Arthur Reasebeck's Diary
Arthur Reasebeck's Diary |
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June 25 1941
We started work on Thursday night as the
night shift. The job we are working is quite a decent sized undertaking. The
work being rather heavy at first but after some time we get used to it. The
hours are rather long (0700 to 12.0) and (1330 to 1900) the day shift & (1930
to 0630) hrs on the night shift, the latter having a half hour break.
June 26
In this camp we have quite a comfortable
time there being a really good washhouse with hot & cold showers as well as
wash basins. A drying room is also provided so we have somewhere to dry washing
or clothes that have got wet through rain (which we are getting a fair amount
of). Meals are dished up from German canteen cookhouse just outside our camp
boundary fence. We also have a small canteen but up to date (Aug 3) there has
not been much we could obtain there the chief stuff being a couple of jam
issues & two or three milk issues other stuff has not yet come through.
Regarding meals our Sunday meals generally have the only meat issue of the
week.
June 29
With them each man getting at least
one large issue with dinner & another with tea which has consisted of beetroot &
a small portion of jam and margarine. In each barrack room we have a slow
combustion stove so should not feel cold when the weather gets colder or winter
comes along a time which we are forever hoping to see at home.
Our first payday was on July 15 I
myself drawing 7 marks. These marks are only useable in camps and are no use
outside so that we cannot obtain anything outside camp, even if we could get
near any shops etc. The camp guards are not a bad group of men they are mainly
Austrians and are mainly older men round about 40 years of age similar. There no
doubt to our own prison guards at home.
Today we started work on the dam one
party commencing in the morning and the rest of us on the night party commencing
at 1900 & working through till 0630 hrs Wednesday.
July 4
Tonight ends our first weeks work. On
Monday we change over to days & the others come on to nights for a week.
July 5
DAYS. Barrack inspection this morning
followed by a check parade & then an inspection by the Camp Commandant.
July 6
Started day shift this morning at 0700
hrs till 1900 hrs with a break for dinner from 1200 to 1330 hrs.
July 9 Sunday
Parades again today, as usual Sunday
procedure. We received post & letter cards today so that we all did a bit of
writing home for the first time since leaving Corinth actually this appears to
be about our first chance of definitely getting a letter home since being
captured. One letter or card per week is our limit to send but we can receive as
many as are sent us.
July 25
Parcels are allowed us at the rate of 2
food & 2 clothing parcels per month. Started night shift tonight.
August 3 Monday
Day shift again this week
August 4 Thursday
Canteen open tonight with quite a decent
selection of goods for a change when it closed however there was not much
variety left & we expect that by tomorrow there will be nothing left again.
August 14 Thursday
Cigarette issue today. 120 per man at
2.5 pfennings cash.
August 16 Saturday
Finish night shift tonight. Saturday
incidentally is now a shorter day the day shift working 7.30 to 1600 hrs &
night 1600 to 00.30 hrs. The week has passed much the same as others although if
anything it has seemed a bit easier & passed quicker owing to there being a
great many jobs scattered about the dam & this making the week easier with quite
an appreciable amount of time for us to take off a few minutes rest now & then.
August 7 Sunday
Barrack and Commandants inspection in
morning. Rugby & Soccer matches this afternoon followed by church service and
impromptu concert in evening. Quite a pleasant day and a very great change to
the usual daily routine. We are hoping that these games & concerts will continue
together with the additional amusements to help relieve the monotony. Wrote my
weekly letter to Betty & posted same immediately.
August 17 Monday
Started day shift again this morning.
Still quite a steady & easy job Mit stefal
Friday menu coffee breakfast,
potatoes bread soup, sauerkraut dinner, potato, porridge, bread tea
Yesterdays menu coffee breakfast,
potatoes, barley soup, sauerkraut, meat dinner, meat, beetroot, white bread
tea
August 19
Same group today but on different job
rather awkward working owing to heavy steel reinforcement round intake casings
Menu today coffee breakfast, Dinner
potatoes, brown soup, vegetable stew, Tea potatoes, maize, coffee, bread
Payday today 9.80 marks
August 20
Finishing same job this morning then on
another small one after dinner a very easy day
Menu breakfast coffee, Dinner
potatoes, macaroni soup, sauerkraut, Tea potatoes, potato soup, bread
August 21
Clearing up ready for first concreting &
taken down timber till about 1030 then started on fresh hole & finished day on
this very easy day
Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes,
macaroni soup, potatoe stew, Tea potatoes, rice porridge, bread
August 22
Fairly easy day again today but finished
up with bit of a rush owing to 18 & b12 loads being shipped at 1845 & we knock
off at 1855 hrs.
Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes,
white soup, vegetable pea, Tea potatoes, porridge, bread
Saturday 23
Exceptionally easy day today find form
& I went on a small tipping job this morning the job finishing after 8 trucks so
we had quite an easy morning as have stopped on site till 12.0. After dinner we
went to same site & were hanging about till 5.30 when a came along & chased us
off to Foreman who took our numbers & marked us off the time sheet for afternoon
really more said but we expect to have a few pfennings short on payday. In
evening after tea we had a mock trial which passed off very well.
