Diaries of Signalman W H L Woodgate spanning November 1941 to October 1945 - Part 5

TUE  31/3/42

WE ARE ENDEAVORING TO MAKE A FEW MORE HIVES 

BUT ARE A BIT SHORT ON TOOLS BOXES I HAVE MADE AT HOME 3 A DAY ON MY OWN WE CANNOT MAKE HERE 3 MEN A BOX A DAY ITS NO GO WITH BOONG 

TOOLS. HAVE AN IDEA THAT THAT PLACE IN MURPHY ST WILL 

COME MY WAY AS A STARTER WHEN I GET BACK & THEN OR 

AT LATER DATE. KURRLS WENT OVER TO THE 2UP TONIGHT WITH 

1 DOLLAR & WON A FEW MORE. ALSO HAVING FAIR MEALS NOW 

& STILL HAVE A TIN OF FISH UP MY SLEEVE. WE WERE INFORMED THAT 

OUR TWO CHAPS WHO GOT OUT WERE BEING SHOT TODAY 

BUT TONIGHT THEY CAME BACK. WILL APPEND THEIR TALE 

AS A SEPERATE ISSUE TOMORROW. SAW BAZIL & NOEL TODAY 

& DONE SOME WASHING. IT FAIR GETS ME UNDER THAT GAME

----------------------------------------------------

WED 1/4/42

APRIL FOOLS DAY & THE LADS HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THE 

FACT. AT REVALLY THEY ARE PUTTING THEM OVER. JAVA 

IS DEFINATELY DUTCH NO. RXEN'S TO JAVA OR YANKS IN 

SUMATRA. THAILAND HAS CAPITULATED & GOODNESS KNOWS 

WHAT NOT. SOME OF THESE BLOKES REALLY BELIEVE THEM. ITS 

BEYOND ME HOW IN HELL THEY THINK EM UP. BY THE LOOK 

OF THE MOVEMENTS HERE THE STORIES FALL SORT OF 

FLAT & SO THE DAY GOES ON ONE FURF AFTER ANOTHER. 

SPENT THE AFTERNOON QUIETLY PREPARING LECTURE NOTES. 

WE HAD A RATHER GOOD TEA TONIGHT BUT THE MORE WE HAVE 

THE MORE WE LEAK. THIS IS THE FIRST AFTERNOON SMOKELESS. 

[*"BEER. PRAWNS. ETC".*]

--------------------------------------------------

THUR 2/4/42

AND TODAY I HAVE HAD A FILL OF MAKING BOONG BEE 

BOXES. WHAT WITH CHASING THE TOOLS ETC. WHICH ARE ALWAYS 

TAKEN BY SOME OFFICER (TRADITIONAL SIGNALS) (WHOSE 

MANNERS ARE USUALLY SLAVE TO HIS "EGO".) WHO NEVER 

SEEM TO REALIZE THAT IT SHOULD BE RETURNED AND 

IN CONSEQUENCE IM FED UP TODAY WAS MY FIRST SMOKELESS DAY 

AND IT IS NOT TOO HOT. I WILL MAKE AN ENDEAVOR TO GET THE SMOKE 

POSITION RIGHT OUT OF ME DURING EASTER & SHOULD FINISH UP WITH 

SOME GOOD OUT OF BEING A P.O.W. THESE CIGS ARE COSTING A 

DOLLAR A PACKET HERE & ALTHOUGH I HAVE A FEW DOLLARS I 

WILL NOT SPEND ANY ON SMOKES. IT LOOKS AS THO THE BUYING IS DONE 

ON THE ROAD. THERE IS AN "INDIAN" SENTRY ON DUTY OUTSIDE & 

OUR OWN PROVOS INSIDE THE WIRE. SOME OF THE LADS LOST BIG AT IT.

------------------------------------------

FRI  3/4/42

GOOD FRIDAY BUT NO HOT CROSS BUNS. MARVLS HOW ONE MISSES 

THE OLD TRADITIONS & HOW YOU FEEL FAMILY TIES GREATER ON 

THESE DAYS AND WONDER AGAIN HOW LONG IT WILL BE BEFORE 

WE GET BACK TO THEM. ID LIKE TO KNOW JUST HOW THE YANKS ARE 

GETTING ON WITH THESE BLOKES. WE EXPECTED THIS CLASH FOR 

MANY YEARS BUT DID NOT EXPECT TO GET CAUGHT UP IN ITS VORTEX. 

I SPEND THE A.M. ON BEE BOXES & AFTER DINNER WE GET READY FOR

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS & AT 4 PM WE ALL GO OVER TO OUR 

CHAPPLE SITUATED AT THE MACHINE GUNNERS.  (11)

 

IN A COCONUT GROVE THERE IS SITUATED A LITTLE SHELTER 

MADE OF BAMBOO POLES & ROOFED WITH FRONDS. THIS LITTLE 

PLACE SHELTERS OUR ALTER. AROUND IT STAND ABOUT 1000 MEN 

TO ATTEND THE CELEBRATION OF THE SERVICE IT IS A FITTING PLACE & 

A FITTING DAY FOR SUCH A SERVICE. THE SERVICE STARTED & THE

SKY CAME OVER CAST HEAVY BLACK & WITH LIGHTNING FLASHING 

IN THE NEAR DISTANCE. A STORM IS COMING UP. PUTS ONE IN 

MIND OF THAT DAY ON CALVARY & AS THE SERVICE FINISHES THE 

STORM BRAKES. RAIN POURS DOWN NOT A MAN MOVES & ALL ARE 

DRENCHED TO THE SKIN IN A FEW MINUTES. THERE IS NO SERMON. 

NONE IS NEEDED TO CREATE A GREATER PICTURE IN ONES MIND 

OF WHAT IS THE BASE OF OUR FAITH. WE COME BACK TO BILLETS & CHANGE 

INTO DRY CLOTHES. IT RAINED UNTIL LATE INTO THE NIGHT. 

THE NEWS WE HEAR TONIGHT DEALS WITH MANY PLACES. WAVELL IS 

GETTING A BAD SPIN IN THE NORTH. WE ARE OK IN THE SOUTH & 

THE YANKS CLAIM A MAJOR NAVAL VICTORY. ROOSE IS TO OR HAS MADE 

A SPEECH & IT LOOKS ACCORDING TO ALL THESE FURFIES THAT 

WE MAY NOT BE HERE VERY LONG. I HAVE MADE BETS WITH RAY 

GILMOUR £1 JIM SMILEY £1 PAT LAKEY 1 BOTTLE WHISKY THAT WE ARE 

STILL P.O.W. BY THE END OF JULY. I HOPE I LOSE BUT DONT THINK 

THAT I WILL. TONIGHT I BOUGHT A TIN OF FISH $2 AND WE 

HAVE AN EXTRA FEED. I THINK ALOT THESE LAST FEW DAYS OF 

PAW PAW & HOME & THE GOOD FEEDS & DESERT ON PAW PAW.

---------------------------------------------------------

SAT 4/4/42

EASTER SAT. NOT MUCH TO CHRONICLE TODAY SOME OF OUR 

LADS LEFT FOR SINGAPORE TODAY TO MAKE UP A WORKING PARTY 

OF 3000 MEN FOR SHIFTING IRON ETC & CLEANING UP. SOME 

STORY OF A GENERAL SHIFT BUT DOUBT THAT VERY MUCH. 

SAW THE INSIDE OF OUR SARGE TODAY & WAS RATHER SURPRISED BUT 

NOT DISAPPOINTED. WE HAD ANOTHER GOOD FEED TONIGHT & HAD SOME 

PEPPER IN THE RICE ALSO SALT & PAW PAW. IT WAS ABOUT 

10 UP ON THE COOK HOUSE MEALS AND ANOTHER TOMORROW. 

I BET WE GET PACK DRILL FOR IT BEFORE IT ENDS. I HOPE SO ANYHOW.

-----------------------------------------------

SUN 5/4/42

MASS THIS AM & NOT MUCH DOING TILL DINNER. WHICH IS 

NOT TOO BAD. 1 PIECE FRIED RICE & A GOOD ISSUE OF SWEET RICE 

& MILK. FANCY BEING ABLE TO EAT RICE 4 TIMES A DAY 

& STILL LIVE & STRANGE TO SAY WE ALL LIKE IT & LOOK FOR IT.

