Journal of Roy C. Hilton, Note Book No. 8, June 7, 1943-November 7, 1944

Journal of Roy C. Hilton, Note Book No. 8, June 7, 1943-November 7, 1944

This journal recounts Hilton's experiences as a prisoner of war at Camp Shira Kawa in Taiwan from June 7, 1943 until November 7, 1944.

A2010.26

The Citadel Archives & Museum

Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.

Roy C. Hilton Collection

application/pdf

English

Text

https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/832

[Page 1]
Note Book
No. 8

Col. Roy C. Hilton
Karenko, Taiwan.
(Formosa).

Prisoner of War
No. 53.

Laurens, S.C., U.S.A.

[Page 2]
[Blank page.]

[Page 3]
1.
Index to Contents.
Calendar - Pages 1-5
Life at Camp Shira Kawa, “ 7-

[Page 4]
[See calendar on original document.]

[Page 5]
[See calendar on original document.]

[Page 6]
[See calendar on original document.]

[Page 7]
[See calendar on original document.]

[Page 8]
[See calendar on original document.]

[Page 9]
7.
Life at Camp Shira Kawa (White River).
(South of Kagi on Southwest Taiwan).

We left Karenko, Taiwan, at 10:00 AM June 7th (1943) marched three kilometers to the dock and pulled anchor at 12:00 noon on the S.S. Hozan Maru for N.E. Taiwan. I carried about 50 lbs. of my baggage and made this distance with difficulty in my weak condition - from lack of proper nourishment. Arriving at Suo (N.E. Taiwan) we went ashore on “bucking” Sampans at risk of our lives. We left Suo by train at 10:00 PM (June 7th), went north via Taihoku, then S.W. to Kagi and N.W. via narrow guage [sic] dirt cars to our new camp. Travelling all night in crowded seats without permission to stand or move around and with window shutters closed and arrived at detraining station at 10:30AM on June 8th. Then followed a 3 Km. march - again with heavy baggage to our camp, arriving here at 2:10 P.M. For this trip we were given five meals consisting of five small loaves of bread (⅚ of full loaf) - or 5 rolls - and two cans of dried beef (6-oz. each); also one 12 oz. of Red Cross “bully beef” was issued us. Hot tea was served us upon detraining and three bananas were issued upon arrival at camp.

[Page 10]
8.
This camp is on low marshy ground surrounded by hills - on W. side of Mt. Niitaka. It is a crowded area of wooden barrack buildings surrounded by a 10-foot bamboo fence with a small marshy assembly, or walking, area within.

We were furnished bamboo single beds with bamboo slats and without mattresses. For the first week we were issued, each, two blankets and a mosquito bar. The water is not portable and must be boiled before it is fit to drink. Water was scarce for the first week.

The enlisted men worked like Trojans handling baggage during the trip.

It rained in torrents shortly after our arrival here, and plentifully afterwards.

A primitive native village is close by our camp. We are isolated from civilization. Vegetables and fruits look plentiful in the surrounding country.

This is a malaria area and mosquitos are plentiful.

[Page 11]
9.
There are 337 prisoners of ware [sic] here - 282 officers, 1-civilian (R/C), and 84 enlisted men of American, British, Dutch and Australian nationalities.

On June 19th straw mattresses were issued to about half of us. Sheets and pillows were issued, together with other straw mattresses, several weeks later. Prior to June 19th - and for some time later, our camp was not completed. Drainage ditches between barracks kitchen and latrines of 4-5 feet wide had no bridges. To go to the “Benjo” (latrine) at night one must jump these ditches in semi-darkness and on wet slippery ground. It rains here about half the time - 4, or 5, days at at time oftimes, followed by several days of sunshine.

“Benjo guards” - “vigilantes” among each barracks perform duty each night - two officers on duty hourly from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. They check and record in and out each person going to the latrine.

Vegetables and fruits are better here. Our vegetable soup is accordingly better.

Red Cross supplies were issued us again on 6/19/43 from our R/C stock - 2 cans of beef, 1-lb sugar and ½ lb. of salt.

[Page 12]
10
Rabbits and goats of our “stock farms” are increasing. Our Pigs are all eaten up, or sold. We have a few chickens here also and use eggs for hospital patients, only.

We live here with eight officers to a room (about 18’ x 20’) with one table, two benches and eight bamboo beds as its furnishings. Drinking water is issued us two to four times daily for tea, etc. Our morale is up, or down, with the food supply. No soap has been issued since Dec. 12th (1942). No mail has been received - except by Capt. Millan and a very few officers - since our imprisonment.

Water - except that boiled for drinking - is sour and looks slimy. We bathe and do our laundry, without soap, in this water. Most of us are out of soap for laundering.

June 23rd - Santa Clause today: the balance of our Red Cross supplies were issued - 52-oz. corned beef, 48-oz. meat & vegetables, 9½ lbs sugar, salt, and ¾ pkg. of Individual Package to each. I sold my share of the Ind. Pkg for $100.00. It was humorous to see officers dividing small items of food -

[Page 13]
11
piecing broken crackers together so as to divide them equally, or dividing a 10¢ cake of milk chocolate into four parts, to the last crumb. This minute division continued for several days.

June 25th. Five cases of malaria developed here yesterday. Interpreter says that his battalion trains here and that this is a malaria area. Rain yesterday. Reports of our Anti Axis offensive in Europe and S.W. Pacific. Last “Nippon Times” issued was dated 6/3/43 - we’re usually 2-3 weeks behind with newspapers. Did my laundry, including cotton uniform today. I play bridge daily. Ten pkg. of cigarettes sold us by our P.X.

6/27 - Newspapers to include June 17th arrived.

6/29. Eleven (11) new cases of malaria yesterday - total now about twenty cases. Some quinine arrive [sic] but every tablet is issued and recorded by Nip. Med. Corporal. Mosquitos thick and increasing. Rain almost daily. Vegetables in soup are better; 2-3 bananas issued each of us almost daily. Treatment of P’s.O.W. is better here - no R’gn. of Tr’or.

7/2/43. (7/2) Our “benjo” cleaned by a group of small native school children - about 11-12 yrs old, including girls. Native men and women are working on drainage ditches just outside compound.

[Page 14]
12-a
Drainage is improving. A Representative of Tokyo Bureau of Information was here a few days ago.

7/3. A visit and inspection by C.G. Taiwan Army today. Three mangos [sic] - in lieu of bananas - issued us lately. Attended Vietrola Concert - out in open - this evening - conducted by Col. Harrison, Brittish. Popular music played. ‘Twas refreshing but a pitiable sight to see P.O.W.s sitting around concert on ground - benches, etc and in motley disgraceful attire. Camp sanitation and water being better cared for.

7/4. Sunday and Independence Day. An issue of 10 cookies, each; 40 lbs of pork for our soup, and bananas today. Attended church services conducted by B. Gen. Bradford G. Chynoweth (Amer.) Received 7 bananas each today.

7/8/43. Heavy typhoon rain today. No fruit today. Two more blankets, 2 sheets, and a mattress cover issued. I’m making a stool to sit on - only benches without backs in our room. Lights put out in daytime and rooms are half dark. My R/C cocoa all gone today: still have sugar and corned beef & M.&V.

7/10 - A sunshiny day after 3-days typhoon. Issued 10-Pkg cigarettes yesterday. About 700 Nip troops arrived about 7/6 for a short training period - they’re training (maneuvering) day and night including typhoon weather.

[Page 15]
13.-a
“Nippon Times” of June 3rd reports Col. Maxey Noble (formerly 23rd Inf), Lt Col. Moses, & another officer - leaders of guerillas in Luzon - were captured about June 2, 1943. They had “hid out” for about 14 months.

7/10/43. Our Daily Routine

We up for reveille check formation at 6:00 AM. Wash up and clean up rooms until 6:30” at which time is check formation outside. Then align dishes on tables in our rooms for breakfast serving. Breakfast - soup & rice (veg. soup) is brought from kitchen by two officers per squad (20 persons) in wooden buckets (about, 3-4 galon [sic] size). Breakfast is served by two officers per squad and then taken by individuals to their rooms to eat. After breakfast, hot water is brought over by two members of each squad and served to “water-line” of officers. Water service at 8:30 & sometimes at 10:30 AM. and at 1:30 & sometimes 3:30 P.M.

Work details of officers - on work days, - start at 8:00 & 1:30 P.M. and work about three hours each half day by reliefs. Work consists of clearing, grubbing, tilling & planting gardens - by hand; cutting grass & cleaning barrack areas; gathering weeds for mosquito “Punk”; cutting wood for kitchen.

[Page 16]
12-b
Personnel not at work pursue own business or pleasures, e.g; writing, reading, walking, laundering, card and other games; sewing our carpenting for room comforts.

Sick call at 9:00 AM - supervised by Nipponese Corporal. Dinner at 12:00 noon.

All meals consist of rice (about 1 teacup full), soup made from leafy and some tubar vegetables; about 1 lump of sugar per meal, salt and sometimes from Post Exchange (P.X.) products such as: bananas or mangoes, synthetic fruit juices, fish flakes, dried; this with our Red Cross issues when available.

During hot months, a siesta period - 1:00-3:00 P.M. Supper at 5:30 P.M. Curfew at 7:00 P.M. and check formation indoors at 8:00 P.M. To bed and lights out at 9:00 P.M.

“Benjo” Vigilante guard for each of us for one hour at night about each 14 days.

Rumors and food are our subjects of conversation. Every rumor is broadcast rapidly and enlarged upon. We’re food conscious. See exhorbitant [sic] prices paid for scant food-stuffs (Notebook No. 4).

[Page 17]
13.-b
7/12/43.
Work by officers to improve the appearance and sanitation of our compound started here on July 10th. Today I was one of 20 officers to go about 1 ½ miles over surrounding hills to gather a species of growing weeds to use as mosquito “Punk” for our Jap. guards. About 3 Nip. armed guards and - as a special honor - our camp Comdr. accompanied us. A clever punishment was awarded officers who gathered only a small bundle of weeds by making them bring back the largest bundles gathered and vice versa. On our return trip, the Nip. guards tried to find us some mangoes, but all had been gathered on the surrounding trees.

Our latest rumor is that Italy and Germany will ‘crack’ soon and we will be home by Xmas, 1943.

For mental exercise, we keep diaries, read, write, copy food recipes, discuss various subjects, design and draw our future homes, design boats, plan travel tours, play cards and games.

7/13 - There was a queer ring - rainbow - halo around the run about noon yesterday

[Page 18]
14
Also a beautiful radial red sunrise this morning. - like spokes of a wheel. We have sunsets of this particular type of beauty also.

