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The World War 2 Japanese Prison Diaries of
Alexander John James
Enlisting and Transport to Singapore
This is the diary Alex maintained after enlisting and prior to arriving in Singapore. It is contained in a small book called Motorists’ Diary for 1941.
1940
December
20th - Went to Willems Barracks, Aldershot for Indian OCTV. (Officer Cadet Training) In #25 platoon ‘D’ convoy. Drew tropical kit etc. Did P.T. sometimes but otherwise had a thoroughly slack time. Got up usually about 2 hrs. after reveille. In morning messed around in barracks, in afternoon went into Aldershot for tea & flicks. Often saw Joe Fry’s Delahaye &
Lancia (vehicles), but did not meet him. Met the two Whitby brothers at R.E. OCTV. (Royal Engineers Officer Cadet Training)
About 900 of us on the course, half civies straight from school.
1941
January
3rd - Friday, paraded 14:00 marched to station left by train 1600. Went through Reading, Leicester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Bloody cold at first but warmed up. Plenty of food; slept fairly well. Got very cold when heat was turned off. Arrived at Gourock 1345.
Waited on platform reducing chaos, then embarked on tender which took us to H.M.T. Highland Chieftain moored in midstream.
Billeted on A deck with 600 for eating and 500 odd for sleeping in hammocks on tables and on floor. Usual chaos. No worry over blackout floodlights all round the hatches. About 20 other big boats moored around us in the estuary.
5th - Diaries not allowed to be kept! and all letters censored. Food good but insufficient.
Got dose of flu but hospital already full, cannot draw hammocks before 8 pm so get little rest.
6th - Monday, bad cold. Preparations for sailing being completed, hatches covered, and derricks stowed. Surrounded by thick mist, so cannot see land. Feeling lousy, with hefty temperature.
7th - Tuesday, bit warmer, and mist cleared. Excellent view especially on North side of estuary. Shore only about a mile away. S.S. Penland sailed around a bit; she has some V.A.D.’s (Voluntary Aid Detachment) on board.
8th - Wednesday, highland Chieftain is a converted meat carrying frigate 14,000 tons, 16 knots. 2 8 cylinder diesels. This is her first troop carrying trip.
9th - Thursday, still in the Clyde, still feeling rotten. Reams of stupid rules appearing in orders.
10th - Friday, tTremendous amount of shipping in every direction. Still cold, but no rain.
11th - Saturday, several more troopships arrived and it looks as though we might move at last. Flu as bad as ever.
12th - Sunday, went on deck at 2:30 a.m. and found us steaming down the Clyde. Left the estuary by 10 a.m. in line formation. Went North of Ireland. All land out of sight by lunch time.
13th - Monday, heading due West all day. Convoy assumed normal formation. Largest convoy in tonnage ever to leave Britain. 20 ships all over 14,000 tons, carrying 60,000 odd troops.
14th - Tuesday, large escort in view of full moon and rumours of local surface raider, 12 destroyers, 2 cruisers and one battleship. Headed S.W. sea calm thank goodness.
15th - Wednesday, eleven of the escorting destroyers left us during night.
16th - Thursday, canteen sold out of Players cigarettes already, having said they had enough for a double voyage.
17th - Friday, H.M.S. Ramillies and two troopers disappeared to port, maybe to Gibraltar.
18th - Saturday, hurray!!! About a dozen cases of scabies and lice discovered. Medical inspection for all.
19th - Sunday, getting warmer!
20th - Monday, canvas wind shafts erected for ventilating lower decks. Swimming bath put up on No. 3 hatch and filled.
21st - Tuesday, canvas awnings over hatches.
22nd - Wedneday, tropical clothing worn by all. Heading S.E. towards Freetown. Cadet got 14 days clink for smoking on deck after dark.
23rd - Thursday, saw first flying fish. Cadet got 28 days for using torch on deck.
24th - Friday, calm as a millpond. Convoy looks like a collection of models on a piece of glass.
25th - Saturday, sighted land 8:30 a.m. and dropped anchor in Freetown roads about noon. Country quite hilly. Lovely sandy beaches in places. Sea very green and dirty after the blue Atlantic. A great deal of shipping at anchor in the bay. Sundry bum boats came around but we are not allowed to buy fruit. Grand to sit on deck and look at an un-blacked-out town.
26th - Sunday, sat on deck gaping at the shore most of the day.
27th - Monday, refueled from Shell tanker. German wireless announced the torpedoing of the Empress of Australia which is moored a mile from us!
28th - Tuesday, two natives in canoes alongside diving for coins, and singing and playing tin whistle.
