Diaries of Signalman W H L Woodgate spanning November 1941 to October 1945 - Part 10

FRI
11/9/42
AN.EXTRA.QUIET.DAY.AND.FURFS.OF N.G.NOT.TOO.hOT
SAME.TALE.AS.hERE.WhAT.ARE.OUR.WINDY-Y-s.DOING?
hAD.A.BIG.TEA.TONIGHT.UNCOMFORTABLY.FULL.hAD
BET.SMITHY.3.BEER.RELEASED.PRIOR 29 DEC 42
A VERY.QUIET.P.M.& SO.TO THE.CLOSE.P.O.W.208.
SAT
12/9/42
NO. ENTRY TODAY VERY.QUIET.NOT.EVEN
ABLE.TO INVENT.A FURF.AND.P.O.W 209.OVER.
SUN
13/9/42
MEAT.TODAY.
MASS.AM.SINCE.ThE.POMS.hAVE.MOVED.INTO.
THE.SQUARE.OUR.LITTLE.CHURCH.IS.VERY.hEAVILY
TAXED.& THERE.ARE ABOUT.4 TIMES.AS.MANY.MEN
OUTSIDE.AS.WhAT.THERE.ARE.INSIDE.TODAY.
THERE.WAS.A.PILGIMAGE.TO.THE.A.I.F.CEMETRY
ONLY.A.SPECIFIED.NUMBER.FROM.EACH.UNIT
& AS.ONE.OF.THOSE.WhO.DREW."IN" hAD BAD
FEET.I.TOOK.hIS.PLACE.& WENT.I.WAS.FORTUNATE
IN.GETTING.A.PROGRAMME.OF.THE.EVENT.
A.VERY.IMPRESSIVE.CEREMONY.THE.TWO.ESCAPEES
ARE.NOT.YET.IN.THERE.TO.BENIDICTION.AT.7.30PM
& THEN.hOME.TO.SUPPER.I.GET.THAT.MUCH.FOOD
THAT.I.GIVE.SOME.AWAY.TO.TED.FOX.hE'S.IN.THE
OTHER.COOK.hOUSE.& THEY.ARE.NOT.SO.FORTUNATE
& SO.OUR 30TH.WEEK.IS.UP. & 210.IS.OVER.
MON
14/9/42
CIG.ISSUE.TODAY.
HAVE.GOT.THAT.FAT.THAT.hAVE.TO.DO
SOMETHING ABOUT.IT.& SO.hAVE.VOLTEERED
FOR.ANY.EXTRA.PM.JOBS.& THIS.PM
COLLECTED.A TRAILER.TO.BRING.hOME.THE.
GREENS.& VEGS.I.BET.I.LOST.A.STONE
THE.SWEAT.POURED.OUT.OF ME.THIS.AM.I
PLANTED 16.PAW.PAW.TREES.AROUND
OUR.GARDEN.WILL.PUT.IN.ANOTER.BATCH
TOMORROW &. SO.ANOTHER.DAY.NEARER.hOME 211
TUE
15/9/42
A.GEN.MED.EXAM.TODAY.THE.OBJECTIVE.
BEING.TO.INSURE.THAT.NO.MAN.WHO.IS.NOT
100%.FIT.IS.SENT.ON.A.WORKING.PARTY.I.WAS
RULED OUT.ACT-PSYCOSTS.OF.FACE.ONLY.ABOUT- 10 FIT
MEN.IN.OUR.UNIT.& SO. P.O.W 212.OVER.
WED
16/9/42
ALL.UNFITS.TODAY.WERE.WEIGHED.& ALTHOUGH.I
LOOK.FAT.I.WEIGHED. 9St 6LB ONE.STONE.DOWN.ON
NORMAL.WE.hAD.AN.ISSUE.OF.MUTTON.TODAY
AND.TIS.QUITE.A.CHANGE.FROM.THE.BEEF.ONLY.NOT.ENOUGH.
OVER.TO.CIVICS.CLASS.TONIGHT.WONDERFUlL.LECTURER
& P.O.W. 213. closes
111
THUR
17/9/42
ON GUARD.AT.GATE.3. & as I write this
I am Sitting in the shelter looking
at the Indian Guard house –
We work 1 hr on in 4 & Im No 1started
at 10/30 & finish @ 10/30 tomorrow We
had a feed of shark for dinner & so far
it was very nice. Yes. Young grey nurse 
& carpet sharks weighing about 2 lb
each. The day is very sultry. And 
this is a rotten job we when not on
post doze or read & so the day
draws on at 8pm it rains & heavy I am
on again & am sheltered enough to
write this in. The Indians have just 
been picked up. & so P.O.W 214 closes
FR
18/9/42
TEN.THIRTY.& THATS.THE.FINISH.OF.THE GUARD.IT.WAS
ONE.OF.THE.COLDEST NIGHTS.I.hAVE.EXPERIENCED
SINCE.I.CAME.hERE.LATE.LAST.NIGHTS.BED.TIME.STORY.I
(THE.SIGS.WERE.POSTED.AS.INFANTRY.IN.THE.GARDENS.
& WERE.TOLD.THAT.THE.HILL.MUST.BE.hELD.TILL.THE
LAST.MAN.FELL.& TO GET.DUG.IN.THEY COMMENCED
DIGGING & WERE.PULLED.UP.WITH.A."DON'T.DIG.THERE
THEY.ARE.VALUABLE.PLANTS! SHELLS.& HELLS.BELLS & SING FELL
THAT.THE.PORK & THE.BUTTER.??
THE.CHANGING.OF.THE.GUARD.hERE.IS.TO.BE.A.CEREMONIOUS
TURN. & THE.INSTRUCTIONS.COVER. 4 SHEETS & "2,000"0 WORDS.
MORE PRISONERS.ARR.FROM.TIMOR.TODAY. MEET.AN.R.AAF
F.O.MACALLISTER.KNOWS.SMITHY & FRANK.SPOONER. & CO.
TWO.BLOKES.RUN.THE.GAUNTLETT.FOR.THIEVING. ONE
To.hOSPITAL – NEW.GUINEA" & STALIN.GRAD. HAVE.GoNE
NOT.MUCH.ELSE & SO P.OW 215 OVER.
SAT
19/9/42
A.VERY.QUIET.DAY. NOT.MUCH.DOING
A.CRICKET.MATCH.TOMORROW.ENG.V.AUS
POMS.HAVE.NOT.WON YET.BUT.& SO P.O.W 216. FINISH E
SUN
20/9/42
TODAY.AM.TO.MASS. OUR.PADRE.DOES.NOT.TAKE.TOO
KINDLY.TO.THE.PROPOSED.COMPULSORY.CHURCH.PARADE
THE.POWERS.THAT.BE.STILL.CONTINUE.ON.THE.SAME
LINES.? 4.VOLUNTEER.FOR.A.TRAILER.PARTY.TO.PUSH
OUR.LIMBLESS.MATES.DOWN.TO.THE.CRICKET
MATCH. & @. 13.30.WE PUSH.OFF.FROM.THE.TRAILER.PARK
AND.PICK.UP.OUR.FARES ? AT.THE.CON.DEPOT.THERE
ARE.14 ALL.TOLD & THE.ONLY hOPE.THEY.hAVE.OF
GETTING.OUT.IS.WHEN.WE.PUSH.THEM.ON.THE
TRAILERS.COMING HOME. WE.INSPECT.THE.CEMETRY - AIF.
THE.POMS.WON.BY.ONE.RUN. & PO.W 217. OF.THE 31ST WEEK.
112 
 

MON
21/9/4
AFTER.OUR.CRICKET.PUSH.WE.RCD.THE
VERY.HEARTY.CONGRATS.FROM.ONE.OF OUR
OFFICERS.BEN.BARNETT.TO.BE.PRECISE.YES
ITS.VERY.NICE.TO.THINK.THAT.ONE.IS.FIT
ENOUGH.TO.BE.THE.PUSHER.WHEN.ONE.COULD
VERY.EASILY.HAVE.BEEN.A.RIDER !.BUT..I.WONDER
IF.THE.SAME.GENTS.EVER-THINK.THAT.SUCH
A GESTURE.BY.THEM.WOULD.DO.MORE.TO.REGAIN
THEIR.LOST.PRESTIGE.THAN.ANYTHING.ELSE.THEY
COULD.THINK.UP.?.TODAY.I.PUSHED.A.TRAILER
LOAD.OF.WOOD.&.DAMN.NEAR.BUSTED.6.OF.US.ON
A.TRAILER.UP.hILL.WITH.A.TON.OF.WOOD.?
