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This page contains requests by COFEPOW members and others seeking information relating to FEPOWs and their stories. Please help if you can.
Nevil Charles Cadogan BENHAM Andrew Finn writes, "My Grandfather Nevil Charles Cadogan Benham, served with the 78th/35th LAA Royal Artillery. I have been looking on lots of these web sites and am very interested in the stories. My Mum recently came across this photo of My Grandfather at Labuan Field Hospital and I just wanted to share it and see if anyone knew any others in the picture. Many thanks"
If you are able to add anything about this picture, Wilf Egan, persons or place. Email andrewdavidfinn@hotmail.com
Harry Thomas SMITH Harry Thomas SMITH, grandaughter Francesca Smith writes: Throughout his time as a prisoner of war he spent time in: * Changi * Various camps in Thailand along the Burma railway * Japan
The final camp that he was in was in Sendai Japan "Onahama Camp" which i believe was a coal mine. He was liberated by American and Australian troops on the 9th September 1945. I have alot of information such as men that were in the final camp with him poems and a few diary pages, information leaflets which were air dropped when the Japs had surrendered which have alot of signatures on from all of the lads. I would absolutely love to find anybody who had a family member who may have served there and time with my grandad and whom I could share information with. You can contact me, Francesca Smith at Email - smithy0046@gmail.com
The Long March 300km trek Three Pagoda Pass on the Thai/Burma border, to Kanchanaburi(16.04.12) Ian Bessant writes: Anyway, a quick intro. Myself, and the three other men taking part in the event, are expatriates based in Thailand. Three of us are ex-British Army and one is ex-Civilian Police. Our task is to complete a 300km trek from Three Pagoda Pass on the Thai/Burma border, to Kanchanaburi in 8 days. We complete the task at the cemetery on 25 April, where there will be a Service of Remembrance on ANZAC Day.
The Itinery and Route (with maps) and other information can be found on the website See http://www.the-long-march.comMy reasons for writing are twofold. We will have intermittent email and SMS communication from tomorrow, when we leave for the Burma border. If you let us know if anyone has a particular request, we will do our best to accommodate. Finally, as none of us are in our twenties anymore, wish us luck!!!! Ian Bessant
You can contact me, Ian Bessant at Email - ian.bessant@tollgroup.com
Corporal William CAUSEBROOK Bill Causebrook, son writes: My father, Corporal William Causebrook, is pictured sitting second from the left and I wondered if your members might be able to identify the rest.
I will be delighted to hear from anyone and would be grateful for any help and assistance you are able to give. You can contact us, Bill and Jane Causebrook at Email - tantallonrugby@hotmail.co.uk
Private Frederick Horace REHBEIN (5779447) Mathieu Leader writes: Could anyone who knew my Great-Uncle Fred please contact me?: His details of his Service are as follows:
Service History December 1940 - Training in Scotland April 1941 - Training in Cheshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire After training the 6th Battalion were patrolling the coast and air fields in East Anglia. December 1941 - Set sail for Halifax Nova Scotia on the Duchess of Atholl Left Halifax on U.S.Ship, Mount Vernon. January 13th 1942 - Arrived in Singapore, Tyersall Park, under the 11th Indian Division January 14th 1942 Arrangements made to move to Malaya. January 16th 1942 - Moved near Muer, Malaya January 1942 - Retreated back to Singapore. February 15th 1942 Captured. Initially imprisoned in Changi Barracks. October 26th 1942 - Sent overland to work on the Thailand-Burma Railway. Survived the Japanese Camps. I will be delighted to hear from anyone and would be grateful for any help and assistance you are able to give. You can contact me, Mathieu Leader at Email - me.leader@hotmail.com Royal Norfolk Regiment in the Far East
Memorial at Omi Camp, Japan COFEPOW member, Linda Nicholls writes:- I am trying to contact any living ex- POW's and the five hundred plus British, New Zealand and American POW's who survived, who were held at the Omi POW camp. I am also including any of their relatives. My interest is regarding a memorial to the 60 who died at the camp. I will be delighted to hear from anyone and would be grateful for any help and assistance you are able to give us in getting the memorial erected. You can contact me, Linda Nicholls at Email - nicholls57@btinternet.com