29th - Wedesday, left Freetown 6:15 a.m. and were soon out of sight of land.
30th - Thursday, rumour that we are stopping at Durban, not Cape Town.
31st - Friday, crossed the line during the day.
February
1st - Saturday, did laundry i.e. got clothes wet and soapy. Then climbed out and hung them on a derrick. Bone dry in four hours but not much cleaner.
2nd - Sunday, service on well deck 4 & 5 hatches.
3rd - Monday, orderly Corporal for week. Surprisingly cool, must be the wind.
4th - Tuesday, nasty rumour that our luggage is getting damp.
5th - Wednesday, wizard hot, sky and sea a wonderful colour, heavy swell running.
6th - Thursday, sighted two civilian ships and an albatross.
7th - Friday, birds all round ship. Very calm.
8th - Saturday. passed Cape Town early morning, 9 ships went in, and other eleven carried on towards Durban. Blenheim of SAAF (South African Air Force) flew over us. Coast very mountainous out of sight by 11 am. Very rough and some rain. .
9th - Sunday, heard that we are to change ships at Durban, going on to the Windsor Castle. The Highland Chieftain going back to South America.
10th - Monday, much preparation for Durban. Lecture on Veterans Day Parade regarding marching order. Awnings removed and derricks prepared.
11th - Tuesday, sailed into Durban and made fast to quayside about noon. Looks a grand place. Got ashore at 5 pm. Took taxi to Hotel Edward on sea front. Had wizard bath, drinks and dinner and got back to the boat by 12 pm.
12th - Wednesday, town very clean and well laid out. Went to local barracks and had tooth stopped by S.A. army dentist. Bought some clothes at Q.M. (Quarter Master)store. Lunch at club with 4 nurses. Drove all round town in lorry with SASC (Small Arms School Corp)girl.
13th - Thursday, gt all kit together and after lunch embarked on Windsor Castle, in 2nd class smoke room in bunks, very good. Went ashore at 6:30pm and had dinner at the Cumberland on sea front.
14th - Friday. went ashore after lunch and did some shopping. Had tea in town then returned to boat to dump kit. Had dinner at Hawthorne Hotel, and saw “Philadelphia Story” at the Metro. Very good. Rickshaw to boat. End of last shore leave.
15th - Saturday, boat stations allotted a.m. steamed out at 3 p.m. Tremendous crowds on quay and in small craft giving us a terrific send off.
Tremendous hospitality and patriotism shown by all in spite of conduct of Australian troops. Met Whitty I. and a lot of 13th Res. Motor Transport Convoy who are on the Penland.
16th - Sunday, met the other half of the convoy which had stopped at Cape Town. Settled down to nominal routine. Food much better and general living conditions a great improvement. There is a loudspeaker next to my bunk which sprouts news and records.
17th Monday, very hot now, impossible to go barefoot on deck. Two swimming baths filled and much used. Much more fresh water available, also hot sea water baths and hot water for dhobi (washerman).
18th - Tuesday, sea very calm and a wonderful blue. We are ½ way to Mombasa. Dropped my text book overboard accidentally.
19th - Wednesday, a few short but heavy storms. Lime juice being issued for lunch every day.
20th - Thursday, very hot.. had four or five bathes. Started sleeping on deck.
21st - Friday, pay parade. Did ‘ships store’ fatigue, good spot right down between the prop shafts. At 4 pm Empress of Australia – Japan, Armande and Windsor Castle turned left towards land and rest went on northwards.
22nd - Saturday, sighted land about 9 am and dropped anchor in Kilindini (Kenya)11 am. Good docks on one side of water, and tropical vegetation right down to water’s edge on the other. A destroyer or two, a cruiser and a A/A carrier in port. Last two went out after raider which is about. We are confined to port until it is located. Partial black-out in port.
23rd - Sunday, two American boats unloading arm lorries at quay. Shore sometimes only 20 yards away, but we cannot get there. Cruiser came back today, but Hermes is still out.
24th - Monday, weighted anchor at 11 am after hearing that the Admiral Scheer is about and sank 2 ships within 100 miles of us last Friday. Doing a good 16 knots and zig zagging.
25th Tuesday, crossed the line, H.O.H. King Neptune arrived and about 50 people were dealt with in the usual fashion. Quite good sport.
26th - Wednesday, 1st anniversary of enlistment.
27th - Thursday, “The J’s Concert Party” on the after weather deck, quite good.
28th - Friday, last pay parade on board. Handed in books, mugs, mattress covers etc. Seaplane left the cruiser to do forward reconnaissance.
