Thursday, August 13, 2009

Japan man 'e cry enough, pack oop and go HTM

Chapter 10 – Operations on New Britain

On 15th August when the news arrived that the war was over it was received quietly. Native workers and troops were assembled and told the news — "Japan man 'e cry enough" — and native runners were sent into the hills to spread the news among the villages.

Next day Gracie Fields and a party of other entertainers arrived at Jacquinot Bay from Bougainville and in the evening performed before 10,000 troops.

Highlight of the night . . . was a half hour's non-stop entertainment by "Gracie " who at the conclusion of the concert said : "I hope it won't be long before you all pack oop and go H.T.M.—home to Moom." Ten thousand troops had exactly identical hopes and the thunderous cheering showed this in no uncertain manner.

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