NEWS.FURFS.NOT.TO.hAND.TODAY.& STILL.NO
PAY.& SO.NOW.FOR.A.READ.& POW 218.OVER
TUE
22/9/42
PAY.& CANT.WE.DO.WITH.IT.THE.PAY.IS.A.BIT
BEhIND.TIME.THE.AMOUNT.RCD.TODAY.IS.THAT
FOR.THE.PERIOD.1ST.TO.10^TH .I.WENT.TO.THE
EYE.SPCLT.& FIND.THERE.ARE.TWO.SPOTS.ON.THE.LEFT.
& AM.NOW.ON.OIL.PILLS.YEAST & EYE.OIL.& P.O.W.219.IS.OVER.
WED
23/9/42
HAD.MY.FIRST.SWIM.TODAY.& ITS.A.GOOD.BEACH.NOW
WhERE.WE.SWIM.SEE.QUITE.A LOT.OF.TROOPS.ABOUT.
TODAY.NO.NEWS.TO.THE.CIVIC.LESSON.TONIGHT
TONIGHT.IS.ONE.OF.THOSE.FULL.MOON.NIGHTS.THAT.ONE.READS
ABOUT &.WE.SPEND.MOST.OF.THE.NIGHT.ON.THE.LAWNS.& P.OW 220. O
THUR
24/9/42
WE.ARE.TOLD.THAT.WE.ARE.SHIFTING.OUR.OR'S
TIS.A.DAMN.PITY.THEY.WOULDNT.LET.US.SETTLE.IN
ONE.PLACE.FOR.A.WHILE.THIS.DAY.ALTHOUGH.STARTING
RATHER.PROS.FINISHED.RATHER.DRAMATICALLY.WE.hAD.BEEN
RECOUNTING.STORIES.OF.hOME.AND.ONE.OF.MINE.BROUGHT:A
MEMORY.TO.TWO.CHAPS.ONE.FROM.COBRAM.& ONE.FROM.NATHALIA
HAMILTON & JIM.MATHEWS.AND.THEN.WE.TALKED.OF.hOME
& VARIOUS.ONES.TILL.LONG.AFTER.L.O.& THE.MEMORIES
DUG.UP.ARE.TOO.MANY.FOR.hERE & SO P.OW 221. ENDS
FRI
25/9/42.
THE.LAST.DAY.IN.THESE.QUARTERS.& HORSE.PLAY.
SEEMS.TO.BE.THE.ORDER.OF.THE.DAY.WE.PACK.ALL
OUR.GEAR.&.I.SPEND.MOST.OF.THE DAY.
GETTING.PIPES & FITTINGS.READY.FOR.THE.NEW
QUARTERS.& SO.P.OW 222.OVER
SAT
26/9/45
WE.SHIFT.INTO OUR.NEW.QUARTERS.&.AM.THE.PLUMBER
FOR.THE.FITTING.UP.OF.THE.SHOWERS.ETC.
NEARLY.hAD.A.FIGHT.WITH.A.CORP & SO
THE.DAY.CLOSES.& P.O.W 223.IS.OVER.113
SUN
27/9/42
PLUMBIN-.TILL.3.30 PM & THEN.TO.A.FOOTBALL
MATCH & PLAY.AGAIN. & WE.WIN- 4.7 - 3.3
WE.ONLY.PLAY.3 QRS. 2 @ 15.MIN.& 1 @ 10.& WITH
THE.OLD.MURCURY.AT.95.ITS.QUITE.LONG.ENOUGH
& hOME.TO.TEA.THE.BEST.WE.hAVE.hAD.UP.TO.DATE.ABOUT
hALF.LB.MEAT.PER.MAN.& THEN.TO.BENIDICTION.
& SO P.O.W.OF.THE.(32ND.WEEK & DAY 224.IS.CLOSED
MON
28/9/42
AFTER.A.VERY.RESTLESS.NIGHT.WE.ARE
BACK.ON.OUR.PLUMBING.& ITS.A.hELL.OF.A
JOB. I.AM.LUCKY.IN.hAVING.A.GOOD
MATE.&.WE.GET.THRO.QUITE.A.BIT.OF.WORK.
ILL.hAVE.A.hOLE.DAY.OFF.AFTER.I.CUT.OUT-
I.FORGOT.TO.RECORD.AN.ISSUE.OF.TOBACCO.YESTERDAY
&.ALSO.PAY.70 CENT.? & P.OW 225. IS.OVER.
TUE
29/9/42.
VERY.QUITE.STILL.PLUMBING.& TO.THE.EYE.SPECLST
WE.hAVE.A.SEARCH.SCARE.LATE TONIGHT.& ALSO.TOLD
THAT.A.SEARCH.& INSPECTION.OF.GEAR.WILL.BE.
MADE.TOMORROW.ALSO.INFORMED.THAT.40.000 PCIS.ARE
IN.SINGAPORE.FOR.US.ANY.GOOD.& SO P.OW.226.OFF 
WED
30/9/42
THE.END.OF.ANOTHER.MONTH.& ANOTHER.NEARER.hOME
THE.INSPECTION.MADE.TODAY.AND.ALL.OK.WE.
SPENT.hALF.THE.AM.PUTTING.OUR.STUFF.OUT.&.
hRS.PUTTING.IT.BACK.BET.TED.FOX.12.POTS.TO.12 MILKS
WE.ARE.P.OWS.AT.XMAS.&.I.LL.MAKE.ANOTHER.BET.WITH
MYSELF.THAT.SOMEONE.GETS.hURT.hERE.BEFORE.LONG.
TOO.MUCH.hORSE PLAY.IN.TOO.SMALL.A.PLACE.I.PUT.MY
TYPEWRITER.IN.TO.THE.ORDERLY.ROOM.FOR-USE-WHILE
IM.NOT.USING.IT.&.P.O.W.227.FINISHES AT.CIVICS.CLASS
THUR
1/10/42
TODAY.FLUES.TO.THE.COOK..HOUSE.WE.START.A.BIT.OF.JYM.WORK.
WITH.A.COUPLE.OF.STICKS.ALSO.SELECT.A.VOLLEY.BALL.TEAM
FURFS.GOOD.MEALS.GOOD.AND.ALL.HAPPY.GET.A.GOOD.VEIW
OF.THE.GAOL.FROM.hERE.SOME.OF.THE.BOYS.ARE.PLAYING
CARDS..& SMELL.SPOILS.THE.PLAY.& ANOTHER.DAY.NEARER.HOME.POW 228
SUN
4/10/42
P.O.W 231
"33.WEEK."
FRI.&.SAT.hAVE.PASSED.AND.NOTHING.DOING TO.RECORD.LAST
NIGHT.I.ATTENDED.A.I.F.CONCERT.NOT.A.BAD.SHOW.AT.ALL
TODAY.ON.A.TRAILER.TO.ARTILLARY.SQUARE.FOR.RATIONS
& GOT.WET.TO.THE.SKIN.AM.GOING.TO.hOSP.& MAY.PLAY
FOOTBALL.THIS.PM. PAPER.IS.GETTING.SCARCE.hERE
SO.WILL.WRITE.UP.EVERY.3 DAYS.FROM.NOW.ON.
[*114*] 
 

THUR.
8/10/42
P.O.W 235
AND.SO.WE.COME.TO.THURSDAY.WITHOUT.
MUCH.DOING.WE.COULD.SEE.LOADS.OF.COMFITS
GOING.INTO.THE.DEPOT.EVERY.DAY. &. AS.WE.
EXPECTED.TODAY.BROUGHT.US.TO.THE.TRAILER.
