Diss
"The Story of Eric and Mary"
Eric died 20th August 1945
aged 31
at
Palembang Prisoner of War Camp
Sumatra.
Five Days after the Japanese surrender
and
three days before the Australian Air Force flew in supplies
The "Diss" Family of Halstead S - J/05
From
Frederic Sydney Diss and Annie Hird married in Barrow-in-Furnessin 1911
on S - J/02
Eric Diss
1914 - 1945
Marriage
Eric Diss born 14 th March 1914 married Mary Blacka, born 9 thJanuary 1913,
at St Oswald's Church, Little Horton, Bradford on 18th January1940
Eric and Mary Diss
Their Story.
Engagement and Marriage.
We became engaged on the 29 th October 1939 and married on the 18 thJanuary 1940 at St. Oswalds Church , Little Horton, Bradford. I had beenstaying with my Father's Uncle at Little Horton. The Reception was heldat the Midland Hotel in Bradford --- Bunty had kept a copy of the menu.
Dewsbury Round Table 1934
A report in the paper announced the formation of a Round Table in Dewsbury.Eric was appointed the Secretary. The following comment made by Eric isreported. "I can see our membership in the Heavy Woollen District growingso rapidly that under the vocational restriction, our problem will be howto limit the numbers rather than secure them"
[Dewsbury Paper 9 th October 1934]
The Business
By the start of the war Eric was a Director of the family firm F.Diss& Sons Ltd. Market Place Dewsbury now part of the Goldsmith's Group.He had left school at 16 and served an apprenticeship as a Watch and ClockRepairer. Later he qualified as a Gemologist and was elected a Fellow ofThe Gemological Association. Sydney was rather proud of the occasion whentheir shutters were painted "Red, White and Blue" - I have seena photograph of them and they did look striking. It was probably a publicity"stunt" at the time of the Silver Jubilee in 1935.
In 1935, probably also associated with the Silver Jubilee, there wasa National "British Clock" Window Dressing Competition. Eric wonthe 1st prize of £30 which in those days was quite a sum of money,equivalent to the amount earned by Mary in her first year as a nurse.
From a conversation with Mary it appears that Eric did not get on verywell on with his Father and disagreed with much of his policy. Mary toldme she was very proud of Eric when he walked out of the firm for 6 weeks.Mary also told me that Eric was a wonderful person, very thoughtful andcaring, taking after his mother Nan. I had always thought that their familytroubles started with the traumatic events surrounding Eric's imprisonmentand death. It appears that this was not altogether correct. Sadly afterNan's accidental death in 1954 matters got considerably worse as she hadbeen a stablising influence on the whole family.
Eric out for a drive
Eric and his father Sydney
Mary's Story
I met Eric in 1935 in my second year of training at the General Hospital,Fell Lane, Keighley; at the first dance we had at the hospital. We usedto meet most weeks for an evening as we only got one day off a month. Weused to spend a lot of our days off in the Lake District or in the Dales.I passed my State in 1937 and went to the Halifax General to do my midwifery.I saw more of Eric when I went there and was better off financially as mysalary went up from £30 per year to £60 . Quids In !! I passedmidwifery in 1938 and took a Sister's post at Manygates Maternity Hospitalin Wakefield. When there I saw much more of Eric but the threat of war loomed.
We became engaged on the 29th October 1939 and married on the 18th January1940 at St. Oswalds Church , Little Horton, Bradford. I had been stayingwith my Father's Uncle at Little Horton. The Reception was held at the MidlandHotel in Bradford --- Bunty had kept a copy of the menu.
Menu
Hors d'Oeuvre Varies
Consomme Julienne
Creme Andalouse
Merlan Bercy
Poulet Roti, Bread Sauce
Celeri Braise
Pommes Parmentier
Salade de Fruits Glacee
Cafe
Midland Hotel
Bradford 18/1/40
We went for our honeymoon to the Grand Hotel, Scarborough -- the hotelwhich fell into the sea in the 1990s. Everywhere was snowbound and Ericgot pneumonia shortly after.
We went to live at 25 Derwent Road in Dewsbury and Eric joined the AuxilaryFire Service. Later he got very worried about the war and said he shouldoffer his services so he joined up as a private in the
R.A.O.C. later being transferred to R.E.M.E. as a Instrument MaintenanceMechanic.
Eric was posted to Aldershot so I got a job at the Cottage Hospital MaternityUnit so that I could be near him. Later he was posted to Hucknal, Nottingham.When Eric got pneumonia I went to stay at an hotel nearby until he got better.I then got a job at the Childrens Hospital, Nottingham on night duty butcontinued to live at, what was I think, the Royal Hotel. One night Ericwalked me to the hospital with a friend and arranged to meet me at the hotelthe following evening. That was the last time I saw Eric as he never appearedthe next night. He had been posted to Singapore. I wonder if he had knownthat he was being posted that day and kept quiet about it.?
I then worked for a Nursing Agency and was posted to Brockhall, nearStonyhurst where I stayed for some time. I was then posted to a NursingHome in Bedford. I was anxious to get overseas and joined the Queen AlexandraNursing Service and after time at Aldershot and Peebles got my first overseasposting to North Africa. I was in the Flagship, the Strathallan, and afterbeing torpedoed spent over 11 hours in a lifeboat. We lost 6 Nursing Sistersand about 30 men. After the North African campaign which took me to Alexandria,Cairo and Algeria I was posted to Bari on the Adriatic Coast of Italy. Goingon duty one night I heard a hell of a bang and orange flares everywhere.I was blown up two staircases but went on duty having only received facialinjuries. A lone German raider had hit the only ship carrying mustard gas.The first 500 casualties came to us and the dry ones we put to bed. Thewet ones we relieved of their clothes. It was the dry ones who got so badlyburnt as we were not told for 48 hours that the ship had been carrying mustardgas. Sadly a lot died like flies.
Later I was in Naples, Rome and Taranto and it was when I was in thelatter I learnt I was to be sent home. [continued at end of section "Prisonerof War"]
[Letters dated 11th February 1996, 8th March l996 and Telephone Conversationsabout this time.]
Eric arrived in Singapore in May 1941
Extracts from letters from 7634791 Pte Diss E.S. R.A.O.C. 9th CoastRegiment R.A. Malaya sent from Singapore during 1941 variously to Sydneyand Nan, his Father and Mother and Marjorie and Sylvia [Bunty] , his sisters.
Letter dated 21st May 1941 to Marjorie Bunty and All
I was overjoyed to receive your cable and letter shortly after arrivalhere. The letter evidently came all the way in our ship, together with onefrom Mary but being in a sealed mail bag could not be opened untilwe arrived. ----
We arrived exactly two months after leaving the old country ----- andthat seems years ago now. Perhaps you have received one or two of my lettersposted at various calls on the voyage. Although the climate and other conditionshere are rather trying I am mighty glad to get off that ship. Cooped upthere for eight weeks was no joke I can tell you. ( Let anyone advise meto take a cruising holiday when I return and I'll break his or her neck!!)---
You have no idea what a wretched sensation it is being stuck here atthe other end of the world for the duration. Leaving you all to endure theair raids and privations, while I have only to work hard, and try to avoidsickness. The atmosphere is extremely humid here -- about 60-70 % althoughthe temperature rarely rises above 92 F. Considering we are so near theequator it is surprising to find the climate reasonably bearable. Of courseon account of the humidity everything feels and is damp, but the hot airprevents any bad effects. Most of us have had stomach trouble, but are nowsettling down to make the best of it. The tropical vegetation is a wonderfulsight , coconut trees, bananas, pleasant smelling , lightly coloured flowers,in fact trees and plants of a thousand types. They are always green andfresh looking because the weather remains the same all the year round. Itrains every day for a short while but there is abundant sunshine which obligesone to wear a topee until 6 pm. There is of course the expected thousandsof insects and "things that creep in the night". On the firstmorning one of the chaps found a centipede 6 inches long and 1/2 inch widein his toilet case!! We have lizards, big spiders and millions of ants (largeand small) inside our tent as constant 'companions'. Not forgetting hugebutterflies and moths the size of pigeons, and colossal bats that swingabout at night. However, I have found nothing more serious than ants inmy bed yet! (Touch Wood). There is a storm every night and sometimes torrentialrain , which soaks everything in the tent, but we are expecting to moveinto wooden huts in a few weeks time. The sooner the better!
