEVER GOT SO
MANY STINGS FOR YEARS NO VEIL OR LONG PANTS IS NOT THE
CLOBBER FOR ROBBING BEES. AFTER TEA WE WENT OUT TO EXPERIMENT
WITH SOME DERRIS. ↓AND MADE A FEED INSTEAD OF ROASTED TAPIOCA & COFFEE & BISCUITS THIS IS A PLANT X FROM WHICH IS EXTRACTED
AN INSECTICIDE & WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO USE IT AS A PROTECTOR
FOR THE BEES. I HAVE THE STAND IN JAM TINS & TO PREVENT ANTS
CRAWLING ACROSS ANY RUBBISH WHICH MAY BLOW ON WATER. I WILL
IMPREGNATE WATR WITH DERRIS & SMELLY OIL THE BOILING PROESS
WILL LIVE LONG IN THE MEMORIES OF BAUNE CLARK McGINNESS
QUINN & MYSELF WHAT WITH SMOKE SMUDGE STINK EXPERIMENTS &
THE WATER FALLING "R.OZ" & NOT GETTING BACK TILL TATTOO ROLL
CALL. WE SURE ENJOYED OURSELVES ON TOP OF THAT BILL BARKEL CAME
OVER BUT I WAS OUT. HE WAS TELLING THE LADS A BIT OF NEWS
& STORIES RE AIRPLANE DROME. THEY MAY BE TRUE? HE IS WARNED
FOR SINGAPORE TOMORROW & SOME OF OUR CHAPS GO TOO.
(5)
[*FRI 13/3/42*]
TODAY THE APAIRIST CLASS WAS FORMED & I HAVE 10
PUPILS & ALL VERY KEEN CHAPS THEY
HAVE HANDLED BEES
& HAVE HAD VARYING SUCCESSES. WE SPENT THE DAY MAKING
BODIES FOR OUR HIVES & TOMORROW WE WILL MAKE FRAMES
& ARE MAKING A PRETTY FAIR JOB CONSIDERING THE [[?]]
WE HAVE TO WORK WITH AND IT'S PRETTY ROUGH [[?]]
THE HIVE I HAD CLEARED OUT TODAY BUT WILL MAKE
SURE OF THE NEXT LOT AND USE EXCLUDES PERMANANTLY ON [[?]]
WE HAVE WE SPENT THE DAY MAKING BOXES OR I SHOULD SAY ARGUING
AT A SIZE AND MAKING PARTS. THE MEALS ARE GETTING A BIT ON
THE LIGHT SIDE AND WE ONLY DO WORK IN THE AM. THE PM
PORTIN OF THE DAY IS SOLELY CONFINED TO CLASSES. WE
WILL BE HANDICAPPED A BIT AS WE CAN ONLY GATHER BES HERE
LATE IN THE AFTERNOON. HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE FOR MOST OF THEM
[*SAT 14/3/428]
SAT/ & SO THE DAYS ROLL BY INTO WEEKS 7 THE WEEKS INTO
1 MONTH & WE ARE NOW AT THE END OF OUR FIRST MONTH IN CAPTIVITY. THE
V BELTS ARE BEING TIGHTENED UP NOW BUT THE MEALS TODAY WERE
ALTHOUGH ALL RICE WERE VERY TASTY & VERY SMALL THO I HAD A BACK
UP AT DINNER TIME. WELL TODAY WAS SPENT AS THUS AM. WE MADE
FRAMES AND GENERALLY WORKED ON THE BOXES AND HIVES TO THE
ACCOMPANYMENT OF HARRY SMITH'S CONCERT PARTY WHICH
WAS PRACTISING NEARBY AND IT WAS A VERY ENJOYABLE MORNING.