PARTY.TO.BRING.THEM.IN.hERE.WE.WERE.UP.@ 7:30
BREAK.& ON:THE.ROAD.@.8./30.NOW.THAT.PART 
IS.ALWAYS.DONE.BY.THE.MEN.WE.PICK.UP.THE.
OFFICERS.AT.THE.PARK.& FROM.THEN.ON.THE."INC"
SETS.IN.WE.FINISH.UP.TAKEN.2 1/4 .hRS.TO.GO.2.MILES
1.DOWN.hILL.1 .UP & LEVEL.THE.USUAL.AI.F..TECHNIQUE
NO.WONDER.WE.LOST.hERE.WE.DULY.ARR.BACK.AT.1200.THE.26^TH
ARRD.BACK.LAST.NIGHT,FROM.ADAM.PARK.TOO.MUCH.TO.DO.WITH.
GDS.AND.NOW.UP.COMES.ANOTHER.RISING.IT.LOOKS.AS
THO.WE.ARE.GOING.TO.BE.JIBBED.ABOUT.WITH.OUR.ISSUE AS
WE.ARE.WITH.EVERY.OTHER.THING.BUT.THINK.THIS.WILL
BRING.BIG.SHOW.DOWN.& SO.TO.CLOSE.P.OW 235
FRI
9/10/42
YES! “TIS.ON”.! THE.WHOLE.OF.THE.A.I.F.ARE.UP.AGAINST
THE.WAY.THE.RED.CROSS.ISSUE.IS.BEING.DISTRIBUTED
& FROM.THE."QUIET" TALK.I.WOULD.SAY.THINGS.WILL.GO
A.LONG.WAY.AT.2 PM.TODAY.I.BOUGHT.INTO.THIS. &.hAVE
BEEN.RATHER.BUSY.EVER.SINCE..I.WOULD.NOT.BE.SURPRISED
.IF.THIS.IS.NOT.hANDED.TO.THE.JAPS.&. IF.IT.IS.LOOK.OUT.
WE.ARE.FOR.THE.ORD.ROOM.@10.15.TOMORROW & P.OW 236
SAT
10/10/42
SAT. & WE.ARE.TO.INTERVIEW. SIG. CMDR. RE.MAKING.AN.INDIVID’L
ISSUE.OF.THE.RED.CROSS.GOODS.WE.hAVE.NO.CONFIDENCE.IN
ANY.PARTICIPANT.IN.THE.ISSUEING.OF.THE.GOODS.& AS.USUAL
WE.HAVE.FROM.PREV.EXPERIENCE.WHAT.WILL.hAPPEN.WE.hAD
THE.INTERVIEW.BUT.OUR.hANDS.ARE.MORE.OR.LESS.TIED.BY
MILITARY.DISCIPLIN. & IT.NOW.LOOKS.AS.THOUGH.THE.I.J.A
WILL.BE.INVOKED. &.IF.THAT.hAPPENS & ALL.TALES.PROVABLE
ARE.TOLD.CURTAINS.TO.THE.A.I.F.COMMAND.hERE.&
THIS.WILL.hAVE.ITS.COUNTERPART.A.T.hOME.THE.INTERVIEW.
WAS.GOING.WELL.TILL.TRUSWELL.CLOSED.UP.& THAT.THREW
THE.WHOLE.WORKS.OUT.OF.GEAR.BUT.THE.POSITION.STILL
UNCLARIFIED &.THEREFORE.STILL.FLUID.THE.REQUESTS.MADE
WERE.THAT.THE.TOTAL.AMOUNT.AVAILABLE.TO.BE.THE
SUBJECT.OF.A.ROUTINE.ORDER .&.(2) THAT.THE.COCOA.MILK
.SUGAR.&.BISCUITS.BE.ISSUED.INDIVIDUALLY.WE.WERE
TOLD.THAT.THE.AMOUNTS.SPECIFIED.WERE.BASED.ON.THE
ISSUE.ON.hAND.ON. 7^TH INST.YET.14 TRUCKS.CAME.IN
(& WERE.SEEN.BY.THE.GUARD.) YESTERDAY.SO ? DEVELOPMENTS.
SUN.11.9.42. QUIET.BUT.STILL..SEETHY. PLAY.
FOOTBALL.PM & WE.hAVE.A.WIN. & SO.PO 238
OF.34.WEEK.IS.OVER.
[*115*] 
TUE
13.910.42
LAST.NIGHT.WE heard rumors that a working
party was under way & to-day the rumor
became a fact. 40 from Sigs to a job
on river-valley road & I’m one of the
40. this is the third party Ive been on
and so today to the wash tub & wash up
all the gear. "Wouldn't it eh"? Just after I
had built for me a bugless bed. but
the change is rather welcome. Althoug
I would have liked to have finished
building my coppers which I have
been on for some days, and, so we tack.
I tried to get over to Southern Area to
see some of the boys off. the Houston
but can't get acct. Diphtheria outbreak
400. cases. looks a good place to be out.of.
? & NOW a good tea. cocoa @ 8/30pm & POW 240 over & to Bed
WED
14/910/42
REV. @ 06/30 in the dark gear packed for our 3rd getaway
and a meat breakfast?? We have our gear
taken over by trailer to the square and we
march over light. I have lent my typewriter
to Captain Ben Barnett. the international
cricketer who.if. we do not meet up again is to
send it.to home at Raglan I think his word is as good
as his hand and anyway.I win both ways the
story.will be worth more than £22. I bet. We get
to the square @ 8/30 and are now sitting about
waiting the transports.like the last day
we moved out the weather is.rather inclement
light fitfull showers pass over anon and we
duck for shelter in the pom officers mess. there
are 700. in this mob & there is a strong rumor that
we are a Japan party, it looks very like it
to me too. There are so few fit men in the
camp now that it has been a hard job to
fill the 35 required. we carry with us for lunch
one meat & rice risole. We eventually arr
at our destination, and what a place the
sloppiest slum in Singapore, in attab
huts like Serangoon. But the tucker looks
goods, we have been eating ever since
we got here & cocoa? tubs of it 1000
poms leave here tomorrow & they can not
carry all their issue.with.them & gear
tons of it. The bugs here are positively
marvellous big as figs & in millions aren't we
for it ? & so P.OW 241 closes. with electric
light in the hut.bugs. mosquitoes
mud & full belly.
[*116*] 
 

THUR
15/910/42
15/910/42.Which marks.our 8th month
in P.O.W. camp & we're Still at
Singa. Today we left the camp
at 9.30 am & by truck to the
wharves. then by ferry to
Blackamatie Island we saw
plenty.of.sunken ships in the
straits and plenty of evidence
of the scrap that was. We had
a very easy day.making a
sports ground with KOREAN. Troops
we also saw some Japanese "women"
came back at 4.15 pm in two small
launches & back to BUGS. & P.OW. 242.over
FRI
16/10/42
Two remarkable coincidences last
night one was I met up with
Gus Currier & the other the bugs
carried me out of the hut.
"OH. HELLLL" what a bug gar of a night
Today we again went to the
wharves & starting work @ 10/45
lumped 100 bags of rice till 1200
& from two to 3 pm unloaded rubber
& bludged till 5 pm & then home
we had a search coming in ?
we have a good breakfast & a good tea
but dinner.is Just "PLAIN.RICE" & so
POW. 243 is over.
MON 19/20/42
Sat.17/10 & Sun 18th have passed & our
35th week is finished. & today-->
is closing & we have had
two extra spcl days. YESTY. we
worked at the Bottle Yard. We
really sat down all day. & only
done 5" work in the P.M. We had
a drink of. hot water to which
had been added condenced milk
12 tins to 3 ½ gls water, & some “food”
one man “who did not come out”.was
missing & we had to wait.till. 9 pm
What a day. Today we went out to the

job & worked till 12- then marched.
half. over Singa & back. to camp at
2 pm & home for the day. one chap
handed over to I.J.A. today & another
broke up. We rcd boots today & hat
if requrd & P.O.W. 246. is over
[*117*]
TUE
20/10/42
A.FAIRLY.HEAVY.DAY.A.FEW.PIRATES  & ALL.SWEET
AT.BUCKA.TIMAH.& WHARVES.NO.SCAPS.& SO
HOME.JOHNNY.GOT.A.FRIGHT.WITH.A.BOTTLE
OF.MILK. & SO P.OW 247.CLOSES.WITH.TIRED.FEET
ACCT.NEW.BOOTS.RED.CROSS.ISSUE.
