25 Jul 1945, Barbara Anslow's diary

Submitted by Barbara Anslow on Fri, 06/01/2012 - 14:00

No one came for shorthand – feel like throwing them both over.

About noon, a plane sounded very near and made a most peculiar noise, as if it had dropped something, then it zoomed over our heads and went slowly out to sea.   A few moments later the air raid alarm went.  Some say it was a  sea-plane - can't be identified in camp.  Mr R Mottram said it had a jagged white marking under wings.   It appeared to be in difficulties and jettisoned about 6 of its cargo, which are either bombs, depth charges, or mines: about the size of Mimi Lau blocks, and marked '100 lbs. 1943'.

One fell near St Stephen's white cross, 3 or 4 in Bungalow A area - 2 actually on it - and one went through the roof of St Stephens and landed on a Mr King's bed, but no serious injuries there.  But at Bungalow A, the Rev. F.R. Myhill aged 33 was seriously injured, with superficial (multiple) wounds and especially on chest - and shock.

Leilah Lois Wood, aged 16, also badly hurt, she has multiple abrasions and wounds, one in her chest. Worrying because she vomited up a little fresh blood, she is also badly shocked.

Mavis Hamson, aged 8, also much bruised.  Mavis' mother and Leilah are sisters.

All clear about 1.20pm, when I went to work.

Olive not at work because of legs (septic).

Raid alarm again between 1.45 and 2.15.

About 4.30 a party of about 7 Japs and Formosans (including interpreter) came to hospital to see the victims.  Then another 2 or 3 came, including Captain Saito(?).

It's ten to 7pm and all clear hasn't gone yet.

Rumour that Churchill has made speech saying that the Japanese war will be over by April 1946!!! Which distresses us except we won't allow ourselves to take it seriously, like all the other rumours we dislike.

Bungalow A and St Stephen evacuated pro tem.

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