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[Page 54]
Wounded prisoners, despite inattention and maltreatment fare better than men captured unwounded. They of course are employed in Reprisal camps. My suffering is inconsiderable when, compared with the horrors and tortures imposed upon those men; I sincerely hope some of these will, when liberated give a full account of their experiences. No doubt many will be glad to refrain from speaking or writing of their horrible life in Germany.
18th-25th. I received a clothing parcel on the 18th and a grocery on the 23rd. the latter is the second food parcel I have received since capture. Some men have had ten, on the other hand many have received nothing. Australians receive three loaves of bread weekly from Berne (in the cool weather) and hard biscuits during the summer months. The bread is always stale and hard, caused by the long period occupied in transit. Happily however, it is eatable, therefore it is very acceptable. The biscuits are extremely hard, but when soaked in water for several days, one can enjoy them. Not infrequently parcels are mislaid; in that case the bread and biscuits are unfit for consumption. Many are stolen en route, but one has no definite evidence to prove the fact. Regrettably my bread parcels have not yet commenced, but my compatriots assist liberally. My people will have received news of my capture. It is indeed a relief to know that they have no particulars. I am glad they are quite ignorant regarding my treatment here. I have experienced fighting and hardships in Egypt, Gallipoli and France, but those experiences do not bear comparison with Hun tortures.
26th-30th. The weather is cool and boisterous. My parcels from England have commenced to arrive regularly. 27th. I persuaded an Englishman to carry me into No. 3 Barrack, to chat with several of my pals who are unable to leave their beds. Immediately I entered I was almost suffocated. Ugh! What awful smells! The Barrack is infested with vermin and this coupled with the repulsive stench from wounds, is insufferable. Despite my eagerness to talk with the boys, I made a speedy exit. 30th. The Russian Surgeon informed me that my operation was arranged for the 2nd of October. He tells me that my knee will be opened and although the operation entails considerable danger to the patella and arteries it should