WED
21/10/42
HOME.TODAY.ACCT.SORE.THROAT.SEEM.TO
COP.EVERYTHING..IN.THIS.hOLE. WE.PLAY
CARDS.MOST OF.THE.DAY.& CART.WOOD
FROM.THE.VALLEY.ROAD.CAMP. TO.THE DR. &.ANOTHER
DAY.HOME.TOMORROW. THROAT.VERY.CROOK.
NOT.MUCH.TO.RECORD & SO.NOW.TO.CLOSE. P.OW
248. NO.FURFIES.ABOUT HERE & SO GN
THUR.
22/10/42
ANOTHER.DAY.IN & SLEEP.ALL.DAY.MORE.TROOPS.
MOVE.IN.TODAY.FROM.THE.VALLEY.RD.TEA.WAS.
RATHER.GOOD.TONIGHT. THE.LADS.hAVE.A.LATE
DAY. & SO NOW. TO.THE.END.OF. P.OW. 249.
FRI
23/10/42
TODAY.TO.THE.hOSPITAL. & JUST.IN.TIME.FOR.THE.MED.EXAM
THERE. & CLICK.A.CHANGI.THEY.ARE.BUNGING.THEM.
BACK.LIKE.FLIES.SO.M.A.Y.GO.TOMORRROW. & P.OW 248 250 OVER.
SAT
24/10/42.
AM.ORDERED.TO.CHANGI.TODAY.BUT.ORDER.LATER
CANCELLED.ACCT.NO.ROOM.IN.TRUCK. SO.UNPACK.
& WAIT.FOR.TOMORROW. BUCKS.16^TH.BIRTHDAY.
GOOD.LUCK.BUCK. .& MANY.HAPPY.RETURNS.I.WISH.I.WAS.hOME.FOR
IT.STILL.WILL.KEEP.THE.CELEBRATIONS.FOR.THE.NEXT. WHEN.ILL
BE.THERE.THE.FOOD.OVER.hERE.IS.NOT.TOO.GOOD.BUT.THE
SMELLS ?? ARE.PRETTY.HIGH & THEY.MAKE.UP FOR.IT.
THE.WEATHER.hERE.AT.PRES.IS.RATHER.GOOD. COOL.NIGHTS &.
NICE.DAYS.NOT.TOO.hOT.NOT.MUCH.hERE  & SO P.OW 24951 over.
SUN
25/10/42.
(36)
HARRY'S.16^TH & M.H.R.BUCK ! COME &.GET.IT.YELLS.THE.POMMY
COOKS.&.LETS.AT.ER.BEFORE.THEM.BLEEDIN.AUSSIES
GET.IT.COMES.A.CALL.FROM.THE.WARD.DINNER.IS
ON.& IM.STILL.hERE.A.LOT.MORE.OF.OUR.LADS.CAME.IN.TODAY
AS.THERE.ARE.ONLY.TWO.FOR.CHANGI.DO.NOT.EXPECT.GO.TODAY
WONDER.IS.RON.IN.NAVY.YET.? AIR.RAID.SIREN.TODAY.WE.hOPE.ON.
& SO.OUR.36^th week & POW 2502 are OVER.
MON
26/10/42
TODAY.I.FORWARDED.REQUEST.TO.C/O.OF
CAMP.TO.FORWARD.MY.COMFORTS.ISSUE
NOT.MUCH.DOING.FOOD.STILL.CROOK
BRIDGE.ALL.DAY.& SO POW 253. 1. NEARER.hOME
over.
[*118*] 
 

TUE 27.10.42 & 2524 OVER.LEAF
WED
278/10/42
Reply to my comforts? today “appended"negative
scurillous & a damn scandal. The meals today
Just plain bloody terrible. And they have
the Temerity to say the R. Cross stuff is in??
No furfs no nothing except the strong man
acct of the orderly. Yes he carried a meal for
180 men. our tea? & P.OW.2.55. over.
THUR
289/10/42
Very quiet, dogs, dags & Bayonets ? A few
went to Changi today & I missed again
The Dr & the pin & the feet boil. And
bridge till we are bridge blind. NO NEW
Pen dry & P.O.W 256 over
SAT
31/10/42
Fri (257) 30th over and Saty (258) 31st nearly
SOLOMONS.NOT.TOO.GOOD.Teeth "yanked" out ?
still here & more figs came in to
the camp today Who? Yes meals
bit better today & we are paid 80c ?
Hear Bill & Scotty are out here & some
of those who had gone back. "Joke"? & POW 258 out
SUN 1/11/42
November 1st and am having a very
quiet day. Smokes are rather hard to
get here. And meals are still
"upta" Today marks our 37^th week &
only 7 to XMAS. Well! will we be home?
Our main occupation here is SYONAN.
TIMES. & cards & LIGHTNINGS.MESS.RUN & P.OW 259. over
MON
2/11/42
MY ? TO THE.PAY.BEARS.RESULTS.THIS.AM LT.WALKER
OF ART’Y.CAME.OVER. & PAID.SOME OF US 20c
I.DID.NOT.GET ANY & RAISED.THE ? WHY.I.TOLD
HIM.THAT.I AM.MORE.INTERESTED.IN.THE MALADMIN
THAN.THE.20c.NOW ? EYE & BACK-VERY.SORE.TODAY
OUGHT.TO.SHAKE.UP.THE CHANGI TURN & TODAYS.SPECIAL.IS.THE
STORY.OF.BLEES’ ESCAPE. FROM BUKATEMA CAMP.ALSO.HATFIELD,TRACY.MJR
WAS.THE.C/O (VIDE .P.E.LAW.) & MONDAY.DRAWS.TO.A.VERY
SLOW.CLOSE. & P.O.W 260 is over.
TUE
3/11/42
MISSED.A.CHANGI.TODAY. & WENT."TO TOWN".ABOUT.IT
BUT.was FORTUNATE.AS.OUR.ISSUE.OF.FUNDS.CAME.IN
&. I GOT.2 TINS.M&V SOME.SUGAR & COCOA. WE.hANDED
OUR.ISSUE.OF.SOUP & TURNIPS.INTO.KITCHEN.BUT.6.OTHERS
KEPT.THEIRS.SUCH.IS.THE.COMMARADIER.A.I.F.LES.
MYERS.TO hOSP.ACUTE.APPENDIX. & P.O.W 261 fini
[*119*] 
WED
4/11/42
HOW.WE.FED.THE.'OM' IN.HAVELOCK RD
RLTD.BY ARCH. THIS.AM.BY THE LOOK.
OF.ARCH.HE.SHOULD HAVE.STINTED.THE.”BGRS”
FOR.A.BIT.MORE.HE.INTRIGUES ME.AS.HOW
A.MAN.WHO.hAS.BEEN.IN.COOKHOUSES.EVER
SINCE.WE.WENT.TO.CHANGI.CAN.REMAIM.AS.
THIN.AS.D3.CABLE. BEATS.ME. FISH.& PORRIDGE
FOR.BREAK. &. WE.OPEN.1 TIN.C.MILK.TO.11.MEN
WE.FINISH.THE.DAY.WITH.A.STORY.OF.HANDING.OVER.OF.ONE.
OF.THE.BOYS.TO.THE.JAPS.AND.REPERCUSSIONS.BY.THE
BOYS.& SO. THE.DAY.CLOSES.IN.A.BLACK.OUT.FOR 262
THUR
5/11/
“THIS.AM.I.WAS.WARNED.FOR.CHANGI.HOSP.& HARD
ON.THAT.I.AM.CALLED.TO.DEPART. WELL.THATS
THAT.TO.ANOTHER.PARTY & WE.ARE.OFF. WE.
BRING.BACK.WITH.US.THE.LAD.WHO.WAS.TO.hAVE
BEEN.HANDED.OVER. & THERETO.HANGS.A.TALE
I.ARR.AT.hOSP.& SEE.EYE.”SPCLS” & AM.IN.EYE &
FOOT.WARD.SAW.LES.MYERS.& JACK.STONART.
