Thursday 1st October 1942

During the evenings we have nothing to do and a lot of time is spent in groups talking. Tonight the conversation got around to snakes, some of the men were in favour of killing them and some thought they should be left to kill off the enormous rat population in Asansol. Geoffrey Herne said they seem to get out of your way when you approach. Harry Coe said, "Maybe they do but they like a warm spot, and I don't want them kipping in my bed" The men agreed a large number of the snakes are poisonous and they do not know which is and which is not, that is why they kill them. Geoffrey said then we will have to find out.

Friday 2nd October 1942

Since arriving in India I have seen many things I have not seen before this afternoon, Bombardier Leroy shouted to "me come and look here". Some Indian workmen were building a small brick hut the men were laying the bricks, their labourers were women, they looked like family members. The women carried the bricks on their heads to the men on the site they also mixed the mortar and carried that. One of the women had a small girl with her, she could not have been more than six years old, she had the women's baby strapped to her back, every now and again the woman would stop her work and breast feed the baby. The woman was only small, no more than five foot two inches, and very thin. Leroy said "what will the women at home say when we tell them what we have seen" I said I doubt if they will believe us. One of the Indian staff that works in our cookhouse came along and we asked him if this was the normal practice in India for women to work like this. He said "ho yes sahib it is quite normal"

Saturday 3rd October 1942

After my first job this morning, I had some spare time and one of the headlights on my vehicle had been on the blink for a while so I decided to take it into the electricians workshop to get it fixed. I told Cpl Parnell the electrician what the trouble was, he said "it sounds like a loose wire see if you can trace it, I have an important job on at the moment" I could see what he was doing and I said it looks like you are making a boat, what is that for? He said you know the young chap who takes the washing home for his Mother to do he now takes nearly all the washing for the camp, it takes at least two trips and he has to walk all the way round the lake to the far side and walk back again to clean the basha's. The same at night when he brings the clean clothes, the boat will save him the two long walks and he can take all the washing in one trip. The boy certainly does a good job he arrives early in the morning and lays out all our clean clothes for the day. When we go to work he cleans the basha, and then takes our dirty clothes home for his Mother, who is the dhobi wallah!! We never see her, but she certainly does an exceedingly good job, dirty greasy overalls come back white. Her son said she only uses cold water, I know the sun light out here helps. In the afternoon the bearer takes our clean clothes back to our basha makes our beds and lays the clothes out ready for when we finish work.

Sunday 4th October 1942

Today four new men arrived to join our unit, the C.S.M said they are replacements for the men that have gone sick and will not be rejoining the unit. He understands some of have been sent back to England because they were not responding to treatment out here. This evening we were talking in the basha while listening to Frank Jeffries gramophone records. George Jordan said do you remember John Knott who shared our cabin on the Orion when we sailed from England, he went sick on our trip from Bombay to Calcutta? I said I certainly remembered him. George said he wondered what happened to him, we have not seen or heard of him since. That is the way of the army you can loose touch with people very easily. George who became friendly with John said he had tried to find out without success. I must admit I had forgotten there was a few men that went sick on that trip that have still not rejoined the unit.

Monday 5th October 1942

When we have our meals and leave the dinning room there are always a lot of young children waiting outside with tins in their hands, they hold the tins shouting sahib, they want us to put our left-over in the tin and not in the waste bin. The lads do not like this, seeing children begging for food!! Some are very chota chicoes, they take the food off your plate's with their grubby little hands and scoop it into their tin. Very often there are potato, carrot, bits of sausage or Soya links or bread jam in the tin and they scoop rice pudding on top, then they eat it out of the tin using their dirty little hand. Paddy says it all goes the same way down.

