Harper, Ronald Alfred (Private, b.1920 - d.1943)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX56201 Private Ronald Alfred Harper, 2/29th Infantry Battalion, Singapore, 1942-1943.

Collection consists of one brown faux leather pouch with a gold "Australian Commonwealth Military Forces" stamp on the cover. Within the pouch is a small identification card, a red and black painted lead pencil, a notebook largely used as a diary, a photograph of Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, and a facsimile of a short notice announcing Harper's death.

The notebook begins with Harper's personal details, then those of several others, presumably other from his unit. Next is the diary section of the notebook, spanning the period 1 September 1942 to 29 April 1943. The diary begins with Harper briefly describing the poor condition his camp, following his movement out of Changi. The diary contains brief entries throughout, discussing his health, food provided to him, rumours, and pastimes including playing different spots such as cricket, and undertaking lessons in Morse Code. The final entry in the diary states "[o]wing to the heat and long marches we leave... I much to my sorrow had to throw all my diary away but I think I will be able to remember it." Interspersed within the diary entries are further names and contact details for other soldiers, and a list of rugby players.

Also included is a typed transcript of the diary section of the notebook. From the period 20 September to 25 October, messages are written in Morse Code, however these have been translated in the transcript.

Following Harper's death on 28 June 1943, a friend of his recovered the notebook and returned it to his family.

• Diary of Ronald Alfred Harper, 1942-1943
• Transcript of the diary of Ronald Alfred Harper, 1942-1943