August 24 Sunday
Saturdays breakfast - coffee, Dinner
potatoes, meat, potatoe soup, cucumber salad, Tea potatoes, maize, coffee,
bread
Barrack & Commandants inspection in
morning. Football & rugger matches in afternoon. Church service followed by
concert after tea, all this passing off very well and giving us quite an
interesting day. Sent off my weekly letter to Betty. Breakfast coffee, Dinner
potatoes, meat, barley soup, vegetable stew, Tea beetroot, meat, milk,
biscuit, slice of white bread
25 August
Nights again this week so that we have
had a long weekend again. The day has dragged a bit as we have had nothing to do
except lounge about doing an odd bit of washing or something like that which we
must of necessity leave over till weekends. Breakfast coffee, Dinner
potatoes, barley soup, vegetable stew, Tea potatoes, porridge (no bread in
before we left for work)
26 August Tuesday
Had exceptionally easy & monotonous
night owing to no concrete being poured and we were put on to clean up ready for
concreting. Got yesterdays bread ration with this mornings coffee. Started off
tonight as last night but went on tipping about 23.00 hrs, so that night passed
off quite nicely once more. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup,
sauerkraut, Tea potatoes, milk & potato soup, bread
27 August Wednesday
Same job as last night only mit stafal
tonight. The day party was rained off this morning about 9.30 & did not return
to work as the rain did not clear off till nearly 1700 hrs. New Commandant &
Guard take over today & we had a barrack inspection during afternoon (about 2.0)
which upset our sleep a bit. Later just after tea we were paraded so that the
old Commandant could hand over. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup,
vegetable stew, Tea potatoes, porridge, bread
28 August
Steady night again on same job. Jam in
canteen today at 40 pfennings. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup,
vegetable stew, tea potatoes, potato soup (thick), bread
Unreadable date
Good night again tonight started
tipping on same job as last night & then as it was finished went down below on
another small one. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, vegetable stew.
Tea potatoes, custard, bread.
29 August
Started another job last night and it
turned out to be the hardest job we have had yet (trench on river bank) all of
us being dead beat by morning. Day party today were rained off this morning and
as rain continued till evening we on the night shift did not go into work at
all. Mock trial this evening. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup (with
maize), vegetable stew, Tea potatoes, maize, coffee, bread
30 August
Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes,
barley soup, meat, vegetable stew, Tea beetroot, white bread, bread.
Commandants barrack inspection as usual this morning. Football matches in
afternoon followed by a church service and then concert in evening. The concert
passed off very well. The Camp Commandant honoured us with his presence for this
and has promised to help us to keep these concerts & games going. We have not
yet received our weekly issue of letter cards so have been unable to write home.
Issue of wine in canteen today at 60 pfennings for Ό litre.
September
Day shift again this week. Started day
on same job as Friday night & finished same about 1500 hrs of which time we went
onto clearing timber still knocked off at 1900 hrs. During the latter period
we succeeded in getting quite a number of apples from the many fruit trees round
the job. Breakfast coffee, Dinner pototes, barley soup, vegetable stew, Tea
potatoes, porridge, bread
Next day
Nothing much doing again at the dam
today. We went onto digging & had a very easy day. Breakfast coffee, Dinner
potato, soup, vegetable stew, cucumber & potato salad, Tea potatoes, barley &
potato, bread
Gherkins in canteen today at 50
pfennings per ½ kilo
2
September
mit stafal again today on and this
rather cushy job. Jam and margarine in canteen today at 70 pfenning the two
issues. Received and wrote weekly card home. Breakfast coffee, Dinner
potatoes, soup, sauerkraut, Tea potatoes, macaroni, bread
3
September
On small but very deep hole today the
chute of which is exceptionally dirty to work under owing to its great length.
The two pumps in this hole broke down about 11.15 and the hole filled with water
this stopping work there. After dinner we went on digging a very tedious job
which we were very glad to leave. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, barley
soup, vegetable stew, Tea potatoes, potato soup flavoured tomato, bread
4
September
Working round turbines today a great
job with a fairly easy throw from each chute in bit of heavy reinforcement round
about. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, potato stew, Tea potatoes,
maize, coffee, bread
5
September
Working round turbines again today.
Still a steady easy job as we have to use the vibranators nearly all the time
owing to not being able to shovel much. Finished at 1600 hrs as usual on
Saturdays now. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, tomato & vege soup,
cucumber & potato salad, Tea potatoes
New day
Once again the usual barrack and
Commandant inspection this morning. The afternoon was a couple of football
matches (one soccer & one rugger). After these was held a trial of a couple of
chaps charged with stealing a rather depressing affair but necessary I am
afraid. In evening was usual church service followed by concert. Breakfast
coffee, Dinner potatoes, meat & vegetable stew, soup, Tea beetroot, white
bread, bread
7
September
Nights again this week so that we had a
long weekend once more. The day passes very slowly for us on Mondays as we have
not to make up for lost sleep like on other days on this shift. Had a rather
monotonous job also tonight clearing up ready for concreting tower in centre.
After this went on tipping for a couple of hours till 6.30. There was a spot of
bother tonight owing to quite a number being found asleep and missing from jobs.