7/19/43. Heavy typhoon rains during last few days; clear today. Rumor that four Anti-Axis divisions landed on Italy (probably on Sicily) a few days ago. Churchills statement re- landings on European soil in many places before the ‘Autumn leaves fall’ interests us. Newspapers to include July 5th arrived yesterday. Two details, of about 25 officers each, worked clearing a tree branch wood pile today instead of yesterday (Sunday), as at first scheduled - on account of rain on Sunday. We’re preparing for a visit by our new Camp Comdr - of the Taiwan Prison Camps. Our morale is up on account of good war rumors. One bottle of strawberry syrup was sold each of us through our P-X - a few days ago (about one pint). Also 25 pkgs of Shirasaga Cigarettes. Akabona Cigarettes, @ .15¥ each Pkg., are out.

[Page 19]
15.
Bananas, - 2-3 each - are arriving almost daily. Am feeling well. Weigh about 140 lbs (estimated).

7/23 - Torrential rains today flooded our camps and rose over the small bridges on our drainage ditches. Rumor re- landings by Allies on Sicily.

7/24 - Heavy earthquake preceded by a heavy roar of noise today. Better soup tonight after thin leafy soup for several meals; sweet potatoes were added tonight. Rumor re- Russian drive S.W. from Smolensk. Feeling well. Still have three case of R/C canned beef and about four pounds of R/C sugar.

7/29/43. Last newspaper received was dated July 5th. ½ bottle of strawberry syrup - or banana syrup - sold each of us through P-X yesterday. Just finished reading Dr. Nitobe’s book “Bushido” today. It is a very good exposition of the Japanese ‘soul’ and ‘The Ways of the Warrior’, Japanese knighthood.

7/31. Detail of 80 officers worked today

[Page 20]
16
pulling and scraping Bermuda grass from around our hospital - P.W.A. style. 500 prs. of drawers, - made of flour sack, some stamped “Tacoma,” “Singapore,” etc., arrived yesterday. Some of us were ‘going native’ with G-strings. Cookies issued our squad today. No newspapers since the ones dates July 5th.

8/3/43. We all worked, improving our campsite on Aug 1st (Sunday), 2nd and today. We pulled Bermuda grass - about 1-acre - with our fingers, cut it with safety razor blades, and with small scissors - no scythes nor mower available. Some officers carried logs to pile neatly, carried about three truckloads of bricks to repile about 60 yards from present pile - by hand - two or three bricks at a time. Worked on brick pile like ants carrying sugar to store. All of this in preparation for an inspection by the C.G. Taiwan Army tomorrow morning. We had a practice formation for inspection, by nationalities, this P.M.

Rumor today that Mussolini had deserted Italy - King Emannuelli in control. Sunshiny mornings and heavy rains each P.M.

[Page 21]
17.
8/5/43. Our camp was inspected by the C.G. Taiwan Army yesterday. Indoor inspection of parts of our area. Our soup is very thin of late - contains squash, melon, onion tops mostly. Think I am losing weight, and I’m feeling weak.

Brig. Gen. Overraker and Col. Gosensen (Dutch) left here presumably for Dutch East Indies on July August 4th. Rumor re- “big news” soon.

8/9/43. Tea (¾ lb each) issued through our P.X. yesterday. Still having heavy rains. Thin soup and lean meals of late. The attention of the Camp Comdr. was called to this this morning by Gen. Maltby - British Vice Air - Marshall. Twenty one (21-14 off. & 7 E.M., British) new P.O.W.’s arrived here today, including Lt. Gen. Maltby (bro. of Vice Air Marshall Maltby).

Prior to arrivals today and after departure of two officers on Aug 5th., we had 250 officers and 84 enlisted men (P.O.W’s.) here.

8/11/43. We got through our P-X today 35 pkgs. of cigarettes (Shira Saga) and one box of Cigars (Noko) and about five small cigars (Daiton), each. Cigarettes @ 40 Sen per pkg of 10; Nokos @ 16 yen for 25; Daitons @ 4.60 yen for 10.

[Page 22]
18
8/11/43 (cont’d) Made a grand slam in no trumps today - bid, doubled and redoubled, before several spectators. My hand: Spades, none; Hearts K.Q 10,6,4; Diamonds A, K, 10, 7; Clubs: A, Q, 10, 4. My partner’s hand: Spades: A, K, 9, 7, 6; Hearts, A, 4; Diamonds: Q, 6, 4; Clubs: K, 6, 3.

On my Left - Four Diamonds - 9-spot high.

On my right - Four clubs - Jack high.

My opponents lead from wrong hand and allowed me to call the lead - a “Club”. I discarded two losing hearts on my partners A, K, of Spades and my opponent on my left discarded a diamond on my fourth Club lead.

8/15/43. New arrivals were released from quaranteen [sic] yesterday - after 5 days from Hong Kong. We got through P-X today one bottle of strawberry juice (⅘ Qt), 1 bottle tomato ketchup (1-Pt), small bottle currie [sic] & one of pepper. We’re getting bananas or pineapple almost daily. We got pork in our soup this P.M. I have one (12-oz) can of corned beef and about one lb. of sugar left of my R/C supplies.

[Page 23]
19.
8/15 - (cont’d). No news papers have been received since those dated July 5th, 1943. No mail has been received since our imprisonment - except by about 20 officers and enlisted men. Last message from my family was as of Dec. 21, 1941; how I long to hear from my wife and two sweet daughters.

One year ago - Aug. 14th - we arrived at Takao, Taiwan, en route to prison camp at Karenko, Taiwan. News, or rumors, from various sources is to effect that Allies hold southern half of Sicily - Russia is attacking west from Orel and southwest from Leningrad and about to cut off 260,000 Germans - Russia landed a force on Norway, coming around by water from the North - Allies are bombing German cities with 1000 planes daily, losing 25, or 30, of these each day, that Churchill says this will continue against Germany and will soon start against Japan - that Allies have submarine menace under control - that King Emanuel (Italy) recently called an emergency cabinet meeting at night -

[Page 24]
20.
and that Germany is complaining of the difficult task before her - also confirming Mussolini’s abdication, and allies continued advance in Southwest Pacific.

8/16/43. One Japanese officer - Bgy Pts - is due to leave us today and being replaced by a younger officer. Heavy rains each day lately with cool nights. I’m feeling well - ankle swelling is gone.

About 30 officers (P.O.W.) received messages from their homes today - in form of telegrams through the International R/C.

8/17/43. Rice chaff pillows issued us today - also mattresses (straw) issued to remainder of us. Fair today. Soup better. Feeling well.

8/21/43. About 125 P.O.W’s, serve with T.B., arrived here yesterday from a work camp; mostly British, all grades - officers and enlisted. No newspapers issued since ones dated July 5th. No news from my family since Dec. 21, 1941. Soup and rice are fair - bananas through kitchen issues - almost daily.

8/22/43. Each of us bought through our P.X. today: 1-bottle tomato ketchup, 1-pt. @ 55-Sen; 1-bottle sweet strawberry syrup, ⅘ Qt., @ ¥ 1.30; ½ lb. coffee,

[Page 25]
21.
ground, @ ¥ 1.35; 1-can fish flakes, about ½ Pt., @ ¥ 0.35. First three items are good quality.

8/24. No rain for 4, or 5, days. Reported to be beginning of dry season. Gen Keys got [illegible words] today for letter submitted. He submitted another letter. I paid a visit to the General’s quarters, next door, today. Talked to Gens. Cheynoweth, Vachon, Longh, Beebe, Drake and Seals, and Weaver. One officer moved out of our 20’ x 20’ room today to another barracks, leaving seven of us here now. Fortier left us for another room. Squad #8 (officers) formed from those moving. Water supply getting scarce. About seven truck loads of rice and barley came in yesterday. Carabao - Bull-Carts haul out “benjo” loads daily.

8/25 - Hot and dry. Bango formation for evening check now outside. Soup somewhat better. Am feeling well. No newspapers since that dated July 5th. Last message from my family was Christmas message of 1941. Rc’d. 1/8/42.

8/26. Am doing my week’s laundry today; also sewing on pair of pajamas to strengthen them - reinforcing. We were assembled at 1:00 P.M. today for a speech by our Nip. Camp Comdr. Among other things, he said: “Big battles are raging on all war fronts. Each nationality thinks his nation will win. (over)

[Page 26]
22
Even though our allies, Germany and Italy, lose the war, I think Japan will win. Japan will continue to fight. In previous wars, we have used only ⅓ of our strength. We have one hundred million trained soldiers and five billion orientals back of us. The U.S. is using the Japanese Army as a standard. Our nation, young and old, are working. This P.O.W. Camp is the only personnel not working. We have a plan to give you some work to do on a stock farm financed by Japanese funds. We want to do better by you and shall expect some work from you. If any of you have a plan for conducting this stock farm, submit your plan in writing. That is all.”

We have worked some at this camp on improving the appearance of the camp, cutting wood for our kitchen, gathering weeds for anti-mosquito smoke, filling holes in area, pulling grass, etc.

I made another Grand Slam, doubled and redoubled in bridge today; as follows:

[Page 27]
23.
[See chart on original document.]

8/27/43. We had a physical examination today, presumably to establish our condition to work. Two American and one British Doctors examined us and then a Nipponese Corporal gave us a final classification. Among other questions, we were asked, “How is your appetite”? I am evidently in good condition under the Circumstances.

8/28 -The first three squads - about 108 officers - worked three hours this A.M. grubbing waist-high Johnson grass from a hillside just outside of our compound. ‘Twas said, “This work is in the nature of exercise.” General officers and Brigadiers compose the first two squads.

[Page 28]
26
8/30/43. Four officers squads (about 145) worked today A.M. & P.M. grubbing a hillside outside our camp. About ¼ cup of extra rice is given for work.

I listened to a victrola concert this evening - Mendelsohn’s Recital, and songs by Elizabeth Shumann - given by a British officer. As we listened, 8, or 10, flights of 40-50 white herons {300-400} were flying south. They were a pretty sight backed by reddened clouds from a setting sun. They must have been escaping a storm area. These herons fly northward over our camp each morning about sunrise in flights of 3, or 4.

About 20 letters arrived for Dutch officers today from Holland. More letters are said to be here for Americans. We may write a 100-word letter home by Sept. 2nd. Wonder if my other letters have reached home?

Sept. 1,1943.

Squads nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4 worked today - grubbing hillside outside our camp - mosquito control. Report that there will be an important announcement soon by Nipponese. Mailed a letter to Ruth tonight. No mail from home yet. Attended a victrola concert tonight - popular music.

[Page 29]
27.
Sept. 3, 1943.

