George Thomson's prisoner of war diary

George Thomson's prisoner of war diary

George Thomson's Wartime log

George Thomson’s prisoner of war diary in a wartime log supplied by the YMCA.
Describes being shot down and includes a day-by-day account of his life as a prisoner of war from 11 November 1944 to 25 May 1945. Includes descriptions of sports and entertainment, the weather, Red Cross parcels, rations, the long march west and the arrival of the Russians.
Contains sketches of the camps, prisoners of war, poetry, songs, signatures and addresses, descriptions of building Klim heaters and forced draught blowers, contents of Red Cross parcels, the food he remembers and camp recipes. Later sections include lists of books, letters received, and insertions of items including money, food labels, a Kriegsgefangenenpost form, and a Lustschutz cloth badge.

One booklet

This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.

YThomsonGB1572977v1

[Lion imprint]
A WARTIME LOG

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CALENDAR 1944

[Table] [Circled: SEPTEMBER 12]

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To: Sgt. THOMPSON, G.B. A. Nr.
L. Nr. 6600/44

NOTICE

The watch found amongst your belongings is property of the [deleted] British Air Ministry [/deleted] U.S. Army A.C. and has therefore been confiscated according to War regulations.

Watch Nr.: AM – A5286

Auswertestelle West, d. 23.9.44

[Signature]

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[Letterhead]

[Inserted] Diary [/inserted]

Dear Friend,

After the Canadian and American editions of the War-time Log, here is a special issue for British prisoners of war. Though its format is somewhat different, its purpose is just the same as the others: to bring you greetings from friends and to facilitate your recording some of your experiences during these eventful years.

Not everyone will want to use this book as a diary. If you are a writer, here is space for a short story. If you are an artist, you may want to cover these pages with sketches of your camp, caricatures of its important personalities. If you are a poet, major or minor, confide your lyrics to these pages. If you feel that circumstances cramp your style in correspondence, you may write here letters to be carried with you on your return. This book may serve to list the most striking concoctions of the camp kitchen, the records of camp sports or a selection of the best jokes cracked in camp. One man has suggested using the autograph of one of his companions (plus his fingerprints?) to lead each page, followed by free [inserted] 1234567 [/inserted] and frank remarks about the man himself. You may write a commentary on such photographs as you may have to mount on the special pages for that purpose with the mounting-corners in the pocket of the back cover. This pocket may be used for clippings you want to preserve, or, together with the small envelopes on the last page, for authentic souvenirs of life in camp.

[Drawings in margins]

Your own ingenuity may suggest to you many other ways of using this book, which comes to you with our greetings and good wishes.

Yours very sincerely,

WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE YMCA.

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[Underlined] Did 20K [/underlined]

[Underlined] 28 [/underlined] Left 5 AM Did 22K 2

Arrived 12.30
Hard Day etc. Stew

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To: Sgt. THOMPSON, G.B. A.NR.
L.Nr. 6600/44

NOTICE

The watch found amongst your belongings is property of the [deleted] British Air Ministry [/deleted] U.S. Army A.C. and has therefore been confiscated according to War regulations.

Watch Nr.: AM – A5286

Auswertestelle West, d. 23.9.44

[Signature]

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No 1/XXXIV

[Underlined] Kriegsgef.-Lager d. Lw. 7 [/underlined]

Bankau, 3.10.44

[Underlined] L12/12 [/underlined]

Quittung

Die Verwaltung des Kgf.-Lagers [indecipherable words] hat für den [indecipherable word] Kriegsgefangenen Thomson, G.B. Sgt. 1572977
in Verwahrung genommen:
[indecipherable words]

Bankau, den 20.11.44

Meinke
Stabszahlmeister

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To: Sgt. THOMPSON, G.B. A. Nr.
L. Nr. 6600/44

NOTICE

The watch found amongst your belongings is property of the [deleted] British Air Ministry [/deleted] U.S. Army A.C. and has therefore been confiscated according to War regulations.

Watch Nr.: AM – A5286

Auswertestelle West, d. 23.9.44

[Signature]

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Calendar, 1945

[Calendar]

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A WARTIME LOG
FOR
BRITISH PRISONERS

Gift from

THE WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE Y.M.C.A.
37, Quai Wilson
GENEVA – SWITZERLAND

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[Symbol]

THIS BOOK BELONGS TO

GEORGE B. THOMSON,

[Drawing]

P.O.W. No: 870.

[crest]

[Underlined] 9, GOWANLEA DRIVE, [/underlined]
[Underlined] GIFFNOCK, [/underlined]
[Underlined] GLASGOW. [/underlined]

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CONTENTS

Page

A DAY TO DAY DIARY 21

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[crest] 1 [crest]

[Underlined] “SHOT DOWN” {MY OWN IMPRESSIONS OF BALING OUT:} [/underlined]

On the 12th September 1944, we set course over Base, on our nineteenth operation. The target was Frankfurt, and as we flew low over the English Coast I had no premonition of what lay before us. Flying over liberated France at under one hundred feet gave us a sense of security and power. Civilians waved to us from the fields, roads and numerous villages we swooped over.

The disadvantage of these tactics, was to be our downfall. Climbing on the long leg – before the target – I found great variations in the winds, which affected our E.T.A. by three or four minutes. Averaging these out I gave the skipper our new course, but shortly after turning onto it, Johnny reported searchlights dead ahead. This was Mannheim, which

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2 “Dangerous Moonlight.”

– should by rights have been on our Starboard. Realising that we had overshot our turning-point I instructed the Skipper to weave to Port, but we had scarcely turned, and I was still computing the new course when the mid-upper gave a Corkscrew to avoid a fighter. The skipper gave a commentary, while Spag fired at the attacker. We had barely resumed Course when simultaneously Spag gave “Port Go” and a loud bang occurred between Bob & my position. Flames leaped from the fuse panel, and the fumes & smoke blotted our view. At first I did not realise that we were so badly damaged, but when Norman shouted “Prepare to abandon aircraft” the seriousness of the situation was fully apparent. Immediately I took off my helmet and attempted to fix my pack; whether due to excitement or not, I cannot say, but I found extreme difficulty in attaching the right hook.

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3

Bob, having fixed his own pack came to my assistance. The thought then in my head was “What will my folks say?” Despite the fact I had no helmet on I could hear the Skipper asking how it was. The bombs had been jettisoned, and Johnny was fighting the flames in the bays from his position. I looked back, & noticed that the flames in the fuselage had died down, and informed Norman to this effect. Bob meanwhile attempted to reach the other extinguisher, but to no purpose. I shouted in the Skipper’s ear “No extinguishers!” and he yelled back “Bale Out.” I noticed the Engineer going down to the exit, as I fixed Norman’s pack for him. At this time we appeared to be coned by searchlights (MANNHEIM?), and by their brilliance I could see from the instruments that we were now at 13,000ft (having lost 5,000) but Norman

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4

appeared to be holding her straight & level.

As I went forward to the B/A’s compartment, I saw B.J. leave thro’ the exit, but Johnny was still fixing his chute (Apparently his intercom’ had been shot away!) and he told me to get out. Hand on rip-cord and a prayer on my lips I shot feet first into space. There was a sudden roar, then silence, and I pulled the rip-cord; in less time than I knew, there was a crack, and I was swinging gently to and fro. I cannot say I felt any great jerk, and I felt carefully all over to ensure the harness was O.K. I still had the handle in my hand, and retained it till I hit the deck. The feeling, as I swung gently, was one of extreme loneliness, and helplessness. There was no sound other than the soft swish of the silk, and a very faint sound of occasional guns.

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5

Below me I could see B.J.’s chute & beyond that fires burning on the ground, searchlights, and flashes, while a broad river (MAINE) was on my right. I hoped I wouldn’t land in the fires, but gave no thought to the river, or to possible trees. Twice I tried to check my pendulum motion, more by trial and error, but successfully stopped the motion. Twisting my head I could see two more chutes and an impression of one beyond these, but no sign of the kite.

I decided to watch for Barry’s landing, then it struck me I did not seem to be getting nearer the ground yet I should be. Just as I brought my feet to-gether – by a sixth sense – I hit the ground, with a resounding thud and let out quite a “Ugh!” so the wind was knocked from me.

* * * *

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6 “Show me the way to go home – “

[Underlined] ESCAPE? “WHEN YOUR [sic] LOST IN THE WILD, – AND SCARED AS A CHILD!” [RWS] [/underlined]

Picking myself up, having successfully spilled the air from my chute, I undid the harness and looked around me. I had landed in a field of tall cane-like crops, and for the love of me I couldn’t get any sense of direction. Fortunately I suddenly spied a figure in a “Mae West” approaching along a rough cart-track. It was B.J., and I don’t think I have ever before been so glad to see anyone. “Hello, George,” he said, and considering our predicament, I think as a greeting, it must rank next to Stanley’s “Doctor Livingstone I presume?” We took cover in the long crop of “?” and made our plans. To escape, was our immediate decision, and we set about burying our ‘chutes. Mine, was got rid of first, and as we found the ground hard for digging we covered it as best as we could with dirt and leaves. B.J.’s was treated similarly about 50yds

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7

away.

Meanwhile to the North, we could see flashes, and gunfire, while TI’s fell occasionally from the markers. The attack was on with a vengeance. How I envied the boys up there, who in a few more hours would back [sic] home, sitting down to their ‘Op’ meal of Bacon & Eggs.

Leaving our ‘chutes securely hidden, we set out along the cart-track heading in a WESTERLY direction. About 100yds along the path we slung our “Mae Wests” in among the crop, covering these in a similar manner to the two parachutes. We decided to retain the torches, & how valuable they were to prove to us will be shown later. At the same time we took the whistles off our battle-dress – they seemed to rattle such a lot – and checked up on our worldly possessions.

Both of us were in battle-dress, with Flying boots, of the Escape-pattern. By mutual consent we agreed to leave the tops on these (They kept our feet dry & warm!) In my pockets I had: Identity card, and discs round my neck; Cig case with 4 or 5 Cigs; Nailfile; Pen & Pencils; Rule; Rubber; [underlined] PENGUIN MASCOT [/underlined]; Language booklet; Two

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8

– handkerchiefs; 1/6 1/2d; and my Escape Outfit of Food Concentrates etc. It was the only one we had, so naturally we would share 50/50, but we agreed to use it sparingly. Not much to see us through but we intended having a good try at getting back to Blighty.

We carried on cautiously down the track, only to come to a sudden and unexpected obstacle. In front of us lay a few scattered buildings, with large masts grouped around them; a radio station perhaps, and as chinks of light were plainly visible we retreated along the edge of the very same field we had come down in. Since we couldn’t proceed WESTWARD, we must go SOUTH. Anywhere – our one desire was to get as far from this spot as possible. On our right lay a road, and as a red light (Road-block?) lay ahead, about 300 yds., we were rather wary about leaving the protective cover of the field. Eventually, after a thorough search around we darted across the road & set out across country, taking our direction from the Pole Star.

Ploughing through tall crops, stumb-

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9

-ing [sic] among cabbages & potatoes, picking our way cautiously across open fields, we made steady progress. Roads we avoided like the plague, & were especially careful as we approached these obstacles. Having crossed a single-track railroad, & travelled at a fair pace we eventually came to a first-class road, bounded on the South by barbed-wire. Behind us lay a small clump of trees, too near the road for safe shelter, so over the wire & on still further till about 0500hrs, when we came up against a narrow river. Light was improving & after a futile search for a means across (woods lay on the far side) we settled down in the reeds. I broke open my escape kit & we had a couple of Horlicks Tablets apiece.

Sleep seemed to be impossible, yet I dozed quite well till about 0900 hrs. From then we spent the time discussing plans, thinking of the boys & lying low. The latter precaution was essential as a farm lay not 200 yds. behind us & children were playing about all day. B.J. had a map, but not of much use to us so I relied what I could remember to give us something to work on. The hours

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10

dragged by; work went on in the fields & to the EAST we noticed a road, with considerable traffic; all seemed peaceful enough till in the afternoon American formations came over & gave a target to the N. all they had.

Eventually as dusk fell, we moved quietly down to the Autobahn as it proved to be, crossed by the bridge & quickly got into the fields. So far we had only had a few tablets each & decided to try some cabbages – we also filled our water-bottle from the river, adding a tablet to purify it. In about two hours we had covered practically no distance at all, & were forced to seek shelter in woods on the left of the road from heavy showers.

A real storm broke out, & we had to remain concealed in this same wood all night & during Thursday the 14th., sheltering. Uncomfortable is a mild word for it. The ground was soppy, & drips from the trees got us just as wet as was possible. The road was busy all day; transports etc rolled by & it was a strange experience seeing Germans passing by. Some more tablets, gum & a handful of berries were our days rations, but hunger did not really affect

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11

us – nor did we feel it really severe throughout our eight days on the road.

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20

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21

1944 Diary.

Nov 11. SAT.

ARMISTICE DAY. – A SERVICE WAS HELD THIS MORNING AT WHICH THE “LAST-POST” WAS SOUNDED. IT WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE & MUST HAVE HAD A GREAT EFFECT ON THE GERMANS. LIKE MANY PRE-WAR ARMISTICES THE DAY WAS DULL & SNOW LAY ON THE GROUND.
WROTE HOME!

12. SUN.

FINE MORNING! REMEMBRANCE SERVICE HELD BY CAPT. COLLINS, NEW PADRE; GOOD CHAP. (6’5”).

13 MON

COLD, BUT SUNNY. READING & CLASSES PASSED THE DAY. FIRST NIGHT OF “COMPOUND CAPERS” WITH “ROOKERY NOOK” IN THE NEW LITTLE THEATRE.

14 TUES.

SNOWING & COLD. ON HUT DUTY!! FRENCH TEST – MY PERSONAL KIT WAS RETURNED TO ME ALONG WITH RECEIPT FOR A.M. WATCH. – WROTE TO “LAUREL BANK”.

15 WED.

WROTE NORMAN – SNOWING & WINTERY. RAINED ALL NIGHT, FLOODING SPORTS FIELD.

16 THUR.

HEAVY SNOW MADE HELL OF A MESS, WITH THE GROUND AS IT WAS. – NOT SO COLD, HOWEVER. – HALF-PARCEL ISSUE AGAIN! AT CAMP SHOW IN EVENING. – VERY GOOD INDEED, EVEN TO THE “GIRLS”.

17 FRI.

STILL SNOWING! AFTERNOON’S ENTERTAINMENT

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22

- FROM GRAMAPHONE. [sic]

18 SAT.

CLEAR MORNING; SNOW LYING – MEETING HELD FOR FOUNDATION OF “ST ANDREWS SOCIETY.” PRESIDENT & SECY ELECTED. (JNO. MILLER & BILL )

19 SUN.

BREAKFAST IN BED – WHAT A TREAT! ROSE IN TIME FOR PARADE (10 AM.) AIR-RAID ON AT 12-30; LASTED 1 1/4 HOURS – SNOW CLEARED AWAY & NOW QUITE MILD. TWO NEW ‘BODS’ IN ROOM NOW – VERY OPTIMISTIC. AT CHURCH IN EVENING – HALL PACKED.

20 MON.

DUTY DAY – SUN OUT FOR A CHANGE. RAID ON AT LUNCH TIME – HEARD SOME HEFTY CRUMPS. CIGS. & CHOC RATION TO-DAY. ROOM RE-ORGANISED. GOT COPY OF NEW TESTAMENT FROM PADRE.

21 TUES.

UP EARLY TO COOK BREAKFAST – BACON & FRENCH TOAST. GOT FRENCH BOOK FROM CLASS. A GOOD SELECTION OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ARRIVED TODAY. RIGHT NOW A ‘SAX’ IS GETTING BROKEN IN NEXT DOOR.

22 WED.

LAST NIGHT WE HAD A LATE ‘BREW’ & LAY IN BED LISTENING TO THE GRAMAPHONE [sic]. IT ALSO BLARED OUT EARLY THIS MORNING.

23 THURS.

COLDER AGAIN. COAL RATION TO BE CUT TO TEN LUMPS Brrr! FIRST NIGHT OF NEW SHOW “DANCING TIME.”

24 FRI.

TALKED TO SOME BOYS FROM ‘ – ‘, AND

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1944 23

[/underlined] NOVR [/underlined]

GOT GEN ON HOW THINGS WERE GOING, BACK THERE. UNDERSTAND WE HAD OUR OWN ‘DO’, & IT WAS GREAT SUCCESS. CALCULATED £52, AS BEING DUE ME UP TO END OF DECR. (22/12/44). FIRST BUSINESS MEETING OF ST. A’s SOCY – COMMITTEE’S FORMED AND FUTURE PLANS DISCUSSED.

25 SAT.

INTER-DIV. RUGBY TRIAL. [Underlined] I DIV 6 – VI DIV 3. [/underlined] FIRST GAME – 20 mins EACH WAY. IT WAS ENOUGH AS MOST OF US FELT THE GOING ROUGH AFTER 5 MINS. SPECTATORS WERE INTERESTED AND AMUSED, AS WE SLOSHED THRO’ THE MUD & PUDDLES

26 SUN.

PLAYED OFF CRIB. CON? & OF COURSE LOST. GOING TO O.D. CHURCH TO-NIGHT. WROTE HOME MENTIONING CATERPILLAR CLUB, ALLOTMENT ETC.

27 MON

ALTHOUGH COLD, IT IS MUCH BRIGHTER, AND THIS AFTERNOON, PLAYING BRIDGE BY THE WINDOW, IT IS PLEASANT TO LOOK OUT AND SEE CLEAR SKIES AND SUN. A SOCCER GAME IS IN PROGRESS, WHILE OTHER BALLS ARE BEING BOOTED AROUND, AND TWO ‘BODS’ ARE SWINGING GOLF CLUBS. TONIGHT WE GO TO THE CONCERT, WHICH IS REPORTED TO BE VERY GOOD. “PARCELS UP,” HAS JUST BEEN CALLED. WE SMOKE AGAIN!! THIS IS MY FIRST SHORT WEEK.

28 TUES.

LAST NIGHT’S SHOW “DANCING TIME” WAS A GREAT SUCCESS. THE BAND WAS FIRST RATE AND WITH ‘GERALDINE’ IT BEAT EVERYTHING. WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE. (ON DUTY!)

29 WED.

GETTING COLDER AGAIN, BUT WE STILL

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24

MANAGE THE STOVE ON NIGHT & DAY, SO I GUESS IT COULD BE A LOT WORSE (?). GROUND SEEMS HARD FOR OUR RUGBY GAME vs. VIII DIV., but IT IS STILL ON. THE GAME CAME OFF OK., & ONCE AGAIN WE WON. IT WAS A VERY HARD & CLOSE GAME & WE CAME OUT 3 pts to NIL. Three ‘bods’ were carried off!!!

30 THURS [deleted] WED. [/deleted]

KIND OF STIFF, AGAIN! ‘JERRY’ UP TO HIS TRICKS AGAIN – MAKING A NUISANCE OF HIMSELF, BY HAVING ANOTHER PARADE. GOT PLENTY COLD OUT THERE TOO! TO-NIGHT (ST ANDREW’S DAY) THE SOCIETY VERY APPROPRIATELY HELD A MOST INTERESTING MEETING. THE PADRE GAVE A TALK ON THE SCOTLAND HE KNEW. ALSO PRESENT WERE THE NEW M.O. & OTHERS. A MUSICAL PROGRAMME WAS PRESENTED. NOW (21.30) WE LISTEN TO THE GRAMAPHONE. SOAP HANDED INTO STORE!!

[Underlined] DEC [/underlined] FRI. – 1

NOTHING OF IMPORTANCE HAPPENED TO-DAY!

2. SAT.

1st INTERNATIONAL – ENGLAND vs SCOTLAND. DESPITE UNFAVOURABLE CONDITION OF GROUND, IT WAS A HARD & EVEN GAME. RESULT = NIL-NIL. RECEIVED LETTER & CARDS FOR NEXT FORTNIGHT. “BOX OFFICE” OF SHOW ON TO-NIGHT. ALL TICKETS OUT, SO WE HAD TO FALL BACK ON BRIDGE.