Tuesday 6th October 1942

After our evening meal, which was better than usual today, Vick and Les started kidding the cook and asking him how he had managed the improvement? Jock said, don't ask me, ask Casey he brought better rations for a change. The sweet after dinner was tinned pears and they were very nice. Jock said Casey had paid for them out of our mess funds, Vick Garlinch said "don't give me that, I bet he half-inched them" Just then Jack Casey came in, he denied the accusation and before they could start ragging him, which Vick and Les Chilcott always did, he changed the subject. He said he had just seen Cpl Parnell's boat and how good it looked now that it is almost finished. All the lads agree, the boat is a good idea, but some of the boys said it will not float having been made out four gallon petrol cans it would not be balanced. Parnell said he would make it balance, because the lad needed it. All our chaps agreed the boy and his mother were doing a good job for us. Reg Timpson the welder, who gets his overalls very dirty, said "just look at my overalls they are nearly white, when I was issued with them they were brown" Just then Frank Jeffries a general duties man who works in the kitchen came out to collect the dirty serving dishes. (Frank, his Sister and Mother own a laundry in Leeds) Arthur Woodcock, said "Frank you are an expert on laundries, could your laundry in Leeds get the clothes clean like our dhobi wallah does?" Frank, said "I am not going to answer that, but I will say the sun in India bleaches the clothes white"

Wednesday 7th October 1942

During my trip out today I met some of my friends from the Royal Artillery H.Q. They told me there is now a large concentration of troops in the Bengal area. They say a lot are replacements for those who have gone sick, but it is expected a considerable number will move up to the front, which is the Burma border, very soon. They also said there is a lot of discontentment among our troops in Bengal, caused mainly by the British nationals who have lived out here in luxury for years making money out of the cheap labour. The business men, the investors, factory owners and Jute Mill bosses many of them are Scottish. In South Africa the Europeans treated the soldiers very well here they treat the soldiers very badly. Like the R.A's, say, the position in the Far East is in the balance right now, the Indians have been rioting for some time now and the Japanese are poised for invasion, who will these prig's want to save their bacon!! The general opinion is they will up and run at the first sign of trouble. They did tell me the riots have quietened down recently, it is now mainly between Hindus and Muslims.

Thursday 8th October 1942

After dinner tonight George Jordan, said how about going into Asansol to see a film for a change, Hugh Neill said that is a good idea. A few of us got ourselves ready, we could have had a lift down in a truck, but decided it was not too warm and the walk would do us good, some of the drivers had been sat down all day. In fact it turned to be a very pleasant walk and two of the lads were new to our unit and we were pointing out different places to them. As we approached some open fronted shops we could hear a strange sound, George said it is the Indian orchestra are tuning their string instruments. Sat on the floor of the shop were four or five musicians playing instruments we had not seen before, the sound of which was not music to our liking. Paddy plays the violin he said it sounds as if they are strangling the cat's by their whiskers. George said who are we to criticise, they must be enjoying themselves, they are at it every night. Our first stop was at the bazaar which is rich in a variety of smells, some pleasant and some not so good. There was a strong smell of burning wood tonight which masked a lot of the other perfumes. Most of us purchased a few items we required then went to the Indian Institute to see the film. From there we went to Foo-Lee's Chinese Restaurant for a meal. the place is not very big it is a brick building, with white painted walls inside, of course there are a few lizards on the walls to keep the insects down. Some of our lads were already in, however we found a table and sat down. Foo-Lee came rushing over with two small waiters we wondered what was the matter. He said, "excuse please" and took the white table cloth off, George asked him why? he pointed to a small stain on the cloth, probably made by the last customer. They then put a very white cloth on and set the table for us, asking what we would like to eat. George, Hugh, and I started with chicken noodle soup, one of the lads only wanted an omelette. We had to wait some time for our meal because they cook everything fresh, the chaps omelette came first and as the waiter placed it on the table, Foo-Lee came over and told him to take it back, George who knew him said what is the matter now? (The Chinese can not speak much English) but he made signs and we got the idea it was not to his liking. Casey was sat near us, said he will not serve anything that is not just right, that omelette was flat, it had not fluffed up. Our soup was excellent and so was the rest of our meal, when we left the owner came to the door with us, and with a little bow said, "thank you, come again please"

Friday 9th October 1942

We did the usual physical exercises before breakfast this morning then we started work at 08.00 hrs until about 17.00 hrs. Now that it is cooler we do not get siesta in the afternoons, the heat today as been 98 degrees Fahrenheit. After tiffin the Old Man (the OC) called us on parade to tell us we are not now in the (R.A.O.C) Royal Army Ordinance Corps, we are now in the (R.E.M.E) Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers the tradesmen's rank will be craftsman in future.

