|
The World War 2 Japanese Prison Diaries of
Alexander John James
Freedom
This is a transcription I’ve taken directly from the original diary notebook.
Keijo POW Camp 9.9.45
USS Noble 9.9.45 – 17.9.45
5th Replacement Depot Manila 17.9.45 – 5.10.45
1945
August
15th - Wednesday out to the garden as usual. No milk delivered, but just before leaving milkman told Peter Count “There has been no publication to-day, but we have heard on radio that Japan has surrendered to America”.
On the way back, between train terminus and first stop, a news vender suddenly appeared with an armful of special editions. He was mobbed and his papers pinched. Sentries very careful to see that we didn’t get one. Later on Koreans gave us thumbs up sign.
In camp Sinclair told ‘senso owari’ by sentry at 3:30 pm. Doubt about gardening to-morrow. All Jap NCO’s called to office in p.m. and Jones was weeping as they came out.
16th - Thursday went to garden. Unprecedented interest taken in us. Before first break a stranger came to the fence and told O.R.’s that American troops had landed in S. Chosen. No more work done after first break. Milkman make 2 deliveries before lunch and indicated that some Jap big noise had committed hara kiri.
On the way home many lorries filled with cheering waving Koreans and Korean national flag in evidence. At first train stop, Korean stood in front of us yelling ‘Banzai’ & then came amongst us shaking hands. Korean sentry somewhat worked, but Jap sergeant o.k. In camp was a Yank pilot, Lt. Dallas G. Yeargain shot down in a P47. Remainder of prisoners from civil gaol turned up, having opened the gates and walked out!
Nog sent for Chington & Cardew and gave them the news officially.
2/Lt McDaniel of US Arm AF, shot down on 14th while on a patrol looking for Dallas over Jinsen, arrived in camp. Also Giogi Lliashenko, a mail plane pilot, downed in sea in fog before war began between Russia & Nips. Landed on Korean coast on 9th, the day war began, all four of the crew fired on, one wounded badly committed suicide. Remainder made prisoners and separated.
18th - Saturday in evening eight more Russians appeared Lliashenko’s two missing companions, crew of four of torpedo bomber shot down over Rashin; two marines taken prisoner near Busan. All in a bad way, having received bloody awful treatment, no food or sleep for 3 days.
19th - Sunday one of the Russians toes amputated by John Gibbs. Smashed with rifle butt and gone gangrenous.
25th - Saturday orders to lay out 20’ letters PW in yellow cloth on black ground on the square.
29th - Wednesday 2 B’29’s overhead at midday to drop supplies. 32 40 gall petrol drums of food and medical supplies dropped and several bales of clothing. All but one drum smashed in and all bales broken open. 4 long loads in all. Old lady killed by falling drum which severed her leg. Roger Piggot died in evening.
30th - Thursday another B29 from Saipan, dropped food from greater altitude, almost all parachutes opened. A few loads came adrift and smashed; some were looted by local Nips but a very successful delivery. Did a ‘smelling out’ with Bill & Henry.
31st - Friday some clothing issued.
September
1st - Saturday B24 dropped leaflets to Koreans. Issue of more clothing.
2nd - Sunday peace signed. I am no longer a P.O.W.
Talk by Co at 4 in workshop telling us about, and that we are not allowed out individually, but that there will be organized expeditions. All troops Allied and Jap to salute seniors. Our lines out of bounds to Japs & vise versa.
Parade at 4:00 on square, all British on one side, Japs on the other. Pretty speeches by Elrington & Nog. Shaking hands. Mutual salute. Bloody awful show. All sentries removed from inside camp. Party at Russian consul’s place.
3rd - Monday Russians left. In a.m. went by lorry to grounds of Royal Palace very interesting, but neglected. Then to grounds behind government building, ditto.
In evening contacted a Korean called Yun Yungku, extremely intelligent fellow. Drank Hennessy with him till 12ish and made breakfast for tomorrow.
4th - Tuesday in afternoon went on an expedition to river bank some ten miles out of town. Spent two hours, boating, bathing, and walking, very pleasant indeed.
Through the fence at 10 p.m. into Yun’s house. Cancelled expedition planned last night owing to ridiculous prices demanded. Talked with Yun & drank Saki instead, much better. Back into camp at about 1 a.m.
French Consul called at camp. Ditto Irish, R.C. padre.
5th - Wedesday bit of a hangover! In camp in a.m. and p.m. weather bad. At 10p.m. went through fence to Yun’s house. Very pleasant evening, talking and drinking Saki. Yum gave me a grand scroll with Mongolian characters. (Which we still have) Party at French consulate.