THE.MELS.hERE ARE.GOOD.MET.A.CHP.OFF HOUSTON
BUT "PEG.LEG & ROY.ARE.GONE", & SO POW 263.
FRI
6/11/42
A.DREAM “THE LADY LAUGHS”
VERY.QUIET.MOSTLY RICE POLISHINGS.PALM.OIL
MARMITE & EYE.DROPS.VERN.WELLS.LANDS
ON.BOTH.FEET.”OUT.OF.EGYPT”.BY POW 264
SAT
7/11/42
I.WRITE.A.SONG.SNEAK.A.BIT.OF.LICENSE.BUT. ?
HEAR.A.BIT.OF.FAR.EAST.NEWS.OF.A.REAL.
ROUTE ? WE.HAVE.A.6^TH.DIV.CHAP.HERE.WITH.US
ATTEND.A.CONCERT.AT.NIGHT.CASTIGATED.BY.A.BRAW
SCOTSMAN.HACKETT.AUDIENCE.NO.WALTZING MATILDA.265
SUN
8/11/42
MASS.IN.AM.WE.CAN.LOOK.DOWN INTO.THE
CHURCH.FROM.WARD.TODAY. 38^TH WEEK & VERY
QUIET.FURFS.GOOD. & POW 266.
MON
9/11/42
VERY.QUIET.AGAIN. SEE.THE.D^R.ABOUT.A.
CIRCUMCISSION.? TO.EYE.SPCLT.LEFT.EYE.STILL
CROOK.& BEAT.THE.CHAMP.AT.BRIDGE. P.OW 267
FRI 13/11/42
TUES.10^TH 268 Wed 11^TH 269 Thur 12^TH 270 & SO
TO FRI.13^TH & I AM CIRCUMSIZED.was done @ 10.30
AND NOW at 2 pm am OK.LOCAL ANESTHETIC
ONLY.SLIGHT.STINING.2.DOSES BROMIDE ??? TIME DRAGS.A
BIT. AM.TRYING.TO.THINK.UP.WATER TIGHT.EXPLANTion
DREAM. WILL COME.TRUE.OK.VERN.& MOST.OF.THE
OTHER.BOYS.HAVE.BEEN.IN.FOR.A.PICK & SO 271
-A MEMORABLE DAY – Would like to
have a snooze But.? pains
[*120*] 
 

TUE
27/10/42
STORY.OF.2 CASHIERINGS.TODAY.ON.A.PARTY.ONE
SKETCHES.& ONE.WHITTLES.CLOTHS.PEGS. ??.
A.GOOD.TEA.TONIGHT.SOUP.MEAT.BAKED.SPUDS.GRAVY
MORE.BRIDGE.TEMP.99.2 NO.FURFS.hERE. &. SO
WE.WILL.CLOSE. P.OW 252
SAT
14/11/42
FEEL.PRETTY.GOOD.THE.”OP”.LOOKS.ALRIGHT.BUT.NOT
TOO.GOOD.A.NIGHT. BRINGS.BACK MEMS.OF.OTHER.DAYS ?
RATHER.A.BORING.MORNING & NO.FURFS. 272.
SUN
15/11/42
MASS. AM.NOT.MUCH.SLEEP. QUEEREST.PERIOD
MY.LIFE. GET.THRO.A.BOOK. & BRIDGE.ALL.DAY
STILL.PRETTY.SORE. 39^TH WEEK. .POW. 273
MON
16/11/42
MON.VERY.QUIET.TREPANNING JOB.UNDER.
LOCAL.ANESTHETIC.RIB.TO.HEAD.OK.MEALS
GOOD. TOBACCO.SHORT. & POW 274
TUE
17/11/42
VERY.QUIET.BUY.25c TUB & DON'T.GET.TOO.MUCH
A.SIG.WITH BROKEN.NECK. “OPTD” ON TODAY POW 275
WED
18/11/42
VERY QUIET.AGAIN.OLD BOY.SORE.NO.READING.OR.ACTIV
NEWS FRFS.GOOD. JOHNSON.DISCHARGED.QUICK ? RECORD
CONTRACT.BRIDGE 1^ST GaME & P.O.W 289 276
THUR
19/11/42
STICHES.OUT.TO DAY.MORE.IN.EX.WORK. PARTIES.WAGES
NOW.25c PER.DAY.?? IMPROMPTU.CONCER.AT.NIGHT.
ALL.ELECT.LIGHT.HERE.NOW. & POW 290 277
FRI
20/11/42
AM.VERY.QUIET. ORDERD.BACK.SELARANG.TO DAY. 50.OF.US
ON.THE.AMB. FRANK.MORGAN.IS.BACK.HOME.SO.ALL.OK.
TED.FOX.STILL.R.BALLS.& COP.SOME.CHAFF.RE.FREDDIE.TO.THE.CONCERT.
AT.NIGHT.AND.TIS THE.BEST.SHOW-I.hAVE.EVER.SEEN.A.DIGGER’S
DAY.IN.SONG.& SATIRE.LATTER.MVLOUS.? STAR.TURNS.CENATAPH.FAREWELL
& DISCHARGEING.THE.QM.STORE.ALL.THE.REST.OF.VERY.HIGH.STD.
BACK.TO.TEA & CAKE & BED.ON.CONCRETE & P.O.W 291 278
SAT
21/11/42
TODAY.TO.EYE.SPEC.VERDICT.SIGHT.SHORTNING
LEFT.EYE.THEN.TO.THE.DRESSING.STN.& OVER.TO.SEE
BAS.VAN.DER.MEER.& YARNED.FOR.REST.OF.DAY. 279 2
SUN
22/11
VERY.QUIET. POW 280 40^TH WEEK.HERE.ALF FINDLAY.IN.DIS.
MON 23/11/42
READING.OF.ESSAYS.ETC.VERY.GOOD & POW 281
TUE 24/11/42
EYE.SPEC.AGAIN.TODAY & 4 MORE.DAYS.C & POW 282.
[*121*]
WED
25/11/42
TODAY.ALSO.QUIET.TONIGHT.TO.THE.A.I.F.CONCERT
THE.HOTEL.SWINDELUM.A.MONSTER.LAUGH.FROM.
START.TO.FINISH. SMOKES.ARE.STILL.VERY.SCARCE
NEWS.GOOD.& LOOKS.LIKE.A.SUDDEN.FINISH.LETS.
HOP.E. HEAR."B".FORCE.IS.BACK. DOUbT.IT.POW 282
THUR
26/11/42
SOME.OF.THE.DUTCHMEN.hERE.ARE.GETTING TODDY
FROM.THE.COCONUT.TREES.& FROM THAT.ARE
MAKING.SUGAR. IT.IS.A.VERY.INTERESTING
PROCEEDURE. I.hAD.A.TALK.TO.THEM.THIS.A.M..& AM
GOING.TO.GIVE.A.LECTURE.ON.BEES.TO.THEM.TOMORROW
SHOULD.hAVE.BEEN.TODAY.BUT.WAS.TOO.BUSY. COLLECTED
$1.20.TODAY. WORK.PAY.ACCT.HAVE.RD. POW. 2834
FRI
27/11/42
TODAY.I.GIVE.THE.DUTCH.FRIEND.A.BIT.OF.AUST.
BEES. WE.TALK.BEES.5 MINS.& TOPICS.FOR.hRS.& THEN.BACK
TO.BEES.NEWS.GOOD.& ALL.hERE QUIET.& POW 285
SAT
28/11
10.OF.OUR.LADS.TO.SINGAPORE.TODAY. TO.ISSUE.CLOTHES
TO.1600.Who.GO.TO.THE.NORTH.BY.BOAT.& POW 286
SUN
29/11/42
MASS AM & "COMOONERTY" SINGING.AT.NIGHT.GOOD.TURNS.
BY.DUTCH. & POW 287 OF 41^ST WEEK OVER.