I STILL FEEL TERRIBLY TIRED & WEAK IN THE LEGS THINK I'LL HAVE A 

DONGA TODAY & GET MY NOTES READY FOR TOMORROW. AM OUT OF SMOKES

AGAIN. NOW I AM GOING TO STOP OUT BY ISSUE ON FRIDAY. I WILL HAVE 

GOT THE JOB WELL IN HAND. TODAYS FURPHY. RUSSIA HAS DECLARED WAR ON 

JAPAN. TONIGHT WE HAD ANOTHER GOOD FEED. THE SMOKE SITUATION IS A BIT HEAVY 

NOW, BUT BY NEXT SUNDAY WILL BE RIGHT PAST IT & WILL BE OK. PLENTY OF 

SHIP MOVEMENT HERE SO IT LOOKS AS THO WE ARE NOT TOO HAPPY. 

GOT SOME CHEESE TONIGHT & ADDED SOME TO THE BAKED RICE & SUPPER 

WAS OUTSIDE WIRE WITH AGRIC. GROUP TODAY & ALSO ON MY 

LAST DOLLAR AGAIN.

(12)

MON  6/4/42

[[?]] FOR IT AM TO GIVE A TALK ON AGRICULTURE. THIS PM. I ATTENDED 

A LECTURE ON SOILS THIS AM BUT DO NOT GET OVER MUCH VALUE FOR 

IT. THE LECTURE AREA HERE ARE DIVIDED TO 4 GROUPS A.B.C.D. 

HAVE TO DO A.1445 & B.1600 HRS TODAY & INTEND TO DIVIDE THE 

LECTURE INTO SUFFICIENT SERIES TO PROPERLY COVER THE WHOLE 

SUBJECT."A" AREA NORTH OF 2/30 BN BARACKS. "B" LAWN EAST N 22ND BGDE HQ

"C" VERANDAH A.I.F. MEDICAL STORE ORDNANCE

"D" LAWN AT SIDE OF EDUCATION 

CENTRE BUILDING-SHARP A 1445. I WAS ON THE JOB FOR THE 

FIRST GENERAL LECTURE ON BEES. THE FIRST PLACE WAS A & THERE 

WERE ABOUT A THOUSAND CHAPS THERE BUT I GOT A GOOD HEARING 

FROM THE MOB & AFTER I WAS FINISHED WAS BESEIGED BY A COUPLE OF DOZN &

WAS NEARLY LATE FOR MY SECOND SPASM AT B. THERE WERE NOT SO MANY AT B. BUT 

IN COMPARISON THERE WERE MORE ENTHUSIASTS & ONE CHAP KELY FROM 

THE 18TH IS VERY KEEN. HE HAS TWO HIVES & THEY ARE DOING RATHER 

WELL. I CONGRATULATED HIM ON HIS LUCK. THE GROUP NOW HAS 7 

HIVES & OUR COBBERS IN HOSPITAL MAY GET A FEED OF HONEY YET. 

I ALSO HAD AN EXPERIENCE LAST TONIGHT. WAS COMING DOWN THE 

BANK IN FRONT OF OUR BARRACKS & CAME SUCH A SPILL. I FELL 

ABOUT 12 FEET & SKINNED MY ELBOW & BRUISED ABOUT ALL THE REST. 

WE HAD A FEED. CAME BACK & YARNED FOR A WHILE & SO TO BED 

& SO ENDS EASTER MONDAY OF 1942 FOR A P.O.W. IN MALAYA & I AM 

STILL FEELING WE HAVE NOT LONG TO WAIT OR AM I GETTING USED TO IT.

-----------------------------------

TUE 7/4/42

THE FIRST THING I HEAR TODAY WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING

BACK HOME TODAY STAN & STAN GAVE A PRETTY FAIR DETAIL OF

WHAT HE WOULD BE DOING. THEY ARE ALL THINKING HOME. ALL DAY

ALL TIMES THIS PM. I GAVE SECOND SERIES OF TALKS ON BEES & THATS

THE LAST FOR A FORTNIGHT. I MET MICK McDONALD FROM SPRINGS TODAY

HE LOOKS OK FOR RICE DIET. TO MAKE UP FOR OUR DEFICIENCY IN SALT

WE HAVE A PARADE WITH BUCKETS DIXIES ETC TO BRING WATER FROM

THE BAY FOR COOKING TH RICE ETC MOSTLY RICE THE

SCROUNGE PRICES ARE DOWN TONIGHT. 4 TINS M & V BULLY ETC

FOR $5 WHICH IS A BIT DIFF FROM 3.50 A TIN WHICH I HAVE

SEEN PAID. IMAGINE 10/- FOR A TIN OF JAM? WE HAD A FEED OF

RICE & M & V TONIGHT. ALSO CHINESE SPINACH PAW PAW & COFFEE &

FEEL WELL FILLED & SO TO BED AT 9.30 PM THE END OF ANOTHER P.O.W. DAY

---------------------------------------------

WED 8/4/42

THIS AM WAS QUIETLY SPENT IN LOOKING OVER ALL THE BEES & MAKING

FRAMES WITH KELLY. I ALSO SAW FRANK PLAISTED FROM CHILTERN. LAST

TIME I SAW HIM WAS IN THE HOSPITAL THE NIGHT WE GOT

OUT. THIS PM I WENT OUT TO THE VEG PLOT BUT WE DID

NOT DO ANY DIGGING ACCT OF RAIN. WHEN IT RAINS HERE IT

SURE GOES TO TOWN. COMING BACK FROM THE PLOT WE

MET A BOONG SELLING A KIND OF BISCUIT. IT IS MADE UP

OF COCONUT & RICE FLOUR & BAKED IN OIL 20 FOR 1$ & THEY

ARE BEAUTIFUL. I SPENT MY LAST DOLLAR ON THEM. SHARED

WITH STAN WHO WILL BUY TOMORROW. MUST HAVE

A GO AT EM SOME OF THESE DAYS WAS TOO FULL FOR WORDS

AFTER TEA. THESE CAKES FILL ONE UP PRETTY GOOD & SO ANOTHER DAY NEARER RUSSIA

[*(13)*]

 

THURS 9/4/42

LAST NIGHT DREAMED A DREAM I HOPE COMES TRUE. IM NOT LIKELY

TO FORGET IT SO ON AM WAS OVER AT A LECTURE STAN GAVE ON

THE DRIED FRUITS INDUSTRY. WISH I HAD SOME OF THEM HERE

NOW OR BETTER STILL WAS AT HOME AMONGST THEM. MACHINE GUN

PRACTICE ROUND THE WIRE TODAY. NO DOUBT ABOUT THIS FELLOW

HE IS EFFICIENT AND ONE CAN ONLY ADMIRE HIS WORK. I HAVE

BEEN ENLIGHTENED BEYOND WORDS AS REGARDS THE JAPANESE. HE IS

A GENTLEMAN TO THE CORE AS FAR AS WE SEEN OF HIM & THATS

PLENTY. WE HAVE A FAIRLY GOOD FUND ISSUE COMING OUR WAY BY THE

SOUND OF THE STORY. 8OZS CHOC. 8OZS BOILED SWEETS. 4 PKTS CIGS

TOOTH PASTE ETC ETC. ALSO HEAR MAIL MAY GET THRO BOTH WAYS

BUT DOUBT THAT VERY MUCH. THE DINNER TODAY WAS RATHER GOOD. WE

HAD RICE OF COURSE BUT IT WAS ALSO BUILT UP WITH A VERY NICE STEW.

WENT OUT WITH THE AGRIC. MOB PA & BOUGHT SOME OF THOSE LITTLE

CAKES AGAIN. THEY GO VERY WELL. I HAD 28 SOLD ALL BUT 5 & ATE 4.

HOPE TO GET SOME MORE TODAYMORROW. HAD A TALK ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF

STARTING OUT ON BEES AS A LIVING TONIGHT WITH A CHAP

WHO IS GOING TO GIVE IT A FLY WHEN HE GET BACK WHICH WILL BE A LONG TIME.