8
September
Mondays breakfast coffee, Dinner
potatoes, barley soup, vegetable stew, Tea potatoes, porridge, bread
Tuesday Pay parade this afternoon
received 7.70 marks. Went on digging tonight as not enough concreting for us
all. This turned out a very slow job so that time rather dragged. Tonight turned
out coldest yet there being a temperature of 5 below zero roundabout 5.0 hrs.
Breakfast coffee, Dinner thin white soup, sauerkraut, beetroot, Tea
potatoes (2), beetroot, maize, bread
9
September
Breakfast coffee, Dinner tomato
soup, sauerkraut, beetroot, Tea barley soup, coffee, bread. Had an
exceptionally good & easy job tonight six of us were tipping a couple of
trucks of ballast on side of river those going up at short 10 minute intervals.
We split ourselves into groups of 2 each & so we all managed a spot of sleep by
the side of a really good fire we made good work.
10 September
Butter, margarine, cigarette papers &
lighter, toothpaste & brushes, boot polish, knives, drinks,(5) in canteen today
usual mush to get these things & all was sold out by teatime. Breakfast
coffee, Dinner potatoes, barley soup, tomato & vege stew, Tea potatoes,
ground rice & potato, bread. Were told supper time were clearing hole ready for
cement after went on job feeding endless conveyor with concrete.
11 September
Exceptionally tough job as all had to be
handled by shovel & there was no break between trucks. The conveyor broke down
however for about 1 ½ hrs so we did not have things quite as bad as they might
have been. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, veg stew & extra farm
bread. Canteen stocked again today.
12 September
Finish night shift tonight start work
at 1600 hrs & knock off 2400 hrs with 1 hr off at 1900 hrs after which we return
to camp. Another very easy job tonight hooking up trucks at foot of railway up
river bank from 22 30 trucks stopped coming so we did a spot of sloughing
till supper. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, bread, soup, sauerkraut,
extra soup and veg & sauerkraut, a lot for work from cookhouse, Tea(or supper)
potatoes, coffee then usual soup at dam.
13 September
Today inspection parade did not come off
owing to rain this morning but the barracks were as usual inspected. The weather
cleared towards dinnertime and footballers went out for the usual weekend games.
After tea was church service & then wrestling matches in place of concert. Post
cards not yet in.
Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes,
barley soup, vegetable stew, Tea meat, vegetable salad, white bread, bread
14 September
Day shift once again. Messing about all
morning off one job clearing up to another one and finally got a job on top of
one of the towers about 11.30 clearing up before dinner & then wheeling concrete
in barrows from railway to job. There was a sharp downpour of rain during
afternoon but we managed to shelter & keep dry while it lasted. Cigarettes and
butter in canteen. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, veg stew, Tea
maize, milk, bread
15 September
Tipping for a time this morning then
carrying timber afterwards going on shoveling concrete on temporary dam wall.
Cards in today sent Bettys weekly one off & another to Mum & Dad. Breakfast
coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, veg stew. Tea potatoes, porridge, bread
16 September
Tipping today on bridge. This is not a
bad job but as we are in such an exposed ___________ (for bosses etc passing
over bridge) our parties (______________ ) keeps on moving sweeping up while
waiting for trucks. Also today starts a no smoking ban on us while on the job.
Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, veg stew, Tea potatoes, barley
loaf, bread
17 September
Went sick last night as my face has
again come up was excused of work for today and _________ on job of unloading
railway truck of the much awaited Red Cross parcels. We were issued with 50
cigarettes from these but must await till parcels themselves are sorted before
they are issued most likely Sunday. Excused work again tonight. Breakfast
coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, veg & tomato stew, Tea potatoes, maize, bread
18 September
Light duty again today. Was not
clamped for fatigues in morning but after dinner went with party to empty
refuse tasks only half hours job. There was quite a stir in our barrack room
when the lads arrived back from work at 1600 hr this afternoon & got their
parcels. We also got weekly letter card and an extra postcard so that tonight we
had a busy time writing home and bagging parcel contents. The extra card is to
be issued once a fortnight. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potato soup, veg stew,
Tea potatoes, potato soup, bread
20 September
No inspection or parade today but we had
to clear up the room as usual, just in case. There was no football this
afternoon due to lack off support most likely as everybody was celebrating the
parcel issue. Church service and then concert in evening. Beer & lemonade in
canteen today. Breakfast coffee, Dinner - potatoes, barley soup, veg stew, Tea
coffee, beetroot, salad, white bread
21 September
Night shift this week again. I am again
excused work. I did not go in went sick in morning and on suggestion of or MO
went to see German MO in afternoon about my face he extracted a tooth as both
think this will effect a cure at last. Breakfast coffee, Dinner - soup, veg
stew, Tea potatoes, white soup, bread
22 September
Same again today. Light duties around
camp. Breakfast coffee, Dinner - soup, veg stew, Tea potatos, porridge (with
macaroni), bread, salt, butter, jam issues today at 83 the lot
23 September
Once again excused duty for the day.
Breakfast coffee, Dinner - soup,
veg stew, bread, Tea potatoes, potatoes & macaroni soup
24 September
Work tonight started on tipping job
till midnight then went on digging. Red Cross cigarettes issued today. Breakfast
coffee, Dinner soup, veg stew, Tea potatoes, white soup. Bread
25 September
Tinned meat is part of our RC parcels
issued today. 1 tin per man each one being issued in accordance with orders from
Wolfsberg. This order appears (from what we are told) to be partly in
retaliation against escapes and also for reasons of health due to our diet up to
present not having meat stuff in its makeup. This order holds for all tinned
stuff as the German authorities class all tinned goods as conserves.