By the way, dears, before I forget please don't send me any cigarettesetc. They are very cheap here -- sealed tins of Capstan or Gold Flake 50for 45 cents (1/2 d), Matches are 4 boxes a 1d. Bananas 4 for a 1d. Becauseof the plentiful crop of sugar cane all tea and coffee is nearly stiff withsugar -- ugh! it is really sickly sweet. And now I had better tell you whatI actually do each day. At 5.45 am our "boy" brings us a cup oftea and wakes us up. Breakfast 6 to 6.30 and on parade 6.45am for work.Work until 12 noon, when we break for lunch until 1pm. then resume workuntil 4pm. On return to the tents we have another mug of tea brought tous by the "boy". The rest of the day is free, although we area fair distance from the nearest city and we have to make our own amusement.There is a N.A.A.F.I. canteen, thank goodness, where we can buy an icedfruit drink and a cake. The workshop here is wonderfully equipped, and Iam at last getting down to the real thing. A beautiful swimming pool, about10 minutes walk away provides us with a 'cooler' when we feel we are inclined.
There is so much to tell you that I cannot possibly get it all in thisletter which I intend sending by air mail, so I will continue in my next.Pehaps I had better just mention one other thing, the food is excellentand actually served by Malayan boys. We have plates and real tableclothes.
H.K. has done what we expected of him. No roughing for him --- blesshis soul !!
[ H.K was Harold Keeble, a contemporary of Eric's who started life onthe local paper. He later acquired fame as a Senior Editor in Fleet Streetfor over 40 years, where he was regarded as the top man in his trade . Hehad been Editor of the Sunday Express at 41 and after this was Editor ofmost of the National Daily Papers at various times, reorganising them allin turn. The above reference by Eric will be to H.K.'s appointment to thePolitical Intelligence Department of the Foreign Office for which work hewas appointed an OBE in 1944. Harold was engaged to Marjorie for ten years1935 to 1945 but in the end they did not marry and Harold married another.In 1959 Harold's wife died in a motor accident and ,complete with RollsRoyce , Harold tried again to persuade Marjorie to marry him without successas she felt she had to look after Bunty . A letter from Moore and Smalleyour accountants in 1959 suggests changes to the financial structure of thebusiness in view of the fact that Marjorie was getting married ] . Father'sdecision to close the shop two days a week is a very sound idea.-----
Letter Dated 17th August 1941 to Marjorie
You appear to be well looked after these days --- by officers I mean!The young Lieut in the snap looks a very cheery bloke. Mary appears to behaving great fun with his kit. By the way, the letter containing these snapscame through in very good time, just about eight weeks. Some times the ordinaryAir Mail Service, which only carries the mail to and from South Africa toMalaya , takes as long, sometimes longer, than the usual surface route.So if at any time you want to get a message through really quickly be extravagantand use the Pan-American Air Service, which flies the whole way here viathe Atlantic and Pacific in about 14 days.----- Please congratulate Fatheron being re elected a Director of Staves. [ this was a jewellers wholesalecooperative] -----
Sorry to read that the Barrow had a packet, also Uncle Cecil's bad luck,but pleased no one is hurt.
I am just managing to stick this existence but the war can't end soonenough for me. Everything is so unnatural, and I detest this climate.
Letter dated 10 th September 1941 to Mother and Father
I have now reached the stage almost approaching stagnation -- nothingfresh to report. We are still living under emergency conditions, but thereappears to be a chance of peace being maintained after all. It is to behoped so! On the other hand Germany seems to realise she is beat and isnow trying to bring America and Japan into this bloody struggle. The casualtieson the Russian Front must be terrible and I'm afraid many more millionswill be killed or wounded before this ghastly war ends. However, our presentposition seems improved and next year should see the decision.
While working hard and still finding this climate somewhat trying I ammanaging to keep fit. My only complaint is the persistence of filthy skindiseases which seem to refuse all treatment. My body is still covered withlumps, spots and red patches that itch continually. However, these littletroubles are hardly worth mentioning.
I am working hard and finding the coast defence work very interesting.It provides plenty of variety and travel. My transport is sometimes a cycle,a motor bike, a car, or a motor launch --- then again I have plenty of usefor my two legs! At times my jobs take me through areas of thick junglewhere one can see all the vivid life of wild creatures. There are myriadsof highly coloured birds and insects living in the amazingly beautiful tropicalvegetation. We get plenty of amusement watching the antics of monkeys, andoccasionally see a snake wriggle speedily away. The largest bird is thehuge white- bellied Malayan eagle which has a wing- span of about 8 feet.It has been known to attack man when alone, and often can be seen swoopingdown on a colony of monkeys and whisk one up like greased lightening. Wehave to swim in enclosures on account of sharks. Any way it is impossibleto attempt to describe this life --- it must keep until I come home.
Roll on Victory.
Poem written by Eric while in Singapore,1941.
Letter dated 21st September 1941 to Sylvia
The only commodity that is cheap now is cigarettes. Everything else hasgone up in price and money slips through your pocket like water.
We are allowed to wear civilian clothes in the barrack area, and thisis quite refreshing after a hard sweaty day's work in khaki drill. So yousee there's another continual item of expense --- clothes! I often thankmy lucky stars that I am not an officer out here --- the expense is terrific.
By the way Father mentioned that Jim France and Tony Trillwood eitherfollowed or preceeded me out here. If I knew what rank Tony Trillwood hadI could quite easily contact him. Perhaps he has a commission?
Letter dated 30th September 1941 to Marjorie
Yesterday I also had a letter from Mary enclosing three new snaps ofherself, one taken in the "garden of Eden" (Sorry! Ashfield )where she was partaking of the sun's health-giving rays in a scanty swim-suit!Yes ! It is very snappy indeed! She is evidently quite set on joining anursing organization which may send her East. I still don't like the ideaof her taking added risks on the sea, and if she came here the climate isfar from good for any woman, -- though strangely enough, women appear tostand it better than men! However in wartime she must b e allowed more latitude,and she has every right to please herself and make her own plans, I suppose.She is obviously feeling our separation badly now -- the same as I am, andshould she manage to get within range of my station I shall be overjoyednaturally.
I should like some extra money to help me find some sort of amusementat Xmas, so if this arrives in time , please ask father to cable me £10of my money to the G.P.O. Singapore -- which is not too far away for meto collect. There is a chance that I may "run dry" before December,in which case I shall cable. 12/= a week goes just no distance at all inthis place, and one has to keep moving in the evening to avoid getting morbidand depressed. I go very often to the local cinema, (known here as the 'Gaff'!) We get plenty of up-to-date films from America, and luckily get quitegood news reels also. But that is our only entertainment after work, apartfrom what we make ourselves. One grows to dreadthe evenings with their everlastingproblem "what can I do with myself tonight ?" I am always happyto get up in the morning at 6am, and after a cold shower march off to work.I'mextremely lucky to have a good boss. He has a very handsome yacht, and wego for many a pleasant sail together at weekends.
