On 16 June 1946 we boarded a Liberty-type transport moored at the quay in Bangkok. We stayed overnight at the Bangkok leisure centre but until we actually went on board there was still the fear of being left behind and we were under some strain. Guards playing cards at the companionway checked each man's licence to embark as we went on board. The previous day at the checkpoint at Nong Pladuk small white permit cards had been issued, our passports to repatriation. When at last I stood on deck an immense feeling of security swept over me, for this ship was to carry me home to my motherland. I would have liked to cast off right away but familiarity with Thailand over so many years came back into my consciousness and I had mixed feelings about leaving it. But soon came a sound which dispelled all uncertainty, the deep, continuous sound of the ship's siren reverberating over and over, and she calmly cast off from the wharf. We left the harbour.

The River Menam flowed quietly and gently. The sky over the city was clearing up well. In the distance against the dark blue sky the pagoda of the Temple of Dawn glittered in the afternoon sun, sparkling, dazzling. Soon the rows of houses and banana plantations at the water's edge on the far shore began to look small as they receded. Farewell, Bangkok! Farewell, Thailand! As I stood on deck there welled up in my mind intimate memories of my war travels, memories coming and going one after another in an ever-changing panoramic picture. I wondered whether I should ever revisit this country, revisit its capital city …

My thoughts made a complete switch and flew to my own country. If this ship arrived safely at a port in Japan and I really met my family, all that lay in the inmost recesses of my heart would be fulfilled. Thus ran my meditations, savouring anew the joy of repatriation.

The ship bore south of the capital into the Gulf of Siam and passed in the offing of Cape Sanjak in French Indo-China. Up to this point precise information had been lacking and it was only hearsay that we were heading for Japan, but we had a strong feeling that we were going home.