Ursula Teresa MACKLIN (née CARROLL, aka G / Girlie) [1915-????]

From early November 1942 onwards, R E Jones mentions her almost every day in his diary. Sometimes he simply notes "GX" or "GXX", other times he adds a few words "With Gxx after 8PM. Quarry."

On 25th December 1942, he wrote:

"Had G to supper. Nativity Play at St Stephens. Quarry GX. Lovely Xmas considering conditions."

But just the next day things take a turn for the worse:

"Not such a good day. G got card from hubby. Spoke of breaking up."

(Throughout this time there are doubts about whether G's husband is alive or not.)

Into 1943, G is still on Jones' mind, and is mentioned in his diary most days. He hopes they'll get back together, but their romantic relationship never really gets going again. They still see each other regularly though. Common friends and the enclosed space make it difficult to avoid someone.

Later that year he learns G will be repatriated. She left camp on 23rd September 1943, to board the repatriation ship "Teia Maru". That evening, he wrote:

"She left at 12.15pm & so ends a long period of friendship that ran the whole gamut of all feelings & emotions. Goodbye & God Bless you Girlie darling, good luck wherever you go. XX. G going has left a big blank in the Camp for me now. Tei-a Maru left at 9.30pm."

That's as much as I'll include in the daily diary entries. I'll leave out the details of his other mentions of her, and mark them with "((G.))". The full transcription of his diary is available in the 'Files' section of the Stanley Camp Discussion List.

UPDATE 27 Sep 2013: Members of the Stanley Camp Discussion List have identified this lady as Mrs Girlie Macklin, wife of Sgt. Robert Macklin, mother of Bonnie.

UPDATE 1 Aug 2014: Nicola Davies adds "Her given names were actually Ursula Teresa nee Carroll"