Corp Glyn Edwards

Following the heavy raids on my city of Coventry, I volunteered for the RAFVR shortly before my 20th birthday - which didn't please dear old mum as my two older brothers had been called up and were serving abroad.

Reporting to RAF Padgate for medical tests and training, several of us were sent home on deferred service - until required ! Having joined as a Wop/Ag, I was disappointed being told that probably owing to exploding bombs and gunfire, my right ear was slightly deaf so I would be put on general duties for awhile.

Completing six weeks square bashing at Blackpool in June 1941, I was posted to Lossiemouth for four weeks then posted overseas. Boarding the troopship FRANCONIA at Liverpool, troops discovered that we would be rounding Africa on a ten weeks voyage. Bound for Egypt via Freetown, West Africa, Durban S.Africa and Port Tewfik Egypt.

I'm no longer stationed at Aboukir ..... travelled 160 miles to Helwan yesterday, along with Titch, Jock, Taffy and a few of the others. Here we now are, living under canvas on the desert sands.

Following a chilly night and ready for a cup of tea, I was the first to throw back my blanket this morning to arise from the bed of sand. To my horror, underneath my 'pillow' lay the most hideous creature possible ... the lads were soon out of their beds when I yelled .... staring down. all eyes settled on the big black scorpion curled up under the very spot where my head had rested all night. A quick search under theirs, produced nothing alarming ... much to their great relief. The tail with the sting in moved up and down, before its lobster-like body was crushed lifeless. Peace reigned again on the western front !

Making for the cold water tap attached to a long pipe snaking itself across the sands, we were amazed to see in the far distance, Egypt's famous pyramids. What a surprise and what a thrill, as we had no idea that they would be in sight owing to us having arrived in the hours of darkness.

This camp consists entirely of Bell-tents and after reporting to the Orderly-Room, also a tent, earlier today, we have been instructed to erect a few more on the far side of the camp. God knows why they require more ... many of them remain unoccupied. I have been given Guard duty this evening so will be unable to pay a visit to Cairo with the other lads ... just my ruddy luck !

I should think by now, that those back home will have received my letter with the 103 M.U. address on, and that a reply is already on the way there. When they receive my new address AGAIN with 113 Squadron Middle East Forces ... they'll be wondering what I'm playing at. Three months has now passed without receiving any news ... hope we are here long enough to get some sort of a letter !

Getting slightly fed up with this sand; blows into your face; gets mixed up in the food, and our skin is like sandpaper owing to the stuff sticking to the sweat, as we work in the heat of the day.

Have been detailed for another guard duty tonight; may just as well have joined the blasted army ! Still, this should leave me free to go into Cairo on Christmas Eve and I have Christmas Day off.

We hear that things are getting worse in the Far East and that the Japs are causing havoc everywhere they go. Fierce fighting is still going on in parts of the Middle East and we are wondering where do we all go from here!

Christmas Day ... my first ever away from home and family life. Feeling rather homesick and special thoughts go out to them on this special day of the year. Have spent the day quietly playing cards in our tent .. and managed to win a few 'bob' for a change.

Up to last Christmas, we always had a great party at home, and mum never failed to bake delicious fruit flans with oozings of cream on top .. to be placed on the table with the other many 'goodies'

We are obviously going to get involved in the Far East War, and it certainly looks like being a blood bath. We have heard that Hong Kong has fallen to the Japs; thousands of British, Canadians, Chinese and Indian defenders surrendered on Christmas Day ... of all days !

Carried out another guard duty since arriving here. Quite hot but the wind is blowing like hell; sand in the tent; in the food; in the mouth ... sand blowing everywhere. We should be away from here by tomorrow. Have explored the ruins of Suez but will be stopping on camp tonight. New Year's Eve and stony broke ... all of us, early to bed ... 'Happy New Year' everybody, especially for those back home.

Reveille was at 6 a.m. and following an early breakfast, kit was packed and the squadron ready for departure to the docks. Some of us had a little less kit to pack, however, because feeling browned off and a little homesick last night, we left our beds and gathering items of kit together, hastily made for the bazaars in town, hoping to find a buyer for the stuff.

A furtive looking Arab took us through the dimly lit back alleys and we were ushered into a tailor's shop, and left in the hands of the heavily bearded 'boss'. Handling our wares rather roughly the great barter began. but finally on being offered a ridiculous price such as 5 piastres (1/-) for a nearly new RAF woollen jumper and just as stupid prices for other articles of clothing, we declined the offers, but on leaving was stopped at the door by a couple of tough looking 'nuts', who enticed us to take the money offered .

man, but the crew consists of various nationalities. The 'Felix' is on the Suez to Bombay run, and several Indian Troops aboard, are on their way home after fighting and being wounded in North Africa campaigns. One such chap aged about eighteen, doesn't appear to mix with the others ... they are of different caste and have very little to do with him. Seems queer when they have all been fighting the same battles together.

Many men have been packing the decks again, sunbathing, others have been carrying out various duties including 'guard'. Have been spared these up to now but I'll probably get my fair share before this trips over. Looking down into the water as we pass along, I can't help but give a thought to the young chap who died when last in these waters. Must have been somewhere in this area where his body was laid to rest.

Supplies alright ! The Felix Rousell is anchored just off Massawa, and barges are bringing from the mainland, Italian prisoners of war who were captured in the Eritrean campaign. Over 1,000 are being brought aboard we are told, and they are to be billeted in the holds of the ship. God help them down there; I guess the wretched souls will be spending the rest of the war locked up in a camp in Bombay.

The ship's side is listing heavily, as nearly everyone aboard lines the rails, watching the unloading. Several heavily decorated Italian officers are among the prisoners coming aboard. The goings on certainly breaks the monotony anyway. We now know what the erection of barbed wire fencing on the open deck is for ... a daytime enclosed area for prisoners. The last of the prisoners is now aboard and we are ...

