Harry’s diaries highlight a personal account of endurance and survival at the mercy of the Imperial Japanese Army, told through over 600 days of handwritten entries. Here, we will tell the story of one prisoner’s journey as word spreads that the war in Europe has concluded—and the days leading up to the end of the Second World War. Every day between VE Day and VJ Day, Harry’s story will be told as it was written eighty years prior—in real time.
Harry's Story
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
Harry's Story
Another alarm last night. Sweetened coffee for breakfast. Cheese sauce with evening meal also 40 Japanese cigarettes. A few Officers got beaten up by one of the Guards (Yamnio) on the farm today. They reported the matter to the Commandant on return to Camp and he, in turn, gave them
Harry's Story
Bread has stopped again owing to the yeast going bad. Sweetened coffee for breakfast. The broken pieces of chocolate with raisins, flour and milk were mixed up into a sauce for the evening meal and it was exceptionally good. The sirens were on the go all day today.
Harry's Story
Another air raid alarm last night and I have never heard such a long continuous passage of planes overhead before. Had cheese, bread and sweetened coffee for breakfast, also packet of American cigarettes and some fruit. The new party has arrived, 100 strong but only 13 Officers amongst them, they
Harry's Story
Sweetened coffee for breakfast. Had to hand in one blanket so it's a sure sign that some more people are expected. Got prune sauce with the evening meal and it was sure good also got two packets American cigarettes.
Harry's Story
Another Alarm last night and I hear a fair amount of stuff was dropped. Bread started again today. Got some interesting news on return from the Farm. The Dutch Oil Tanker crew are to work at the Minehead now as stokers etc, 50 new Officers and 60 Other Ranks are
Harry's Story
Had cheese mixed in with the stew last night and it was good, also sweetened coffee for breakfast this morning. Reverting to the release of the parcels, they with rice and flour, were being kept as an emergency reserve, so the release is significant in that there is no further
Harry's Story
Another Air Raid Alarm last night even although it was pouring with rain. Have learned tonight that of the 200 word radio messages the Officers were so generously allowed to send through the magnanity of Japan only 31% were sent. The others being torn up. One piece of good news
Harry's Story
Another Alarm last night. Latest information is that the Camp ration of rice has been cut by 62 kg daily from tomorrow, so it looks as if we are likely to have a lean time in future.
Harry's Story
Yasume today. Another Alarm last night. Reveille and Roll Call one hour later. Raisin and rice cake with sweetened coffee for breakfast and a packet of chocolate soon after. Got weighed and went 52.9 kg an increase of 1.4 kg. This is probably due to the slight increase
Harry's Story
Another air raid alarm last night and some pretty heavy stuff was dropped.
Harry's Story
BASHER the 2nd was on the go again this evening; he gave everybody in one of the rooms a pretty hefty beating up, so much so that two of them passed out (Ractliffe and Fortt). Ractliffe, the Hut Chief, got the worst of it and was, in addition, put in