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1944 25

[Underlined] DEC. [/underlined]

WE PLAY QUITE A LOT, BUT ENJOY IT DESPITE ITS REPETITION. GOT TO DO SOMETHING I GUESS!!!

3 SUN.

BREAKFAST – BACON, FRENCH TOAST, BREAD, BUTTER, JAM & COFFEE. COKE, SUBSTITUTED FOR THE COAL RATION, MAKES COOKING MORE DIFFICULT, BUT REMOVING THE GRATE IMPROVED THINGS A BIT. RUGBY: U.K. Vs. DOMINIONS – RESULT 0-4. A GOOD GAME. WENT TO CHURCH AT NIGHT.

4 MON.

THINGS GET WORSE! COAL CUT – SPUDS CUT – IN FACT THE PROSPECTS FOR XMAS ARE PRETTY AWFUL AT THIS RATE. STILL, IT WON’T BE LONG NOW, AND THEN WILL WE MAKE UP FOR IT ALL. GOT A PIPE ON THE MKT. FOR 40 CIGS. WROTE HOME THIS EVENING.

5 TUES.

RADIO-STYLE PLAY TO-NIGHT OF “JOURNEY’S END.” IT WAS VERY GOOD, AND A CHANGE FROM THE USUAL. GETTING TO BED EARLIER WOULD SEEM TO BE THE GEN NOW, WITH COKE AS IT IS. SOME FUN!!!

6 WED.

WE LOST AGAINST II DIV. BY 7-6 LIKE THE SCORE IT WAS A CLOSE GAME ALL THE WAY. TO-NIGHT WE ARE HAVING FIRST CINEMA SHOW, WITH “CORSICAN BROS.” AS THE ATTRACTION.

7 THUR.

NIX – BUT IT SEEMS WE WILL HAVE A LEAN TIME AFTER XMAS, AS PARCELS CAN ONLY LAST TILL THEN. WE’VE GOT OUR FINGERS CROSSED!

8 FRI.

UP EARLY FOR FIRST HOUSE OF CINEMA – 8 AM., WHAT AN HOUR. IT WAS GOOD, BUT SOUND WAS PRETTY POOR, STILL I HAD SEEN

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IT BEFORE, SO GOT THE GIST OF IT O.K. ANYWAY IT WAS A GOOD CHANGE. MAIL FOR SOME LADS, INCLUDING GEOFF & MICK. I HEARD SOME LADS GOT MAIL, WHO CAME DOWN ON 28TH AUG., SO I [/underlined] MAY [/underlined] BE LUCKY SOME DAY SOON (?).

9 SAT.

NOTHING NEW, THO’ RAIN HAS AGAIN SWAMPED THE PITCH, CANCELLING ALL GAMES. LAST NIGHT THE ST. A.S. HELD AN INTERESTING DISCUSSION ON POST-WAR HOUSING, LED BY A.E. MILLIGAN (MING.) IT WAS VERY ENLIGHTENING BUT NOT AT ALL OPTIMISTIC. I GUESS NEWLY MARRIED COUPLES WILL FIND IT A DIFFICULT PROBLEM TO CONTEND WITH.

10 SUN.

SUNDAY & CHURCH IN THE MORNING. THIS AFTERNOON THE PADRE, A CAMBRIDGE BLUE, ACCOUNTED HIS EXPERIENCES TO US, IN A SERIOUS [sic] OF TALKS GIVEN BY VARIOUS INTERESTING SPEAKERS. TONIGHT A NEW CLASS STARTED IN AUTO-ENGINEERING, SO WITH A VIEW TO HAVING A CAR “APRÈS LA GUERRE” I TODDLED ALONG.

11 MON.

A COLD DAY WITH NOTHING BUT BRIDGE TO PASS THE TIME. CANADA LOST 5-NIL TO ENGLAND AT SOCCER. WHAT A GAME!

12 TUES.

1030 AM. AIR-RAID JUST GONE. IT LASTED TWO HOURS. WROTE HOME!

13 WED

SOME STIR CAUSED BY PETE THOMSON ANNOUNCING HIS RESIGNATION – UNEXPLAINED. A MEETING AT NIGHT STRAIGHTENED

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1944 27

[Underlined] DEC [/underlined]

MATTERS OUT & HE IS STILL IN OFFICE.

14 THUR.

NEVER SO COLD! FOR THE FIRST TIME I RESORTED TO SLEEPING IN LONG UNDERWEAR.

15 FRI.

SNOWING HEAVILY! SAW “LIFE BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY’ AT CINEMA. SOUND & SHOWING VERY GOOD & WE ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH; MAKES YOU A BIT HOMESICK THOUGH!!! A MUSICAL EVENING AT ST. A’s SOCIETY. THE PRES. ANNOUNCED THAT DETAILS WERE GOING HOME TO-DAY.

16 SAT.

NO WIND & THEREFORE MUCH WARMER. THE CANADIANS ARE WORKING ON THE RINK THIS MORNING. BOB BURNS “MOODS MODERNISTIC” (3 NIGHTS) UNFORTUNATELY PROVED DISAPPOINTING. I GUESS LEO MAKI’S SHOW SET TOO HIGH A STANDARD – CRITICISM IS STRONG.

17 SUN.

COMMUNION 9 AM; CHURCH 11 AM. – WE WERE UP AT 7 TO PREPARE FOR S.S. VISIT OF CAMP. WHAT A BIND! THAW HAS SET IN. A RAID WAS ON JUST AFTER 12 AM., BOMBING COULD BE HEARD. LASTED 1 1/2 HOURS. THE DAILY SOUP IS SURE A GREAT BOON THESE DAYS, BUT HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? LEAFLETS WERE SEEN.

18 MON.

ANOTHER RAID AT 11.45. WE COULD SEE KITES ON THE BOMBING RUN DUE SOUTH. WROTE HOME!!!

19 TUES

YET AGAIN DINNER WAS RUDELY INTERUPTED [sic] BY A RAID – RUMBLING INDICATED HEAVY BOMBING.

20 WED

“DIXIE DUGAN” COMMENCED AT CINEMA. HAD AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRIMMING MOUSTACHE AND OFF IT CAME, SO I’LL HAVE TO START ON MK II. SOME NEW BODS CAME IN - NOBODY I KNEW.

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21 THURS.

AT CINEMA AT 10 AM. “PASSING PARADE” – “U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS BAND” – “DIXIE DUGAN.” ON ORDERS IT APPEARED THAT A LETTER WAS RECEIVED FROM SCOTTISH P.o.W. ASSOC. (THORNE.) WISHING ALL SCOTSMEN SEASONS GREETINGS. RON MEAD IN AS NEW BRIT. M. of C. BY LARGE MAJORITY

22 FRI.

MEETING OF SOCIETY TO-NIGHT – FOUR TALKS OF INTEREST – LETTER FROM S.P.oW. ASSOC. READ [IT WAS POSTED AT GLASGOW 6/11/44).

23 SAT.

LAST SHOPPING DAY AT HOME! COLD HERE, AND ICE-RINK NOW IN USE, BUT SUN BRIGHT. SCHOOL PACKS UP FOR A WEEK. ALL THE LADS (WE INCLUDED) ARE BUSY ICING THEIR XMAS CAKES.

24 SUN

CHRISTMAS [underlined] EVE [/underlined] – THIS MORNING CHURCH SERVICE WAS IN THE FORM OF A CAROL SERVICE. NOW, AT 10 P.M. (AN AIR-RAID JUST GONE) WE ARE PREPARING FOR TOMORROW. PORRIDGE ALL READY, ETC. THE LIGHTS HAVE TO BE ON TILL 1.30 A.M, MORE BECAUSE OF MIDNIGHT MASS ETC.

[Underlined] 25 [/underlined] MON.

XMAS IN A STALAG – HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT HERE IT IS. THIS MORNING PARADE AT 8 A.M., BUT WE ARE FREE FOR THE DAY. BREAKFAST, THEN TO A UNITED SERVICE AT 11 A.M. DINNER TOOK SOME PREPARATION, BUT WAS WORTH IT. [Underlined] I FEEL FULL! [/underlined] WROTE HOME. A SOCCER GAME 1-1, WAS A GOOD AFTERNOON’S ENTERTAINMENT. THE BOYS ALL ENJOYED THEMSELVES & THERE’S PLENTY LEFT.

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[Drawing] [Underlined] Xmas Day – 1944 [/underlined] [Drawing]

Menu – [underlined] (à la carte) [/underlined]

[Underlined] BREAKFAST:- [/underlined]

PORRIDGE
EGG AND BACON.
FRIED BREAD.
COFFEE.

[Underlined] DINNER:- [/underlined]

SPAM & ROAST SPUDS.
BREAD; BUTTER.

[Underlined] CONTD. [/underlined]

XMAS CAKE. (A1.) [drawing]
COFFEE.

[Underlined] TEA:- (HIGH) [/underlined]

SOUP.
CORNED BEEF – SALMON –
POTATOES (CHIPS) – BREAD & BUTTER
TEA.

[Underlined] SUPPER:- [/underlined]

FLAPJACKS & JAM
COCOA.
[Drawing]

26 TUES.

WE ARE RECOVERING FROM WHAT I THINK HAS BEEN A MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS. ARTS & CRAFTS EXN. OPENED. NEW BODS CAME IN; TWO IN ROOM – TOTAL NOW 17. POPPA RECEIVED A PARCEL! AIR-RAID AT 12 AM.

27 WED.

AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT OCCURED [sic] AT DINNER TIME TO-DAY, DURING A WARNING. SGT. STEVENS (8 DIV.) WAS SHOT WHILE OUTSIDE. – HE DIED 15 MINS. LATER.

28 THUR.

RECEIVED SLIPPERS TO-DAY; THEY CAME WITH ARGENTINE BULK FOODSTUFFS, WHICH ARE VERY WELCOME SEEING PARCELS RAN OUT ON SUNDAY LAST.

29 FRI.

NOTHING NEW TO-DAY!

30 SAT.

UNDERSTAND ‘JERRY’ INTENDS PLACING ALL JEWS & IRISH TOGETHER, BUT WONDER IF HE WILL BE ALLOWED TO DO THIS.

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30 “RING IN THE NEW . . .“

31 SUN

LAST DAY OF THE OLD YEAR. TO-NIGHT OUR SOCIETY PRODUCED ITS OWN PROGRAMME TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON. WITH LEO MAKI & BOB BURNS ETC., IT HAS BEEN CREDITED AS ONE OF THE BEST YET. IT WAS INDEED A GOOD CELEBRATION AND ‘AULD LANG SYNE’ LIFTED THE ROOF, AS WE ALL JOINED HANDS –

[Underlined] 1945 [/underlined]
1 JAN MON.

– A SHORT SERVICE BY ROY BEATTIE TOOK US VERY NEAR THE FOLKS AT HOME; & WE ALL LOOK TO BEING HOME THIS YEAR. WROTE HOME.

2 TUES

SCHOOL RECOMMENCED AFTER OUR XMAS HOLIDAYS.

3/4 WED/THUR.

NOT MUCH DOING THESE DAYS. JUST SAME OLD ROUTINE. WE HAD SOME LAUGHS OVER ‘TOJO’ WHO HAS BEEN INTERROGATING ROY OVER HIS ESCAPES.

5 FRI.

THE JERRY (CRAFTY FELLAR] HAD US ON FOUR PARADES TO-DAY, ‘COS WE WERE 8 MINS LATE THIS MORNING. STILL HE SUFFERED AS WELL – SO WHAT!

(6)

498 PARCELS ARRIVED YESTERDAY.

7 SUN.

YESTERDAY NOTHING OF NOTE OCCURED. TO-DAY I WAS AT CHURCH IN THE MORNING – AT A BEE-KEEPING LECTURE AT 1.45 – AT A TALK BY THE MO. AT 3.30 – AT AUTO-ENG. AT 6 P.M. IN BETWEEN I DID HUT DUTY, SO ALTOGETHER A BUSY DAY.

8 MON.

NOT MUCH DOING. WORD THAT 4,000 PARCELS ARE ‘ON THEIR WAY’ BRIGHTENED OUR FUTURE A LITTLE. WE SUPPED OFF BEANS ON TOAST TO-NIGHT. A DELICIOUS CHANGE, & VERY MUCH ENJOYED.

9 TUES.

LAST NIGHT, THE JERRY FOUND A TUNNEL IN VIII

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1945 “THE KEY OF THE DOOR.“ 31

[Underlined] JAN [/underlined]

DIV. ROOM 13. – SPAG’S OLD ROOM, BUT AS HE IS NOW SEGREGATED HE WON’T BE VICTIMISED. IT WAS COMPLETE WITH LIGHTS, BEAMS, ETC. SO QUITE A GOOD EFFORT. NOTHING ELSE!!

10 WED

MY 21st BIRTHDAY IN A PRISON CAMP. I DOUBT IF I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A MORE UNDESIRABLE PLACE, BUT AT LEAST THE BOYS MADE ME A CAKE, & SUNG THE (E.C.) USUAL CHORUS TO ROUSE ME FROM MY SLUMBERS. STILL I’LL MAKE UP FOR IT ALL ONE FINE DAY. WROTE HOME. OF COURSE I CELEBRATED, MYSELF, BY DOUBLING MY CIG ALLOWANCE TO 6 FOR THE DAY. WHAT A LIFE!!

11 THUR.

“PANTOMANIA” WAS A GREAT SHOW TO-NIGHT. WITH THE USUAL CHARACTERS PLUS ‘FLAK HAPPY’; AND THE PERFORMING OF “RED PEPPERS’ & A COMEDY “MACBETH” IT WAS ALL ROUND ENTERTAINMENT.

12 FRI.

THE SOCIETY INTRODUCED “CANADA” BY BILL CHANDLERS, AS THE OPENING OF A SERIOUS [sic] OF TALKS ON IMMIGRATION – VERY INTERESTING!

13 & 14

NOTHING APART FROM USUAL ROUTINE, IF WE CAN CALL IT THAT.

15 MON

RUMOURS THAT WE MAY MOVE ARE ABUNDANT. JERRY’S COMMUNIQUES CERTAINLY INDICATE “JOE” AS BEING ON THE ADVANCE. STILL IN THIS WEATHER I GUESS NOBODY FEELS LIKE LEAVING COMPARATIVE COMFORT! WROTE HOME. GRAMAPHONE [sic] BLARING MERRILY.

16 TUES.

RUMOURS MULTIPLYING THICK & FAST. CONSIDERABLE AIR ACTIVITY MORE OR LESS CONFIRM THE STORY THAT WE ARE NOW A FRONT LINE AREA.

17 WED.

OUR ‘D’ DAY! AT 11AM WE WERE GIVEN ONE HOUR TO PACK. ORDERLY PANIC ENSUED, IF YOU CAN CALL IT THAT. FELLOWS STARTED EATING UP ALL

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32

EXCESS FOOD. – STORES WERE THROWN OPEN TO ALL & SUNDRY – NOTHING OF USE WAS BEING LEFT FOR THE HUN. I PERSONALLY COULDN’T EAT ANOTHER BITE. RUMOURS SPREAD AT A FANTASTIC RATE, EVEN TO OUR BEING CUT OFF & MOVEMENT IMPOSSIBLE. AT FIRST WE WERE TO MOVE AT 3PM, THEN AT NIGHT, BUT FINALLY WE ALL TURNED IN FOR SOME SLEEP (11PM)

18 THUR.

IT LOOKS AS IF WE WILL MOVE TO-DAY. ON MORNING PARADE WE WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS WHILE THE SICK FELL OUT FOR TRANSPORT. FLASH! WE MAY NOT MOVE FOR 3 OR 4 DAYS WHEN A TRAIN IS EXPECTED? WELL, WE DO MOVE TO-NIGHT, SO ALL HOPES OF GETTING TRANSPORT ARE GONE.

20 SAT

[Underlined] FACTORY – KARLSRHUE. [/underlined]

WE LEFT BANKAU AT 5AM ON THE 19TH., AND WALKED TILL 4PM. THE GOING WAS ROUGH – WE ARE NOT USED TO THIS. REST OVER NIGHT IN A BARN, HAVING COVERED 25K. (KREUZBURG & KALTSTADT) TO-DAY WE SET OUT AT 6.30., & ARE NOW IN THIS FACTORY AT 10.30 A.M. FUNNY WHY WE STOPPED SO EARLY? COVERED 15K. SLUNG AWAY SOME GEAR – ALL THE BOYS ARE DOING THIS, AS THE WEIGHT IS TELLING.

22 MON [Underlined] FARM, NR SCHÖNFELD. [/underlined]
WE LEFT OUR FACTORY AT 8 P.M. ON SAT. & COVERED 35K. FORCED MARCHING WASN’T IN IT! WE HAD TO CROSS THE ODER BEFORE THE BRIDGES WERE BLOWN UP, SO HAD TO DO IT. MANY LADS FELL OUT. AFTER ONLY 12 HRS REST (DISTURBED) WE WERE HEAVED OUT TO DO 22K TO THIS PLACE. ON COUNTING 22 MEN WERE FOUND TO BE MISSING.

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1945 “DON’T DILLY-DALLY ON THE WAY –” 33

24 WED. [Underlined] FARM, WANSON. [/underlined]

LEFT SCHÖNFELD AT 8.45 AM. YESTERDAY AFTER A COLD NIGHT IN A STORE. ARRIVED HERE 5 PM HAVING DONE 25K (?) FOUND STABLES MORE COMFORTABLE. WE ARE SAID TO BE HERE FOR TWO NIGHTS, BUT YOU CAN’T TRUST JERRY. NO RATIONS YET, OTHER THAN THE BISCUITS WE GOT ON SUNDAY; HAVE BEEN GETTING HALF CUP OF SOUP EACH NIGHT, & RELYING ON WHAT WE CAN SCROUNGE, EG. BEANS, WHEAT, RAW-VEGS. WHAT AMAZES ME IS THE ATTITUDE OF THE CIVILIANS – SOME GIVE US BREAD, COFFEE ETC., & ONLY A FEW OF THE GUARDS GET NASTY ABOUT IT. HOWEVER LET’S HOPE THIS DOESN’T LAST TOO LONG!

26 FRI [Underlined] FARM, HEIDERSDORF [/underlined]

ARRIVED YESTERDAY AT 2 PM, HAVING DONE 31 K. IN 10 HOURS. COLD PLACE TO SLEEP IN. GOT BREAD RATION AT LAST – 1/4 LOAF ON WED; 1/5 LOAF LAST NIGHT. DOING NOT SO BADLY, AS WE HAVE MANAGED TO MAKE A FEW GOOD SOUPS. WE MUST BE SPENDING THE DAY HERE. YESTERDAY WE PASSED SOME LANSDORF BOYS, ALSO ON THE ROAD.

28 SUN [/underlined] STANDORF [/underlined]

WE LEFT HEIDERSDORF YESTERDAY AT 11 AM & DID 20K, BEFORE RESTING FOR THE NIGHT AT PFEFFENDORF. QUARTERS (A BARN) WERE VERY CRAMPED. LEAVING THERE AT 5 AM. WE DID 24K GETTING HERE AT 12.30. BITTERLY COLD; EVEN OUR PIG STY BILLETS ARE ICE COLD. NO

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34

FIRES FOR COOKING – A HELL OF A PLACE. I FEEL REALLY MISERABLE.

[Underlined] FEB [/underlined] 2. FRI.

