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11th - 20th April 1953


Saturday 11th
 
During the morning heard a lecture on Singapore! It was most interesting, but unfortunately I missed the second half owing to fire piquet duties.

The lecture was interrupted by 3 blasts on the ships hooter – signally man overboard.  The ship turned round and retraced its path.  Eventually the life boat was lowered and the fellow was rescued (after 20 minutes).  It appears the sailor was a religious maniac and was going to meet the “New World”.
 
 
Sunday 12th
 
Today was darkened by numerous cloud bursts, which made the drying of clothes impossible.
After dinner several new postings for Hong Kong came in for some of the draft.  Fortunately it appears that I am one of those still going to Singapore.
 
Monday 13th
 
Saw a school of porpoises speeding away from the ship on the starboard side today.
Again the sea was extremely calm.
During the evening saw the film “Lydia Bailey” which was most entertaining.
 
 
Tuesday 14th
Followed the coast of Sumatra through most of the day.  Its several mountains crowned in cloud, and its dense forests sweeping down to the shore.
Further political arguments today with Kevin Kelly.
Wednesday 15th
Kept close to Malaya all day.  The waters here are a bright green, but simply crowed with sharks!
Thursday 16th
Disembarked at 8.30 at Singapore and Pete and I were met by a R.A. Captian who drove us to the R.A.F. camp and aerodrome at Seletar.  We will work here in the Army Photo Interpretation Unit which employs about half a dozen army personnel and several civilians.
The camp is most pleasant with three storey, white-washed billets and well kept gardens.
 
The food is excellent and all the conservancy and kit cleaning is done by bearers – so every one is happy.


Friday 17th

Spent most of the day lounging around the A.P.I.U. section.  It appears that our documents are not through yet, so the major I.C. cannot decide what to do with us.  It is very likely that one of us will be posted to the unit in Hong Kong.

After tea we went in to the village and bought several things (I purchased a shirt, swimming trunks, and slip on sandals – costing $12.80.)  Then travelled back to the Naafi by taxi and went to the Naafi cinema and saw “No Resting Place”.


Saturday 18th

Awoke this morning at seven.  After a short period of letter writing Peter and I paid a visit to the Naafi.  After an excellent lunch the two of us went by bus to the camp pool, where we spent a most enjoyable afternoon.  The pool was tiled and was beset with flowering gardens and palm trees, and a cafeteria on one side.

During the evening we had drinks at the Naafi and went by taxi to the other camp's cinema, only to find we had seen the film.  On returning to block we were entertained by a section of the R.A.F. pipe band.


Sunday 19th

Spent an extremely cozy day – doing nothing but eating drinking and sleeping.

In the evening Peter Morgan and myself wandered down to the village.  Although it was about 7.30 there were a considerable number of shops open, and kerb vendors selling their wares.  After a while we found it advisable to keep to the road as the sidewalks were covered with pot holes and open drains.  After drinks at the Naafi we retired for the night.


Monday 20th

Began the day’s work with an interview with the major.  Calamity!!  He said that I would be going to a detachment in Kuala Lumpar, and that Peter may be posted to Hong Kong.  I was informed later that I would travel by the day train on Thursday.

I spent the rest of the day copying some photo plotting from one map to another.  Idled during the evening – having drinks at the Naafi.





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