Diary of Ensign Francis (Frank) J. Carney from Kawasaki #2 Camp
(November 1943 to August 1944)

November

All officers and men of this camp have been ordered by Japanese authorities to keep a diary. For
this purpose prisoners had to buy a small notebook at 60 yen per copy. This means a private is
giving up pay for six days of work for this purchase. Ar Zentsuji Camp in which I was formerly
interned, notebooks for diaries were given to the prisoners by the Japanese authorities; this was indeed with keeping with proper procedures in such matters.

I do hope this effort at a diary will be more successful than my last  four days.  Easy it is to start writing, but hard it is to continue from day to day. Under the present conditions a wealth ofmaterial is available; happenings in camp and at factory, treatment given- food, clothing andpunishments, and unusual and amusing incidents among the troops.

Officers are in charge of camp administration, and are doing their best to keep things running
smoothly, so that the men may have life as pleasant as possible under these conditions and trying
circumstances. Compliance with the wishes of the Japanese administration is always desirable.
At times it is rather difficult keeping things running smoothly, especially when prisoners are
mistreated at the hands of certain camp personnel.  Just the other night an American soldier was
beaten across the head with a belt without sufficient reason due to a misunderstanding. Of late
however treatment of prisoners has improved, and things are running smoothly to the benefit of
all.

Today four men were transferred to Tokyo Hospital. Sick prisoners are now sent to the War
Prisoners' Hospital at Shinegawa Camp. Cdr. Ocha [?] and Dr. Gottlieb who were with me in
Guam are in charge. Read in the paper where an exchange ship is coming; I do hope we will
receive a package. It helps the morale of the camp. Once in a great while we receive an issue of
cakes, the last being on Sept. 29.  Quite a number of cookies come to camp but the prisoners very
seldom receive them.  Last night this camp had its second sale of fruit; the last being on
Christmas '42. The two tangerines were certainly a treat. Routine [?] issues would certainly be
beneficial to the health of camp.

Nov 6 [1943] Another week flies by- a week nearer home. A hot bath was refreshing, and
welcome.

Sunday, November 7- Sunday, one certainly misses the sacrifice of the Mass. It is this more than
anything else that I miss in prison. 

[Marginal Note: Bread 250 grams Stop March 43]

Nov 10. Seven hundred days of prison life have drifted down the stream of time. Days of waiting
for that day when I can once again enjoy life. Prison days have been depressing and spotted with
joy. Depressing when troops are mistreated and joyful when the not too frequent issue of cookies
are given out.                                         

Today we filled out a form dealing with a list of eight so-called virtues. 

(2) Obedience D,A,B,C.
(4) Punctuality B,A,C,D
(3) Cleanliness B,A,D,C
(6) Economy of materials A,B,D,C,
(8) Creativeness
(5) Initiative for good order D,A,B,C
(7) Mechanical knowledge 
(1) Sense of responsibility D,A,B,C

The above letters stand for the following: 

A. Basic school training
B. Training in society
C. Military training
D. Religious education

I do not know the purpose of filling in such a form but it is probably research on the part of some
psychologist. I crossed out creativeness and mechanical knowledge; the first I do not possess, and
the latter I do not consider a virtue.

Nov 13: Yesterday this camp had its first anniversary.  A year ago three hundred and twelve
Americans from the Philippines arrived at this camp. Of this number, eighteen have died, one
hundred eight of the original number remain. I hope that at this time next year we look back upon
this day from the surroundings of our home and families. It was a bright spot in the prisoner life;
as a half holiday was given and the food ration was increased slightly. Such little things as these
help to increase the morale of the troops. Too bad we can not have more days such as yesterday. I
believe every Sunday could be the same; by giving the men a holiday, a slight increase in food,
holding religious services and closing with entertainment in the evenings.

Today I once again assumed the duties of duty Officer. It has been a quiet day as most of the men
are out to work as 210 men are going out daily. made an announcement at roll call concerning
personal hygiene. It is vital to health of camp that all men keep clean, and do their utmost in
keeping eating utensils free from dirt. This week just flew by; seems like only yesterday I noted
having a hot bath, finishing up the previous one. Tomorrow will be Sunday, the start of another
week; I hope a peaceful one for all.