A volley of cigarettes have left the ship's side, and hurtled down to the outstretched hands. We should soon be disembarking ... the gangplank is lowered and joined forces with Indian soil. A couple of officers ashore are gesticulating and bawling out orders, as the time has arrived for the first contingent to leave the ship. As expected, they are the Italian prisoners; most of them smiling as they make their way down the steep gangway, and take the first steps to some wretched camp, where they will be sweating out the remainder of the war, under the burning rays of the Indian sun.

The time has come for us to say farewell to the 'Felix'. Troops heavily laden with kit, have already disembarked and now mingling with the crowd of jabbering Indians on the quayside. Sweat pours from all bodies, as men of different regiments march off in the sweltering heat. Our orders have just been given; we have assembled with kitbags at the ready ... 113 squadron are on the move again !

Following our disembarkation yesterday, we were whisked away in trucks from the smelly docks, and as the stench of India hit us head-on, arrived at this transit camp where we are billeted in brick-built huts. The town of Bombay is a couple of miles away, so we hope to have the chance of exploring the place before moving on to the next destination .. believed to be Calcutta, on the other side of India ! It hasn't taken us long to discover that this place has a fly problem. All we seem to have done since arriving, is swop flies of all breeds and sizes ... far worse than those experienced in Egypt ... and we haven't stopped sweating ! We are not very impressed with our first glimpses of the 'Mystic East'.

The few days spent here in Calcutta, is an eye opener ! What a pathetic sight ; squalor at its worst; men, women and children sleeping, starving and dying in the garbage-littered streets of the city. At night, the betel-nut stained pavements are the sleeping quarters of many of Calcutta's down-and-outs; pie-hounds covered in sores, and slowly dying, nestle down amongst them. The smell is noisome and the scene is sickening !

Yesterday afternoon, in one particular spot near the Curson Gardens, the body of an 'untouchable' lay stiff and smelling on the pavement ... today as I passed, that body is still there ! This is Calcutta in January 1942 !

With all the suffering and squalor of the poor, there is plenty of entertainment and good food available for those who have the money to pay for it. Entering the METRO Cinema with its fine decor and plush seats, one can forget for a couple of hours, the poverty which lies outside. A few of us paid it a visit last night; maybe the last visit to a cinema for some time again, as we are sailing for Burma tomorrow .. for a change, no secrecy about it!

Today's local newspaper is full of the war in the East. The front page headline is 'Australia Fears Jap Invasion'. The landing of enemy forces are expected in New Guinea, and Japanese soldiers have infiltrated Burma from the Siam border.

The news doesn't cheer any of us up, but if we are destined to take part in this theatre of war ... there's nothing much one can do about it. I am a firm believer that whatever is meant to be, will be !

The N.C.O. arrived later, to check on whether any of the 'spuds' still had their jackets on .. he of course didn't find any, and nobody was any the wiser ! At dinner today most of the troops were wondering, why so few potatoes in their plates ! Only six aboard knew the answer and nobody was 'telling'. Terrible things, one gets up to in the services ... never used to act like this when at home. I wonder how they all are !

After five miserable days afloat, we berthed at Rangoon this afternoon ... greeted by sirens sounding the alert, as Jap aircraft zoomed overhead. As expected, we were already in the thick of it. A couple of Ack-Ack guns fired at the intruders who apparently concentrated their attack on the near Mingladon airfield ... the airfield where the squadron's aircraft are presumed based.

Quickly disembarking, with steel helmets being worn by all, our first hour on Burmese soil, was spent huddled in an air-raid shelter at the dockside. Thoughts must have been going through everyones minds, that this was a long way from home to get killed !

A few words with a soldier, who had been here some time, gave us the news that daylight raids on Rangoon had been few in recent weeks, but that nearly 3,000 civilians had been killed in two air-raids in December.

During a lull in the raid, we boarded trucks which, as usual, were awaiting us, and with no idea where we were off to, sped away from the dock area and soon joined the maelstrom of traffic in the main road. >From the back of the truck we gazed in admiration at a party of gaily dressed Burmese girls, moving gracefully along as the all-clear siren still sounded.

The premier attraction, the Great Shwe Dagon Pagoda, loomed up before us. Covered in pure gold, the beautiful building gleamed in the sunshine, as our convoy of vehicles drew nearer and nearer and eventually came to halt outside.

Having been told to leave the trucks, we jumped down and hoisting our kitbags once again, was more than surprised to be marched into Rangoon's Zoological Gardens which is situated nearly opposite.

Our S.W.O. barking out orders, paused for breath as we entered the gates and informed us that this was where we were to stay until midnight, when a troop train would be ready to transport us North. Army rations were on the menu, and much of the time was whiled away, looking at the few remaining animals still in captivity ... many had been evacuated to what had been considered a place of safety !

As darkness fell, the drone of aircraft overhead was heard shortly before the siren alert sounded, Exploding bombs obliterated the sound of light Ack-Ack fire, as incendiaries showered on distant buildings, causing a red haze to light up the darkened city.

Several alerts sounded during the late evening, as we lined-up for the trek to the railway station, but orders given to 'fall out' followed, before any steps could be taken, and enemy bombers appeared overhead. It is now close to midnight and there seems to be very little hope of any movement .. hope the train doesn't go without us!

We finally managed to catch that train at 6 o'clock his morning, and even then an alert sounded, as Rangoon was being left behind. We didn't have a clue where we were going, but following a sticky journey of 150 miles and lots of 'waving back' to cheering Burmese on several stations we passed through, 113 squadron is now stationed at Toungoo. Our billet is an evacuated school building, situated on the banks of the Sittang River. To the left of us, stretches a long bridge leading to the other side of the river and rather dense looking jungle. Taffy, in agreement with all of us, thinks its a 'bloody dump' to end up in !

We have already received a visit by enemy aircraft; the first air-raid that Toungoo has experienced. It was pitiful to see many frightened Burmese civilians running across the bridge, to what they considered a place of safety in the jungle. It is obvious that the Japanese are being informed of the squadron's movements.

