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Signs the War is Ending
Mr. Gerrard talks about how the men's spirits are buoyed by the arrival in camp of Canadian intelligence officers, who indicate the war is over. To celebrate, the men slaughter a cow found nearby and have their first real protein in almost four years. He describes the American food drop and donating the parachutes to the local Japanese who make clothing from them.
A Guard with Hot Foot
Mr. Gerrard describes an incident in the mines blacksmith shop where a Japanese guard stands too close to some molten steel rods and gets hot footed. Mr. Gerrard and his elderly Japanese foreman find the incident very amusing.
Hidden First Aid Supplies
Mr. Gerrard describes an American bombardment which injures several internees and the fact that there was nothing available with which to treat their wounds. After the camp is liberated, a horde of first aid supplies is found in a locked building.
Tokyo and Yokohama are Firebombed.
Mr. Gerrard describes evidence that America is closing in on Japan. He describes ships returning to Yokohama badly holed by American attacks. The firebombing of Tokyo and Yokohama which disables the shipyard and levels much of both cities is also a vivid memory.
A Shortage of Medicine at Yokohama
Mr. Gerrard indicates that medicine was in very short supply at Yokohama camp, although in extreme cases such as worms and beri beri, medications might be administered.
Stolen Thread
Mr. Gerrard describes following the lead of some Korean internees who cut out pieces of air hose and used the thread lining the hose to mend their clothing.
Work in the Yokohama Shipyard
Mr. Gerrard puts the attrition rate of his shipyard crew at eighty percent. The Canadians are eventually separated from the Japanese laborers, with whom there is constant conflict, and achieve a level of effort that is satisfactory.
Worms and Cellulitis
Mr. Gerrard discusses how some of the men would cough up worms, "As big around as your finger.” He then describes his personal battle with cellulitis and the crude, painful method of treating the skin infection. He is held down by four men while the doctor cuts open the tissue of his knee to drain it.
Yokohama Camp
Mr. Gerrard describes a threatening welcome by the commandant at Yokohama camp, and then moving into barracks which lacked heat and operational bathing facilities.
From Hong Kong to Yokohama
Mr. Gerrard describes the overcrowded and uncomfortable conditions in the hold of the hospital ship which transports him to Japan.
The Universal Consequences of an Escape
Mr. Gerrard discusses the retribution faced by all the inmates, including those on stretchers, after an escape from North Point. The POWs are forced to endure a long night outdoors in a cold rain.
The Effects of Disease were Cumulative.
Mr. Gerrard describes suffering from diphtheria and witnessing several deaths on his ward as a result of it. He also attributes the death of many of the prisoners to the cumulative effect of several diseases.
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