Turner, Jack Wilfred

Collection relating to the Second World War service of SX10112 Private Jack Wilfred Turner, 2/27th Infantry Battalion and POW. Collection consists two original diaries plus a typescript memoir describing Turner's experiences, including enlistment with 2/2 Reserve MT Company, duties in Singapore, and the capitulation. He continues to go on and describe his experiences as a prisoner of the Japanese, detailing conditions and duties at many camps including Changi, various locations on Burma/Thailand Railway including Victoria Point, Tavoy Kandaw 4 Kilo Camp, Thetkaw 14 Kilo Camp, 75 Kilo Camp, Thanbyzuat, Ankanan 105 Kilo Camp, Ratpu 30 Kilo Camp, Tamakan; Saigon; and River Valley Camp in Singapore. He also describes treatment by Japanese of prisoners, natives, Chinese, and Indians; escape plans; punishments and illness. He particuarlly describes being torpedoed en route to Japan on board 'Rahuya Maru', being rescued by American submarine, and his return to Australia via Saipan and Guadalcanal. He also mentions the kindness of Americans, assistance of natives, and his joy at return home. The account also includes lyrics for parodies sung as a female impersonator in POW theatrical performances.