6th - Thursday, Milkman came to camp and was entertained to lunch & given masses of gear.
No hangover. In morning went on trip to zoo and botanical gardens. Most animals had been killed off because of the difficulty of feeding. No attempt to keep the place in good order. Everything overgrown (except conservatories).
In afternoon lorries took us to the foot of a 2,200ft crag up which we climbed. Really fine view all around. Unfortunately weather rather dull or it would have been far better. Jinsen visible & open sea beyond. Home by 4p.m.
After supper considerable delay re going out; only organized parties unofficially sanctioned, all holes in fence blocked, and MP’s on duty. All due to some pamphlet spread telling Japs remaining in Keijo to band together and kill Allied troops. Got out eventually with Dick, Harry, & Farring. Went up into town some way, then returned to a joint near camp, where I joined Alfred, Tommy, Blain, & Allison. We went with a Korean to his house, where we listened to a very fine radiogram, and had a glass of Saki and some eats. Then at 10 p.m. we returned to the first place near camp. Tommy and I joined Farring and Harry who were swilling Saki, Alfred, Blain. Allison went on to brothel area. The four of us – very tight – reached camp at 11:15 p.m. In the afternoon bought picture from Geto. £50.
7th - Friday, three American officers came at 9 a.m. talked in office till 10, inspected camp, and Capt Stangles told us all that we would be shipped to Manila in 2 or 3 days!
Russians came in afternoon and gave film show in workshop.
After tea went to Yun’s place, and thence to Korean night club joint, grand party, very attractive geisha girls etc. Commandeered lorries for transport.
8th - Saturday afternoon went to Mizukoshi near a dance hall, at the invitation of Lui Lee, manager of the dance girls. At 2:30 band had to go to lead some political procession, & in the interval before another band could be obtained, the manager of the joint invited all British officers & men (23) to beer & biscuits: The girls came too, I got hold of a wizard wench called Soong, grand little piece, when new band came we went on dancing till 5:50 pm. Soong’s dancing is about the same standard as mine, but we got on fine. When party ended, an interpreter took us to Can’s Cabaret which was shut, so thence to some joint where we drank raw brandy & ate some stuff. Thence home by commandeered truck.
Guy Round who had been to Jinsen arrived back at about 12 am & told us that we would certainly move off tomorrow.
9th - Sunday, up at half five, confirmed Guyi’s report. All gear packed & stacked on square by 8:30. Various Americans arrived, flyers reporters, news-reel men, etc. & took photos & luggage started to go off by truck at about 9:30 Personnel left in dribs & drabs. At about 10:30 – 11 occupational troops arrived in 6 wheeled recon vehicles & jeeps. I rode on a jeep to the station. Terrific send off at station, thousands of Koreans, many Americans & Yank band played us out as the train left. Milkman was at the station, all news reel men got his story, and Americans promised to do him well. Arrived Jinsen 2:30 – 3 p.m. walked to harbour & got on landing barge, which took us to U.S. Navy Hosp. Ship “Refuge”. Welcomed aboard by colonel, & nurses & Kay Bush A.R.C.
We were debugged & fed. I wrote number three instead of seeing movie show, & chatted to nurse.
After breakfast, got back clothes which had been fumigated & packed up ready to leave “Refuge”. At 9ish to our regret we left by landing barge for PA218 USS Noble 12,500 ton transport.
Went on board & stuck around till, after lunch, berths were allotted. Subalterners & captains got OR’s quarters, but not bad at all, far better than British trooper. Wrote no. 4 in afternoon. Saw movie “Belle of the Yukon” in evening 1st since India.
Rumour that we are to sail at 6 am tomorrow for Darien later changed to Manila direct.
11th - Tuesday, did not sail at 6 as expected, moved to 12, Sailed at 2 pm with seven other transports & 2 destroyers. War conditions because of mines & 3 Jap subs unaccounted for.
12th - Wednesday, pretty rough – seasick
13th - Thursday, calmer, Better. Departed from rest of convoy in evening. They go to Okinawa; we go flat out for Manila.
14th - Friday, getting very hot. Movie on deck.
15th - Saturday, islands in sight at dawn and Luzon in sight from 9ish am onward.