March
1st - Saturday, cameras, which were banned in Aldershot were returned.
2nd - Sunday, met Arab trader, searched by cruiser. Took up line ahead formation, and passed through mine field. Did some laundry.
3rd - Monday, sighted land about 7:30 am. Anchored in Bay off Bombay near Acquitania & Mauretania. Coastline very hilly. Bombay looks very good from here.
4th - Tuesday, disembarked at Ballard 3:30 pm. Changed some money, entrained on military cars, left Bombay at about 8:30 pm. Went S.W. through Poona, slept quite well. Woke up at 6:30, train on country station, got hot water from engine for shaving and washing.
5th - Wednesday Quite good food provided by kitchen car on train. Countryside very bare, villages very few miles. Two front carriages dropped aft, leaving us just behind the tender, excellent view could be got by sitting on the tender, and the tank was very useful for washing.
6th - Thursday, trains of Italian prisoners. Country very hilly pm. Arrived at Bangalore 1:30 am. Very efficient organization, taken to College in lorries, formed into platoons there, and allotted rooms. Bearer ready with hot tea and hot bath. Got to bed at 4 am and slept through till 7. dhobi (washer man)called. Issued with kit. Medical inspection, called home.
8th - Saturday, kit inspection before breakfast. Lecture by Capt. Bird a.m. Went into Bangalore p.m. Secondhand cars very expensive. Ordered pair of shoes from morchi (cobbler).
9th - Sunday, issued with 36 manuals. Posted letter to mother.
10th - Monday, course started with a rush. March everywhere at about 150. 2 periods before breakfast, 4 before lunch, and 1 after.
11th - Yuesday, collected photos from Bangalore.
12th - Wednesday, game of hockey.
14th - Friday, went into town, had tea at Bunny’s
15th - Saturday, issued with bikes. Went into town for tea and to flicks in evening.
16th Sunday, rode round bazaar for first time, amazing place.
17th - Monday, received letter from Mother forwarded by Joan in S.A. (South Africa) 14.2.41. Game of hockey
19th - Wednesday, heavy luggage arrived from Bombay. Clothes very damp and mouldy. Smell of must. Trunk not much damaged.
20th - Thursday, rode around bazaar in evening, bought silk dressing gown.
22nd - Saturday, went to flicks at Globe
23rd - Sunday, went for very good ride S.E. of Bangalore, very interesting.
27th - Thursday, hockey with No 1 – 2 Platoons Draw 8-6
28th - Friday, hockey with No 2 Platoon was 1-0 got tripped and skinned knee.
29th - Saturday, lecture on W. Desert campaign. Cycled around city
30th - Sunday, rode out on Madras Rd & round Lal Bagh.
April
5th - Saturday, pay parade Rs 170/-
7th - Monday, telegram from Mother, Oliver a prisoner of war. Sent reply.
11th - Friday, saw Marx Bros in “Go West” at Globe. Very good.
12th - Saturday, terrific electric storms at night nowadays.
13th - Sunday, H.C. at St. Peters 7a.m. Tombola. Went to Lal Bagh (botanical gardens) Tues 15th Letter No. 2 from home, no sign of No. 1 yet.
17th Thursday, cycled out to gun ranges and spent a day out there. Very hot & thirsty work, but good sport.
18th - friday, night ops followed by dance at B.R.V. quite a lot of talent mostly Eurasian.
19th - Saturday, letter 4 from home containing letter from O. (his brother Oliver).
21st - Monday, letter 1 from home. Bought colour filter from Vales & picture framed in bazaar.
23rd - Wednesday, posted No 4 and photographs. Went to “Swing Time” at B.R.V.
26th - Saturday, cable from home re: Jill, Susan Replied. Tamasha (festival) in Bangalore at night booking for joints in a taxi, somewhat tight.
27th - Sunday, morning after night before.
May
1st - Thursday, night operations cancelled by rain .. fine weather army.
4th - Sunday, Betty Purser’s daughter born. Elizabeth Anne
5th - Monday, bought Sam Brown belt Rs 25, & brown boots Rs 25, from Rubin Moses.
7th - Wednesday, damned stupid company raspberry from Bird. Flicks & supper in garden at Bunny’s.
9th - Friday, deprived of bike. Off duty for a week for having it dirty on parade. Result of riding through tanks (ponds) and across country.
10th - Saturday, flicks and grub at Hong Kong with Dick Hillins.. good.
11th - Sunday, cycled across country with Dick who was tight.
12th - Monday, Orderly Sgt. for week involves being up till 12 each night.