THE PM WAS OCCPIED IN A LECTURE ON BEES IN GENERAL AND
WE HVE NOW GOT TO "THE BEES IN THE BOY STAGE" FROM THE LIMB
I DIDN'T EVER REALIZE THAT THERE WAS QUITE SO MUCH
WORK UNTIL I CAME TO GIVE A RESUME ON THE JOB. I WONDER
WHAT PICTURES ARE ON IN RGLEN TONIGHT. HOPE THE KIDS
AND DORRIE ARE THERE & NOT SITTING HOME MOROSING
ABOUT MY PLIGHT. I HAVE BEEN IN A LOT BETTER PLACES
AND HAVE ENJOYED A MUCH FULLER BELLY BUT UNDER THE
CIRCS I AM NOT TOO BAD OFF & ILL DEVOTE THE NEXT FEW
MINS TO A MENU I WOULD ENJOY. A NICE HOT FEED NOW
OF ∧SOUP ROAST PORK & BEEF POTATOES A BAKED ONION &
PLENTY OF GRAVY FOLLOWED BY A SMALL HELPING OF STEAMED RAISIN
& NUT PUDDING THEN A SMALL SERVE OF PRES. PEACHES & ICECREAM
WITH COFFEE TO FOLLOW A GOOD CIGARETTE AND THEN A GOOD
GLASS OF PORT TO FOLLOW AFTER OF COURSE WE COULD HAVE
A BOTTLE OF BEER OR TWO AND ON MY FIRST NIGHT HOME THAT WILL
BE THE FEED I REQUIRE WITH PLENTY OF TURKEY IN BETWEEN
TIMES BEER & BREAD & HONEY. WELL I RECKON THAT WILL DO
FOR THE TIME BEING AND ∧WILL LIVE IN THE HOPE THAT SOMEDAY
WE WILL GET HOME & ENJOY IT. I AM WORKING ON A SHARE
PARTNER FISHING SCHEME WHICH HAS CREPT INTO MY HEAD & WHICH
I HOPE I WILL BE IN A POSITION TO CARRY OUT. THE LADS ARE
ARGUING TONIGHT AS TO WHAT TIME THEY ARE LIKELY TO
BE HERE & WHAT THEY WILL DO WHEN THEY GO HOME. I DONT
KNOW HOW LONG HERE BUT I DO KNOW THERE WILL BE A LOT OF [[?]]LESS
AUSTRALIANS WHEN WE DO GET SETTLED DOWN AT [[?]]
[*(6)*]
[*SUN 15/3/42*]
A MONTH TODAY∧SINCE AND THE BATTLE FINISHED. LAST NIGHT IN
BED A CHAP IN MY ROOM SUGGESTED A SWAP OF A PEN FOR 3 PCKTS
[[?]] I SWAPPED. TODAY I SWAPPED IT FOR A WATCH OUT OF REPAIR?
WENT TO MASS THIS AM THERE IS ONLY ONE MASS NOW 8.30AM
NONE AT 10/30 THE C OF E HAVE THEIR SERVICE AT 5.30 PM. WE
WORK SAME ON SUNDAYS & TODAY WE WERE BAK ON THE BEES & LECTURES
THIS AFTERNOON. THIS JOKER OF THE PEN SWAP IS CRYING ABOUT THIS BARGAIN
& RECKONS HE DIDN'T GET HIS VALUE WORTH. A CHAPTER FOR THE BOOK. I
TRIED TO GET IT BACK FOR HIM BUT IT IS GONE TO ANOTHER UNIT SO HE
IS STIFF. I CANT SAY I AM SORRY IF ANYTHING I AM GLAD IT IS A
CASE OF A SMART GUY CAUGHT WELL. I WENT TO THE ROAD TONIGHT & BOUGHT
SOME BULLY BEEF 2 DOLLARS A TIN WHICH IS RATHER DEAR & MUST REMEMBER
THAT IN FUTURE. WELL IT FEELS GOOD TO HAVE A FEED OF GOOD OLD
BULLY INTO ONE INSTEAD OF RICE. SO UNTIL TOMORROW WHILE I THINK
OF IT THERES ONE BORN MINUTE. I OFTEN WONDER AT SOME MEN THE WAY THEY COME IN SMILER. KNOW WALL BUT HE CAME IN THERE. SO DID A FEW OTHERS.
WELL WELL WE AN SIT & WATCH HERE FOR MONTHS & MONTHS?