26 September
Remainder of parcels issued today,
actually by a bit of wangling as the order was for 1 tin each issued. No work
for night shift tonight so we have Saturday night in bed for a change. Post
cards issued today so wrote and posted my weekly one to Betty. Breakfast
coffee, Dinner barley soup, sauerkraut, veg stew, Tea potatoes, milk, bread,
butter, jam
27 September
Weekly parade inspection then
Commandants parade in morning. Nothing doing in afternoon but usual church
service in evening followed by wrestling matches. Finishing earlier at 1530 hrs
owing to the days getting shorter it is now quite dark at 2000 hrs. We therefore
held a bit of a singsong in our barrack room and so passed the evening quite
well. Breakfast coffee, Dinner soup & veg stew, potatoes, Tea milk,
beetroot, white bread
28 September
Day shift once more, there was no
concrete being poured today so we were split up into groups and different other
jobs. I was with party taking down timbering and clearing up ready for
concreting. Breakfast coffee, Dinner soup, sauerkraut, tea potatoes,
porridge. Since getting our RC parcels there has not been the usual dashing
about for back ups on meals in fact it is now a common thing for quite a
large amount to be left over and nobody wanting more
29 September
Timber shifting again today the day
passed rather well till about 1500 hrs, after which time dragged and we were
glad when the buzzer went. Breakfast coffee, Dinner soup, veg stew, Tea
potatoes, maize, porridge, bread
30 September
Working at cooking station today
unloading & stacking lunches rather a monotonous job but quite a change from
the dam. We were rather late getting back to camp tonight owing to have to wait
for lorry back arrived back about 1845 hrs instead of just after 1500 hrs as
usual. Breakfast coffee, Dinner soup, meat, veg & sauerkraut, stew, Tea
potatoes, potato soup, bread
1
October
Small cementing job this morning as one
of the towers after which went on timber shifting rather tough going out first
but quite good later. RC cigarette issue tonight, also butter & jam. Breakfast
coffee, Dinner soup, veg stew, Tea potatoes, porridge, bread
2
October Dads birthday & wedding anniversary
Very slow today tipping concrete &
shoveling soil over wall supporting river bank. Breakfast coffee, Dinner
soup, veg stew, Tea potatoes, barley soup, coffee, bread
3
October Sylvias birthday (3)
Was hanging about this morning till
about 9.30 without a job then went into hole spreading concrete. This turned out
quite cushy till about 1530 hrs when I happened to be under the chute when truck
was tipped over. I therefore packed up to dry out. Finished day shift today
(at 1600 hrs). Received first letter from Betty today (dated Sept 4). Breakfast
coffee, Dinner soup, stew, potatoes, Tea bread, butter, jam, veg soup
4
October
Quite a hectic day today. Visual clean
up of rooms today for Commandants inspection this we cleared out all
mattresses and spare beds a special do. After this was check parade, followed
by photography of groups etc. Then concert in afternoon followed by tea which
was once again interrupted by parade for re housing some of camp staff. Next
evening service which we missed and spent most of evening writing home letter to
Betty & Mother & dad. Breakfast coffee, Dinner potatoes, soup, stew, Tea
white bread, coffee, beetroot, bun, milk in carton & also cigs & tobacco
5
October
Nights again this week RC parcels issued
this afternoon so there was quite a hectic time bargaining with each other for
various commodities. Had fairly easy night tipping on temporary wall
6
October
Received letters dated 1 & 10 from Betty
and one of Sept 9 from her Mother. Same job as last night but with more to do as
we were being fed by two trains instead of one. Band instruments arrived today
pipes, mouth organs, drinks etc in canteen
7
October
Same job again tonight after a bit of
messing around with the lads
8
October
RC parcel contents & cigarettes issued
this afternoon. Received two letters dated Sept 1 from Mother & Dad & Bobby.
Moving timer logs from one end of dam to other tonight had very easy time and
all time passed quickly
9
October
On concrete today in hole at corner of
dam just beside turbine quite an easy night
10 October
Went into work at 1300 hrs today instead
of 1600 and finished at 1800. Was on tipping same job as earlier in week. Time
passed fairly quickly and job was easy except for last half hour when we were
pushed owing to extra trucks coming round. RC parcel issue after tea with usual
exchanging of contents.
11 October
Weekly barrack room cleanup and parade.
Wrestling and concert in afternoon. New band instruments being used for first
time outside. Service in evening. Wrote card to Betty
12 October
Hanging about this morning shifting
timber bridge over temporary dam wall then went on cementing in tower after
dinner quite a good job but must have been a bit tough on those tipping
13 October
Same job again today rather cold on this
job first thing but when the sun got up it was quite ok
14 October
Colder now in morning. Not bad to wash
in except for the concrete being very wet, especially from the pump this making
it wet over knee deep. Finished this about 1700 and then went on timber shifting
to pass time till 1900 hrs.