16th - Sunday, passed between Corregidor and Bataan at dawn. Anchored off Manila about 9:30. Nobody got ashore but the captain, no liberty for crew. Group photos taken on No. 2 hatch. Very good movie “Dough Girls”
17th - Monday, weighed anchor at noon & went towards harbour entrance. Anchored outside high water for 2 hours, then went in & went alongside at 5ish. Negro band played us in! Empress of Australia moored to one of the many wrecks. At 6pm went ashore & got on large lorry, taken to camp about 20 miles out of Manila. City itself in a bad mess. U.S. Army everywhere, masses of it.
18th - Tuesday, collected heavy baggage. Put through good medical exam. Issued with clothing at Q stores.
19th - Wednesday, wrote No. 6 to Mother & Bank. Went to Post Office to look for mail. Unsuccessful, but Dick found one for me later, written on 23.8.45. Issued with pay books and pay P.40 (£5). Wrote to Sylvia.
20th - Thursday, hitchhiked into Manila. City terrifically damaged. All shops seem to sell trashy souvenirs at tremendous prices. Embroidered hanky’s and scarves etc. bags, rings, jewelry, shell necklaces, photographs. Had a bun and drink at American Red Cross building, & saw film “30 seconds over Tokyo” pretty grim.. Hitchhiked back to camp.
Went over to casual officers section to locate Capt. Gordon of H.M.S. Exeter re: Dick Leir, but he had left for America this morning.
In evening went to Main Theatre, and saw a grand programme starting Gracie Fields. First English woman seen since New Year 41-42.
21st - Friday, went in to Nichols Field Airdrome to get a plane to Clark field. No good. Tried Nielson Field. No good. Got lift back direct from Nielson to camp, Aussie jeep. Wrote to Jana & Jill.
22nd - Saturday, went to look for people from the Exeter re Dick Lier. Eventually contacted Lt. Cranfield who was with him till Nov.’ 44 in Java. Dick very well at that time, probably went later to Singapore.
Looked up Brig. Ballentine, looked pretty fit. He had news of a few of the brigade Major Staples dead, otherwise ok. Wrote to Struggy at the Brewery.
23rd - Sunday, went to officers’ shop, bought 2 shirts (12/6) and 4 pajamas (about 9/6 each). Wrote to Betty.
24th - Monday, saw film at local show
25th - Tuesday, wrote to Mother (no 7) Fixed trip to Corregidor for tomorrow morning. Went to Manila in evening, to Fumes theatre, saw movie ‘Bell of Alamo” not bad.
26th - Wednesday, trip to Corregidor off because of move to no 3 camp (Casual Officers) during morning. Bloody nuisance, more crowded than before, however not as bad as expected.
27th Thursday, walked along lakeside near camp found airstrip used by 10 or 12 ‘flying jeeps’ giving joy rides to recovered personnel. All booked up for today.
In evening a USO show at Main Theater. One wizard dancer & a good singer, also good would conjuror.
28th - Fruday, up early, taken by truck to Manila thence from N. Docks by 66ft diesel Army Transportation Corps launch to Corregidor. Arrived there 10:30ish went ashore explored big tunnel where Gen. Wainwright surrendered 1942. Shells, rubble, bones galore. Found a beach on N.E. end of island had wizard bathe. Returned by road to wharf & pushed off at 2 pm. Arrived back in camp at 5.
In evening at Main Theatre saw International Revue. Mostly ex-internees. One Chinese girl born in Aussie, absolute fizzer – played the piano very well. 3 dancers, one only 12 years old also very good.
29th - Saturday, had my first flip, in a ‘Flying Jeep’ on the small airstrip by lake side (Lake Laguna). Good sport, but surprisingly slow. In afternoon filled in interrogation forms. At Main Theater Signora Gonzales & her troupe, pretty good.
30th - Sunday, wrote to Betty & Aunt Margie. Felt bloody awful all day, headache & temp. In evening went to Manila & saw stage show at the Times Theater, not bad, Lorry journey back to camp.
October
2nd - Tuesday, bought 2 shirts 2 pants 2 vests & combat boots at office store. Drew more pay.
Saw Brewster’s Millions (new version) at Main Theater.
3rd - Wednesday, good band show at Main. Rumours of going to Hong Kong.
4th - Thursday, warned for movement tomorrow on the “Colossus” Saw Barbara Stanwyck in ‘My Reputation’ and ‘Back to Bataan’.
5th - Friday, went by truck to docks. M V Konan party just coming off Colossus. Went on board about mid-day. Weighted anchor at 2pm
6th - Saturday, rough … Seasick all day
7th - Sunday, better. Reached Hong Kong 2 pm & anchored. Stayed on board all day saw film `Don`t take it to Heart` in evening. Pretty lousy.