Lt. Col A.A. Johnson (nickname Ack-Ack) (Orchid Collector) Dylan Jackson writes:- I am researching the history of my girlfriend’s grandfather Lt. Col Johnson. Col Johnson was captured at the fall of Singapore and sent to work on the Burma-Siam railway where he became famous throughout the region for his collecting of wild orchids and butterflies. As senior officer in 226K camp (or No. 2 Sub-Branch camp) he encouraged his men to collect and produce drawings of orchids and he managed to smuggle out of the jungle a significant collection of artworks and over 1000 butterflies preserved in small tins. Many of these men went on to become famous artists and writers, e.g. Phillip Meninsky and Robert Hardie. He was also a fellow prisoner of Ronald Hastain and is mentioned in his book “White Coolie”. In 1980 the Sladmore Gallery in London held an exhibition of Col. Johnson’s collected artworks with the title “Flora and Fauna – painted by Allied Prisoners in Siam 1942-45” which was opened by Earl Mountbatten. On behalf of his family and we would all be extremely grateful if you have any information that would throw light on his time in the Far East. If this story rings a bell or if you have seen or heard anything with might have a connection, however tenuous, then we would be very pleased to hear from you. Thank you for your assistance. You can contact me, Dylan Jackson at Email - dylanjackson99@googlemail.com
Sergeant William Henry WHITE (5949177) Private Emlyn Wynne EVANS (7538862) COFEPOW member Kirsty Denley writes:- I am looking for anyone that knew my Grandfather and Great Uncle who were Prisoners of War following capture in Singapore. They were both interned in Changi Gaol, Singapore at the fall of Singapore in February 1942. They were taken via Malaysia via cattle truck and sent up the line to No 2 camp, Thailand, and other camps along the Burma- Siam railway. William was left for dead at Rin Tin suffering from Cerebral Malaria, but was rescued by a doctor. He ended in Pratchai at the end of the war. Little is known of this camp. – Was anyone there? My Grandfather was liberated in Burma, flying from Thailand to Bago (Pegu) and then spent some time being looked after in Rangoon. Do you know where people were looked after and whereabouts?
Sgt William Henry WHITE
Sgt William Henry WHITE This photo was taken of him in Rangoon, do you know where this may have been taken?
Pte. Emlyn Wynne EVANS is on the left with my grandfather.
William and Emlyn returned home in December 1945. Through COFEPOW, I am lucky to have contacted Martin FRYER, who is the grandson of my Grandfathers' cousin, Walter White, also of 5th Beds and Herts Regt. I have been out in Singapore, Thailand and Burma researching his journey, in the places he ended up at the end of the war are particularly of interest. Thank you for your assistance. You can contact me, Kirsty Denley at Email -:kirsty_denley@yahoo.com
Lance Cpl. Harold DAY (nickname of baby sergeant) born in Lewisham COFEPOW member Angela Green writes:- My dad, Lance Cpl. Harold DAY was originally in the Wiltshire Regiment so I wonder how he became a Royal Norfolk and when that would have happened? I am hoping to find information regarding the six week forced march from Nakhom Nyok (Nacom Ni) (Dads spelling), and back to Nakhom Nyok, a total of 600 km. And then to Phitsanalok and the end of captivity. There were I believe 1,000 men and they were, as my father said, 'marched about a bit by the nips' for no apparent reason. His post card dated 30th August to my Mum gives this information and Dad is expecting to fly to India before continuing home. According to his Liberation Questionnaire, he was at Changi until mid April 42
The photos are according to the backs, Wiltshire's and the other says Oct 45 so where it is I am not sure but it seems to be India.My Dad is standing slightly in front of the guy in the hat in India and second left front row of the Wiltshire's. Any information regarding the march and a camp called Hatang or something like Hatang would be marvellous. I would be very grateful if anyone can help me .Thank you for your assistance. You can contact me, Angela Green at Email -:wighthaven@talktalk.net
Private Francis PEMBERTON b.1922 in Glossop (3529435) Laura Bennett writes:- My cousin Private Francis Pemberton (3529435) was in the 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment when he was captured at the fall of Singapore.He died of cholera at Chanaraya on 23/06/1943. If anyone recognises my cousin from these few facts, I would like to know any other information, about how he and they lived, their experiences etc. I would be very grateful if anyone can help me .Thank you for your assistance. You can contact me, Laura Bennett at Email -laurambennett@hotmail.co.uk
Walter Ronald Beeney Poole, known as ‘Jum’ ‘Jumbo’ or ‘Jummy’. Lyn Bartholomew, neice of 'Jummy' writes:- My uncle was always known as ‘Jum’ ‘Jumbo’ or ‘Jummy’. In fact, that is how I managed to identify his details from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records as he is shown as Poole, Walter Ronald Beeney (Jummy). He was a driver in the RASC 54 Inf.Bde.Group Coy and died on the 16th April 1943 aged 25. His place of death is recorded as Kan’buri Aerodrome Camp where he was initially buried before being moved to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Having obtained his POW Index Card I am told that he was part of Group 1 and worked between the areas of Nong Pladuk and Kanchanaburi. He was probably amongst the first group of 3000 men sent to Thailand in June 1942. As he was a driver, it is thought he may have driven trucks for the Japanese between camps. Below is a photograph of my uncle and on the reverse of the photograph is written 'Singapore 1942'.