------------------------------------------------

FRI 10/4/42 

WELL TODAY STARTS OFF WITH THE OBSERVANCE OF A VERY BEAUTIFUL

SUNRISE. NO DOUBT THIS PLACE WOULD BE IDEAL UNDER PEACE

TIME CONDITIONS. IT IS REALLY MOST BEAUTIFUL. THERE IS A

BIT OF AIR ACTIVITY HERE THIS AM. WISH THERE WAS TONS MORE

BUT AFTER HEARING THE FURFIES LAST NIGHT AM QUITE RESIGNED

FOR AT LEAST 12 MONTHS DAMN IT & THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME

WELL SOMEBODY WILL HAVE TO WAKE UP DAMN SOON OR IT WONT

BE OUR WAY. NO. A BIT OF A SCATTER CAUSED IN THE FOOD SCROUNGE

QUESTION. THE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN CAUGHT OUT. ONE OF THEM HAD THE AUDACITY

TO CRIME A COOK HOUSE FOR HAVING CURRY WHICH THE LADS HAD BOUGHT & PUT IN TO

ENABLE THEM TO EAT SOME OF THE SOUR RICE WE WERE GIVEN. IN CHAP 4 I WROTE

OF THE LACK OF CONTACT BETWEEN OFFICERS & MEN. I HADN'T STARTED

TO LEARN THEN! THE FURFIES TONIGHT ARE SWINGING BACK THE OTHER

WAY NOW OUR TWO NEWS BOYS ARE AGREEING WITH EACH OTHER

AS TO THE NEWS THEY HAVE.  AS I SAID BEFORE THEY WOULD BE FUNNY IF

THE REPURCUSSIONS WERE NOT SO DEEP BUT AS IT IS THEY ARE JUST

BLOODY SILLY. THE CAMP IS RATHER QUIET WITH SOME OF THE BOYS AWAY

ON JOBS IN SINGAPORE. MICKEY MACDONALD WENT IN TONIGHT & I

MET ALF FINDLAY TODAY. I REMEMBER HIM NOW AS A KID WHO USED TO BRING

THE MILK THEN AS THE YOUTH WHO WAS VERY FOND OF DANCING THEN AS

A P.O.W. HE IS NOT ALTERED MUCH & SO ANOTHER DAY NEARER HOME

--------------------------------------------

SAT 11/4/42

THERE WAS NO TOBACCO ISSUE YESTERDAY SO ALL ARE LOOKING

FORWARD TO THE ISSUE TODAY. WENT TO THE RAP THIS AM TO

GET A CROOK ANKLE DRESSED. ITS DAMN SORE. MUST TRY & GET SOME

BREAD TODAY. BUILT THE BANK UP A BIT YESTERDAY. HAVE A TIN OF FISH

FOR MYSELF & MAY BE ABLE TO GET A FEW OTHER DELICASIES. THE CANTEEN

STUFF HAS ARRIVED I BELIEVE. I THINK ILL BOOK UP A FEW MORE MARELLA

ADDRESSES. I SAW A FEW MORE OF THEM TODAY. MAC OF PERTH EPISODE

& SEVERAL OTHER LADS. 12 L.C'S ON TODAY & WONDER HOW THINGS GO.

[*(14)*]

SAT 11/4/42

I WAS UP BEFORE SUN UP TODAY AGAIN TO SEE ANOTER SUNRISE

NEARER HOME & SO FOR THE DAY. AM RAP & ADDRESSES

MUST GET 29^TH & PAY CORP TOMORROW. TODAY OUT TO THE GARDEN

SOME MORE LITTLE CAKES THESE CAKES ARE COMPARABLE TO OUR

COCONUT MACAROONS & INSTEAD OF BEING BAKED ARE BOILED IN OIL.

WILL TRY & TAKE HOME THE RECIPE. ALSO SPOSE BETTER TAKE THE NUTS.

BUILT UP THE CAP BY $1 TODAY & A BETTER OP TOMORROW NOW THAT

I HAVE A BIT TO WORK ON. WE HAVE SARDINES FOR SUPPER TONIGHT.

THE NEWS TODAY NOT TO HOT I THINK A NEGOTIATED PEACE IN FEW

MONTHS. DEMOCS HAVE FAILED TO HELL. ALLOWS TO MUCH SCOPE

FOR THE ONE MOB? NOT MUCH TO WRITE ABOUT. I HEARD A STORY

OF A LITTLE FEUD BETWEEN THE  AASC & THE FIELD BAKERY.

IT APPEARS THAT THE BAKERY WAS SELLING BREAD TO SOME OF

THE BOYS & THE AASC SENT THEM IN. WELL NOW THE FB

IS TELLING A FEW HOME TRUTHS ABOUT THE AASC. WILL CHECK UP

TOMORROW & IT SHOULD MAKE A GOOD CHAPTER. ALSO WHILE ON

IT FRANK & THE COOKHOUSE DOOR MUST NOT BE MISSED. ITS GOOD.

THERE IS SOME RATHER GOOD TYPES HERE WHICH I MUST NOT

MISS SO FROM TOMORROW WILL SPREAD A LITTLE MORE ON P.O.W. SINGA

----------------------------------------------------

SUN 12/11/42

2 MONTHS P.O.W. TODAY

UP AS USUAL AND TO MASS. ANOTHER NICE MORNING AND MADE A

BGL BOY TODAY FOR GATHERING ONLY. WONDER HOW MICK & JACK

ARE DOING- HEAR THE PHILLIPINES HAVE FELL. ANYWAY WHAT COULD

ONE EXPECT THESE NIPPONS HAVE THE WEIGHT OF THE YANKS

LOOKS TO ME AS THO THE YANKS BLEW WITH THE USUAL WIND

AND GOT CAUGHT IN THEIR OWN MESS. SOMETHING LIKE

THIS PLACE. TOO MUCH MONEY SPENT IN LUXURY & WHEN

ONE REMEMBERS IT IS THE COLONIES TAX PAYER WHO HAS

PAID IT MAKES ONE NEARLY GLAD TO BE A P.O.W. IF IT

WAS NOT FOR AUST TIES MANY HERE WOULD BE GLAD. ANYWAY WE

HAVE HAD SOME GOOD MEALS LATELY & AM GETTING A BIT OF

WEIGHT BACK BUT IT IS ALL SOFT FAT & I COP A BIT OF INDIGESTION

LATELY. WILL BE PLEASED TO GET OUT OF THIS. WE GET A HEAVY RAIN

STORM HERE EVERY NIGHT & IT SURE DOES RAIN. WAS OUTSIDE TODAY

BUT DIDNT GET ANY PATTIES. PLENTY OF CIGS ABOUT OUT @ 65c 

WHICH SHOULD MAKE A GOOD THING FOR THE BOYS. HAVE NOT HEARD

ANY FURFIES TODAY. BILL BARKELL WAS OVER TONIGHT. HE IS NOT

TO HAPPY ABOUT THE POSITION BUT IS QUITE OF THE OPINION

THAT WE WILL BE HOME WITHIN 6 MONTHS. I HATE TO ARGUE WITH

ANY OF THEM BUT IT IS A SHAME TO SEE THEM DISALLUSIONED

AFTER THE FURF IS BLOWN OUT. WELL LOOKS LIKE ANOTHER P.O.W. DAY OVER.

--------------------------------------------------

MON 13/11/42

TWO NEWS BOYS THIS AM HAVING QUITE A CONFIDO ON THE

LATEST FURFS ALL NEWS OF COURSE THAT WAR IS OVER IN

EUROPE. THAT IS NEARLY AS GOOD AS GERMANY CAPITS OR

RUSSIA HAS DECLARED WAR ON GERMANY. NO DOUBT ABOUT

THESE TWO ALWAYS FIRST HERE WITH A NEW FURF. IF THEY

DONT BUY A NEWS AGENCY WHEN THEY GO HOME ILL GO HE

(15)

MON 13/4/42

PM & GOT TO THE CABBAGE PATCH AND GOT 34-150. THE [[?]]

IS SLOWLY COMING UP AGAIN. ALF FINDLAY CAME OVER TODAY

& WE ALL WENT TO THE MARKET. THIS MARKET OF OURS TAKES

THE CAKE. BREAD & BULLY CHEESE OR FISH IN BETWEEN $1. VERY

TASTY BUT IT IS EATING MONEY. ALSO THE CIGS 3- $2. THEY HAVE

RATHER HEAVY PRICES ALL RIGHT. THEY COP ABOUT 100% USUALLY.

BILL BARKELL WAS OVER BUT I MISSED HIM. 57 OUT TODAY. I WONDER WHO

IT IS. THE MEALS TODAY HAVE BEEN GOOD & PLENTIFUL BUT MOSTLY RICE & A[[?]]

--------------------------------------------------

TUES 14/4/42

WOKE THIS AM TO LOOK OUT MY WINDOW & SEE IN CLOUD FORMATION

ABE LINCOLNS FACE. A MOST PERFECT SILHOUETTE. IS IT AN OMEN?

LATER IT GAVE WAY TO STORM CLOUDS IN THAT DIRECTION.

WONDER IF AUST WILL GET THIS VISIT? THE SECOND BATTLE OF MALAYA IS ON

& SO THE FURFS GO ON. AN EPISODE OCCURRED TODAY. 4 DIGS WERE OUT

ON A SCROUNGE AND LIKE A LOT MORE OF THERE ILK HERE ARE PURE

CONCRETE FROM THE NECK UP. WELL THEY CAME ALONG THE ROAD &

ALTHOUGH THE PATROL CAR WAS STANDING AT THE GATE THESE MUGS

MUST HEAD RIGHT INTO THE CHOWS HOUSE & 2 OF THE PATROL PERSONEL

ARE IN THERE. THEY GOT CAUGHT & WERE BROUGHT BACK & MADE

SIT ON THE BANK WITH THE GUARD. THEY STAYED FOR A WHILE

& THEN OFF 2 MORE GOT MIXED UP IN THE BLUE & REST TO MEM[[?]]