IT HAS BEEN TOO MUCH TROUBLE KEEPING A DAY TO DAY DIARY FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS. THE COLD HAS BEEN ALMOST UNBEARABLE. WE ALL FEEL HELPLESS & THOROUGHLY FED UP; WISH WE WERE OUT OF THIS! WELL – WE LEFT OUR ‘STYS’ AT 17.30, FOR ANOTHER MISERABLE NIGHT MARCH. COVERING 25K, THROUGH DEEP SNOW & A BLOWING BLIZZARD; WE TOOK 10 HOURS TO COVER THE DISTANCE. DRIFTS HELD US UP & THE BITING WIND PENETRATED THRO’ EVERYTHING. REACHED A PLACE (PETERNITZ) 5K. PAST JAUER AT 0300 ON THE 30TH JANY. THOUGHT LAST BILLETS WERE A TIGHT FIT BUT THIS WAS THE PROVERBIAL PEA-POD. STILL WE WERE ABLE TO COOK A FEW BREWS WHILE WE RESTED BUT EVEN THESE CAN’T KEEP HUNGER DOWN. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE GOT TRANSPORT FROM, BUT WE HAVE NO FAITH IN [underlined] THAT [/underlined] NOW. RESTED ALL DAY WEDNESDAY, LEAVING YESTERDAY AT 0730, FOR WHAT IS SAID TO BE OUR LAST MARCH. IT WAS A SHORT DAY (18K) & WE GOT HERE AT 1300 HRS. AGAIN PRACTICALLY NO ROOM, BUT GEOF, MICK & MYSELF FINALLY SQUEEZED INTO A BYRE. THE COWS ARE A D – NUISANCE; THEY BREAK OUT AT NIGHT, TREAD ALL OVER YOU & IT IS VERY HARD TO GET ANY SLEEP AT ALL. WE [underlined] SHOULD [/underlined] GET TRANSPORT FROM HERE.

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1945 “EVERYTHING COMES TO HE WHO WAITS.” 35

FEB. 3. SAT.

STILL SUFFERING THIS PLACE. GETTING 1/6TH OF A LOAF PER DAY NOW PLUS TWO COOKHOUSE BREWS (1/2 CUP A TIME). WE STILL MANAGE SOME OF OUR OWN MEAL PORRIDGE, & WITH A FEW SPUDS IT HELPS A LITTLE. MADE SOME “PANCAKES” TO-DAY.

4 SUN.

’LEAVING TOMORROW’ IS THE FAVOURITE RUMOUR! IS STILL DOUBT THESE JERRY PROMISES, BUT WISH SOMETHING WOULD TURN UP, AS SUPPLIES ARE VERY LOW. STAYED IN BED MOST FO THE DAY & HAD A GAME OF BRIDGE.

7 WED [Underlined] A BOX-CAR, GERMANY [/underlined]

AT LAST WE ARE ON A TRAIN! ON SUN. WE LEARNED WE WOULD LEAVE THE FOLLOWING MORNING. RATIONS OF BARLEY, FLOUR & SUGAR ALL WENT INTO A BREW, AS WE KNEW IT WAS NO USE RAW ON A TRAIN. IT WAS GOOD! LEAVING AT 0600 ON MON., WE DID 8K TO GOLDBERG FOR THE TRAIN; HERE WE WERE PACKED 55 TO A WAGON & LEFT AT LAST AT MID-DAY WITH HOPES OF A 24 HOUR JOURNEY. BUT HERE WE STILL ARE – IN JUST OVER 48 HOURS WE HAVE MOVED FOR ONLY APPROX. 7 HOURS. THOUGH BETTER THAN HAVING TO WALK, IT IS VERY CRAMPED & LITTLE SLEEP CAN BE HAD. THE FELLOWS GROUSE TERRIBLY: SOME PEOPLE CAN NEVER REALISE HOW WORSE OFF WE COULD BE. I ADMIT, CONDITIONS ARE DISGRACEFUL. OUR TWO DAYS RATIONS (1/4 + 1/13 BREAD, MARGE, & 1/3 TIN MEAT SPREAD) GAVE OUT LAST NIGHT & SO FAR NO

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36 “ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.”

FEB.

HOPES ARE ENTERTAINED FOR A FURTHER ISSUE. I HOPE SOMETHING DOES TURN UP MIGHTY QUICK! SO FAR WE HAVE PASSED THROUGH – SAGAN, FORST, COTTBUS, CALAU & FALKENBURG.

1510 HRS: COOKHOUSE JUST ISSUED 1/2 CUP OF WARM COFFEE PER MAN.

8 THUR.

WE MOVED FOR PART OF THE NIGHT, & WERE IN SIDINGS TILL 11.30 WHEN THE RUMOUR THAT WE HAD ARRIVED WAS CONFIRMED BY OUR MOVING. LIKE EVERYONE ELSE I WAS AS WEAK AS WATER, BUT PROSPECTS OF FOOD HELPED US TO MARCH THE 1 1/2 K. TO STAMMLAGER IIIA (LUCKENWALDE). ARRIVING AT 12.45 WE WERE COUNTED OFF FOR SHOWERS; BY A PIECE OF BAD LUCK OUR COMBINE WENT THRO’ ABOUT LAST – 6PM – AND WE WERE STARVING. OVER 48HRS. WITHOUT FOOD, WE FAIRLY DUG INTO THE RATIONS WE GOT: 1 ISSUE SOUP; 1 ISSUE OF OUR OWN COOKHOUSE SOUP (EXCELLENT) & ABOUT 12 SPUDS. IN OUR CONDITION IT FILLED US O.K.

9 FRI.

SLEPT WELL, IN A BUNK WITH NO STRAW, SOME OF THE BOYS WERE ON THE DECK, SO I CAN’T COMPLAIN! LOFTY, WHO CAME VIA SAGAN WITH THE SICK GAVE US SOME CIGS., TOBACCO & TEA THIS MORNING – ALL VERY, VERY WELCOME!! NOW AT [underlined] 11.00 [/underlined] BREAD IS JUST BEING ISSUED; 2/5 OF A LOAF. WE NEED IT. SOUP UP AT 1400 hrs. – KLIM

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1945. 37

FEB.

TIN PER MAN. IT IS NOT BAD STUFF, WITH PLENTY WHOLE-FLOUR DUMPLINGS IN IT, BUT THE LADS NEED MORE NOURISHMENT. SAGAN HAD BAGS OF FOOD PARCELS & CIGS; IT IS A SHAME ALL HAD TO BE WASTED, AS WE COULD PUT IT TO GOOD USE. A FAIRLY GOOD SPUD ISSUE CAME UP AT 1600 – PARADE 1700 – COFFEE 1900 ISSUED WITH LIGHTS OUT (RAIDS IN THIS AREA QUITE FREQUENT). FOR THE DAY, IT WAS NOT A BAD RATION. WE HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE OFF!

10 SAT.

UP AT 0640 HRS. THIS MORNING FOR PARADE AT 0715. NO COFFEE ISSUED – BREAKFAST OF 1 COLD POTATOE [sic] SANDWICH. GUESS I’LL SEE A LOT OF THESE, AS IT IS ALL WE HAVE. SOUP RATION LESS TO-DAY, BUT I WAS ON FATIGUE PARTY, SO GOT SOME BUCKSHEE; EVEN THEN I FEEL HUNGRY. SPUD ISSUED SAME AS BEFORE, & JERRY TEA AT 1800 HRS. RUMOURED WE MAY MOVE SOON! HOPE NOT, THOUGH THIS IS A FILTHY CAMP (WORST THERE IS I HEAR), BUT AT LEAST WE REST. SHAVED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE LEAVING BANKAU.

11 SUN.

SUNDAY PASSED LIKE ANY OTHER DAY – CHURCH WAS UPSET BY A FARCICAL PHOTO. CHECK. HAD PEA SOUP TO VARY OUR MENU & WE MADE SOME CREDITABLE “JOHNNY” CAKES WITH FLOUR & JERRY SOUP POWDER, SO I HAVE SAVED TODAY’S 1/5 BREAD IN CASE WE EXPERIENCE ANOTHER TRAIN ORDEAL! STILL MANAGE THE ODD SMOKE.

12 MON.

REPEAT PHOTO CHECK, INSIDE. MET TEAGUE (?) A

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38

FEB.

A NZ. WHO KNOWS NORMAN WELL. HE WAS THE COURSE BEFORE HIM BACK HOME, & AT ‘W,’ HIS HOME IS ALSO IN CHRISTCHURCH. SPUD RATION SEEMS TO GET LESS!! PARCELS ARE THE LATEST RUMOUR – THAT WILL BE THE DAY. JOHNNY MOVED INTO OUR BARRACK TO-NIGHT, & I LEARN THAT SPAG JUMPED THE TRAIN, ON OUR FIRST NIGHT’S STOP AT SAGAN; HE WASN’T FEELING TOO GOOD. HOPE HE IS O.K. “WE HAVE AGREED NEVER TO GO HUNGRY AGAIN, ONCE WE GET HOME.” & J.J. WANTS ME TO SEND HIM SOME SHORTBREAD.

13 TUES.

RE-ORGANISATION OF MESSING LEADERS, THIS MORNING IN AN ENDEAVOUR TO BREAK THE RACKETS. NOT AN EASY TASK! JERRY REFUSED SPECIAL RATIONS FOR SICK BAY. THE PROTECTING POWER IS ON THE CAMP, SO MAYBE SOMETHING WILL BE DONE ABOUT CONDITIONS. EACH MAN GOT 12 CIGS. THIS AFTERNOON, SO WE SMOKE AGAIN. VERY WELCOME, BUT PARCELS WOULD BE EVEN MORE WELCOME. ALSO ISSUED WITH ONE LETTER CARD, SO I PROMPTLY WROTE HOME.

14 WED.

ENJOYED “DEEP DIGS THE DEVIL,” AT THE CAMP THEATRE THIS AFTERNOON. AN ORIGINAL THRILLER, IT WAS WELL PRESENTED IN A MOST UP TO DATE THEATRE. FULLY EQUIPPED. THE COLD IS FELT ON PARADE, ESPECIALLY AS THEY USUALLY AVERAGE AN HOUR, ON ACCOUNT OF CHECKS FOR RATION STRENGTH.

15 THUR.

SOUP TO-DAY WAS MUCH BETTER – THICK & WITH PLENTY MEAT. THREE TIMES AS MUCH WOULD GO

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1945 39

FEB.

WELL. I FIND THE BEST WAY TO USE THE RATIONS IS TO HAVE THE SOUP & POTATOES WHEN THEY COME UP, THEN JUST BEFORE BED-TIME (ABOUT 19.30 hrs) TO HAVE 4 SLICES OF BREAD LEAVING 1 SLICE (THICKER) FOR THE MORNING. IT’S NOT MUCH, BUT I THINK THE MORNING PASSES O.K. WITHOUT ANYTHING. NOT MUCH ELSE YOU CAN DO WITH 300 gms. OF BREAD TO JUGGLE WITH. FOOD IS FOREVER ON OUR MINDS; ON PAGE 72, I DREW UP WHAT I FANCY AS A GOOD DAY’S EATING. MAYBE IT WON’T BE SO LONG BEFORE I AGAIN SIT DOWN TO SUCH FARE & I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WHEN MUM WILL SAY “WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE FOR DINNER, SON?” WE DREW CHEESE, IN PLACE OF “BUTTER” TO-DAY; A CHANGE BUT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH TO BOTHER ABOUT.

16 FRI.

JOHNNY KINDLY GAVE ME A BUCKSHEE BREAD RATION, WHICH WAS VERY, VERY ACCEPTABLE. HE SOLD HIS WATCH FOR 5 x 2,000 gm. LOAVES, & I GREATLY APPRECIATE HIS ACTION. THERE HAS BEEN A CUT IN RATIONS NOW – 2 LOAVES BETWEEN 15 MEN. THIS MEANS 1/3 LESS BREAD, WHICH IS BEING REPLACED BY 70gms OF FLOUR. EVEN THE 1/5 WAS NOT A SQUARE MEAL, BUT NOW THINGS ARE REALLY GETTING SEVERE.

17 SAT.

LATE LAST NIGHT THOMSON & THE M.O. CAME ROUND THE BARRACKS WITH GEN RE. THE P.P. COMMISSION – THEIR TONE WAS NOT AT ALL OPTIMISTIC, BUT WE ALL HOPE & PRAY THAT THEIR FEARS WILL NOT BE FOUNDED. TO-DAY WE WENT BACK TO THE USUAL 1/3 OF BREAD – THANK GOODNESS! SOUP WAS DEADLY, BEING A THIN FLOUR & WATER CONCOCTION. I ENJOYED MY FIRST REAL PIPE OF ‘BACCY’ TO-DAY, SINCE I CAME DOWN; PROBABLY MY LAST TOO, AS WE’LL HAVE NO MORE. OH, FOR A TIN OF THREE NUNS!!!

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40

FEB. 18 SUN.

ABOUT THE ONLY WAY TO DISTINGUISH A SUNDAY IN THIS CAMP IS THE VARIATION OF PEA-SOUP FROM THE USUAL; ALSO, TO-DAY WE GOT A 1/4 LOAF (GENEROUS JERRY?) I MADE A CAKE WITH THE 70 gms OF FLOUR WE GOT, IN LIEU OF BREAD ON FRIDAY: ING.DTS – FLOUR, SUGAR, MARGE., & WATER. LIKE KING ALFIE I BURNED IT A LITTLE, BUT NEVERTHELESS IT PROVED QUITE ENJOYABLE & FILLING.

19 MON.

THOUGH IT APPROPRIATE TO WASH SOME SOCKS ETC.; ALSO SHAVED. SECOND TIME HERE – REALLY LAZY! AS NO ONE OF IMPORTANCE SEES YOU, I THINK IT A WASTE OF TIME. WE GOT 1 CAKE OF WASHING SOAP & 1/4 STICK OF SHAVING SOAP WITH OUR RATIONS. VILE JERRY ERSATZ SOAP, BUT IT IS SOMETHING. PEA SOUP AGAIN – MARVELLOUS!!!

20 TUES.

LAST NIGHT I HAD VERY LITTLE SLEEP. FOR THE PAST 3 DAYS I SUFFERED FROM CONSTIPATION & DECIDED ON A CASCARA BEFORE I WENT TO BED. IT WORKED, BUT I SPENT A MOST UNPLEASANT NIGHT. STILL IF THAT IS ALL IT IS I SHALL BE O.K! MANY LADS ARE SICK WITH DYSENTRY, & THE M.O. IS BUSY ALL DAY WITH THEM. ABOUT 70 OF THE WORST CASES ARE IN THE SICK BAY, BUT IN OUR BARRACK ALONE (350 MEN) THERE MUST BE ABOUT 80 MORE. OUR STOMACHS ARE BEING UPSET BY THESE RATIONS, & I IMAGINE WE WILL ALL NEED A FEW MONTHS ON A DIET, BEFORE WE WILL GET BACK TO NORMAL. BREAKFAST, FOR ME, CONSISTED OF THE

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1945 41

FEB

– LAST OF MY CIGARETTES. SOUP HAS BEEN CUT BY 1/3, SO I BROKE A THIN SLICE OF BREAD INTO IT; ONCE AGAIN IT WAS PEA SOUP; I HAVE KEPT MY POTATOES TILL I SEE HOW I FEEL. 1900 HRS: FEELING MUCH BETTER AFTER A RESTFUL DAY IN BED. SUPPER – SPUD & BREAD SOUP (THICK) FLAVOURED WITH JERRY SEASONING; WENT DOWN VERY WELL, FOLLOWED BY FOUR SLICE OF TOAST. I FEEL REALLY SATISFIED. GEOFF & I SPENT THE AFTERNOON PLAYING CRIBBAGE. AS HE WAS ABLE TO SCROUNGE A CIG. OFF “LOFTY”, & I SOLD YESTERDAY’S SUGAR RATION TO ROY FOR ONE, WE ARE ENSURED OF YET ANOTHER DAY’S SMOKING.

21 WED.

STOMACH SEEMS MORE SETTLED. ISSUED WITH 2 LETTER CARDS & 2 POST CARDS; 1000 HRS, SO WILL NOW WRITE HOME. WE SWOPPED WITH JOE TO-DAY FOR BREAD; HE HAD AN OLD LOAF (SOLD HIS WATCH), & WE GOT 1/4 OF THAT FOR OUR NEW 1/5. IT MAKES WIZARD TOAST & GIVES US A LITTLE EXTRA. WE DREW A LUMP (?) OF SAUSAGE, IN PLACE OF MARGE.; NOT BAD STUFF & A CHANGE. TO-DAY’S “SOUP” WAS JUST BOILED CABBAGE & WATER, BUT QUITE PLEASANT STUFF.

22 THUR.

THIS MORNING, DISTRIBUTION OF CANTEEN GOODS, BOUGHT WITH CAMP FUNDS, BROUGHT ME IN THE DRAW: CAKE OF SOAP, RAZOR BLADE, JAR OF GREASE (BRILLIANTINE?), PKT. OF CIG. PAPERS, PENCIL & PKT. OF FACE POWDER!! TALK ABOUT LUCKY DIP! AT PRESENT A GRAMAPHONE RELAY IS ON, & QUITE A GOOD SELECTION OF RECORDS PROVIDES PLEASANT ENTERTAINMENT. SOUP & SPUD RATIONS CUT TO-DAY;

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42

FEB.

SAUSAGE AGAIN, TOO. GOES DOWN WELL & QUICK.

23. FRI.

QUITE A MEMORABLE DAY! SOUP WAS A.1.; THICK WITH PEAS & MEAT. ALTHOUGH STILL CUT, OUR G.P. (VI) DID VERY WELL GETTING A FULL KLIM TIN TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT WE WERE ON SECONDS. GEOFF & I KEPT SOME TO HEAT UP FOR SUPPER. CIGARETTES CAME UP – 22 p. MAN – AND I DREW “ROTHMANS” VIRGINIAN, SO DID O.K. THESE WERE FROM UNCLAIMED PERSONAL PARCELS, & VERY WELCOME TO THE BOYS. ALSO ISSUED WERE THE CONTENTS OF 25 DANISH RED X PARCELS, PLUS A LITTLE SELECTED FOODSTUFFS FROM A DONATION BY THE SERBS. NOT MUCH BETWEEN 1496 (?) MEN, BUT AT LEAST A FEW MORE PROTEINS FOR US; I DREW 17 LUMPS OF SUGAR. 1900 HRS: - JUST HAD BANG-ON SOUP, FOLLOWED BY 3 SLICES OF TOAST, MARGE., & SUGAR. A BUCKSHEE 1/4 OZ OF TOBACCO WAS ISSUED TO EACH MAN – THAT MEANS ABOUT 7 MORE SMOKES.

24 SAT.

THIS MORNING A MESSAGE FROM THE M.O. ANNOUNCED THAT A GERMAN RED X DOCTOR HAD INSPECTED OUR POSITION, ON THURSDAY. HE WAS IN AGREEMENT THAT ALL OF THE MEN WERE IN VERY POOR CONDITION, IN NEED OF FOOD & BETTER ACCOMODATION [sic]. A WIRE HAS BEEN SENT OFF FOR IMMEDIATE RED X SUPPLIES; THE ‘G.D’ HAS ALSO PROMISED TO DO ALL HE CAN TO HELP US OBTAIN EXTRA RATIONS ETC. WE ALL HOPE FOR IMPROVEMENTS & IN THE WORDS OF OUR OWN M.O. “TRUST THESE ARE NOT MERELY IDLE GERMAN PROMISES!”

25 SUN.

SHAVED & WENT TO COMMUNION AT 1000 HRS. THIS MORNING, THEN VISITED BOB & B.J. SEWING MARKINGS

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1945 43

FEB.

ON A TOWEL & SHIRT FOR THE LAUNDRY HELPED THE DAY TO PASS. I HAD INTENDED GOING TO EVENING SERVICE, BUT FELT MORE LIKE BED; HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM ACUTE STOMACH PAINS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS NOW – THINK IT MAY BE A CHILL, SO NOW AT 1730 HRS. I AM JUST PREPARING TO TURN IN. GEOFF, WHO IS GOING TO CHURCH HAS KINDLY OFFERED TO MAKE TOAST FOR ME, ON HIS RETURN.

26 MON.

SPENT MOST OF DAY IN BED. GEOFF. BEEN VERY HELPFUL; HE MASHED & HEATED OUR SPUDS, MAKING THEM 100% BETTER. AS A SMALL QUANTITY OF SALT WAS ISSUED, IT REALLY MADE THE POTATOES QUITE DELICIOUS. WET & MISERABLE OUTSIDE!

27 TUES.

WENT SICK! M.O. CAN’T DO MUCH – GAVE ME 4 PILLS TO TAKE. HE SAYS IT IS THE FOOD, SO GUESS IT HAS BEEN INDIGESTION CAUSING THE PAINS. STRANGE ON SO LITTLE. GOT A FEW SIPS OF REAL TEA WITH MILK, FROM ROY (IN DOCK) & WAS IT GOOD? THE SIREN HERE IS QUITE A FREQUENT ANNOUNCER, BOTH BY DAY & NIGHT; AT TIMES BOMBING SEEMS VERY CLOSE.

