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Guarding Internees
Mr. Atkinson describes doing guard duty at an internment camp for German and Italian detainees while posted to Jamaica. .
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.
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.
Poorly Armed for War
Mr. Atkinson discusses the start of the battle for Hong Kong, and then describes the weapons the Canadians had.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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