It is a sort of amphitheater chosen by the Russians, during their late war with the Japs, as a barracks. It is surrounded by high hills on all sides except where the road runs through to the railway station. There are more than a dozen large brick buildings, well built with large rooms, double windows and wide stair ways and halls. Most of the hills are fortified, one large one to the north of us has been dug out and is used for storing munitions. Large concrete entrances and ventilators extend along the side guarded all the time by Russian sentries. It is one of the places the Japs thought too strong to tackle which accounts for its remaining intact.l6

Saturday. Jan. 18.

Were not turned out very early this morning, had a wash and shave in a mess tin, but as I have been doing this for some time do not mind it now. Were on a couple of small fatigues early. Paddy Power, Mastin, Todd and I went for a tramp through the woods. Away from the camp the buildings are small and mean looking. Saw one dwelling house, stable, pig house and wood house all under one roof. The weather is so cold that it is not fit to leave a decent wood pile out all winter. Got back for dinner and a few more fatigues in the afternoon, and later on walked to the villages. Saw nothing except a few peasants hauling supplies for the camp, and many soldiers Japs, Russians and Canadians.

Sunday. Jan. 19.

Nice day again, calm and frosty. Room orderly today. Had to sweep up and keep fires going. No Mass as our R.C. Chaplain did not get here, though a parade was announced. Got up some coal in the afternoon, washed some towels before

“‘ See Tlompkins, Jan 18m, for further descnptions ofthesc fonifications.