18th - Sunday, saw Marx Bros in “At the Circus” at B.R.V. & Hong Kong restaurant afterwards.
19th - Monday, final grading day.
20th - Tuesday, looked around Bangalore for motor for trip to Kakul found one or two likely ones.
22nd - Thursday, dinner at Bunny’s
24th - Saturday, flicks (good) and supper at Hong Kong restaurant (good) with Dick & John Cleveland.
25th - Sunday, received air mail letter from Mother, posted March 24th. Posted No. 5 Mon 26th Mess President for week.
27th - Tuesday, motoring to Kakul office as T.A. (Territorial Army) would not be forthcoming. Went to station and made enquires re train.
28th - Wednesday, frontier warfare tent at Closepeth 30 miles from Bombay on Myrove Rd. Good sport, but rather marred by presence of the Brigadier.
30th - Friday, practical map reading exam near Old Madras Rd. Saw albino native in village.
31st - Saturday, bought valise and pips. Only one week more.
June
1st - Sunday, rode out to West edge of map on Magadi Rd.
3rd - Tuesday, letter No 7 posted March 18th arrived.
4th - Wednesday, flicks and food at Bunny’s
5th - Thursday, got seige service dress and new topee (pith-helmet usually called a “sola topee”). Binge at Walters bungalow and thence and pissed to Hong Kong, Bunny’s; damned good evening.
6th - Friday. letter 8 from Mother and one from June drat it. Hoped she had given me up for dead. Tactics on Dumbur Rd., slept through it in a pine wood. Very good.
7th - Saturday, Jaw by Bird, fair, and by Brigadier, bloody silly. Signed confidential report – quite good. Drew 400 chips from bank. Got to station with all kit GBT; 8pm train left B 10:15. Asleep in train by 10:30.
8th - Sunday, reached Madras and had breakfast at station. Caught Grand Truck for Delhi, had 2 berth compartment with John Cleveland. Kept train waiting 15 mins. While we had dinner. Scenery uninteresting.
9th - Monday, travelled on towards Delhi. In evening, coupling of first carriage broke causing delay of 45 minutes.
10th - Tuesday, arrived at Delhi 9 am and got on Frontier Express. Had to travel 2nd class, but quite good. Saw the foothills of Himalayas from about Ludhiana.
11th - Wednesday, reached Pindi 9:45. Dumped luggage, engaged taxi and set off for Srinagar. Wonderful journey, trouble with Chevrolet. I drove from Baramulla and reached Srinagar about 9 pm. Went to Kashmir View Hotel, fed and slept.
12th - Thursday, looked at two houseboats, but was warned off them. Explored Chashma Ghalii and Nishat Bagh. Very good gardens. Met Trousdells at the hotel, very kind and helpful.
13th - Friday. lined into woodcarving shop with firm intention of spending Rs10, spent nearly Rs100 on some quite good stuff. Climbed temple hill.
14th - Saturday, went to Shalimar, very nice indeed. Met Douglas Colquham and Kellons in shikara ( a wooden boat). Ret. Officer Watkins came to hotel from houseboat, good bloke.
15th - Sunday, left at 9:30 am for Pahalgam in taxi. Got there and engaged two ponies and coolie, and rode to Aru, this wonderful scenery along mountain paths. Came back at the double in a drenching thunderstorm. Damn good day.
16th - Monday, went with Trousdells to Tangmarg by taxi and thence to Gulmarg and Katmarg by pony. Had lunch 12,000 ft. up amongst pines, very cold. Wonderful views when clouds rose.
17th - Tuesday, went to Shalimar with Watkins in afternoon. Went into town a.m. Paid bill in evening, very reasonable.
18th - Wednesday, left Hotel at 6:30 a.m. arrived in Pindi 15:15. Caught train to Taxila and thence to Mavelian, arrived 23:30, got taxi to Kakul, saw adjutant, engaged bearer, got luggage and went to bed.
19th - Thursday, saw Administration officer, unpacked luggage and got organized. Had bathe in swimming bath.
20th - Friday, issue of books etc. introductory lectures. Interview with Commandant. Had bathe, posted No. 6.
21st - Saturday, started Supply course. Pretty bad lectures, too long, went to supply depot decent diesel tractor in yard, otherwise boring. Bathed.
22nd - Sunday, got up early and walked up hills. Very good exercise, but view poor owning to heat haze.
23rd - Monday, motor Transport test, probably passed, may mean no Motor Transport course. Medical inspection.
25th - Wednesday, went to Abbott to collect dough and to B.M.H. (British Military Hospital) to see John Cleveland. Band of 46 Gurkhas played on lawn outside mess. Very good.