This morning we had skinned sausages and bacon .. from tins .. and army biscuits, for breakfast. Quite edible, except that the biscuits need soaking before one can get ones teeth into the things ! To say they're 'hard' is putting it lightly. Oh for a nice slice of home-made bread ... just like mum used to make !

At 11.00 hours, 27 Jap aircraft appeared out of the blue, and dropped bombs in the vicinity of the nearby airfield. We were surprised not to hear any Ack-Ack fire, or see any allied fighters trying to intercept them !

With the terrible heat of the day and sun-baked ground, we found it practically impossible to penetrate the concrete hard surface, leave alone digging deep enough to form a suitable place of safety! We reluctantly gave up ... we'd make do with the banks of the river !

And, make do with the river bank we did this afternoon, when once again 27 enemy aircraft paid us a visit, and shedding their load without any interception from Britich or allied fighters, the bombers banked and returned to base ... seems so strange !

Titch, Mack and myself paid a visit to the 'town' earlier this evening ... what a dump! A dusty smelly road with some 'shacks' acting as shops, met our smarting eyes as we entered the place, in the hope of being able to purchase some cigarettes. No such luck ... only cigars available; cigarettes very hard to get !

With little choice, we plumped for the large Burmese cheroots, which cost practically nothing to buy; quite a strong smoke but will have to put up with them until we come across some cigs. Nearly every woman we saw, sported a cigar in the mouth ... inhaling the foul tasting smoke, also ! Shouldn't think I can stomach the things for too long. Its been extremely hot today ...

Fatigues being carried out this morning, were rudely interrupted when the usual number of Japs appeared overhead at precisely 11.00 hrs. .. the same time as yesterday. We have discovered that they are based on the Siam border, just over the mountainous range we view fom our quarters. Flying in perfect formation, the leader drops his bombs and then the others immediately release theirs. Watching them turning and going back over the mountains, one would think that they are all tied together ... such is the perfection of their flying when there is no opposition !

A queer war is this. We are all wondering where our Blenheims are, as not one of the squadron's planes have been seen, since our arival . At 15.00 hours, this afternoon, the yellow peril was overhead again, so we have come to the conclusion that they know something that we don't !

The sudden sound of a twig breaking, made our heads turn sharply; our eyes meeting with a faint ray of light, coming from a swaying lantern held by a young Burmese boy. Although unable to speak English, he knew from where we had come and that we were trying to find our way back.

Beckoning for us to follow, he lit up the way through the thick foliage, pointing to an old shack as we passed close by; obviously it was where he livd with his family. Within a short time, we arrived back at camp, and as someone had foolishly left open the stores shutters, the lad departed happily clutching tightly a large tin of rock- hard army biscuits ... his reward for helping a couple of aircraftmen 2nd.class, 'lost' about 7,000 miles away from home !

The young chap had certainly shown some of the friendly relationship which exists in the country, although a certain section of the Burmese feel that they have been badly let down by the British, and welcome the Japanese inevitable arrival !

Last night, Titch wouldn't believe our story about the boats, but on seeing the blank space where they had been moored, he was this morning, rather annoyed that we had 'taken off' without him ! We expect that they're now, many miles down stream.....

Have now been in Toungoo 7 days, and the food, as like everything else, has deteriorated. Still, no cigarettes available in the 'town', and these Burmese cheroots taste lousier every day !

Have just discovered that one of the destroyers which was in our convoy rounding Africa, was torpedoed last month off the Libyan coast. The destroyer HMS GURKHA became another victim of the U-boats ... one of the many destroyed by this means. Hope there were some survivors !

Further days suffered with the heat; usual Jap raids, and some nasty 'monsters', but early this morning all happenings at Toungoo suddenly ended, when orders were given for us to pack all kit and parade 'outside' at 8.a.m. sharp ! The squadron without any aircraft was on the move again !

Destination again 'Top Secret' but we were told that our journey would take us North. Actually we were approximately 120 miles North West of Toungoo, at a place called Magwe ... looks very similar to Toungoo, dusty roads, shanty town etc.

The journey by train and truck, was, as is usual out here, hot and sticky. 'Refreshments' were handed to us on the railway line during a halt at Taungdwingi, where crowds of bewildered Burmese looked-on, at our table habits.

Completing the journey by trucks, which had turned up from out of the blue, a bumpy ride was experienced by all, as the road convoy forced its way through jungle openings and shallow rivers.

We are billeted in tatti-huts, in the middle of nowhere, and the only water fit to drink, is being brought to the camp by bullock carts. Even this has to be boiled and chemically treated, before being safe to consume.

A couple of wells around the place are where we have to obtain the water for washing ourselves. On no account must it touch our mouths. Peering into the wells, is enough to make one feel giddy !

We have been given the dismal news that this area is rife with Bubonic Plague, and that precautionary jabs will be 'compulsory' tomorrow morning. With the numerous inoculations already had, one would think that there were no other ones to be had !

Outside our camp, stands one of the many white chalk-like pagodas. Will have a good look inside it before leaving here. The is of course if it is still standing ! Enemy aircraft have already been overhead, and given frightened locals, a taste of what is probably more to come. It stands out like a sore thumb, that the Japs are being informed of the squadron's movements. Hope I get a good night's shut-eye tonight ... ready for it.

What happened to yesterday ? Queued up for THAT jab yesterday morning, and 24 hours were removed from my life ! Most of us, have lain prone on our 'beds' suffering sickness; high temperatures, delirium, and sweating profusely. Everyone's been excused duties for 48 hours ... and my God we needed it ! A feling of dying filled us all and the tatti-hut billets looked more like sick bays ... except that no pretty nurses were there to look after us ! Those poor souls who really have the Black Plague must be suffering a terrible death. Can't write anymore ... have done well, in making this entry!

Have just written a letter home, but have doubts whether they'll ever receive it. Morale in the squadron is rather low, what with no mail being received and worries about their families back home !

Must be expecting a big show here shortly, as remaining British civilians are evacuating the country as fast as they can, by land, sea and air. Many Burmese may think that we have let them down in the defence of their country, but their Government and civil organization were obviously unprepared for war against any country !