Saturday 10th October 1942

Some of the men were at it again today, killing poisonous snakes at least they said they were poisonous!! we are not sure. I think the snakes should be left to kill the hundreds of rat's that are in this area. One of our men that took ill in June on the convoy from Bombay to Calcutta came out of hospital and rejoined our unit today. Four months is a awful long time to be in hospital, he told us that he had been to a convalescence camp, since his discharge. Taking that into account I am certainly glad I did not take ill on that trip, I would hate being in hospital for any length of time.

Sunday 11th October 1942

Cpl Parnell tried to launch the bearers boat this morning but it would not stay upright, of course Vick, Les and Timo, started getting at him saying there you are we told you it would not be balanced!! Parnell said I will make it balance, he then fitted stabilisers made out of four gallon petrol drums, which he fitted one on either side of the boat on wooden planks. The idea worked and the young lad went home this afternoon happy, rowing his boat loaded with all the dirty washing. The lads gave him a cherry send off, except Kennedy who said he hoped his washing did not end up at the bottom of the ruddy lake or words to that effect.

Monday 12th October 1942

In and around Asansol the Muslims were all wearing their best clothes. When we asked what the occasion was, they told us it was the feast of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, commemorating the revelation of the Koran. During Ramadan all Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. After the fast, the feast occurs at the end of the month. It is marked by bathing and the wearing of their best clothes, giving of gifts and prayer.

Tuesday 13th October 1942

The temperature dropped during the night and it was rather cool this morning. We have a lot of work on to keep us all busy today. I was rather late getting back to camp this evening by the time I had a wash and my dinner it is nearly time for bed. Some of the lads are already under their mossie nets, George Jordan is one he is reading a book it must by Thorne Smith George keeps bursting out laughing.

Wednesday 14th October 1942

It was rather cool again this morning. My first job was to take some instruments to a gun-site on a airfield. While I was waiting for one of our instrument mechanics finishing a job I watched some air-craft taking off the gunners said they were not bombers, but supply planes, flying over the hump to China. My left ear is troubling me today I am not going to go sick the MO might send me into hospital again.

Thursday 15th October 1942

This evening Reg Timpson and some of the lads had been into Asansol, Timo came back with a puppy dog someone in the town had given him. He went to see the Old Man and got permission to keep it. The OC said it would best be kept in the guard-room where someone is always awake to look after it. The lads have christened it Blossom it is a very nice little dog, black with white markings.

Friday 16th October 1942

Weather still cool, more like home! The weather nothing else, the stinks, flies, rats and snakes etc, are far from being like home. We did not have much work on during the day and were able to finish early. A crowd of us decided we would go into Asansol and have a meal and see a film. Walking down the road Paddy Neill said here comes Flash Harry on his lonesome. Geoffrey Herne said why do you call him Flash, Ted Hampson said because he is always in a hurry. Geoff said I have noticed he is a nice enough fellow, but why is he nearly always out on his own? Paddy said don't ask! we think he has a Bibie in Asansol!! Geoff in his quiet way said "that is hardly likely, I think you are kidding" Just then Harry flashed by, saying "get a move on you slow coaches"

Saturday 17th October 1942

When we woke this morning it was raining and seemed very cold. The men on guard told us that the temperature had gone down to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. All the lads said how cold they felt, we worked most of the day with our overcoats on. (It seemed strange but true) In England 70 degrees would be warm, but here we have got used to the very hot weather. This evening we were issued with an extra blanket. It is winter here and we have been told it can get very cold during the night. We saw Indians walking about today with blankets round their bodied. I had earache again today maybe it is due to the cold.

Sunday 18th October 1942

This morning it is much warmer, if we put our overcoats on we would swelter. In Asansol today the Hindus were making preparations for the celebration of Diwali the Indian festival of light. One of our Indian workers said this is the time they pay respects to their God Oja and is the most colourful event in the Indian religious calendar. They have erected an effigy of their God in the town it was brightly lit tonight and looks splendid. I would have liked to take a photo but the only camera we have is not good enough to take in artificial light. Tomorrow we have been told it should be a fine sight to see all the people going about celebrating in new gaily coloured clothes, it will probably be like our whit walks in England. In the evening lamps and candles will be lit, and everywhere should be brightly illuminated like this evening. The festival is particularly associated with Lakshmi goddess of light and wealth. Tonight while I am writing my journal I can hear the drums beating in a nearby village, I suppose they are hailing the start of the festival.