28 WED.

AT 0230 HRS. A DISTURBANCE AWOKE MOST OF US UP. TWO OF OUR LADS HAD BEEN SHOT WHILE IN THE FRENCH RED X STORE & ANOTHER (DERBY) WAS IN THE ‘COOLER’. DALE (GALE?), A CANADIAN & JACK LINDSAY WERE THE CASUALTIES. IT WAS A GREAT SHOCK TO US ALL! LINDSAY, FORTUNATELY, WAS ONLY GRAZED IN THE LEGS, BUT IT IS THE DISGRACE (?) WHICH HE WILL FEEL MOST. TEMPTATION, HOWEVER, IS GREAT UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, & ONLY THE BRITISH & AMERICANS & OF COURSE RUSSIANS ARE WITHOUT PARCELS. OTHER NATIONALITIES WANT FOR

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44 [Drawing] PARCELS UP!

FEB.

– NOTHING. A FILM-SHOW PROVIDED SOME AMUSEMENT THIS AFTERNOON; POOR PROJECTION & A VERY OLD LAUREL & HARDY FILM (“SAILORS BEWARE), BUT AT LEAST A SHOW. WON £3 FROM DAVE COOPER OVER DATE OF WAR ENDING! TO-NIGHT THE ARMY TOOK US OVER FROM THE LUFTWAFFE. JOHN SNOWDON, NOW M. of C., DOING WELL IN HIS POSITION.

[Underlined] MAR [/underlined] 1 THUR.

FEELING MUCH FITTER TO-DAY. GEOFF. NOW GOT A TOUCH OF INDIGESTION – SEEMS QUITE COMMON! 1100 HRS. JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT WE MAY GET 1/4 PARCEL EITHER TO-MORROW OR ON SAT. – THE BEST NEWS FOR A LONG WHILE! PARADES NOW MUCH LONGER, UNDER THE ARMY SYSTEM.

2 FRI.

A COLD, BLUSTERY DAY – BEST PLACE IS IN BETWEEN THE BLANKETS. TALKING TO JOCK KELLY, I LEARN HE KNOWS THE “OLD THORN TREE” & BELIEVES SOME RELATION MAY BE MARRIED INTO IT (?). ‘S A SMA’ WORLD! QUITE A NUMBER OF GLASGOW LADS IN THIS BARRACK.

3 SAT.

BLANKET CHECK, SO JERRY HAD US OUT AGAIN AT 0830 HRS. THIS AFTERNOON PARCELS CAME UP AT 1600 HRS. ONLY 1/4 p. MAN, BUT VERY WELCOME; THE NEW No 10’S ARE QUITE VARIED NOW & WE DREW ONE CONTAINING:- {7 VIT. ‘C’ TABLETS INC.}

1 TIN OF BULLY BEEF.
1 TIN OF PORK & BEANS.
1 TIN OF SALMON.
1 TIN MEAT PATÉ.
1 TIN OF KLIM POWDER.
1 TIN OF MARGERINE.
1 TIN OF BLACKBERRY JAM.
1 TIN OF COFFEE (2 oz).

1 PKT. OF PRUNES.
1 PKT. OF CHEESE.
1 PKT. OF SUGAR LUMPS.
1 PKT. OF BISCUITS.
4 – 2oz. BARS OF HERSHEY’S “TROPICAL” CHOC.
2 BARS OF SOAP
100 CIGARETTES.

THE VARIETY (AS IN THE NEW ENGLISH PARCELS) MAKES

[Page break]

1945. 45

MAR.

THEM VERY INTERESTING. [Underlined] IF [/underlined] ONLY WE HAD ONE EACH. HOWEVER, I HAVE GOT RESIGNED TO GERMAN RATIONS, & CONSIDER OUR PARCEL AS LUXURY EXTRAS NOW; TO MAKE IT LAST OUT GEOFF & I HAVE AGREED TO USE OUR 1/2 FOR ONE MEAL A DAY. WITH SUPPER TO-NIGHT I HAD MY CHOCOLATE BAR ONLY, AS WE HAD SECONDS OF SPUDS TO-DAY – I HEATED MINE UP AS MASH FOR SUPPER.

4 SUN.

COMMENCED SNOWING AFTER MORNING PARADE; QUITE A FALL! EVERYBODY QUITE CHEERFUL & BUSY “WOOFING” INTO THEIR PARCELS. BEING THE SABBATH WE HAD THREE BISCUITS & JAM AS AN AFTERNOON TREAT. WE’RE SMOKING HEAVY, TOO, HAVING HAD THREE SO FAR & NO DOUBT WE WILL ADD A COUPLE MORE, BEFORE THE DAY IS OUT. SUPPER TO-NIGHT WAS SOME SPUD MASH, FOLLOWED BY SALMON ON BREAD & MARGE. (1/8 OF A TIN).

5 MON.

1300 HRS – JUST HAD DELICIOUS CUP OF REAL COFFEE, WITH MILK & SUGAR; FIRST FOR A LONG TIME & VERY MUCH APPRECIATED AFTER THE JERRY TEA. LETTERS & CARDS ISSUED. WROTE CARD HOME. HAD A GO AT A LOAF RAFFLE, BUT WITH USUAL LUCK. GOOD PARCEL GEN TO-NIGHT: 35,000 ON THEIR WAY, TO BE “POOLED” BY THE YANKS & OURSELVES – EVEN MORE REPORTED TO BE COMING, SO PROSPECTS FOR FOOD ARE AT LEAST GOOD. GEOFF & I HAD SALMON AGAIN FOR SUPPER – VERY TASTY!

6 TUES.

BLANKET OF SNOW COVERING GROUND THIS MORNING. FOR BREAKFAST WE HAD PRUNES (5), MILK & SUGAR. LAUNDRY RETURNED. 1530 HRS. – AFTERNOON COFFEE: DELICIOUS! SUPPER: TOAST WITH MEAT & BEANS; BREAD, MARGE & JAM. UNFORTUNATELY TWO LIGHT FAILURES & A RAID FORCED US TO EAT IN THE DARK. WROTE CARD TO SAKHARWADI.

[Page break]

46 “YOU MAKE ME HAPPY, WHEN SKIES ARE GREY . . .”

[Underlined] MAR [/underlined] 7 WED.

FROZE HARD DURING NIGHT. TO-DAY’S MENU WILL BE MAINLY A REPETITION OF YESTERDAY; OUR 1/4 PARCEL IS LASTING WELL! Flash! 25 TRUCKS OF PARCELS AT THE STATION – AT LEAST 23 ARE FOR THE AMERICANS & AS WE NOW POOL THESE, THINGS ARE REALLY BRIGHT. TO-MORROW WE ARE TO GET A FULL PARCEL PER MAN. MORNING COFFEE & A CIGARETTE SEEMS A REAL LUXURY, WHEN ONE REMEMBERS OUR PAST EXPERIENCES. ON CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE, I ALSO HAD MY BULLY FOR TEA.

8 THUR.

LAST NIGHT SNOWDON TOLD US THERE WERE 80,000 PARCELS ON THE CAMP. BREAKFAST: BREAD & LIVER & MARGE PASTE SPREAD. DECIDED ON EATING SOME EXTRA BREAD, BUT WILL TRY TO KEEP 1/5 IN ADVANCE! 1200 HRS. – COFFEE, BREAD – JERRY JAM. (JAM ISSUED IN PLACE OF MARGE.) SHAVED! GASH CIG. ISSUE OF 16p. MAN. 1730 HRS. – PARCELS NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED. SARDINES, CEREAL, STEW ETC., SO A NICE VARIETY & AS GEOFF GOT A DIFFERENT ONE, WE CAN SHARE & REALLY FEED WELL. SUPPER: B & M, CHEESE, MILK DRINK. – 2oz BLOCK OF CHOCOLATE.

9 FRI.

[Underlined] B’FAST: [/underlined] PRUNES, CEREAL, MILK & SUGAR; B & M. & A SLICE WITH SARDINES. COFFEE, BISCUITS & JAM AT 1100 HRS. AS I PREVIOUSLY HAD A SLICE OF B & M, & A CHOC BAR I FEEL REALLY CONTENTED INSIDE. – A PLEASANT FEELING LYING ON BED WITH NOTHING BETTER TO DO & A PKT. OF “CAMEL’S” IN EASY REACH. TEA – B & M., SARDINES & TUNA FISH.

10 SAT.

AS USUAL WE HAD OUR REGULAR PRUNES ETC., FOLLOWED BY, FOR ME – THE FISH I COULDN’T FINISH LAST NIGHT, ALSO SOME PEANUT-BUTTER SPREAD. TEA: STEW & POTATOE [sic] HASH.

11. SUN.

A DULL DAY & A LAZY ONE. I SLEPT ALL MORNING. – FEELING THE EFFECTS OF ALL THIS RICH FOOD, WE ARE ENJOYING, BUT WILL SOON GET USED TO IT. A BOOKLET ENTITLED THE “ROAD BACK” WAS RAFFLED TO-DAY; COPIES ARE TO BE PRINTED WHEN WE GET HOME, SO I GAVE

[Page break]

1945. 47

[Underlined] MAR. [/underlined]

MY NAME IN AS IT WILL BE A GOOD SOUVENIER [sic] OF OUR TRIP. TEA:- FRIED SPAM & POTATOES, B & M., PATE & JAM; MILK.

12 MON.

RECEIVED MY FOUNTAIN PEN & NAIL FILE BACK – I HAD NEVER EXPECTED TO SEE THEM AGAIN! COULD STAND YOUR SPOON IN THE SOUP TO-DAY; WE GOT SECONDS TOO, & I HAD TO LET GEOFF FINISH MINE OFF. CALLED ON BOB & B.J. THIS AFTERNOON – ALL WELL & CHEERY. (6 MONTHS DOWN TO-DAY).

13 TUES.

PARCELS UP AGAIN! NOW AT 1100 HRS. ALL THE BOYS ARE BUSY INVESTIGATING THEIR CONTENTS. GEOFF & I DREW TWO THE SAME, BUT VARYING FROM LAST WEEK’S, SO ARE ENSURED OF CONTINUED VARIETY. HAD AN ACCIDENT AT NIGHT WITH A BREW OF COFFEE – THE LIGHTS HAD BEEN OUT ALL NIGHT & WE HAD JUST SETTLED DOWN TO OUR TEA (SARDINES ETC.) WHEN WOOSH! OVER WENT THE GAMELLE – OVER MY LEFT FOOT & A PARCEL; THE LATTER GOT OFF UNSCATHED, BUT GEOFF., ANOTHER LAD & MICK HAD TO CARRY ME TO THE SICK BAY. THE M.O. WOULD HAVE HAD ME IN BED, BUT NONE WERE VACANT, SO MY FOOT WAS DRESSED & I GOT A COUPLE OF PILLS FOR SHOCK, WITH ORDERS TO COME BACK IN THE MORNING. SLEPT WELL!

14 WED.

WENT SICK & HAD TO RETURN AT 1230 HRS. TO GET THE BLISTERS (6) CUT AWAY; THE FRESH DRESSING HAS TO REMAIN ON FOR A WEEK, WHEN I HAVE TO GO BACK. THE HEAT HAS QUITE GONE OUT OF IT – I AM NOW IN GEOFF’S BED, IT BEING A MIDDLE ONE – & AS I STAY IN AT PARADES I HAVE NO TROUBLE WITH IT.

15 THUR.

THIS MORNING WE HAD COCOA BEVERAGE WITH OUR BISCUITS & JAM; VERY GOOD STUFF. NO SPUDS AGAIN TO-DAY, BUT DOUBLE SOUP RATION IN PLACE.

16 FRI.

BAD NIGHT – HOT, UNCOMFORTABLE & MY LEG

[Page break]

48

[Underlined] MAR. [/underlined]

QUITE PRICKLISH. WAS X-RAYED IN CHEST THIS MORNING & HAVE SLEPT MOST OF THE DAY SINCE. BREAD ONLY 1/6 TO-DAY. MAX SCHNELLING PAID US A “PROPAGANDA” VISIT AT NIGHT, DISHING OUT PHOTOS & AUTOGRAPHS – LOOKING FOR A NEW PUBLIC?

17 SAT.

ST. PATRICKS DAY: EARLY SOUP – NO SPUDS. R.A.F. DEFEATED 6-1 BY ARMY AT SOCCER; RUGBY – IRISH 20: FRENCH 5. BREAD AGAIN ONLY 1/6 – JUST AS WELL WE HAVE PARCELS. TEA: B & M., TIN OF SARDINES, JAM & COFFEE. SHAVED THIS AFTERNOON!

18 SUN.

LOVELY MORNING OUTSIDE. MY LEG IS O.K. WHILE IN BED BUT THROBS A LOT WHEN I MOVE ABOUT. BREAD 1/6.

19 MON.

AFTER LIGHTS-OUT LAST NIGHT WE LAY LISTENING TO POPULAR TUNES ON THE ACCORDIAN [sic]. SLEPT WELL FOR A CHANGE. TO-DAY BREAD IS DOWN TO 1/7 & AGAIN NO SPUDS; GUESS JERRY MUST BE GETTING SHORT! LAUNDRY WENT IN.

20 TUES.

WENT DOWN TO M.O. THIS MORNING – LEG STILL VERY RAW; ANOTHER DRESSING WAS PUT ON & AGAIN I HAVE TO TAKE IT EASY FOR A WEEK. JUST AS WELL GEOFF. IS SO GOOD AT THE COOKING & RUNNING ABOUT, OR I WOULD BE IN A JAM. I HEAR BREAD IS CUT BY 2,000gms. A MONTH – SOME FUN!! RED ‘X’ PARCELS UP AT 1600 HRS.

21 WED.

BREAD 1/6; M. of C. DETAIL, LAST NIGHT, GAVE OUT THAT NOT ONLY BREAD BUT ALSO POTATOES & MARGE. WERE CUT. THE PROTECTIVE POWER HAS BEEN INFORMED! TUNA CAKES FOR TEA.

22 THUR.

LEG FEELS A LOT BETTER. WEATHER VERY NICE; TOO BAD I HAVE TO BE INSIDE. RAISONS [sic} THIS MORNING – VERY GOOD, WITH BAGS OF KLIM. BREAD ONLY 1/7. THE SOUP WAS HORRIBLE STUFF; WE GAVE THE SECONDS TO THE “RUSKIES”. THEY NEED ALL THEY CAN GET!

[Page break]

1945 49

[Underlined] MAR. [/underlined] 23. FRI.

WIZARD WEATHER; MOST LADS WERE OUT ENJOYING THE SUN. BOUGHT A SET OF PYJAMAS (105 CIGS.) SO WILL BE SLEEPING IN LUXURY – THE BLANKETS ARE IRRITATING BY THEIRSELVES & I RECKON IT IS REALLY WORTH IT. BREAD 1/8 of A 2,000 gm. LOAF.

24 SAT.

FEELING QUITE ACTIVE NOW; LOVELY TO GET OUTSIDE IN THIS EARLY SUMMER WEATHER. WATCHED THE YANKS GOING OVER THIS MORNING – LUCKY CHAPS! BREAD: SAME AS FRI.; SPUDS EVEN LESS. OUTSIDE, STALLS ARE IN FULL SWING: BOTH EXCHANGE & FUN FAIR (CROWN & ANCHOR ETC.) VERY MUCH LIKE “BARROWLAND.” OH! TO BE THERE!

25 SUN.

SPENT A LOT OF TIME OUTSIDE. BREAD 1/6 OF 2,000 gms. TEA WAS SPOILT BY THE LACK OF LIGHTS IN THE BARRACK, & WE HAD TO EAT IN SEMI-DARKNESS. (CHEESE, FRIES & SPUDS.)

26 MON.

BOB CAME UP FOR A CHAT THIS MORNING. NO SPUDS, BUT DOUBLE SOUP. WE ALSO GOT SECONDS. HAD A HAIRCUT THIS AFTERNOON, OUT IN THE SUN. 1600 HRS – JUST FINISHED OUR COFFEE & BISCUITS! TEA: SPAM, POTATOES, B. & M., JAM.

27 TUES.

PARCEL DAY AGAIN. AFTER THIS ISSUE WE HAVE JUST ENOUGH FOR TWO FURTHER ISSUES, SO HERE’S HOPING SOME MORE COME IN. THE VARIETY WAS VERY GOOD AGAIN, SO WE WERE LUCKY WITH OUR CHOICE OF PARCELS. EXCHANGE STALLS VERY BUSY. NOW BACK IN THE OLD BED; I HAD TO GET RID OF THE STRAW, AS IT WAS VERY DIRTY.

28. WED.

CHEESE UP, IN PLACE OF SPREAD – GOOD STUFF THO! POTATOE RATION ONLY A HALF. BREAD STILL 1/8 OF 2,000 gms. “DERBY DAY” – HAD NO LUCK IN THE SWEEPSTAKE. LEG NOW O.K.; CLEARED FROM M.O., & FINAL DRESSING ON IT. PORK & BEANS FOR TEA.

[Page break]

50

[Underlined] MAR. [/underlined]

29 THUR.

TURNED OUT A DULL DAY, WITH SLIGHT SHOWERS. SPENT THE MORNING MAKING PART OF A NEW FRYING PAN (BIGGER & BETTER!). TATTIE RATION STILL ONLY HALF, – NO MARGE ISSUE, BUT SOME GERMAN TINNED MEAT. GEOFF & I HAD A CAN OR CORNED BEEF FOR TEA – B & M. & STRAWBERRY JAM.

30. FRI.

[Underlined] GOOD FRIDAY [/underlined]:- FINISHED OUR PAN THIS MORNING. THE SPUD RATION IS SO SMALL, WE DECIDED TO ADD THEM TO TO-MORROWS, SO WILL JUST HAVE FRIED BREAD WITH OUR SPAM FOR TEA. BREAD STILL ONLY 1/8 & RUMOURED IT MAY DWINDLE TO EVEN LESS; RUMOURS ARE PART OF OUR DAILY EXISTANCE [sic].

31. SAT.

GREATLY DISORGANISED THIS MORNING, MOVING FROM 1 N. TO 3 N.; NOT MUCH OF A PLACE & WE ARE ALL ON THE FLOOR, BUT WE MAY NOT BE HERE MUCH LONGER (?) AN ISSUE OF RED X CHEESE GAVE US 1/2 A BOX p. MAN OF SWISS CREAMY CHEESE (6 TO A BOX) IT IS VERY MUCH LIKE THE OLD KRAFT PORTIONS & VERY TASTY. NO PARADE TO-NIGHT ON ACCOUNT OF ALL THE MOVEMENT. TEA:- TUNA HASH, B & M., CHEESE, JAM & COFFEE.

[Underlined] APRIL [/underlined] 1 SUN.

EASTER SUNDAY: NOT A VERY BRIGHT DAY. BREAD – NORMAL BUT A VERY GOOD SPUD RATION – SOUP ETC., WAS UP EARLY SO WE HAD OUR COFFEE & BISCUITS AT 1530 HRS. WENT TO CHURCH & HOLY COMMUNION AT 1630 HRS. FOR TEA WE HAD MASH, FRIED BREAD & CHEESE, B. & M., JAM & COFFEE; NOW AT 20.30 HRS I AM GETTING READY FOR BED. WE HAVE MORE ROOM, AS THE S. END OF THIS BLOCK WAS OCCUPIED TO-DAY BY HALF OUR NUMBER (APPROX. 170).

2 MON.

WHAT PROMISED TO BE A GOOD DAY, TURNED OUT WET

[Page break]

1945. [Drawings] [Underlined] TIME MARCHES ON! [/underlined] 51

[Underlined] [deleted] MAR. [/deleted] APRIL [/underlined]

& SULTRY. CLOCKS WENT FORWARD AN HOUR LAST NIGHT. WONDER HOW OUR ANNUAL BALANCE IS GOING, BACK AT THE BANK. GOT SECONDS OF SPUDS TO-DAY – KEPT SOME FOR TO-MORROW. QUITE A CHANGE AT NIGHTS NOW; WE CAN AT LEAST SEE TO HAVE OUR TEA, WHICH IS USUALLY AROUND 1900 HRS. NO PARADE!