[*MON 16/3/42*]
SAME ROUTINE IN AM. I CUT A QUEEN [[?]] THIS AM BUT
IT STILL HS TO BE TESTED. THE TEMPLATE BOX IS FINISHED
& ALL THE FRAMES 6 OR 7 ON TO THE ROAD BUT MISSED THE
SWARM. THE RAIN STILL HOLDS AND WE ARE UNABLE TO GET OUT
BEES COLLECTED. PM WE HELD A PRACTICLE CLASS AND WENT TO
SEE THE HIVE/ WE ALSO LOOKED ABOUT FOR ANOTHER/ BUT IT WAS
NO GOOD. THE RAIN STILL HOLDS. GLAD WE ARE NOT IN
THE TRENCHES NOW. A MAN WOULD JUST ABOUT DROWN
[*TUES 17/3/42*]
STILL RAINING LIKE BLAZES. WE WENT OUT TO GET
SOME GLASS TODAY. WE ARE MAKING FLY CATCHERS
WITH IT. THERE IS A FAIR BIT OF DISENTY
COMING ABOUT & SOME CONCERN IS BEING
FELT BY THE HEADS. WE ALSO HAD A BIT OF A
LOOK ABOUT. WISH I HAD A DRILL HERE. WOULD BE VERY HANDY SPECIALLY AN ELECTRIC & JUICE.
WE HERE AGAIN GERMANY IS FINISHED. WHEN THE DAY
DOES COME (IF EVER)? NO ONE WILL BELEIVE IT. I AM
TABULATING THESE RUMORS JUST TO SEE HOW THEY
COMPARE UP WITH THE FACTS. ABOUT A WEEK EARLIER
& UP TO THE PRES WHEN I GET MY PAPER ALBUM AT
HOME ILL BE ABL TO PRAPS TO ANALYZE THE SOURCE
OF THEM. I TYPED A LETTER FOR A LEIUT TODAY FOR
IRON TO MAKE A SHED FOR THE ALTER WHERE WE
HOLD MASS. HOPE THE APPLIC IS SUCCESSFUL.
UP ABOUT 10S TODAY AND AM AS FULL AS A TICK.
MY CAPACITY IS GREATLY REDUCED & ILL HAVE
TO GET A LOT OF PRACTICE TO BE ABLE TO FULFILL
MY MENU OBLIGATIONS. SAW RUSSELL TODAY & MAY
SEE PLUGGER & NOEL PASSARY TONIGHT. NOEL IS A
BIT OF A WILD LAD ACCORDING TO REPORTS I HEAR.
HE WAS LEFT BEHIND AT PERTH & PAID ABOUT £20
FOR THE PRIVILEDGE I MAY START ANOTHER CHAPTER
OF THE KNAVE & THE FOOL. ANY DAY NOW THE URGE & MATL ARE HERE
[*(7)*]
[*WED 18/3/42*]
TODAY THE RUMOR IS STRONG THAT GERMANY [[?]]
THROWN THE TOWEL IN. I DO NOT BELEIVE IT LOOKING
AT IT FROM ANY ANGLE IT IS BOTH A STUPID AND FANTASTIC
IDEA. WE FILL THE DAY IN RATHER WELL & I HAVE
MORE MONEY NOW THAN I HAVE HAD SINCE I HAVE BEEN
HERE. I HAD TOO BIG A FEED & NOW HAVE INDIGESTION
BUT EVEN THAT CAN BE TOLERATED BETTER THAN
AN EMPTY BELLY. THE CIGARETTES ARE GETTING LOW NOW
AND SOME PROFITEERING GOES ON. WELL THAT IS ALL RIGHT
SUPPOSE BUT I WILL BE GLAD TO SEE THE CANTEEN GET
GOING. I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING FOR A FEED OF CHOCOLATE.
I WISH THIS DAMN RAIN OF AN AFTERNOON WOULD CEASE.