Yes, Dear, I am still a private! Sorry to let the family down and allthat! However, I may be able to give you a surprise one of these fine days.Being a ranker doesn't worry me much though ----- I know I am doing an extremelyuseful and essential job of work ----- possibly more so than if I were anOfficer. Honour and Glory of uniform has no attraction for me, and I knowdefinitely that an Officer has to lead an expensive life out in these parts.
You mention that Tony Trillwood has a Commission in the RAF out here.It is no use my trying to contact him ----- as Officers just cannot mixwith the common soldiers in this outpost of the "Old School Tie". There is not half the true democracy compared with life in England asI knew it seven months ago. That is what makes a common soldier feel sosmall here ----- always confined to this or that part. However when I reviewmy financial position compared with some I meet ----- I am able to havea quiet laugh up my sleeve !
Keep well and cheerful, I feel next year will see us nearly through thewar.
Letter Dated 14 th October 1941 to Mother and Father
At the present time we are holding important defence exercises. It remindsme more of Blighty now ----- seeing the men in fighting dress instead ofwhite polo shirts etc. This place is properly "clearing the decks foraction" and if the Japs do decide to 'have a go ' they are going toget a very hot time!
Everyone is keenly following the news of the day, which unfortunatelyis the grave position of the Russian forces and the threat to Moscow. Oneof today's papers reports the landing of large BEF forces in Northern Russiabut there is no confirmation from official circles . I do so hope we aremaking a military move at last. We appear to have done very little so far----- from the action point of view ----- in the struggle now going on ----which means so much to us. Indeed if Russia was subdued what then? Howeverit is little use my commenting on the present position of things, becausethe whole layout will most likely have changed by the time this reachesyou! ( One of your letters took 13 weeks to reach me !!!! )
You mention that Tony Trillwood and Jim France are also out here. Thatis interesting but unfortunately I have little chance of contacting them.They are both Officers and consequently are not allowed to associate withthe common soldier. The distinction is somewhat exaggerated out here -----and the best Hotels are labelled " Officers Only " . So unlessTony attempts to contact me, I shall certainly not risk the possibilityof embarrassing him. Don't misunderstand me I will explain the positionmore fully one day.
Your item of news about Derrick T. is not really surprising, but it is----- as you say ---- very disgusting. It makes me extremely annoyed tothink that anyone can get away with such barefaced cowardice at such a criticaltime. I'll admit I am not doing a great deal just now, but I do feel I amat least a useful link in the chain of Empire defence, ----- what's moreI'm sweating like a nigger in the bargain !!! There's plenty to do in mypresent job, and believe me ----- it is of vital importance although weare not yet at war out here.
Mary continues to keep a wonderful stream of letters flowing out East,and she is still determined in her efforts to join a nursing associationwhich may post her near me. She doesn't realize, however, whatdistance is, and how war conditions can limit one's plans. I would muchrather she continued her good work in England, where ---- Heaven knows ----there is plenty to do. She has an adventurous spirit though, and I can fullyappreciate how she feels. I am greatly proud of her spirit and pluck, andthe way I am feeling at this moment I would give my right arm to see heragain. You two have never known what it means to be separated by such agreat distance for so long.
I recently received a long and interesting letter from Fred Roberts --the first . Incidentally he is the only member of the Round Table that haswritten to me so far, in spite of the correspondence duties detailed inthe R.T. bulletins which come to me from time to time !!
I am once again pretty well rock bottom for cash and will have to wireyou for a further £10 in a week or two. Apart from cigs, things arenot cheap now out here and it is impossible to keep sane on £6 perweek. so please send me a further £10 three months ----- every threemonths ---- from my next request.
The V. Campaign has swept through Malaya like wildfire. Some Chinesehave even got a coloured V on the side of their topees!
Letter Dated 31 October 1941 to Mother and Father
Firstly I must thank you for so promptly arranging for another cash amountto be sent through ---- have just received notification from a Bank in Singapore.I hope to be able to manage a trip down there to collect it shortly. Havebeen very 'stony broke' lately and believe me it's a stiff order tryingto kill time and boredom on 2/3 per day ! Please be good enough to arrangewith my Bank to forward similar amounts every three months, and if I getmoved from here I shall cable you at once.
Christmas draws near, though I must say I shall be glad to see it over.It will seem so odd out here in the sticky heat, and my thoughts will centreon you all gathered together around a cheery coal fire. Perhaps I shallbe lucky enough to join you all again for a "spot of turkey" in1942.
As I write there is still the war tension out here. We continually carryout large scale practices and the last few weeks have seen me behind manya big gun getting temporarily deafened by the terrific roar of batteriestuning up to concert pitch for the reception of Japanese adventurers! Theblackouts are very trying here on account of all buildings being semi-open---- for ventilation. We shall have to develop cat's eyes if the worst comesto the worst!
I am still keeping fit and well ---- on plenty of hard work, and an occasionalgame of hockey. Hockey, incidentally, is a very popular Army game and certainlyprovides plenty of strenuous exercise. I smile when I think of my firstgame ---- during which I ran myself to a standstill !!!!
The war appears to be spreading out in a more definite pattern now. Itseems that Germany together with short-sighted Balkan countries, Italy andJapan are prepared to challenge the rest of the world. America sees hershipping going down ---- including a destroyer, and skilfully averts animmediate break with the Huns. Roosevelt is obviously not going to declarewar until the bulk of America's public clammer for it. He is is playinga very high strategy, and I think we can safely say that by next springthe
Yankees will be marching side by side with the British and Imperial troops.
There'll be no "Dunkirk" in the Far East ---- you can takethat from me ! If things do start it will be a bitter fight to the end.From what I have seen of our Far Eastern defences, I should say that Japanwould definitely be committing suicide if she decided to challenge bothAmerican and British interests in these parts. I often wish the bubble wouldburst out here ---- the air certainly needs clearing.
Quite apart from the major issue, a number of whites out here need afew screaming bombs to bring them to their senses. Honestly, they have notthe slightest conception of what modern war means! They almost revolt atthe thought of paying a few shillings in the pound on incomes over £2000a year !!!!
Mary's letters, which are always cheery and full of life, continue togive me the courage I need to face this most un-natural life. I don't claimto be undergoing terrific hardships, but there is definitely a serious strainon one committed to living this way. No matter how comfortable are the barracksand canteens, there is always the complete separation from our beloved peopleand England, which indeed drives many a man to insanity. Have no fears aboutme though ---- I know how to keep a mental balance.
Well folks it will be great to get back to the fireside of an Englishhome once again. I shall look forward to a cup of properly mashed tea ----instead of the poor stuff we get dished up. Fresh milk is practically unknown,and most things like it come out of tins.
My work recently appears to have greatly pleased my bosses, and my O.M.E.has recommended me for upgrading. If it comes off, I shall get the magnificentsum of 6 d per day increase in pay, and at the same time place me in a betterposition for promotion ---- if ever such a miracle comes my way !!!
This will probably reach you early in the New Year so I will close withthe wish ---- A Happier New Year to you all, and may Victory be won in 1942
Don't worry about me ---- I can take it.
Letter Dated 10 th October 1941 to Marjorie.
I am surer than ever that I shall be back again with you all in 1942.We seem to be building up a mighty offensive to strike at the right momentand it won't be long now.
Letter Dated 23rd November 1941 to Mother and Father.