ALF BILL RUSS CHAS & SELF HAD A LIGHT SUPPER. MOST ENJOYABLE

INDEED. MEMS OF HOME & BAKED IN ASHES SPUDS & MANY MORE.

HAVE BEEN CROOK ALL DAY & A FEVER TONIGHT. ASPROS & TO

BED & UP IN FEW MINS FOR USUAL & SO ENDS ANOTHER P.O.W

---------------------------------------

WED 15/4/42

STILL ON THE TROTS & FEEL PRETTY ROTTEN. NOT MUCH DOING TODAY

WENT OVER TO 2/15 RE OBS HIVE TODAY BUT UNABLE CUT GLASS. MET

A PROFITEER ON CIGS & TOLD HIM UP. UP & LISTENED TO A LECTURE

TODAY ON WATER. NOT TO HOT. PAY OUT TO CABBAGE PATCH BUT

NO DIG. NO SCROUNGERS OUT TODAY. TOO MUCH PATROL [[CTY?]]

SAN 3 TINS FISH TODAYS. BILL OVER TONIGHT. HE IS OFF TO BUCKATI[[N?]]

TOMORROW. UP TO RAP & PADDIES MAKET WITH ALF & BED & ANOTHER POW D.

--------------------------------------------------

THUR 16/4/42

ITS A MARVELLOUSLY SMALL WORLD. I WENT TO RAP THIS AM

& STANDING IN THE LINE I HEARD THE NAME OF A C

HOLLINGSWORTH. I CHECKED HIM UP & MEET AGAIN AFTER

22 YEARS. WE HAD A COUPLE OF EPISODES YEARS AGO. MUST

HAVE A LONG YARN WITH HIM TODAY IF POSS. I WILL

CANCEL MY BEE LECTURES FOR TOMORROW. ACT THIS

ROTTEN "DIOR" CANT RUN AWAY FROM THERE. EVERY FEW MINS

THE FURFIES LAST NIGHT DONT GIVE MUCH AWAY & IF ANALYSED OUT

ARE JUST AMBIGUOUS ALTHOUGH I THINK FRANCE MAY YET FIGHT WITH

GERMANY? JUST HEARD PAT LAKEY REMARK ON FEED AT HOME. I WONDER

IF ANY OF US EVER FORGET THERE IS PLENTY OF INDUSTRY ABOUT HERE BUT FOR

MINE MUST LOOK ON THE TOWER. ONE STORY WORTH WHILE IS FROM THE

HOLE TO THE HOLLOW. THE HOLLOW OF EVERY CITIZENS HAND IN AUST IT IS REGS

THE PACK DRILL AND ALL ONLY FOR OFFENCES AGAINST THE &  A TURN OVER

IN HERE TODAY. BELEIVE ME THIS DIV IS A WASH OUT. CHAS DONE MY JOB TODAY

2 TINS FISH TODAY 1 LGE 1 SMALL WELL NO SCROUNGE NOW. MARKET QUIET

& SO TO CLOSE ANOTHER P.O.W. DAY

(16)

FRI 17/4/42

[[?]] MARCHED OUT YESTERDAY ONLY GOT AS FAR AS

[[?]] & WERE RETURNED HERE AGAIN. SAW BILL THIS AM

THINGS GENERALLY SEEM VERY QUITE. FURFS ARE STILL

COMING IN. HIT. HAS LAVAL TO FORM A GOVMENT BUT

OTHERWISE NEWS STILL "AMBIG & RIDIC". NONE OF THESE MONGERS

SEEM TO WANT TO STEP TOO HIGH & WILL NOT COME

BACK TOO FAR. EACH DAY HERE MAKES THE POS LOOK MORE &

MORE DANGEROUS FOR AUST. ONE MUST LOOK THE FACTS STRAIGHT

& THESE WOULD BE STRATEGIST. YOUTHS MAKE ONE SICK WITH

SOME OF THEIR IDEAS. JUST HAD A VISIT FROM KIELLY THE

BEE CRANK BUT CUT HIM OFF IN 2 MINS DEAD. I BET HE

WONT WORRY ME AGAIN BETWEEN PARADES DAMN THEM

I DONT OR DIDN'T GET ONE MIN TO MYSELF TILL I KNOCKED THEM ALL

BACK& KEPT AWAY FROM HOME. BUT THEN I DIDN'T GET TIME TO

DO ANY WASHING OR ETC. SEE A LIST TODAY OF A HOLIDAY CARAVAN TRIP IN

NORTHERN AUST FOR TWO MEN AND WILL JUST FOR THE SAKE OF IT PUT IT

IN. 4 DOZ TINS BACON 4 DOZ CAMPIE 4 DOZ CHEESE 2 DOZ JAM

5 DOZ M&V 3 DOZ MILK 1 BAG FLOUR 1 BAG RICE 5 LB TEA & 5 LB

COFFEE COCOA 12 LB SALT 2 LB PEPPER 3 DOZ BUTT- A

-20 LB MARGARINE 6 LB BAKING SODA 3 CREM TATA SAUCE VARIOUS

PICKLES 1 GAL VINEGAR 70LB SUGAR SWEETS CIGS GROG AS POSSIBLE

TOBACCO PAPERS ANY OTHER FOOD PROCURABLE. WATER BARRELS 30 OR MORE GLS MACCARONI

2 AXES 2 GUNS ∧MACHES LAMPS AMMO 4 GROUND SHEETS 1 FRY PAN 4 SAUCEPANS 3 BASINS 2 TIN DISH

2 BLOWERS 5 TINS KERO AS MUCH PETROL AS POS.

2 DOZ VARI FISH LINES 12 DOZ VARI HOOKS QTY LEAD "LING OR SALT FISH"

TWINE NEEDLES ROPE SPARE TARP HND SAWS HACK SAW BLOW LAMP BRASS ETC.

TWO CLAW HAMMERS PLIERS VARI TOOLS CROSSCUT SAW VICE "LEVELERS"

-4 DOZ OR MORE BULLY & BISC HARD OILS FOR FRYING

ALAN CHAS I RICE FISH FOR SUPPER & SO TO BED. NO FURFS. NO NEWS & SO ENDS P.O.W. D. WITH 3 DOSES 

[*& A MAN IN

THE 18TH GUTTER*]

----------------------------------------

SAT 18/4/41

LISTENED IN TO A LECTURE ON FITTING UP A FARM AND FENCING

SOME OF THE IDEAS ARE VERY GOOD & CHAS IS BOOKED TO HELP ME REFENCE

THE PLACE WHEN WE GET BACK. VERY HEAVY RAIN THIS AM & FLOOD OUT

AGAIN. NO WINDOWS IN. PM DOWN TO THE GARDEN BEAT AGAIN FOR THE CAKES

CHAS & THE POWDER COMFORT DO A BIT OF A DIG & HOME TO TEA OF "RICE". TONIGHT

WE WENT TO THE MARKET & IT IS FINISHED. THINGS HAVE GOT TO TOUGH FOR

THE BOYS BOTH INSIDE & OUT. THE LOW MONGREL SELLING THE STUFF FROM

THE KIT BAGS. FINISHED THE GAME FOR GOOD WE HAVE A FISH RICE SUPPER

& FINISH VERY LATE. NO LATES AGAIN. ANOTHER LAD HAD A RAGE

WITH [[EUJAS?]] TONIGHT. WON BY A STREET. THE FURFS TONIGHT ARE THAT

SPITFIRES MACHINE GUN PEOPLE IN OCPD FRANCE? RUS CAVLY FIGHT GER TANKS?

JAPANESE CONVOY ARR RANGOON. AMERICA NOW READY LAUNCH ATTACK RAAF

BOMBING AS FAR AS JAVA? THE WHOLE DAMN LOT IS A CONCOCTION

BECAUSE SOME OF US KNOW DIFF BUT THE ARE WORTH WRITING IN FOR

MEMS WHEN WE GET HOME? WONDER WHAT PICTURES THE FAMILY SEE TONIGHT & IF

THEY GO. HOPE THEY ALL DO. WOULD MAKE ONE FEEL BETTER & SO ANOTHER

P.O.W.D.O

[[S Fraser?]]