My uncle is first on the left, front row, but who were the others? If anyone recognises any of the other men in the photograph I would love to hear as to whether they survived and their names. Hope this information will be enough and thank you for your assistance. You can contact me, Lynda Bartholomew at Email - lynda.bartholomew@talktalk.net
EVACUATION ABOARD "THE EMPRESS OF JAPAN" (27.07.11) Phyllis Russell makes the following request through COFEPOW. I was born in Singapore 23/01/1942 and my mother, Annie Marion Russell, my brother Barrington, aged 8 and I, Phyllis, escaped on the Empress of Japan. Also aboard were my mother's great friend, Mrs Ethel Burchell and her daughter Ruth, aged 13. I am still in touch with Ruth each Christmas. She told me that we were transferred to the "Letitia" in either Durban or Capetown and she thinks we crossed to Nova Scotia before reaching Glasgow. My mother then had a very exhausting journey by train and bus to Aldingbourne in Sussex. Her family did not know she was coming, or even whether we were alive and were amazed to see her walking up the garden path! My father Philip Charles Russell and Ruth's father, Harry Burchell, both Prison Officers, were taken prisoner and interned. They both survived but were extremely thin and starving when released. Neither of them would talk much about their experiences but I can remember my father saying that if it hadn't been for a pot of a famous yeast extract(!) which he somehow obtained towards the end of the war, he might not have lived. I would be pleased if our names could be added to the passenger list I would love to hear from anyone who knew us in Singapore or was on that voyage and I would be most grateful
for any assistance that you can offer. If you could email me at:
peabea@tiscali.co.uk
BRITISH POWs at SANDAKAN CAMP. (01.06.11) Holly Norton makes the following request through COFEPOW. I have recently begun my MA History dissertation about Sandakan POW camp, and have found the COFEPOW website both informative and touching. I was particularly moved by the story of the Sandakan Dedication Service. In particular, I am trying to find out about British POWs at Sandakan, and was wondering if I would be able to put a request on your website in the 'seeking information' section to ask if any relatives of former POWs at Sandakan would be willing to talk to me about memories of their loved ones. I would be most grateful for any assistance that you can offer. If you could email me at:
holly.norton@kcl.ac.uk
18th DIVISION APPEAL. (10.5.11) Steve Snelling makes the following request through COFEPOW. Calling anyone who either served in the 18th Division or those families who may have inherited diaries, letters or papers relating to their relatives’ service during the Second World War. I am currently carrying out research for a book I am preparing to write on the extraordinary experiences and misfortunes suffered by all those units that made up the 18th Division, surely the most unlucky and ill-starred British army formation to leave these shores during the entire course of the war. My work will cover the immediate pre-war period of training, the early months of the war, part of which was spent on coastal defence during the 1940 invasion scare, the move to Scotland and then to Cheshire/Lancashire (including the Liverpool blitz). It will chart the 18th Division’s journey overseas, the political machinations that led it to be split up and sent, in segments, to Singapore, and will examine its brief active career, both on the mainland and on the island, before concluding with its surrender. A final section will deal with the experiences of those men fortunate enough to be members of those official or unofficial escape parties that succeeded in reaching friendly territory. So far, I have conducted much of my research at the National Archives and major military institutions, but as well as using official reports compiled at the time, or at least soon after the events they describe, I would like to interview as many surviving veterans as possible and would welcome contact with any relatives who may have documentary material in the form of diaries, letters or post-war accounts written by men who saw service with the 18th Division.Naturally, any assistance will be fully acknowledged in the book. If you would like to help in any way, I would be most grateful if you could write to me at:
Steve Snelling, 81, Beechwood Drive, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 0LN Or telephone me on 01603 435624
Or email me at:
sjsnelling@sky.com
A Project of High Ranking Allied POW Camp Memorial. (27.4.11) COFEPOW has an unusual request here. Yang Jing, Director/Associate Professor, Mukden Allied POW Camp Studies, Shenyang University, China writes :- I am a local historian in research of Allied POW camps in North East China. I am currently working on a project of High Ranking Allied POW Camp Memorial. This was where General Percival and other UK officers were held. I am requesting your assistance in locating surviving family members of the former pows in this camp. We need their assistance in providing information and/or photographs and artifacts during that time. Please advise if you could help. Contact - Email :
yj858@yahoo.com
Photographs of POWs taken at Palembang, Sumatra in 1942. Our very own COFEPOW member and area co ordinator for Wales, Robert Hughes-Mullock writes:- Out of interest I attach two images for the website as I hope someone can help identify the people in them. Photograph of POWs taken at Palembang, Sumatra in March 1942. This was taken prior to the movement of Senior Officers to Japan.