The Japs who trained specially for jungle fighting, obviously have a great advantage over us, especially with the best of our equipment being kept for use in Europe. They have such a lot to gain by adding Burma to their list of successes; new sources of oil; food and rice; and cut the military supply route to China. Their ultimate aim, may be to carry on through India ! At the moment South East Asia is their oyster ... oh for a cigarette to help calm our nerves !

The news that Singapore has fallen, has just reached us. More prisoners for Jap camps, and more internees to suffer the agonies and humiliations dished out by the Japs at other places, such as Hong Kong. Reports of terrible atrocities there, are leaking out day by day.

Nearly a week has past since my last entry .. and today I must scribble to announce that it's my 21st Birthday ! Twenty-one today and what a place to celebrate it; a God-forsaken hole in the heart of Burma !

A signet ring which mum bought me when on my embarkation leave, just in case I wasn;t home for my '21st', remains on my finger. I had the initials engraved on it, during our stay in Calcutta. Birthday cards will have been sent to me ... but where are they now !

The time is 12 noon, and some of us have been told that we are going on a special mission later today; all very hush-hush, so an air of mystery surrounds us at the moment. We shouldn't think that anything remains secret for very long around here, as many Jap agents, disguised as Buddhist Priests, wander around garbed in the orange coloured rig-outs. There appears to be more 'Holy men', than ordinary ones in this area !

Our special mission yesterday turned out to be yet another guard stint, but something of a change to the usual ones. We were taken by truck to a nearby mooring on the River Irrawaddy, and issued with rifles ... but no ammunition ! The six of us were lined-up along the gangplank which led from the side of a 300 ft long Paddle Steamer, to the bank. We were given orders to 'guard the vessel' and keep a special look-out for any suspicious-looking customers going aboard.

It didn't take long for us to realise, that one out of every two coming and going looked suspicious ! Half the passengers were garbed in the orange coloured robes ... were they all bona-fide Buddhist Priests or were many of them Jap spies ?

One such chap with a hood over his head, looked 'very' Japanese to me, and as he was leaving the vessel for the second time, I shouted for him to halt; pointing my unloaded rifle at him in order to show that I meant business ! In a split second he skipped-off the gangplank and was lost in the whirl of goings-on at the quayside ...most of the chattering natives wearing the same coloured clothing !

As darkness fell, lanterns lit up the boarding area and like a swarm of ants the embarking and disembarking went on for a couple of hours or more. We all wondered what and whom we were guarding !

A great deal has happened since my last entry; Rangoon has fallen, and victorious advancing Japanese armies are pushing their way further North. Our squadron is back in India and for awhile we are 'resting' in Fyzabad, situated in the United Provinces.

Our retreat from Burma came as no surprise. The C.O. called a parade and with a few words of sound advice on what and what not to do, we prepared to evacuate. Time to place our kit neatly beside the beds, as ordered, and with only the clothes we stood up in, men of the squadron left the Magwe billets with possible chances of either flying out, or joining the thousands of civilians in their long walk towards China.

With Titch, Taffy, and several of the other lads, I decided to take a chance and make for the airfield, where various types of aircraft were expected to arrive from India ... in an all-out effort to get us away.

Several airmen were air-lifted out as the day went on, but it wasn't until late afternoon, when Jap aircraft were bombing and strafing the airfield, that Titch, Taffy and myself managed to scramble aboard a Blenheim, which belonged to another squadron based in India.

Touching down on the bomb-scarred runway, the pilot shouted out asking if any of us were armourers by trade. With the answer in the negative, we were then asked if any one of us had ever had experience with machine guns. I yelled back that I'd had a crash-course on a Lewis Gun when stationed at Lossiemouth.

Amidst the noise of the engines, the words were heard, 'O.K. chum, you can act as my airgunner, but for Christ sake don't fire unless you have to .. .as we've got no cut-out on this gun, and I should hate to have our tail shot off !'

With the treacherous country behind us, and nearing our destination, the aircraft began losing height and within a very short time we were bumping down on the runway, at Akyab airfield. Grinding to a halt, the engines were switched off and three 'frozen' evacuees climbed down from the plane ... their feet once more, safely on terra firma.

Giving the pilot the thumbs up sign, we made our way across to a large hangar, where a N.C.O. was beckoning us. Some of the other squadron members were already there awaiting our arrival. We were told that this is where we would be staying the night ... sleeping on the concrete floor.

Army rations were issued, plus one blanket to keep us warm through the night. It may have been warm there throughout the day, but during the night it was quite cold and a further blanket would have been welcomed. A commotion in the early hours of the morning, aroused everyone; most of the chaps were to quickly depart for the Akyab docks, where a ship was waiting to take them to Calcutta. The few remaining ones which included myself, would fly out later in the day. That suited me fine as plenty of blankets were now lying spare, and a couple of hours more sleep could be suffered in comfort.

Awaiting the arrival of 'our' aircraft later that morning, the sun was as fierce as ever. The waiting dragged on until early afternoon and then cries of 'Gord, look what they've sent to fetch us in' , echoed out across the airfield, as an ancient Vickers Valentia circled the area and eventually landed quite near us.

A bottle of Burmese beer appeared from somewhere, and a few of us took a swig as we boarded the 'troop carrier'. Seated on a bench-type seat, ten on each side facing one another. we soon became airborne and settled down to a long and bumpy flight. Hitting several air-pockets, the 'Vickers' seemed to drop like a stone .. .. time and time again.

According to the latest news, the Americans are having a tough time defending some of the islands in the pacific. More than half of their troops are out of action through malaria, dysentry, and other tropical illnesses.

What a marvellous day it's been ... we've received some back mail; the first news of those back home for SIX long months. One of the letters from mum, was dated 16th December, saying that she had received a letter-card and photograph of me taken in Durban ... and what a relief it was to hear from me. She really believes that the rickshaw wallah with whom I posed ... is stuffed !