26th - Thursday, lettter and cheque from Dick Hollins.
27th - Friday, posted letter to June and one to Georges Brewery and one to Dick Hollins.
29th - Sunday, very good walk indeed to summit of range behind camp. Poor view from top, and poured with rain all way back down a nullah (watercourse) mostly knee deep in water.
30th - Monday, wonderful visibility after yesterday’s rain.
July
3rd - Thursday, posted No. 7. Practise black out, went for good walk in evening.
4th - Friday, went to B.M.H. to see John Cleveland. Wrote away for waterproof from Whiteway Laidlaw Calcutta Rs 50.
6th - Sunday, walked out Murree road in pouring rain. Cable today “hearing from Oliver” Tues 8th Definitely passed M.T. test, no M.T. course. Leave Kabul on 19th August.
9th - Wednesday, exam on supply course fairly easy, go 79%
10th - Thursday, No 9 from home. Hockey, Conjuring show, weak.
11th - Friday, ear ache from swimming bath. Obtained all M.T. (Motor Transport)documents.
13th - Sunday, walked up ridge behind us with Bassett. Visibility very fair. Large range visible in distance.
16th - Wednesday, field supp. Depot balls up in valley.
18th - Friday, end of supply course thank goodness. Handed in all books.
19th - Saturday, walked to summit of hill east of Abbott and down to large river east of hill. Back via Munee Rd.
20th - Sunday, walked over pass N.E. of Kakul into next valley. 14 or 15 miles. Wrote and posted No. 8
21st - Monday, started Tactics course, in “C” class under Capt. MacLoed, who was at Miskin Manor.
22nd - Tuesday, cable from Mother – not getting my letters.
23rd - Wednesday, replied by cable.
28th - Monday, that bloody fool Mary has pinched the Sandford furniture. Letter No 10 arrived.
29th - Tuesday, sent cable home re: above.
30th - Wednesday, sacked bearer for trying to pinch a pair of socks.
August
1st - Friday, practical petrol scheme – it was good was, I was syndicate leader. Flicks in Abbottabad – lousy.
3rd - Sunday, went for usual walk in hills.
4th - Monday, No. 11 from home posted 31/5/41. Urdu (Indian Language) exam. Oral taken by Robin Carles, probably passed, written was very hard, probably failed.
5th - Tuesday, posted No 9.
6th Wednesday, bloody good letter from Betty. She is married and has a daughter.
7th - Thursday, posted to 44 Independent Bde 1st Coy. Ahmednagar.
(The 44th Indian Infantry Brigade was an Infantry formation of the Indian Armyduring World War II. The brigade was formed in June 1941, at Poonain India and assigned to the 17th Indian Infantry Division. Under the command of Brigadier George Ballentine, on establishment the brigade drew a mix of regular soldiers, reservists and new recruits to form three infantry battalions; various supporting units were formed between August and September. A signals section was formed in late December.[1]Due to the rapid expansion of the Indian Army, the brigade suffered from a shortage of experienced leaders, with each infantry battalion having on average only three British officers and also lacking Indian viceroycommissioned officers and non-commissioned officers. The brigade's manpower problems were made worse in late 1941 when an experienced cadre of 250 personnel were transferred from the brigade in order to form another unit. They were replaced by a large number of inexperienced soldiers, many of whom were under 18 years old.)
11th - Monday, was chief stooge on all day scheme near Haripur, had 30 cwt. Chev to play with.
Damned good motor driving with McLeod. After scheme went to Taleba in the Indus valley. Wizard sight.
12th - Tuesday, letter No 12 from Mother. Distinct earth tremor in evening.
13th - Wenesday, Urdu exam passed, only 3 from Bangalore passed. Posting to Poona, not
Ahmednagar. Cable from home, Oliver has been awarded D.F.M. (distinguished flying medal)
17th - Sunday, went for walk am with Everett. Packed up kit in afternoon. Received telegram from unit giving new locations.
19th - Tuesday, Farewell addresses from tactics staff and commandant. Went with Everett in scrounged staff car to Badrassi 30 miles north of Kabul. Lunched at Manshera Oak Bungalow. Signed confidential report.
20th - Wednesday, arrived at Delhi 8 am and missed connection. Spent day in Delhi, lunch and good bathe at Hotel Cecil. Saw flick at Odeon and caught 10 pm train for Bombay.
21st - Thursday, had to get up early and change at Jharisi. Not so dirty today. l helped a fellow from Durban.