(17)

AND SO ON INTO OUR 63 DAY AS P.O.W. AM OK AGAIN TODAY

FEEL FAIRLY FIT. THESE EXTRA BITS OF SCROUNGE ARE

NOT BAD. MUST SCAG SOME CURRY SOME WHERE SOME HOW. WOULD

GO RATHER GOOD CURRIED RICE SPCLY WITH COCONUT. TO REPORT TODAY

O.C. NO3 COY WHAT A MAVELOUS ARMY SENT OUT TO FIGHT UNTRAINED THEN

KEPT IN REF TILL 9 WEEKS AFTER THE FIGHT FINISHED. REPORT TO CAPT OF

NO3 BUT AM ASKING TRF TO NO2 ANTI TANK BRIGADE. GOOD TUCKER WHILE WE ARE

HERE & A GOOD MOB TO WORK & FIGHT WITH WHEN WE GO INTO BISUNESS.

WILL BE OVER WITH ALLAN FINDLAY MICKY MACK & A FEW OTHERS FROM ROUND

KOOROY & HOME ETC THOUGHT WE MIGHT GET A TURN FROM THE COOKHOUSE

TODAY AS WAS THE LAST MEAL BUT WE WERE DISAPPOINTED. THESE

COOKS ARE TO DAMN LAZY TO DO A DAMN THING. WILL HAVE TO

DO A BIT OF PACKING TODAY & TRY FIX THIS THERMOS UP. QUEER THING

WE WAIT FOR 9 WKS TO MAKE THE CHANGE OVER. I FEEL THERE IS SOMETHING IN

THE AIR. MAYBE AN EXCHANGE OR SOMETHING THE JAPANESE ARE BUILDING A BIG

MONUMENT TO ALL SOLDIERS ON THE BECKA TIMYAH ROAD. SAME 3 HAD

ANOTHER F SUPPER TONIGHT & HAVE PACKED & TO BED FOR THE 63 POW DAY.

(2)

---------------------------------------------

MON 20/4/41

UP EXTRA EARLY TODAY TO MY NEW SECTION. BREAKFAST BROWNED

RICE PORRIDGE PLENTY OF IT & TEA. DINNER SWEET RICE NO TEA.

TEA LARGE SERVE RICE & STEW. 1 LARGE PIECE RICE & PEANUT PIE

SWEETENING ON THE TOP. THE BEST TEA IVE HAD SINCE I CAME HERE.

THE AM I SPENT TILL 11.30 ON THE KIT TRUCK. I SAW A BAG OF FOUNT.

PENS & SOME OF THEM WERE BEAUTIES. ALSO SOAP SHAVE CREAM & OTHER

PERSONNEL ITEMS. HARD LUCK CHAPS HAVING TO LOOSE THAT STUFF

& SOME OF IT PRESENTS FROM SOME THEYLL NOT SEE AGAIN & ALSO TO CHAPS WHO

HAVE BEEN KILLED IN ACTION. PM WAS SPENT GETTING SWARM OF

BEES. ALSO SAW FRED MATHEWS. BASIL WARD IS IN SINGA FOR

A FEW WEEKS. CHARLIE GRANT GAVE ME A FELT HAT TODAY SO

FEEL BETTER DRESSED THAN WHEN IN THE TIGER SHOOTER

WHICH I MUST GET AUTOGRAPHED. HEARD TONIGHT THAT [[CALLAGH?]]

HAD GONE BACK TO AUST? FURFS ARE HEAVY. BOMBING OF JAPAN

BUT DON'T BELEIVE THAT. NO OTHER NEWS. WILL SURE MISS NEWS

BOYS SMILEY & TREG NOW WE ARE SPLIT UP. I AM WRITING THIS

WHILE THE BILLY BOILS. 2010 HRS. CHAS & ALF ARE THE COOKS &

BY THE SOUND OF THE SNIFFELS THE FIRE IS A BIT TO ABSTRACT

THE LANGUAGE IS HEAVY TOO. BOONG CIGS 5c A PACKET OF 20

BEING SOLD TONIGHT FOR 5c EACH IN THE MARKET. OLD FOZZA

WANTS MS TO GET SOME SUGAR. WELL ILL GIVE IT A GO TOMORROW. ALL

THE BOYS IN THE ORDNANCE WITH FRED & CHARLIE ARE WELL FED UP

HARRIS IS THE CO. ONE SOE WHO WAS ON THE MARELLA WITH

US WAS A 'V' MAN TILL THE WEEK WE SAILED THE OTHER

WAS A CORP OVER HERE. TILL THE DAY WE CLOSED UP

HE WAS MADE A LEIUT. IS IT ANY WONDER WE ARE NOT

TAKING A TRICK. STILL THE SAME GAG OF WHO YOU KNOW

IN THE ARMY NOT WHAT YOU KNOW. ALSO HEAR THAT DOPE

SHAW WHO BROUGHT US OVER DESERTED AT THE LAST

WELL THIS COVERS A MULT OF MENS [[S?]] ANOTHER

P.O.W. DAY "LOSES"

(18)

TUE 21/4/42

[[?]] BACK TO HOUSE 46 TO THE SWARM OF BEES THERE

[[?]] PAT LALEY WITH ME & SPENT A VERY ENJOYABLE MORNING. SAW

QUITE A LOT OF THE MARELLA DRAFT BOYS OF THE 20^TH ORD MOB

AM SEEING QUITE A LOT OF THE OLD MOB LATELY. EVERY DAY I

GET 3 OR MORE OF THEM OR SOMEONE FROM HOME. HAD A CUP

OF MORNING TEA WITH THE BOYS. THE CHEW OF A BONE. THE 

BONES ARE BOILED TO JUST GRISSLE & BONE BUT THEY ARE SHARED UP SPLIT

WITH AXE & ARE KNAWED AT WITH RELISH. THEY CERTAINLY STIR UP

THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS ANND "WHAT WOULD THEY SAY AT HOME IF

THEY SAW US NOW". LOOKED FUNNY TO ME TO SEE JONESY & THE REST OF

THE BOYS I SHARED LAST XMAS DINNER WITH KNAWING BONES. I 

WONDER WILL THEY EVER FORGET IT? THERE IS NO DOUBT THE "QRS"

HERE IN J SECT ARE GOOD. THE CROWD ARE DECENT & THE FOOD GOOD

WILL TAB MEALS FROM YESTY ON. BRK CRUSHED RICE MILK TEA L. LUNCH DINNER [[?]] STEW GREENS RICE BIS "4".

DINNER SWEET RICE [[MEAL?]] BISCUIT [[?]] NOT BECAUSE OF DISSATISFACTION OR HUNGER BUT FROM

THE POINT OF GENERAL INTEREST & SOME RECIPES TO MAKE WHEN IM HOME

AGAIN & ALSO I HAVE AQUIRED QUITE A LIKING FOR THIS RICE. THESE CHAPS

MAKE A GOOD JOB WHEN WE LINE UP TO THE COOK HOUSE. HERES A BEAUTIFUL

SLIDE OF WHITE RICE & THE WHAT NOT EXTRAS. MAKES LIFE WORTH WHILE.

THEN THE GRAMOPHONE GOING IS RATHER GOOD & WE HAVE SOME VERY

GOOD NUMBERS TOO. HAVE JUST MET A CHAP FROM S.A. VERY DECENT FELLOW

KNOWS JOHN LEWIS & A FEW MORE GOLF ENTHUSIASTS. HE GAVE ME A SERVE OF COND

MILK FOR MY RICE AT DINNER. I MUST GET A TIN. IT IS VERY GOOD. MAY CASH A FEW BONDS I

HOLD & GET A BANK VR AGAIN & GO OUT & BUY ALTHOUGH MONEY IS GETTING LOW NOW.

A RUMOUR HAS GOT GOING THAT ALL MEN OVER 35 ARE BEING RELEASED. MANY BELEIVE IT

& ARE QUITE PLEASED. WHAT A NASTY THUMP THEY'RE DUE FOR & SO ENDS P.O.W D 65

---------------------------------------------------

WED 22/4/42

UP TO AN EARLY SHOWER THIS AM & SHAVE BEFORE ROLL CALL 0815

THIS COOKING HERE IS NOW TAKING EFFECT & ONE IS NOT UP

& DOWN ALL NIGHT LONG. HEARE THE COMFORTS FUND ISSUE IS IN

& READY FOR DISTRIBUTION. BREAK. PORRIDGE & GROUND BROWNED RICE.

MET DON & WENT TO A LECTURE OF OUR OWN OVER UNDER A TREE. THE ETERNAL?

CAME UP & WE DEF. DECIDE WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO WHEN WE GET HOME

BACK TO A FAIRLY GOOD DINNER WHICH ALTHOUGH LIGHT WAS NICE

SWEET RICE MILK BLOOD & BONE SPRINKLED OVER THE TOP ALSO 1 CRUMPET & SLICE

PM SPENT DOWN WITH CHAS. A 6^TH L.S. IF WE GO BACK TO THE JOB I

INTEND TO JOIN UP WITH THEM. THEY ARE A GOOD MOB OF CHAPS.