Better rice, and 2-3 bananas, these days. I lose $5.00 to Geo. Hirsch today on bet made on 3/3/43 that he and I would receive letters from our homes by this date. The “important announcement” hasn’t come yet. I’m playing bridg [sic] - working about two days each week - and feeling well. Rain - and rainwater collected for drinking - today.

9/5/43. No bananas yesterday, or today. We worked - grubbing Johnson grass - again yesterday. Group Captain Rice - British - died this afternoon. He came to us at Karenko about a year ago as an invalid, hospitalized with creeping paralysis.

9/7 - Dick Rogers and Josh Stausell challenged Phil. Fry and myself at bridge. They used the “Vanderbilt Club” system of bidding against our Culbertson system. We won by seven points. My bet with George Hirsch that the war between the Axis and Allies, as such, expires today. Don’t know yet who won.

My daily routine includes laundering my clothes, washing my dishes, and sewing some of my worn out pajamas and underwear, socks, etc.

No newspapers, or news since July 5th.

No message from home since Dec. 21, 1941 (1941).

[Page 30]
28.
9/7/43 (cont’d). There are repeated rumors that an armistice has been signed by Germany and the Allied Powers.

(9/8/43) A rumor that Japanese cabinet has been changed to exclude Tojo. Also that the Nipponese will make an important announcement in next few days. Reported that an exchange ship is due here this month possibly with R/C supplies.

9/9/43. There were several heavy earthquake shocks preceded by roaring noises at 2:30 A.M. today. It shook up our barracks. Many white herons in large flights went south again during the evening concert.

9/11/43. For the last month costumes among officers and enlisted prisoners have drifted in many cases to undershorts, some of the flour sack materials, and in some cases to “G-strap”, only. Weather is warm to invite these types of wearing apparel.

9/12/43. I played a chess game with an expert player today - a Dutch soldier, Van Rhee (Pvt.). He played eleven of us at the same time and won all games.

[Page 31]
29.
9/13/43. Squads nos. 1, 2, and 3, - about forty Generals and about 70 Colonels - worked with heavy hoes for about six hours today grading walks on our newly cleared hill just outside our compound. The Commanding Officer of the Taiwan Army P.O.W. camps inspected us today, therefore there was much attention paid to having a clean camp and having work in progress. The C.O. will be here tomorrow, also, and in having a conference with several of the P.O.W.’s.

I feel fine after my work, and a bath. We get about ⅓ cup of extra rice for the evening meal on work days.

9/14/43. Our Camp Comdr. and the Comdr. Of all Taiwan P.O.W. camps made us a speech this morning. In general, they were both the most conciliatory speeches yet. No mention was made of war situation. The speeches were to justify our work, - one day in each three - on the new farm and on the park area just outside our camp. These projects, they said, are for our health and for our benefit. They said we will return home in near future in good health.

[Page 32]
30.
9/14 (cont’d).
Col. Amis has had malaria eleven times in about fifteen months. Col. Aldridge has had malaria eleven times in less than fifteen months - both since captivity. The malaria situation is about under control - only repeater cases. Quinine is given in minimum doses for cure only.

The conference held today, by our C.O. of Taiwan P.O.W. Camps, several squad leaders and representatives of each nationality, discussed mail, food, clothing, Red Cross supplies, newspapers, dentist work, etc. All questions received cordial but evasive answers. The conference had a conciliatory atmosphere.

9/15/43. Eleven of our twenty one goats were butchered yesterday for soup today. The goats have worms and are all to be killed. The visitor of yesterday has added some to our food and water and has reduced our work to one-half of former schedule. He said we will have several hundred ducks, some more chickens and pigs for our stock farm. ‘Tis encouraging.

[Page 33]
31.
The rumor is being repeated that Germany is out of the war as of Aug. 29th.

9/16 The goat soup was very good last night.

Tonight we were issued an extra bread roll with sweetened potato, or something similar inside.

Tonight, also, a sentry told one of our personnel, “You should be very happy, you are going home soon.” This sounds too good to be true.

9/19/43. Official weight today: 59.3 (130.46 lbs). Strawberry syrup, ketchup, fish flakes issued thru P.X. today. 3-4 weeks more issues on hand Nip. attitude toward us getting better. I’m 1-2 lbs off in weight since July 30th but am feeling better. Food is improving some. Newspapers to date of July 20th arrived yesterday. Last papers received were dated July 5th.

9/21 We work on our farm, ditches, road, grass, rocks, etc for about five hours two days each week - squads rotating. Water is very scarce now since the rains stopped. Rumor is that we will move to a new camp soon.

9/22/43. We were issued one-half cake of soap (small cake) today, the first since Dec. 15, 1942. Water is too scarce, now, to take a bath.

[Page 34]
32
9/22 (cont’d).
We also get about one pound of sugar.

A distinguished Nipponese officer - and staff - inspected us yesterday. Ten more of our goats were slaughtered yesterday for soup today - for 480 of us P.O.W.’s. Water is still very scarce. We use cups of water from our baths after work. I’m sewing to reinforce worn out pajamas and underwear. Everything is scarce, and inferior quality, here. The Dutch officers received more mail on Sept. 20th.

‘Gil’ Bell and Aldridge had an unfriendly scuffle yesterday. A few days ago Cortero Cordero and Corkill had the same kind of mix-up.

We’re planting corn and sweet potatoe [sic] ships on our farm just outside our camp. I’m reading Benvenutto Cellini’s autobiography

9/24/43. Ruth’s (my wifes) birthday today. I’ve written her a letter in my note book for future delivery. We worked - grubbing grass on the farm - from 3:00 PM to 6:30 P.M. yesterday. ‘Twas dusty and mean, - and little wash water upon our return.

Several American and British P.O.W.’s received

[Page 35]
33.
9/24 (cont’d)
letters today. They dated from May 1942 to May 11, 1943. Some more letters are reported to be here. I’m hoping for, and am expecting one. A Mr. Campaud (Champaud), the Swiss Consul inspected our camp today for the U.S.A and Great Britain - thus the mail delivery of part of our mail. He conferred with several of the P.O.W.’s and made an inspection of camp facilities. The stage and those who were to confer with him, the scope of their conversation, etc., was all set and prescribed.

We did not work today. (Campaud represented the protective power for U.S.A. & Britain)

9/25/43. About thirty more letters were delivered today. I have not yet received one. Mail is being delivered as fast as our Nip. interpreter cares to censor it - which is slow. We worked, planting potato slips, preparing the ground by hand, carrying off grass, etc. I’m feeling pretty good today after the exercise of the morning’s work.

Through our P-X, we got lime juice, pickled vegetables, ketchup, Nakamotos, and paste today. We now get one pound of sugar one week-end and a bottle of sweetened juice the next.

9/26/43. No mail today. I’m disappointed.

[Page 36]
34.
9/26/43 (cont’d).
Twenty pigs arrived for our farm today. We now have about 36 rabbits, one goat, (mascot), about 12 hens, 2 roosters, and 12 little chicks. Water was turned on today for first time in a week. We’ve been carrying water by hand from a nearby spring. Water must be boiled before is is fit for drinking.

* We we [sic] allowed to write another letter today. I wrote to Little Ruth - my daughter.

* 9/28/43. Armed guards for work of P.O.W.’s outside of compound discontinued about 9/20/43. “Benjo Book” record discontinued about 8/28/43. One pound of tea and one-half pound of coffee issued through P-X today (Coffee @ ¥ 4.44 1.35; Tea @ ¥ 4.44

I did light work, shelling peanuts for planting this afternoon. We got good work rice.

9/29/43. Several officers received radio messages - in substance, - from their families today. I bet “Gil” Bell $100.00 that the war in Europe is not over as of 9/28/43. Last papers received were dated July 20th.

9/30/43. Newspapers to include those dated Aug. 20th came today. These gave news of Sicily’s

[Page 37]
35.
capitulation, Mussolini’s resignation and end of Fascism, of Russian drives and Axis’s defensive position, of heaving bombings of German and Italian cities, and of proposed sixth conference of Churchill and Roosevelt at Quebec.

We worked each afternoon this week on “the farm”. The “park” is idle.

One hundred and eighteen young duck arrived for our farm about Sept. 28th.

10/3/43. Has been cool since Oct. 1st. I use up to two light blankets for past two nights. The C/S of the Taiwan Army is due here in next few days. We’re expecting some news announcement. Played chess with the International Champion - Pvt. Van Rhee - again yesterday. I almost won.

10/6/43. Just finishing my last R/C supplies - except salt - eating last of 12-oz. can of corned beef. Water still scarce; it is being brought in by hand or, occasionally, rationed through spigots. We’re working ½ day for each week day now - cutting grass, carrying away grass, breaking clods, etc - for planting. C. of S. of Taiwan Army is still due here for a visit. Rumors are running wild re- completion of European war, our going home, etc. I’m feeling stronger since working and eating work rice - about one cup extra per day. Estimate my weight at about 134 pounds. (over).

[Page 38]
36.
Have just finished reading a book of Anatole France’s short stories. Am now reading Dr. Payne’s book on “The Greatest Force on Earth” (Intensified, earnest, prayer). Dr. Payne, D.D. - a British author. We’re still buying through our P-X-, ketchup, strawberry syrup, fish flakes (about one bottle each per week) and about one pound of sugar each two weeks. Smokes, salt, pepper, currie [sic] powder, etc., are sufficient of late. Our treatment is better for last six weeks, more humane.

10/9/43. We completed eighteen months as Prisoners of War today. This time wasted. Our guards are more considerate of us for the past month. We’re not hazed in quarters, not rushed at work, and get more food - especially P.X. supplies, syrups, sugar, fish flakes, and smokes. All members of the first five squads (of 10 officers’ squads) except those over sixty years of age were turned out for work today - feeble, disabled etc., were given light work at grass cutting.

Last newspapers were dated Aug. 20th.

Last news from home was Xmas, 1941.

An armed guard accompanies us at work again for last week. Weather fine. I’m

[Page 39]
37
feeling better since I’ve been working one-half of each day (2-2 ½ hrs. by ½ hr. periods with rests between periods) and have received about one cup of work rice extra each evening.

10/10/43. A beautiful cool sunshiny day (Sunday). Rumor re-Tojo Cabinet asked to resign. Nip. guards insisting on stricter courtesy, better saluting, etc. I’m feeling well. Weigh about 134 lbs - estimated. I watched Pvt. Van Rhee, Dutch, play a group at chess again today. He won all games cleverly.

10/13/43. Numbers for work from each squad were increased on the 9th only disabled and over-60 now excused. Work is for 2-2 ½ hrs either mornings or afternoons for each squad - on the farm. Rumors current re Russia’s demand upon J. for return of Part A. and the Man. Ry - etc; about Turkey entering war about Sept. 1st; about Allied landings at Naples; re- Russia’s expecting to annex Poland & E. Prussia; re bombing of three cities of Japan (these started 10/11 & 10/12; and re British and Americans landing in France. I’m feeling well. Ankle swelling has gone.