Denis had been home on leave, Alan was now stationed in East Africa , friend Bill, had been home twice; the lucky so and so, and another friend Don was still courting strongly. Tom Lock had sent a Christmas card, and further good news was, that Coventrians had nearly forgotten what a bomb looked like !

It is a well known fact that they are now somewhat obsolete, but as the best of everything is going to the European theatre of war, the old Blenheim will have to 'do us' for the time being !

Our new bearers have cheered us up by saying that, this isn't the hottest month here; May to September is very hot and many people die! Considering the temperature was 100% when we disembarked at the station, we've certainly got something to look forward to ... that's of course if we are 'lucky' enough to stay here !

Taken in trucks to the airfield this morning via the 'town' of Asansol; a one-eyed hole which really amounts to a village, and a rather dusty one at that. The place is approximately eighty miles North of Calcutta, and 'Cal' is the nearest major town to us !

The convent where '113' were billeted on arrival at Asansol...the correct name as far as I remember was LORETTO CONVENT, where we stayed for several weeks until moving to a newly-built billet a couple of miles away from the airfield.

The main dirt street of bazaars reminds me very much of Magwe. but we have been given the names of certain shops and cafes, where food is fit for 'English Sahibs'. There is one tin-shack cinema here and they are going to show English speaking films, which suppose is good news.

There are snakes in the area and we are to be given a lecture with illustrations, on which are the poisonous ones and which ones are harmless ... only kill the ones which are poisonous we have already been told; wonder if we'll have the time to distinguish between them !

Been stationed here for six weeks and it looks as though this is where we are going to stay put, for a long time. It isn't the best of places but at least we are settled. Since the whole of Burma fell into Jap hands, much activity has been taking place, and our Blenheims continue to rumble their way down the one and only runway; heavily laden with bombs, the aircraft very often appear to have a struggle in becoming airborne, but make-it they do.

Earlier on in the campaign when Toungoo fell, 10,000 men were reported to have been killed or injured ... most of them Chinese. The thought of having been taken prisoner of the Japs, gives one the creeps !

A little excitement at the billet today although the outcome could have been disastrous. 'Tex', one of our pilots, decided to shoot-up the building on his way back to the airfield, and after one or two 'show-offs' for men at the billet, he misjudged the height and caught the brick-cross on top of the building; the plane veered off as bricks came tumbling down .. a lucky escape for all !

Still carrying-out aeodrome duties and the occasional 'guard'. It seems to be getting hotter and hotter; quite a few of us have started making regular calls at Abdul Wahid's shop for iced drinks; we pass his premises on the way to and back from the airfield ... very refreshing after a day in the sun !

Blasted mosquitoes dive-bombing kept me awake most of last night; couldn't have tucked my mosquito net in properly ... feel shattered today ... going to bed early. Warned Titch and others not to

I was watching one of those mirages at the airfield; it was noon and the temperature, so they tell me, was 128% in the shade. Suddenly I felt that I was being showered with tiny pieces of glass ... followed by complete oblivion ... and six hours later I recovered consciousness lying in a hospital bed, and packed in ice !

A couple of British nurses, told me later, that the cooling apparatus of the body packs up in serious cases of heat exhaustion, and as I had been through this experience, my life had been saved through them having poured cold water over me, and then packing me in ice chippings. During the last few weeks, many servicemen in the area, have suffered the same way, and some have died.

Titch and other lads in my billet had heard that I was dead on arrival at hospital, so it was some relief to them later that day, to hear that you can't keep a good man down ! Feeling much better now, but have been excused duties for a couple of days.

Pleased to receive some mail today, but what a shock ... brother Denis has been taken prisoner after a Commando raid on St.Nazaire; didn't even know he had transferred to the Commandos ... just goes to show. The 'spectacular' raid took place on 28th March, when the explosive-filled destroyer, HMS CAMPBELTOWN rammed the lock gates. Den was reported 'missing', but mum says that before she received the telegram from the War Office, neighbours had called to say that Denis had been heard sending greetings from a P.O.W. Camp.

What a terrible worry it must be for parents everywhere, especially if like our family, they have sons scattered in various parts of the world. Hope Den will be alright; will drop him a line as soon as I get his address ... glad I took that French leave in order to see him !

Back on duty again and sweating 'normally'. I believe that some of our aircraft earlier today carried out a raid on Akyab, not as any of the crews will confirm this; seems queer that the Japs have occupied all those places where we were, only a short time ago.

After duties today, several of us jumped off the truck before reaching the billet, in order to have a refreshing 'dip' in the murky pond. Little did we know the tragedy which was about to take place.

One of the airmen who had only recently joined the squadron on arriving straight from England, failed to surface after diving from a tree which we used as a diving board. Following numerous attempts to find him, he was eventually released from a thick cluster of weeds, at the bottom of the deep pond.

This evening, some of us went into town and had a drink at Madaths; passing the pond on our return, the usual noise of croaking frogs was heard ... they always take over the water at night !

The road leading down to the plains, has been temporary built-up, and fallen trees have been cleared to allow vehicles, passage through the rubble. Our friends in the bazaars have wrapped up more than ever, but they don't seem too worried about affairs ... they are probably used to such happenings in this part of the world !

Only a few more days to go, before our stay here comes to an end, and then it will be back to the stifling heat of Bengal. We've had a rest; a change of air, and I suppose one could say...its all been one hell of an experience !

Well, we have just arrived back at Asansol, and I was greeted with the rotten news that Titch has gone. Not to the hill station as planned ... but ruddy posted to a place called Bhopal, a thousand miles away on the other side of India. What a horrible shock; the best mate I've had in the Air Force, gone just like that !

No wasting time, now that we are 'refreshed' and back. This morning after breakfast we were whipped straight away to the airfield, and in boisterous heat, commenced duties; the old familiar scene of aircraft rumbling up the runway; the constant noise of aircraft engines being adjusted and revved-up, the sound of those horns, and the deadly heat of the day ... with those mirages appearing on the runway.

