Page 58 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

The sun beats down and the workers begin to struggle.

Nesta hands out precious water for the women to share, while the guards walk up and down the street pointing at mounds of rubbish and uneven grass cutting. Nesta watches them hovering outside her house. She follows their gaze. A young nurse, Wilma, is the object of their attention. Nesta sees suddenly that Wilma has taken her top off and is working in her bra.

‘Wilma! Wilma, can I see you for a minute?’ Nesta calls out to her.

‘Coming. I’m sorry if we’re going slow, but it’s impossible to cut grass with a knife, it’s hopeless.’

‘You’re doing good work, don’t worry, but you have to put your top on.’

‘Why? It’s so hot, and I’m not the only one wearing just a bra.’

‘Mrs Hinch and the other house captains will talk to them. I know we’ve got away with wearing little clothing – heaven knows we’ve hardly got anything – but for today and tomorrow, can I ask that you cover up?’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset anyone.’

‘That’s it, you’re not upsetting anyone, quite the opposite.’ Nesta nods towards the guards who are still watching Wilma.

That evening, a representative from each house meets at Nesta’s house. Those who came into the camp with suitcases of clothes bring a variety of dresses, skirts and blouses with them.

‘Check everyone’s clothing first thing in the morning, anybody you think isn’t appropriately dressed send over here. We’ll kit them out with something more modest.’ Mrs Hinch gives a small wink.

‘Tenko!’ the guards cry the following morning.

Within minutes, Miachi, with Ah Fat running to keep up with him, is pacing the street, stopping at each house to inspect the women and children. Every woman he deems inappropriately attired is slapped in the face.

The women who need to change hurry to the nurses’ house to select more modest dresses.

‘I’m here for my fitting,’ one says on entering the house.

‘Over here, madam. We have a fine selection for you to choose from, do tell us the occasion you are dressing for,’ Nesta quips.

‘Well, I have a little thing this afternoon. I’m not quite sure what it is, but I want to look fabulous. You never know who you’re going to meet at these events.’

‘Bully, would you help Madam find the perfect ensemble?’

‘Come this way, miss,’ says Vivian with a small bow. ‘I’m thinking Paris chic with just a touch of conservative London.’

‘Oh, you know me so well.’

The atmosphere in the house is one of triumph as the nurses overdress the women who have suffered Miachi’s wrath. One is wearing layers of white with a lace petticoat fixed to her hair.

‘I don’t think they’re taking this seriously,’ Jean says to Nesta. ‘She looks like she’s about to get married.’

‘Clearly. But who cares as long as they walk out of here all covered up?’

Lunchtime comes, and no food appears. A short time later, ‘Tenko! Tenko!’ is bellowed up and down the street.

The women and children stand to attention.

Miachi leaves the administration block with several highly decorated Japanese officers. An escort of snappy, well-dressed soldiers with rifles held high accompanies Miachi and the officers as they slowly walk up and down the camp. No one speaks, no orders are given. When the party finally makes their way to the administrative building, the women continue to stand quietly, not knowing what to do, until Mrs Hinch steps out from her line.

‘Go back to your homes, ladies, business as usual.’

‘I don’t think I can stand any more of this rain!’ Jean announces, looking out of the window at the latest monsoon shower.

‘I know,’ sighs Nesta. ‘It was good for a bit, being able to take a warm shower, but it’s not fun anymore.’

‘Everyone’s feeling it,’ Jean says, also sighing. ‘We’re all bored of it. What’s the point of cleaning when the floors are just going to get muddy again?’