8th - Monday, went ashore in late morning. Taken to POW reception centre in Kowloon, and billeted in top floor flat of a very nice house.
Went into town in the evening with Dick & Bobby Muir. Walked around. Got slung out of a certain joint by M.P.`s, bloody funny. All Chinese getting pepped up for double 10th.
9th - Tuesday, all field officers and Dick flew off for India. Went over to Hong Kong, saw march past of British Forces.
Climbed 2,200ft hill above Kowloon. Good view. Wrote Mother No. 9.
11th - Thursday, plane not ready. Wrote to Betty. Walked around town. Got new glass & hand for watch, bought baby`s shoes & kid`s hat. 11 more arrived from H.K. by Dakota.
12th - Friday, Halifax bomber not ready till 12:30. Took off at 10 to 1, self in rear gunner`s turret. Grand view but cold & noisy. Very pleasant trip. Arrived Alipore air strip Calcutta 10 to 6. After cup of tea, taken to Belvedere. There Medical inspection, dinner, revue (quite good) & bed.
13th - Saturday, up early, wrote to Mother No. 10 documented, paid Rs 400, went shopping with
W.V.S. (Women’s Voluntary Service) girl, bought 1 tin trunk Rs 38, Silk Stockings Rs 41, Shirt Rs 5/4, Watch Glass Rs. 1/8. At Belvedere Canteen Toilet Stuff – (Cosmetics) Rs 8. Went to Calcutta Swimming Club in afternoon. Saw Leave & Intell. Officers.
14th - Sunday, went shopping. Bought: - leather trunk Rs 52, shoes 16/8, chapplis 10/-, shirts 35/-, slippers 4/4 pipe 2/-, shorts 3/6, sheets 9/6, towels 5/- hankie’s 1/8.
At Belvedere Canteen food, soap blades, tampon, Rs 18/12 writing material 1/10, watch strap Rs 5/-
15th - Monday, reported to M1 Room & thence went into town driving Ford V8 car, went to B.G.H.(British General Hospital) had eyes tested again, & ordered pair of specs. Rs 61/8. Ordered parcels of Tea & Butter to go home Rs 21/8
Hit American truck on way home in rain. In afternoon went out with a Mrs. Archibald in her Morris 10, picked up glasses at BGH. Went on to dentist at Fort William. Thence went shopping: - silk stockings Rs 16/12, Tampax 6/6, Pondo Cream 3/- Tea at Army & Navy 2/4.
16th - Tuesday, messed about in town in morning bought tie 3/8 & badge, went to pick up specs, latter bust in final stages of production, so not ready.
In afternoon went with Miss Field & party to swimming bath, bathed, & had terrific tea. Back to Belvedere, bathed & changed in time for a dance in the ballroom. Good sport, spent most of the time with a Joan somebody of Welfare just out from home. Saw her home to depot on Corporation St.
17th - Wednesday, went out in Standard 10 to Imperial Bank collected Rs 400. Went on to market, bought sari Rs 186/12. Collected glasses from Bushnells. Obtained ticket from R.T.O. (Railway Transport Officer) & forms for kit claim.
Left Calcutta on Bombay Mail at 1800.
18th - Thursday, travelled all day towards Bombay.
19th - Friday, reached Kalgar about 1340 & left for Poona 1445. Three QAIMNS R girls (British Nurses) on the train. Arrive Poona about 10 to 6, taxied to Napier – full & hadn’t got my letter or any mail from Imp. Bank got room at Poona Hotel.
20th - Saturday, went to Supply Depot, collected truck & had it taken back to Poona Hotel. Went shopping in morning, bought 1lb wool & needles & 2 lipstick Rs 21. Met Barbara Gwynne & Molly somebody of Fary’s had lunch with them at Muratores. In afternoon unpacked trunk, nearly everything in surprisingly good condition, but bugs keep on white wool, OT scarf had it. Barbara called in at tea time & we went shopping again at Burma Stores, bought soap & food Rs 20. Agreed to lend Barbara some money. Supper at Navlin Café & went to flicks at West End, Madame of the 7 Moors, not bad. She got lift home from Poona Club.
21st - Sunday, collected railway warrant from Supply depot, bought badges, tie etc. Rs 10. Spent afternoon packing all kit.
Barbara turned up in evening, fed at Nanking, flicked at Empire. Set off with Barbara to Kirkee, stopped a truck ½ mile over the river, which took Barbara home, I hitched back.