10/15/43. My official weight today: 59.8 K (131.56 #), a gain of one pound since Sept. 19th.

Rumor that the P.I. got its independence on Sept. 14, 1943. I wrote a letter to Laura Anne today.

[Page 40]
38.
10/16/43. A harvest holiday begins today. No work. ‘Tis a beautiful day. Rumor re-Allies taking Canton.

10/17/43. Keltner (Ed) and his five room-mates lightly b’p’d for light on in daytime - yesterday. Last night I listened to our victrola concert of popular music, including Hawaiian melodies, and thought sadly of a happy period in my past life.

10/20. Col. Browne was kicked by snt’y today for not saluting. We’re working ½ day (about 2-2 ½ hrs) daily. Carrying grass to pile for fertilizer, cutting grass, breaking clods. Thirty of us colonels carried water for two hours this afternoon - three buckets each to our kitchen and five buckets each to the Nip. kitchen and their baths. Sixteen colonels of the 4th sqd carried “Benjo juice” to a grass pile to make fertilizer this morning. This was the most humiliazing [sic] work yet and was done under protest. We restacked a large grass pile while “benjo juice” was added.

10/21/43. The Camp Comdr. spoke to us at roll call this morning. He stated necessity of “benjo juice” carrying - for making fertilizer - and that officers would be exempt from this work for time being but he reserved the right to require this of us “for our farm” in future.

[Page 41]
39.
He also stated that the Allies’ propaganda was to the effect that the war would be over by next Spring and that it may end in Europe by Russia invading Germany; and that the Nips. still believe that they and their Axis allies will win - or that their army will go to their deaths while fighting. He stated that our farm will be needed for food for us.

No rain for a month, or more. Weather clear, nights cool and midday hot - ‘Tis fine. Water is scarser [sic] and scarser [sic]. Laundry is almost forbidden and bathing water is issued by cupfuls - and brought in from spring outside.

10/23. A good rain today was like manna from heaven. I got a good rain bath, some rain water for drinking, and did some laundry. We had a holiday and a speech by our Camp Comdr. today (Sat.). He said we need not expect the war to be over in six months - as we seemed to expect - and that we should give better cooperation in working on our farm for our use. He said he wanted to feed us better and make us happier. Also, that decisive battles are expected by Russia and Germany this winter; that Japan has withdrawn from New Georgia Island (S.W. Pacific) and this is only advance U.S. has made in 16 months - and

[Page 42]
40.
that the Japanese plan called for withdrawal from Guadalcanal Island and from Attu. etc. We were permitted to walk in “our park, yasume” - which we cleared on a knoll outside our compound - today. ‘Tis fine to have this change and enlargement of our area. We got through our P-X today: a bottle of jam, a bottle of oyster sauce (soy), two pkgs cigarettes, a bottle of wakamotto tabbuto (Vitamin B-B2 etc) and a note book. A few days ago, we got 1 ½ lbs. of sugar, and on next Wednesday we due to get a ⅘ Qt. bottle of sweet strawberry syrup (it’s good). This food is being added to our daily rice and vegetable soup. I’m feeling fine - still anxious for a message from my family (last one was Dec. 21, 1941.). Camp Comdr. also mentioned Allies fighting near Naples, Italy - and of Mussolini faction still fighting Allies.

10/26/43. On Oct. 26, 1941, - two years ago today - I parted from my family in Charleston, S.C. for duty in the Philippines. What a two years! The last message from my wife, now at Laurens, S.C. was Dec. 21, 1941. I regret that I could not serve my country longer and better in this war. We P’s of W. do

[Page 43]
41
not even know what progress is being made by our countries in the war - except in a general way.

We got thru our P.X. today two ⅘ Qt. size bottles of fruit juices - one strawberry and one pineapple for each of us. These are a wonderful help for sweetening rice and completing meals with a rice-desert [sic]. I am writing a history of my life for my family.

We had issued to each of us today: 1 ½ cakes of toilet soap, three colored silk handkerchiefs, one face towel (slazy), two pkgs tooth powder and one tube of tooth paste, and two cheap tooth brushes - charged on our increased mess bill - increased a month, or two, ago from about 16:00 yen to ¥30.00 per month.

Water is still scarce and must be brought in by P.O.W.’s - by hand in buckets.

There are 479 P.O.W.’s here - since Aug 21st - 362 officers and 117 Enlisted ( one additional T.B. patient arrived recently); also one civilian - Y.M.C.A. worker - Mr. Webb. (Total 480)

10/29/43. I was with a water carrying detail all morning - 10 trips for Don Hilton and myself for one team. Two British Colonels were bopped for joining our detail

[Page 44]
42.
to get water for themselves - then all of us were punished by having to take a longer route.

We - 3rd squad - washed sheets, with Nipponese soap yesterday P.M. Also took a cold bath outside at the wash pool. We’re still working on our farm, cultivating sweet potatoes, corn, peanuts, cabbage and cauliflower. Crop looks pretty good. Five one-half days work for each of us of 2 ½ - 3 hrs. These crops were planted about October 1st.

No work yesterday account a Nip. holiday.

10/30/- I’m feeling badly today with a bad cold and sore throat. Went to hospital and Lt. Col. Glatley (Amer.) gave me a gargle and two white pills to take. This is Saturday no work for us who were working in the afternoons. ‘Tis clean-up day. Many rumors re-Russian and Turkish advances in Romania, Czechoslovakia and of German withdrawing from France.

11/1/43. My cold is much better today. Even worked on the farm this A.M. Two years ago today, I sailed from ‘Frisco toward the P.I. on the Pres. Coolidge. This ship has since been sunk by the Nips.

[Page 45]
43.
but we, who sailed on her on 11/1/41 were “sunk” first by being P.O.W’s since 4/9/42. From the day we sailed, there seemed to be an atmosphere doom among her passengers. Many of them are here on S.W. Taiwan now. Some mail is being given out today. Col. Malcolm Fortier received our first pkg. - a 2 ½ lb tin of hard candies - ‘Tis good. Capt. McMillan (Navy) - Gov. of Guam - received more letters; he seems to get mail with each issue.

I’m reading “Poultry for Profit” - a study written by a Capt. Rook - a P.W. in another camp; he has 30 yrs. experience and a graduate of a poultry institution in England. (See “Bookreviews” - notebook).

11/4/43 Yesterday was a holiday - birthday of grandfather of Emperor - Meijo - we had a fried fish & raw cucumber extra. On the 2nd we got thru our PX. on [sic] bottle papia [sic] jam, one tin fish flakes, 1 ¼ lbs. sugar, each. Weather dry but warm & clear. Water scarce - we’re bringing it in by carrying parties to include Nip kitchen & bath. We bath [sic] in a cup, or bottle of water. One British Lieut. & five Amer. Enlisted men left us today, presumably for Tokyo. We’re still working ½ each day by easy periods. Exercise & sun are beneficial. Work rice of one cup extra is satisfying our hunger. An Enlisted man brought us an extra wash-pan full of cooked rice a few evenings ago - it was good.

Have had a bad cold for several days, otherwise feeling fine.

[Page 46]
44.
11/7/43 - Sunday.
My 51st birthday - the 2nd, on [sic] in the Orient. Hope it’s the last here. We’re cleaning house for an inspection of some kind; everyone is busy. I carried a load of water from the spring for our use this A.M. ‘Tis a beautiful Fall day. Hasn’t been cold yet. ‘Tis still dry - water scarce; we bathing and laundering in cups of water brought in from the spring.

Food has been slowly, but gradually, better since last March 5th - our lowest ebb. Rice, soup and condiments, - sugar & syrups, etc - are enough to prevent one from hunger now. Treatment by the Nips, though stern and such as should be given to Enlisted men, is much more considerate. We have Victrola concerts about four evenings each week - some excellent records.

I’m feeling well. Must have gained a few pounds since last weighing. Estimate my weight at 134 lbs.

Ray O’Day and several others congratulated me on my birthday today. Ray presented me with a package of good cigarettes. He was in Atlanta, Ga., when my order for the P.I. were phoned to Laurens, S.C.

Yesterday afternoon we cleaned up around the Nip. Guard Bks. The N.C.O. in charge thanked us - and today we were issued more rice than we could eat. We also had pork in our soup tonight.

[Page 47]
45.
I had to eat my rice in four meals to consume it - but I made it. I’m still uncomfortable at 8:30 P.M. My roommates honored me by small gifts today; Hamilton gave me a cigar; Abe, a cigar; Don, some strawberry syrup on my rice; and Val., a pkg. of cigarettes; all for a kind thought. Several other officers dropped in to offer congratulations.

11/8. Thirty-one (31) more P.O.W.’s - Amer., Br., & Dutch - Officers & Enlisted arrived here last night.

We had an inspection today by Taiwan Q.M.G - the Auditor, & the Inspector. No work today.

11/11/43. Armistice Day. Twenty five years ago (1918) firing ceased in the First World War. I was at Mouzon - midway between Sedan and Stenay - facing the Germans across the Meuse. I was a part of a victorious group of allied armies, and was later to enjoy the fruits of victory on the Rhine River near Coblenz. Today I am a captive in the hands of the Pagan Japanese - on the otherside of the world from my home. What a reverse! - an anticlamax [sic].

We are working some on our farm today. Otherwise, I and my room-mates are sewing, writing, playing cards, etc. ‘Tis a fine day, just cool enough.

[Page 48]
46.
11/12/43.
All of the 31 new arrivals were lined up and b’p’d last night for using Nip. mos. bars to cover private property.

Our farm here is plowed by a Chinese-Taiwanian - with a young Carabou and a one-handled antique plow. Harness, or gear, consists of a bent piece of bamboo across carabou’s neck with two pieces of rope tied to short wooden single-tree and a piece of rope to carabou’s nose. “Benjo waste” is carried out in huge barrels on antique wagons drawn by huge carabou. Some of these carabou can hitch and unhitch themselves by placing, or withdrawing, heads under the bamboo collar.

11/13/43 - Nippon Times to include Oct. 9, 1943, arrived today - the first papers since those dated Aug. 20th. News re- collapse of Italy, rescue of Mussolini by Hitler, and Allied occupation of Southern Italy to include Naples, included in papers. Also, promotion of Amer. General officers to include Gen. Wainwright (to perm. Maj. Gen.); of Gen. Marshall’s mention for Allied global Comdr - etc. We had to write a 100-word thesis on our opinions of reports that Nipponese in America are not permitted to communicate with relatives in Japan & of their internment and alleged mistreatment in U.S.A.

