大象传媒

My dad, then a British Subject, was at the fall of Singapore. He had been working with the colonial administration and fought as a volunteer. At the fall of Singapore, records of the involvement of the local as volunteers were burnt to prevent Japanese retribution. My dad has the scar of a bullet in his back and was incacerated in a Japanese camp.

He and many of the volunteers are somewhat disappointed with the British at what they see as a lack of recognition, although they were awarded some minor medals. He doesn't like to speak very much about this and one can see the explicit disappointment. However, from time to time the stories do emerge and I will recall them when they appear.

The two that are fresh in my mind are the incaceration in the Japanese camp where they forced on long marches into Malaya on a ball of rice and an anchovy a day and subject to hard labour. He mentioned furtively obtaining a treat of a few strips of water-buffalo meat which if discovered would mean severe punishment.

He also spoke highly of the Mitsubishis Zeroes being held at bay from the stretch all along Beach Road by a lone Pathan (Afghani) AA gunner. I will ask him more on the gas masks and drills when I speak with him next.

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