IT IS VERY ANNOYING TO HAVE THOSE BEES OUT & IS HOLDING
UP THE CLASS A BIT. I WISH THE YEAR MONTHS WEEKS OR WHAT
EVER THEY MAY BE WOULD SLIP THRO A BIT MORE QUICKLY
I BOUGHT A JACK KNIFE OF RON TONIGHT NO63530@2$. I WANTED
ONE BADLY TODAY NOW I HAVE TWO. RUSSELLS & MY OWN. "BEER"
[*THUR 19/3/41*]
TOO BUSY LAST NIGHT TO WRITE UP SO DO IT TODAY
FRIDAY AM TRYING OUT A NEW PEN WHICH I BOUGHT
FROM FRANK JESSE. FRANK DONE THE DOE ON THE PENNYS
I SHOULD HAVE SOME DECENT SOUV'S IF THIS KEEPS UP. PENS
& PENCILS CIGARETTE CASES AND GOODNESS KNOWS WHAT NOT
HAD ANOTHER DOUBLE DAY YESTERDAY. THE WIRE IS NOW RIGHT
ROUND THE CAMP & CLEARED BACK ON EACH SIDE. I HEAR WE
ARE TO GET A GREATER ISSUE OF OUR OWN RATIONS & LESS RICE
VERY HEAVY RAIN TODAY & NOT MUCH ON. TWO CHAPS CAUGHT OUT & GOT
£2 EACH. AM ENDEAVOURING TO BUY A WATCH. HAVE A GOOD ONE IN
SIGHT BUT WILL HANG ON A WHILE TILL I WIN SOME MORE CASH
[*$8*]
[*FRI 20/3/42*]
A VERY NICE DAY WITH A BIT OF NOISE ABOUT THE TOPIC. THIS
AM TURNED TO FISING ON A LARGE SCALE. THIS DAMN
RICE GAVE ME HEARTBURN LAST NIGHT & TALK ABOUT
GETTING UP AT NIGHTS FROM BED TIME TILL DAY LIGHT
AND ALL DAY AFTER THERE IS A CONTINUAL STREAM TO THE
LATRINES. THE KIDNEYS ARE SURE KEPT BUSY. WE TOOK A HIVE
FROM A TREE TODAY & IT IS NOT A BAD ONE. PLENTY OF COMB &
SHOULD BE A GOOD JOB. SAW SOME MORE OF THE MARELLA DRA[[?]]
TODAY. OLD BILL BROWN LOOKS RATHER THIN. SO DO WE ALL. WHISK
[*SAT 21/3/42*]
PUT THE BEES IN THE BOX FIRST THING TODAY. IM GLAD WE
HAVENT THIS TYPE OF BEE AT HOME. THIS PM WE CARRIED
A ROOF FOR OUR ALTER. I BOUGHT A PACKET OF 20 CIGS FOR
15 BUCKS AND WILL ONE DAY GET A REBATE FROM THE GENT
RESPONSIBLE. I WOULDNT HAVE PAID IT EXCEPT TO JUSTIFY MY
CONCIENCE LATER. I DONT THINK THERE WILL BE ANY MORE
SCROUNGING THINGS ARE GETTING TOO HOT. TODAYS NEWS
IS RATHER HEARTNING BUT I EXPECT AT LEAST ANOTHER
11 MONTHS. HOPE THEY HAVE SOME INDICATION OF MY POSTING
AT HOME BY THIS. WELL SO MUCH FOR [[?]]
[*(8)*]
SUN 22/3/44
[[?]] THREE FIFTY A PROFITEER ON THE JOB. MASS
8/30 AM LECT & COMB TRIMMING ETC FOR AM. PM OVER TO
THE BEES. SOME MUG BUMPED THE LID UP & AWAY THEY WENT
NO MORE SWARMS FOR ME. LATEST FURFY OUT IN 21 DAYS ON THE
JOB. THIS IS THE BEST UP TO DATE. I DONT KNOW WHEN THEY ARE
GOING TO STOP. NOT MUCH NEWS TODAY EXCEPT I AM MAKING ME
A BED. THIS CONCRETE IS THE HARDEST I HAVE EVER FELT
PRAPS ITS BECAUSE I FEEL TOO MUCH OF IT ANYWAY IM
FOR THIS BED. ANOTHER OF OUR BLOKES CROOK TODAY. THINGS
DONT LOOK TOO GOOD. THIS CONTINUOUS RICE IS STIRRING
UP THE DIGESTIONS GENERALLY. HOPE WE SOON GET A
FULL TIME CHANGE BUT STILL SAY A LONG TIME YET.
