30 Jan 1944, Diary of George Gerrard in Stanley Internment Camp Hong Kong

I am now quite well again, but since leaving the hospital last Sunday I have had a very rough time with diarrhoea and haemorrhoids (piles). I think I must have got the looseness there and I just had to keep my bed and unfortunately with the lavatory so far away (45 yards) it was a trial indeed to get there in time sometimes.

Then with the diarrhoea one of my in herniated piles became very active and at times the blood was actually pouring out. As this went on for several days and nights I became very worried and had to call in the doctor, Dr Boswell ((probably Dr Barwell)). All he could do for me was epsom salts which I must say helped however by Thursday morning I became a little better and took the chance or risk of walking to Tweed Bay Hospital where I saw Prof Digby. He had previously examined me for piles and suggested that I should be operated in about a months time. He couldn't of course do anything for me this time in view of my diarrhoea, so will leave things for a wee while.

I am not very anxious to have an operation for my haemorrhoids but should they get worse it may be necessary. However I had my first firm stool today and was quite proud of the fact and as I feel more like myself and hungry I can consider myself as being O.K. again.

The Japs have stopped our flour ration (4oz) so our bread supply has gone west. They have given us an extra ration (4oz) of rice but that doesn't compensate for the loss of the flour and consequently the bread.

We are having a parade tomorrow for identification and administration of the camp which is now no longer civil being under the jurisdiction of the Military with the name of the camp changed to the Military Internment Camp Hong Kong. Whether all this change will lead towards improved conditions as regards reducing the overcrowded quarters and bettering the food is all very problematical. We'll have to wait and see.