Diary pages from this date

Vincent Morrison, Harold Bidmead, Brian Fay and Victor Randall are released into the Camp from Stanley Prison. They escaped on April 8, hid on April 9, were recaptured on April 10 and sentenced to two years on June 20 (see entries for all these dates in 1942).

Morrison is in  particularly bad shape, as he weighs only 80 pounds. In hospital he is nursed by Marie Barton, who he eventually marries.

Sources:

George Wright-Nooth, Prisoner of the Turnip Heads, 1994, 204-205

Allana Corbin, Prisoners of the East, 2002, 241

Bidmead, Fay, Morrison, Randall released from Gaol.

Rain & more rain. Very depressing weather.

Ground rice.

German “new weapon” causing much havoc in SE England according to the Jap paper. Elba attacked 16th. Japs stress futility of all our efforts & even make “gains” out of our raid on Kyushu also they deny the “rumours” circulated by Chungking that Tokyo was bombed at the same time.  

Four pris’. discharged after serving 2yrs & 2 mths for escape, Bidmead, Morisson [sic], Fay & Randall, and are now under treatment for malnutrition in hospital (treatment consists of bran & soy beans, the only stuff available containing Vit.B1.)

Steve to dress rehearsal.

Made out Canteen chit for Mary & span yarn re future.

(Turkey in the war 16th?)

10 day P.N.oil issued.