One of the poor jackals heard howling in the area last night, turned up at the billet this morning, hoping to find some item of food. The half-starved animal looking somewhat like a skeleton, was chased out of the building by one of the aircrew sergeants, and then shot at; the bullet from the N.C.O.'s revolver maiming the poor old fellow, and stopping him dead in his tracks.

With shouts of disapproval by some of the other airmen, the sergeant walked over to the suffering animal and fired again, hitting him in the chest, but still the jackal remained alive with a look on its blood-spattered face asking for mercy.

Nearly on the point of being lynched, four more shots were fired by the 'gunman', and with his revolver now empty and the animal in terrible agony, a Warrant Officer appeared on the scene and with one shot at the head, the jackal was put out of its misery. A sickening sight for all to watch, and although these unfortunate scavengers are better off dead, there are more humane ways of killing them !

With the heat becoming unbearable, things are also hotting-up on the political front. The Hindu Congress party, are making it quite clear that they would rather see the Japanese than the British in India. Several skirmishes have taken place recently, in the hope that British subjects will be scared out of the country ... another stone throwing incident here, this evening !

'Joseph' the pilot with the dressing gown of many colours, and two other crew members, are no longer with us ... they were killed when their Blenheim hit a tree when carrying out low-flying practice.

Speaking to them shortly before take-off, little did any of us know that within a matter of minutes, I would be gazing down at the joined and mangled bodies of the airgunner and observer, with 'Joseph' seated rigid in the cockpit where he had died; his eyes still staring into space and without a blemish on his face.

Being first on the scene, I was sickened by the sight, and as the station ambulance and fire-tender sped up, I limped away fom the area ... another horrible memory to stay with me for the rest of my life !

We have moved from our billet at the school, and now occupy newly-built huts a couple of miles the other side of the airfield. Much to our surprise, the Salvation Army has set up a tea stall near to our new camp; all 'goodies' at very reasonable prices.

The only trouble here, is, that we are further away from the 'town' which is a bit of a bind. When on guard, however, it is nice to have a change of scenery. Taffy thinks that the accommodation at the school was far better ... beggars can't be choosers !

Several cases of sabotage and senseless destruction of property in other parts of India , have been reported, and further trouble is expected in the future. Maybe if we did quit the country and allowed them to sample life under Japanese rule, our efforts here may be a little more appreciated.

Reports have come in, that hospitals throughout India continue to be packed with ailing servicemen, and that many deaths have occurred. In P.O.W. camps, allied servicemen continue to suffer and perish at the hands of the Japanese; morale everywhere out here is at its lowest, and with an increase in shocking behaviour by the Hindu Congress Party, things are looking black !

With a lull in Jap operations at the moment, General Wavell, our Commander-in-Chief in India, is supposed to be reorganizing regiments and strengthening frontier defences, but now that troops are having to be used in the difficult task of guarding India internally, he must find it frustrating and demoralizing.

With the trouble at its worst in Bengal, all liberty wagons have been stopped and no British serviceman is allowed out by himself. Any visits made into town, must be in groups only.

Yesterday, four of us ventured out to get a few supplies, but had to make a run for it when an angry mob appeared from a side street, all of them waving hefty sticks and carrying missiles. As well as our normal daytime duties at the airfield, some of us are guarding the aircraft at night ... not a very pleasant job at the moment.

A great number of trains have been derailed, and with many Indian passengers killed or injured, it is mainly their own country folk who are suffering most by this carefully planned and senseless destruction. Many railway stations have suffered dreadfully from mob fury, and the rebels have taken special care to destroy every piece of valuable equipment found on the stations they so viciously attacked.

Government servants have been reported attacked, with stones; bottles; knives; daggers; spears; guns and anything else that the raving crowds can get their hands on. In some cases, kerosene has been used to burn terrified officials alive.

Every torture that the mobs can devise, have been put into practise and they intend to stop at nothing. we have been really upset to hear that two R.A.F. officers travelling by train in Northern India were ordered to hand over their revolvers by a raving-mad mob. When they refused to do so, their carriage was immediately stoned and windows smashed ... the excited and insane mob waiting for 'the kill' .....

Realizing that the small amount of ammunition they carried, wouldn't be much good against the huge crowd of maniacs waiting outside their compartment, the officers very reluctantly handed over the revolvers. In an instant the now unarmed airmen were seized by the nearest members of the mob, dragged out of the carriage and eventually hacked to death; their bodies then dragged through the town, in order to give citizens a close look at the work done by the Hindu Congress Party in order to rid the country of the British. The remains of the officers were later thrown into the river !

to pick up the Italian prisoners. He said that if only he had known, he would have got permission to come out to the ship to see me. That would have been great, as it is now over two years since we last saw each other.

Denis is coping alright in his German P.O.W. camp and the wound he received at St. Nazaire has healed alright. Mum's letter gives the news that he was shot through the thigh during the landing ... what a worry war is ! Glad he's O.K. anyway ...

Visits into town, now more or less back to normal. Went in today and brushed against a group of lepers from the nearby Leper Colony; feel very sorry for the poor wretched people ... but it gave me the creeps ...

A miracle happened this afternoon, two of our Blenheims collided when taking off down the runway, and with both aircraft bursting into flames, both crews made a miraculous escape as bombs dropped off, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition exploded in the area.

This was the first time that two planes had attempted to take off side by side, and following this expensive experiment, I should imagine that it will be the last ! Both aircraft are a complete 'write-off' but thank goodness the crews were only shaken and all in one piece. With everyone ducking and bullets going off around us, it was some considerable time, before the wreckage could be cleared from the runway. We've put it down to 'just another incident at Asansol' !

Our continuous war against Nature continues, and with several chaps being admitted to hospital with Malaria, dysentry etc; others are being hospitalised through contracting V.D. They tell me that the painful treatment brings tears to ones eyes and that the 'love affair' just asn't worth it. Any married serviceman who gets a 'dose' automatically gets his wife's pay allowance stopped for the whole of the time he is in hospital ... there'll be quite a bit of explaining to do once the war is over !