Monday 19th October 1942

My ears have been troubling me recently, during last night the earache was very bad, there was a discharge of pus and blood, I had to go on the sick parade. The MO said, "you must have had earache!! You, should have come to see me before now" I told him I did not want to go in hospital again. He said a boil had burst in my ear, and he would do his best not to send me in hospital, however I must attend the MI room each morning for treatment until my ear gets better. Today we had to post our Christmas letters and cards etc, otherwise they would not get there in time, I sent mine together with a few photos I have taken. In Asansol the people have been celebrating, it was very nice to see the men, women, and children dressed in their fine new clothes. Tonight the town is lit up with bright lights and there is a happy atmosphere I was told that it goes on for five nights. The drums are beating away harder than ever, Bill said he hoped they don't go on for that length of time or we will not get any sleep. Paddy said the drums are to drive the bad spirits away, Geoff said let us hope there are not all that many bad spirits near Ushergram. I said one of my ears is stuffed with cotton wool I will put some in the other ear then I will be able to sleep

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Tuesday 20th October 1942

Today we had to hand in our thick army battle dress and one pair of boots, in place of the boots we have been issued with a pair of chaplies they are Indian shoes like our sandals. They are made of leather, with open at the toes, sides and back, they will be ideal for this climate. Celebrations are still going on in Asansol and tonight the drums are pounding again not a very tuneful sound, Ted Hampson said they need their drums tuning.

Wednesday 21st October 1942

After work some of the lads got together for a practice game of football, we are playing a match against a RAF team on Friday we have played against two other teams since we arrived here, won one lost one. Our team is not great, we have not got a lot of men who play or enjoy a kick around in fact our unit is not very big and some of the men are not very young, like Cribb, Carvel, Phipps, Dring, Martin, Herbert, Jordan, Ball, Murrell and Jim Webster just to mention a few of the older men that must be in their thirties, but they are all very good at their jobs.

 

Thursday 22nd October 1942

When I went for treatment this morning the medical orderly said my ear is much better and they will soon be able to discharge me.

During one of my trips out today, I went to a shop where they make shoes to measure. The Indian who makes the shoes shown me some of his samples, and I must say he is a very fine craftsman. I ordered a pair of mosquito boots, and he took the measurements of both my feet the boots should be ready in about a week.

 

Friday 23rd October 1942

Been very busy during the day, I managed to get back in time to go and play football we got beat but not trounced. Harold Grey was one of our best players he is a bit of a rough player and despite complaints from the riffraff he scored. We were told the RAF team are the local cup holders. After the match we were having refreshments and the RAF lads told us our aircraft had been bombing the Japanese in Burma practically every night for the past couple of months, with no opposition. They did not know the exact target areas, but they understand the Jap supply lines have been severely disrupted. Their airfield is not very far from our camp and we often hear the planes going over. The Americans have a airfield not very far away, I have been there a few times, there Dakota aircraft fly supplies over the hump to China. I understand they also drop supplies to our forward troops.

Saturday 24th October 1942

Eric Taylor one of the electricians is in hospital and Cpl Parnell is very busy. Captain Titley asked me to go and work in the electrical workshop to help out. The work kept me very busy all day.

War News:- On the night of 22nd October, a large force of British bombers flew across the Alps and bombed the Italian port of Genoa.

Sunday 25th October 1942

I worked in the electrical workshop all day again, there is more work in this place than I would have given them credit for, when I have just called in to see them. I will not tell Shag Taylor that when he comes back!! He would say I told you so. War News, On the 23rd Oct, 1942, after a very heavy gun barrage, allied forces commanded by General Montgomery launched a major offensive against Field Marshal Rommel's troops at El Alamein in Egypt. The Eighth Army with considerable artillery, tank and air support were successful, by dawn yesterday, our infantry had penetrated four miles into the enemy's positions, many German and Italian prisoners were captured.