3. TUES.

ANOTHER DULL DAY & COLD TOO; MUCKED ABOUT ON MORNING PARADE – FUNNY, AS THE HUN HAS BECOME VERY LAX WITH THE CHECKS DURING THE PAST FEW DAYS. (SIGNS OF THINGS TO COME, I WONDER?). LEG NOW O.K. – DRESSING OFF, EXCEPT FOR SMALL PATCH WHICH IS STILL TENDER. DOUBLE SOUP – NO SPUDS. PARCEL ISSUE IS TO-MORROW, OWING TO THE EASTER HOLIDAY; SO TEA CONSISTED OF FRIED POTATOES, GERMAN BULLY, BREAD & CHEESE. ENTERTAINED BY A 5-PIECE BAND AT NIGHT.

4. WED.

COLD & DULL. AGAIN NO SPUD ISSUE; BREAD RATION CUT YET FURTHER TO 1/10 OF A LOAF – ENOUGH FOR TWO DECENT SLICES!! WHEN PARCELS RUN OUT, I GUESS WE’LL FEEL THE PINCH, BUT MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED. 1600 HRS. – PARCEL ISSUE; NOT PATÉ & ONLY 80 FAGS IN MINE, ALSO CEREAL IN PLACE OF BISCUITS. GASH ISSUE UP, BUT BEING UNLUCKY I DREW ONLY 19 (20 WAS THE ISSUE); SELECTION OF SWEET CAPS., CRAVEN PLAIN & PLAYERS. MADE WIZARD SOUP-STEW WITH M & V. & MILK.

5. THUR.

FAIR MORNING, TURNING DULL, BUT STALLS WERE ABLE TO DO BUSINESS. SPUDS ISSUED; BREAD 1/8. FOR TEA: TUNA CAKES, B & M. – “GLOP” (B & M, KLIM, SUGAR, PRUNES) SERVED WITH THICK CREAM; FILLED US UP & WAS DELICIOUS. WE INTEND HAVING MORE OF THESE! DID SOME LAUNDRY THIS MORNING. (GENEVA CARDS)

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52

[Underlined] APRIL [ /underlined] 6 FRI.

ANOTHER DULL DAY. RATIONS UP EARLY; BREAD 1/10. SPENT 3 HOURS ON A PHOTO. CHECK THIS AFTERNOON. WE MADE ANOTHER PUD. TO FOLLOW OUR SPAM & FRIED POTATOES – YOU’VE GOT TO TRY THEM TO REALLY BELIEVE HOW GOOD THEY ARE.

7 SAT.

CLEAR SKY – SUNNY, WITH VARIABLE BREEZE. BREAD TO-DAY AGAIN 1/8; POTATOE RATION VERY SMALL; SOUP WAS THE “WHISPERING GRASS,” AS WE CALL IT (SWEDE TOPS I IMAGINE); NOT A FAVOURITE WITH THE BOYS. A GASH ISSUE OF 65 CIGS. p. MAN. THEY ARE ALL CANADIAN CIGS – SWEET CAPS., SCOTCH BLEND & WINGS.

8 SUN.

TYPICAL SPRING MORNING – COLDER THAN YESTERDAY. JUST FINISHED B’KFAST; GEOFF NOW MAKING OUR COFFEE BEFORE WE GO TO CHURCH AT 1000 HRS. BREAD CONTINUES TO BE 1/8, BUT SPUDS ARE VERY SHORT INDEED. HAD ANOTHER “GLOP” FOR TEA.

9 MON.

WENT SICK WITH A RASH ON MY RIGHT LEG, BELOW THE KNEE; HAVE TO GET IT PAINTED WITH CRYSTAL VIOLET FOR SEVEN DAYS. SOUP UP LATE – 1500 HRS - & NO SPUDS. TEA:- SPAM, FRIED B. & G. CHEESE, B & M., JAM, COFFEE.

10 TUES.

PROMISES TO BE A LOVELY DAY AGAIN. RUMOURS OF MOVING AGAIN. THE OFFICERS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE LEAVING TO-MORROW; WILL WAIT & SEE! PARCEL ISSUE THIS MORNING; GEOFF & I DREW SIMILAR PARCELS, BUT QUITE GOOD VARIETY. DREW 4oz CHOC. FROM A “GASH” RED X ISSUE. SOME FOOD & CLOTHING CUT FOR, BUT I WAS UNLUCKY, ALSO GEOFF.

11 WED.

LOVELY DAY, & AN OPEN AIR CONCERT PROVIDED GOOD AMUSEMENT FOR US. GOT A TAB. JAG TO-DAY. WE WERE GREATLY SHAKEN BY NEWS THAT OUR

[Page break]

1945 53

[Underlined] APRIL [/underlined]

BARRACK, & A FEW FROM 7, WERE TO BE READY TO MOVE AT 0800 HRS. TO-MORROW WITH THE OFFICERS, SO NOW WE ARE ALL IN A FLAT-SPIN GETTING ORGANISED.

12 THUR.

10.30 HRS. – STILL HERE BUT ALL PACKED & READY TO GO. WE GOT UP AT 0615 & HAD B’KFAST BEFORE PARADE. SOUP CAME UP & WE ARE WAITING ON OUR SECOND ISSUE; B & M, ISSUED AS NORMAL – WE ARE TO COLLECT ADDITIONAL RATIONS & RED X PARCEL AT THE STATION. RECEIVING 40 CIGS (S. CAPS) WE STARTED MOVING AT 1200 HRS; BY THE TIME WE GOT SEARCHED ETC, IT WAS 1630 WHEN WE REACHED LUCKENWALDE. SORRY TO BE LEAVING REST OF CREW, BUT WE FEEL CONFIDANT [sic] WE SHALL ALL HAVE A RE-UNION SOON – AT HOME! THERE ARE 40 TO A COACH, SO HAVE MORE ROOM THAN ON PREVIOUS TRIP. ALSO WE ARE ALL WELL OF [sic] WITH RED X FOOD & CIGS., SO AT LEAST WE SHOULDN’T STARVE FOR SOME TIME. HAD TEA OF SARDINES.

13. FRI.

SLEPT WELL. WE ARE STILL IN THE STATION & STILL SOME DOUBT AS TO WHETHER WE SHALL MOVE AT ALL. DREW 1/2 A PARCEL YESTERDAY – OTHER 1/2 ON TRAIN FOR FUTURE ISSUE. WELL ORGANISED OUTSIDE; BOYS ALL BREWING UP ON “SMOKIES” & BLOWERS; FUNNY TO SEE S/LDR WITH LITTLE FIRES, MAKING COFFEE ETC. HAD A REAL “PEP” TALK FROM THE WING CO. I/C THE TRAIN. JUST FINISHED HOT CHOC., BISCUITS & JAM. SOUP & SPUD RATIONS CAME, ALSO BREAD (1/8) & SAUSAGE. THE SOUP, BARLEY, WAS MORE LIKE PORRIDGE, SO HAD MILK & SUGAR WITH IT. FRIED SPAM & SPUDS, UNDER THE WAGON TO AVOID SHOWERS, FOR TEA. STILL NO SIGNS OF MOVING!

[Page break]

54

[Underlined] APRIL [/underlined]

14 SAT.

JUST WAITING TO GO BACK TO CAMP THIS MORNING – SEEMS THEY CAN’T MOVE US – SOME STATE OF AFFAIRS. AFTER A LOT OF FUN, WE FINALLY GOT BACK TO CAMP AT 1500 HRS; TRANSPORT WAS PROVIDED FOR HEAVY KIT! WE RECEIVED A VERY GENEROUS SOUP RATION, WHICH WENT BETTER AS PORRIDGE. – OUR SECONDS ARE FOR TO-MORROWS BREAKFAST. I REALLY ENJOYED THE 48 DOWN THERE; PLENTY TO SEE & DO WHILE TRADING WAS BRISK WITH THE CIVILIANS – WE GOT 1/2 A LOAF, FOR COFFEE. ONLY SNAG IS THE FACT WE LOST BEDS & SO ON, BUT WE ARE BACK IN OUR OLD SPACES & NOT SO BADLY OFF.

15. SUN.

A MILD SPRING DAY. GETTING ORGANISED WITH “SMOKEY.” WOOD ETC, KEPT US BUSY. DREW SMALL PIECE OF CHOC. IN GASH ISSUE, ALSO 1/4 lb COFFEE. GEOFF. GOT ALMONDS. THE RED X REP. INFORMS US, WE HAVE TO GO ONTO 1/2 PARCEL ISSUE FROM THIS WEEK. LAST NIGHT WE WITNESSED A REALLY SUPER RAID. MADE A CHOC. TRIFLE FOR TEA – VERY NICE.

16 MON.

FINE DAY AGAIN. NOT MUCH TO DO BUT SIT OUTSIDE BASKING IN THE SUN. AN EASY LIFE BUT WILL BE GLAD TO GET MORE ACTIVITY. I HEAR THAT 8 YANKS CAME IN; SHOT DOWN LAST TUESDAY, ONE WAS IN LONDON A WEEK AGO. HARD LUCK.

17 TUES.

SPENT MOST OF DAY OUTSIDE – LOVELY, THOUGH SKY OVERCAST WITH [indecipherable letters]. DID SOME LAUNDRY, AS I LOST MY SHIRT & TOWEL AT THE JERRY LAUNDRY. BEETROOT DRAWN IN LIEU OF POTATOES, – HAD FRIED SPAM & IT FOR TEA, B & M, JAM. TRIED THIS CANADIAN COFFEE – GOOD STUFF! PLENTY AIR ACTIVITY IN THIS AREA TO-DAY – SIREN QUITE REGULAR.

18 WED.

VERY HEAVY THUNDERSTORM AT 2100 HRS LAST NIGHT. THIS MORNING IT IS SUNNY, BUT CLOUDY. YESTERDAY WE DREW 1/2 A PARCEL – NEXT ISSUE 1ST. MAY.

Continued on Page 80.

[Page break]

[Drawing]
Sketches, etc. from behind the Wire.

[Page break]

[Underlined] STALAG LUFT 7. [/underlined]

[Underlined] AS EXISTED JAN. 1945. [/underlined]

[Drawing]

(a) [Underlined] LAUNDRY HUT. [/underlined]
(b) [Underlined] EXCH. & BARBER. [/underlined]
(c) [Underlined] “COOLER” & STORES FOR STRAW ETC. [/underlined]
(d) [Underlined] SMALL ICE RINK. [/underlined]
(e) [Underlined] ICE HOCKEY RINK. [/underlined]
(f) [Underlined] SOFTBALL NET. [/underlined]
(G) [Underlined] SOCCER & RUGBY PITCH. [/underlined]

[Underlined] (NOT DRAWN TO SCALE) [/underlined] 14/2/45 [Initials]

[Page break]

[Drawing]
ROOM 12 FROM MY BED. [Initials] NOV ‘44

[Page break]

[Drawing]
A SERB P.o.W.
STALAG IIIA
FEB, 1945 [Initials]

[Drawing]
RUSSIAN KgF.
FEB 1945 [Initials]

[Drawing]
[Underlined] RUSSIAN WORKING PARTY [/underlined]
FEB 1945
[Initials]

[Page break]

[Drawing]
[Underlined] HATS? [/underlined]

[Drawing]
[Underlined] COLD CHUM! [/underlined] OR (FIRST ON PARADE)

[Drawing]
[Underlined] NIX MORE!! [/underlined]

[Drawing]
[Underlined] SUPERMAN? [/underlined]

[Underlined] Tae see ourselves as ithers see us – [/underlined]
DEC ‘44
[Initials]

[Drawing]
THE LAST MATCH!
OR (SAY A PRAYER)

[Drawing]
BLISS!

[Page break]

[Drawing]
BLIMEY [Underlined] RATIONS! [/underlined]
AT STAMMLAGER IIIA.

[Underlined] 21ST FEB ’45 [/underlined]
[Initials]

[Page break]

[Drawing]
FEB [Underlined] 1945 [/underlined]
[Initials]
The Upper Bunks – Barrack 1 Nord – Stalag IIIA

[Page break]

[Drawing]
[Underlined] BALING OUT, 12/9/44 [/underlined]

[Page break]

[Blank page]

[Page break]

[Blank Page]

[Page break]

[Underlined] The Spirit of a P of W. FEB 1945. [/underlined]

Behind the wire, alone, they stand;
Each one with dreams of his Home Land,
The prayer arising from each throat –
“Roll on the Day. Roll on the Boat.”

When Peace is with the World again,
Let us not forget these silent men,
Who patiently await the day,
When they will go back home to stay.

With eyes forever to the West,
Towards Home, and all that they love best.
How far! It seems, How far away,
Yet drawing nigh from day to day.

From day to week, from month to year;
With no regrets, without a tear,
They give, what shall not be returned:
Time, Youth and Vigour – wantonly burned.

But never shall these words be said:
“Their spirits lie, as with the dead.”
No chains, no bonds of slavery,
Can hold them from their liberty.

Such Hopes, such Faith can only be
A prelude to the Victory!
On joyous wings, their voices float,
“Roll on the Day. Roll on the Boat.”

[Initials]

[Page break]

[Underlined] B. J. Howarth [/underlined]
Worthing. 12/9/44.

R C Kendall
[Underlined] L’pool 12/9/44. [/underlined]

Leland O’Leary
Fredericton NB. Canada
Dieppe June 7/44.

J.A. Ludwig
13 June /44

John D Jones.
Pontypool 12/6/44

G.A. Filay.
Auckland. N.Z.
14th June 1944

[Indecipherable name] Bruce
28 April 1944.
Toronto.

Thomas D. Glenn.
NC-on-Tyne. 2.
[Underlined] 24/5/44 [/underlined]

George Kelly.
Possilpark.
[Underlined] 23.9.44. [/underlined]

Jack Lindsay
Melbourne Aus.
[Underlined] 2/5/45 [/underlined]

Henry Lee
London
[Underlined] 23-10-44.) [/underlined]

[Page break]

[Blank page]

[Page break]

[Drawing]

[Page break]

[Blank page]

[Page break]

[Blank Page]

[Page break]

55

[Underlined] “The Shooting of Dan McGrew.” [/underlined]

A BUNCH OF THE BOYS WERE WHOOPING IT UP IN THE MALAMUTE SALOON;
THE KID THAT HANDLES THE MUSIC BOX WAS HITTING A JAG-TIME TUNE;
BACK OF THE BAR, IN A SOLO GAME, SAT DANGEROUS DAN McGREW;
AND WATCHING HIS LUCK WAS HIS LIGHT-O’-LOVE, THE LADY THAT’S KNOWN AS LOU.

WHEN OUT OF THE NIGHT WHICH WAS FIFTY BELOW, AND INTO THE DIN AND THE GLARE,
THERE STUMBLED A MINER FRESH FROM THE CREEKS, DOG-DIRTY AND LOADED FOR BEAR.
HE LOOKED LIKE A MAN WITH A FOOT IN THE GRAVE AND SCARCELY THE STRENGTH OF A LOUSE,
YET HE TILTED A POKE OF DUST ON THE BAR, AND HE CALLED FOR DRINKS ON THE HOUSE.
THERE WAS NONE COULD PLACE THE STRANGER’S FACE THOUGH WE SEARCHED OURSELVES FOR A CLUE;
BUT WE DRANK HIS HEALTH, AND THE LAST TO DRINK WAS DANGEROUS DAN McGREW.

THERE’S MEN THAT SOMEHOW JUST GRIP YOUR EYES; AND HOLD THEM HARD LIKE A SPELL;
AND SUCH WAS HE, AND HE LOOKED TO ME LIKE A MAN WHO HAD LIVED IN HELL;
WITH A FACE MOST HAIR, AND THE DREARY STARE OF A DOG WHOSE DAY IS DONE,

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AS HE WATERED THE GREEN STUFF IN HIS GLASS, AND THE DROPS FELL ONE BY ONE.
THEN I GOT TO FIGGERING WHO HE WAS, AND WONDERING WHAT HE’D DO,
AND I TURNED MY HEAD – AND THERE WATCHING HIM WAS THE LADY THAT’S KNOWN AS LOU.

HIS EYES WENT RUBBERING ROUND THE ROOM, AND HE SEEMED IN A KIND OF DAZE,
TILL AT LAST THAT OLD PIANO FELL IN THE WAY OF HIS WANDERING GAZE.
THE RAG-TIME KID WAS HAVING A DRINK; THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE ON THE STOOL,
SO THE STRANGER STUMBLED ACROSS THE ROOM, AND FLOPS DOWN THERE LIKE A FOOL.
IN A BUCKSKIN SHIRT THAT WAS GLAZED WITH DIRT HE SAT, AND I SAW HIM SWAY;
THEN HE CLUTCHED THE KEYS WITH HIS TALON HANDS – MY GOD! BUT THAT MAN COULD PLAY!

WERE YOU EVER OUT IN THE GREAT ALONE WHEN THE MOON WAS AWFUL CLEAR,
AND THE ICY MOUNTAINS HEMMED YOU IN WITH A SILENCE YOU most COULD HEAR;
WITH ONLY THE HOWL OF A TIMBER WOLF, AND YOU CAMPED THERE IN THE COLD,
A HALF-DEAD THING IN A STARK, DEAD WORLD, CLEAN MAD FOR THE MUCK CALLED GOLD;
WHILE HIGH OVERHEAD, GREEN YELLOW AND RED, THE NORTHERN LIGHTS SWEPT IN BARS –
THEN YOU’VE A HAUNCH WHAT THE MUSIC MEANT . . . HUNGER AND NIGHT AND THE STARS.

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AND HUNGER NOT OF THE BELLY KIND, THAT’S BANISHED WITH BACON AND BEANS;
BUT THE GNAWING HUNGER OF LONELY MEN FOR A HOME AND ALL THAT IT MEANS;
FOR A FIRESIDE FAR FROM ALL THE CARES THAT ARE, FOUR WALLS AND A ROOF ABOVE;
BUT OH! SO CRAMFUL OF COSY JOY, AND CROWNED WITH A WOMAN’S LOVE;
A WOMAN DEARER THAN ALL THE WORLD, AND TRUE AS HEAVEN IS TRUE –
(GOD! HOW GHASTLY SHE LOOKS THROUGH ROUGE, – THE LADY THAT’S KNOWN AS LOU.)

THEN ON A SUDDEN THE MUSIC CHANGED, SO SOFT THAT YOU SCARCE COULD HEAR,
BUT YOU FELT THAT YOUR LIFE HAD BEEN LOOTED CLEAN OF ALL THAT IT ONCE HELD DEAR;
THAT SOMEONE HAD STOLEN THE WOMAN YOU LOVED; THAT HER LOVE WAS A DEVIL’S LIE;
THAT YOUR GUTS WERE GONE, AND THE BEST FOR YOU WAS TO CRAWL AWAY AND DIE.
‘TWAS THE CROWNING CRY OF A HEART’S DESPAIR, AND IT THRILLED YOU THROUGH AND THROUGH –
“I GUESS I’LL MAKE IT A SPREAD MISERE,” SAID DANGEROUS DAN McGREW.

THE MUSIC ALMOST DIED AWAY . . . THEN IT BURST LIKE A PENT-UP FLOOD;
AND IT SEEMED TO SAY “REPAY, REPAY,” AND MY EYES WERE BLIND WITH BLOOD.

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THE THOUGHT CAME BACK OF AN ANCIENT WRONG, AND IT STUNG LIKE A FROZEN LASH,
AND THE LUST AWOKE TO KILL, TO KILL . . . THEN THE MUSIC STOPPED WITH A CRASH.

