大象传媒

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PTE WATSON, A. T/2007367 R.A.S.C.
Left Greenock on September 30th 1941 on the 'Empress of Canada'. Called at Freetown, Capetown, Bombay and Coloumbo. Arrived SingaporeNovember 28th 1941. Went to Kuala Lumpar 29th November, 29 C.M.T. Dept. After the fall of Kuala Lumpar we were all split up.

Tagged on to some more R.A.S.C.'s in Malacca until the city fell. Went down country to Johar Baharu. Helped to take the wounded from hospital Alexandra to a waiting Red Cross ship at Singapore harbour until Japs stopped us. (Nurses stayed behind). Reported to a camp Bukit Timah Road. Went to Naval base Nee Sooh to pick up any rations we could find, second attempt failed, Japs had taken over.
Went to Singapore racecourse, burning of vehicles and shooting of race horses (to stop use by Japs). Helped to take women and children to ships, some were sinking not far out to sea. Also aided in taking troops off Empress of Asia which had gone aground at same time as two of our Naval ships were sunk - 'Repulse' and 'Prince of Wales'.
When Singapore city fell, we went to Blakang
Mati Island. There about twenty of us left one night by a small boat. On the way we picked up two airmen who were at sea. Both died later. A Captain Johnson, R.A.S.C. led us.
Whilst going down to the Jambi River Sumatra we saw a Japanese control gun boat in the distance. We went ashore and overland to the south in an old bus. There we were picked up by a naval ship 'Danaie' and taken to Java. From Java over 400 of us under Captain Johnson, one other officer and a Dutch ship captain. Took over a Chinese flat wooden river boat called Wuchang and set sail, whilst battle was taking place between our Navy and the Japs. We had a Japanese submarine come alongside. We had two flags, one British and one Japanese. We flew which one was needed.
Approximately three weeks after we arrived in columbo, Ceylon. I was stationed at Campbell Park, Vic park, Echlon Barracks, Walkers Garage, Indian B.O.W./Shops.
Arrived England via Bombay, South Africa mid August 1943. After 'D' Day landing went to nijimegan, Arnham and into Germany until 1946.

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