[Page 49]
47.
11/15/43.
Happy recollections of a house party by Tommie & Collette Sounds at their summer home, “Rest-Haven?” near Minneapolis have occurred lately. The Flanigens, the Ericksons and the Hiltons were there to enjoy hospitality on a lake.

11/21/43. We landed at Manila from “The President Coolidge” on Nov. 20, 1941 - two years ago yesterday. What a two years? Next to wasted.

‘Tis cold here for last three days - as low as 63° but cloudy and colder feeling than the thermometer indicates. Sunshine and warmer today.

Yesterday we got thru our P-X - a bottle of new lime-milk sweet syrup, canned vegetables (one small tin), papia [sic] jam, and fish flakes. This variety of condiments makes our rice and veg. soup better. Our soup for several meals lately has consisted of small onions - mostly onion tops - squash (goardy melon kind) cucumbers and small fish - minnow type with eyes still open. Mailed another letter home on Nov. 19th - no news from home since Dec. 21, 1941. Have just finished reading Amelia Earhart’s “My Last Flight”.

11/22 - Official weight today: 133.76 lbs - a gain of 2.2 lbs since Oct. 15th. Fine sunshine today. Rumors re- landing & advance of Allies in S. France. Did my laundry this morning - feel well.

[Page 50]
48.
1/25/43-
Thanksgiving Day. Since we had a holiday on Nov. 23rd - the second Nipponese Harvest Festival - we worked on our farm today (½ day for each group). We’re planting sweet potatoes & tomatoes. The first potatoes planted should be ready by Christmas. Our stock farm includes 20 pigs, about 120 young ducks, about 40 rabbits and a dozen, or two, chickens. We were issued a large biscuit size load of flour bread, a small package of candy, about one pound of sugar and some pork in thicker vegetable soup.

There were two heavy and prolonged earthquake shocks about 10:30 last night. Our barracks shook considerably.

Our farm work was cut short this afternoon because of an air-alarm. We have had several of these - and a few black-outs - lately. The American airmen must be hereabouts. Still good rumors re- Allied landings in S.W. & S.E. France, in Albania, and advancing in S.W. Pacific. The end of the war cannot be far off.

11/28/43. Made and bid another grand slam in bridge last night. My partner bid one club - I bid two spades, my partner bid four spades; I bid four N.T.: my partner bit five hearts; I bid seven spades. My Partners hand: spades, Jxx; Hearts, Axx;

[Page 51]
49.
Clubs, AKJxx: Diamonds, xx. My hand: spades, AKQxx; Hearts, QJx; Clubs, Jx; Diamonds, AKJ.

Beautiful weather of late. Still dry - water is brought in by hand from nearby spring. We are working ½ day (about 2 ½ - 3 hrs) each day except Saturday P.M. & Sundays on our farm. We get one cup of work rice at evening meal for this. This rice helps considerably. An Australian Protestant Chaplain has joined us as a P. of W. He is holding a Thanksgiving service for Americans this morning. Have just finished reviewing “The History of the Philippines (by Barrows - 1907).

The Church service was very good. There’s a rumor re- a change in Camp Comdrs. about Dec. 1st. I was on a water carrying detail this P.M. - to include water for the Nip. Gd. bath

11/30/43. No work today on account of a visit by the C.O. of Taiwan Prisoner of War Camps. ‘Tis a beautiful day - comfortably warm. Our visitor held conferences with groups of officers of each nationality. He told them of our heavy losses in the S.W. Pacific - of Japan’s determination to fight on even though Germany falls - that Japan has 100,000,000 men and each will take 10 occidentals to graves with them rather than be dominated by a European Power - that the reason for our receiving no mail is because Jap. Nationals in America weren’t getting their mail.

[Page 52]
50
11/30/43 (cont’d)
I was last paid two years ago today. My wife should be receiving allotments of $250.00 per month from Nov. (or Dec) 1941, plus $160.00 “ “ more from April, 1942. (Deductions made from the pay of these months).

12/4/43 - Rainy and chilly today. Play my first game in a Duplicate bridge tournament. This one against a British foursome. We won 1340 points in 16 hands. ‘Twas a very enjoyable game. No work today. We were issued a British woolen (O.D) shirt today. A new Camp Comdr. Is due here - old one left, about, two days ago. Better vegetables in soup lately - tomatoes & gabe added.

12/7/43 - Our new C.O. arrived on 12/6 - and spoke to us yesterday. He asked for cooperation - said whether this camp is hard one or a Utopia, depended upon our action. Said our food and quarters are the best available and that we can improve our food by work on our farm - rather a negative speech, otherwise.

A few days ago our vegetable man delivered vegetables about 40-kilos short. For this a Nip. officer slapped the delivery man and kicked his Carabou [sic]. The latter act was greatest insult and punishment - Oriental psychology.

[Page 53]
51.
12/8 - Two years of war today.
The Nip. Army celebrated Honolulu attack by blowing of a bugle several times at 4:30 A.M. today. We had advance notice of this celebration.

A British Air Commodore & P.O.W., Commodore Silly, died here last night of cancer of stomach. A ceremony and burial took place today. No work today.

12/12/43. Listened to Ensign Leavitt U.S.N. relate events and engagements of the Cruiser “Houston” today. He was saved from the crew by swimming about 16-miles; about ⅓ of crew (⅓) were rescued. “Houston” was sunk in a night engagement between Java & Sumatra about March 1, 1942. Leavitt arrived here a few months ago. Temperature these nights ranges from 62° - 68°; ‘Tis chilly & no fires or warm clothing. Played my second game of bridge in our Duplicate B- tournament yesterday. We won against four Dutch officers. Food is getting scarcer of late. - still a few bananas daily.

12/17/43 - A fine sunshiny day. Temperature was 60° this morning, - but warmed up during the day. Nip. soldiers and our (P.O.W.) soldiers played volley ball together this P.M. - the first fraternization. Rumor re- German Capitulation on Dec. 3rd. Our Camp Comdr. held a conference with our squad leaders - the P.X. officers and others yesterday. (over)

[Page 54]
It seems that he is desirous of being more considerate toward us. One Xmas package for Col. Rutherford arrived from the U.S. today - an eleven pound pkg - mailed Aug. 27, 1943. No other mail came. We have about 200 young ducks and 20 pigs fattening - some for Xmas. Rumor re- Nips. asking Allies for terms for an armistice.

Xmas message rec’d from Gen. Wainwright at senior officers’ camp to officers here - and one sent them. Nip. Lieut says Senior officers’ camp has three turkeys for Xmas.

12/18 - We worked - clearing a hillside near our spring this A.M. - a beautiful day. No rain in several weeks. One week before Xmas and our orchestra is practicing Xmas Carrols. Several musical instruments have arrived, on order, lately.

12/21/43. Two years ago today my wife sent me a Xmas radio message (Dec. 1941), have had no message from any of my family since then. This is the first day of winter and a beautiful day (cool - about 65° at night). Our Camp Comdr inspected our barracks today. Have just read “Japanese Buddhism” and part of “The New Order” stating British offer to France prior to French acceptance of defeat (latter book).

[Page 55]
53.
12/23/43.
I weighed 130.2 lbs. this A.M. - 3 ½ lbs off since Nov. 22nd on account of decrease of food recently. We were issued the following food this morning:

2-jars of papaya jam; 1-bottle ketchup; 1-bottle vitamin tablets; 1-lb. lemon candy; 1-can fish flakes; 1-bottle (⅘ Qt.) strawberry syrup.; 1 ½ lbs sugar; one small loaf of bread (a bread roll); and the Nippon Times to include that dates Oct. 31, 1943.

12/24/43 - Everyone is cheerful today - Xmas Eve. We got 10 pkgs. of cigarettes today. I did some room decoration - windows, door & walls - with red pencil and green leaves.

The Camp Comdr. had a formation of all P.O.W.’s this P.M. He wished us “A Merry Christmas”, gave a brief of War news, appointed squad and administrative leaders for next year and rewarded old squad & Adm. leaders by presents of flowers, watermelons, (12 small melons for 60 P.O.W.’s), cakes; he presented all P.O.W.’s, collectively, with six baskets of bananas (5 or 6, each) and 51 ducks for our Xmas dinner. He said we should thank God, and the Nip. Army for our lives and for protection. His attitude seemed sincere and frank - not boasting, but humble.

[Page 56]
54.
12/25/43 Christmas Day.
There’s many a “Merry Christmas being passed from person to person - nationality to nationality - here this morning. Moral seems high. The Nipponese issued us about ¼ loaf of bread this A.M. We are having duck soup for dinner and three pigs for supper. Church services were held in “yasume” Park. ‘Tis chilly - about 65° this A.M.

We had athletic events - concert singing - several comic skits etc this P.M. to make a pleasant afternoon for all - a comic orchestra furnished most fun, and an American dancing exhibition was also good. The Nips. seemed to enjoy it and gave bananas to the participants. One volley-ball game was the Americans vs. the Japanese officer and soldier team (our guard) - the American team won by 21 to 4 points.

Our Camp Comdr. and Nipponese guard officers visited all of our rooms and offered a “Merry Christmas” greeting during the day. This was really a pleasant day and our first pleasant one since captivity. (Capt Wakayama is our C.O.)

12/26/43. I overheard an unusual remark this morning. An officer said, “Believe it or not, I had indigestion last night.” This is the first case of indigestion I’ve heard of in two years.

[Page 57]
55.
12/26 (cont’d). We had Lt. Col. Hennessey of the British (Indian) army give a talk in our room on Burma today. He has spent 27 years in the far East. His talk was very interesting. He told of the treasures of all kinds of precious stones (except emeralds) which are mined by hand at a place about 100 miles N.E. of Mandalay. Says one’s trip there can easily be paid for in profits between local and home prices - ready made jewel necklaces, bracelets, etc. very cheap; says pearl dive & stay submerged for five minutes there.

12/28 - We got thru P-X - today: ½ lb. coffee; 1 ½ oranges; 1-pone of bread; and 1-lb lemon candy (hard). We were vaccinated for small pox again today - 4 point vaccination.

12/29. I mailed a 200-word letter to Ruth (my wife) today on Nipponese stationery & envelope - longest letter yet. We’ve worked a few half-days this week picking worms off of cauliflower and vegetables, moving grass pile, and cutting & moving brush around our spring. Rumors recently include our occupation of Burma & Malay Penn. - Nip. evacuating Java - Germany asking for peace terms.

12/31/43. A wet drizzly day - first rain in some time. We did general house-cleaning today and were inspected by our Camp Comdr. Today ends 1943. It has been a better year for us than

[Page 58]
1942 - our morale is higher and we feel physically and mentally better. Our lowest ebb was about March 5, 1943. We feel that much progress has been made by the Allies toward completing the war and enforcing peace.