AND THE STRANGER TURNED, AND HIS EYES THEY BURNED IN A MOST PECULIAR WAY;
IN A BUCKSKIN SHIRT THAT WAS GLAZED WITH DIRT HE SAT, AND I SAW HIM SWAY;
THEN HIS LIPS WENT IN, IN A KIND OF GRIN, AND HE SPOKE, AND HIS VOICE WAS CALM;
AND, “BOYS,” SAYS HE, “YOU DON’T KNOW ME, AND NONE OF YOU CARE A DAMN;
BUT I WANT TO STATE, AND MY WORDS ARE STRAIGHT, AND I’LL BET MY POKE THEY’RE TRUE,
THAT ONE OF YOU IS A HOUND OF HELL . . . AND THAT ONE IS DAN McGREW.

THEN I DUCKED MY HEAD, AND THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, AND TWO GUNS BLAZED IN THE DARK;
AND A WOMAN SCREAMED, AND THE LIGHTS WENT UP, AND TWO MEN LAY STIFF AND STARK;
PITCHED ON HIS HEAD, AND PUMPED FULL OF LEAD, WAS DANGEROUS DAN McGREW,
WHILE THE MAN FROM THE CREEKS LAY CLUTCHED TO THE BREAST OF THE LADY THAT’S KNOWN AS LOU.

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THESE ARE THE SIMPLE FACTS OF THE CASE, AND I GUESS I OUGHT TO KNOW;
THEY SAY THAT THE STRANGER WAS CRAZED WITH “HOOCH” AND I’M NOT DENYING IT’S SO.
I’M NOT SO WISE AS THE LAWYER GUYS, BUT STRICTLY BETWEEN US TWO –
THE WOMAN THAT KISSED HIM AND – PINCHED HIS POKE – WAS THE LADY THAT’S KNOWN AS LOU.

[Underlined] R.W.S. [/underlined]

[Underlined] WE’LL SHARE. [/underlined]

We’ll share a corner table when we’re out to dine,
The soft lights & sweet music, will be yours & mine,
The same times for dancing – The same songs to sing.
The same wedding preacher – The same bells will ring.
We’ll share the same twoseater, when we both leave town,
We’ll share the same umbrella when the rain comes down
Keep the same home fires burning – troubles vanish soon
When we turn the same sixpence to the same new moon
We’ll share the same white room, there’s no doubt at all
We’ll share the same sweet dreams when night must fall.

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60

[Underlined] Remember Me! [Underlined]

[Underlined] MUSIC – BILLY HALL. [/underlined]
[Underlined] SONG – RON TAYLOR. [/underlined]

I’m writing you this letter to say I’ll ne’er forget
The hours we spent to-gether, darling, since the day we met,
I hope you will remember, although we’re far apart
And keep the loving memory, dear, forever in your heart.

Remember me although I’m far away
Remember that I love you more each day,
Remember, soon we’ll be together again.
In sunshine or in rain, never to part again.
A million years it seems that we’ve been apart
But your lovely smile still lingers here in my heart.
So dry your tears, and quiet your fears
‘Til we meet that happy day.
Remember, though I’m far away.

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61

Necessity the Mother of Invention

Perhaps nowhere else has man had to resort to genius of invention, than in a P.oW. Camp. Here especially one can see on all sides, samples of home handywork. Articles, thought of, either to help Camp life, or merely some-one’s “Brain-wave; all are made from the crudest materials, and even cruder still are the tools used. Spoons, stool-legs, knives, stones, etc., all go to aid the construction of weird and wonderful objects.

The first concern of the lads, especially in “Kennel Camp” was cooking. Something to cook on – and something to cook in. Open fires were all very well, but fuel was scarce and figures (i) & (ii) show two cookers, which although using very little wood, coal or what have you, proved most effective, and had the advantage of being more or less windproof.

[Page break]

62 “WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY!”

(i) [Underlined] THE “KLIM” HEATER. [/underlined]
[Drawing]

[Drawing]
[Underlined] (ii) THE ‘FORCED – DRAUGHT.’ BLOWER. [/underlined]

Following the cookers, came flocks of cooking tins; flat tins, round tins, deep or shallow tins, and indeed tins of all shapes & sizes. Some few were even more in the nature of plates and very good workmanship indeed.

Of course, many too were the other utensils manufactured from old Klim tins, biscuits tins etc. Even tea-strainers took shape, so the kitchens were well equiped [sic].

Red X, boxes were converted into useful cupboards, larders & hold-alls. Photo-frames appeared, for the lucky few who received mail & photographs, while many lads decorated their rooms with their own artistic endeavours.

Old wool, ripped from discarded jerseys, took new shape as caps, helmets,

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63

gloves, scarves, etc.

One enterprising lad constructed a broom from string, a piece of metal & wood. Approved by the Germans, 100 similar articles were ordered to replace the brooms, previously used.

Models, too, appeared. The “boat-club” made many of these, while independent models were to be seen in many rooms.

Some old boys, even converted the board beds into hammocks. An ambitious task, but one carried through with the true craft of a “Kriegy.”

It is impossible to account all the articles made during our stay. To sum up an Exhibition was organised so that the proud owners could display their work. Organised by [indecipherable word], it was both interesting and instructive.

Surely then, wherever, man can find the material – crude as it may be – he will not want for anything so long as his fingers and mind remain free.

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64

[Underlined] “SING ME TO SLEEP WITH A SWING SONG.” [/underlined]

My little lad is the image of his Dad,
He is his Mother’s pride & joy,
Each night he goes upstairs, I hear his say his prayers –
‘Please God make me a good little boy.’
Then I sing him songs that my mother used to sing.
But he shakes his little head & says “I must have swing!”

[Underlined] CHORUS – [/underlined]

Sing me to sleep with a swing song, and I’ll be a good little boy.
You may not be BING, but you must give me swing That’s the only rythm [sic] I enjoy.
You give me grey hairs, with your three teddy bears
And the silly little Pigs that went to market.
I ain’t got a yen for those ten nigger men
So sing me to sleep with a swing song.

[Underlined] (Cont’d.) [/underlined]

I dreamt of you so far away
But when the day comes & we are free dear
I’ll come back home, with you to stay.

8/ Freedom in sunshine, the only sunshine
It makes us happy, it makes us gay
Despite the hardships, there is consolation
That our mates will win the day.

[Page break]

[/Underlined] The Camp Song of Luft 7. [/underlined]

1/ The other night boys while we were flying
The night was dark & black as pitch
Up came the Flak-bursts & then the fighters
And our poor kite we had to ditch.

2/ Then came the Jerries, & we were captured
And taken to the local jail.
We had a feed there, and I assure you
The bread was scarce, and black and stale.

3/ Early next morning when we awoke boys
They took us to the Gest-apo.
We got no food nor cigarettes boys
For to their queries we answered ‘No’.

4/ After this course of human kindness
We went to Dulag Luft Hotel
The rooms were single, the food was lousy
And there was a nasty smell.

5/ Interrogation was unsuccessful, They only kept us for a week,
Name, Rank & Number was all we gave them
After that we would not speak.

6/ And then the clouds turned into sunshine
The Red Cross parcels came our way
So in this camp we live in comfort
Waiting for the Freedom Day

7/ The other night dear, as I lay dreaming (64)

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66

[Underlined] Bless Them All – (NEW VERSION) [/underlined]

There is a four engined bomber just leaving its base,
Bound for an alien Shore
Heavily laden with cookies & such –
Presents to even the score
There is many a flak battery shooting up hell
There’s many a bomber can fall
There’s many a poor bod, who’ll get the chop,
So cheer up my lads bless them all.

Bless ‘em all; Bless ‘em all.
The Flak batteries, fighters and all.
Bless all the A/Gs, Bomb Aimers too
Bless all the Pilots, & rest of the crew.
For we’re saying goodbye to them all
As back to the escape hatch we crawl
We haven’t a notion if we’re over ocean
So cheer up my lads let us fall!

[Underlined] Canadian Red [symbol] [/underlined]

TIN OF KLIM 1 lb
TIN OF BUTTER 1lb
TIN OF MARMALADE 1 lb
TIN OF BULLY 12 oz.
TIN OF P. MEAT 10 1/2 oz.
TIN OF PILCHARDS 7 3/4 oz.
TIN OF SARDINES 3 1/2 oz.
PKT. OF BISCUITS 1 lb.
PKT OF PRUNES 6 oz.
PKT OF RAISONS [sic] 7 oz.
PKT OF SUGAR 8 oz.
SLAB OF CHOC. 5 oz.
PKT. OF CHEESE 4 oz.
PKT. OF COFFEE 1 lb.
PKT. OF S & P MIX.
1 CAKE OF SOAP.

{Like other parcels the contents vary with each one.}

[Page break]

[Drawing] 67

[Underlined] CONTENTS OF RED X PARCELS. [/underlined]

[Underlined] English. [/underlined]

1 Tin of Meat (Steak etc.)
1 Tin of Condensed Milk
1 Tin of Jam (1/2 lb.)
1 Pkt. of Biscuits (1 lb.)
1 Block Sugar (1/4 lb.)
1 Tin Meat Roll or Sausages.
1 Tin of Rolled Oats
1 Tin of Peas or Vegetables
1 Tin of Cheese
1 Tin of Margarine (1/2 lb.)
1 Bar of Chocolate (1/4 lb.)
1 Pkt. Of Tea
1 Tin of Powdered Egg
1 Tin of Salmon or Pilchards
* 1 Bar of Soap.
Salt } Sometimes
Mustard } Sometimes
Pepper } Sometimes
1 Tin of Cocoa (Scotch)

Additional 50 Cigs.

*Either Dried Fruit or 1 Tin of pudding – Yorkshire Pan-Cake Mixture.

[Underlined] American (10). [/underlined]

1 Tin of Bully Beef
1 Tin of Spam
1 Tin of Klim *
1 Tin of Jam or Orange
1 Tin of Meat Paste
1 Tin of Margarine (1 lb)
1 Tin of Coffee
1 Pkt. of Biscuits
1 Pkt. of Sugar Cubes
1 Pkt. of Cheese
1 Pkt. of Raisons [sic]
2 Bars of Soap
2 Bars of Chocolate Concentrate (1/4 lb)

100 Cigarettes included.

* 1 Tin of Salmon.

[Underlined] (SEE ALSO PAGES 44 & 66.) [/underlined]

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68 “A LONG, LONG TRAIL –“

[Underlined] The Evacuation of Luft 7 – JAN-FEB 1945 [/underlined]

I never thought I would take part in a German Retreat. It was not my ambition, and having now been through such an experience I never want to repeat the trials & tribulations we had to undergo while on the march, again.

An attempt was made during the twenty-one days from 19th Jany. to 8th Feby., to keep a diary, but it was not very complete and so I now set down my main recollections of the journey. To begin with, few of us realised just what we were in for. No signs of any premonitious worry was evident during the few days of flurry preceeding our evacuation. The chaps cleaned the camp out – not a difficult job as parcels were then conspicuous by their absence. Still we did have a few good meals as may be shown by our stew of Camp Soup, meat paste, pilchards, salmon & scraps from all our half empty tins.

Leaving Bankau at 0500 hrs. on the 19th of January 1945, our first days march commenced well, but by the end of the day, all of us were very much fatigued & dead tired. A P.o.W’s life is no training for route marches! Had we known what was yet in store for us, I doubt if there would have been so much complaining that first night.

The following day’s short march was a preliminary to a really tortuous night’s

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slogging. Many lads dropped out, and the excessive cold penetrated all clothing, causing frost-bite in some cases, and discomfort to all. That was our longest march, & no one felt up to another one like that.

It was for that night, that ‘Penny’ & Roy made our sledge at the factory; crude tho’ it was it served us well, right up till FEB 1 when we ditched it on account of the thaw. Without it we would have been unable to carry so much kit (bare as that was), the coffee can or various things we scrounged.

Slogging on, as from day to day we did a few more kilometres, the thoughts of most of us dwelt mainly on food. Rations were disgraceful! We had left Luft 7 with two and a half days bread rations, plus a little tinned-meat, marge., & honey, with what meagre supplies we had left from Red X parcels. A week passed, before more bread was issued, while in between we existed on a few Jerry biscuits, which did little to fill the gaps. On the march the official ration is 1/3 of a loaf per man; we got 1/5, little more than Camp issue, & of course we had no soups or potatoes, as normal. However, we held out by good luck or by Providence. There seemed to be

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some special power guarding us! In our weakened condition, it surprises me that so many came through unscathed.

Billets, too, were the worst possible for the time of year. Barns, stables, pig-styes; cold, damp & draughty, as well as being cramped, they provided little rest and less sleep, to tired men & exhausted bodies. To move in the early mornings – packing, stumbling & cursing in the dark – was even welcome, to get away from the stinking pits we had crawled into.

Not one of us will ever forget the treatment we received from the Jerries. A few guards were sympathetic, but on the whole their attitude was disgusting. Surely they will be repaid in kind for all their mean tricks. Time and time again the officers promised transport & more food. We hoped, always for the best, but as it turned out, conditions got worse instead of better.

Eventually on the 1st of Feb., after 14 days on the road we stopped outside GOLDBERG, to await a train, and finally left there on Monday, 5/2/45. Having received two days bread ration etc., we

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71

anticipated a short journey, but as it happened we had to spend four days in the trucks. No further rations came up and we suffered greatly, although just how bad we were, was not realised till we tried the 1 1/2K. to this camp. Many were the boys who could hardly stand, and we were all grateful to get back behind barbed wire, with regular rations, small as they may be.

The amazing fact is that only one member died on route. Why, with the weather as it was, more did not perish, no one can tell? Right up till our last march, when the thaw set in, we had to face continual snow, cold & winds. The number of cases of frostbite bears out the severity of the winter.

To summarise, we covered 260 K’s * while actually on the march, sustained only by total rations of 2 47/60 Loaves; 4 packets of KNACKE-WERKE; 1 bag of small biscuits; 6 1/2 cups of soup; 4 cups porridge; 1/2 cup of oats; 1/2 cup of raw barley.

May we never again experience such hardships and ordeals!

* [Underlined] WALKING DISTANCE ONLY. [/underlined]

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72

“YOU’D BE SO NICE TO COME HOME TO –“

[Underlined] MENU – FOR A FUTURE DATE. [/underlined]

[Underlined] BREAKFAST: [/underlined]

PORRIDGE & CREAM.
Cereal, Stewed Prunes & Cream.
BACON & EGG, FRIED BREAD.
Fried Liver, Sausage, Pudding, Beans.
BANNOCKS, TOAST, –
BUTTER & MARMALADE.
TEA.

[Underlined] DINNER: [/underlined]

SOUP – SCOTCH BROTH.
ROAST BEEF, BAKED POTATOES & VEGETABLES.
SWEET – STEAMED DUMPLING.
BISCUITS & CHEESE.
COFFEE.

[Underlined] HIGH TEA: [/underlined]

HOME-MADE MINCED-MEAT PIE & CHIPS.
BREAD, SCONES, BUTTER, JAM, CAKES ETC.
TEA.

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73

[Underlined] SUPPER: [/underlined]

OAT-CAKES & CHEESE, TOASTED FRUIT CAKE.
BUTTER & JAM.
COCOA.

(ALTERNATIVE IN SMALL WRITING, INTERLINED.)

[Underlined] THESE THINGS I REMEMBER! [/underlined]

Being a list of all things I remember most vividly, and will some day enjoy again –

DUMPLINGS, AS MUM MADE THEM – REALLY FRUITY. – RHUBARB TART. – MARZIPAN ROLLS – CRUNCHIES – THE PACKET OF SANDWICHES ON A TRAIN JOURNEY – HOME MADE MINCE-MEAT PIES & SAUSAGE ROLLS – CHOCOLATE CORN FLAKES – SHORTBREAD FINGERS – CADBURY’S CHOCOLATE BARS (CARAMELLO; MILK; PEPPERMINT; MILK-TRAY & ALL THE REST OF THEM) – WHIPPED CREAM WALNUTS – FRESH BREAD, BUTTER & JAM. YES, EVEN THAT IS DELICIOUS – A 2 oz. TIN OF THREE NUN TOBACCO – SOBRANIE No 40, VIRGINIAN CIGARETTES – A REAL MIXED GRILL – BREAD PUDDINGS WITH BAGS OF FRUIT – DUNDEE CAKES – ROASTED

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74

“The Things I Remember.” CONTD.

BANANAS ON TOAST WITH SUGAR – A TOMATOE [sic] OMELETTE (IN CAMBRIDGE) – STEAK & KIDNEY PIE – BREAKFASTS AT THE ‘ROSE’ OR ‘VICTORY’ CAFÉS – THE “TUDOR” – SPONGY ALBERT CAKES – HOT SCONES, FRESH OFF THE COOKER – POTATOE [sic] SCONES, BANNOCKS, CRUMPETS & JAM – PINE-APPLE FRITTERS WITH SYRUP SAUCE – ‘MEALY’ PUDDINGS & FRIED FRUIT PUDDINGS – KIDNEYS ON TOAST – BAKED APPLES – QUEEN OF PUDDINGS –

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75

[Underlined] Why Not Try These? [/underlined] – WHEN I GET HOME.

Many are the dishes we P of W’s discuss at various times, and I have decided to list a few of them below. To cook these myself and enjoy their exciting newness would be both a novelty and a most enjoyable way of spending dull afternoons (I don’t think [underlined] there are any dull [/underlined] moments at home!)

[Initials] 19/2/45

1/ RAISON [sic] APPLE BETTY. 2/ QUICK RAISON [sic] CAKE. 3/ THE BANKAU FRIED SANDWICHES (PATENT APPLIED FOR) With various fillings, these proved a great boon to us Kgfs. e.g. CHEESE; EGG; SPAM; etc. Should be able to improve them a lot with the additional luxuries we can get at Home. 4/ SWISS ROLL, baked in the oven to crispen it, WITH CUSTARD. 5/ CHOPPED SAUSAGE (OR SPAM) DONE IN SCRAMBLED EGG (A Camp breakfast!) 6/ DRY LOAVES? SOAK IN MILK-DRAIN & BAKE IN OVEN! 7/ Fold a RASHER OF BACON around SARDINE, skewer & FRY. 8/ Slice top off LARGE TOMATOE, scoop out, replace with EGG, add SALT & PEPPER, replace top; bake in oven. 9/ PRUNE PUDDING & PIE. (See 76.)

[Page break]

76 LET’S TRY THESE – [underlined] RECIPES. [/underlined] – TOO!

1/ [Underlined] PRUNE FLAKE PUDDING: Serves 8 or more. [/underlined]

1 1/2 CUPS COOKED PRUNES.
1 CUP WHIPPING CREAM.
1/2 T’SPOON LEMON EXTRACT.
1/4 T’SPOON CINNAMON.
1/8 T’SPOON SALT.
1/4 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR.
3/4 CUP THINLY SLICED BANANA
CORN FLAKES.

Measure prunes, drain thoroughly & cut from pits in very small pieces. Whip cream. Combine prunes, spice, flavoring [sic], salt, sugar & stir to blend. Fold mixture & banana into whipped cream. Chill thoroughly. Dip pudding in small spoonfuls & roll each in corn flakes.

Serve in stemmed glasses: 4/5 “Burrs” to a serving.

2/ [Underlined] PRUNE PIE: [/underlined]

2 CUPS COOKED PRUNES
1 CUP SOUR CREAM
1/2 CUP GROUND ALMONDS.
1 CUP FINE CRACKER CRUMBS.
3/4 CUP BROWN SUGAR.
1/4 T’SPOON SALT
1/2 T’SPOON CINNAMON
2 EGGS (WHITES FOR MERINGUE).
1/3 CUP PRUNE JUICE.
PASTRY FOR SINGLE CRUST.

Remove pits from prunes, cut into small pieces. Combine with almonds, crumbs, sugar, salt, cinnamon & blend well. Add sour cream, juice & yolks of eggs. Mix & pour into pastry lined pie dish – Bake for 40 MINS in hot oven (450°F.) Remove & cover top with meringue. Reduce heat to 350°F & brown for 10 MINS. Serves 6.

[Page break]

[Blank page]

[Page break]

80 [symbol] FROM PAGE No 54 [symbol]

Diary – Continued.

