31 August 1945

Rumour is circulating that Gen. Wainwright is taking over command of the whole of the occupying forces. If such is the case he knows exactly what we have had to undergo as he has himself personally experienced it even to the carrying of Benjo (human manure).

Got a tin of what is called breakfast ration between two, containing: four biscuits, coffee essence to make 1/2 pint, cake of sugared cereal, 4 sugar squares and 20 chocolate coated peanuts. This we have decided to eat as a snack with our midday meal.

On getting the box of matches yesterday I was like a child with a new toy with the pleasure derived from being able to strike a match, a thing we have not been allowed to possess since leaving Singapore.

Had quite a good midday meal, the snack mentioned above with a small loaf of bread and a double measure of vegetable stew - the first double measure we have had in this camp. It was piping hot and also had some salt in it, a commodity practically unknown in any of the food we have been issued with by the Japanese.

Have now had the following issued: 2 packets of chewing gum, another packet of American cigarettes and a box of matches, a tin of pork and beans and a large tin of peaches.