Message from Elaine Freeman dated November 14, 2008
Well, here is my information about Dad:
Lawrence (Larry) I. Freeman (Deceased March 21,2006)
Wife: Esther (Deceased August 2, 2007)
From Worcester, Massachusetts
Assigned to the engine room of the USS Canopus
Hell ship: Mati Mati Maru (Canadian Inventor)
POW Camps: 92nd Garage, Bilibid, Port Area, Cabanatuan, Omuta#17
The following is a transcript of a letter home that I thought would be of interest to others. It is self-explanatory.
Aboard the HMS Speaker
Nagasaki, Japan
Sept. 16, 1945
Dearest Mother and Dad,
Today we finally started our homeward journey. This morning we evacuated camp and traveled by rail here. The Japs, Koreans and Chinese ex-prisoners of war turned out in force to give us a send off, "Old Glory" waving in the van of our convoy was a sight we've dreamt of for years. The Navy lads had their own truck and our homemade naval banner flew over it.
All Jap trains are crowded to overflowing with disbanded service men and civilians but we traveled in style (Nip standard), twenty five men to a car that could easily accommodate four times the number.
The most awful sight I have ever seen was the site of the explosion of the atomic bomb. We had heard many stories about it but seeing is believing. The place still stinks of the dead and people are still dying from the result of it.
When we pulled into the station here, we were greeted by a navy band and fed doughnuts and coffee (plus as, much sugar and milk we wanted). Then we were disinfected, issued new clothes, tended to medically, drank chocolate milk and ice cream and then brought aboard ship.
We are supposed to travel part way to Manila by ship and rest of the way by air. Possibly we'll cross the ocean by air.
Soon after I boarded ship, I saw the doctor about my stomach which was a bit upset. He condemned me to a couple days in sick bay for some rest and recuperation from the over indulgence of chow that I've had since the surrender. I'm very comfortable here-much better than in the crews' quarters and am well tended by these "limey" corpsmen. The only drawback is that I'm on a milk diet (1 small cup) and a handful of pills.
It was wonderful to be able to send a full length, uncensored letter again.
So long for now-God bless you.
Loads of love from your son,
Larry
If anyone has any additional information about Former POW Larry Freeman, please contact his daughter, Elaine Freeman at:
Elaine Freeman
Email:
luckyred@ieee.org
US Postal Address: Post Office Box 118
Pinehurst, Massachusetts 01866