Page 97 of Sisters Under The Rising Sun

October 1943–October 1944

‘We have to speak to the captain about the violence,’ Nesta tells Dr McDowell as she helps her staunch the flow of blood from yet another victim’s wound.

The Japanese guards are showing less tolerance for the falling numbers at work each day. Any woman caught walking in the camp during the day, unless occupied with a chore, has her face slapped, the force sending her sprawling, and often in need of medical attention.

‘We’ll have to talk to Mrs Hinch.’

Both women stop what they’re doing when they hear heavy boots approaching. Three soldiers have entered the hospital and have fanned out amongst the patients.

‘What do you want? What are you doing here?’ Dr McDowell says, marching towards them.

‘Too many women in here, need to go to work,’ a soldier yells at her.

‘They’re sick. How can they possibly work? Just look at them,’ Nesta interjects.

He glances at a woman, who is struggling to sit up, alarmed by the sudden appearance of the soldiers.

‘This one, she should work.’

Before Dr McDowell or Nesta can respond, the guard slaps the patient hard across the face. The other guards see this and immediately begin to attack the other patients.

‘Stop it! Stop it at once!’ Dr McDowell screams, advancing on the men. ‘You do not come into this hospital and assault the patients – now get out!’

‘Just go!’ Nesta yells, shooing them back.

‘We will go, but we will be back tomorrow for inspection. Women who should work will be punished by us,’ he says, gesturing to his colleagues, before turning to leave.

‘This has to stop,’ says Nesta as she and Dr McDowell hurry to find Mrs Hinch.

Just outside the hospital, Nesta sees that Mrs Hinch is, in fact, rushing towards them.

‘I heard! I was coming to see you – tell me what happened?’ Mrs Hinch pants.

When Nesta has finished her report, Mrs Hinch turns on her heel.

‘Leave it with me!’ she says.

Returning a short time later, Mrs Hinch’s customary indignance is wiped from her face.

‘Believe it or not, the captain agreed the punishments, as he calls them, have gone too far. From now on, only women seen misbehaving will be disciplined. I argued no one is misbehaving, we’re all just trying to survive. All we can do is hope he tells the guards to back off; if he doesn’t, he can expect another visit from me. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.’

‘Mrs Hinch, thank you. We all know how much you stand up for us and we appreciate it,’ Dr McDowell says.

‘I’ll tell the nurses of your visit and warn them to be on their guard,’ Nesta adds.

‘Ladies.’ Mrs Hinch addresses the women gathered in the camp clearing for her announcement. ‘Given that the wells have dried up good and proper, we have permission to leave the camp and use the pump outside.’

‘Thank God,’ Norah says. ‘I’ll go right now, but I can only carry one bucket.’

‘We’ll go together,’ Ena offers.

‘No, Ena. You stay with June, she needs you. I’m so worried she’s going to get sick; she can’t go on like this without falling ill. Tell her a story, sing if you have the energy. She needs to know we’re always here.’

‘I’ll come with you,’ Audrey pipes up.

Walking to the well, they catch up with Betty and Vivian heading in the same direction. The women continue, stopping now and then to pull at shrubs and roots.

‘Not much, is there,’ Audrey observes.