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Psychological Consequences of Disease

Psychological Consequences of Disease

Mr. Atkinson translates his hospital experiences into the theory that married men who had left young families behind were the least likely to survive disease.

Diphtheria Hospital

Diphtheria Hospital

Mr. Atkinson describes being 'volunteered' by his officer to work in North Point Camp's diphtheria ward. He talks about one of the patients in his care who dies while sitting on his bedpan, and how he feels in some way responsible.

Ration Issues

Ration Issues

Mr. Atkinson describes North Point's meager rations, made worse for the lower ranks because their own officers were skimming the better food for themselves. He describes how the regiment's doctors interceded to obtain better provisions for the rank and file soldiers.

Restoring Discipline at North Point Camp

Restoring Discipline at North Point Camp

Mr. Atkinson describes his officers ordering the POW’s to become disciplined again, and to wash and shave as best they could, given the camp's modest plumbing.

March to North Point Camp

March to North Point Camp

Mr. Atkinson describes being tethered together with wire during their march to North Point Camp. One soldier, badly enough wounded that he can't keep up, is cut out of the line and bayoneted.

The Road to Captivity

The Road to Captivity

Mr. Atkinson describes being marched to Stanley Gap by the Japanese. During the march, two men are pulled from the line, and are later tortured within earshot of the other prisoners. That night Mr. Atkinson has an unlikely reunion with his brother.

The Final Battle, Part 3

The Final Battle, Part 3

Mr. Atkinson describes being attacked at a defensive position on the Stanley Reservoir. Because of his unit's mounting casualties, his officer decides to surrender. He is shot to death despite showing the white flag of surrender.

The Final Battle, Part 2

The Final Battle, Part 2

Mr. Atkinson recalls the sight of thousands of Japanese waiting to advance, while at the same time engaging in a grenade fight with an advancing enemy. He describes the loss of a Bren gunner and his No. 2, and having to abandon a badly wounded officer during their retreat from a hopeless position.

The Final Battle, Part 1

The Final Battle, Part 1

Mr. Atkinson describes his unit's movements around Wong Nai Chong reservoir as the battle begins. A scout identifies camouflaged enemies advancing towards them, and the officer gives the open fire order. Mr. Atkinson admits to ”wetting his pants” when faced with having to fire at another human being.

Poorly Armed for War

Poorly Armed for War

Mr. Atkinson discusses the start of the battle for Hong Kong, and then describes the weapons the Canadians had.

Shipboard Activities

Shipboard Activities

Mr. Atkinson describes dummy training with mortars and doing some PT during the voyage to where they later learn will be Hong Kong.

The Tripe Mutiny

The Tripe Mutiny

The Winnipeg Grenadiers arrive in Vancouver to board their ship. Mr. Atkinson describes the first meal, tripe, served aboard HMAS Awatea, and the resulting mutiny. Facing the threat of a charge of desertion, most of the 'mutineers' return to the ship.

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