23 June 1945

Yasume today.

Was speaking to one of the new arrivals who said that NAGASAKI, during the big raid and bombardment, was practically levelled to the ground, especially the Docks and that it was now useless as a Port, also that a large Task Force was landed at the time.

He says that about 400 PoWs were killed after which they closed the Camp and transferred the remaining PoWs to the hills and most of these were suffering from shell shock.

Regarding FUKUOKA, this is a Port and the largest town on the Island, and, the night before they left had a real good raid, the Docks suffering much the same as NAGASAKI also that a great deal of damage was done to the town and that the fires could have been seen for miles around.

Round about 8 o/c this morning planes were heard not so very far away and can hear the continuous rumbling of bombs, it was some music to hear it, the funny part about it was that no alarm was sounded beforehand. There was a heap of stuff dropped and one can only hope they did some real good damage. Soon after the Japanese held a fire practice, and we were all marched off to the Mineshaft, and talk about being packed like sardines in a tin, well, sardines would have plenty of room to swim about in compared to the way we were packed.

After marching back to Camp we were fell in to witness a present to the diligent workers and afterwards given a talk to by the Interpreter on what we are ordered to write about on various subjects to be completed and handed in within two weeks. We have got to write nearly 400 words, 100 of which is to deal solely on the inhuman bombing being carried out by the Americans, absolutely blind bombing, not being carried out according to International Law, but like animals, beasts of the worst kind, so it looks as if the bombings are beginning to tell and the squealing has commenced. Regarding the so called blind bombings, one Yank commented - If they can do all this with blind bombing, what will they do when they have their eyes open ?

The parade lasted till 11.30 so we haven't had much time to ourselves for Yasume day. Had raisins with the rice and sweetened coffee. for breakfast .
Got paid today, Yen 30. Had small portion of Bully Beef with the evening meal.