MON
30/11/42
BOB.WAAGANAR.hAS.A.BIT.OF.A.TEMP.THIS.AM &
NO.BEE.LECTURE. I.JOIN.THE.A.I.F. LIBRARY.TODAY
THE.GOLDEN.LADIES.OF.PAMPOLINA.A.TALK.ON.CRICKET & POW 288
TUE
1/12/42
A.REAL.MELBNE.DAY.COLD.USE.THE.SWEATER.& READ.IN
BED.ALL.DAY.PRESENTO MAKES.A.SPEECH. & IT.LOOKS.BLUE.FOR
THE.LITTLE BLOKE.TO.A.QUIZ. & SO to.BED. P.OW 289
WED
2/12/42
LIGHT.DUTIES.NOW.”ON.THE.WOOD.HEAP. WHEN
WILL.WE.BE.RELIEVED ?.GIDDINGS.13/11/43. J PONSON 30/10/43
"OLD.BILL."CRUICKSHANK.15/11/43. & SELF 7/7/43 ?
FURFS.GOOD. & POW 290.
SAT
5/12/42
Thur. 3^rd 291  Fri 4^th 292 Are over & now on→
am on guard. A convoy of trailers crawl
past pulled by men. They are going to
the gaol for the rations. A dutchman
who's on the black market, has been
with us for a while his cobber is
over the road buying tobacco
A jap truck pulls up ‘wants’ the camp
we don't know. where it is & the ’corp
is a bit windy of a slap. two shifts
of 1 hr each have gone Im last .1/30
A lizard flips across the dusty floor
and we recline on our beds
[*122*] 
 

5/12/42
SAT
293
and swelter in the heat. & when
we feel energetic enough to talk
the boys talk turns to Beer. etc
and to episodes of the past "We
couldn't get a feed at Jemalewang
one fellow says & away the go again
but still they haven't got a feed.
The Dutchman has given me some
tobacco. A smoke feels good.
One fellow. says his best feed was
at the Mallacca ladies club.
Whoa". Boy even having the ladies
serving you. They are all agreed
that. Div Sigs are no. good. We have
quite a bit of .I.J.A. Traffic thro here.
"I.WOULD.LIKE.TO.hAVE.A.TALK.WITH.YOU. Took a bit of beating
Must be one of my lucky days. Tobacco from Dutch
& cigs from guard. Also a box of matches. Furfs good
back to 20 miles in Africa. & so POW 293 over.
6/12/42
SUN
—42^nd week—
Last shift 8/30 – 10/30. And candy & Goola in Am
we had a good night. & plenty of rain
so no mossies. Back to camp & POW 294
WED
9/12/42
Mon 7^th Tues 8^th Wed 9^th it has rained
unceasingly for 5 days & still at it. Today
I played 1^st game basket ball for 20 years
& scored 1 gl. we scored two -9-2-
Am now on full duty we have had
a punitive blackout for 3 nights
because someone slipped. We also
hear our pay has been raised to 35c
Todays best is the 90 days for
Lofty. Cannon & Bill Shannon for being
outside the wire. Buying tobacco &
on top of that they get an extra month
Furfs still the same & POW 297
xxxx MON 14/12/41
Thurs 10^th 298  Fri 11 299 Sat 12^th 300 Sun 13^th 301 the
end of the – 43 week – & Today Monday
14th Dec we have a shift. we
are now in a building overlooking
the straits & see any boats in & out
feel rather tired now. Had a look at
some of the toys that were made for
Gaol kiddies Xmas treats. bought some
peanut toffee & home to. bed POW 302
123
[*305*]
SAT
19/12/42
AND.NOW.NEARLY.A.WEEK.IN.OUR.NEW.QUARTERS.
&.HAVE.BEEN.VERY.BUSY.FITTING.UP. ALL.MOD.CONS
& WE.ARE.TOLD.TODAY.THAT.WE.WILL.PROBABLY.BE.
hAVING.ANOTHER.SHIFT.AS.6000.WORK.PARTY
MEN.ARE.RETURNING.TO.THE.CAMP.EITHER.
TODAY.OR.SOON ?. I.hAVE.DONE.ALL.THE.NECESSARY
PLUMBING.hERE NOW.& AM.NOW.MAKING.A
RICE.MILL."DELUXE". IF.IT.WORKS.? I.PLAYED.BASKET
BALL.LAST.WEDNESDAY & hAVE.ENTERED.FOR.THE
XMAS.DAY.SPORTS.100 YDS.RACE. 50 YDS.3 LEG.WITH
FRANK.MORGAN 50.YDS.OBSTACLE.50 YDS.BACKWARDS.
QUITE.A.PROGRAMME.@ .38 ? & P.O W 307.
SUN
20/12/42
AND.FOR.THE.SECOND.TIME.IN.ONE.WEEK.WE.MOVE.
AGAIN.BACK.TO.OUR.OLD.ORIGINAL.BUILDINGS.MAKING
MY.19^TH MOVE.SINCE.I.CAME.TO.SINGAPORE-IN.PM.I
WATCH A.BASEBALL.MATCH.YANKS.AUST.& YANKS.WIN
19-22 & SO POW OF 44^th WEEK.CLOSES.308
MON 21/12/42
TODAY.ALL.THE.BOYS.FROM.HAVELOCK.RD
CAMP.ARRIVE.BACK.WITH.PLENTY.OF.NEWS
& TOBACCO & CASH. ALL.ARE RETURNING & ALSO
THE.BULLY.BEEF.STORY.HAND.1^st .OR.PAY.90c. & ITS
RED.CROSS.ISSUE. & P.O.W. 309
TUE
22/12/42
AND.FROM.TODAY.I.JACK.ALSO.THE.MORE.ONE
DOES.THE.MORE.ONE.MAY. AM ON.WATER & VARI
& TRAILER.PARTIES. Good.of. & PoW D 310
THUR
23/12/42
Wed 23^rd 311 Thur 24 312 & to the hospital today
re the square snaps I sold some paper
to Bill Briggs. yesty & am to get a set. Saw
Alf Findlay. he's had Dis & several other
things & does not look to good.. & This is
Xmas Eve.? More of the lads back
today Frank Skinner? & so P.O. W 312
FRI
25/12/42
Xmas Day. & Firstly no parades
Last night I went to Midnight
Mass. About 300 attended & @ 10/30
am to high mass. We had a breakfast
of Maybella & cocoa. And at 1230. we
played the N.C Os basket ball & beat
them 12-2. The dinner was something
extra special better than a lot
at home would have. Our first cour 
[*124*]
 

was Soup. Followed by curried fish
& Rice. & Then over half a tin of bully
with carrot dressing on top 3 baked.
potatoes & tomato.dressing. Followed
by dessert which was Plum pudding &
white sauce with two Quarters? & Syrup
The Mess tables were placed outside
& we luckily scored a cloudy day
which with the gentle breeze which
was blowing made conditions rather
nice. We were waited on by the C.O.
& the seargents. & Thorougly enjoyed
ourselves. After dinner I went to the
padang. at the con depot & took part
in the sports. With Frank Morgan we
ran in the wheelbarrow race 2^nd 
& 3^rd in the 3 legged race. Was to pull
in the tug-o-war. but our team
was scratched. Won 10c from Frank
on the football kicking. & home to tea
again a good feed & Then over to see
Noel Passeri. who I brought back for
supper & Fed him meat, rissoles plum
pudding & cake & pineapple till our
eyes stuck out. & played bridge till
lights out. The supper was coffee (sweet)
& a flap jack with Jam. & so to bed at
1 am. & Tin the cats laugh myself to sleep
& so ends Xmas & a p.O.W. Day 313 & so.on to
The new year & ? We hear good news & are content.
SAT
26/12/42
Spent mostly in recov. from the Xmas
Dinner Brought the rice grinder base
over from the ord today & the bloody
thing fell to bits so will have another
crack at it Went to the Musical feast
tonight.& They do a wonderful Job. On
D3 & D8.wire etc & so PO.W. 314
SUN
27/12/42
Today retiled the roof of the Cook house
& To. the hospital in p.M. Saw Stewart
& FINDLAY. who still looks like a string line
We had the rest of our boys back here
today Mather Gilmour Armstrong & a
few others of the Marella mob are in Suma [[?]]
