Richard A. Beam - USS Biloxi Interview with Tommy English - 20 Sep 1945 - All Rights Reserved
The next day, which was the 16th (August 16, 1945) the
Australians, English, and Americans were transferred from the
camp (Fukuoka #27) in groups of 100. We were moved to camp number
22, at Iizuka, another coal mining camp. This time though, we came
to rest, not work.
We woke up the morning of the 18th and saw that the Japanese guards
were cleaning up and policing the grounds, an area that ordinarily
the prisoners were required to do.
A few days later the Japanese soldiers turned over the camp to the
American Head Commander, Major McCollum.
We were then allowed to roam the countryside and we immediately
began trading clothing, blankets, and soap for food.
The mining officials sent canned meat to our camp and the food
suddenly became good.
B29's then began to drop food to us, and toilet articles,
cigarettes, and such incidentals.
American rescue parties arrived and we once again were looking
into friendly and helpful eyes. The war was over!
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