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The PWD was again asked to make the survey, and I again sent in the list for these blocks. This time my list was very short. By now, most of the broken windows have been filled with squares of cardboard, or wood, and I was concerned only with such things as leaking roofs, leaking drain pipes, missing windows – in fact, only essential items. It will be doubly or trebly more difficult now for the Japanese to supply materials than it would have been 18 months ago, and I am sure that if any repairs are carried out here it will be for a reason other than pure solicitude for our well being.

Former Prison Officer Leon Blumenthal claims that some sweet potatoes are stolen from his 'garden' outside Bungalow 'C'.

The three accused are all teenagers, but the case is taken seriously by the camp's legal system and a search warrant is issued. I have not been able to find if the case actually came before Sir Atholl MacGregor, who ran the Stanley court, and, if it did, what the verdict was.

1 pkt Royal ley for 2 men, gift of C.C.

Cool & cloudy.

Writing music.

Bon came up 8.15am & I took her home at 9.45. ((G)).

Talk with Steve pm.

C.S. denies all knowledge of further repatriation orders.

5 cigs per man issued free.

New Moon.

Canadians took personal papers etc. to H.Qs to be passed.

Cholera inoculation.

On July 29th Mr Lammert developed a temperature and after examining him Dr Thomlinson announced that he had malaria and ordered him off to the hospital. Harold and I wheeled him down on the stretcher. His temperature shot up that night but he has improved steadily since then and is coming back tonight – just in time for Yvonne’s birthday. Harold had some good bug-hunting in Mr Lammert’s bed while he was away.

One man writing home to try and describe our food situation and yet get past the censor, wrote "We have tiffin at 11am and washup at 5 past."      We have had another meatless day today - but we had 50 lbs of pork  left from yesterday - 50 lbs among 750 people! - so tonight I was washing up at 5.15pm - and I have no more chow till tomorrow.  I had however an egg this morning.  Eggs cost 80 sen each! ie 11 pence each at the exchange we get our allowance. So 20 Y a month, or even 25 as it ought to be doesn't go far.

Birth of William Bernard Harris.

Franklin Gimson noted in his diary that this was a 'bad-tempered day' because no meat was provided.

Canadian ((sp?)) paper up hill

Variety concert (Heath, Medley, S. Andersson ((sp? might be G. Anderson)), Marie O'Connor, Brenchly, Goldie & Peggy Hunter).

To Mr. + Mrs ((Unclear)) a son

Bon arrived with Mick but I sent them home again. ((Who is Mick?))

Rained.

Chopped wood.

Stores arrived.

((G))

Another I.R.C. letter form came today - of 11/2/43 - lovely - I now know how you were less than 6 months ago.  Ian has had rapid "promotion" - he was in the 3rd XV when he wrote  on 11/10/42  so he must be some lad at rugger.  I find we can send replies to these forms [(the following written above) - wrong again - No can.] so I'll think one out tonight.  How to express all you want to say into 25 words! Of course Joy's exams would go well and I'm so glad Ian got the necessary credits in his O. and C.

Variety concert

Dull, humid & raining.

Wrote music for Steve.

((G))

Paper indicates Japs expect air-raids.

Steve altering camphor wood box pm.

Variety concert

Meijima visited camp: bulletin says (There is apparently and almost complete lack of ((unclear)) in town.

Dull, humid, rain.

Scrubbed out.

Choir practice 5-6pm.

Talk with Steve & Mary pm.

(Meijima came to camp. No more meat available, no more news of repatriation & electric consumption to be cut down)

4pm - just 7am with you - another week you will be saying.  I am sorry if you were all buoyed with news of repatriation away back in January for these things take a very long time to settle.  Weather has been very wet and dreary lately but we hope it is going to clear up now.  Great news of the German retreat from Orel has cheered us.  No other news however.                  Cheerio Honey.   B.

 

Supporting information:

Brown / Spence(r)

Dutch cable from Tokyo says maybe room on evacuation ship

Squally rain & clouds. Hot & humid pm.

Did nothing all day.

Talk with Steve pm.

(Dutch rec’d telegrams re a few berths being available in case of repatriation. Much speculation in consequence)

Cloudy, warm & showery.

Helped chop wood.

((G))

Talk with M pm. 

Steve to play at Drown’s choir.