NO NEWS YET TODAY@ 1800 TWAS ON 25^TH APR THAT WE HEARD OF THE CANTEENS AND

TODAY BRINGS US VERY CLOSE TO THE FIRST ISSUE. THE 29^TH GOT THEIRS TODAY

WILL HEAR PARTICS FROM BILL TONIGHT. SUPPER FOR TONIGHT. HOPE BILL HAS

TOBACCO ALTHOUGH IM JUST ABOUT WEANED OFF THE SMOKES NOW THEY ARE

WORTH 2/11 IN ACTUAL CASH. ILL HAVE THE CASH NOW THANKS. BILL OVER TO

SUPPER. FISH RICE TONIGHT. TOO MANY COMING IN NOW. RUS ALSO OVER DOING

A BIT OF BIZ WILL GET PARTICS TOMORROW. THE NEWS SEEMS RATHER

GOOD & AUTHENTIC & IF IT KEEPS UP WE WILL HAVE A BIT OF A

CHANCE AFTER ALL. WELL SO MUCH FOR TONIGHT & SO P.O.W. D66

ENDS ON A NICE FULL BELLY & A GOOD FEELING OF CONTENTMENT.

(19)

THU 23/4/42

GETTING GOOD ON THIS RISING BIZ SHOWER

BEFORE ROLL CALL AGAIN TODAY & VOLENTEER FOR

A JOB ON THE KITS. MY CAPE IS RATHER LARGE & COULD

DO A SWAP. A MEETING HELD TODAY REGARDING

THE MEAL ISSUE & I THINK THIS WILL GO THRO.

ARTUR HOLLINGSWORTH IS CHAIRMAN & COMMITTEE

HAS BEEN FORMED. WAS OVER TO SEE RUSS & HIS

MATE. A BIT OF 2ND HANDING GOING ON SO MAY SHY

CLEAR OF IT. THINK IVE LOST A DAMN TIN OF FISH.

BILL OVER. NO SUPPER TONIGHT & TOMORROW NIGHT. LAST FOR SOME OF THE

MOB. ITS GETTING TOO BIG HEAR WE BOMBED JAVA & WON NAVAL BATTLE

ALSO ADVANCING IN NORTH. ALL FURFIES BUT MUST RECORD THEM

FOR THE FUN OF IT. WAS AT THE MARKET TONIGHT BUT ITS HARDER

TO SELL THAN TO BUY NOW THEY ARE CLOSING IT UP SO WILL

TRY WORK UP A PRIVATE SALE. THESE BOONG CIGARETTES ARE A

BIT OF ALL RIGHT. THEY GO OFF EASILY & ARE A GOOD TURN OVER

SPENT THE PM AT GARDEN. THE MEALS TODAY SAME AS YESTY. MEET

A KEEN YACHTING ENTHUSIAST TODAY. MAY HAVE POSSIBILITIES OF

A GOOD MATE HERE. WE HAVE A BIT IN COMMON. SO ENDS P.O.W. D.67

---------------------------------

FRI 24/4/42

DO A BIT OF TRAVELLING THIS AM & LOOK UP A FEW MATES

ALLSO GET A LOT OF ADDRESSES. TIS RATHER CHILLY TODAY. RATHER

SURPRISING HOW COLD SOME OF THESE MORNINGS CAN BE ALTHOUGH

THEY ARE RATHER NICE. WENT TO EDUCATION CENTRE TAKE LECTS

AGAIN. NEXT WEEK ALSO. SAW RUS. GOT $7.20 NOW & MORE TO COME. WILL SOON HAVE

ALL MY OWN BACK. BREAKFAST TODAY. PORRIDGE TO DIXIE RIM WITH MILK.LUNCH RATHER

LIGHT. RICE B&B & MILK % SLICE 2.3 RICE & B&B BAKED. THE B&B HERE MENTIONED IS PEANUT

GRINDINGS. WAS PUT IN TO USE AS FERTILIZER BUT SOMEONE FOUND THAT

IT CONTAINED I THINK 20% OF VITAMIN B & SO IT HAS BEEN USED

ONLY FOR EXTRA FOOD. IT HAS A VERY PREGNANT PEANUT FLAVOR

& THE WAY IT IS SERVED HERE IS (1) IT IS GROUND UP HOT & SPRINKLED

ON TOP OF ONES RICE. ALSO BOILED INTO RICE USED AS A FILLING

FOR PASTRY WHICH IS OFTEN MADE ALSO IN CRUMPETS OF FLOUR

& RICE FLOUR & THE RICE CAKES. IT IS RAINING HEAVILY TODAY &

WE DO NOT GO OUT TO THE GARDEN FOR WHICH I DO NOT THINK

WE WILL EVER HAVE ANY NEED AS WE SHOULD BE OUT OF HERE

BY TIME STUFF IS GROWN SUFFICIENT FOR PRAC USE. THE TEMPO

OF THE WORK HAS DEFINATELY SLOWN DOWN. THE COMPANY GARDENS

INSIDE THE WIRE ARE JUST GOING. TIS REPORTED TODAY THAT THE RE ARE

TWO DEATHS FROM BERRI BERRI & SO WE ARE GOING TO GET "TODDY" ISSUED

TO US. (BET A FEW GET DRUNK) TO COUNTERACT THIS DESEASE. I AM UP

TO NOW ON OUR 10TH WEEK VERY WELL & CONTENTED. AM GETTING VERY

LIGHT & MEALS GENERALLY BUT WE MANAGE TO GET A TIN OR TWO

OF STUFF NOW & AGAIN & THAT HELPS ALONG. I AM TRYING NOW TO BUILD

UP A BIT OF A BANK. SHOULD MAKE ABOUT $11 A WEEK ONE WAY CIGS &

A FEW EXTRA OTHER WAYS. RUS OFFERED ME THE LITTLE [[BOS?]] FOR $20 TODAY. WILL SEE IF

SMOKELESS P.O.W. DAYS CAN BUY IT? PORRIDGE FOR SUPPER & SOME MILK & DAY 68 ENDS.

(20)

SAT 25/4/42

[[?]] writing long hand from now on both for

[[need?]] & practice. Won't be able to write at

all if I keep up that blacking. Today is

"ANZAC DAY". And we held a dawn service which

was very impressive most of the division was there

Revellie went at 06.30. (After a false alarm at 2.30 which

made a lot of us very hostile) And we paraded @

1 am and marched to the parade ground at the

educational centre where the ceremany was held

is was opened with the Hymn and followed

by a short address by the Col. which was very

much to the point. This was followed by a

short prayer. And then the wreaths were

laid. First by members of the old A.I.F. who were

present and some of them were men who took part

in the original landing. Tough old guys who appear to

be weathering the conditions here rather well. The

"last post" was sounding by a unit of bugles one mins silence

was observed and we returned to our respective barracks

Twas then 8am and I had a wash & off to mass @ 0830 hrs. There

was us sermon & home to break of "porridge tea & condensed milk

I have not yet ever mentioned our living quarters & will

now try to describe them. They are the buildings which

were previously occupied by the English regiments

which were daily garrison duties here at "CHANGI"

"BLUFF" They used to call it CHANGI FORT but Ill call

it Changi Bluff because that is all it was. The bldgs

themselves are all built of brick & have mostly tiled

roofs. Some of the store sheds etc have Fibre Concrete

corragated roofs. All the floors are either of unglazed

tile or concrete, and those who sleep on the

floor find it rather hard. These bldgs [[?]] are in

wire the married mens Qrs and consist of 3 up &

3 downstair rooms lav & BATH on top floor washhous

detatched at back. No doubt the place has been

a rest home in peace time but copped hell in Air

raids. The surroundings are very pretty all wire

very widly laid out & all planted english lawn

grass, Lots of it are now aug up & planted in

beds for the A.I.F. have had a rather busy day & am rather

sick of the caper covered about 10 miles today & its too

heavy for the amount id told Alf he is very hostile

but he won't do any himself met two W.A's today they

have a little humpy over in the coconut grove it

is a very pretty setting heard some furfs tonight

about the Javan battle but doubt them all someone

will write up if true. Plain supper & so bed for P.O.W 69

(21)

SUN 26/4/42

Up & showered @ 0745 today & to mass we had

an early coy parade & the other denoms go to church

I am writing up this & then will do some washing

2 pairs pants & 2 pairs socks. Hell Ill be glad when

this caper is over its a fair "b" by the news. Yesty

things are looking rather bright of course

do not know how true they are so am not at all

elated. will wait & see. TODAY the routine has been

changed & sunday except for essential duties is a day of

rest again. Went down to the gutter & washed & came back

made a started to make a balance & was disturbed

so am going to draw some house plans. Over how one

gets hold of ideas here. some of them may mature

but tis better I think to let them run on & do all

one can about them it keeps the mind more at

rest than by cooking them up. Just hear30 blokes

were caught outside last night wonder if

my friends after the pigs got thro OK. Some

of the C.O's of vari units show a lot of nous

by closing their eyes to some of this scrounging

& as I will, aid Aust. That any man who dies

or contracts "berri berri" after being penalized

from & for scrounging his disease in death can

be laid on the toes of that man. But more to

that later, we are not yet out of the wood

Told us that there were no duties but here I am

copped for a kit hurdy pushing the trailer with kits

all our kit bags with unnecessary gear was first

cut & a store min to going into action we

have not seen them since. Anyway I

went on the kit job and am very pleased that

I did. got a belt and am on the watch?