15 October
Shifting rock then timber off temporary
wall till 100 then digging on cutting into bank just below round tower for rest
of day. Butter & jam issue today (80 pfg). Bought German grammar at 5.50 marks
16 October
In new hole at end of dam right into
bank good day although the concrete got fairly deep towards afternoon. RC
parcel tin issue tonight. Boots and trousers to be placed in hut at night in
accordance with new orders. The wire round camp has also been raised about 18
inches
17 October
Good morning working on wall below dam
outlets. Finished today at 1200 hrs. Pay (7) parade and log issue after dinner
followed by RC parcels
18 October
Barrack room weekly cleanup for
inspection in morning our room incidentally being missed once again it
appears that only a few rooms are being picked out each day now as they all are
now up to standard expected by our guards. Rugby matches (7-a-side) held in
afternoon followed by concert. The latter being arranged by Lofty Young and
being the best concert yet. Wrote Betty and Mother & dad after tea when letter
cards were issued
19 October
Nights again this week. Working round
turbines tonight not a hard job but rather awkward owing to reinforcement and
narrowness of hole actually a wall
20 October
Tipping over turbines tonight the time
dragged somewhat in spite of 2 trains running continuously. Raining fairly heavy
after midnight
21 October
Same job again tonight but have a rotten
night owing to rain all night
22 October
Digging again in new big hole (turbine)
rain and sleet all night so we trucked off at 2.0 Friday morning after a spot
of bother
23 October
Digging again tonight very easy time.
Day shift returned about 1.00 this
afternoon owing to continual snow which kept up till about 1800 hrs just before
we on night shift fall in (12 trucks between 3 of us tonight Parrot, Norm
and I)
24 October
Short days work to finish the shift from
(130 1800 hrs) on digging in same job as last two days. Filled 8 trucks
between 2 of us (Parrot & myself)
25 October
Another week over today passed with
the usual room cleanup and then parade. Football in afternoon with church
service in evening. No concert tonight as it is now to be held every fortnight.
Wrote card home to Betty
26 October
Day shift once again. Groups reformed
today into 3 groups instead of 12. Clearing out under turbine intakes ready for
concreting. Received RC parcels tonight.
27 October
Same job again till about 11.0 when went
on tipping at top of dam wall. Very sharp frost this morning with every sign of
snow to come.
28 October
Shifting timber again and moving store
shed and contents today. Received letters from Betty (Sept 18) Mother (Sept 15)
Grandpa (Sept 22)
29 October
Same again this morning started snowing
about dinner time. Went on tipping on dam wall to left of main bridge after
dinner. Moving all the time and we knocked off at 1530 hrs. Cigarette and meat
tin issue this afternoon
30 October
Nix arbeit today. Down to dam this
morning but came back immediately as no work could be done owing to electric
power supply being off, some of the permanent day shift went in later but the
rest of us had day off. Night shift did not go in either tonight. Quite a stir
in camp this morning owing to search for unopened tins.
31 October
Same again today & went down to dam this
morning but returned again. Snowing on and off all day but not very heavy as
yet. Red Cross parcels issued this afternoon
1
November
No parade today. Clothing issue today
greatcoats, battledress blouses, pullovers, socks, towels. The concert this
afternoon was held in bath house and went over quite well in spite of cramped
room. Pay parade also today (received 11.20 marks)
2
November
Night shift this week. Pushing trucks on
to lift behind turbines. We were rained off at midnight and got back in camp by
about 1.30. The weather has become much warmer than it has been for the last
week and the snow has almost disappeared at best from the valleys if not
altogether on the hilltop.
3
November
Pushing trucks on lift again tonight at
back of turbines. RC parcel tin issue
4
November
Day party rained off at dinner time
today and as rain later turned to snow (fairly heavy) we did not go in at all
tonight
5
November
Cigarette issue today (RC) Same job
tonight pushing trucks on lift for turbines
6
November
Cigarette issue (canteen 3.60) Once
again pushing trucks for turbines but about 2300 hrs had to put on gumboots and
work underneath as one lad came out saying he was kanki. Not too bad a night
anyhow. It got quite cold towards morning as it has done the last few nights
7
November
Went in at 1.0 today to finish the
weeks night shift as usual now and knocked off at 1800 hrs. Pushing trucks into
lift once more. Had group photos taken this morning
8
November
Parade inspection this morning &
commemoration service at 10.45. Red Cross parcels received after service. Wrote
card to Betty this afternoon
9
November
Excused work today owing having a cold,
so was in camp all day
10 November
At work today. Working behind turbines
in concrete instead of tipping for a change. Armistice Day today nearly all
the lads stopped work at 11.0 for 2 mins silence
11 November
Started morning hooking buckets to crane
but went into back of turbines at 9.0. Photos in today
12 November
Digging in center hole today as concrete
on turbines finished for time. Not too bad a day although this job generally
gets very monotonous. Received two letters dated 20 Oct, Oct 6 from Dad
13 November
Digging and generally hanging about
today but not a bad time for all that
14 November
Messing about all morning clearing up
timber for temporary bridge between towers. Knocked off as usual at 12.0. Red
Cross parcels issued today everything turned out to be tins
15 November
Parade this morning and search for
surplus boots, jackets, overcoats and also unopened cans. No concert this
afternoon. Beer in canteen. Received letters and cards, so wrote Betty and Mum
and Dad also sent photo to Betty
16 November
Nights once again this week. Working
clearing rock ready for concreting in front of turbine outlets till midnight
then moving concrete from in front of broken shuttering
17 November
Digging tonight on river bank above dam
not a bad night and quite mild.