1944

1/1/44. Today started off cloudy but ended as a clear, pleasant day - about 74°. We had ceremonial rice for breakfast this morning. Only ground rice cakes in our vegetable soup - no other dish. We got 5 bananas today for Jan. 1, 2, & 3rd. Rations, or vegetables came yesterday for the same period on account of Nipponese holidays. We omit work from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4th. Morale is good today. All of us expect the end of this war this year - so we have passed through our longest and worst period, we think. We had a short air-raid alarm and a rumor re- an air raid on Taiwan today.

1/2/44. - Cloudy this morning. Ceremonial rice again for breakfast, making a pasty soup.

Lt. Col Hennessey talked on Burma again (see 12/26). The precious stone city is Megok (N.E. of Mandalay) and the pearl diving - Mother of Pearl ornaments, etc is the island of Mergui ( off W. coast of southern strip of Burma)

Weather finished up as clear and warm.

[Page 59]
57.
1/6/44.
‘Tis cold today - about 60° this morning. We worked on the farm this P.M. - first work this year. Nipponese holidays run from Jan. 1st-5th. We get, and appreciate, one additional small cup of rice for suppers when we work. Our last newspapers were dated Oct. 31st - My last message from my family was Dec. 21, 1941. I’m reading Franklin’s Autobiography.

1/8/44. A beautiful day, an [sic] a holiday - Rescript Day and the Nipponese Army Day. Yesterday was cold, 58° indoors and about 55° outside. New rumors re- our leaving here about Feb. 16th; re- no saluting after a big inspection scheduled 1/16/44.

1/12/44. There was an air-raid alarm and apparently an air raid last night. Some of us heard planes and bombs after the bright moon came up. Perhaps this was “a message from home.” One of our T.B. patient P.O.W. died here yesterday - a British E.M.

We received newspers [sic] to include those of Nov. 28th. Also received 25 pkgs of cigarettes. We are working about 2 ½ hrs. daily in our garden. The garden now has maturing the following: sweet potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, peanuts, and other green-salad-plants - about 4 acres. Our meals are still 1 cup of rice and 1 bowl of vegetable soup for each meal - about 1 cup of rice extra for

[Page 60]
evening meal on work days. Our breakfast soup had shredded head of cabbage, yellow squash and mizo (product of soy bean) and salt - no grease. We have small quantities of meat or grease in soup about twice each month.

We sleep, seven Colonels - or two Generals - to a room; Colonels’ rooms about 18’x 18’ & General’s rooms bout 9’x 18’. We have a stiff rice straw mattress, a wooden mess & utility table, backless benches - chairs only for Generals. We eat, sleep and live in same room - no recreation room. Our outside area for about 500 of us P.O.W.’s has an open space of about 75 yds x 75 yds, plus small areas between barracks. A hill for park area outside of this compound is available part of the time. We work on our small garden farm - 7, or 8 (7, or 8.) acres - about 2 ½ hrs. each day for which we get an extra cup of rice for supper. We are not allowed knives, nor matches, nor cameras, nor lights in rooms, except at night and at specified hours on dark cloudy days. Our compound is enclosed by a 10’ bamboo fence reinforced by bamboo Chevaux-de-fris, outside. We have armed guards, with fixed bayonets, while at work, and around the compound. Each of us do our own laundry, sewing, etc.

[Page 61]
59.
1/15/44. There was another air-raid alarm on night of 1/13-1/14. and one today - seems to be ‘for record’. We had our eyes examined yesterday for Tracoma (granulated eye-lids) We had hot water for bathing today, the first warm water water [sic] in two (2, or 3) or three months. ‘Twas fine.

In addition to foods mentioned under 1/12/44, we have furnished us through the P-X, the following: about 2-lbs of sugar per month; about 1 ½ qts of sweet strawberry syrup per month; salt, enough; tea and coffee, enough; fish flakes, about 1-pint per month; Tomato Catsup, about 2-pint-bottles per month; Worchester sauce, about 2 pint bottles per month. Cigarettes and cigars, barely enough; Pipe tobacco, none. Cigarettes and cigars advanced 50% in price again this month - cigarettes from 40 to 60 sen per pkg of ten (shira, saga - White Heron); Cigars (Noko) from 64 to 96 sen, each.

1/18/44. We cut bamboo poles for timber yesterday and broke up clods of dirt on a new field today. On both days the Nips (guards) baked sweet potatoes in a primitive clay oven, made on the spot, and served them to us during a rest period. There was a heavy earthquake about 1:00 A.M. today, rattled dishes on shelves and shook our barracks. I’m feeling well these days but haven’t much endurance. Work-rice and better evening meal soup are helpful.

[Page 62]
1/21/44.
We’re working mornings and afternoons today and two more days getting ready for inspection for the 25th.

Sgt Rushing was b’ped by Nip straw boss before us today. We’re gathering wood from waste branch pile.

Rumor re- no message from Germany for 96 hrs; also re- mail and R/C Pkgs on Taiwan; also re bad news for Nips.

1/23/44. Two Christmas Radio Greetings belated - arrived for U.S.-P.O.W.’s today. One from Gen. Marshall and one from the Amer Red Cross. The R/C message said “We are thinking of you ---”. They don’t know anything: think of how much and how often we are thinking of, and wishing for, R/C. Supplies. We worked today (Sunday) cleaning inside of our compound in preparation for Inspection on the 25th. I called ‘time out’ to attend Church services on the hill in ‘Yasume Park.’ Wonder what Christmas our messages referred to? 1944, or 1943??

We harvested 205 kilos of sweet potatoes from our patch today; from five rows about 45 (45) yrds. long.

1/27/44. Inspection by the C.O. of Taiwan P.O.W. Camps was made on 1/25. He interviewed a few junior officers of each nationality. Said mail & R/C supplies will be here soon. We’ve heard this for several months.

Weather is fine - Temp. about 70° to 90°; I’m feeling well. Food is some better - sweet potatoes added ocassionally [sic].

[Page 63]
61.
Attitude of Nip. Guards is more pleasant, also.

1/28/44. Official weight today 135.52 lbs. less 1.1 lbs for scales out of balance. Net wt. 134.42 lbs

1/31/44. January has been a long mild month. No news nor startling rumors. Still looking forward to mail and Red Cross supplies. We worked ½ of each day on our vegetable farm, 8-10 acres. We are harvesting S. Potatoes, Cabbage, spinach; Peanuts are about ready for harvest, also tomatoes. Peas are growing. I’m feeling well. Want news of my family. Last message from Ruth was Dec. 21, 1941 (Radios).

2/2/44. A beautiful pleasant day - warm sunshine. We had 18 duck in our soup for Jan 30th, and one pig in soup on Feb 1st. Col. Braddock, Amer. Army Doctor, was b’p’d your our Nip. C.C. yesterday for peanuts in pocket - taken from field while harvesting peanuts, wo. warning. New rumor re German Collapse on Jan. 27 - & Nip Cabinet Change.

2/4/44. Nip. Guard changes policy for P.O.W. workers on Feb. 2nd. P.O.W. officers supervise our work and Nips. do armed guard over us - to prevent escape. We were allowed to go to the spring to launder sheets, etc. today. 3-Cakes of laundry per squad of 37 were supplied. This is contemplated for once each month. We were issued a wheat bun today. We’re allowed to write another 100-word letter by Feb. 7th.

[Page 64]
Feb. 8, 1944.
Re- b’p’ng on Feb. 2nd., our C.C. apologized sd for having to administer the b’p’ing. We worked on vegetable farm this A.M. breaking ground on beds with hoes. The Nip. soldiers were planting rice where we had cleared and leveled rice paddies. Rumor re- Germany making big offensive on Eastern Front - and re- heaviest aerial bombing on S.E. England. We were allowed to mail another letter to our homes yesterday. Lots of British mail, from Singapore, came and was delivered yesterday. Col Allpress got 42 letters. No news since Nov. 28th papers. No mail from my family since radio of Dec. 21, 1941.

Temperature about 70°. Feeling well after a terrible headache of yesterday.

2/12/44. We were issued another wheat bun on 2/10. We’re working now incl. tomorrow (Sun.) preparing for inspection by C.O. of Taiwan P.O.W. camps on 2/18. Holiday for Sunday to be given after the 18th. Rumor re- German offensive in Bessarabia: re-2000 letters from Amer. P.O.W.’s to come this month. We’ve had several air-raid alarms of late - one last night. Feeling well but no endurance. Temp this AM - 64°; yesterday AM - 61°. Prices have gone up about 50% on tobacco & some other articles, this year.

[Page 65]
63
Feb. 15, 1944.
Had temp. fillings put into two teeth yesterday by our British Dentist. Sanitation there included the Dentist’s Enlisted asst. handling an injured duck then washing his hands in the one basin of water in Dentist’s office, followed by washing Dental tools in same water and placing them in a dirty towel for use. Weather fair & cool. I’m feeling well. Am writing a history of my life as a letter to my two daughters - began about Oct. 12th ‘43.

2/19/44. Yesterday the C.O. of Taiwan P.O.W. camps inspected the Nip. Guard and area here. He had us assembled about 4.30 P.M. for a speech and then announced that pressing business would not permit time for a speech and we were dismissed. Our Camp Comdr. announced his appreciation of our efforts in cleaning up for inspection (the area), and gave us a holiday today. Weather semi-cloudy and cool (about 70°). Feeling well.

Feb. 22, 1944

My Morale hit it’s ceiling this afternoon. Thirteen (13) letters were received from my wife and two daughters - the first message from them since Dec. 21, 1941 (26-months); also two (2) letters from my brother in New York (Jim). News is 100% good - in fact, it seems that my family is getting along better without me. A wonderful Washington’s Birthday for me. All American officers received letters - from a few to twenty-odd each.

[Page 66]
2/22/44. (cont’d)
All of which goes to prove that ‘The Lord will provide’. Weather fine - about 62°. Am feeling fine, even better than fine this afternoon. I smoked a cigar (Noko) and drank some syrup in celebration of this happy occasion. Since this mail arrived we’ve learned that there are many Grandfathers, new uncles etc. among the American Generals and Colonels here. Some sad news came - Don Hilton received five letters with notice of a death in his family in each of them including his father, Col. Charles Hilton (Ret’d.); Col. Chase received notice of his father’s wife’s death; Gen. Lough received notice of his mother’s death. Four of my nieces have been married, and many sons or daughters of other officers have wedded since their absence.