Friday, Nov. 19- Today is a cold, miserable day. Yesterday's mild South wind has been blown
away by a frigid North wind. I do hope it does not get too cold; as the troops from Java, having
never experienced such weather, will have a trying time. An issue of another blanket, underwear
and socks would aid in adverting [sic] unnecessary sickness. On the 14th a Dutchman  Geerartus
[?] passed away suddenly. [Geeraths, Johannes died of acute pneumonia]
He was in a sickly condition; but was forced to go out to work; as the
authorities at this camp insist on sending out a very high percentage of men. This morning the
details were short; a man with an infected arm was sent out, after all sick men were lined up in
front of Japanese office. It seems foolish to send such men to work, for they are no use to the
factories, whom I am certain are not anxious to work such sick men. Their output is hindered by
the presence of such workers not increased. A glass rod annal [sic] inspection was held the otehr
night, no positive results have been obtained so far. Mr. Kondo, are [sic- our?] efficient and
likeable interpreter, returned to camp yesterday. He is well liked by all and is a great asset to
camp. Just heard we were going to get tangerenes [sic] through canteen. All men will be glad  it
is a moral [sic] boaster [sic]. It is such things as these which keep the men going, especially when
they are forced to work day after day without a holiday. I noted this morning when making out
payroll that at least sixty men have now worked over thirty days without a break. I am sure it is
the intention of the Japanese authorities to give the men at least two days off a month. A deaf ear
is turned to such requests at this camp but I do hope this grave situation is remedied in some
manner soon to divert [sic- avert] a spread of sickness due to general physical rundown condition
among the troops. 

Nov 25- Thursday. 

Thanksgiving Day. For us in camp it is just time which must be passed; not passed however
without a spirit of Thanksgiving for our health and soundness of mind, during these trying times.
I do hope that at this time one year hence I will be able to enjoy a good Thanksgiving with my
family. Today, in camp we have had the same old routine food- soup + rice.  We requested that
an issue of Red Cross food be made; the answer was negative, we received a shipment of R.C.
food recently. I should not say we, rather I should say camp, as we officers are given no
accounting of the amount of goods received. The R.C. officials are certainly lax in not seeing that
all food is received by prisoners. We have a number of cans of meat and veg. at the present time
in the kitchen; these being left over from a previous shipment. This is given out as part of our
ration, 10 or 15 cans thrown in soup from time to time. It is also being used by the Japanese
when they have parties + on other occasions. A report of these actions will be made to proper
authorities. I am sure the Japanese authorities at headquarters would remedy this situation if they
knew such actions were being carried on; for they firmly realize that it is against the true spirit of
the Imperial Army. 

This afternoon we spent a pleasant afternoon out on Mitsui Field.  These moments of relaxation
out of the camp certainly are enjoyable ones. 

Dec 2, 1943

Procrastination never leads to accomplishment. So I find myself jotting off a few lines to catch
up on my diary. Most vivid in my mind is an incident which happened on Nov. 30. A pair of
leggings were missing from storeroom while it was being re-arranged. Corp. Kravitz was on
detail before going to work at "Denko." He was carrying his leggings and mess kit when called
upon to work in storehouse. He set his kit down next to the pile of leggings, some how his pair
was mixed up with pile, without his knowledge of same. Work call was given; he hurriedly
picked up his gear (mess kit and leggings), not noticing he had a strange pair of leggings. When
on job he discovered his mistake, did not wear leggings and made up his mind to return same in
evening when returning from work.  This he did, reporting matter to Capt. Catt, duty officer. The
Capt. went to office to inform Kasuya, civilian worker in charge of stores. Without finding out
the facts of the case, he rushed to officers' room and gave Corporal Kravitz a severe beating with
closed fists. Thus for his honestness Kravitz was punished, a bad example for good military
ethics.  Matter was explained to Mr. Kondo in the evening.

The troops were given a much needed sixth blanket, which indeed was appreciated. Old man
winter is beginning to take a firm grip on the weather  evenings are rather chilly. Socks were
issued to each man yesterday. There is [sic] still enough pairs in storeroom for another pair for
each man. 

One cannot write a diary without mention of the food question. The diet recently has been
adequate, with a slight variety. Fish has been coming regularly, averaging at least twice a week.
Rice + soup at two meals; with soup with potatoes or beans making up morning meal. 

Dec. 9- Rumors, rumors, rumors. Germany has fallen; Germany receiving terrific pastings from
air; Americans in Gilberts and Marshalls. It is what prisoners live on; hoping for that glorious
day when they can walk and talk as free men. I do hope some of these rumors are true, for it is
about time we started our war machine rolling.