Received two letters (Sept 30 & Oct 6) from Betty also pack of cards. Three men
found to be missing today escaped
18 November
Another night of digging this time in
big hole
19 November
Had rotten night owing to bad toothache
20 November
Went sick this afternoon and then saw
German MO who extracted tooth - received camp duty for tomorrow so no work
tonight. To see him again Monday worse luck
25 November
Pushing trucks on to lift to turbines
today & knocked off at 1700 hrs to see German MO for and the tooth extraction
26 November
Tipping on turbines today. Not a bad day
in spite of there being a continuous line of trucks this allowing us no breaks
except what we could make ourselves
27 November
Same job again today. The last few days
have been rather cold with a very heavy frost in the mornings
28 November
Digging a big hole this morning as the
turbines were not working having to be cleaned and before any more concrete can
be poured. Received letter dated Oct 19 from Betty this afternoon
Parade this morning with a search for
money also inspection of boots for studs etc. Wrote letter and card to Betty
and Mum & Dad and also sent photo for Mum & Dad. Red Cross parcels (Canadian)
issued this afternoon. Concert in evening and later we held a general knowledge
bee in our room to pass the evening
30 November
Tipping over turbine tonight
1
December
Tipping same again tonight. Received
letter dated Oct 14 from Betty
2
December
Hooking up trucks to crane in tower
tonight
3
December
Tipping once again tonight over turbines
4
December
Same job again tonight
5
December
Same tipping job again tonight. We had
to work full night shift today & started work at 1930 as on a normal week day
shift. Day shift today & worked a full day as well.
6
December
No special parade like as usual Sunday
as night shift were back and day shift were at work. Wrote card home for Betty.
Held another general knowledge bee in our room tonight
7
December
No work today owing to rain and snow.
The last fortnight the weather has been very cold with very heavy frost at night
and persisting nearly all day. Last night it started raining and this morning we
just managed to slide down to the dam to return about an hour later. Later rain
turned to snow. Held another general knowledge bee tonight to pass the time.
8
December
Frame tipping job over turbines today
but the work was very ___________ owing to accident with one of the lifts,
Charlie Green, I am sorry to report being killed through it. Last night also
Douglas Galbraith had a similar fall but was lucky enough to escape almost
unhurt.
9
December
Once again tipping over turbines the
job went slowly owing to trouble with lifts. Pay tonight 7 marks. RC
cigarettes & also canteen issue of cigarettes
10 December
Same again today till after dinner when
went into stefals as quite a number of the lads had gone to funeral of Charlie
Green. From their reports this was carried out with military honours and every
respect the Germans firing a salute. Held another for general knowledge bee
after tea
11 December
Tipping today on bridge into center hole
till just after dinner when job finished & went hooking up trucks at top of
incline to end of dam wall
12 December
Working on same job till dinner time
then went tipping ballast at back of wall farther along same bank. Red Cross
parcel issue
13 December
Group photographs in today. Working this
morning first same job as yesterday, then shoveling concrete into barrows for
tipping down chutes at end of wall just alongside of turbine inlets. No work in
afternoon. Wrote letter to Betty & Mother & dad. Held impromptu general
knowledge again after tea
14 December
Nights once more this week on same job
coupling up trucks to winch cable
15 December
Same job tonight
16 December
Tipping again tonight but this time
ballast instead of ballast same part of bank. Started snowing today and
continued fall all night not very heavily however so that we did not get
unduly wet
17 December
Once more tipping over same job
concrete till about 3.30 then ballast till 6.30. All lights on dam went out for
½ hr tonight at 23.0 hrs so that the break for soup was earlier than usual
18 December
No work tonight day shift finished at
1300 hrs also but a few had to go down for a short time later
19 December
Went down to Lavamund job this morning
only few going to the dam itself. Finished at 12.0
20 December
Nothing special today. Room inspection
then parade and inspection of boots and clothing. Issue of Red Cross parcels
(Canadian) Wrote card to Betty. Held another gen knowledge bee to night
21 December
Work for a few today owing to holidays
we are being arranged into small groups for work some of us to work one day
and others the next
22 December
Working down at Railway latter today
unloading cement, etc Not a bad day, although the work was tough
23 December
No work today had issue of Red Cross
parcels. There was an issue of wine (tastes like potato wine) from canteen
today. There was quite a lively night in camp tonight. Some of the lads being
quite the worse off for drink and also some off the guards who came round our
various rooms & joining in the sport. The Commandant himself coming round later
in the evening
24 December Mothers birthday
Christmas morning wishing everybody
the compliments of the season with special wishes for everybody at home. I was
especially lucky today in receiving a parcel from home. Very successful concert
tonight
25 December
Had another day off today. Only a couple
of lads from each room going to work at railway we drew cards for this
privilege in each room. In the afternoon there were a couple of football
matches and also a walk for any who wished to go. In the evening was held a
repeat concert which passed off very well.