Last week I paid a few days visit to my old section ---- which is notvery far from here. [Since September Eric appeared to have been attachedto the H.Q. Wing of the Regiment] The object of the visit was an attemptto up-grade myself by a trade test. However , my luck was not in ( as usualin the Army!! ) and they chose to test me on my weakest point. I am tryingto take this minor defeat as well as I can, but after such a real top-notcheffort it is a bitter disappointment. Now if they had chosen the test frommy actual work over the last three months I would have run away with it. As soon as possible I shall have another crack at it.
You will no doubt be a little surprised to see type-written letters comingthrough, but I couldn't resist buying this little "Remette" -which I got quite cheaply and which I hope to bring home intact ( I wonder? ).
Last week I received my first letter from Ru, and it was most entertainingreading. He appears to be doing quite a bit of travelling around -- evento the extent of using an Army plane on one occasion. They appear to haveboth recovered from their dreadful experience down at Plymouth.
The big news this week has been the British offensive in Libya, and sofar we appear to be doing extremely well. The only thing that bothers meat the moment is the question of France. Will she play right into Hitler'shand, and allow him to send troops to French North Africa ?? It is unbelievableto think of them being so blind and so traitorous. Mind you, I think itmostly on the part of their leaders. Are we going to restore France to herpre-war status after such hamperings and insults ? Time only will answerthat question ..... Unless things start to hum out here I have every hopeof getting home next year sometime. Of course, if Japan wants a bloodbathin the Pacific -- then she'll get one alright, but it will all take timeI suppose.
Did I ever mention that my new job often takes me into parts that arecovered with thick jungle-land? In many of these outforts, huge Cobras aresometimes caught by the ' lads ' - as long as 24 feet - who get the skinscured to take home! Comparing my lot with that of the chaps who have tolive months in those parts I am very lucky.
Judging from Mary's recent letters she is more restless than ever, andit would not surprise me to hear she joined up for foreign service, thoughI hope and pray she will never do that.
I often wonder how the old firm is doing these days. Hope you are managingto carry on alright, though I guess it will be a long time yet before ourstock is expended. How is the opposite policy of "sell all quickly"proving itself at Barrow ? I shall be very interested to know.
Please try to remember my request for a further £10 early in February
Letter Dated 28 November 1941 to Grandma Diss
After three months under canvas, I have now become more or less settledin a Royal Artillery barracks "somewhere in Malaya". It was awelcome change to start living in dry quarters instead of the perpetualdamp and "live stock" of camp life in the tropics. My work, whichis quite interesting , takes me to many different parts across land andwater. I belong to a small band of Ordnance known as Instrument Artificers,and we are responsible for the maintenance and repair of many very delicateinstruments used for range finding etc. Unfortunately one has to be veryexperienced in this type of work before promotion comes along. However,I am at present content in the knowledge that I am doing a very useful jobof work which is more than I can say for some people in higher positions.
One gets used to being constantly wet through with sweat and rain, andif worry can be avoided the life is just bearable. This is a part of theworld I shall never return to --- that is a certainty !! One gets heartilysick of seeing native faces, and a hundred and one other things.
Father writes me concerning the ever growing difficulties of business,with the distinct possibility of having to 'close down' shortly. That isindeed startling news but I guess there are thousands of British familiesin the same or worse positions.There are far greater issues at stake nowthan making money, and it is up to each and every one of us to pull ourfull weight. Money will be of little use if the savages from Germany takecontrol.
War is likely to break out here at any minute, in fact it seems inevitable.Well let's have it all over at once I say!!
Letter Dated 30th November 1941 to Mother and Father.
Your letter of August 31st , father, was very interesting, though thenews regarding the position of the business is somewhat startling. I cannoteasily imagine the old place being completely sold out and deserted, butif money is coming in at the rate of roughly £400 weekly then it isobvious what the situation points to. You can well imagine how I felt readingthat part of your letter -- with visions of becoming a bus conductor whenI come home!! However, I feel sure you will find some way of battling through,provided the war doesn't last too long. I only hope that you are not allowingyourself to get upset and worried about it. It is very difficult not toworry with our particular dispositions, but after all it does not the slightestgood.
Last week I met two chaps who came from Batley, -- they had both beenin our shop many times! Such meetings make the world seem very small --provided you keep your eyes off the map.
Life continues with the same old daily routine, broken by an occasional"scare" . Yesterday we had the biggest "scare" sinceI came out, and everyone quite thought the Japs had started. The situationout here is is very critical indeed, and I still think we shall be luckyto see Christmas over without a complete state of war. If the worst comesto the worst, I shall be so busy that letter writing will be almost impossible, but I shall endeavour to keep sending you monthly cables. did enjoy havingthose snaps of you all. Still can't get over Marjorie's amazing increasein weight, but she looks very fit on it. ( I wonder is she trying to competewith Auntie Mollie at Barrow ?? ! - Alright, Marjorie, I only dare say suchthings when I am 12,000 miles away!!! ) Wait until you see me arriving homewith a complexion like a Chinaman ! You'll be able to get your own backthen.
Last night was the first time for nearly nine months that I set footin a house and enjoyed the comforts of domestic surroundings. I felt likea fish out of water !! Needless to say I enjoyed the visit very much.
Sometime early in the New Year I shall apply for a fortnight's leaveto visit one of the many rest camps now inaugurated. It will be very niceto get a change of surroundings, but I shall need some money -- so watchout for another cable. !!
Letter Dated 3rd December 1941 to Father and Mother
Malaya is at present in a state of emergency, which means we have tocarry full fighting equipment
around with us everywhere we go. Can you imagine what a joy that is inthis climate ?? !!! I am more of a grease-spot than ever -- but we are allin the same boat.
Letter Dated 6th December 1941 to Marjorie
I have just received a record mail - which is the envy of all the otherchaps in the room. No less than 16 letters and two parcels. I had a longchatty letter from Evelyn and this was something of a surprise as you canguess! There's little new to report from this part, though war appears justaround the corner. We keep expecting the balloon to go up any minute, butthe dirty Japs still hesitate. They can keep on hesitating as far as I'mconcerned.
Letter Dated 13th December 1941 to Mother and Father
This is short note with the main object of warning you to expect fewerletters from me in future. The reason is obvious to all of you I feel sure-- as I am kept very busy working all hours of the day and night now thatthe fight has begun out here.
At 4am last Monday the surprise attack on Malaya started, and it wasso swift that most of us couldn't believe it at first. However here it isin stark reality, and we are going to face our new enemy with the same resolveas do our armies in the west. You may well imagine the shock we felt afterthe rapid sinking of our two battleships, which had only just arrived here. But the spirit of the men is the true British type, and soon recoveredfrom the sad news. All decks are now cleared for the terrific assaults weexpect, and I cannot say I am really sorry that I am once again in the battlezone sharing risks equally with you all at home. The blackout here is farfar worse than in Blighty as the buildings are all half open, and have tobe kept open for ventilation -- the result being no light to read or writeby. We have approximately twelve hours in twenty four of darkness -- whichis not very pleasant, I can tell you ! While there is light we work. Whenthere's no light we --- , well we haven't quite found out what to do yet!!!
I shall now endeavour to send you cables every three or four weeks, providingyou can see to it that some of my money is sent regularly. I cannot affordmany cables on my present weekly pay.
Try not to worry, I shall look well after myself, and you can rest assuredI shall not fail to pull my full weight on this side of the world. l willbe home with you all next year.
Letter on Christmas Day 1941 to Mother, Father, Marjorie and Sylvia
Allthough we are working right through the usual holidays, I am snatchinga few minutes to send you all a Christmas Day Greeting.
I hope you all are having as jolly a time as possible under the circumstances.My thoughts are with Mary and you all at home -- wishing I could be thereto enjoy the usual good fare !! However, next year will bring victory anda return to normal life -- then will be the time to celebrate.Keep smiling,and don't worry a bout me -- I'm fit and well and ready for anything.A Happier1942, and love to you all.
