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Captivity:- February 1943
Monday 1st.
There is a strong rumour going around camp today, that in the near future we will be removing from here to a camp in a rubber plantation about 15 km’s from the aerodrome.
Tuesday 2nd.
So far however, Major Matsudiera is unwilling to allow us to go until there is an ample supply of water and a sufficient accommodation, lights and anti-malaria precautions taken. This scheme was taken on to remove us from the town and start market gardening on a large scale.
Wednesday 3rd.
I should imagine such a scheme would have been alright and so long as we worked reasonable hours, it would have proved an excellent way of passing the time as a prisoner.
Thursday 4th.
As yet there is nothing definite but, time will tell. It is now reported that another Red Cross ship has arrived at Singapore – I hope it is true, as the last issue has been finished some time.
Friday 5th.
Working parties have been sorely reduced as to numbers and thereby depriving many of the lads a few cents to purchase a few extras to add to our deficient diet of rice.
Saturday 6th.
The reduction in the number out working also reflects back on us in our peculiar kind of business, namely that of sewage gang. Received on Sunday our first inoculation for dysentery - a blessing, if ever there was one.
Sunday 7th.
Camp visited and inspected today by Major Gen. Arimura, who is in charge of all Malay prisoners of war. We gave him a good reception and he seemed well pleased with us and conditions in general, except that we have too many people sick in our midst thus, perhaps something will be done to bring our health back to normal.
Monday 8th.
Major Matsudiera, our present commander is leaving in 3 days time and is being succeeded by this new Maj. Gen. – a good English speaker and a sort of human looking man.
Tuesday 9th.
Skin diseases and ringworm are still rife in the camp and I’m afraid after all this time I have a small ringworm on my leg, but it should soon disappear.
Wednesday 10th.
Since the majority of working parties have ceased a new interest in games has taken birth.
Thursday 11th.
Cricket games have now started and despite the lack of gear and ground, the makeshift games between the various services cause great excitement and provides excellent exercise for the body.
Friday 12th.
In addition, basketball games have also been arranged and knockout championships are in progress and here we see thrills proper, as “all in” rules may be adopted, e.g. biting, kicking, etc, if both sides agree to it.
Saturday 13th.
Left S’pore one year ago today having left behind that blazing inferno to sail not to freedom, but captivity. How long we will remain prisoners I don’t know, but surely another year will see us free again and perhaps either, home or, proceeding there with war at an end and an era of peace and happiness ahead.
Sunday 14th.
The Japanese are preparing for the anniversary of the fall of Palembang by decorating all the streets and making arrangements for a gala day.
Monday 15th.
Today the natives nigh turned out to a man, marching behind brass band up and down the streets, shouting with joy at being rescued by Nippon from the white yoke. How many of these were actually meant, I’m afraid I can’t estimate.
Tuesday 16th.
We were thrown two packets of fags today by two women civilians passing by in a rickshaw. Unfortunately, the guard had seen them, stopped the rickshaw and beat them up in front of us, while we remained all unable to lift a hand in their defence.
Wednesday 17th.
It makes our blood boil to see a deed of kindness thus rewarded.
Thursday 18th.
Exactly one year a prisoner of war today. How many more months have we yet to remain in this condition the future alone will decide. Our greatest loss is the lack of news from the people at home and also it is now 1 ½ yrs since I received my last letter from Tarbert.
Friday 19th.
Only in conditions like these do we realise the true value of home and all it really means. This certainly will be a blank period in our lives, when our existence is absolutely without interest.
Saturday 20th.
During a netball game today, Lt. Burke accidentally bumped into one of the guards who forthwith kicked and bullied the Lt. mercilessly, until Cmdr. Reid timely intervened.
Sunday 21st.
Comdr. Reid addressed the camp giving his usual warnings and advice on things in general. Also, received a bonus of 50 cents from Japs in lieu of cig and soap issue.
Monday 22nd.
One marine today was attacked with bayonet, by a drunken Jap soldier and inflicted several wounds on his shoulder. Fortunately to say the drunken “h/ketai?” was savagely punished for his brutal attack on a defenceless man.
Tuesday 23rd.
A new scheme is at present underway – namely a pig farm which will employ a fair number of men and all the produce to go to the prisoner’s camp. This scheme proved a great success at Changi, Singapore and should do here.
Wednesday 24th.
As regards games and entertainment for the long weary nights – we are well prepared with darts, dominoes, ludo, cards and draughts, a variety to suit all tastes. The darts and board although hand made, are excellent.
Thursday 25th.
Dart matches and competitions take place every night and thus the night passes by excellently and affords a certain amount of entertainment.
Friday 26th.
All rooms and beds were removed outside to be debugged by means of a blow-lamp, which although useful in its own way, is not 100% effective. Bugs have been one of the menaces of camp life, arriving in their 1000’s, after the epidemic of lice.
Saturday 27th.
They seemed to thrive well anywhere, especially in our wooden beds and wickerwork chairs, each with a little bite like an ant.
Sunday 28th.
Young Mickey Noble, while out working on the projected pig farm received a bad slash on the leg from a deflected blow from an axe. It cut through his boot and penetrating his ankle about 2” cutting an artery.
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