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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Homecoming
Mr. Gerrard discusses being taken by the Americans to a hospital ship for medical treatment, then on to Guam for further medical assessment and treatment. He travels to San Francisco by boat and takes the train to Victoria, B.C. To his pleasure and surprise, his girlfriend (and future wife) is there to greet him.
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