There's quite a few attractive Anglo-Indian girls living in this area, but any servicemen who manage to date them, have their mothers to contend with. Mum chaperons them wherever they go, so there's no chance of any hanky-panky !

More excitement at the airfield today, the O.C. pulled up beside me this afternoon, and warned me that a squadron of Chinese Fighters would be lobbing down for refuelling, and as they were a 'mad lot' , for me to stand well back from the runway.

Thirty minutes later, in they came, swooping down from the sky and screeching down the runway one after the other. With their tanks filled to capacity and raring to go, the aircraft taxied back on to the runway, and in a straight line started to move quickly, becoming airborne near to where I was standing. I had taken the C.O.'s advice and stood several yards back from the runway's edge, and it was just as well that I had !

The first half-dozen planes safely left the strip and shot up into the air, but the next one in formation, suddenly appeared to hit a bump on the runway and nearing its take-off speed at 100 m.p.h., veered towards me. In a flash, I was on the ground; its left-side wing missing the top of my head by a hair's breadth. The majority of onlookers certain that I had been beheaded, on seeing the speeding fighter rushing at the spot where I was standing.

Arising, and dashing over to the remains of the plane which had become embedded in a heap of oil drums not far from me, I opened up the cockpit-hatch and was amazed to see the pilot still alive, but in a dazed condition. Fearing that fire may break out at any second, I gave the Chinaman a sharp slap on the face in the hope of

Great stuff; I was successful in my interview this afternoon, and will be leaving in the near future, for a month's course at the Code and Cipher School in Solon, in the hills of Northern India. Fantastic news, as I didn't expect to see the Himalayas again. Mack and another mate has also been selected, so things look great at long last !

Rapid promotion will arise for those passing exams at the completion of the course ... Rank of Sergeant will be bestowed on the lucky ones which would mean a decent increase in pay and better living conditions to those being experienced at the moment; I shall be keeping my fingers crossed.

Today we are recovering from a cyclone which swept Bengal during the night. Asansol only suffered the tail-end of the storm, but even so, houses have been torn apart and flooded; part of our billet roof disappeared into the darkness; some of our aircraft broke their moorings and turned over, causing much damage, and a report has come in that approximately ten thousand natives in Bengal have perished.

This morning our billet and beds were saturated, and the air turned bitter cold; natives swathed in blankets walked around in a daze, carrying cans of lighted charcoal in an effort to keep warm.

for jungle fighting and with very few supplies. The enemy is still far superior in this type of warfare and may have decided that they will have plenty of time to take India, once the monsoons have come and passed. Even without proper rations, they can manage to survive in the jungle, as their belief is, that what the monkeys eat so can they. Various types of rodents, animals and snakes mixed into a type of stew, will supply them with the required nourishment to keep going. At the present time, we haven't got a cat's chance in hell of competing with the Japs, but our obsolete aircraft continue to venture over nearby enemy-occupied territory and cause nuisance raids ... no doubt the tables will one day turn, but we have a lot to learn yet !

Still awaiting news of our trip to Solon, and the sooner we hear, the better, might get a change of menu there. Beans and bully-beef have been in ample supply over the past many months, and it does have a tendency to put one off the stuff. Shouldn't grumble, though; the day may arise when I shall also have to make do with a jungle rat for the first course.

Money must be short today; several chaps in the billet have actually been seen smoking our horrible issue of 'V' cigarettes; they are that foul-a-smoke that we usually give them to the bearers in lieu of pay .. not as they really like them. When someone receives a tin of Blighty Players, its amazing how many friends he suddenly appears to have ! Not a lot has happened during the last week or so, the usual duties and guards have been carried out, and a few letters have been received at the camp.

Having had extensive repairs carried out on the 'huge' machine, many of us ceased duties to watch the long-awaited take-off, as we really didn't believe that it would ever again become airborne. Much to our relief, no mishap occurred and a great cheer went up as the plane slowly gained height, and completed a few circuits of the airfield ...we could all breath again, especally the C.O. whom was carrying out the test.

Good news at last, tomorrow we are off to the Himalayas to go on the Code and Cipher course, and this afternoon the three of us have been getting clearance chits signed. The station M.O. has gven us a 'good' health bill, and this evening has been spent having a farewell drink with some of the other buddies being left behind.

We have to report in the morning with full kit, as it is doubtful whether we shall ever return to Asansol, even if the course is failed. A new station is awaiting us whatever the outcome ... so it's goodbye 113 Squadron and farewell Bengal !

Following another long train journey and a 24 hour stop-off at Delhi, to look at the sights of India's Capital, we arrived here at Solon, yesterday. This place is over 100 miles North of Kailana and approximately 30 miles from the famous hill station of Simla.

The scenery is beautiful and the mountain air is as clear as before. The officer in charge of our class seems a decent sort, but he has already warned us that the course is going to be tough, and quite a few headaches will be suffered, before it comes to an end in a month's time.

As this type of work is considered to be one of the most secret jobs in the forces, an oath of secrecy has to be taken, and on no account must the work be discussed with anyone outside. Coded messages come in under certain priorities from 'Important' to 'Emergency'

Couldn't resist buying a crown & anchor board this evening, when meandering through the bazaars. Will cause a bit of fun in the billet and a change from playing cards in the evenings. I will admit, however, that when I spotted it on display, I immediately thought of the Aussies aboard the 'Franconia' who got rich out of this particular game of chance ... what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Caught Mack and another 'pupil' for a couple of rupees, on my return ... just to give the board a try out.

Half way through our course, already, and time has certainly flown. The tutor was quite right; up to a few days ago, our brains were in a muddle but then everything seemed to go into place just like a jigsaw puzzle, and hey presto, most of us now know what we are doing. Intensive training for another fortnight, and then our destiny will be known. It really is amazing how much knowledge can be picked up in such a short time and learning about the workings of typex machines, spindles, drums etc. as well as books on enciphering and deciphering techniques, the whole course is a bit of an eye opener. One needs to be reasonably good at maths and spelling to get through this, otherwise it is just a matter of tapping ones brains and using common sense.