Back Row Left to Right: ? – Air Commodore C O F Modin, RAF, Lt. Colonel Ueda Sakutaro, Captain (E) Chapman, RN , ?, ? Bottom Row Left to Right: S/Maj Mizumoto Toshiji, S/Lieutenant Saito Masonobu, Captain Seki Kazue, S/Lieutenant Takeda Shigeru, L/Cpl Nishimura Photograph taken at Mulo School Camp Palembang May or June 1942
Front Row Left to Right: Captain Seki, Serjeant Fujita (both seated) Back Row: Cpl Nishitani, unknown, L/Cpl Nishimura, Sup Pte Miyamoto, Sergant Major Mizumoto, Pte Takeuchi and Sup Pte Matiumoto. The names of the allied POWs has not been noted on the image I would be fascinated to know if anyone can identify any of the other men. ANY information could be forwarded to me. You can contact me, Robert Hughes at Email - mullockmorgans@yahoo.co.uk
Gnr Albert Edward (Ted) Brine 1566082, from Wellington, Somerset New COFEPOW member Christopher Brine writes:- My father enlisted July 18th 1940, captured 'Garout' 8th March 1942, then Batavia to March 1943, Changi to April 1945 and Adam Rd to September 1945. The below image of original document which I am interested in pursuing especially with regard to finding out if my father attended and possibly a complete attendance role, I know that as the 77th was primarily a Welsh unit there are still some comrades and family living in and around Cardiff and if any have access to or the ability to obtain information regarding the local TA records from that period that would be a place to start.
I am hoping this snippet of information may alert someone and that ANY information could be forwarded to me.
L Corp. Harry Cavie Stevenson, 4863535 New COFEPOW member Colin Stevenson writes:- My father arrived in Malaya in May 1941 to join 1st Bn Leicestershire Regiment but was posted to the Provost Company (Regimental Police) of 3rd Indian Corps. I understand he was based in Kuala Lumpur at the Corps HQ. Below is a picture of my Father.(probably June 1941)
My father is on the left, I guess with two other Provo Coy members, but who were they?
2) This and subsequent photos were taken on HMS Glory in October/November 1945 when ex-prisoners were being taken from Manila (Philippines) to Esquimalt (Canada) on the journey home. In this my father is on the right, who is he with?
3) Father 2nd from right, who are the other four?
4) Father 1st left back row, who are the other five?
5) Another view of the same group? You can contact me, Colin Stevenson at Email - cavie@one-name.org
Major Maurice A. Parker C.O."D"Company,The Royal Rifles of Canada (26.01.11) Ronald C. Parker writes :- I am in the process of adding some info to my Dad's website (see below). Anything you can do to help will be much appreciated. I have been trying to find two things. (1) A copy of The Wallis Report. (2) A picture of Brigadier General Cedric Wallis. The only picture I have been able to find is of very poor quality.
If you can help please contact Ronald C. Parker - Tel: 519-472-8999. Or Email: rcwp2000@yahoo.ca.
Pte James Westby Downs, RAMC Service No. 7263665 (07.01.11) Tracy Morgan-Humphreys writes :- I would really appreciate it if anyone can help. I would like to try and trace any living relatives of Pte James Westby Downs, RAMC (Service No. 7263665) who was the only other British casualty at Sendai 5-B. I am also looking for any information or stories / picturesMy grandfather was S/Sgt William Charles Tyner, RAMC (Service No. 6630623). He died on 10th August 1945 at Sendai 5-B. if you can help please contact Tracy Morgan-Humphreys - Email: tracy.morganhumphreys@ntlworld.com.