[*MON 23/3/4*]
THE LADS ARE JUST ABOUT AT THE END OF THEIR SALEABLE
RESOURCES AND THEY HAVE SPENT IT ALL ON THINGS
THAT THEY COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT. CIGS & TUCKER
I SPENT THE AM AS USUAL ON THE BEES & HAVE
NOW GOT THEM QUEEN EXCLUDED & THEY SEEM CONTENTED
LAST NIGHT MET CHARLIE GLEESON A VERY LIKEABLE
LAD WITH A NICE BALANCE. THE FURFY'S DONT MAKE
MUCH IMPRESSION ON HIM. THE SANITARY SQUAD
HAVE CONSTRUCTED A NEW TYPE OF DYKE & IT IS [[ITIN?]]
I GAVE MY FIRST TALK ON BEES TODY. SEEMS TO HAVE GONE OVER OK & THIS
PM I MADE A BED OUT OF NETTING BOARDS & SPRINGS. WILL FINISH IT TOMORROW
NO EXTRA FURFY'S TODAY ALTHOUGH OUR SMILING NEWS BOY IS RUNNING ONE NOW
[*TUE 2/3/42*]
TODAY GOT THRU A LOT OF BEE WORK & LECTURES BUT THE BEST YET
IN FURFS IS GILMOUR'S SPECIAL ALL GO OFF AND BACK ON FRIDAY
& WHATS MORE HE BELIEVES HIS STORY. THE DAY IS GENLY UNEVETFL
& I FINISH MY BED. IT IS CONSTUCTED OUT OF 4 PIECES 1"X6" HWD
& HAS 4 SPRINGS IN ONE END & IS FIXED AT THE OTHER BY 4 HOOKED
LARGE NAILS. THE MATTRESS ITSELF IS OF WIRE NETTING &
APPEARS AS THO IT WILL BE COMFORTABLE. HAD A GO AT THE
NEW TORCH BUT AM NOT YET SUCCESSFUL. NOT MUCH MORE TO
WRITE ABOUT EXCEPT WE STILL HOLD THE BEES & GILLIES SPECIAL
BILL BARKELL CAME OVER TONIGHT & MET CG. WE VISIT TOMORROW NIGHT
[*WED 25/3/42*]
TODAY I WENT TO THE AGRIC PATCH & DONE A SPIT OF WORK
IN AM. PM LECTURE ON BEES & IN LATE PM WASHING. THIS WASHING
GETS ME. WE HAVE NO FACILITIES FOR BOILING ANYTHING & HAVE TO
WASH & RUB OUR HANDS OFF TO GET THINGS CLEAN. WE HAVE
PLENTY OF WELLS SUNK ABOUT THE PLACE. THE RUMOR OF
THE FIGHTING UP NORTH STILL PERSISTS & ALTHOUGH IT SURPRISES
ME THERE ARE HEAPS WHO BELIEVE IT. I BOUGHT A WATCH [*$10*]
A WRITING WALLET TONIGHT FROM FRANK JESSE. THESE LADS ARE [*$5*]
DAMN GOATS TO SELL THEIR STUFF. IN A FEW MONTHS THEY
WILL HAVE TO SETTLE DOWN & TAKE ALL THAT THERE IS FOR THEM
EVEN TO SHORTAGE OF SMOKES. THE INCORRIGABLE SIX HAVE NOW
SOLD EVERY AVAILABLE ARTICLE THE HAD THAT WAS SALEABLE
THE OLD DRAIN IS WORKING OVERTIME FOR THE FOOD SCROUNGERS
& SO TO BED. TWO CHAPS NOT YET BACK.
[*(9)*]
[*THUR*]
[[TODAY?]] WE PARADED EARLY FOR AN INSPECTION BY [[?]]
JAPANESE PRINCE KINOYE. THIS OCCUPIED THE MORNING
AND AFTER A FAIR DINNER I WENT OVER TO THE ANT TANK
MOB TO SEE ABOUT A SWARM OF BEES WHICH ARE LOCATED
IN THE BOTTOM OF FLOWER OT STAND. THE MAJOR THERE
TOLD ME THAT 6 OF AIF WHO WERE CAUGHT OUTSIDE WIRE YESTERDAY
WERE SHOT. LAST NIGHT ONE OF OUR CHAPS & ANOTHER AWAY.