2/27/44. We had our first monthly P.O.W. entertainment yesterday P.M. Had a good ten piece orchestra of Nip. Musical Instrs. - Guitar, banjo, 3 harmonicas, drum, 2 accordions, & cornet (of comb). - American & Dutch singing - British Comedian & play, etc. Last two hours. ‘Twas entertaining. Weather of late has reached 58° in early mornings - Warm at midday when sun shines. We are issued a wheat bun once each week. Having a pig today. Treatment better - our own straw-bosses while we’re working. Working ½ day (2 hrs) daily & get a bowl of work rice for this. Feeling well.

[Page 67]
65
3/4/44.
Laura Anne’s birthday and I’ve just written her a letter in my letter book. We brought in dry grass today to make a thatch roof to a bamboo house we’re building. All of us were turned out this P.M. for a movie camera propaganda picture - we cheered for a basketball game - bare-footed - played by our enlisted P.O.W.’s; this after the morning’s work. Rumor re- Allied Control of Burma, of Allied landing in Denmark & German withdrawal from Norway. No newspapers since 11/28/43. Rumor re- news given to our squad leaders today by the Nip. Interpreter.

3/5. Movie camera-men still here. Took photos of church service today. Had malaria patients move out of hosp. ward & marked it Recreational Rm. & had men in playing Cds. for a movie. Our bkfst. soup recently made of yellow squash & white onions. Soup for other meals made of lotus root, onions, carrots, cabbage &, sometimes, beans. Air-Raid alarm here last night - several prior ones.

3/11/44. Roll call and a Nip. dawn maneuver at 5:00 A.M. on 3/8 - Rescript Day - in rain. Rumor (on 3/9) re- end of war. Also, on 3/9 an air raid alarm about 8:00 P.M. - probably to counter rumor. Last night (3/10) was coldest night we’ve had here - 53° indoors - about 50° outside. I slept under

[Page 68]
five blankets (incl 1 doubled one) and a raincoat but kept warm. We got another wheat bread roll today. Still working one-half of each day - about 2-hrs for work rice of less than 1 cup, as served. Rumor today re- British penetration into Burma, Russian successes, German internal disorders, and German cities being destroyed, one by one. No newspapers, no news, since 11/28/43. Three radiograms for P.W.’s arrived from U.S.A. today. Snow can be seen on nearby mountain top from our window. ‘Tis sunny but still cold indoors at 3:00 P.M. - no fires.

Our P.O.W. camp got six milk cows (three now giving milk) about March 1st ‘4.4. I had my first bottle of milk - about ⅓ Pt. - today since we left Tarlac in August, 1942. Food is somewhat better of late - more vegs. in soup.

3/16 - We were issued a can (each) of sea-weed yesterday. Fish flakes & seaweed are new (& poor) foods for me.

3/19 - (next to) Last day of winter. Clear and mild. Nights (after midnight) still cool. Had a pig in our soup (Pork soup) tonight; had fish & bean soup last night. Meals better for last month. Treatment & Nip. attitude also better. Inspection by C.O. Taiwan Prison Camp on 3/18. Most of our work now is improving our camp; preparing for wet weather. Also bld’g bamboo home & bridge.

[Page 69]
67
3/21/44
A nice Spring day. We have a holiday today. We’re required to kill 20 flies each, daily. Yesterday Sledge was killing flies off of a prone carabou. (Sledge - Santa Clause). A Britisher killed over 1000 flies a few days ago and offered some of them in trade for food - fish flakes, etc. Rumor re- Nip. asking U.S. for peace terms; re- our attacks on Nip. line of Com. in S. Pacific.

3/22/44. ‘Nippon Times’ newspapers to include Feb. 3rd were issued today - first papers since those dated Nov. 28 ‘43 were issued. Item in there 1 /26 stated two of our planes were downed by a Nip. aviator throwing two balls of rice at them from his fighter plane after ammunition & tools, etc were exhausted.

3/28/44. British received mail yesterday. My official weight on 3/25 was 135.08 lbs. We had 55 ducks in our evening soup on 3/26. One pound of sugar was issued us today.

4/1/44. Several days of rain - some sunshine today. ½ hour more of work, AM & P.M. beginning today. Mailed another letter to my family yesterday.

4/8/44 - Out second anniversary of captivity. Had our second line up for mail today. I got four letters: one from Ruthie, one from Laura Anne, one from Minnie, and one from Lois (Wash. D.C.) all dated Feb 2nd to Apr. 8, 1943.

[Page 70]
4/8 - (cont’d) We had Good Friday services in ‘yasume’ Park yesterday morning. Will have Easter services - and pig in our oup - tomorrow. Feeling well. Last newspapers were dated 2/3/44.

4/10. One wheat bun and about one pound of hard candy was sold us through our P-X yesterday (Easter). This day (E-) and Christmas are the only Amer. holidays which we are authorized.

Report that R/C Pkgs. are on this island and will be issued soon. I have a cold today & a dull headache - did not go out to work.

4/16 - We got two buns on 4/14, one make-up issue. Due to get an egg soon. We are getting milk & eggs now - 1-Pt. of milk about every two & ½ Mos. & 1-egg about each 2 yrs. Having a pig in our soup tonight. Papers to include Feb 25th were issued us this week. Having hot water for baths each Sunday. Working daily - ½ day. Feeling well. Laid off work 1st three days of week account of cold.

4/20/44. Received 3-letters on 4/18 - from Ruth, Gladys & Wallace - dated Feb. 1943. Fortier, Cordero & I were b’p’d lightly yesterday for having peanuts in pockets after planting peanuts & not turning them in when told to by Sentry. We had our first eggs (on Taiwan) today - a hard boiled one. Also had our 2nd ⅓ Pt bottle of milk.

[Page 71]
69
4/23/44. My official weight yesterday - 140.1 pounds - five pounds up from last month. More rice & vegs. have been available. We’re harvesting S. Potatoes & planting peanuts now. Nips seem to have bad news - we’re being somewhat harassed. I’m still reading (The Talisman, now) and playing bridge. We work ½ of each day.

4/26/44. Two and one half-days ago I left my family and station at Charleston, S.C. -- weather is warm and somewhat rainy now. Rumors re Finnland [sic] asking for terms & Germany’s attempt to invade England; also Allied landing in S. France; & Amer. attack thru Bulgaria

4/29/44 - The Emperor’s birthday & a holiday. We were given six pieces of hard lemon candy, four bananas, some sweet potatoes and pork in supper soup. Rumor re- Spain in War & Bulgaria out. Our brood sow presented us with 14 pigs a few days ago - 9-living. We work tomorrow (Sunday) preparing for inspection - our holiday will be after inspection. Feeling well.

5/2/44 The C.O. of Taiwan Prison Camps (Col - ) inspected this camp yesterday & today. He spoke to the assembled P.W. officers today - Total of nothing. He told us how this camp had improved, how our health has improved, how our weight has improved - that mail & R/C Pkgs are here and all we had to do to get these is to wait. Said ‘twas his opinion that we will have peace but only God knows who will win the war. Said we must be happy - that our work is for our benefit. Read letters from U.S.A. & Britain.

[Page 72]
[See map on original document.]

[Page 73]
5/2/44 (cont’d).
He also said we are being treated according to the Geneva Convention (I’ve just read it’s provisions)

5/5/44. We (Amer’s) formed a mail line again today. I read 13 letters from my wife and daughters - Feb., Mar., Apr. & May/1943.

5/9/44. Gen. McBride (B.G.) formerly C/S P.D. died last night. He worked in the P.M. - after laying off for one week acct. of rain - vomited twice after supper, then died in his sleep sometime during the night - in room with Maj. Gen Sharpe. Services 4 P.M. today. It rained all last week - no work. Rumor re- R/C supplies coming soon. We worked in fish pond yesterday P.M. - no work today.

5/14/44. We’ve hoed peanuts and harvested sweet potatoes on our farm this week. A letter was submitted to Camp Comd’r complaining of work on hot days by older officers (over 50). C. Comd’r held a meeting of Sqd leaders - threatn’d isolation, loss of priv - and, short food for non-workers. Says he knows our work isn’t voluntary. No change in work states. We got three (3) small cakes of soap a few days ago. This is Mothers’ Day. We get to write a letter home today. Weather about like that in S.C. in August. Feeling well. Food more ample. Papers to include March 18th came a few days ago.

[Page 74]
71
5/17/44.
Papers to include April 6th came yesterday. Red Cross Pkg’s came here on 5/17/44 - are now being inspected & due to be issued tomorrow - 1 ½ Pkgs to each of the 504 of us here. I’m not working this week acct. a sore toe.

Our letters home returned to us for re-submission (mailing out) on 5/22 - acct. R/C arrival.

5/24/44. American Pkgs of Red Cross are fine - includes canned meats, butter, cheese, prunes & raisins and cigarettes. My official weight today is 143.2 pounds. Received nine letters from my family today dated Feb - May, 1943. Have been laid up with a sore toe for ten days.

6/8/44. One year at Kagi (Taiwan today) - also 2 ½ years at war. I completed 27 years of Commissioned service yesterday. Haven’t worked since May 14th acct. a sore toe. A Nip. Inspr. and a R/C representative (Swiss) was here on June 6th. R/C man conferred with three persons of each nationality. We’re getting more rice and soup than some of us can eat of late. I still have some Red Cross canned food. I rec’d from Amer R/C shipment, a coat, trousers, socks and a few toilet articles a few days ago. Have patched & repached pajamas, u-wear & socks. Last newspapers rec’d were dated Apr. 23, ‘44.

[Page 75]
6/10/44. The Camp Comdr of Taiwan P.O.W. Camps held a conf. of groups of officers of all nationality yesterday on subj. of work. He called for a written statement of all off’s, as to whether or not they volunteered to work. Only about 8 out of about 400 volunteered to work. The Nip. off. said we did not have to work unless voluntarily. We were inoculated for typhoid yesterday. About 24 POW soldiers are serving 1-5 days on rice & water in conf. for killing and preparing to cook, a chicken. Rainy season started about June 5th.

Col. B.H. Chastaine threw a cup of hot water in Col. Warthington’s face, in anger, about a month ago. My toe is about well - after four weeks.

6/12/44. As a result of our failure to volunteer for work - the heat is on. We do not work by compulsion anymore but many privileges are denied us: e.g. no going outside compound to park, no bridge or music except on Sundays, no sitting or lying on beds in daytime, no lights except at meal hour & at night, etc.

6/15/44. Maj. Elzenga (Dutch) died her [sic] of pleurisy on June 13th. We were issued three small pieces of soft candy today. Our second inoculation for typhoid was received today, & we were allowed to lie down. Still it rains. ‘The heat’ seems somewhat milder.