Pte Nigel Ray Bowerman 10551832 RAOC (8.9.10) Chris Davies writes :- I would really appreciate it if anyone
can help. My uncle, Nigel Ray Bowerman, was captured and held at Kuching
-BATU LINTANG. I am looking for any information or stories / pictures
etc. on life in the camp On his Questionnaire it has these 2 places listed :-. He was a Private in the RAOC No.10551832. Does anyone know how they were caught, how they got there, what they did, what is the story here? I would like to try to put together some sort of story of how they
got there, what was the mission, how did they get caught and what was
life if you can help please contact Chris - Email: inkdepot@shaw.ca
Gunner Ivor Richards 838310 RA (1.9.10) Mr W O Meredith Powell is trying to trace an ex-FEPOW, Ivor Richards or his wife Ira. It is believed Ivor was originally from Newport, Monmouthshire and at one time worked at the St Woolos Hospital there. If anyone can help please contact Mr Meredith Powell - Email: wo@meredithpowell.freeserve.co.uk
Civilian Evacuation from Singapore (31.8.10) Lynda Thompson writes :- I am a member of COFEPOW, and am doing research and writing based on my mother's war time letters and diaries.
I would really like to hear some other first hand accounts of mothers' and childrens' escape from Singapore, journeys, destinations and life afterwards. Alternatively, if people are willing, I would like to be able to interview them about their experiences, and transcribe their oral accounts. My mother and older sisters left Singapore on Jan 31st 1942 on the Duchess of Bedford.
My father Sir John Peel survived POW internment and returned to England to rejoin my mother and sisters in 1945. Then he was posted to Brunei where I was born in 1946, then to the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, finally retiring from the Colonial Service and coming back to England for good in 1951. He eventually became a member of Parliament and died in 2004. If you can help please conact Lynda - Email :
lyndamthompson@googlemail.com
CSM Alfred Cant 5823144 - Cambridgeshire Regiment(6.7.10)
CSM Cant was a regular soldier who originally enlisted in 1923 with the Suffolk Regiment. He married his wife, Evelyn, in 1933 and shortly afterwards was posted to India with the Suffolk Regiment. They remained in India for approximately five years until just before the outbreak of WWII. In May 1940 he was posted to the Cambridgeshire Regiment and was appointed Company Sergeant Major in September 1940. He was killed in action on on 13th February 1942 and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial in Kranji Commonwealth War Cemetery. If you can help please contact Lyn - Email: wmeveritt@ukonline.co.uk
CSM Alfred Cant
Help Required by Student(2.7.10) My name is Jennifer Taylor and I'm a fourth year history student at Glasgow University. At present I am undertaking research for my dissertation and for this I am looking for some help. My intention is to look at the readjustment of British POWs to civilian life after their time in the Far East and I am hoping to meet with and interview survivors and/or their family members as part of my research and collect as many primary source documents as I can. This subject area goes far beyond simply academic interest as I, myself, am a grand-daughter of an ex-FEPOW. if you can help please contact me - EMail: j_taylor_05@yahoo.co.uk
Searching for a Book(12.2.10) COFEPOW member, John Corner, is trying to trace and purchase a copy of a book written by his father, E J H Corner. This is "The Marquis - a Tale of Syonan - to". The book was published by Heinemann Asia in 1981 but is no longer in print. He has found one for sale by Amazon but this is very expensive. If anyone can help please contact John. Email : astley22@bigpond.net.au
Searching for Families who escaped from Singapore 1942(10.2.10.) I have begun researching those people who were forced to leave Singapore prior to the Japanese invasion in 1942. I have some good friends at the National University of Singapore and they are helping me find a suitable student to assist me. We always hear about the soldiers and what happened here on Singapore
but very little is ever told about the families and those sent away.