26 December
Another day off for us only a small
group having to go to railway. Received letter from Betty enclosing photos of
Sylvie. This cheering me up very considerably I hope my photo has been on time
for Christmas as well. This afternoon we all moved out of barracks to tower
overlooking dam as the huts are being deloused once more
27 December
Spent today in and about tower at dam as
our huts were still full of gas. In afternoon we all went out for a short walk
and had quite a pleasant time in the snow some of the guards joining in the
fun
28 December
Return to _____________ all day. Some of
the lads in morning and the rest after dinner. Most of the afternoon was taken
up by a general cleanup & refilling palliases. Hold gen know bee after tea in
our room. We have now struck a really cold spell temperature this morning
being -16
29 December
Working today down at Lavamund digging
on hillside overlooking road and river not a baddy although very cold at first
clearing snow to commence job. We walked down to job as no wagons were
available and this warmed us up considerably. Returned by wagon of course in
evening at 1800 hrs. Wrote letters & card after tea to Betty & Mother & Dad
30
December
No work today. The party detailed for
work this morning did not go in owing to cold. Red Cross parcel issue today. Had
quite a pleasant day with quite a good deal of beer in with which we celebrated
the passing of the old year & incoming of the new. Doors locked & lights out
tonight. It was left till 0100 hrs to allow us to celebrate a bit. Over the last
week the guards here also joined in the fun and games
1942
Sunday Jan 4
Usual inspection parade. While on parade
there was also boot inspection & tin search. Wrote home today
Monday Jan 5
Digging in big hole. Rained over shifts
this morning. Our shift being changed from night to day
Thursday Jan 8
Generally moving around dam.
Friday Jan 9
Tipping over _______hole
Saturday Jan 10
Logging this morning. Knocked off at
1200. Received letter from Dad dated Nov 3. RC parcels today
Jan 10
Usual Sunday inspection parade. Wrote
Betty & Mother & Dad
Jan 11
Tipping deep hole over river tonight. It
has once again turned cold although during the past week it had gradually got
a little warmer at least warm enough to thaw the ice on the river which was
frozen right over. Temperature about -16
Jan 12
Same job tonight but as this has finished as far as possible about 5.0 we were
put on log shifting not that we did much but it kept us warm. The temperature
about -18
Jan 13
__________ men on same job. Tonight turned out to be colder than last so much
more that the river has commenced freezing once again & before we marched off
that part above the dam was almost a solid sheet
Jan 14
Part of concrete party went back to lager tonight owing to not enough concrete
given. Others of us had to go on digging in big hole. We all knocked off at 2.00
hrs
Jan 15
Tipping on opposite side of river again tonight. Some more of concrete party
returned here again tonight. The digging groups knocked off at 2.00 hrs again
tonight but concrete worked through to 6.00
Jan 16
Tipping again this afternoon. Those off us in concrete who have not had time off
this evening should have had afternoon off but as four did not turn out we all
had to go in knocked off at 1800 hrs
Jan 17
Nothing special today except no parade owing to slight change of rooms. Red
Cross parcel issue. Wrote Betty sending her Parrots address he sending our
address to his wife
Jan 18
No work today for half our shift following a strike against such long hours in
the cold an agreement being reached whereby we work half shift on alternate
days and also from 8.00 hrs to 1830 hrs
Jan 19
Work today for half our shift I myself had a slight argument with foreman &
finished up with interviews with Commandant at dinner time had another bit of
bother in afternoon also but this was settled on job by ____________. Received
letters (dated Oct 26, Nov 7, & Dec 5) from Betty this evening
Jan 20
No work again today although everybody had to go down our half shift returning
Jan 21
Our half shift at work today concrete being poured into big hole I myself
being with party on bridge itself. This morning Lavamund party refused to work
but after discussion with Commandant they went in
Jan 23
Our shift in the morning. Only enough going in to make 3 reliefs (7.0 / 8.30,
8.30 / 10.0. 10.0 / 1200 hrs) as it is still cols RC cigarettes today
Jan 24
Inspection of rooms this morning then nothing else today. Wrote Betty & Mother &
Dad. Red Cross parcel issues this morning. Weather much warmer today
Jan 25
No work today owing to new arrangement of 3 shifts
Jan 26
Working this afternoon on 1300 hrs to 2000 hrs shift. Tipping over No 3 turbine
& deep hole quite a good job in spite of gusty cold wind. The weather for the
last three days has become much warmer although it is still cold
Jan 27
In stifals today for first time for several weeks & quite a change. Working on
No 3 turbine
Jan 28
Tipping again today in big hole 2nd railway line corner box
Feb 6-7
No work today for our shift. Mail in today received letter dated Dec from
Betty including Sylvies photo. The weather is still cold but not quite as bad
as a few weeks ago it has been snowing on and off for a bit also but snow up to
now has not got more than about 7 8 deep. The river above the dam has now
been frozen for some weeks, although cold and not too pleasant. Under the
circumstances we are making the best of things and can still laugh and joke very
often to the great surprise of the civvies who just cant make us Britishers
(Anzacs as well) out. The surrounding countryside looks really grand and
different in its snow covering and given other circumstances we would really
enjoy it almost as much as our country. Wrote Betty thanking her also for
Sylvies photo
Feb 8
Early morning shift this week 0700 to 1200 hrs today, as no night shift Sunday
night we start at 0500 each day for rest of week thus taking over from night
shift who finish at 0430. In stefal in big hole today not too bad for rest
of this week was in stefals working in turbines. Friday turned very cold
causing concrete to freeze on chutes, this stopping job till afternoon shift. We
therefore spent rest of morning clearing out chutes
Feb 18
Nothing special today same job in big hole
Feb 19
Same job four of us had lucky escape where a large piece of rock fell into
hole where we were working the vibration from chutes and the ice of wall from
thawing caused this
Feb 21
Same job today has slight incident but no damage fell into concrete and got
a trifle wet
Feb 22
Usual Sunday inspection & parade. Wrote Betty this afternoon. Concert held this
evening was very successful helped as it was by __________ by new lads just
arrived in camp. Commandant & several guards attended.