[Page 76]
73
6/26/44. Two letters rc’d - from my wife and daughter dated June & July, 1943. We haven’t worked for two weeks - since our failure to volunteer. Not allowed to play cards or games except Saturdays & Sundays; lights only at meal time & at night; not allowed in our park, etc. Still rainy season but clear today. Laundry & sewing take lots of time. More rice & less soup (½ bowl) these days.

6/28 - rumor yesterday re- Amer & Br. Armies advancing - near Paris & Brussels; Russia W. of Warsaw & near old. G. Border; Russia at war with Japan. Air-raid alarms last night & night before.

7/1/44. Our 1 ½ hr siesta period restored today - denied since June 12th. Few private pkgs arrived.

7/4/44. About 6-12 Amer. Pkgs. arriving daily. Val. Foster got his yesterday; he gave me the first piece of chewing gum I’ve had since surrender. Report that more P.O.W.’s are coming in and some of our sick & invalids going to [Illegible] Camp.

7/8/44. Two squads were called out three times for check formation last night - other squads were called out one or two times during the night - (annoyance). We were inoculated for dysentery yesterday. Big issues of edibles today including 8 bananas (each), ⅓ of a pineapple, 2 lbs sugar (month’s issue), 1 bottle of syrup, 1-bottle ketchup, 1 bottle lemon soda, salt & fish soup for supper.

[Page 77]
7/8/44 (cont’d). Many P.O.W.’s think European War is over. Report re landings in Java & Sumatra & Comando [sic] raids on Mindanao.

7/18/44. About 50 or 60 American individual Pkgs. have been delivered lately - a few each day. Mine has not been received yet - was mailed Aug. ‘43. Two squads per day are working - cutting weeds to prevent mosquitos; first work since June 10th. I worked yesterday for first time since May 14th. Phil. Fry is still a loquacious pest - has been an annoyance since his drunkenness aboard the Pres. Coolidge - I can’t get rid of him. A loud mouth braggart, and a nuisance. Some mail for Jan. 1944 was delivered to somer [sic] Americans lately. Supposed to be more late mail here. We are holding check formations at night - once or twice each night as a part of sadism practice. Am feeling well except a cold today. Weather somewhat rainy yet.

At long last, my private package was delivered to me today - mailed about 8/23/43. Contains underwear, hdcfs., razor & blades, eyeglasses, pipes (2) & tobacco, cigars, playing cards, vitamin tablet, candy, raisins, cheese, buillion [sic] (beef) cubes, tooth brush & tooth powder (powder broken & lost), etc - 11 lbs.

[Page 78]
75.
7/21/44. Two letters from my daughter - Ruth - arrived today, dated 1/6/44 & 1/22/44. 25-word letters.

(7/22/44) My official weight today: 140.36 lbs. Feeling well.

7/27/44. No News Papers since Apr. 23rd. Our ‘Benjo’ overflowing (both) no cleaned out for over a month - a filthy mess about 20 ft. away. We’re working on mosquito control - cutting weeds, etc. Feeling well, just getting over a bad cold.

8/4/44 - Benjo cleaned on 7/29. Col. Balsam got 4 dys solitary & Lathrop, 2 dys. today for lying on cots in daytime; first solitary for Amer. officers. Mailed letter to Ruthie today. Still rice & ½ bowl veg. soup 3x daily. Feeling well. We’re cutting weeds in park we don’t use since June 10th. Mosquito control. Rainy season still on since about 6/8. Read “Tale of Two Cities.”

8/7 - Solitary Con’f. P.W.’s restrict’d to rice & water; no bedding or equip; Lathrop stood up there 14 hrs.

Corkill & Carter ‘bout’ today. Bkfs’t soup - onions & tops of onions & mizo (soy bean paste), very thin; no fruits lately. Reread letters from home. My mind is at ease because of comfort and friends of my family. Their thoughts of me are consoling.

8/10 - Fresh rumor re- Germany out of war. Auth: report of N. Sentry to Br. Soldier.

[Page 79]
8/14/44.
A Nip Q.M. officer and the Comdr. of Taiwan P.W. Camps inspected here on 8/11 & 8/12. Officially announced that our rice ration is reduced from 420 to 390 grains (14-oz.) per day (Nip. W.D. orders). Also announced that no more newspapers to us - last paper was dated April 23rd. Had a heavy typhoon all night last night - wind & rain. Our compound bamboo fence was badly blown down.

8/17 - Our brood sow died this morning and was served to us in our soup tonight. Cause of death, unknown. I did not eat soup. This is the second case of this kind.

8/19 - Radio Msg. from home - “All well” rc’d today.

8/21 - Off. weight today: 133.76 lbs - or 6.6 lbs off since July 22nd: less rice and soup.

8/24. No sugar, syrup or sweets issued so far this month. Still nightly roll calls - for harassm’t. 3 Sqds working daily on Mosquito control? No lights even during cloudy days; games only on week-ends.

8/29/44. Pork soup & rice for supper tonight. Still raining almost daily. Sugar was issued (1-lb) on 8/25 and milk syrup today - first sweets this month. Cigarettes & cigars also arrived late.

Col. Mitchell told me of his, Tarkington’s, and others imprisoned (1942) in Fort Santiago (Manilla) for thirty-odd days by Nips - reason, unknown.

[Page 80]
77
9/8/44.
Rainy seems about over as of about Sept. 4th. We cleaned our shoes (storage) today. Feeling well but must be losing weight acct. inadequate food. Air-raid alarm nite of 9/6.

9/12/44. Twenty one letters from my family received on 9/9 (& one Bus. let’r). We’re working - cleaning - our are [sic] for last few days. More rain on 9/10.

9/15 - Killed a pig yesterday - pork soup last night. Rain again on 9/13 - thirty (30) of us were sent on the hill during dinner to find a lost scythe. Can’t go to bed until 9:00 P.M. - sit up with mosquitos for last hour. Roll calls during night, - no games except week-ends. Grass-cutting daily - preparing for Inspection. No syrups, cigarettes, P.X-supplies for about a month - Rumor re- Germany within our borders now & one island N. of Jap. occupied by U.S. troops & bombing Jap. mainland. Think I’m still losing weight, but feel fairly well. Rg’n. of Tr’or again; Four Br. offs. Bp’d 2x by 3-N’s - one K.O’d - & went to Hosp. Call

9/16 - All of us worked today to complete cleaning up around Bk’s. Syrup arrived + issued on 9/15 (strawberry).

9/18 - Three bananas issued each of us today.

9/19 - Twenty (20) Kilos of pork in soup tonight - milk issues stopped. Still cleaning up for inspection tomorrow. Feeling well but need more food.

[Page 81]
9/22/44.

Col. Posthumus - Dutch - died here today.

9/25 - Equinoxal rain today - Rainy season about over.

9/26 - About 1-Pt. Papia jam issued us each today. Inspection on 9/23 seemed to be by a Nip. Med. Lt.

9/24 - Ruth’s (My wife’s) birthday - see letter to her in my letter note book

10/1/44. Twenty eight (28) General officers - Amer., Dutch, & Australian - left here today for another camp. (Also 3 Enlisted).

(10/6) 10/6/44. The remainder of our Generals - 36 British - and 4 Enlisted left us on 9/3 & 9/6 presumably by air to Japan proper.

(10/7) 10/7/44. All Colonels (Amer., Br. & Dutch) & most of our E.M. notified today to prepare to move by water about Oct. 10th-12th. Nights & mornings getting cool.

10/9/44. Left Camp Shira Kawa at 4:30 AM today (Reveille at 3:00 AM). Two rice balls issued for two meals. Arrived by rail at Taihoku about 4:30 P.M. and at Port of Keeling at 5:30 P.M. Boarded the passenger liner Oryoku Maru (10,000 T.) about 6:00 P.M. as steerage passengers; double-decked and elbow to elbow; only sitting room. 259 Colonels and enlisted in one space - locked in and blacked out (6:30 P - 6:30 A). Bulk heads closed on us and a sentry at only exit. One toilet of 4 seats for 259 of us. Stuffy, smelly & filthy. Eat and sleep at same space. Rice & fish - some vegetables.

[Page 82]
79
10/13/44 - Air attacks on us - Keeling - yesterday and today. Much excitement and noise of firing all calibers outside. We are shut in, port holes closed, so we cannot tell night from day - a terrible situation for us if this ship is struck by a bomb or torpedo. Rice and fried shredded cabbage, or rice and fish, or rice and Irish potatoes for meals fed us in rusty bucket and pan for twenty in each group.

10/18. - No water for bathing hands or brushing teeth and no where to use water if we had it. We cannot pour water on floor & no containers of any kind available. Went outside ship on dock in natures uniform for a cold fresh water bath from hose on 16th & 17th. ‘Twas fine and much needed. We left dock on 10/9 to travel but for some reason did not leave port. We are allowed on deck for air for 15-45 mins. each day & some roll calls are held on deck.

10/23. Have lived in ¼ steerage class for two weeks. Left port at 9:00 PM last night and travelled about eight hours but ended up at same port this A.M. Nip. wounded & civilian evacuees came aboard yesterday for this voyage (about 1000 pas. total)

10/28. After travelling about 75 hours, we debarked at Moji, (Kyushu) Japan about 7:30 A.M. Entrained at Mojiku and travelled to Bappu, arriving & detraining about 12:40 P.M. We’re about 60-75 miles E. of Moji.

[Page 83]
11/2/44. At Beppu we’re billeted in a good and comfortable hotel, about 6-8 officers per room (14’x14’). We sleep on pallets on floor and eat at low table in dining room w/o chairs. Sit on floor. Our meals are palatable but inadequate. No rice supplied here. We eat vegetable soup one medium bread roll (millet) and a glass of hot tea; or bread pone and barley and millet and Sweet Potato soup, & hot tea; or bread, tea and noodle soup; meals not bad but not enough. We get a warm bath daily; exercise space is lacking. This is a hot springs resort with 400 hotels in it. Our Dutch & Br. companions are at another hotel. The 18 ½ days of cramped torture aboard ship is just wearing off. A Major from P.W. Office at Tokyo is with us here and we are not at all disturbed or hazed. Rooms here are unheated & weather is very cool mornings & evenings. They use braziers in winter. We have an 8-mat room for 6 of us. Ray O’Day, Capt. Millan - (Gov. of Guam), Ted Lilly, Johnson, Atkinson & I.

11/7/44. My birthday (52nd). Passed around Old Gold cigarettes to my roommates. Ray O’Day gave me a cigar and Atkinson gave me a bread bun. New Nip. Gd took us over on Nov. 3d. ‘Tis cool. Still eating veg soup and a bread bun - inadequate, losing weight.

[Page 84]
[See original document for chart.]

[Page 85]
[Back cover.]