Harry's Story
17 May 1945
According to report 900 planes are supposed to have taken part in the big raids the other day which were mostly directed against aerodromes.
Harry's Story
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
16 May 1945
The farm party had quite an interesting day. Breakfast and lunch, which they took with them were much bigger than the meals we have been getting as Camp workers. They paraded at 7 o/c, got to their destination by train soon after 8 o/c and hung about for
Harry's Story
15 May 1945
An Alert during the night but the air activity now appears to have come to an end, so whatever the object of these raids was it appears to have been successfully completed. Work on the Big Farm commences tomorrow with 20 Officers going out; they will get the same size
Harry's Story
14 May 1945
There seems to have been a series of raids all night long, all the lights were out and heavy crumps could be heard. All Clear went at 5.30 and at 6.15 the alarm sounded again and it sounds as if there's a devil of a lot
Harry's Story
13 May 1945
We had to fall in at 1 o/c for a speech by the Commander. He pointed out that in the past we had been working for our health, but that in future we would have to work longer and harder in order to retain our health by working for
Harry's Story
12 May 1945
Got a packet of American cigarettes (20) today. Breakfast was as small as ever this morning. Started on bread again today and with the small piece of fish issued with it made quite an excellent midday meal, the only fault being that it was very more-ish. Got 40 Japanese cigarettes.
Harry's Story
11 May 1945
Officially, bread starts again tomorrow and is being issued for midday meal instead of morning. Had coffee with milk and sugar this morning, this is the last of the coffee. Our vegetable stew was very meagre, being practically clear soup and no vegetables. Got weighed today, 52 Kilos, a loss
Harry's Story
10 May 1945
Rumour has it that Roosevelt, in his New Years speech, (also a speech by the new President Truman) reiterated that all Prisoners in the Far East will be home before Christmas. We are not only hoping that this will be, but we are fully expecting it to be the case.
Harry's Story
9 May 1945
Tomorrow and the next day are Yasume days for half the Camp each day.
Harry's Story
8 May 1945
Rumour has it that a new Camp Commandant has arrived.