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had not several decided to sleep instead on and underneath the tables that stood along the side walls and were meant to seat 16 people each during meals. Right after embarking the prisoners were locked into the room until the next morning. Shortly after leaving Hong Kong, the Commander, Lt. Col. Alexander, addresses the men from a safe distance on the other side of the bars. He warned them to obey all orders and, to make an impression, right away threatened to use hand and foot shackles. That very first night the weather turned and because of the rough sea the portholes had to be closed, giving rise to severe seasickness among the men. The dismal air and conditions in general became unsupportable, but pleas for a breather on deck were simply refused. The rough seas and this horrible state of affairs lasted several days.
The prisoners were allowed on the main deck at the front of the ship and on the rear promenade deck between 6.30am and 7pm. But all passageways on and access to the decks were closed off and guarded by sentries.