Some of us spotted a leopard down the hill earlier today and armed with sticks, went off on the hunt to see if we could get near it. Unfortunately, or probably fortunately, the animal had disappeared by the time we arrived at the place of sighting. God knows what we would have done if we had come face to face with it !

Ready to start our last week of the course to be followed by the dreaded examinations. Whatever happens, I shall be leaving this place a little richer than when we arrived ... thanks to the old crown & anchor board !

Following a hectic few days, with a little worry, today we sat our exams; all of us now awaiting the results which will be displayed on the notice board tomorrow afternoon. I feel reasonably confident, but one never knows ...

An air of stillness came over the billet for the first few hours of today, and then suddenly, all hell was let loose, as the word got around that the 'pass' sheet was being displayed on the board.

Having later commiserated with the few that hadn't made it, and told that three stripes must now be sewn on the sleeves of our jackets and shirts, the gear was quickly taken to the tailor shop in the bazaars, and in no time at all, a squad of newly promoted Sergeants marched down the cobbled street and back to the billet to await further orders ... the mass of brilliant white stripes dazzling everyone on their way ! This evening after we had been issued with details of our postings, a few bottles of Solon beer were sunk to celebrate the promotions and our departure from the school tomorrow.

I have just completed my first day at my new unit which is 173 Wing, R.A.F.Trichinopoly, Southern India. Arrived yesterday after a very tiring journey of ,000 miles, and it took a little time to find out exactly where the camp was.Actually it is a few miles out of 'Trichy', at a village called Kajamalai, and we are back to tatti-hut billets, although now that I am a senior N.C.O., I have my own private bunk at the end of the 'building' !

Even so, one wouldn't try to compare my accommodation with that of The Ritz; the floor of the bunk is a layer of uncovered concrete and although I have had the 'sweepers' in, to rmove perpetual cement dust from it, I'm afraid clouds of rising dust will persist at the least movement in the place.

The raffia-like 'walls' blend in with the thatch-type roof, with ugly timber beams there, to keep it up. My first night's sleep wasn't all that great, as queer sounds from above continued for most of the eerie night. Lizards are plentiful here and as they scamper up and down the walls besides my 'string' bed, I have a feeling that the mosquito population here, is far greater than anywhere else I have been at !

Arriving here alone, as the other bods are now scattered in various camps across India, I felt a little guilty on entering the Sergeants Mess for my first meal. Breaking in on their privacy didn't seem the corrct thing to do, but I shall have to get used to it, as I am one of THEM now !

This is rather a small station, and the Code & Cipher staff consists of only one officer, myself and another N.C.O. who has arrived today. The Signals Cabin and the Code Room are in one building across the nearby field. Boldly displayed on 'our' door is a sign SECRET .. Strictly NO Admittance ... KEEP OUT!

We have set sail for England, and on leaving the Gateway of India far behind, several toupees can be seen bobbing up and down in the wake of the home-going ship. One still cannot believe it, that after nearly four years away, we shall soon be seeing our families and those beautiful shores again. It is a different story, however, for those sadly being left behind. Most of us must have a pang in our hearts, as we remember 'old buddies' who have been laid to rest in the scorched earth of South East Asia. For them there is no return and no reunions ! Farewell, you gallant lads ... farewell S.E.A.C. !

Well on the way now, and most of us have settled down to enjoying the voyage home. There's a rumour buzzing around the ship though, that an atom bomb has been dropped on Japan, which has devastated an entire city. If that is the case, a few of those horrifying weapons could soon bring an end to the Eastern theatre of war. There will be a high death roll and terrible injuries for Jap civilians, but on the long run it will save countless lives on both sides.

Several injured servicemen joined us in a sing-song on the open deck, yesterday evening. Amazing how cheerful most of them were, especially the ones who suffered terrible facial burns and were returning home for skin-grafting operations. Even though one of them must have received his disfigurement in Burma, he insisted on an encore for 'Moon over Burma' and sang it louder than anyone !

Called into Aden earler today, and continuing up the Red Sea, as we did in 1941 ... seems such a very long time ago. At least we know exactly where our destination is going to be this time, and as the 'Med' is nowopen again, a lot of time is going to be saved by

bomber dropped the world's first atomic bomb from high altitude upon the Japanese city of Hiroshima . Thousands of people have been killed and Hiroshima no longer exists. A second atom bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on the ninth of this month, where also many thousands are reported killed and injured. Great cheers arose from all decks of the ship, when the news of Japan's surrender was announced over the Scythia's loud speakers.

It really seems unbelievable that World War ll is over. Little did anyone think as we boarded this ship just eleven days ago, that hostilities in the East would be at an end, long before we had reached home. It is a Godsend that this type of weapon has been used, even though it has resulted in such an enormous loss of life. If the war had been allowed to continue, far greater loss on both sides would have resulted ... the right action has been taken !

This evening, most of the chaps aboard have been grumbling that they can't even get a drink to celebrate the very great occasion. A pity that all troopships went 'dry' as the war progressed !

One of my colleagues earlier asked me, what I would remember most of my service overseas. A difficult question to answer, as so many happenings will vividly remain in my mind. Nine weeks of 'life' on the troopship FRANCONIA, must be one of them; the making and losing of friends, the bodies lying on the pavements of Calcutta; my 21st birthday celebrated in the heart of Burma; the horrible 'nasties, especially the numerous tarantulas at Kajamalai; the long five month's wait for my mail; my first glimpse of Egypt's pyramids; the visit to Mysore Palace; my course in the Himalayas; the Italian prisoners; that ghastly heat stroke in Bengal; the Bubonic Plague 'jab' ; the thousands of miles travelled by land, sea and air; the daily air-raids by Jap aircraft; the storms; the riots; life and death at Asansol; the funerals; news of the 'Victory' ... one could go on, but I won't ! Now that the war has ended - so has my diary !