22nd - Friday, had to get up early and change at Kalyan. Thence to Poona by electric train. Arrived 12 noon, and went to Poona Hotel. After lunch went to unit lines.
23rd - Saturday, went to lines 6:30 am. saw Officer in Charge at 9:30, appointed Officer In Charge “A” section. Nobody in section speaks English.
24th - Sunday, PT early and driving etc all day
26th - Tuesday, section cross country drive Wed 27th Section first night convoy.
28th - Thursday, collected stores from Kirkee Arsenal for conveyance to Ahmednagar. Pushed ’49 against a stone, pushed radiator supports into fan.
29th - Friday, left at 7:15 for Ahmednagar. Convoy discipline lousy. 3 bad smashes, 2 men hurt. Arrived 5pm and saw men into lines. Regimental conference. Slept in Ford.
30th - Saturday, Demonstrations by other Div. Tpt. Coys. Left for Poona 11:30 in blocks of 10. No trouble all back safely.
31st - Sunday, No. 13 from home. Oliver’s left arm amputated. (he subsequently escaped back to England, went back flying and got himself killed)
September
1st - Monday, Posted No 11. Moved into officers quarters in lines. Quite good, but no electric light yet.
5th - Friday, in charge of convoy to Nagar and demonstration of convoy moving into harbor. Quite successful.
6th - Saturday, delivered stores to various units. Returned from Ahmednagar by sections. British ‘A’ sec. back in exactly 5 hours no trouble.
7th - Sunday, Dunbar am. Did couple of recon’s. Lunch at Napier Hotel.
8th - Monday, ordered from Auking, Chinese boot maker, a pair of boots.
9th - Tuesday, ‘A’Sec. convoy on practice run. Bachas Singh in 57714 hit metal post on level crossing. Spent 2 ½ hours under vehicle putting spring right. Otherwise very successful. 150 miles.
11th - Thursday, Court of inquiry at Brigade H.Q.
13th - Saturday, demonstration of Bren gun, Tommy gun, 2” and 3” mortars, A/TR rifle. Very good. Posted No 12 and #2 photos Sikh religious tamasha (festival).
14th - Sunday, went to Nagar for Modern Weapons course. Billeted in Cooke’s sitting room.
15th - Monday, started course Anti tank rifle
16th - Tuesday, Tommy Gun. Flicks in evening.
18th - Thursday, 2” mortar a.m. chutti (on leave) p.m.
19th - Friday, chutti all day. Fired revolver practice p.m.
20th - Saturday, firing demonstration. Fired Anti tank rifle, Tommy and Bren guns. Returned to Poona. Found letter from home. Dinner at Napier Hotel.
21st - Sunday, informed O.C. of Coy move to Nayar on 23rd. Got boots from Auking. Rs32.
22nd - Monday, took over 500cc S/V. prepared for move to Nagar.
23rd - Tuesday, moved off 9am. All sections arrived with no trouble. Excellent area recon done by G. Singh.
28th - Sunday, took 24 3 tonnes to 5/17th for troop carrying.
29th - Monday, conveyed Doyras to Kharakuasal Lake 12 miles west of Poona. Came off bike, hurt knee and arm. Dinner at Napier & flicks.
30th - Tuesday, loaded stores at Kirkee Arsenal during morning. Had arm & knee dressed at B.G.M. Went to F.C.M.A.
October
1st - Wednesday, cable from home letter No. 6 arrived. Returned to Wagar and delivered all stores to units. Entire 3 days work with no accidents.
2nd - Thursday, did recon of Ninaj camping area. Good drive, got stuck in two rivers. 20 miles to Ahowd.
3rd - Friday, drew Rs 700 from bank. Drove to Poona at night, 8 times petrol got blocked. Dumped kit at bungalow fed at Chinese restaurant and returned to Nagar arriving 03:30 hrs.
4th - Saturday, left Nagar on leave at 16:45 arrived Poona 23:30, and took taxi to Bungalow.
5th - Sunday, packed kit, caught 12:45 train and arrived in Bombay 12:30. Good trip through Ghats ( a landing station on a river-bank) . Caught Calcutta Mail at 18:30 hrs.
6th - Monday, travelled all day Calcutta-wards.
7th - Tuesday, reached Calcutta 8:30 dumped kit at new station. Did shopping, bought Jill’s Christening Mug. Lunched at Great Eastern Hotel and saw flick.
8th - Wedesday, arrived Siliguri 02:30 and caught Himalayan Rly. Very picturesque journey. Arrived Darjeeling 13:30 went to Hotel. Got last available room.
9th - Thursday, joined Darjeeling/ Gymkhana Club roller skated a.m. Posted No. 11. Went for a walk p.m.
