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Avoiding Amputation
Mr. Harrison describes his ordeal with gangrene, which almost results in the amputation of his toes.
Working in a Foundry
Mr. Harrison describes his 10 - 11 hour work day in the Nagoya foundry, and the risk of being burned by splashed or spilled molten metal. He also describes another risk, earthquakes which would shake the foundry.
Voyage to Japan
Mr. Harrison describes being tested for dysentery prior to being shipped to Japan. Aboard the ship, the men are housed with boxes of ammunition. The vessel leaks so badly that even the Japanese guards don't wish to go aboard. Arriving in Japan, he is sent to a camp in Nagoya.
Cigarettes as Currency
Mr. Harrison describes the importance of cigarettes as currency in the camps.
Payne's Note
Mr. Harrison expresses his shame at allowing a note to the parents of his friend Johnny Payne to fall into the hands of the wrong person.
Diphtheria
Mr. Harrison describes an attempt by a captured Indian doctor to get a horse, which would enable him to make diphtheria serum; the request is denied. However, when the epidemic became a threat to the Japanese, serum was made available.
Beri Beri
Mr. Harrison describes his experience with both dry and wet beri beri. Although he suffered with 'electric feet' from the dry beri beri, his worst experience was with wet beri beri, where the swelling from fluid in his lower limbs caused his toes to split open. He thanks his doctor for one night of morphine induced sleep.
Garlic Therapy
Mr. Harrison is able to purchase garlic, which he initially uses to flavor his rice. As an added benefit, garlic helps alleviate the symptoms of pellagra. In fact, his septic sores heal completely.
Dr. Crawford and the Kamloops Kid
Mr. Harrison admires the dignity with which Dr. Crawford endured abuse at the hands of the Kamloops Kid, who would slap him around every time he requested medications for the ill.
Sudden Blindness
Mr. Harrison is reading one night when he suddenly becomes totally blind.
Kai Tak Airport
Mr. Harrison describes sabotaging the concrete mixture used on the runway extension.
Rations
Mr. Harrison describes the fact that cooking rice was a skill the Canadians took a while to master, with serious gastrointestinal consequences. Other than rice, watery green tea and a bit of bread were all they had to eat.
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