 

Monday 26th October 1942

I worked with in the electrical workshop all day again. After work I decided to write a letter home, today is my Mothers birthday. During our evening meal Jack Casey told us there was a good picture on at the Indian Institution, Paddy Neill and I decided we would go. When the film finished we went for a meal at Foo-Lee's Chinese Restaurant, where the food is always very good. Inside on the white washed walls there are always many Lizards to keep the insects down. After our enjoyable meal (Paddy said that was much better than Ferguson’s cooking) we went for a walk round the bazaar and did some shopping. I called in at the shoe shop, and my boots were ready for collection, he had done an excellent job and they were a perfect fit. They only cost me 30 Rupees which I thought was very good. Hugh was so pleased when he saw them he ordered a pair. From there we went back to camp in a rickshaw. .

Local War News:- Yesterday the RAF air-raids on Burma were on a larger scale, aircraft were taking off and returning all day and night the airfield near our camp was very busy. There are several airfields in this area all are defended by the 66th HAA guns. Our troops in Assam were bombed by the Japanese yesterday and Calcutta aerodrome was also bombed.

On the 24th October a large force of Lancaster bombers made a daylight raid on Milan in Italy, attacking their targets from a low altitude, the attack continued until after dark.

Tuesday 27th October 1942

War News, 25th Oct, heavy fighting continues in North Africa, our troops consolidated their positions and by the evening the number of prisoners taken had mounted to 1,450. On the 15th September 1942 the American aircraft carrier Wasp was sunk by a Japanese submarine in the Coral Sea, it was escorting a convoy bound for Gaudalcanal in the Solomon Islands, the convoy reached port safely. The news was realised until now.

 

Wednesday 28th October 1942 Asansol, Bengal, India.

Weather very nice this morning, cool and fresh, for this part of the world. Temperature in the sixties Fahrenheit. I received a message first thing after breakfast from Lt Cooke, to leave my own truck, and get the Dodge (a small van, usually driven by Tom Martin.) ready for a trip to Calcutta with the O.C. Captain R. Titley. We set off on the 142 mile trip, early and arrived at the artillery H.Q. not far from Chowringhee at 12:55 hrs. Captain Titley went into see Colonel Gale and I went to Ferpoes for tiffin (lunch). After the meal I went shopping and bought some vests and pants etc., Prices had gone up considerably since I was last in Calcutta. When I had bought all the things I needed, I went along to the race course to book a bed at the Hostel for the night. In the afternoon I drove the O.C. round the gun-sites around Calcutta. We arrived back at H.Q. about 19:00 hrs., I then went out to book a seat to see a show at the Tiger, on Chowringhee. Having booked a seat I went to Ferpoes for dinner. During our visit to the various gun-sites in the afternoon, I had heard rumours that the regiment would be moving shortly. The gunners were all talking about the move, and speculating on the destination. In Ferpoes, I met bombardier Leroy from the artillery H.Q. He confirmed that we were all moving, He seemed well informed and said the journey would be long, even weeks over rough terrain. He does not know just where we are going, but his guess is we are going somewhere on the Assam, Burma border. That could be any of a number of places the border stretches a long way, from Chittagong near the Arakan to Tibet and China. We were sent here to defend Calcutta, and places of military strategic importance, like the railways and airfields etc., from the Japanese air-raids. Since we have been here the anticipated air-raids have not taken place. I expect we will be of more use on the Burma border, which is the front line at the moment. After dinner I went to the show at the Tiger, with some of the lads from H.Q. The show was not too bad we had a good laugh and quite a few drinks. From there I got a rickshaw back to the racecourse. The Hostel where I am staying is part of the Calcutta racecourse. In peace time it was the owners and Jockeys club. Now it is a hostel for servicemen on leave or like myself, just passing through. It is managed very well. On arrival you go through the reception desk and book in, there you are issued with clean sheets and towels. Some of the beds are on verandas those inside the building have fans above the bed. Meals are served in a large dining room. There is also a reading room, writing room, and a bar called the Magnolia. Once a week they have a dance at the hostel. I have not been because I don't dance. Ferpoes where I went for tiffin is a very nice restaurant, inside the dining room it is much like a hotel dining room, with a stage at one end. In the evenings they have a dance band, with singers and other artists, during the day they have a piano and string instruments. A section of the wooden floor is highly polished for people to dance. The walls are elegantly decorated and covered in parts by large oblong mirrors and fine hand paintings. The waiters are dressed in a white cotton uniform, white turban with a diagonal dark red band round, a three-quarters length white coat, with a dark red belt and white trousers. The service is good and the food is all right but I have had better since I have been in India.