Feb 22
Started with new job today digging holes for pylons. This job promises to be a
real good bludger as we are definitely not pushed 42 of us with two guards
only. The hours are also shorter & we are permanent days 7.30 to 11.45 &
3.15 to 1745
Feb 23
Went with five others to a civvie clearing snow from positions of pylons farther
along the valley this proved exceptionally easy job the only fault being that
it necessitated in getting our boots soaked through owing to the depth of snow.
Incidentally the weather is now getting warmer and the snow is rapidly thawing.
The scenery round looks very beautiful and under different conditions we could
have an exceptionally good time. In fact it is so organized here that I hope I
may be able to spend a holiday out this way with Betty and Sylvie although it
is not our own dear Blighty, it is definitely worth a visit
March 1
Monday, Tuesday work same job, Thursday started dam at Lavamund a rotten job
which I intend to get off and back to the dam if possible. Received letter dated
Jan 16 from Betty including snaps of Sylvie on Thursday & another on Friday
dated Jan 28.
Tuesday 10th
received letters from Betty dated Nov 21 & 26, Dec 1 & from Mother dated Dec 1,
from Doug dated Nov 3
Thursday 12th
card from Mum & Dad & letters from Betty dated Feb 3 & 10
Saturday 14th
card from Gladys. Are still at Lavamund. The weather is gradually getting a
bit warmer but we are now having quite a few days with a very cold wind which is
really worse than the low temperature we had before
Saturday 21st
nothing fresh this week
Sunday 22nd
wrote Betty. Football started once again. Concert in evening. Doctor gave talk
last night on birth control
Monday 23rd
letters from Betty (Feb 19) Mother (Feb 16) Doug (Dec19) including Auntie
Florence
Sunday 29
wrote Betty. Very good concert tonight attended by new Commandant
Monday
6 half day work through group leaders mistakes
Friday April 10
- letters from Betty dated 26 Feb. & Grandpa dated Feb 20
Sunday 12
wrote card home to Betty. There has been nothing special the past week or so
same old
Friday May 1
received letters from Betty (Mar 11) & Mother & Dad (Mar 8) and also a parcel
dated Dec 9
Sunday 3
wrote Betty. The past fortnight has passed very much as usual we had
Saturday (May 2) morning off for May Day celebrations
Monday 4
cigarette parcels in from Grandpa & dad
Wednesday
cigarettes from Betty
Saturday
moved down to Lavamund this morning
Sunday
cigarettes from Betty wrote card to Betty
·
Dates not easily read now
Had very long hailstorm and cloud burst this afternoon together with quite a
good deal of lightning
Wednesday another cloudburst today. The river has risen
..
July 2
letters from Betty June 2 & 4. Had 2 more teeth out by Dr Berger
July 19
2nd visit from top camp this time boxers and wrestlers
Aug 8
concert (impromptu) held tonight
Aug 9
have ___________ on newspapers production tonight
Aug 11
night shift this week
Aug 14
received clothing parcel from Betty (dispatched 27 Feb)
Aug 16
received clothing parcel from _____________ (7 April) and also parcel of books
from home
August 22
received chess set & cards from Betty (23 April)
August 27
received 200 players from S African Red Cross
Sept 3
letters from Betty dated July 13, 18, 25, Aug 1 & 10, and from Mother & Dad
dated July 22
Sept 5
another very successful concert held tonight
Sept 7
night shift this week
Sept 12
letters from Betty & Mother (both August 13) and parcel from RC Cairo
Sat Oct 24
had past morning off as civvies were to go to opening of first turbines at
Wunderstatten. Plenty of beer in the _________
Nov 11
2 minutes silence held on job today. Last post sounded by tonight from Moon
bridge & short service held at _________ of troops & lads in Lavamund.
Nov 21
painting today for a change (8 day contract and 4 days off) Letters from Betty
(9 June & 7 Oct) Mum & Dad (Sept 29 & Oct 20) Bobby (Oct 1) Harold (Oct 24) &
Xmas card, Gladys, applied ________ from Red X __________
Dec 23
card from POW Relations Assoc. Knocked off work 10.0 this morning till Monday
Dec28 then worked till 11.0 Thursday Dec 31 till Monday Jan 4
1943
Jan 15
off work with stomach trouble
Jan 22
work till 5 from today owing to cold
Apr 11
received letter from Betty of Dec 4 & Feb 8
From here until April 1945, the entries become much shorter, listing letters and
parcels received.
