Sun. Apr. 5/42
April 5, 1942
Nothing much happening here. We still eat three times a day. I have great fun trying my hand at Philippine dishes. When made right, they
Herman K. Beaber
(1907 -- 2001) American Protestant missionary; interned at Santo Tomas and Los Baños.
Thurs. Apr. 9/42
April 9, 1942
“Bataan fell today”. This little peninsula, the one separating north Manila Bay from the South China Sea has been the scene of terrible fighting the
Sun. Apr. 12/42
April 12, 1942
We had a little excitement today. Cecil and I were at Cinco de Junio for Meeting. The first testimony was being given when four explosions
Sat. Apr. 18/42
April 18, 1942
Last Wednesday, Leo took sick with the dysentery. We did not think it was serious at the time, but it got worse so that we
Mon. Apr. 20/42
April 20, 1942
Yesterday Cecil and I were at Misos for meeting. Right after lunch I went to find Leo. He was better but still weak and must
Sun. May 3/42
May 3, 1942
I just finished making out our reports. Have six blanks to fill out. I am getting a little bit fed up on so much red
Sun. May10/42
May 10, 1942
Seems that I do quite a bit of writing in this on Sunday evenings. The reason is that I get out my typewriter to make
Sun. July 23, 1944
July 23, 1944
I am sure it has been over a year since I wrote last partly due to the fact that I was very busy, and also
Sun. July 30/44
July 30, 1944
Things go about pretty much the same. Food is not bad, and the few inconveniences are not hard to put up with. Last week a
Sun. Aug. 6/44
August 6, 1944
Last Sunday, when I wrote, we were having a rainstorm, which lasted several days, but in the middle of the week it cleared up, and
Sun. Aug. 13/44
August 13, 1944
During the week I did not feel like writing — too busy — but on Sundays, with not so much to occupy my mind and
Sun. Sept. 3/44
September 3, 1944
Three weeks since I wrote last! I am glad time is going so quickly. We had much rain last month, which was good for our
Sun. Sept. 10/44
September 10, 1944
Just got back from the Church Service. Mr. Sanders, a Presbyterian, spoke to us about unity. He was lamenting the lack of love and harmony
Sun. Sept. 17/44
September 17, 1944
It is ten a.m. and raining. Has been raining hard and often for the past two or three days. Gardens not damaged much yet. We
Thurs. Sept. 28/44
September 28, 1944
I have been busy and have neglected to write. Much has happened, too. Last Thursday, a week ago, we were surprised to hear the unmistakable
Tues. Oct. 10/44
October 10, 1944
Last Saturday, the seventh, as I was raking and burning some leaves by our quarters, the news was passed along that the two camps were
Tues. Oct. 17/44
October 17, 1944
And it is still rainy. But the garden grows right along and we have string beans and green corn. This garden track becomes more valuable
Mon. Oct. 23/44
October 23, 1944
(Bernice’s birthday) One day last week, Wednesday, I think, we heard a plane coming low over the camp. We looked and saw that smoke was
Sun. Jan. 7/45
January 7, 1945
It has happened! We are free! For the past few days heavy bombers have been going over, and fighters and dive-bombers have been going over
Tues. Jan. 9/45
January 9, 1945
I am tired from a day’s work, and full as a tick from a good meal. There was much air activity today. Dozens of planes
Fri. Jan. 12/45
January 12, 1945
We have had an exciting week but nothing as much as last Sunday. After the main garrison left, a few soldiers came in from a
Sun. Jan. 14/45
January 14, 1945
Now we have some more excitement. Yesterday morning before daylight, the Commandant and his staff returned. They were tired out and we do not know
Mon. Jan. 15/45
January 15, 1945
Yesterday afternoon the whole camp was called to attend a mass roll call on the road in front of barracks #3 and #4. Guards were
Wed. Jan. 17/45
January 17, 1945
Monday evening the Japs agreed to turn all food supplies over to our Committee. Some “hot-heads” immediately clamored for immediate distribution of rice to the
Sun. Jan. 28/45
January 28, 1945
The days are getting warmer and sunnier. We were tired of the cloudy weather. Situation in the camp is not good. A guard shot one
Mon. Jan. 29/45
January 29, 1945
Due to the episode yesterday, the gate was closed and we received no supplies. So the Commandant voided his agreement with General Commandant concerning our