Affectionately Eric.
The above was the last letter received from Eric while he was inSingapore.
The family became aware later that Eric was a P.O.W. in Sumatra andwere in contact with him. However they had no news of him following theJapanese surrender.
The Following "News of Eric" was sent out by Sydney to familyand friends on November 1st 1945.
As we were keenly seeking news of Eric we were advised to have his photographposted in the P.O.W. Club , Leeds. This we did a few days ago. Early lastnight we had a phone message to say that one of the Leeds men who had recentlyreturned from the Far East recognised the photo at once, and had to giveus the sad news that Eric had been quite well until only a short time beforesupplies were flown in, and our men released. He died just before reliefarrived, and was buried at Palembang , in Sumatra, where they had been sincevery soon after the fall of Singapore.
We obtained the name and address and went over to see him last night.We took other photos of Eric, and there was no doubt about him knowing Ericwell, in fact he was a special pal of Eric's. He was so ill himself andwould not have lived more than a few days had not the RAF supplies arrivedin time. When he got on the boat he weighed less than 7st. and when he beganto pull round asked about Eric , and the other boys told him what had happened-- he died from lack of food , and finally dysentery. We came away convincedthat the news was only too true. Mary is on her way home and is expectedany day.
Extract of letter from L/C T.L. Roberts who was a P.O.W. in Singapore,to his brother Fred Roberts in Leeds who was Eric's friend [in the RoundTable]
Hospital, Bangalore, India
"Eric appears to have died about the 17th August this year, afterthe Japs surrendered, but before the P.O.Ws were released. There are severalmen in this Hospital who knew him including one who helped to carry outthe final ceremonies. He has given me addresses of the Camp Commanding Officer,the man responsible for personal effects , another who was said to be aclose friend , and a fourth of an artist who made a portrait of Eric atthe time he had a beard. --- Let me express my sympathy to you for the lossof a good friend who must have been a sterling bloke. The prisoner of warbestows his admiration on those of sound character only. Eric certainlyreceived that admiration.
Latest News of Eric
Yesterday we had the official news from the War Office that Eric diedin Palembang in Sumatra on the 20th August this year.
The date is just five days after the surrender, and makes true what wewere told, that he had lived up to a few days of the RAF supplies beingflown in, which might have saved his life. -----------
Eric's wife has been delayed a week at Naples, but is at last on herway home. We now have to face the sad time when we break the news, as sheis so looking forward to their reunion.
Extracts from Dewsbury Papers -- November 1945
Death Of Pte E. Diss
Buried in Sumatra
Sad News for Dewsbury Family
Official information has been received by Mr & Mrs F.S.Diss of Ashfield,Oxford Road, Dewsbury , that their son Pte. Eric Diss (31) who in February1941 went out to Singapore, died in Palembang Camp, Sumatra , on August20th five days after the Japanese surrendered. Pte Diss who was educatedat Wheelwright Grammar School , Dewsbury was a Director of F.Diss &Sons Ltd, Jewellers of Market Place Dewsbury and a Fellow of the GemologicalAssociation. He was founder-secretary of Dewsbury Round Table and joinedthe army in June 1940.----------
---------Mr & Mrs Diss on Tuesday contacted a great friend of theirson in the Palembang Camp, Harry Warburton of Brierfield, near Nelson, whobrought back Eric's personal effects with him. The package contained a diarywhich is truly amazing , showing a most courageous fight all along againstgreat odds and great powers of endurance. ----------- It was two years beforehe received any mail from home or his wife. These letters are now all inMr Diss's hands again along with a number of charming crayon sketches hisson made of parts of Palembang.
A wife who is on her way from Italy to Yorkshire hoping to see her husbandafter nearly four years, will not know until she lands that official newswas received today that her husband -- a prisoner -of-war -- died five daysafter the Japanese surrender.
In Dewsbury Rotary Club Bulletin Rotarian Jim Taylor writes to themembers:-
" You will all deeply sympathise with Past President Syd and MrsDiss and family in the very sad news they have had concerning Eric. Erichad come through his grim ordeal with courage and his chin up until thevery end, and then ,like so many more of those brave lads, succour cametoo late and Eric lies in a little mound in Palembang , Sumatra, a placewhich will for ever be British. We grieve for Syd, Nan and Mary, Eric'swife, yet those boys who have sacrificed so much count it not. They wouldhave us be of good cheer and light of heart. To be killed in action is tragedy,but to come through the rigours of Jap imprisonment almost to the bitterend is the biggest tragedy of all. The uncertainty and hope of all thoseyears. What cross could be greater.
While he was a prisoner of war in Sumatra the late Eric Diss , son ofMr F.S.Diss of the firm of F.Diss & Sons Ltd , Jewellers of Market StreetDewsbury, secretly kept a record of his experiences on torn sheets of anold, faded exercise book with pieces of card board backing. When the bookshelves, gift of the Wheelwright Grammar School Old Boys Association, in memoryof former colleagues who died during the 1939-45 war , were unveiled atthe school last October the first book placed on the shelves was a copyof the diary . Now a limited number of copies are to be printed and boundso that personal friends shall be able to have a permanent record of thetime Eric Diss spent in Palembang Prisoners-of -War Camp and the fightingspirit which carried him through nearly three years of confinement.
In November 1945 Sydney received a letter from A.Q.M. Sgt. Joyesthat gave the background to his time with Eric both in Singapore andas Prisoners of War on Sumatra.
54 , Bicester Road
Richmond
Surrey
17th November 1945
Dear Mr Diss,
I have only just returned from a short holiday, hence the delay in writing.I am very proud to have numbered Eric amongst my friends, and we have beentogether since he arrived in Singapore until his death in Sumatra. I willtry and give you an outline of our adventures together.
Upon arrival in Singapore, Eric was posted to Changi Workshops and becamemy workmate, he often said that this was the first time since he enlistedthat he had had a real job of work to do, and I found his assistance invaluable,as we were overwhelmed with work. We had some very happy times togetheralthough his heart was in Dewsbury. He often spoke of his wife and was veryproud of her achievements.
When the Jap War started, we were in closer contact than ever, as weused to live as well as work together. We had a very narrow squeak whenthe Changi Magazine blew up, we were in a slit trench right on top of it,quite a number were killed on that occasion. Another time, we were trappedin a blind tunnel when the bombers came over and bombed us, setting ourCamp alight and the wind blew the flames up our tunnel, we had a bad tenminutes lying on the ground to avoid the flames and fumes and just outsidewas a hand grenade dump, these livened up the proceedings by exploding asthey warmed up. We finally made a dash when the flames had died down a bitwith the grenades still exploding around us. We were bombed out of threeworkshops and finally evacuated Changi on the 12th February, 1942, withthe Japs sending over shells from the beaches where they had landed. Onthe 13th February, we had a very busy day working on the very badly bombedAnti-Aircraft sites in Singapore. When we arrived back in our billets at7pm, we just snatched a hasty meal , and were told to fall in with fullfighting order. We thought that we were going into the trenches as the Japswere then in the town, the mortar fire was coming over fairly heavily withoccasional bullets from snipers in buildings. We marched through RafflesSquare, Singapore and were surprised to get the order 'right
turn' which led to the docks. Upon arrival at the docks, we were toldwe were sailing to Java to set up an Ordnance workshop , and Eric and Iwith about 80 others, boarded a small vessel named Pula Sugi. We sailedat 1pm with about a dozen other craft - we had no escort. When we lookedback at Singapore, it was one pillar of flame, rubber warehouses and oilinstallations blazing fiercely. We had an uneventful voyage until the nightof the 15th when we ran against a Japanese invasion fleet in the Banka Straits.They opened fire on us and sank us without our having any means of reply.
