Hindaine Camp 10.7.1943 – 31.8.1943

This camp was located about 8 kilometres south of Brankassi close to Hindato on a small tributary of the River Kwae Noi. This would place it around the 200km point. The camp was also under canvas and as usual the tents would not do what they were designed to do.

Major Alf Cough wrote:

‘This camp is just hell, the whole area a sea of black stinking mud, very little food; and men dying every day. For the last three weeks we have eaten nothing but rice and dried fish; for three weeks prior to that we had rice and dried cabbage at the rate of one cupful of rice plus a dessert spoon of fish or cabbage. The men cannot last much longer unless we get some decent food and medical supplies. I am tired of reading burial services and watching my men die without being able to lift a hand to help them; they are full of courage and keep their chins up until the last moment.’

On 27th July Lt. ‘Scotty’ Howell was detached to Brankassi with about 80 other ranks as W Party. ‘D’ Force V Battalion now consisted of three separate groups, one at Onte, one at Hindaine and W Party at Brankassi.

On the 10th August forty of the heavy sick including Capt. John Hill were evacuated. On 30th August 1943 Major Cough was ordered to take 150 of his fittest men to the next camp, Kuii. The remainder of this group returned to Brankassi Camp.

During less than two months a total of 28 men died at Hindaine Camp including several 2/4th Machine Gunners including Mick Geary WX8000, John Mostyn Clare WX6976, Lawrance Roy Nybo WX14327.