21st April - 30th April 1953

Tuesday 21^st  

Spent a very boring day at the studio.  After drinks at the Naafi in the evening we went to see the film “Three Little Girls in Blue”.  It was an utterly awful musical!

 

Wednesday 22^nd

Half day today! So after lunch we went straight down to the pool.  We splashed around until about 4o’clock when we returned to an excellent tea.  Naafi in the evening and that’s all.

Thursday 23^rd

A very boring day at the studio today with absolutely nothing to do.  Captain Stocker issued me with my rifle and ten rounds at 4o’clock. 

Goodbye to the office – I’m sure the sergeant is glad to see the back of me.  After tea, went down to the village and bought a pair of slacks ($7.50), a blue shirt ($3.50) and a fountain pen ($1.20).  Followed this by supper at the Naafi.

Friday 24^th

Rose at 6o’clock and left with Woodward just after 7a.m.  The train journey to Kuala Lumpar was quite pleasant, although it lasted 10½ hours (8am-6pm).  Had drinks with a Gordon and afterwards shared my lunch with an S.A.C. – Ken Crowhurst.

On arrival at K.L. there was no transport available so I spent the night at the K.L transit camp.  A ghastly place closely resembling Ash ranger.

 

Saturday 25^th

Managed to get the guard commander to phone H.Q. Malaya and obtain a land rover.  Arrived at my new camp at 10o’clock and spent the morning getting settled down.  The lads here appear to be a pleasant crowd.  Although one or two strange characters are at loose.  Naafi in the evening in the company of Dennis and Nick.

Sunday 26^th

Broke the day quite early and went swimming before lunch.  Spent the rest of the day in siesta.  Torrential rain as usual.

 

Monday 27^th

My first day at the studio.  Began by having an interview with the C.O. of A.P.I.S.  Then spent most of the day practicing lettering – much to the horror of the Staff Sgt in charge.  Library and Naafi in the evening completed the day.

 

Tuesday 28^th

Laboured under Corporal Khoo at the studio, helping with my first mosaic.  Sweltering heat throughout the day and also, naturally, we had torrential rain.

Wednesday 29^th

Toda I began my first actual mosaic.  Again with the watchful eye of Corporal Khoo ever observant.  After tea I went with Nick for a short splash about in the pool.  Completing the day musing in the room and feasting upon Charwholler visit.

 

Thursday 30^th

Began the day with drill and positively ghastly inspection.  Following visits to the sort and the camp tailor.  I commenced work again on my mosaic.  After a deal of fiddling on both my part and Corporal Khoo, managed to complete it before the end of the afternoon.

Another inspection after ten, in which Nick was charged.  Then a pleasant evening reading, writing and musing.