We were seperated in the confusion, myself swimming to the Island ofBanka, it took me 14 hours. When I arrived, I was captured with many ofthe survivors of the other boats which left with us, these boats were allcaptured or sunk. We were immediately taken to the Airdrome at Muntok wherethe Japanese Captain said to us " You make my Airfield and I give youyour life " When I arrived I was delighted to see Eric safe and well----- A.Q.M. Sgt. Joyes' letter continues later after Eric's letter dated14 th March 1942.
In November 1945 Mary received a letter from a lady who had been internedin Sumatra for the duration. She enclosed 3 letters from Eric written inMarch 1942.
4 Hill Crest
Mannamead, Plymouth
17th November 1945
Dear Mrs Diss,
Your husband gave these letters to post you should I get home, or ratherfree from the internment camp in Sumatra where I remained for the duration.Somehow we thought that women and children may get away, but we didn't.The Japanese opened your letters, but gave them back to me, which I forwardnow.
I didn't reach England until 27.10.45 and was then too ill to unpackwhat little I had left. I hope your husband reaches home safely.
Sincerely Yours
Violet Pulford.
These letters were written in pencil on scraps of paper with Chinesewriting etc. on the reverse.
Japanese Prison Camp
Dutch East Indies
6th March 1942
My Dearest Mary,
God has brought me through a terrible ordeal, during which I faced deathmany times, and I am safe. It must have been a dreadful shock when you heardof the fall of Singapore. I can well imagine you all think I am dead. Thatis my great immediate worry -- that somehow or other, I must get the newsto you that I am living.
There are several women prisoners here, and I am counting on their earlyrelease -- so am giving one of them this note to post to you as soon asthey are free, also two or three others have got your address to let youknow I am living.
Darling, a few small boats left Singapore just before it fell, and Iwas on one of them. However we couldn't manage to break through the Japanesenet, and our ship was sunk by gunfire two days out. We lost three quartersof our men on board, but I was one of the lucky ones, who was able to jumpfor it, and cling to a raft for 14 hours, until I was picked up and broughtashore. Imagine how I felt after being in a shark infested sea for thattime, and given up all hope of rescue. God evidently intends me to returnto you dear wife.
The Japanese have been quite reasonable in their treatment so far, andas long as we can keep alive, that is all we ask, Rice is our sole diet,with an occasional bit of sugar in it, but never any milk. Still, I guesswe shall all hav e to try to live on it.
I have been down for a fortnight with dysentery, but I managed to pullthrough alright in spite of lack of medical supplies. I shall fight throughit all, dear, so don't despair, I will be with you again. Keep faith, andknow that I'm thinking of you and loving you always. If this ever reachesyou -- let the folks know immediately, won't you. dearest.
God Bless You and Keep You Safe For Me.
Your Eric.
12th March 1942 Same Prison Camp
Darling
The previous note was written just prior to an impending move from thisplace to another island. However , owing to a further outbreak of hostilities, the move was cancelled.
I am beginning to feel much stronger now, though a little plain boiledrice doesn't give one much of a chance. Five days ago, I resumed my voluntarywork with our primitive 'Hospital'. I am at present working on the Women'sIsolation Ward. There have been a few deaths, but amazingly few really underexisting conditions. I will be able to tell you all someday.
We all continually dream of food -- sausages and eggs etc. etc. and attimes it becomes quite an agony this lack of food we are used to. What abouthiring an American Clipper, and bring me a few dozen eggs with chips andfish? Darling, I shall go crazy when I see food again.
When I'm off duty, I get plenty of time to dream of you, and I live thememories -- such heavenly ones -- of our life together. Be of good cheer,my dearest, we shall soon be starting a new life together.
All love and fondest thoughts
Eric.
13th March 1942 Same Prison Camp
Darling,
Four weeks ago to-night, we left ill-fated Singapore, but I thank Godonce again that I am alive -- after seeing so many of my friends killedthere, or drowned during that unsuccessful attempt to evacuate at the lastminute.
Well dearest, I am still keeping my pecker up, though at times it isdifficult when one is so hungry. I am hurriedly writing this further note,dear, because it seems we are moving in a day or two and may get separatedfrom the civilians.
Just to illustrate my wonderful luck in the Army dear-- I was made afull Corporal a fortnight before we left Singapore, but as one has to keepthat rank for three months before it is permanent -- old Pinkie loses them,and returns to rank of Private! We have the Japanese to thank for that.
am constantly wondering how you are, sweetheart, and all the folks athome. It is Hell being cut off from all news like this, but I feel sureyou are still wearing a smile -- as I am trying to do.
Tomorrow is my 28th Birthday. What a place to celebrate in !! Still itonly goes to make our future celebrations more exciting. We'll make up forall this, my darling. If God will give me life and strength to come throughsafely -- then I shall dedicate myself to bring you all the happiness withinmy power for the rest of my life.
My thoughts and fondest love are always with you.
God bless you Dearest.
Your Eric.
A.Q.M. Sgt Joyes' letter continues
[I was delighted to see Eric safe and well,] ------ he had managed tograsp a raft and clung to it for 15 hours when he was picked up in the morningby the Japs, and had preceded me to the Airfield. We had a very tough time, and in a few days Eric went down with dysentery. We only had rice forfood, and many other victims of this terrible scourge could not make theirrecovery on this diet , however, Eric made a great fight of it, and pulledthrough.
About six weeks after this , we were sent to Palembang, Sumatara, whereI got a fairly convivial job driving the Camp Ration truck, after a weekor so, I managed to wangle Eric out with me, and we had the happiest ninemonths of our imprisonment. We were fairly free, and more important, gotplenty of food from friendly Indonesians. We have plenty to thank them for,some of them were splendid. We finally lost this job through refusing tosign a parole form. After that we maintained our friendship and kept togetherthrough some very trying times. Eric had several bouts of fever which sappedhis strength , and when he finally contracted dysentery again, it was toomuch for him. and despite his never failing optimism, he died on the 20thof August 1945. I would add that never for a moment did he let himself thinkthat he was going under, and the Doctor said that he made one of the greatestfights for life that he had ever seen.
He always kept me posted on his wife's adventures, and he received quitea reasonable amount of mail after waiting two years for it. He learned ofher being pushed back to Alexandria and going on to Italy. I always feltas though I knew her, and although he always said that she was going intotoo much danger, he was extremely proud of her. He often spoke about thebusiness, and one of his favourite jokes was how you used to break yourpipes in the safe door. -----------
A.Q.M. Sgt. Joyes' Letter continues after Eric's Diary
Transcription of Eric's Diary February 1942to December 1944. Kept in secret at the Palembang, P.O.W. CampSumatra, consisting of torn sheets from an old faded ExerciseBook, with pieces of cardboard backing.
It would appear from the above that May 9th 1944 was the turning point- lethargy was begining to take over. After May 9th the diary bcomes spasmodiceventually ceasing on Dec 20th -- when in previous years he would be lookingforward to Christmas. No doubt the increasing death roll played its part.
Harry Warburton who lived in Brierfield near Colne, Mary's home town,was in the Record Office at Palembang and he it was who sent all the papersfrom Palembang on to Singapore, whence they were eventually sent on to thefamilies. Harry met both Eric's Mother and Father and his In-Laws shortlyafter arriving backin England.
From information given by Eric's great friend Harry Warburton, whowas in the Camp's Record Office , Palembang , Sumatra.