Victoria & Rangoon & 240 miles are on the furfies
So looks good & to Sunday 315 The 45^th week
[*125*]
MON
28/12/42
We were organized ? today & put into
sections. There will be 4 cook houses
& 1 for Officers & 1 Sgts  I Am in the HQ. Sect
which comprises of all the. Fiddlers
handy for Gen repairs bldg etc also
the Hygeine Coy 1 Sgt 1 Cpl 8 Men & we have
a programme to keep us busy for a month
much longer than I think we will be here.
Still its a job & one along the line nearer
I played basket ball today & for the first
time in life walked off a field & P.O.W 316
THUR
31/12/42
This is the last entry For 1942. And There
is no need to Analize the year. A whole
year wasted & yet profitable beyond
estimation. & The second one away
from home. We shifted again today and
this looks like anothet temporary move
We are now all in Sections & H.Q. 22 men occupy
one flat. The Japs turned on brandy for
our New Years celebrations & a few of the boys
got a bit full. The issue was one bottle
to 11 men but there are a few Teetotallers
& so ?. It is midnight & a few of the lads
make merry. & the gongs & whistles are going
everywhere & so we greet 1943. lets hope it
brings better fortune & So P.O.W. 319.
FRI
1/1/43
“New Years Day 1943”
Just another P.O W. Day in Qin; put
the water on to No 4 cook house in P.M.
to a cricket match. A.A.S.C. & Ordnance
AASC. won. The boxing matches have been
postponed & the library & canteen Shut.
Wonder how the Folks at home are doing
better than this I hope. We hear good Furfs
today & looks as if something may break ?
very soon & so I spend the rest of the P.M.
on the bed. George Dagan & his mate got Shot on
Whisky tonight good & Proper & Thereby. plenty fun POW 320
The work done yesty undone today & another
Shift on. one Section goes to So square
no room here. Over to the hospital
& saw Alf Findlay his recovery wonderful
& P.O.W 321 Over except the bridge
SAT
2/1/43
[*126*]
 

SUN
3/1/423
MASS.AM.&.SO.TO.THE.DAY.No 2.. SECT.MOVED.OUT.YESTY
& TODAY.I.START.& DO.A.BIT.OF.SOUNDER.PRACTICE.& GET.OUT.A.
NEW.BOOK.WE.hAVE.THE.PLACE.RATHER.SHIP.SHAPE.NOW. &
EVEN.hAVE THE hRS.RUNG.SHIP.FASHION.AND.AFTER.A.LUSCIOUS ?
BREAKFAST.OF.GROUND.BAKED.RICE.”HALF.BURNED.WE.ARE.READY.FOR.THE
EVENTS.OF.THE.DAY.ALL.THE.RUTHERGLEN.CHAPS.WHO.ARE.LEFT.ARE.hERE.NOW.
OVER.TO.SEE.PLUGGER.BRIGGS.NOEL.PASSERI.IS.NEXT.DOOR.ON.ONE.SIDE. & MICK.
McDONALD.ON.THE.OTHER.IN.THE.NEXT.BUILDING.WhERE.I.SLEPT.WHEN.I.
FIRST.CAME.OUT.hERE. & THE.ARMADA.MOVED.SOUTH.?  2500.AUST
ARE.COMING.IN.EX.JAVA.TONIGHT. &.TOMORROW..AFTER.AN.EPISODE
ON.A.DOOR.TODAY.I.WENT.OVER.TO.CON.DEPOT.TO.THE.
BASEBALL.GAME.YANKS.V AUS. YANKS.WON.9-7 & P.O.W 322. WK.46 – 
MON
4/1/43
8 BELLS. & ALLS.WELL. & I.hAVE.JUST.FINISHED.MY.WATER.WORK &
AM.ON.THE.BLIP.hAVE.BEEN.RATHER.BUSY.TODAY & AM
AS.hUNGRY.AS.A.hUNTER.THE.MEALS.ARE.GETTING
LIGHT.AGAIN. & THERE.IS.NO.MORE.MEAT. & THE
FISH.IS.SO.MINUTE.AS.TO.BE.NEGLIGABLE.NO.FURFS.TODAY. & A
BIT.OF.”MORE” PRACTICE.AT.NIGHT.WHICH.FINISHED.ON.A.HAPPY
NOTE.”TRUSSIE.THE.TUCK.TEACHER”. & “LONDON’S.STINKS’Y.P.OW 323
TUE
5/1/43
WE.ALL.COP.A.BAWL.OUT.FOR.NOISE.LAST.NIGHT 2
DUTY.COYS.ARE.ON. &.THINGS.LOOK.BUSY.TODAY. & BORE
HOLES.ARE.THE.ORDER.OF.THE.DAY. &.POW 324.
THU
7/1/43
WED.6/1/43.325.OVER.&.THAT.FIGURE.OBOVE.YOUR BED.IS.GETTING.A
BIT.WORN.ON.THE.KNEES.? ONE.ROOM.hERE.IS.COVERED
ON.TWO.WALLS.WITH.DRAWINGS.IN.CRAYON.& CHARCOAL.
ONE.IS.A.LEGION.SOLDIER..TWO.A.CAR.DRIVEN.BY.A.WOMAN.
3. A.NUDE LADY.WITH.A.DOG.ON.hER.KNEES..RIGHT.ABOVE.ONE
FELLOWS.BED.& THAT.RAISED.THE.REMARK..ABOVE.ON.THE.OPP.WALL
THERE.IS.A.FULL LENGTH.FIGURE.IN EVENING.DRESS. 2. A.BUST.OF.A.VERY
COY.DAMSEL & THREE.A.PENSIVE ? LOOKING.RATHER.CO’OYLIE-AT.A
DIGGGER.THEY.ARE.VERY.WELL.DONE.AND.ARE.THE.CAUSE.OF.A
BIT.OF.RARE.BADANDAGE.?.A.DISASTER.OCCURRED.TODAY.WHEN
SOME.ENGINEERS.WERE.PULLING.DOWN.THE.TOP.WALLS.OF.BOMB.hAPPY
HOUSE.THE.WALL.COLLAPSED.KILLING.ONE.CHAP & INJURING
ANOTHER.THE.BOTTON.FLOOR.OF.THIS.PLACE.IS.USED.FOR.A
R.C.CHAPEL.WE.RCD.PAY.TODAY.80 CENTS.SO.SOME.MORE.SWEET
SPUDS.TO.FRY.NO.FURFS.YET.@.8 BELLS.4 PM & P.O.W 326
SUN
810/1/43
FRI.8/ 327. SAT.9/ 328/ TODAY.TO.THE.CEMETRY.I.WAS.IN.A.PARTY
OF TRAILER.PUSHERS.TO.TAKE.OUR.LIMBLESS.TOO.RATHER.AN
IMPRESSIVE.SCENE.THERE.ARE.75.GRAVES.IN.THERE.NOW
TO.BENEDICTION.WITH.MILKY.MACDONALD.TONIGHT. PUT.A.
NEW.WATER.SAVING.SHOWER.TAP.IN.TODAY.AM.TRYING
IT.ON.THE.OFFICERS.FIST. & SO P.OW 329. OF.THE 47^TH 
WEEK.IS.OVER.& OUR.YEAR.NEARLY.UP.
127
SUN
17/1/43
MY.FIRST.ENTRY.FOR.A.WEEK. & NOT.MUCH.TO.RECORD
ON MONDAY.I.STARTED.SHORThAND.CLASSES.”PITMANS” & ALSO
ON.WED.PLAYED BASKETBALL.& WON THURS INTERVIEW.WITH
“C.O” & SAT.hURT.MY.FOOT.AT.BASKETBALL THE.MEALS
ARE.NOT.TOO hOT.hERE.NOW.MOSTLY.RICE &.JUNGLE.