ANOTHER SECTION HAVE BEEN MISSING SINCE AM YESTERDAY
I STRONGLY SUSPECT THEY HAVE "GOT THEIRS". WELL THERES
A LOT OF DAMN FOOLS HERE & IF EVER THEY ARE GOING TO LEARN [[?]]
OR SENSE HERES THEIR CHANCE. THEY WILL HAVE MANY [[?]]
OF PRACTICE AND SHOULD BE THE BETTER FOR IT EVENTUALLY.
[* FRI 27/3/428]
TODAY WITH THE EXPEREMTAL GROUP. I AM PICKING UP SOME VERY GOOD
HINTS FROM THESE CHAPS ESPESIALLY IN PEAS CUCS & TOMATOES & AM IN
GENERAL BECOMING MORE LAND MINDED SO MUCH SO THAT ILL
NEVER GO BACK PRMTLY TO THE RLYS. THAT PLACE OF KURRLS LOOKS
PRETTY GOOD TO ME SPECIALY WITH WATER FROM THE MURRAY. HAD A LITTLE
FLUTTER AT TWO UP TONIGHT & WON 5$. GAVE ONE TO CHARLIE
WHO WON ANOTHER WITH IT. WE BOTH HAVE CASH NOW.
SEEM TO BE A LUCKY COMBINATION WHICH AUGMENTS WELL
FIRST THE HIVE THEN 2 UP & NEXT? BUT WONT STRAIN THE FORTUNE
[*SAT 28/3/42*]
HEARD A FEW STRANGE SOUNDS THRO THE NIGHT BUT DONT KNOW
WHAT THE APRLY TO CAN ONLY HOPE FOR THE BEST. WERE
TOLD ABOUT THE STARTING OF THE CANTEEN. THE MAJOR DELIVERED
A BIT OF AN ORATION BUT WAS QUITE UNCOMMITTAL & FINISHED
WHERE HE STARTED. THESE CANTEENS WILL BE A BOON TO US IF THEY ARE
CONDUCTED AS SUGGESTED. GOT ANN IDEA FOR A RICE CRUSHER TODAY.
MAY START ON IT TOMORROW. ALSO BOUGHT 2 TINS TUCK 1 OF GOOD OLD IRISH STEW.
MUST HAVE A BIG ONE WHEN I GET HOME I FISH. CHARLIE & I WILL SHARE THEM
UP TOMORROW. I SAW BAZIL WARD TONIGHT. HE IS DOING PRETTY WELL
AND IS IN WITH THE "HOPALONG 8" MOB. WE WENT TO A CONCERT.
[*SUN 29/3/42*]
MASS AT 8/30 AM. THINGS ARE NOT LOOKING TOO BAD. CHAS & I
HAVE SOME BROWN SUGAR & IT MAKES A GREAT DIFF TO THE
RICE. I SURE HAVE A FEW RICE IDEAS FOR WHEN WE GET HOME.
MARVELLOUS TALK BY THE CO ON GEN BEHAVIOR OF PRISONERS & ALSO
REGARDING ANYONE ESCAPING. SOME OF OUR BLOKES ARE NOW IN CHANGI
GAOL NOW & MORE TO THAT LATER. FOUND 4 HIVES TODAY. WILL GET
THEM TOMORROW. LOOKS OK HERE BUT TIME? & FACTS? WANTED
[*MON 30/3/42*]
TODAY PASSED ∧OK. THE REACTION TO THE TALK IS WHATS TO BE
EXPECTED ON ALL SIDES. THE BOYS ARE OF THE SAME OPINION
THE JAP WAS PREMATURE & ILL ADVISED & REPERCUSSIONS
ARE EXPECTED. THIS DIV IS APPARENTLY A SPENT FORCE.
MORE TRUTH IS REQUIRED & I STILL HOLD OPINION AS
IN CHAPTER 4 EVEN MORE SO AND AM MAKING A
COLLECTION OF STORIES FROM TODAY. SAW NOEL PASSER
TODAY. HE LOOKS THE WORKS. BEARD & ALL "BEER"
FRANKS WALLET FOR $3 MAKES HIM $16 MY WAY WHEN WE GO BACK
[*(10)*]
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