Diary of Burt Smallwood: Holograph, 1942

File — Box: 6, Folder: 14

Identifier: III

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This small paperbound notebook was originally used for tabulated listings of some kind. Smallwood, a British prisoner, wrote in pencil either over or around these other entries. The diary covers the period from 4 February to 22 July 1942.
Smallwood writes the story of his capture when the Japanese finally captured and boarded the ship "Mata Hari" off Muntok on 15 February 1942. He was interned with a group at Pladjoe and moved to Palembang Jail on April 15th.
Smallwood, an Englishman who weighed 250 pounds when interned, rapidly lost weight after a severe case of with impetigo. He records the menus from some of his more memorable meals. He also writes about his stay in the hospital while suffering with his skin infection. He remarks on the people at the hospital and deaths there. Smallwood also makes comments on the apparent war activities in the area, such as planes overhead and blackouts in the evenings at the Jail.
February 13, 1942
"....On Friday the 13th we were bombed at sea...."
February 15, 1942
"Sunday Morning 15th Feb Captured by the Japs between 12 AM and 3 AM we laid off Muntock [sic] all day Sunday Boarding party came aboard and striped everything..."
May 6, 1942
"Wed 6 May News trickles through Stalin B-Cast [broadcast] to Nation will wipe out Jerry [Germany] by Xmas....."
May 24, 1942
"...Day of Penticost. I got 5 loaves 2 Choc: Bars 2 peppermint Bunch of Bananas....for Tiffen Bacon an egg omelet one Ban: and Rice. For Dinner one Duck egg Rice and Banana and some Tobacco."
July 1, 1942
"A flight of planes over city for many hours to day there were 27 in all. Action expected"
July 16, 1942
"Had some news from J. [Japanese] officer U.S.A. [has only] six boats left...."

Dates

1942

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.