Life is made only tolerable by issues of precious food and the transient comfort of often-censored letters from home. The squalor, exhaustion and unrelenting tedium are ever-present in David Nell's memoirs of his life as a soldier in the s and as a POW in Italy and Germany after his capture are reproduced verbatim, it seems, from his daily diary entries. The squalor, exhaustion and unrelenting tedium are ever-present in his diary, as are the frustrations of the final 15 months in captivity as hopes of rescue and liberation are dashed frequently.
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The final months of the conflict are particularly harrowing. Neil's diaries were written in his determination to overcome the illiteracy which had plagued his childhood. On that score alone, the book is a triumph. As a historical chronicle and an atmospheric account of those often forgotten when the history of this global conflict is considered, it is doubly successful.
Graham Denham rated it really liked it Dec 03, Hunter marked it as to-read Jul 01, Sofia marked it as to-read Nov 02, Graham Millichap marked it as to-read Jun 23, Melissa Mays added it Aug 13, There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Vicki Dawson from Findmypast told Huffington Post Australia people will be able to gain valuable insight into what relatives went through during captivity. These records are invaluable given the classification they've had until now and can further tell the story of heroics made by so many brave people involved in the war.
In some huts, the wooden platform is missing and men have to sleep on the ground. Started work at docks, loading and unloading cargo ships. Rice, about gm per day. A little dried fish, times per week and tapioca root. Inadequate supply of cooking oil. Help received from Indian troops in next camp in the way of curry powder and extra rations.
Complete rations totally inadequate. Here, Wilkie is describing a prisoner transport on board ship to Japan. Between September the ship was torpedoed.
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Wilkie describes spending nights in a lifeboat before being picked up by Japanese a ship. Sailed in convoy as under: Life belts issued to all. Food on-board ship about the same quality as Singapore but more variety. Wholly inadequate Red Cross medical supplies. Feb 12th Nothing fresh, moving into another position, what a reception each move is worse than the last. I have just had a narrow escape one dropped 30 yrds away knocked me out — blind for a while and slight scratch in leg otherwise ok.
Not so for a few of others back in HQ, 3 killed 6 wounded.
Perhaps thinking of Betty and children and knowing that they are always praying for me keeps me up. In any case I must keep my nerve - if I go, how can I expect my own men to carry on, fine fellows that they are. Feb 13th Again that damned trench mortar fire, also a sniper in the trees somewhere north of us — a bullet whistled between Fred Birch and I this morning. I must keep his name? Booker who has taken Adams place who has gone in with shell shock. Feb 14th The firing seems extra heavy today but I believe that we are holding out very well.
I wonder how long we will have to wait before we are relieved there is some talk of Americans on the way they want to hurry up we are very tired. I have orders to take out a patrol tonight. Feb 15th Back from patrol took Scovell. They must be only yrds away. Had a good laugh over experience however, safe and sound and very little information to give.
Managed to have quite a good breakfast, hot tea and bacon. Quiet for an hour or so. We have to cease fire at I think the silence after all the terrific din is very frightening. I broke down and cried as I have never done in my life before. Have just learned that the water pipe line was captured and people in Singapore were without water and also badly hurt on account of air raids.
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It was the civilian population who gave in not the army. So have nothing to be ashamed of, the Jap General said it was the most stubborn opposition he had ever met when you realise that we had no air support it is a wonder we lived to tell the tale. I am going to have a sleep. The first for 8 days apart from an odd hour here and there.
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We are awaiting our orders from Japs. I feel very tired and wont rest after it all that is the reaction whilst all the trouble was on had no time to think of rest or food.
POW: Diary of a Prisoner of War by David Nell
At this time Scorell and Birch seem quite excited about it they are chaffing at the bit - so much for that. I believe we will be moved tomorrow. Feb 17th We are to prepare for an 18 mile march to our prison Camp moving off at 10am it is now 8am. By jingo 18 miles and I feel half dead so does everyone else never mind will make it after all it could have been worse as it is I am physically well.
The PoW, his lost diary and a lover called 'G'
Feb 18th Arrived at Changi Prison Camp at 8pm. Last night just flopped down on grass and went fast asleep awoke 7am. It seems this place was a military camp and Japs are allowing us to use it. I notice our ration lorry turned up with a few days rations I wonder what we will have to live on during our stay here? At the moment I feel very tired and also have two beautiful big blisters on my feet.
Feb 18th 6pm We were able to go down to beach for a bathe this afternoon feel much better. Feb 19th Our platoon have been placed in a hut and I must say we are very lucky owing to the fact of monsoon starting very shortly just taken stock of my belongings have one shirt and pair of pants, socks boots about 16oza tobacco 40 cigs also photograph of Betty and children which is main thing.
Its funny but they seem to be in mind all the time now. Blokes turning up who we thought were lost it is good to see them again. I understand rice is to be our chief food??? I have had small attach of dysentery got over it.