We were agreeably surprised when we caught our first glimpse of Japan. It was really beautiful at Moji, which is at the entrance to the Inland Sea. Numerous small green hilly islands dotted the water, and many flowers and shrubs made a colourful picture, with the mountains providing a splendid background.
The weather was cold, dry, and snow could be seen on the nearby hills.
On disembarkation, we were surrounded by Japanese medical orderlies, in white coats, who sprayed each of us, from head to foot, with a delousing powder. The Japanese were really concerned that diphtheria and dysentery must not be imported into Japan. After this, we were escorted to a railway siding (in great discomfort due to lack of footwear). More than 30 POWs who were so sick that they could not walk were taken away to hospital, we were told. We were then herded on board a train and, wonder of wonders, were given a meal of rice and vegetable.