9 September 1945

We were able to get a bottle of beer per head for each Officer from the Mine Authorities today, I'm sure going to enjoy it this evening. Had another jaunt to the local town for a haircut and on return found another bottle of beer had arrived, this means one per head for everybody; I understand another 800 are expected tomorrow.

The only rice I have eaten today was what I had for breakfast and although I haven't eaten so much in bulk as on all rice days I feel much more satisfied with a stomach as tight as a drum. I think I can call it a safe bet that I shall cut out all rice tomorrow.

Have heard a rumour that we are all being flown from here to Manilla owing to it being too dangerous for shipping to approach the Island owing to the mines. Will no doubt find out for sure tomorrow.

Special mention was made in the wireless news this evening to the condition of the men from the copper mine in Formosa; they were living skeletons. Quite a few of us were originally at this Camp (Kinkaseki) before going to Shirakawa.

Also heard that some of the civilians have been selling wood alcohol to some of the troops as being genuine Sake; this poison has resulted in six deaths. Col. Petrie, with an American Col of the Medical Corps, has acquired oxygen cylinders and other apparatus in an endeavour to save more lives.

Have just heard that a report has come through from one of the camps at Moji to say that they got a message from one of the planes which read : -

"YOU ARE LUCKY GUYS, AN ATOMIC BOMB WAS DUE AT MOJI FOR 16th"