18 August 1945

Roll Call last night with the following announcement: "There will probably be a fire drill some time during the night. If the siren outside the camp sounds then the bell in the camp will be rung, in which case everybody will fall in as quickly as possible carrying three blankets each."

My - what a breakfast!! We had a medium bowl of pap in which I mixed up some milk powder and jam, a fairly good vegetable stew and a small loaf of bread on which I put a goodly portion of butter and the balance of my jam. It was sure a most satisfying meal and with a couple of pipes after I was quite content.

There is a rumour now to the effect that two Red+ parcels per head are expected, one for immediate issue and the other to take with us when we move.

Had a fair issue of rice and portion of Bully Beef for mid-day meal, used half the rice with Bully and the other half with some butter and milk plus milk for drinking. Boy, it was good!

Two more small pieces of gossip. Three Japanese Officers arrived at the Camp this afternoon. One was shown around by the C.C. and the assumption is that the new Officer will be taking over the Camp. Secondly, the rice ration is being increased to 700g from tomorrow.

Another rumour from Straw George (although Japanese, about the mildest I've met) is that peace has been signed and that we will be leaving in a few days time.

The extra rice was issued but taken back again as stocks were short in store.

Latest rumour is that we leave on the 21st and draw our heavy baggage tomorrow.

Had a fair issue of rice with portion of salmon and a very tasty stew for the evening meal.