STEW.TOM.JONES & I.DO.A.BIT.OF.COOKING TO FILL UP THE
GAP.BUT.hAVE.NO.OIL.AT.PRES.hAVE.FINISHED.THE.WASH
BASINS.& FIT’GS’.& AM HAVING AN.UP.hILL.GO.WITH.A
BIT.OF.SOLDERING.FOR.THE.SHOWERS.SMOKES.hAVE
BEEN.VERY.SHORT.& A.GOOD.JOB TOO.TIS.TERRIBLE
STUFF.THAT.WE ARE.TRYING.TO.SMOKE.ALL.OUR “THUN”
BOYES.ARE.IN.& WORK.LOOKS.PRETTY.SCARCE.NEXT.WEEK
& BACK.TO.THE.PEN.TO.CLOSE
[* Shorthand characters *]
50 48   & 3536
FRI
22/1/43
TODAY.I.hAD.A.WHOLE.7 LB.FISH hEAD.BOILED.”JEW FISH” &.IT.
WAS.GREAT.WE.ARE.DOING.A.BIT.OF.A.PINCH.HERE.NOW – 
[* Shorthand *] .HAVE.hAD.ANOTHER.LESSON.IN.SHORTHAND
AND IT.IS.BECOMING.INTERESTING.THE.LADS.hERE hAD.
THEIR.1ST.ANTI.DYSETRY.” INJECTION.TODAY. & THERE.ARE
SOME SORE.ARMS.ABOUT.WELL.TIS.TIME.TO.COOK.THE.SPUDS &
PUT.CLOSE.TO.P.OW 341.A.LECTURE ON.CRICKET.BY.BEN  SUN 343
Wednesday 27/1/43. We have just finished 
[* Shorthand *] THE.PLUMBING.OF.THE.PLACAE.& THE. water has failed
in Singapore & we have now to go to
the songs. how long the water will be off
for ? Last night we had a meeting to form
an 8^TH.DIV.SIGS.ASSTN.&.LEGACY.CLUB. but it fell
thro. nothing seems to go. in this unit ?
Today we had a new issue of cooks
in. may get better meals for a few days
also told yesterday that. I may expect better
times very soon. that’ll do me fine. if
it. comes off. furfs sound very good
& as things go this Stoush. may not last
long.
[* Shorthand symbols - see document *]
& SO POW 346.
And so on to Sunday 31/1/43 POW 350
The 50th Week. have had a busy
week & wrote my wireless message
home hope it gets thro ok. my prom now
definitely teed up. Am putting in a hot
water Service next week. & so PoW 350
128 
 

360
WED
10/2/43
Except for plenty of work there
has been nothing to record of
much note last friday 5^th we had a
Ski club meeting & quite a folly old
chat it turned out. lights out closed
the meeting & I [*shorthand symbol*] some very decent
chaps. We are to have another get together
at a later date & I can see some
decent suppers hanging out of it yet.
Today were up at 0615 & on parade for a
Jap propaganda parade, but the day is too
crook tis raining like blazes & has
been since early yesterday  Were On
the parade ground & formed up
at 8.15. all capes ground sheets etc
PRESSED.INTO.SERVICE.@ 8.30 THE.DR.ARRD.& THE whole
TURN.WAS.CANCELLED.MUCH.TO.JOY.OF.THE.BOYS.
& SO.I.AM.NOW.AT.2.BELLS.(9 AM) BACK.IN.BED & hERE I
INTEND.TO.STAY.& SAVE.THE.VITAMINES.NOTICE.TODAY
MY.WASH.BASINS.hAVE.BEEN.ADOPTED.BY 2/15.ALLSO.THE
DIGESTER.PIT.LID.IS.TO.BE.STANDARD & P.O.W 360
11/2/43
P.O.W 361
ON.SICK.PARADE.TODAY.&.OVER.TO.LIBRARY.BACK &
UP.BEFORE. C.O. & PROMOTED.L/CPL. 2.^I.C.HYGIENE
NOW.FOR.SOME.FUN.? A.FEW.CHANGES.IN.PERSONNEL
12/2/43
UP.AT.6/30 AM.TODAY & MARCH TO THE FOOTBALL GROUND
FOR - NOTHING we stand round in. the mud for
2 hrs & Then back we march again & so much for POW 362
13/2/43
Today we are up again early 6/30 & are told the
parade is cancelled but to Stand by for
orders. We do so & at 1pm are called out again
This time Im not in it luckilly & have my
dinner in camp. The lads who went did not
have anything to eat from 8 am till 6 PM
& the reason for our parade was for propaganda
filming ? & so so POW 363. over –
14/2/43
END.OF.OUR 52^ND week in & P.O.W camp Today my
promotion was promalgated. MY. P.O.W. ANNIV.
PRESENT.&.SO.WE.ARE.NOW.ON.OUR.FIRST.ANNIVERSARY.& AFTER
ALL.THE.UPS & DOWNS. we are not much worse off than when
we started & only 78 in the cemetry. TO BENEDIC
TONIGHT & I.SEE.A.FEO OF.hERE.& P.O.W 364 is over
[*129*]
MON
15/2/43
& Today 12 mths ago the finisher & what since
it has been the fastest 12 mths in Passing. in
my life & the news. looks definitely as tho
we are out of the wood. admissions
in the press here give us great heart
& we are all of good cheer.
Today also. I am orderly Corp ? Also other
jobs & am busy as a bag of flees & about as
happy. We had another injection today
& the right arm is a bit sore in one
spot what fate ? I sometime ago put
up a bell in the area & we ring ships
time. hells bells. if Id had ever thought
of this Id never have erected Such a
curse of a thing. wonder how all are at
home today ? on this day 12 Ms back. I did not
anticipate what wishing today. About half the A.I.F.
have left for other parts – am wearing Noel Passerris
watch at present & am putting a glass in my
own may get $20 for it. at a pinch 
SUN
28/2/43
AND.FROM.SUNDAY.21^st  371 TO. SUNDAY 28^TH 378
ON.MONDAY.WE.WERE.GIVEN.THE.GLASS.ROD.WHAT
A.DAY.WHAT.AN.EXPERIENCE.&.THURSAY 25^TH .I.AM
SENT.TO.hOSPITAL.WITH.BAD.EYE.& AM.PROMISED.AT
LEAST.A.FORTNIGHT; THE.TUCKER.hERE.IS.NOT.SO.hOT
BUT.WE.GET.PLENTY.OF.EXTRAS.SUCH.AS.MARMITE.
CARAMELS.FRIUT.FISH.RICE.POLISHINGS.ETC.THERE.IS
ALSO.A.POM.CANTEEN.&.WE.CAN.BUY.A.MEAL.THERE
@.5.OR.10c.PER.POP.hAVE.hAD.2.10c.TURNS.THERE.UP.TO DATE
THERES.A.SHORTAGE.IN.TOBACCO.AGAIN.THIS.AM.RCD.PERMISH’.
TO.GO.TO.UNIT.4 DAYS.NEXT.WEEK.FOR.THE N.C.O^S.CLASS.
YESTERDAY.I.RCD.MY.FIRST.45c.P.D.PAY.LOOKS.LIKE.SOME.
MORE.OF.THE. A.I.F. GO.NORTH. SEE.ALF.FINDLAY.EVERY
DAY.hE.LOOKS.WELL.THE.FIRST.DISCOVERIES.OF.THE.GLASS
ROD.ARE.IN.hOSPITAL.JIMMY.LING.FIRST.SIG.IN.SAME
DAY.AS.ME.MEET.TED.KEATE. QX.SWOP.ADDRESSES.SOME
GOOD.SHOOT.COONTRY.UP.hIS.WAY.MAY.DO.A.BIT.MORE
SHORThAND.NOW.I.hAVE.SOME.IDLE.TIME.A.FEW.OF.THE
BOYS.OVER..PM..FURFS.PRETTY.GOOD.& TO.BENEDICTION
IN.THE.LITTLE.CHURCH.hERE.TONIGHT.& SO.TO.THE.POM
CANTEEN.FOR.A.5c.FEED.& SO.TO.BED.ON.A FULL.BELL.
29/2/42
MON
A.M. TO.THE.UNIT.& N.C.O’^S.CLASS.DOES.NOT.MEET
WITH.POPULAR.APROVAL ? BUY.A.RIBBON.FOR.THE.TYPER
$1.REST.OF DAY.GOES.SLOWLY.& A.FEED.OF.PLUM.PUD
& SAUCE.AT.THE.CANTEEN.SMOKE.A.CIGAR & P.O..W 379
[*130*]