1945

[Underlined] APRIL [/underlined]

18 WED. (CONTD.)

– FURTHER RE-ORGANISATION OF GROUPS TO FACILITATE RATIONING ETC., DOUBLE SOUP – NO SPUDS. AIRCRAFT (MARAUDERS) FLEW OVER THE CAMP TO-NIGHT. CHEESE FOR TEA. HAD THE GRAMAPHONE IN THES EVENING. I STARTED MAKING A PACK OUT OF MY KIT-BAG; GIVES ME SOMETHING TO DO. GASH ISSUE – 25 CIGS. (WINCHESTERS ETC.)

19 THUR

SUNNY DAY BUT EXTREME GUSTINESS MAKES IT UNPLEASANT OUTSIDE. AGAIN A LARGE FORCE OF ESCORTED BOMBERS FLEW OVERHEAD (1100 HRS.) CHEERS US NO END. STILL NO SPUDS, SO FOR TEA WE HAD FRIED B & M & M & V STEW, FOLLOWED BY B & M, & CREAM JERRY CHEESE, JAM COFFEE. A COLLECTION OF CIGS. ETC. WAS MADE FOR SOME LANDSDORF BOYS JUST ARRIVED. THEY ARE IN A SORRY STATE AFTER 3 MONTHS ON THE ROAD. I GUESS WE WERE LUCKY AFTER ALL!

20 FRI.

FINE WEATHER – CLEAR; SLIGHT BREEZE. THIS MORNING CONSIDERABLE BOMBING TO THE N., NNW., & W. TOOK PLACE: MARKERS & SMOKE WERE PLAINLY VISIBLE. RATIONS – 1 SOUP & BEETROOT, 1/8 BREAD & MARGE. ON THE MAIN ROAD TO-NIGHT VEHICLES & CIVILIANS ALL SEEMED TO BE HEADING WEST!!

21 SAT.

DULL & DRIZZLING – 10/10 LOW STRATUS – LIGHT WIND. WHAT IS GOING ON? NO MORNING PARADE – ONLY THE FEW GUARDS ABOUT & NO SNOOPS ETC. LAST NIGHT THE SKY-LINE WAS ALIVE WITH FIRE ETC., WHILE JUST NOW GUN-FIRE CAN BE HEARD. A SQDN/LDR. HAS TAKEN OVER THE COOKHOUSE & RATIONS. 1200 HRS:- NOW WE KNOW! THE GERMANS HAVE NOW ALL VAMOOSED, & A FEW ARE IN THE BUNKER. THE CAMP HAS BEEN COMPLETELY TAKEN OVER, A NORWEGIAN GENERAL BEING I/C. OUR OWN S.B.O. IS IN COMMAND OF ALL BRITISH PERSONNEL, DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS. FROM A MESSAGE SENT BY THE S.B.O. WE LEARN THAT THE RUSSIANS ARE MORE OR LESS ALL AROUND US; JÜTTERBUG, TO THE

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1945 81

[Underlined] APRIL. [/underlined]

SOUTH HAS BEEN CAPTURED, WHILE SKIRMISHES EVEN TOOK PLACE IN LUCKENWALDE IN THE EARLY HOURS. WE NOW HAVE OUR OWN GUARDS & POLICE ON PATROL & THE STATION DEFENCE IS WELL UNDER WAY – WHITE FLAGS ARE EXPOSED. THE ARRIVAL OF THE RUSSIANS IS EXPECTED ANY TIME & OUR LIBERATION IS NOW ONLY A MATTER OF HOURS. IT IS GOOD TO SEE THE HUN IN FLIGHT & WE EAGERLY AWAIT OUR ALLIES. THERE HAS BEEN NO PANIC OR MAD OUTBURSTS, THOUGH THE RUSSIANS DID A SPOT OF RAIDING STORES ETC.; ONE CAN HARDLY BLAME THEM. IN FACT THIS IS NOW A BRITISH STATION IN THE MIDST OF THE ENEMY (NOT FOR LONG WE HOPE!) & AS PRISONERS WE NO LONGER CONSIDER OURSELVES. THE NEXT QUESTION IS “HOW LONG TILL WE GET HOME?” 2000 HRS JUST FINISHED TEA – WE HAD ONE SUPER GLOP – CAN’T WOOF YET; NO SAYING HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE WE GET AMPLE SUPPLIES. TODAY’S RATIONS:- 1 SOUP, ONLY – 1/10 BREAD, MARGE & SUGAR. SMALL ARMS FIRE OCCASIONALLY HEARD TO THE SOUTH. WHAT A DAY OF EXCITEMENT!!!

22 SUN.

“THE RUSSIANS ARE HERE!” THAT WAS THE CRY THAT AWOKE US AT 0600 HRS. THIS MORNING. ALTHOUGH WE EXPECTED IT, ONE COULDN’T HELP FEELING A SUDDEN SENSE OF RELIEF & SECURITY AS TANKS, ARMOURED CARS, LORRIES & INFANTRY, GUNS, ETC., ROLLED BY & INTO THE CAMP DURING THE LATTER PART OF THE MORNING. LUCKENWALDE FELL DURING THE NIGHT, APPARENTLY WITH LITTLE EFFORT AS NO GREAT BURSTS OF FIRING WERE HEARD. AT 2300 HRS. HOWEVER, IN BRIGHT MOONLIGHT, AN AIRCRAFT FLEW LOW OVERHEAD, MACHINE-GUNNING THE NEAR BY WOODS; S.S. TROOPS WERE KNOWN TO BE THERE & WE HAD BEEN WARNED ABOUT THEM. IT CAUSED QUITE A SENSATION, AS AT FIRST WE THOUGHT THE CAMP WAS THE TARGET. THE RUSSIAN PoW’s HAVE ALREADY MOVED OUT, ALONG

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82

[Underlined] APRIL. [/underlined]

WITH SOME FRENCH – TO JOIN IN THE FIGHT WE UNDERSTAND.

RATIONS WILL BE POOR TO-DAY – ONLY SOUP, NO BREAD, DUE TO INSUFFICIENT SUPPLIES.

WEATHER:- DULL; OCCASIONAL SHOWERS WITH BRIGHT INTERVALS. GASH ISSUE 46 CIGS. (S. CAPS., BRIT. CONSULS & WINCHESTERS.) ISSUE OF 1/4 (No 10) PARCEL p. MAN. THE RUMOUR IS THAT THE YANKS ARE EXPECTED HERE SOON. ALSO ISSUED WERE SOME CANTEEN STORES & A SMALL QUANTITY OF FOOD. FOR TEA:- M & V., FRIED BREAD, CHEESE, B & M., JAM, COFFEE. STILL A FAIR AMOUNT OF ACTIVITY TO THE N. THE W/CDR. HAD US ON PARADE FOR A PEP TALK; THE RUSSIAN MAYOR IS GOING TO DO HIS UTMOST TO SEE WE GET SUPPLIES.

23. MON.

CONTINUES DULL & SHOWERY. IN SICK BAY I SAW A COUPLE OF GERMAN PRISONERS; CAPTURED LAST NIGHT THEY ARE ALL THAT WAS LEFT OF A LABOUR CORPS COMPANY – THEIR OFFICER SHOT HIMSELF – AGED ABOUT 17 BOTH WERE WOUNDED. RATIONS BETTER TO-DAY: THICK RABBIT & PEA SOUP, A GOOD SPUD ISSUE & 1/10 OF A LOAF STILL TO COME. SOME UNKNOWN PARCEL STORES HAVE BEEN FOUND DOWN TOWN, SO WE SHALL HAVE YET ANOTHER SMALL ISSUE. GEOFF. & I ARE O.K., WITH AT LEAST 10 DAYS SUPPLIES ON HAND – BY THEN WE EXPECT A LOT TO HAVE HAPPENED. SUGAR & [underlined] BUTTER [/underlined] WAS A SURPRISE EXTRA. TEA: BULLY HASH, B & M, ETC.

24 TUES.

DULL – SEEMS THE GOOD WEATHER IS OVER FOR A CHANGE. WENT SICK AGAIN – M.O. SAYS LEG O.K. & NOW HAVE FINAL DRESSINGS ON IT. STILL AWAITING THE YANKS – NEWS IS VERY GOOD THESE DAYS & EXPECT THEM ANY DAY. BEING LIBERATED THOUGH, & WAITING FOR THE BOAT HOME, MAKES THE DAYS SEEM LONG. RATIONS: THICK MEAT SOUP & POTATOES – BREAD, 1/8 OF A LOAF, BUTTER & CANNED MEAT. FOR TEA:- BULLY, SPUDS, SARDINES ON FRIED BREAD, B & B., JAM,

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1945. 83

[Underlined] APRIL [/underlined]

THEN BISCUITS & MARMALADE & COFFEE, 1/4 OF A CANADIAN PARCEL p. MAN – VERY GOOD CHANGE – BISCUITS ARE VERY GOOD INDEED.

25 [underlined] WED. [/underlined]

SUNNY & CLEAR. LAST NIGHT, FOR THE THIRD NIGHT OUT OF FOUR, AN AIRCRAFT STRAFFED [sic] THE CAMP. BREAKFAST:- CEREAL, FRIED BIS. & MARMALADE, B & B., MEAT PASTE, COFFEE. LUNCH:- DOUBLE SOUP, FOLLOWED BY STEWED PRUNES & CREAM. AT 1530 HRS. BISCUIT & MARMALADE, COFFEE. BEING ANZAC DAY & THE “FRISCO CONF.” WE ARE GOING TO TOWN ON OUR 1/4 PARCEL. GASH ISSUE: 39 CIGS. RATIONS: BREAD (1/5), POTATOES, FLOUR, SUGAR, BUTTER. TEA: BULLY HASH, B & B., CHOC. RAISON PUDDING. THE RUSSIANS ARE CERTAINLY DOING US WELL AS REGARDS RATIONS ETC., – ANYTHING WE REQUIRE, WE GET. WIRELESS SETS ARE ALREADY FITTED OUTSIDE SOME BLOCKS & 80 MORE ARE TO BE SUPPLIED. IT IS REALLY GOOD TO HEAR THE NEWS YOURSELF, ALSO THE OTHER PROGRAMMES. THE FUNERAL OF 8 RUSSIANS TOOK PLACE TO-DAY – ATTENDED BY A GENERAL. HAD A GOOD AFTERNOONS SHOW ON AT THE THEATRE – “ENLEVER-MOI” A FRENCH MUSICAL COMEDY.

26 THUR.

FINE WEATHER – SUNNY WITH A LIGHT BREEZE & SCATTERED Cu. MADE PANCAKES HOT WITH CREAMERY BUTTER, TO HAVE WITH OUR MORNING COFFEE. RATIONS:- 1 LITRE OF SOUP, SPUDS, 1/4 LOAF, MEAT. WATER ON AGAIN – UP TILL NOW WE HAVE BEEN DRAWING FROM A PUMP, SINCE SUNDAY. A PKT. OF PUDDING POWDER BETWEEN TWO MEN, WAS INCLUDED IN THE DAY’S ISSUE. GASH – 124 CIGS p MAN.

27 FRI.

SUNNY BUT CLOUDY. B’KFAST: STEWED PRUNES & CUSTARD, B & B., MEAT SPREAD. SWEDE SOUP AT 1130 HRS. NOT MUCH TO DO BUT SIT AROUND WAITING; THAT’S WHAT MAKES THE TIME SEEM LONG. SMALL AMOUNT OF CHOC. & SWEETS ISSUED. TEA:- CHIPS, FISH, B & M., JAM. TO-DAY’S BREAD

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84

[Underlined] APRIL [/underlined]

IS 1/6; FURTHER ISSUE OF PUDDING POWDER. WE WERE ALL GLAD TO HEAR NEWS OF THE ALLIED LINK-UP & HOPE IT MAY NOT BE LONG NOW TILL WE ARE ON THE WAY HOME. DURING THE AFTERNOON 4 ME 109’s FLEW OVER THE CAMP – AA OPENED UP; I WAS ON THE CIRCUIT AT THE TIME & DID I GO FOR THE SLIT TRENCHES? – LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL! WHEN WE WERE ALL JUMBLED INTO IT (ABOUT 6) IT SEEMED SO FUNNY, BUT YOU LEARN TO BE CAREFUL HERE. GEOFF WAS STILL BY THE WIRE WONDERING WHERE I HAD DISAPPEARED TO. FURTHER GASH – 12 FAGS – BOUGHT 2oz TOBACCO FOR 50 CIGS.
2145 HRS. JUST ANNOUNCED – “FIRST YANKS NOW IN LUCKENWALDE.” WHIZZO!!! LET’S PACK!

28 SAT.

WEATHER BROKE WITH A THUNDERSTORM LAST-NIGHT; CLOUDY & CONSTANT SHOWERS TO-DAY. WHERE ARE THE YANKS? NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM! RATIONS AS USUAL, INCLUDING FLOUR, SO MORE PANCAKES ARE INDICATED. MADE ANOTHER PUDDING FOR TEA TONIGHT. (SPUDS ARE ISSUED RAW NOW). THE ARRIVAL OF A RUSSIAN REPATN. GROUP WAS ANNOUNCED TO-NIGHT: CONSISTS OF 25 OFFICERS & 200 OTHER RANKS, WITH 13 WOMEN INCLUDED IN THE ORGANISATION – 50 FOOD & SUPPLY TRUCKS ACCOMPANIED THEM.

29 SUN.

SUNNY, BUT DULL AT INTERVALS & WINDY. FROM GEN. TO-DAY, THE RUSSIANS ARE GOING TO DO US O.K.; IT SEEMS HOWEVER THAT OUR STAY HERE MAY BE LONGER THAN ANTICIPATED – OUR POSITION IS THE PROBLEM; WHETHER WE SHALL GO EAST OR WEST IS STILL TOBE DECIDED & WHEN! WENT TO A SERVICE AT NIGHT (& COMMUNION) TAKEN BY A YOUNG AMERICAN PADRE.

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1945 85

30. MON.

CLOUDY & GUSTY – SUNNY FOR SHORT PERIODS. NOT MUCH DOING TO-DAY – JUST WAITING. RATIONS: 1/6 OF A LOAF, SUGAR, SALT, CHEESE, SOUP & POTATOES. PREPARATIONS ARE NOW BEING MADE FOR A MOVE TO BETTER QUARTERS. AN OFFICERS REST CAMP, I BELIEVE, SO SHOULD BE QUITE COMFORTABLE COMPARED WITH THESE SURROUNDINGS.

[Underlined] MAY [/underlined] 1. TUES.

BRIGHT WITH A LIGHT WIND. RATIONS: SOUP ETC., 1/5 BREAD, MARGE & CHEESE ALSO BARLEY, WHICH GOES WELL WITH SUGAR. ADVANCE PARTIES HAVE LEFT FOR THE A.H. LAGER, RE-NAMED “JOSEF STALIN CAMP.” CONSIDERABLE MOPPING UP OPERATIONS CONTINUE IN THE SURROUNDING NEIGHBOURHOOD, & A LIGHT SHELL LANDED IN CAMP TO-DAY – NO DAMAGE CAUSED. WE ALL HOPE THE SITUATION CLEARS UP; MANY OF THE MORE IMPATIENT LADS ARE ALREADY MAKING THEIR OWN WAY HOME, BUT IT IS SO UNCERTAIN. GEOFF ON GUARD FOR 24 HOURS COMMENCING 1300 HRS. TO-DAY.

2 WED.

FINE SPRING WEATHER. INCLUDED IN THE DAYS RATION WAS APPROX. 1 lb FLOUR, SO MORE PANCAKES ARE INDICATED; IT ALSO MAKES GOOD PORRIDGE. FOR B’KFAST:- STEWED RHUBARB, B & M, PATÉ & COFFEE. TO-NIGHT THE ADVANCE GUARD RETURNED FROM JOE’S PLACE; IT IS SO OVER-RUN WITH REFUGEES, WOPS ETC., WHO ARE WRECKING THE PLACE, THAT OUR MOVE HAS BEEN SCRUBBED. THE NEWS OF HITLER’S DEATH DOESN’T MEAN MUCH NOW WITH THINGS SO NEAR AN END & ITALY GONE. LOT OF TROOPS PASSED BY THIS AFTERNOON.

3 THUR.

DULL & WET, BUT SUNNY IN THE EVENING. TO-NIGHT AN AMERICAN PRESS CORRESPONDENT ARRIVED. SOME YANKS WHO STRUCK OUT ON THEIR OWN REACHED THE ELBE FOUR DAYS AGO & WERE THE FIRST NEWS OUR TROOPS HAD OF OUR LIBERATION. ED. BEATTIE, A YANKEE KGF. & PRESS CORRT. IS LEAVING WITH THIS CHAP, & WILL BE WITH EISENHOUR [sic] IN PARIS

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86

[Underlined] MAY. [/underlined]

TO-MORROW NIGHT. HE IS TAKING FULL DETAILS OF OUR POSTION, SO WE HOPE SOMETHING TURNS UP VERY SOON. WE HOPE & PRAY WE WILL SOON BE ON OUR WAY OUT OF HERE.

4 FRI.

SLIGHTLY DULL, BUT QUITE PLEASANT. SOME 9TH ARMY (USA.) OFFICERS ARRIVED BY “JEEP” THIS AFTERNOON. ARRANGEMENTS FOR EVACUATION HAVE BEEN MADE & LORRIES ARE SUPPOSED TO ARRIVE TO-MORROW MORNING. SO THE COGS OF ORGANISATION ARE FINALLY IN MOTION! JUST AS WELL TOO; WE ARE ON OUR LAST RED X FOOD TONIGHT – A TIN OF CHEESE.

5 SAT.

AT 1245 HRS. AMBULANCES ARRIVED TO REMOVE THE SICK. LATER 4 TRUCKS, ADVANCE PARTY, BRINGING BREAK & “K” RATIONS ARRIVED, ALSO JEEPS & THE CAPTAIN I/C CONVOY. THE GEN IS THAT ANOTHER CAMP IS BEING CLEARED & ON COMPLETION OF THIS TASK THE TRANSPORT WILL BE DIRECTED HERE. SOME TIME TO-MORROW IS ALL WE KNOW OF THEIR EXPECTED ARRIVAL, BUT IT IS HOPED TO HAVE SUFFICIENT TO CLEAR THE WHOLE CAMP. OF ALL TIMES, I GOT STUCK WITH A 24 HR. GUARD; NOT SO BAD THOUGH AS I WAS ONLY ON ONE NIGHT DUTY & DID ALL RIGHT OUT OF IT.

6. SUN.

DULL & NOT VERY PROMISING! STILL AWAITING THE YANKS. TWENTY-FIVE TRUCKS ARRIVING AT 14/1500 HRS. COMMENCED EVACUATING THE AMERICANS; ALLIED H.Q. HAS ORDERED THIS CAMP TO BE CLEARED AS FOLLOWS:- AMERICANS, BRIT., NORWEGIANS, FRENCH & BELGIANS. AT 2000 HRS TO-NIGHT SOME DISPUTE AROSE REGARDING THE RUSSIANS WHO

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1945 87

[Underlined] MAY. [/underlined]

HAVE NOT RECEIVED CONFIRMATION FROM THEIR H.Q. HOWEVER, THE ‘GEN’ BOARD PROCLAIMES “EVACUATION CONTINUES!” IF THIS IS SO IT IS QUITE PROBABLE THAT WE SHALL MOVE TO-MORROW. WE HOPE SO. “K” RATIONS WERE AMONGST A SMALL ISSUE OF FOOD-STUFF ISSUED TO-DAY & PROVED EXCELLENT MEALS OF CONSIDERABLE VARIETY.

7. MON.

WEATHER MILD, BUT NOT TOO BRIGHT. OUR EVACUATION RECEIVED A KNOCK ON THE HEAD BY THE RUSSIANS REFUSING TO ALLOW THE AMERICANS TO HAVE US. TRUCKS – SUFFICCIENT TO GET US ALL AWAY – ARE NEAR THE CAMP; CAPT. GRANT (U.S.) HAS GONE IN A JEEP TO KHONIEV’S H.Q. TO CLEAR MATTERS UP. IT IS HOPED TO RE-COMMENCE OUR EVACUATION TO-MORROW MORNING, ON HIS RETURN, ASSUMING THAT PERMISSION IS FORTHCOMING. THE SITUATION IS VERY ANNOYING, BEING RETAINED BY ONE’S ALLIES & QUITE A “STINK” IS BEING RAISED BY ALL & SUNDRY. THE RUSSIANS REGISTERED US TO-DAY; COMPLICATIONS WERE ABUNDANT, AS TRANSLATION VIA GERMAN INTO RUSSIAN MADE ONE’S NAME & PARTICULARS A QUEER JUMBLE. NEWS THAT TO-MORROW IS TO BE “V.E.” DAY DOES NOT COME AS A SURPRISE TO ANY OF USE – BUT IMAGINE OUR DISGUST AT STILL BEING HERE. ON LIB. DAY I REALLY THOUGHT & HOPED I WOULD BE HOME FOR THE CELEBRATIONS. I’LL MAKE UP FOR THAT JUST THE SAME.