The job only lasted half an hour we carted

one load & the job gave out so all happy

went to the market tonight its just

about finished Boong cigarettes are all

right but Lions are [[?]]. Home at dark

and looked up my two cobbers in the

M.O's in their hut. had a cup of tea & home

to bed & so ends another P.O.W.D. No 70 10 WEEKS 4

-------------------------------------

MON 27/4/42

at the midday write up. Have stew & the am

over at the 2/15 & 2/20 & we talked bees

all day. Saw Stan Ronel & got a tin of Milk

must try & get myself more of this. It will

keep one more fit. Also some fish etc

Im looking after no one now. All our

was detailed for a Singapore working party

today but was pulled off a/c the Bees.

(22)

MON 27/4/42

[[cause?]] for which I was very pleased

I don't want to go in there now have too

much gear to risk my drill & [[?]]are

too good to lose by any unnecessary

risk Took a go on the garden today two tins

fish. 1.20£ is damn dear Mr Borug will [[shed?]]

a few profits later if I know some of our

chaps. This garden I mention is being done

by the lads for the benefit of the whole lot

we have planted sweet potato & tapioca

but I don't think we will be reaping the crop

I hope not anyway and by the tempo

of things looks as if the heads think the same

way. An officers school started today & don't

they get hell. hrs of it. 5 more of our chaps

left for Singapore today went to the market

tonight & got cleaned out quick havent a smoke

for myself even. back to bed & so P.O.W. 71 Ends.

--------------------------------------------------

TUE 28/4/42

Well for [[?]] blooded boneheadedness

this A.I.F. takes the cake the latest

starting today is P.T. ¼ hr before breakft

every second morning. every other mng

we do squad drill now when one must

concider for a ½ min that we are all 80%

below par & on scrounge food, the whole system 

undergoing a change lack of sleep the getting up

and that 23 men collapsed on the Anzac

parade just from malnutrition, well it sort

of takes ones breath. no wonder we lost here

too much parade ground attitude & not

enough war business was our downfall.

AM. saw Jack Archer & talked a lot of Bing will

be out late tonight have to see the [[from?]] also

tonight. Have washing to do this evening so will have a

go at the house plan. If things work out ok will have

a few necessaries for it when I get home and heaps of ideas

which should come good had a good issue of meals

today B plain rice milk & sugar & porridge breakfast. Lunch

1 tin herrings I had four. sweet rice & dressing also B&B.

have got into the habit of weighing the news against

the miserations here. And when one sees planes using

routine practice it hardly bears and the fact

that we have retaken all the places we are

supposed to. Well now for our Dinner A very [[?]]

stew Sweet rice with charred coconut on top. beautiful

am on the wire with Jack Archer tonight & a good

cop in it too. to bed 1200 H So ends P.O.W 72

(23)

WED 29/4/42

Up a bit late this am feel a bit tired

wire walking is not what its cracked

up to be. done a bit of canvassing today

done a 110 [[?]] [[net?]] 6 not bad for a day.

if this can only keep up twill be good

but things are getting pretty tough and

so do not build any false hopes but expect

to have a good dinner from tomorrow and

a supper tonight. BREAK. today plain ground rice

porridge & milk but with added salt & sugar twas

very nice have sufficient sugar for couple

of days. hear there is a peace confirmed.

the furfs have it that there will be peace in

14 days. Well lets hope so twill do me in

one way. Bazil Ward is in hospital

with Beri Beri. No work today a/c

Emperors birthday. pm spent with Jack

& Charlie Grant. The outside today &

no smokes & not much to write. A funny

one occurred late last night we

were sitting just inside the wire

when along came 3 poms. They were

half way through when we stood up

AH ejaculated one pom. Are you Aussie

? We ∧answered 'yes'. he started to come on

and then had another look.

X? Japs the x? x?ers. and got back thro

the rolly holly & the strand just like

a bird flies thro trees. We were quite

a while convincing them of their

error they are as timid as rabbits.

Another mob were pinching coconuts

when we came up on them and

frightened 6 years growth out of them

one fellow up the tree two on the ground

they talked for a while till the bloke

in the tree [[?]] & have the show

away. Well a coconut for the [[?]]

seems to be the usual. I got the shell

& am going to cave it as a souvenir

our group is going again and it

makes one feel just like home with the

wireless going. am making great strides

with my house design & how girlie

will saw Russ & collected fall in now but

$1.50 which will get tonight. to tell Pommys

with what the night brings in happiness & supper

etc will close the 73 P.O.W Day.

(24)

THUR 30/4/42

A very quiet day. Knock around a bit in

[[?]] am and the pm to the garden patch.

brought in quite a heap of wild mint

This plant somewhat resembles mint

and we are using it for greens some

which we are very short of. I do not know

what food value is in the plant but it

goes in & personally, I get as much as I can of

it. Do a bit of Bin talk with Bryce tonight

hes giving the wire a go & Im not. The news

or furfies tonight shares a distinct reverse

Preps are enemy for attack on moresby Japanese

advance in Burma Russian advances one

large American Reas to Aust. "OH yeah" the

place will be full of damn yankees by then 

and it won't improve the tone of Aust much?

Saw Jack & gave him a decent order don't think he

is too keen. Make canga with him tomorrow night &

must get some smokes tomorrow & so now to

rest a bit in the bunk till don brings inn

the supper. Rice & I have some sugar must put

the days menu up B. PORRIDGE LUNCH UNPOLISHED RICE & very light

tea. Stew Soyer Beans & Rice & not much. POW 74 Ends

---------------------------------

FRI 1/5/42

May day. well hope Russia makes a day

of it over there. Went up to the 2/10 REVORS

& met the chap Kells has brother Bluey

deserted when we came back to Sydney

it fair knocked him over when I told

him what had happened. Am getting a pie made

today out of M&V & pastry have a cobber with

a camp order? & he's doing the cooking Im sply

the ingredients M&V $1 but its worth it. Jack

gave me some pkts smokes today can sell one

& that clears both. This job is taking some keeping

up with Bill Pryer over with Jack I at concert & a

very good turn out too the last item "ALWAYS" forever was

an absolute gem. The pie 13" long 4" wide 1½ deep

was a job for a gourmand & I wasn't I laid

back both [[ears?]] & at it lasted 40 min and

don't I feel well. Hope I get the plum kind &

call in & Biscuits they and so go pretty good

with the present tucker. The meals today

were also wonderful [[Break?]] & much lighter

but good "[[Diggings?]]" Sweet Rice Stew & Greens & have two which

was the best I have tasted since oneday in Rglen

when on leave to Nathalia & so Ends POW 75

SALT & MARG

(25)

SAT 2/5/42

Well this is marvellous Bill & Jack do

their stuff & I do mine we have a plainn

puddinng supper at 1.30 plenty of smokes

Bill brings in tin milk [[?]] fresh tin

cheese. I sold the cheese for him for 2.50 &

we ate the fish for Dinner which made

5 course meal soup & greens sauces Rice & Pineapple

I've got 5 tins each spread over 10 days) & fish & Rice

topped off with a drink of Red & some coconut

so chew after [[?]] its good to be here

now wine got going and the eats came in.

I gave two lectures yesterday on Bees

& one today got a good reception at [[D?]]

