Morale was also boosted by having something to look forward to – be it a play, a musical extravaganza, a sports day or the traditional celebration of Christmas. The staging of exhibitions, such as an arts and crafts exhibition involved great planning with the formation of a guiding committee and regular meetings. The very nature of an arts and crafts exhibition also challenged the prisoners to get creative with whatever materials they could find, whilst also affording them a chance to show off any hidden talents they might have.

399.20 (2012.59.21).jpg

In August 1942, an arts and crafts exhibition was held in the school block at Bandoeng. It was a roaring success. Art, needlework and embroidery, wood and metal carving, model making, sketches, paintings and many other handicrafts were all displayed. The exhibition included work from British, Australian, Ambon, Dutch and Menado contributors and it was greatly praised. De Crespigny was delighted to note that the show had been ‘voted a huge success by the camp’, so much so, that due to popular demand, it was extended for an extra number of days.[1] Plans were tentatively made to hold another one before Christmas. In late October however, unsubstantiated rumours that a ‘move was on’ began to be whispered around the camp. According to de Crespigny, ‘everybody dreads like hell the idea of a move – I am afraid it would mean death to some, they are in such a parlous state of health.’[2]  A few days later, the prisoners at Bandoeng learnt that 1000 Australian officers and men were to be relocated. De Crespigny deeply lamented the breaking up of the thriving community of teachers, scholars, artists and creative collaborators. In his diary he mournfully noted, ‘Goodbye Education Scheme, Arts and Crafts, Library, Baseball and all the familiar activities and odd little comforts of this camp.’[3] Yet within weeks of arriving at their new camp at Makasura, Batavia, the men had resumed many of the artistic, educational and theatrical activities which had characterised life at Bandoeng. Another arts and crafts exhibition was held here in early December as a ‘pre-Xmas event’. This time, due to the nationalities of the Makasura inmates, it was a purely Australian and British affair. Having been approached by two British prisoners about holding an exhibition, de Crespigny immediately called a meeting ‘of the old gang’ from Bandoeng to make plans. Enthusiasm was rife and the lads were ‘as keen as mustard’ because it ‘gave them an interest and helps to pass the time’.[4] He immediately set to work crafting this poster to advertise the exhibition (being careful to also make a copy for the Memorial Book.) On Thursday 3 December the show opened and was again deemed a resounding success with a constant stream of visitors throughout the day. ‘Outstanding among the exhibits’ he wrote ‘were models in perspex - a malleable plastic glass used for aircraft windscreens. The articles made of this new material were ingenious and of excellent workmanship. Several wood carvings and a chess board drew considerable attention.’ Lt Col Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop was similarly impressed with the RAF exhibits and the art works

Staying busy and occupied through creative pursuits and finding beauty in the natural world when the daily reality was all rather bleak, gave many prisoners a sense of purpose, a belief in the future and a gentle reminder that where there was life, there was still hope.