8. TUES.

A CERTAIN AIR OF EXPECTANCY HAS PERVADED THE ATMOSPHERE THIS MORNING. A STRANGE QUIET HANGS OVER ALL! WILL WE MOVE OR

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[Duplicate Image for pages 86 & 87]

88

[Underlined] MAY. [/underlined]

NOT? 1300 HRS. OUR HOPES WERE SADLY SHAKEN BY THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT OUR RUSSIAN ALLIES (?) REFUSE TO LET US GO. THEY STATE THAT IT IS NOT OFFICIAL & THAT PREPARATIONS FOR OUR EVACUATION IN A [underlined] FEW [/underlined] DAYS ARE BEING MADE. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? OUR OPINION OF THE RUSSIANS HAS GONE DOWN A COUPLE OF NOTCHES – IT IS ALL SO STUPID; FOR US IT IS NOT A VERY HAPPY “V.E.” DAY. HEARD CHURCHILL & THE KING OVER THE RADIO. STEAK & ONIONS FOR TEA.

9 WED.

WIZARD DAY; BAGS OF SUN. W/CDR’s PARADE AT 1430 – NOT MUCH GEN TO GIVE. HOPE THE LT/COL WHO WENT TO SAGAN LAST NIGHT GETS HIS FINGER OUT. A LARGE CONVOY IS PARKED OUTSIDE THE CAMP – ARE THEY FOR US? CAN’T SAY YET, BUT GOT OUR FINGERS CROSSED.

10 THUR.

THE NORWEGIANS PULLED OUT EARLY THIS MORNING IN THE TRUCKS – APPEARS WE MUST AWAIT GEN FROM THE REPAT COMN. & AS ANGLO-AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVES HAVE NOT YET JOINED IT I SUSPECT WE MAY HAVE A GOOD WHILE HERE YET. DAILY NEWS OF LANCS. FLYING HOME REPATS. MAKES US FEEL LIKE THE “LOST LEGION.” OUR RATIONS ARE SUFFICIENT BUT YOU GET TIRED OF CONTINUAL SOUP, BREAD & CHEESE. REALLY HOT TO-DAY – EVEN DEPRESSING!

11 FRI.

STILL CONTINUES GLORIOUS WEATHER. TO-DAY’S LOCAL NEWS SHEET GAVE DETAILS OF THE S.B.O.’s LATEST MEETING WITH GEN. FAMIN; THEY ARE NOW AWAITING INSTRUCTIONS TO MOVE US, FROM THE BRITISH. HE WAS EXTREMELY DISATISFIED WITH OUR SITUATION AS REGARDS FOOD & QUARTERS

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1945 89

[Underlined] MAY [/underlined]

& SAID THAT CAPT. MEDVEDEV WOULD BE COURT-MARTIALLED. MOVED INTO 9N. TO MAKE ROOM FOR BELGIAN REFUGEES.

12 SAT.

MOVED AGAIN! THIS TIME TO THE “TROOPEN-LAGER;” ACCOMODATION VERY GOOD – 11 TO A ROOM & BUNKS. STILL WE DON’T WANT TO STAY LONG HERE, EVEN IN COMFORTABLE SURROUNDINGS. SPENT AFTERNOON BASKING IN THE SUN. LOVELY WEATHER.

13 SUN.

NO FURTHER NEWS OR EVEN DECENT RUMOURS, BUT WE STILL HOLD OUT HOPES OF MOVING BEFORE JUNE! (JOKE!) HOT AS HELL, & COLD SHOWERS ARE VERY WELCOME.

14 MON.

A COLD BREEZE TOOK TO HEAT OUT OF A STRONG SUN. RECEIVED 1/7 DANISH (?) PARCEL (U.S. PACKED) – NOT MUCH BUT WE DON’T MISS IT, AS THE BREAD ETC. IS PLENTIFUL - A BIT DRY THOUGH. TOOK A STROLL THIS EVENING THROUGH THE WOODS – LOVELY FOR WALKING.

15 TUES.

SUNNY, BUT WITH STRONG W. WIND. GETS MORE LIKE A R.A.F. STATION EVERY DAY – & THAT DOES NOT EXACTLY SUIT US; AFTER ALL WE ARE RE-PATS!

16 WED.

GLORIOUS DAY. LATEST GEN: COMMITTEE FORMED AT DRESDEN – ALL KGES. IN RUSSIAN HANDS TO BE LIBERATED & HOME A MONTH FROM THE 15TH INST. WE ARE FIRST (SO THEY SAY!) & RUSKIES SAY WE WILL BE MOVED BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH. I SHOULD HOPE SO!! MAY BE ABLE TO GET A CARD HOME I UNDERSTAND.

17 THUR.

ANOTHER GOOD DAY, BUT AT NIGHT (03.00 HRS.) QUITE A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM BROKE LOOSE. RAIN, WIND, THUNDER & LIGHTENING MADE ONE HELL OF A DIN; STILL IT DID CLEAR THE AIR & COOL THE PLACE DOWN A BIT. NOT

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90

[Underlined] MAY [/underlined]

MUCH DOING DURING THE DAY.

18 FRI.

BACK TO SUNSHINE AGAIN – DESPITE LAST NIGHTS STORM THE GROUND IS BONE DRY. DISCONTENT IS RIPE – DRO’s & S.S.O.’s SEEM SO MUCH “BULL” AT A PLACE LIKE THIS & TOO MUCH DISTINCTION BETWEEN OFFICERS & N.C.O’s IS ENOUGH TO GE THE BOYS’ BACKS UP. WILL BE GLAD TO MOVE, ESPECIALLY AS CONSTANT BREAD & CHEESE IS A BIT OF A BIND; OUR COFFEE IS GETTING LOW! WROTE HOME.

19 SAT.

SUNNY BUT CLOUDY & NOT TOO HOT EVEN IN THE SUN. THERE IS A DANCE ON TO-NIGHT; HOW SUCCESSFUL IT WILL BE I DON’T KNOW, BUT CAN’T EXPECT MUCH HERE. THERE ARE ABOUT 250 WOMEN HERE, REPRESENTING ALL OF THE 25 NATIONALS HERE; TOTAL STRENGTH ON THE CAMP IS ABOUT 16,000 – OUT OF ORIGINAL 1490 R.A.F. NCO’s ONLY 592 ARE LEFT. GEOFF. & I HAD JUST SET OUT FOR OUR NIGHTLY WALK AT 21OO HRS. & HAD JUST REACHED THE VORLAGER WHEN THE SIREN WENT – BEING THE RECALL SIGNAL WE WERE FULL OF EXPECTATION; GEN IS WE SHALL LEAVE TO-MORROW TO BE HANDED OVER TO OUR OWN FORCES AT DESSAU. GOOD NEWS, INDEED!!!

20 SUN.

PARADED AT 10.00 HRS., WHEN WE RECEIVED INSTRUCTIONS TO ASSEMBLE WHEN SIREN WAS SOUNDED – 12.00 HRS. LOADING COMMENCED, & WE FINALLY LEFT CAMP AT 13.30.HRS. PROGRESS WAS NOT TO [sic] GOOD OWING TO BRIDGES BEING DESTROYED; WE MADE ABOUT NINE DETOURS THRO’ WOODS BECAUSE OF THIS. REACHED ELBE NEAR WITENBURG [sic] AT 1900 HRS. & TRANSFERRED TO

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1945. 91

[Underlined] MAY. [/underlined]

U.S. TRUCKS. DESTINATION HALLE, WHICH WE ARRIVED AT ABOUT 2100 HRS. (U.S. TIME.) BEING TIRED AFTER OUR JOURNEY WE ALL LOOKED FORWARD TO SUPPER & BED.

21. MON.

UP EARLY HERE – B’KFAST 0700 HRS. GOOD FOOD & WHITE BREAD – BIG DIFFERENCE FROM JERRY STUFF. EXPECT TO BE HERE TWO/THREE DAYS. CINEMA SHOW IN AFTERNOON – “EADIE WAS A LADY.” TOOK A STROLL AROUND – LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF WRECKED ENEMY a/c ALL AROUND. MEALS ALL VERY GOOD – FRUIT, GRAPEFRUIT JIUCE – EGG – PORK CHOPS; GOOD ISSUE OF CIGS. & CHOCOLATE DAILY, WHILE TO-DAY WE ALSO DREW A FEW COMFORTS FROM THE RED CROSS CLUB.

22 TUES.

THUNDERY LAST NIGHT & HEAVY SHOWERS; OVER-CAST ALL DAY, OCCASIONAL SHOWERS. JUST WAITING FOR SHIPPING OUT, BUT NO ONE MINDS A FEW DAYS HERE, AS IT IS QUITE PLEASANT. ANOTHER CINEMA SHOW TO-NIGHT WITH “LADY LET’S DANCE,” & “THE ANIMAL KINGDOM.” FILLED IN INTEROGATION [sic] FORMS THIS AFTERNOON.

23 WED.

CLOUDY, WITH BRIGHT INTERVALS. SIT AROUND ALL DAY & GO TO SHOW AT NIGHT – SAW “SUSPECT.” TROUBLE IS THE CLOUD IS TOO LOW & FLYING NOT POSSIBLE; STILL I’VE BEEN IN A LOT WORSE.

24 [underlined] THUR. [/underlined]

DULL, WET & COLD – TERRIBLE! CINEMA TO-NIGHT SHOWING “HAVE A WONDERFUL CRIME” MAY AS WELL GO ALONG AS WE CAN’T PLAY CARDS ALL THE TIME. QUITE A CROWD HERE NOW WITH YESTERDAY’S INFLUX, SO WE MAY GET MOVING SOONER.

25 FRI.

CONTINUES DULL WITH FREQUENT SHOWERS;

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92

[Underlined] MAY. [/underlined]

TYPICAL COLD SECTOR. UNDERSTAND THERE IS A STAND-BY THIS MORNING.

[Page break]

[Blank page]

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104

[Underlined] Addresses. [/underlined]

JOHNNY D. JONES
See Page 105.

I. SPAGATNER,
4, ARKENDALE RD.,
CATFORD,
LONDON, S.E.6

B. J. HOWARTH,
18, BELMONT CLOSE,
MOUNT PLEASANT,
COCKFOSTERS.
NR BARNET HERTS.
BARNET 5332

BOB. E. KENDALL,
47, LYNWOOD GARDENS,
ORRELL PARK.
LIVERPOOL. 9.

JOE LUDWIG,
BROWNING,
SASKATCHEWAN,
CANADA.

GEOFF. FLAY,
10A, PORTAGE RD.,
OTAHUHU, SE7
AUCKLAND, N.Z.

DAVE COOPER,
FINALE FARM,
CHIBI SHABANI,
S. RHODESIA.

LELAND S. O’LEARY,
762, BEAVERBROOK ST.,
FREDERICKTON,
N.B. CANADA.

JACK LINDSAY,
402 RIVERSDALE RD.,
SURREY HILLS, E.10.,
MELBOURNE, VIC.,
AUSTRALIA.

J. EARNEST PENMAN,
GLENBROOK,
N.S.W.,
AUSTRALIA.

ROY A.F. GREENE,
SOUTH RESIDENCE,
POINT ROAD.,
DURBAN, NATAL, S.A.

LISLE PULLBROOK, Jr.,
BOX 2697X,
ELIZABETH ST., P.O.,
MELBOURNE, VIC.,
AUSTRALIA.

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CONTD. 105

C.W. FORD, (MICK)
40 LACEY AVE,
TORONTO,
ONTARIO, CAN

JOHN. D. JONES
6 PENYCRAIG TERRACE
PONTYPOOL
Monmouthshire

GORDON WEEDON,
THE DELL FARM,
LATIMER,
BUCKS.

George Kelly.
200 ELLESMERE ST
Possilpark
Glasgow N.

Thomas Glenn
2, Lansdowne Gdns,
Jesmond
N/C-on-Tyne. 2.

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[Repeated page]

[Inserted] JOHN JONES
I SPAGNATNER
B.J. HOWARTH
BOB KENDAL
Were all crew on same plane as George
Ian B. Jan ’24 [/inserted]

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106

[Underlined] Books. [/underlined] [Drawing]

1/ STORY OF 20TH CENT. EXPLORATION – CHAS. E. KEY. ***
2/ EVEREST, 1933 – H. RUTTLEDGE ***
3/ SAILING ALL SEAS IN “IDLE HOUR.” – DWIGHT LONG **
4/ HOME OF THE BLIZZARD – SIR D. MAWSON **
5/ PAUL REVERE (BIOGY.) – ESTHER FORBES *
6/ FOUR YEARS IN PARADISE – OSA JOHNSON. ****
7/ MIDWINTER – JNO. BUCHAN ****
8/ SELECTED TALES OF ALGERON BLACKWOOD. **
9/ SONGS OF A SOURDOUGH (POEMS) – R.W. SERVICE.
10/ OLD ST. PAULS – W.H. AINSWORTH **
11/ CHEIRO’S REAL LIFE STORIES – LOUIS HAMON *
12/ HALF MILE DOWN – WM. BEEDE. ***
13/ STARS & TELESCOPES – JAS STOKLEY. ****
14/ SIR NIGEL. – SIR A.C-DOYLE ****
15/ CATRIONA – R.L. STEVENSON **
16/ HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES – A.C. DOYLE. ***
17/ THIS ABOVE ALL – ERIC KNIGHT.
18/ EVIDENCE OF THINGS SEEN – ELIZ. DALY **
19/ POLITICAL ECONOMY – S.J. CHAPMAN. ***
20/ THREE MEN IN A BOAT. – J.K. JEROME ***
21/ WITCH WOOD -JNO. BUCHAN ****
22/ A LEGEND OF MONTROSE – SIR W. SCOTT **
23/ WORKING MY WAY AROUND THE WORLD – H.A. FRANCK **
24/ DISCOVERY. – R.E. BYRD *****
26/ THE SPIRIT OF THE HILLS – F.S. SMYTHE ***
26/ ORDEAL BY HUNGER – G.R. STEWART JR. **
27/ MAMA’S BANK ACCOUNT – KATHRYN FORBES ***

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107

28/ TUMBLING RIVER RANGE – W.C. TUTTLE **
29/ NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (1). – C. DICKENS ****
30/ THE STARS IN THEIR COURSES (MUST BUY IT!) – JAS. H. JEANS *****
31/ THE FOUR FEATHERS – A.E.W. MASON ****
32/ BURNING OF AN EMPIRE – S. HOLBROKE. **
33/ AMERICAN SHORT STORIES – (PENGUIN).
34/ HIGHLAND JOURNEY – COLIN MACDONALD ***
35/ MY FATHER IS A QUIET MAN – TOMMY WADELTON ***
36/ CASE OF THE HOWLING DOG – E.S. GARDNER ***
37/ NURSING HOME MURDER – N. MARSH ETC. **
38/ SILK STOCKING MURDERS – (PENGUIN) ***
39/ NORTHANGER ABBEY – JANE AUSTEN
40/ JOBS OF WORK (T.F. OUTPOSTS) – BLACKWOOD **
41/ THREE FRIENDS – N. COLLINS ****
42./ SHE WAS A QUEEN – M. COLLINS ****

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109

THINGS TO ENQUIRE ABOUT

[Underlined] Memorandum [/underlined]

[/Underlined] PERSONAL KIT: [/underlined] CIGARETTE LIGHTER, PIPE, TOBACCO POUCH, WALLET WITH PHOTOS ETC., LETTERS, ROLLS RAZOR, SHAVING KIT, COLLECTION OF BOOKS, CLOTHING,

[Underlined] REMEMBER: [/underlined] THE CATERPILLAR CLUB – STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS – VOL V A. OF THE F.P. – BOOK CLUB –

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110 LETTERS

[Underlined] PREVIOUSLY SENT: [/underlined] To home – Letters CARDS; To Winnie – 1 Card;

[Underlined] MUM & DAD [/underlined] – 11/11 (L) 18/11 (C) 26/11 (L) 4/12 (C) 12/12 (L) 18/12 (C) 25/12 (L)
[underlined] 1945 [/underlined] 1/1 (C) 10/1 (L) 15/1 (C) 13/2 (C) 21/2 (L) 5/3 (C) [underlined] 16/5 (L) [/underlined]

[Underlined] THE WYLLIES. [/underlined] 14/11 (P.C.)
[Underlined] NORMAN. [/underlined] 15/11 (P.C.)
[Underlined] NEIL [/underlined] 27/11 (C)
[Underlined] MGT. & SUSIE [/underlined] 16/12 (C)
[Underlined] BANK. (J.Y.C.) [/underlined] 25/12 (C)
[Underlined] THE WILSONS [/underlined] 15/1 (C)
[Underlined] INDIA. [/underlined] 6/3 (C)

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112

[Ticket] “Little Theatre”
[Underlined] Entrance Ticket [/underlined]
(BANKAU).

[Ticket]

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[Underlined] BOOKS APPLIED FOR. [/underlined]

SYKES BANKING & CURRENCY } THROUGH GENEVA 2/11/44.
MANUEL [sic] OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE ) THROUGH GENEVA 2/11/44.

WALLACE + McNEILS BANK LAW } FROM HOME. 11/11/44.
x HISTORY, LAW & PRACTICE OF – STOCK EXCHANGE (POLEY & GOULD) } FROM HOME. 11/11/44.

(x [underlined] NOT ASKED FOR. [/underlined])
[Underlined] SUBJECTS: - [/underlined] ECONOMICS; FRENCH; GOVERNMENT.


[Boxed] MEMBERS EXAM. [/boxed]

POLITICAL ECONOMY.
STOCKS & S. EX. TRANS.CTNS
HISTORY & PRINCIPLES OF BANKING & CURRENCY.
THEORY & PRACTICE OF FOREIGN EX.

PRINCIPLES OF SCOTS LAW & CON.V.Y.
LAW OF BANKRUPTCY
MERCANTILE LAW .x.
LAW OF BILLS, CHEQUES, etc.
PRACTICAL BANKING

.x. [Underlined] INCLUDES – INCOME TAX. [/underlined]

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[Underlined] PAY FROM 1/9/44 – 30/4/45 [/underlined]

PAY AT 13/6 p. DAY TO 30/4/45 £117 - -
(Calculated on old rate!)

6D a day from 1/1/42. 23 5 -
Approx amt. due £140 5 -

PLUS Leave money etc. as calculated from Camp (Doubtful) 47 2 8

TOTAL £187 2 8

[Calculations]

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4 Swans } Handed in 30/11/44
2 [indecipherable word] } Handed in 30/11/44
3 English } Handed in 30/11/44

[Camel cigarette carton]

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[100 MARK Bank note back]

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[hundert mark Bank note front]

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[100 MARK Bank note back]

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[hundert mark Bank note front]

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[Matchbox cover]

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[Klim wrapper]

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[Klim wrapper]

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[Cheese wrapper]

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[HERSHEY’S Chocolate wrapper]

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[Chocolate wrapper]

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[DEUX 2 FRANCS Bank note front]

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[Bank note back]

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[Card]

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[Underlined] 14 days on road [/underlined]

[Underlined] 146 miles covered. [/underlined]

(8 days later at IIIA).

[Underlined] RATIONS [/underlined]

2 2/3 loaves
4 packets Knack-Werke
(Course Rye-vita)
1 bag small biscuits
6 1/2 cups of soup
4 cups porridge
1/2 cup dry oats
1/2 cup barley

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[Card front]

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[Card back]

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[letter outside]

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[letter inside]

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[Cloth Wings badge]

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[Back cover]