10th - Friday, rode a.m. Walked around town pm. Rained all day.
11th - Saturday, walked before breakfast. Rode to Tiger Hill a.m. Met Train and Hennessey after lunch. Parked him in hotel and went to flicks pm.
12th - Sunday, got up at 3 a.m. and rode to Tiger Hill with Peggy Lindsy and Hennesssey. Superb sunrise, Everest quite clear. Grand ride both ways.
13th - Monday,went by taxi to Kalimpong. Good drive. Visited KP homes (an orphanage), fed at hotel and went to Arts and Crafts depot, and returned home. Grand day.
14th - Tuesday, good ride before breakfast. Afterwards rode down to station with Hennessey and thence to Ghum monastery and back over Jalapahar. Flicks in evening.
15th - Wednesday, grand ride with Peggy Lindsay before breakfast down to Lebong (there was a military cantonment there) and back around Birch Hill, Silver King in great form. Walked in morning. Beer at Plivas in evening. Bought oil painting of Kanchenjunga (3rd largest mountain after Everest) Rs18.
16th - Thursday, another great ride with Peggy, same way. Packed kit and after lunch caught D.H. train for Siliguri. Met a Mrs. Sparks, Canadian. Had dinner with her at Siliguri and caught train for Calcutta.
17th - Friday, arrived Calcutta 9 a.m. Went to Grand Hotel for breakfast. Went round New Market a.m. Tiffin at Grand, then tea at Firpos with Mrs. Sparks, bought some books. Caught Bombay mail from Howrah.
18th - Saturday, travelled towards Bombay all day.
24th - Friday, took 30 lorries to Punjab, helped retrieve Mitchelles car from khud (bank of a hill) and towed it to lines. Came off bike again. Packed kit and caught 5pm train for Kalyan
25th - Saturday, arrived at Bina 6pm had food and caught Saugor train 8pm arriving there 10:15 and was taken to Small Arms School by truck. Quarters very good.
26th - Sunday, put 2 pistols in armory, signed arrival book and hired a bicycle.
27th - Monday, started weapon training course.
28th - Tuesday, posted letter No 16.
29th - Wednesday, fell off pony, riding barebacked.
November
1st - Saturday, all days much the same, weapon training all morning and sometimes in afternoon. After tea a good walk into the surrounding countryside, very interesting and good exercise. Quite a lot of animal life in the jungle parts. Dinner in mess at about 8:15 pm and flicks at Garrison Theatre about twice a week.
4th - Tuesday, field firing demonstration and practice.
6th - Thursday, sent cable home re Mothers birthday.
8th - Saturday, used anti-tank rifle and Bren gun on range.
14th - Friday, Hose pipe firing demonstration.
15th - Saturday, course photograph. L.M.G. (light machine gun) exam. Rode to station a.m. and bought ticket. Left Sangor after Tiffin and Caught 15:45 train for Bina. Waited 2 ½ hours and Ct. Punjab Mail for Bombay train very crowded.
16th - Sunday, missed connection at Kalyan and waited 2 ½ hours for next. Arrived Poona 1800 hrs and went straight to lines.
17th - Monday, went to Bank to tell them of change of address, got letter from home. Major Roberson kicked out and Capt. Brett acting O.C. Court of enquiry re: 2 accidents.
18th - Tuesday, Court of enquiry re another accident.
20th - Thursday, posted No 17. Party at Poona Club.
22nd - Friday, more AA firing with Redwin on firing range.
22nd - Saturday, more AA firing. Nk. Dulip Singh pinched by H.Q. section. Firing on Wanowrie range.
23rd -Sunday, grand drive in truck to Sarvad visa Leper Hospital and hill road.
24th - Monday, last day of firing in field firing range.
29th - Saturday, went to Nira into camp, leaving Poona for good.
30th - Sunday, posted No 18 and photograph
December
1st - Monday, Night convoy, some stooge put a 3 tonne on its side in the bottom of a 10ft ditch.
2nd - Tuesday, removed the above vehicle undamaged in ¾ hour. Did cross country recon, drove slap through the middle of a brigade exercise.
4th - Thursday, Div. Exercise, put on 2 hrs notice to move. At 1800 hrs. moved to Morgaon, got here 2000 hrs. and 0100 moved 5 miles further up and 1 ½ hrs. later right back to Lowand. Camped near 27 mile. No sleep – lots of driving.
5th - Friday, at 1200hrs ordered to move to Satara Rd station area. Camped there in afternoon and got a night’s sleep in truck.
