We mobilized for war and by 10pm I was at D’Aguilar.
Leo Landau's wartime diary: View pages
5AM. We are at war with Japan. I heard but did not see. For the first time Japanese planes were over us.
Had a ringside seat to the Bombing of S/S INDIRA.
My first visit to town as a soldier.
The 9" guns went into action for the first time.
I brought Lassie & Dela back to the fort with me.
We are short of ammunition a party went to Belcher stores. They returned empty handed.
Tried again and failed.
Went to town again.
A DAY OF DAYS. WE BLEW UP OUR GUNS, RETREATED FOR STANLEY. I LOST DELA.
We made STANLEY new H.Q. Jet turned up and I shot her.
Under fire. The petrol drums were hit we had a fine time putting the fire out.
Had a close shave. Bomb landed on the lawn.
1st BATTERY into action as infantry.
PEACE & Goodwill! Those who did not return found PEACE. Xmas Mockery with light of blazing stores and dead Canadians for a setting. We lost 10pm. 18 DAYS OF FIGHTING.
Left for New PRISONER OF WAR Camp 7 AM. "Remember boys when your tired sing!"
Arrived North Point 2pm with a full scale introduction to flies & filth. Met a kindly Japanese who gave me Beer and Biscuits
North Point camp. Hard boards, lack of water and an abundance of flies.
Saw dad and Joe
Bread once more! Mighty good stuff. 18/12/41 was the last.
The water ration was lifted. What jubilation!