Thursday 29th October 1942 Calcutta, Bengal, India.I arranged for an early call this morning and sure enough a bearer woke me with a cup of tea. After a wash and shave I had breakfast and then went to meet Captain Titley. We paid a brief visit to the Royal Artillery at H.Q. again to collect some parcels and papers. From there we went to a gun site at Dum-Dum airfield. The rumours I heard yesterday about the move east, were also being told around this camp. Of course with varied additions. We had tiffin with the R.A's, before setting off on our journey back to Asansol. We arrived back at our workshop just before dinner. During the meal I was able to tell the lads, the story of my trip to Calcutta and all the latest news from H.Q. including the rumours about our pending move. The latter was received with great interest and some speculation.

Friday 30th October 1942 Asansol, Bengal, India.

Before starting work today we went on a short route march, about six miles. We were given to understand that this was only a warm up for the training to come, in preparation for our pending move to the Burma border. This training was obviously the result of our O.C.'s visit to H.Q. in Calcutta. He probably knows all about our move, where we are going to be stationed, and the job we will be doing when we get there. Various rumours are circulating around the camp, some from the R.A. personnel. There are reasonable rumours but some are absurd. Here are a few of what are reasonable:- The 66th H.A.A. are going to defend forward air fields. They are going to defend the Burma Oil fields, that have not been captured by the Japs. They are going to defend the Manipur Road, and railway, near the border. Some R.A.'s, are saying that the H.A.A. batteries are leaving their guns on the sites around Asansol where they are defending the airfields and railways etc., also the guns on the sites in and around Calcutta, are being left and the 66th H.A.A. personnel are going to be equipped with mobile guns and are then going to move up to the Burma border. The rumours of a move have been supported by the fact that we have been told today we are to start commando training very soon. It is a fact wherever we go it must be nearer the Burma border, which is the front line now. I suppose this training is to make sure we are fit. Most of the men including Hugh and I intend on visiting the Asansol Bazaar in the next few days to do some shopping. There are quite a few items I need if we are moving into the wilds, such as a spare toothbrush, more vests and pants, oil lamp, mosquito boots and of course a final meal at Foo-Lee's Chinese Restaurant, who knows we may not pass this way again. Everyone seems to have the same idea, to do their shopping in Asansol as soon as possible, in case we move off quickly, without any warning. I doubt if there will be shops where we are going and it is a case of being prepared, we do not know how quick we are going to move. Someone said Jack Casey scrounged a few hours off work this afternoon to do his shopping.

Saturday 31st October 1942 Asansol, Bengal.

We started our intensive training today. Reveille 04:30 hrs. First parade, in full kit with weapons and ammunition. We did various exercises including bayonet fighting, walking over water on planks, swinging on ropes, crawling on the ground - on our bellies. Paddy said we are making work for the dobe wallah. We had breakfast about 06:00 hrs, and were certainly ready for it, most of the lads asked for seconds. After the meal it was full kit again, this time our pouches were loaded with ammunition, and we took various weapons in addition to our rifles. The march to the firing range was about seven miles. We all fired various weapons including, our rifles, bren-gun, Thompson automatic, revolver, and a anti-tank gun. I also threw two hand grenades (with different timed fuses.) We had to wear gas masks during part of the firing, in order to get used to the conditions, just in case! We were to march back to camp, but the old man sent a vehicle to collect us. We are under no illusion, he is not being kind nor does he want to save us the walk back to camp. The sooner we got back, the sooner we can start work. Back at camp Bill Kennedy had a 44 gallon drum of water boiling ready for us to clean our weapons. Cleaning the rifle after firing, the bolt is removed, boiling water is poured down the barrel after a few pints of boiling water we use a pull-through. A piece of 4 x 2 is slipped into the loop end of the cord then the brass section is passed through the barrel of the rifle and pulled through. The 4 x 2 coming through the barrel brings all the muck along with it. 4 x 2 is a piece of flannelette measuring four inches by two inches. A pull through is a piece of cord, with a round piece of brass on one end and a cord loop at the other. The rifle is finally wiped dry, and then oiled all over: This done it was back to the workshop for the remainder of the day. We have still not been told anything official, about the move.

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