22nd - Monday, went to Bank collected 3 letters (2 mother, 1 Sylvia). Drew Rs 1000 transferred by wire to London. Met Barbara Paid for her: - Bank Rs50. Burma Stores Rs 88/8 Dress makers (Indian) Rs 108 & 8 Dressmakers (Jew) Rs 35 Total Rs 300 (not 250 as recharged at Poona Hotel)
For self bought Kashmir shawl Rs 120. Lunched at Poona Hotel after which Barbara went home from Dorabje’s. Wrote to FCMA and Imperial Bank Calcutta.
23rd - Tuesday, left Poona Hotel and caught 10:40 train for Kalyan. Arrived there 3 ish to find that I had to go on to Holiday Camp Colaba. So caught the next local for Bombay. Arrived 5ish & got left at Transit Camp. Settled in and met a few blokes.
24th - Wednesday, after breakfast met Tom Ellis and had a chat. Then went into town with Jimmy
Street. Sent parcel home Rs 10. Bought £6 for Rs 80/4 and £20 in Travelers Cheques for Rs 267/12. Met Mrs. Phyllis Parkin and Pat Mack internees. Lunched at Taj & went back to their place on Malabar Hill, stayed there till 5:30ish then returned to Transit Camp. Went out & bought needles 1/4 and silk stockings Rs 7.8. Wrote no. 11 to Mother.
25th - Thursday, went to Gulshan and had tea there with Phyllis. In evening went to Greens, dined, danced, and saw a cabaret, then went back to Gulshan in a ghani. Hitchhiked home to transport camp.
26th - Friday, went to Gulshsan for tea with Phyllis, walked with her down to Kemps Corner, then hitched back to camp.
Went with Reid & Jimmy MacDonald to dinner at Taj as guest of brothers Patel & a Mrs. Someone (Indian) Good dinner there, then to Excelsior Theatre for Hamlet – John Gielgud’s show. Good but not terrific.
27th - Saturday, did shopping in morning. Bought length of tweed for a jacket Rs. 44/- and 8 oz. grey wool 7/10. P.M. received US club Colaba, and sea wall place. In evening taxied to Gulshan, and took Phyllis to Harbour Bar for drinks, and fed in Taj building. Then went by ghani out to Colaba. Did not attend dance at United Service Club, but went near sea wall instead. Took Phyllis home by 12.
28th - Sunday, went to Nicole Road and left a note at Construction House for A.L. Ross re greatcoat. Wrote chit to Miss Weeks cancelling entry for launch trip. At 12:30 Paul Edwin & Bunty arrived in Paul’s Mercury and we went off with Phyllis to Juhu. Bathed (wizard) before picnic lunch, lay down in afternoon, went paddling with Phyllis. After tea had another bathe, then drove home arriving at Gulshan 7ish. Went by taxi & gharry (horse drawn carriage) to my room at Colaba, stopping on way for tea and toast. Stayed in my room till 10:30 pm then taxied back to G. Walked & hitched back to Colaba.
29th - Monday, went by truck and got the great coat from ex-Major Ross. Bought wool and Evans Frazer and compact. 12/8 at Whiteways. Returned to camp for lunch. In afternoon sewed pips and buttons on great coat and formal dress. Phoned Phyllis, and went out to try to buy wool for her. No luck but got knitting book for self 5/11. Hitched back to camp.
30th - Tuesday, went shopping early, bought wool and 2 white shirts. Local GOC called and saw is in the mess. Got all kit packed. Message from Phyllis to say coming on HMT Franconia. Went over in afternoon & had tea at Gulshan. Went to mail centre and telegraph office. Bought 3 yards silk for undies 30 chips.
31st - Wednesday, up early. All kit put on lorries, and we followed to Alexander Dock. Changed money etc. and embarked on HMT Franconia. Met Phyllis and helped her with baggage etc. Self sharing a dormitory with 9 others on D deck, not too bad.
November
1st - Thursday, sailed out of dock and anchored in roads till 12:30 then steamed off for home – close.
9th - Friday. reached Port Suez and anchored at 3:25 pm
10th - Saturday, all RAPWI ( Recovery of Allied Prisoners of War and Internees) went ashore in a landing craft, motor bussed to Ordnance Dept at Akaba. Great reception. Drew winter clothing – excellent stuff £17 and everything very well organized. Had tea & buns (free). Got 2 toys, and some wool and sweets and 200 cigarettes. Saw M.P.’s dog show. Back to ship by 12. Set off again about 4 pm and entered Suez Canal. Passed through canal all night, and anchored at Port Said 3ish am.
11th - Sunday, waited opposite Simon Agt till 11am then off again for home (non-stop)
Goto
|