6th - Saturday, climbed hill before breakfast. Went into cave with small lake in the middle of the hill. A.P. in evening. Took convoy back to Poona at night and returned at once to camp. Arrived 06:30 on accidents.
7th - Sunday, went to sleep for an hour and then supervised packing up of camp area. Set off for Nira 14:30 arrived 17:30. Very good exercise, good training for all.
8th - Monday, went into Poona with Mitchelle in his truck. Did shopping a.m. lunched at Muratoes. Met Sally Stevendale. Went to flicks and Nanking Café. Returned to Nira with Arthur Sam.
9th - Tuesday, had to take over Jayoram’s job and mess secretary. Pucca (thorough) vehicle inspection.
10th - Wednesday, new Major arrived from Lahore.
12th - Friday, fetched 11 FWD Fords from Kirkee Arsenal. Bit of trouble with petro, but all got back to Nira ok.
13th - Saturday, spent whole day in issuing and playing with new vehicles.
14th - Sunday, did 50 mile convoy in new wagons.
15th - Monday, took all new wagons to Poona with stores. Lunch with Major & Mrs. Finch White at Napier Hotel.
17th - Wednesday, went out after dinner looking for one of Ian’s wagons, went 25 miles south of Satara, got back 2:30 a.m.
18th - Thursday, to Poona to fetch stores dumped on Monday.
19th - Friday, all sections re organized to W.E. scale.
20th - Saturday, packed up all section stores.
21st - Sunday, removed all superstructures. Told to take 20 hrs. leave. Went to Poona in truck. Dinner at Nanking, flicks, slept in truck.
22nd - Monday, went to FCMA and bank a.m. did shopping. Had lunch with Mrs. Finch White at Napier and returned to Nira. Got orders to move tomorrow to Bombay, got convoy organized and stuff packed.
23rd - Tuesday, set off 1200 hrs. with 104 vehicles. Arrived at Poona 1500 hrs. without trouble. Parked vehicles near Wellingdon Club. Went to S.S.O. and dumped stores. Called home. Slept in truck in car park.
24th - Wednesday, pulled out of Poona 0730 for Shil. Good drive, grand dawn. Camped near Shil, good ground and river for bathing. Sgt Dalton brought 6 new wagons. Dinner at hotel.
25th - Thursday, up at 5 a.m. Set off at 7 a.m. for Bombay. Arrived at Sion Bridge exactly 11:30 and then went to Dollard pier and thence to Princes Cock. Arranged petrol etc. Took troops to reinforcement camp.
26th - Friday, started loading vehicles 8 a.m. on Jalabilan Merchant. All vehicles but 7 loaded by dusk. Dined at Taj with OC and a pal of his. Posted No 19.
27th - Saturday, all remaining vehicles loaded before lunch except 2 trucks and breakdown. Went to Breach Candy p.m. and diced around town. Had drinks at Taj and food and cabaret at Greens.
28th - Sunday, dumped some kit on boat. Went to Breach Candy p.m. picked up two girls, Joan and Bubbles, bathed, changed, flicked, fed at Greens, sat on sea front, took girls home and taxi back to camp.
29th - Monday, took all kit to ship and started living on board. My truck loaded 4:30 pm. Took taxi to station met Ian, went to camp and thence to Taj. Fed at Taj, turned out grand. Back to boat 2:30.
30th - Tuesday, sailing orders cancelled 2 & 5 hatches opened and loaded with ammo. Got truck and G. down out Taj for dinner and drinks & thence to Metro cinema. Back to Jalaviliar 12:30.
31st - Wednesday, got 100 chips from F.C. Went to Taj with Olivia, Estop, Julie Ross, Betty & Winnie. Went on to Ritz and saw New Year in. Left 3:30 a.m. and went to Police club, left there 5ish and took Olivia home in taxi. What a night! Back at 6am.
1942
January
1st - Thursday Picked up Olivia and went to Ritz with Ian & Julie and Betty & Winnie. Left Ritz 11 ish and went to Rodgers place at Colaba and thence to Greens for food. Took Olivia to boat, back at 4a.m.
2nd - Friday, went out to lunch with Julie and Winnie, Olivia ill. Went in wagon at 7:30pm to Ritz for food, collected girls and went to Juhu for midnight picnic on the sands. Another wizard night.
3rd - Saturday, parked all wagons for loading. Met girls at Army & Navy and took them home. Picked them up after tea and went to flicks at Metro, thence to Colaba to change and boat to fetch money and Taj for drinks and food. Walked home with Olivia and sat and talked till 2 a.m. said goodbye and returned to boat.
Goto
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