Things took a serious turn in May this year ( After Germany's Surrender).The Japs took 400 of the strongest men from the Camp to Singapore. Soonafter they left an order came through cancelling all entertainment and sportsin the Camp, and the rations were cut by half -- approx. 6 oz. of rice,per man, per day. Our boys knew that it was to be a fight for their existence,and as the doctors had practically no medicine or drugs left, the deathrate in the Camp went up rapidly. Our boys were kept informed of the warnews by the use of a secret radio, and Eric lived to know of the Jap surernderand the use of the Atomic Bombs.
Eric was in Hospital again, appeared to be making good recovery fromanother attack of dysentery. the Hospital was a bamboo shack, and the bedsmade with bamboo strips -- the bedding and covering were rice sacks. Itappeared that Eric had improved to the extent of having been moved intothe convalescent hut.
On the night of Aug 19th , Eric's friend (Harry ? ) was beside his bed-- they had a cigarette and coffee together, and he was shocked when heheard that Eric had passed away in the early hours the next day. Eric wasthen less than 7st. (Original weight 12st.10lbs.) and his hair was almostwhite.
ERIC DIED 20th AUGUST 1945 (AGE 31)
FIVE DAYS AFTER THE SURRENDER, AND ONLY THREE DAYS
BEFORE THE AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE FLEW SUPPLIES IN.
******
AMONGST ERIC'S PAPERS RETURNED TO MARY WAS A CRAYON PORTRAIT OF HERDRAWN BY ERIC ON 27TH JANUARY 1943 AT PALEMBANG. ON THE BACK WAS WRITTENTHE FOLLOWING POEM.
Letter from A.Q.M Sgt. Frank Joyes continued
Confidential reports were kept of individual conduct during captivity,and our C.O. told me that Eric's report was one of the best. Many men felldown during this testing time in their lives, but Eric never once lost hisself respect, or let his fellow men down. You will find enclosed a duplicateof an application made by Eric to confirm his promotion to Corporal. I,personally, would like to see it forwarded, because apart from monetorybenefits, I know that he merits this small recognition of his services tohis country. It was always my endeavour to get his rank to Staff Sergeant,and if Singapore had not fallen so quickly I am sure that he would haveattained this rank, at least. The address to which this application shouldbe forwarded is :- R.E.M.E. Records Office, Tichborne Street, Leicester.The signature on the back is that of Lieutenant Colonel Morgan. If I canadd to any details, or clear up any points you might wish to know, I willbe very pleased to do so.
May I convey my deepest sympathy to all of you in your great loss.
Yours Sincerely
A.Q.M. Sgt Joyes
P.S. We were able to get news secretly on the Radio, and Eric knew thatthe War was over, and that his sacrifice had not been in vain.
P.P.S.I did not write to you on arrival in England, as I felt that itwould be better for you to receive the news officially first. F.G.J.
Copy of letter enclosed re Eric's promotion.
Lieut. Col. Morgan R.A.O.C.
P.O.W. Camp, Palembang.
Subject:- Promotion to rank of full Corporal Instrument Mechanic.
Sir,
During the early part of December , 1941, I was informed by A.Q.M. Sgt.Joyes that notification had been received from Major Koe, R.A.O.C. FortCanning that a vacancy existed on the strength of the 9th Coast DefenceRegiment , Changi, for a full Corporal Instrument Mechanic. This vacancyhad existed from October 1941 and I had been attached to the H.Q. of theabove Regiment since July 1941. Lieut. Bormond, O.M.E. Changi, mentionedthat he had recommended me for this appointment, and later , I was informedthat Lieut. Fleetwood D.O. Changi had added his recommendation. As A.Q.M.S.is now in this camp, he will be able to bear out the above statement , andadd more exact details. During the latter period at Changi, it was impossibleto keep in touch with orders, but as my appointment appears to be war substantiated,I hereby respectfully request , Sir , that my case be investigated whencircumstance permit.
I remain Sir Your obedient servant
[signed] E.S.Diss
Pte. Diss E.S. 7634791 R.A.O.C.
To Officer i/c R.A.O.C Records Ref, Reverse [Above]
I interviewed No. 7587442 Armt. Q.M.S. Joyes, R.A.O.C. on this subject, and he states that the facts are essentially true. Major M.B.Coe, R.A.O.C.occupied the appointment of D.A.D.O.S., (E) and would conduct correspondenceon such matters. Armt. Q.M.S. Joyes actually saw the original letter ofrecommendation , and subsequently heard that the promotion to Corporal hadbeen promulgated.
Affairs were in such a turmoil during the latter stages of the SingaporeCampaign as to render it impossible for normal routine procedure to be followed.Detached units were constantly moved due to enemy action, and correspondencewas delayed. Although I have heard from several sources that large batchesof promotions were promulgated. I can trace very few individuals who actuallysaw them, and these are hazy with regard to details.
Armt. Q.M.S. Joyes speaks highly of Pte. Diss's work, and as he has conductedhimself in an exemplary manner since he came under my attention, I considerthat he is eminently suitable for the rank of Corporal. ( The War Establishmentof 9th Coast Defence Regiment should be available to ascertain if the vacancyexisted in October , 1941
Letter to Mary enclosing a sketch of Eric as the writer, a fellowP.O.W., remembered him.
St. Brigid
227 Chester Road,
Sutton Coldfield
January 26th 1946
Dear Mrs Diss,
Yesterday I returned from Falmouth in Cornwall, where I have been stayingwith an ex-P.O.W. friend before returning to work.
Thank you for your photographs and letter. Today I have done my bestwith the sketch of Eric as I remembered him towards the end of those grimdays in Sumatra. I am afraid that he looked old and very thin. His hair,of course , was shorn close, his eyes were sunk deeper, his nose ratherpinched and his checks hollow. His expression I have tried to make determinedas he always was. Actually I'd rather you remembered him as he was and destroyedthe sketch -- but that is up to you.
You ask me if Eric ever thought he wouldn't come back, but that is ratherdifficult to answer. It was the thing nobody ever mentioned. We were allof us very optimistic --always -- that the Boys would be landing "soon"but during those last months, when the Japs cut the rice down to less thanhalf a pound a day and failed to send any meat or fish at all, then it wasthat men started to merely fade away and collapse as they walked about.Each day then, or more especially each evening you felt a little weakerthan the day before and candidly you knew roughly how long you had left.Even so, you tried not to think that way and, above all, never mentionedit to anybody else. However, it was rather difficult as ten to twelve menwere going "through the gate" , as we used to call it, each day.Moreover , darkness used to fall about 8 o'clock each evening and as conversationhad "petered" out in 1944 sometime, there was not much to do butlie on your bed and think. I know that on two occasions I went "coldall over" at the prospects and had to tell myself to "snap outof it" and I suppose at times everybody must have thought the samethoughts, especially if they fell ill with beri-beri or dysentery, knowingthat there was little if anything , that the doctors could give them.
My friend in Cornwall was the principle "orderly" in the dys.ward and apparently Eric had recovered from actual dysentery and was movedto the "convalescent" hut but died as did most , from absolutelack of everything. Frankly most of those who died did so from Starvationwith an enormous capital S.
I know that some little time before Eric went in with dysentery , hecollapsed one evening from sheer
weakness on the way to evening parade --- in fact I carried him backto his hut and I remember how terribly thin he was. I myself was down to7 stone when the war finished and I knew very well that I had about 10 to14 days to go.
Well,I'm afraid I've been horribly frank and probably written too much:it is better forgotten naturally.
However, I hope the sketch is something like what you wanted. If everyou are in this dirty city of Birmingham I wish you would ring ERD 3108.I should always be glad to meet you and have a chat.