On the 4th an issue, one of those infrequent things took place: 1 bar face soap; 1 G-string; 1 mask.
Enough for 251 men arrived; only 236 in camp at present. Where did the remainder go? ? A
small issue of our Red Cross food was made- 1/3 can of meat and vegtable [sic](76 cans). This
food was received in Nov. How much R.C. food + clothing (shoes) was in this shipment  no
prisoner knows. Why R.C. officials allow such shipments to arrive at these camps without
prisoner officers in charge signing a proper invoice, is difficult to understand. No interest in
position or is it because they are prohibited. After the war these matters concerning the issue of
such food will be light, I hope.

All Air Corp men questioned about special qualifications. (Dec. 6). I will be disappointed if any
men volunteer to work in their specific field. They must not forget a terrific war is being waged
between the country they've volunteered to work for and the U.S. Selfishness and personal
comfort is what such men desire. We, all prisoners, must not forsake the loyalty and devotion to
our mother country. 

Dec. 7th. Dutch boy died at Shinegawa Hospital. [Leidelmeiger] Many of the Dutch boys have a poor spirit; I
hope this picks up and they have the good old pluck to survive the winter. 

Dec. 9. Just another camp day. A few slices of mellow toast, were certainly a rare treat. Heard
officers were going to get a three-course meal twice a day. It has not materialized as yet, hopeful.
Any little improvement, brings a bright spot to this dull life of ours.  It is a trying life on we
officers, day after day confined to this small camp. The effect of such a life will leave its mark,
indelible- I hope not. A little exercise- walk, would be a big help to our general well being.

Dec. 23- Much has passed down the stream the past few weeks. A supply inspection was held on
the twentieth. What preparation was made to have things in order? Clothing which had been
confiscated from men was partial [sic] returned, I say partially as I believe some of the camp
clothing went "West." A couple of bags of sugar + some small potatoes were taken down from
Nippon Steel Camp to replenish supply here. It seems to be the same business in all armies;
juggling accounts before an inspection. The inspection was successful in the eyes of the
inspecting officers.  I wonder if they gave the Red Cross supplies a good working over. Out of
the last shipment of goods, prisoners have received only 79 cans of M+V. The remainder is
promised at Christmas. What will this remainder be? That is the big question. Time will tell.

On the 20th Lt. Haber and myself went to the Kawasaki post office to pick up some packages,
their were sixty pieces, but not one for this camp. They were taken to this camp on a truck. When
they arrived a certain Japanese removed a package of cigarettes and one candy bar. Such an act in
our service is punishable with ten or twenty years imprisonment. What is going to happen after
the war, when these men who are prisoners report such incidents to the proper Japanese
authorities. I am sure those responsible for the rifling of R.C. food + packages for men will be
punished. 

Yesterday was a happy one for me. A present from home, to make it a grand Christmas.  All the
articles will certainly be useful  underwear, socks, sweater, jacket, shirt, etc. It is the first
package for this camp. I am hoping there will be more, as it would certainly be a pick-me-up for
the men. Christmas is only two days away, all men are waiting anxiously for this day, as there
will be a  "Yasame," and I hope a little extra food, which is always welcome. I will be back at
Xmas.

Dec 25- Christmas, under existing circumstances, a fine day for all. On the Eve, 700 letters
arrived for Americans, and one package for Sgt. Wollsey. [?] We issued: one half box R.C.
(American) food to each man, 2 packages of cigarettes, 6 oranges, sugar (180 grams) per man;
and also ten of last year's Xmas boxes were divided among the men. Religious services were
held: Dr. Curtin and Sgt. Brouwers officiated at Catholic services; Capt. Catt and Sgt. Hough at
American Protestant services; and Sgt. Major Lookermans held a Protestant service in Dutch. 
Immediately after lunch, pictures were taken on the field, the men enjoyed a quiet day, being left
completely alone. 

Service for R. Catholics on Christmas Day.

I.   Sign of Cross
     Our Father
     Hail Mary
     Apostles' Creed
     Acts of Faith- Hope, Charity and Contrition.
     Glory Be  

II.  Epistle and Gospel of the Day

III. Sermon

IV.  Prayers for Dead

V.   Adeste Fidelis

VI.  Prayers After Mass

VII. Sign of Cross

Sermon. 

