January 2
Friday 15 the day has gone by very smoothly and if it was not for the fact that it was Weill's birthday — there's nothing to mention.
The draftees are still here, still waiting!
Sat 16 A bad day! No parcels were permitted. I thought after a year I had learned from experience how to dodge orders, but today like an ass I had to give up my overcoat. Orders are orders. Thanks to Johnson, what jealousy can do, it's the root of every evil. Oh yes, we had a search today, just the usual thing, we'll write to our OC with regard to the 3rd national status, hope it turns out well.
Sun 17 Rumours after rumours comes to us. Will 3rd nationals be included, who knows. The draftees were called out at noon ready to move, but there back again in area A. Now tomorrow we have to parade at 6 am and the draftees at 7am, Monday I hope brings me good news. I sent the OC a letter re my nationality status today.
Monday 18. At 10.15 am the draftees received the call fall in with all kit, and were on the road until 3 pm and then were dismissed. I was on picket, news was good. A DO fellow is locked up.
Tues 19 The bugle went at 4:30 am for the draft they were on the road by 4:50. Good luck to the boys. Now for the next step. It's our turn next I expect.
Wed 20 Gregory is back with us now quick one forgets. A large amount of Red Cross supplies came in. Rumors have it that we will each receive a parcel.
Thurs 21 Well no sooner than we have one worry off our hands then another comes to take its place. Now it's our turn to move into Nanking Barracks, our letter is now in the hands of Boon, hope he passes them through. Saw the Weill family, at least they now know we escaped the draft. Just learnt that in our new quarters no individual beds will be allowed. All will sleep on the wooden platforms, the huts were formerly used by the Canadians, who have left them in a very bad state, what a time we have ahead.
January 3
Also heard now the camp will be in 5 groups 1- British 2+3 Portuguese, 4 Eurasians, 5 3rd Nationals.
Friday 22 The order to move into our new lines at last came through and by 3 pm we were installed in D3 Nanking lines. What excitement. I don't like moving.
Sat 23 Sent another letter to the camp office, wish it comes out ok. Parcels arrived and were certainly welcome. The new quarters are not too bad, only a bit crowded for space. Johnson came over and apologized. The concert was very good. Carmen Miranda impersonation went over well.
Sunday 24 The latest:- The Japanese will leave in 6 weeks, that is first week in March. Moses left for Bowen Rd Hosp. Good luck to him.
Monday 25 A day of glorious sunshine. Had a shower and did some washing. The hospital moved into their new quarters Hankow lines. The condition in this camp are improving daily and life once again looks rosy.
Tues 26 The heavy-duty period has commenced, on barbed wiring from 9:30/4:30. Dinner was served at 9 pm and I of all days tried to cook a curry. Some of the bad electric feet are beginning to show another stage. Feet are gradually discolouring looks like gangrene!
Wed 27 Another day with heavy work for a man. An interesting sight. The camp friend? Boon helping in a manual manner removing doors & windows of the old isolation hospital but not for the new hosp. One could be certain of that. Heard from a source that there is definitely a radio working. Tomorrow I move from D3 to D4 never long in one place.
Thurs 28 The move again but this time it worked well and has turned out all for the best. In the pm was on a fatigue cleaning of Jubilee where I passed a pleasant time teaching a few of our guards how to sing a cowboy song.