Rain should the turn at "C" today. Met

Plugger Briggs & he sold some cigs for me

[[?]] gets two cigs per [[?]] out of

think I have him trying so strike a

Balance today Put into a hell of a Job

must put it up properly tomorrow or

will be in a hell of a mess. The news

is not too healthy lately but there is

some more going on for a shift from

here & some talk of Timor Island. I smell

something doing last night & some very

[[?]] explosions were heard sounded

like earthquake disturbance to me I was

asleep & it woke me up. Bazil Ward home from

hospital today. Had three very full &

good meals today Bread for Breakfast with

jam & condensed milk spread on it Bread

& milk & Rice & stew for dinner talk about feeds

is marvellous. Hope things keep up like this for

a while. I am quite happy & well fed and hope

they are same at home & that they are out &

enjoying a picture show tonight. IM

writing this by torchlight & waiting for

Bill. Wonder if Little Jew goes to the picts

with Aid yet, Hope to take home an

electric drill for Buck Have ordered a

supper tray from a chap he is also

making me a matchbox cover & inscribing

it. Must be something in the Air on the island

sucker that is making me write like this Anyway

working well to have the old urge again but

there gas lights on & 2/1 mess, see Bill [[?]]

some lollie date? or maybe a plum [[?]] &

Biscuits again. And so to hoping for the best

and put this and the light ([[?]]) [[?]]

P.O.W. DAY 76 close

(26)

SUN 3/5/42

11^TH WEEK

A Day of Queer happenings & plenty of good

men. To start off with at 04.20 today two GORDON

HIGHLANDARS woke me up and asked where I lived

a marvellous coincidence. They left me 21 better

than when they came and will see me

at 2300 tonight. I made a balance this am &

have built a dollar up to 20 in a week not a

bad effort & should do better yet. Went to a cricket match

Engl. Aust to day & Ive won thats 10/- old Syd Hamp have

at springtown & owes me  twas a beautiful day for a

game & I had a bit of a look round & met two

poms who are interested & interesting. They are

breaking their necks to get some bread over there

its sure hard to get. There seems to be a definite

move towards home here & there. All kinds of

Rumors being thrown about Meals today on the up

B PORRIDGE (we had bread) L- soup sauce & rice (we had fish) Dinner Good

a 3 course meal (1) Soyer bean Soup (2) Fried rice risole (& fish) (3) Sweet

Rice (PINEAPPLE) the bracketted items are supplied by us & co

Well the day started well & kept up the tempo

all day long. I went to the wire with the Gordons at

11pm & waited a good while eventually Jack & Bill

turned up & they have a hell of a load about 4 deep

in one the Gordons take their lot out of it &

we drink a bottle of Beer Just think of it. A real

drink of real beer. a good feed of dates & after delivering

me get home to barracks & have a good feed & so to bed

highly contented and so ends exciting & Happy POW day 77

MON 4/5/42

Looks like Ill be dumping Archer he wants it all

his way a bit of a [[?]] this big is starting to

turn his head a bit so & no cigs last night

& no com from the Gordons load AM Gave demo on

taking hive from tree without cutting and have

been requested to start class. But do not think it

worth while some move is on Hope its a prisoner

exchange. If it had not been for the sell out by England

& the Yanks who started this we wouldnt be prisoners

& I agree with any negotiations aust will make for

our release. There's no doubt about the treatment we

have received here although some of the troops have

had their "ego" somewhat blunted which is all

to their good. We will be able to take back a few

lessons in manners & dicipline when we get home

Manners must be another special cultivation in

Japan. As well as scoffing had a fair issue of meals

today especially the crushed rice pudding which

was delicious. Donga more or less PM & so end P.O.W 78.

(27)

TUES 5/5/42

The load last night was very poor

and prices are no good the Gordons did

not come in & we have not yet quitted

the load at 0900. Bill ran fair into Jack &

now a bit of fun will start. Am on a salt

water party this am first time Ive copped a

job since Ive been here but I am always

first to start & last to finish on the bees. a big

mob of our chaps left for Singapore today getting

a new camp ready I believe. looks as though

Ill lose my bet wit Pat Lakey. I hope so any rate

AND OF ALL THE LUCK? WELL WOULDN'T IT. I click a Singa Party

myself we are going to Jahore Baru on the Mainland

to build stables for horses arty. and we leave

we are taken by transport to our new

abode and hang me if it isnt the Jahore GAOL

And we get in later an inspection by the camp

commandant) at start 7 pm. We are billeted

in the VAGRANT block but leave that for more

congenial surroundings its my first taste

of iron bars since Ive been a prisoner. we

are very comfortable more so than at home

we had to get rid of our load at cost

and done $6 each. And gave 4lb flour into

our cook house. I left my typewriter

& drill with Robinson the A.M. seargent he

works in the G.P.O Melbne Ron. &

Mr Gittings the Lieut have also agreed to keep an

eye on it for me. Great bit of fun over a

tin of Bully Roby gave me then told me on the

road that it was excess & I spent it back in

the cook house. now one hungry old bugger

is running round whining as to its

whereabouts. If I tell him again I must mke

each syllable with a thump in the ear

and even he's settled down now & the capt

has put him right re the rations. We have

had a good feed & are now for bed. I don't expect

the variety of food here that we usually get

but I hear there is plenty of it. We get a good

cup of tea which is an asset. OUR hours are

rise 06.30 and a cup of tea, on to the [[party?]] at 07.15 &

work till 10.00 then rest till 14.00 then work till

19.00 & back to tea. Meals are Break 10.30 LUNCH 14.00 &

DINNER 19.30. It looks as though things will

be a rather good cop and so having

had such a sow of a day will close. P.O.W 79 & 2 [[?]]

(28)

Woke up at 6.30 & get our cup of tea &

[[?]] out to the job. They will have some

fun here when the horses are brought

in. The place where they are built is

more or less floating in a swamp.

we strike water in the post holes at about

12 inches & the ground shakes like a jelly when

ever a log is dropped on it. No doubt these

chaps have an efficient army and the

discipline is very rigid & the morality is

very high. They treat us with great respect

and there is a lesson in manners for some

of our blokes. It is ow 1200 & we are knocked

off for the first spasm & have a look over the

place. I have seen the condemned cell

& have worked the drop rope seems to

have had a fair bit of work too the place

is bigger than I first thought we had our break

at 10.00 & had sugar in our tea as well as in

our rice Bill & I have cond milk which is

an asset to us & now we wait for LUNCH. I am

lying out on my bed on the verandah & have

been looking at the life above me. And the

wonderful splash of calm they make. There

are pictures in them such as we see on our Xmas cards

at home even the common old brown [[tile?]] shows

some scene. I can hear the trains running back

& forth all the night & it makes me feel a bit like

home. Heres to lunch Well the day is over & the

pm was spent digging a trench we scored rather well

in the way of cigarettes and are on rather good

terms with our captors. There is a fraternity arising

between Japanese & Aust which augment well for

the future of the two peoples we have not been

very broadly educated. And this is doing the

work of good to a lot of us. We had a good tea

tonight a big issue of stew & plenty of Rice

a bath & so had a lot of exercise will do us a lot

of good. I can do with it anyhow. One thing

about this job there are plenty of smokes laid

on every time we rest they hand round

cigarettes. I am writing this on t lying

on the broad of my back & using my back

We have been issued with mosquito smoker

a coil something like a little snake which

when lit will smolder for 5 hrs I hope it burns

all night & Ill sleep well for the rest on P.O.W. 80.

(29)

THUR 7/5/42

It has been a very heavy day & Im

as tired as a dog that's been chasing rabbits

all day & that reminds me As I lay

here in the Johore Gaol how is

Aid & his speckie dog & if the kids

ever get a rabbit now. Just turned

over on to my belly to write this

but the old "bell" is too full to stand

much of this. Wonder how Aust is doing

& what is the war position in general. My

thoughts bounce back a lot to home

these days does it augment well or bad?

Anyway we can't do anything about it so

will pass it up again. We are paid 10c per day

here & some of us classed as carpenters

get 20c Ive bought some cigarettes today $0 25c

per pkt of 20. they are pretty tough but

are better than nothing. The Japanese soldiers

get an issue from the Army of 2 cigs per

day but there is an issue somewhat after the

comforts fund issue from home. The dinner

here today was a washout but the

tea was a beaut I had enough toostew

to do me & then on top of that I had a

scone & plain rice & Bill & I had milk on

only one still have a good issue of milk

on hand & in the morning we open

our tin of jam for the scone at 0630 am

it [[?]] be rather good. We got a

pig from the J. Army cook house tonight &

are getting some fruit down from up the

country tomorrow fresh pineapple

it ought to be good. There is a concert

on here tonight but Im wiriting this

up feel too tired to go to the [[turnout?]]

anyway. They are now singing "Gundagai"

& my thoughts fly back to the old motor

bike days in Nathalia. It's a long way

from here to there but I hope they

here it & get a bit of help to us [[?]] soon.

One thing no man here who has been

in contact with the chaps will feel like

fighting them again. Ive filled up

another double lined page so I think Ill close.

also will have to cut the pace down or will

have no space by time I get out of here so

Hoping all at home & All friends in Aussie OK POW 81 closes

(30)