I am Yours very Sincerely
Rex Spencer
Memo from the War Office E2c/1 dated 10 th September 1947 to Mary.
Ref. Dutch East Indies 10-14?A.G. 13
Dear Madam,
A later report has been received from the Graves Registration ServicesOverseas which states that
Your husband 7634791 Corporal E.S.Diss of the Royal Electrical and MechanicalEngineers. is now buried in Plot 1 Row E Grave 12 in the Palembang MilitaryCemetery, Sumatra, Dutch East Indies.
---------- having been moved from the temporary grave in which he wasburied to a permanently maintained cemetery.
Yours Faithfully
p.p. Director Graves Registration and Enquiries.
Letter from Commonwealth War Graves Commission dated 30th April 1962to Mrs M. Diss 11, River Street, Colne , Lancs.
It has been agreed with the Government of Indonesia that the Commonwealthwar graves in Java and Sumatra, and in the adjacent islands, should be transferredto a new site made available by that Government at Djakarta, the capitalof the Republic.
The purpose of this letter is to advise you that the grave of the lateCorporal E.S. Diss, R.E.M.E. has now been moved with care and reverenceto Djakarta War Cemetery and that the new location of the grave is Plot5, Row A, Grave No 1
This next letter is from Russell Braddon, an Australian, who may havebeen a P.O.W. of the Japanese. He was frequently on the radio and T.V. afterthe war but gave it up to write a book on the Japanese.
C/O 294 Earls Court Road,
London S.W.5
22 February 1952
My dear Mr Diss,
Many thanks for your letter and for the enclosure of your late son'sdiary. I found it absorbing ---- and tragic,as all these things are. I am accused of lack of taste and delicacy in harrowingthe feelings of such bereaved parents as yourself with my book. I can onlyreply that many people don't know what heroes lads like your son were; mostdon't care what fiends the Japs were; and practically none will appreciatethat Nippon is already on the rampage again (viz: their trade tactics: theiraircraft factories: their fantastically large armed " police force"and their renascent merchant marine ) . If, to point all this out, I mustharrow the feelings of some parents I do so without compunction becauseto remain silent would be criminal and ----- in any event ---- I feel thosesame parents would prefer the truth known rather than forgotten so thatit may happen again.
Once again thanks both for your letter and the diary.
Yours
Russell Braddon.
Letter from a good friend of Eric's after receiving a copy of Eric'sdiary which Sydney distributed in 1954.
The Daily Mail (of London)
50 Rockfeller Plaza
Don Iddon New York 20, N.Y.
May 10 1954
Dear Mr Diss:
I was deeply moved to read the diary ofyour son Eric which he wrote in the Japanese prison camp. It is a heroicdocument . He was a very gallant man. I should like to pay tribute to himin print when a suitable occasion arises. Eric was a good friend of mineand all of us at the Wheelwright will never forget him.
With kind regards to yourself and family.
Yours Sincerely
Don Iddon
Mary's "Story" -- Letters dated 11th February 1996, 8thMarch l996 and Telephone Conversations about this time. -- [ continued ]
I was in Taranto when I learnt that I was to be sent home. Unbeknownto me , Papa Diss had written to his M.P. demanding I be returned home asEric would be coming home from the Far East. I got home on the 11th of November1945 and after being demobbed was met in Leeds by my In-Laws and my Parents.I was not told until the following day that Eric had died.
My Father had got in contact with Harry Warburton, mentioned in one ofthe papers, a great friend of Eric's who lived in Brierfield, Nr Colne.Father had taken the Disses to meet him and that was when he said that hehad been drinking coffee with Eric the night before he died and was shockedwhen he saw the following morning that he had died. He was in the RecordOffice and had sent all the papers on to Singapore whence they were senton to the family.
When Eric died Father Diss said he had paid Eric's salary into the Bankand I could have it. I offered to give it back but he said no but that hewould like the shares back . This I did through the bank. I received about£3,000 for his salary from the war years. He told my father he wouldsee I was well provided for but I never received anything from him --- notthat I expected anything from him.
One thing I would like you to know. When I last went through DewsburyPark with Eric he said ' I wonder if my name will be on that memorial whenthe war ends'. It did not appear, so in the end I went to see Mr James atthe Town Hall and created a stir because no names had been added. I wentback several times until he promised something would be done. After manymonths I had a letter saying it was to be done and they would send me aninvitation at Taunton to attend the service of unveiling but I never receivedone.
Mary then joined the Overseas Nursing Association and was posted to Singaporewhere eventually she became Matron. She hoped always that she could getto Sumatra to see Eric's grave but never got there as it was consideredunsafe. Mary had a chance of going to Eric's grave thanks to Mrs Thatcherwhen she was Prime Minister but by that time her second husband John Birkettwas suffering from Cancer and Alzheimers and she could not leave him. Maryhad met John Birkett, a tea planter, on a boat while coming home on leave.
Mary cutting the cake with John Birkett
1957
They had married in 1957 and returned to England in 1960. On the wayto our holiday in Torquay in 1963 Reardon, Michael and I stopped off forlunch with them. At the time they were living in a large house, in the Tauntonarea, that had extensive orchards and were apple farming as a business.
John and Mary were finding it very hard work and after a few years theyretired to a smaller house in a nearby village. We stayed with them fora night some years later. The house was in the most fantastic position halfway up the steep hillside of a broad valley. A landscape I will never forget.Out of one of our bedroom windows we looked over the bottom of a sunlitvalley with the hay being cut and a steam train winding its way along thevalley floor. Out of the other bedroom window the hillside sloped up steeplyand the cows grazing appeared to be doing so right outside our 1st floorbedroom window. The first thing I saw when I woke up!
We did intend to call on them again some years later when in Devon ona New Year Bridge Holiday but by that time John was too ill for visitors.
A long standing friend of Mary, also at one time Matron in Singapore,was Mollie McDanagh one of the two Sisters in the Infirmary at Stonyhurstwhen Andrew was "in residence"after his accident. At "GreatAcademies", Lindsay Allen, our Doctor and also a parent, had been soworried about Andrew that he wanted him brought home. As a compromise itwas agreed that he would live in the Infirmary until he took his O levelexams -- with a scribe. Many years later Mary and Mollie were talking aboutthe name "Diss". Mollie said that the only Disses she knew wereat Stonyhurst - she had had no idea they had any connection with Mary.
G.D.D. September 1996
Post Script.
Nan died in 1954 after a fall in Harrogate, when she fell hitting herhead on the kerbstone. Sydney died in 1965 a few days after the businesshad been sold. Marjorie died early in 1996 and Bunty (Sylvia) went intoa Nursing Home in Dewsbury. I came across Eric's correspondence and a transcriptof the Diary while sorting out the contents of their bungalow. After I suggestedto Mary that they ought to be deposited in a Record Office, she sent theoriginal Diary, drawings and correspondence she had kept to be included.In May 1996 all the relevant items were deposited with Cumbria Archive Serviceat the Record Office in Barrow -in-Furness. I was told by Ms Elizabeth Mullineauxof the Barrow Record Office that diaries kept by Japanese Prisoners of Warwere very rare. Mary, now 86 (1999) and nearly blind, lives on her own inColyton, Devon where Andrew and family visit her as often as possible nowthat Amanda is at Exeter University,only a few miles away.
Photo of Mary in 1999 with Michael and Amanda
G.D.D. July 1999
Eric wrote some notes on Malay Customs &Superstitions and made several small pictures of the area . These arein the Record Office. The notes and the storyof Bombadier Hall's effort to escape were on loose pieces of paper at theback of the diary.