Today we commemorate the Feasts of Christmas, the birth of Christ- the living God. Who for us
became man. Also its blessed Redeemer + Savior of all Man Kind. To us Catholics and indeed to
all the living world this feast day heralded as it was 2000 years ago by angels in the midnight
song- Glory to God in the Highest, on earth peace to men of good will; should be the most
significant event in the records of time. An event heralded by a message of peace. Peace, that in
the hope and expectation of the world today, a termination of this endless suffering, sacrifice of
human flesh and blood, soul and spirit of countless men and women.

Not a peace maimed and in chains, limping at the end of a long war, built on bitter humiliation
on one side and bitter arrogance on the other  but a spiritual peace, founded for welfare of all
men. Let it then this day the pray [er?] of each of us that the world brought to its knees, and that
message of peace which was brought in that glorious midnight may become a glorious realization
and a new life conceived in the sufferings and humiliations of the past.        

*******

I do hope that on next Christmas, I will be in a position to attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,
thus celebrating Xmas in the true Christian spirit.

All men allowed to write unlimited letter went out in April??

28th- tangerines- 3 per man. Getting a good deal of fish- « ration for sick men.

29th- fire in hospital for first time.

30th- 29 packages arrive.

31st- R.C. package- 8 men per.

1944-----

1st- KYK and Denko worked. 1 cookie/man.

Irish potatoes- 80 kilo for all.

6th- Snowed slight. Getting good deal fish.

7th- Dr. strapped by Kasuya, not lining up for Tenko. Few pneumonias keep Doc busy- very
successful on results.

14th- Weather good. Issued an apple. 

17th- Payed [sic] for Christmas cigarettes.

18th- Collars at Tenko. Few slaps.

21st- Practice Bango [?} for an hour.

22nd- Run at Mitsui. Next few times ran around warehouses.

25th- Marshall's message.

27th- Cold spell.

29th- Shake down of details- Wilkens- coat. Stood attention for one hour- no good reason.

Feb.

7th- Tables from Mitsui. 7:30 Tenko- inspection of all belongings. 

12th- INSPECTION.

Weather good; soup not so good.

Mar.

2nd- More forms for information.

4th- R.C. clothes unpacked- too good for prisoner- back in storehouse.

5th + 6th- Snow. Radio broadcasts. 50 Americans + 50 Dutch. Sempaku- rice trouble.

7th- 23 packages; issued on 8th.

8th- R.C. clothing- no say in matter.

12th- Decrease in food. "Logot" in evening every other night. Diakons [?] on menu very
frequently.

25th- 1st in ten days. Coal scarce- baths infrequent.

29th- Rice back to normal.

April.

1st- Started baths at Mitsui bath.

3rd- Haircuts- all men.

4th- Sempaku works late.

5th- Fingerprints. Blackout.

7th- Reissue of raincoats.

9th- Easter services. Dr. Curtin + Capt. Cutt.

18th- All men off. Washime made 1st Lt. Package cigarettes all men for 23 yen.

22nd- Increase in rice ration.

28th- R.C. package arrives.

29th- R.C. comfort kits issued. 3 men also to R.C. box.

May.

2nd- Dutch downstairs, Americans- up.

5th- Kokusho + KYK- Dutch Denko + MBK- American sempaku- split.

6th- Inspection 

8th- Col Sakaba inspected. Civilians went through barracks, took many articles. Tore barracks
apart. 

10th- Garden project started. Officers and men to Denko. No results.

18th- Mosquitoes bar issue.

19th- Summer shorts issued.

20th- Blackout; also on 21st.

22nd- Dutch- 1 yr- 3 apples per man- singing [?]

 24th- Dystentry shots.

June

1st- 2nd dystentry shot. Japanese R.C.- vit. tablets.

8th- Shot- typhoid.

9th- Denko- 1 year of work.

13th- Garden detail.

15th- Shot- typhoid- blackout.

16th- All men off. Blackout. Serve [?- severe?] quake.

17th- Blackout.

18th- Blackout. Fish good at this time.

26th- 7 pkgs arrive- still old shipment. Cigarettes being issued every other day. 

July 

1st- Food cut- summer routine.

10th- Swiss official- sick men to field, Dr. ousted, food cut.

Food, especially soups, pick up.

14th- Card home.

18th- Clean up for inspection- « bar soap.

22nd- Hail storm- largest I've seen- few windows broken; heavy rain.

Aug

14th- Pepper and mizu paste- what a meal. Potatoes come back into diet for breakfast- not good
for men. 

[14 August 1944 is the last diary entry. Ensign Carney was killed a year later, on July 25, 1945]