This set my mind to thinking that there is likely a great book that
could be compiled with facts and stories of these people. Please send your contact details or your personal story to Scott Mitchell
via the COFEPOW website. Email Carol.Cooper@cofepow.org.uk
March from Pakhon Nayok to Phitsanaluk, Thailand - March 1945 (26.1.10) Peter Winstanley of Australia is seeking as much information as possible about a march by 1000 POWs, 900 British and 100 Australian. from Pakhon Nayok to Phitsanaluk in the last months of the war. They were accompanied by 3 Medical Officers, Capt JA Mark RAMC, Capt Thomas le Gay Brereton and Lt Poh SSVF. Peter intends visiting Thailand at the end of January with the son of Capt le Gay Brereton to follow in his father's footsteps. If you can help with any information such as maps, sketches of camp layouts or personal accounts please contact COFEPOW. Email : robbez@tesco.net
No. 2 Gun Crew , F Troop, 499 Battery, 135 Field Regt RA (24.12.09) COFEPOW member Mike Clarke writes : I am collecting any information
of 135th (Hertfordshire Yeomanry) Field Regiment. Royal Artillery.
Can you identify this Airfield(18.7.09) COFEPOW member John Corner's father was Deputy Director of Strait Settlements Botanic Gardens in Singapore at the time of its fall in 1942. Among his father's possessions John has found the photo below of an airfield which John would like to identify. He has been told that it is not Singapore. If you can help please contact John. Email : astley22@bigpond.net.au
Can anyone identify this Japanese Guard?(1.5.09)
I assume the photo is of a Japanese guard and feel that he must have shown some kindness to my Dad and possibly the other P.O.W.s, otherwise, why would my Dad have brought his photo back home? Is there anyone out there who can identify him? If you can help please contact Stuart - Email: jameson@fsmail.net
The Rev Gilbert John Marion (Jeff) Chambers Midge Gillies writes :- Can anyone help, please? I'm writing
a book about prisoners of war in the Second World War and would like
to find out more about an army chaplain called, Jeff Chambers (G J M
Chambers). He served in Singapore and encouraged Stanley Warren to produce
his famous murals in Roberts Barracks, Changi. Unfortunately, he died
at the very end of the war and is buried in Kranji, Singapore. If you can help please contact Midge :-
Pte Frederick Robert Martin 4620644 COFEPOW member Julie Weller writes:- Below is a picture of my Father's section of his regiment, The Duke of Wellingtons, which he enlisted into. He was at the fall of Singapore and was put to work on the Death Railway. He was attached to the Sherwood Foresters and with the help of his fellow prisoners he survived to come home. Sadly my Father died September 13th 2008 aged 92 and for many years suffered from ill health as a result of his treatment by the Japanese. I would love to hear from anybody who knew my Father, his name was Frederick Martin and he came from Ponders End, Enfield, Middlesex. You can contact me at Email - juldeane@hotmail.com.
My father is the first soldier seated on the bottom row on the right hand side of the picture
Albert Moreton - 32d Indian Corps(1.2.09) David Moreton writes :-my grandfather, Albert Moreton, served in the 3rd Indian Corps and was captured by the Japanese in Singapore in February, 1942. He was a prisoner of war until August 1945 and one of thousands forced to construct the Thailand-Burma Railway. During his internment, he secretly kept a diary which I plan to publish by this summer. David would like to find out more about the following photographs, which include his grandfather. If anyone knew his grandfather or if anyone in the photos can be identified - please contact David - Email dc_moreton@yahoo.ca
Indian Corps August 1940
Private Stanley Everett 5834609 5th Battalion Suffolk Regiment (13.11.08)
I know very little about him, other than what my mother told me, since on the day I was born, he was already on his way to Cape Town on board USS Wakefield! Following the fall of Singapore in February 1942, he was interned in Changi Prison where, to the best of my knowledge, he remained until October 31st 1942, when he left for Thailand to work on the Burma Railway. After enduring just over eight months of what must have been the most abominable treatment at the hands of the Japanese, he was initially admitted to hospital at a large base camp at Chungkai, and was convalescing in sleeping quarters in the hospital grounds when he died of cardiac beri beri on July 9th, 1943 After the war, my mother received letters of condolence from three of his commanding officers - Lieutenants Hugh A. Collins, Lieutenant Philip R. Peachey and Major Harwood Harrison. Lieutenant Collins was in command of the convalescent group my father was part of. Following his death, he examined my father's kit before the Japs took over, removing a wallet of photographs and from his hand, his signet ring. The photographs had to eventually be destroyed as, in his own words, he was 'already a marked man in the Japanese Gestapo's books and there were strict orders against possession of men's personal effects'. After the war, the signet ring was returned to my mother, who gave it to me on my 17th birthday. Whilst unlikely after all this time, I am nevertheless keen to know
if there is anyone who might remember or have known Stanley (Pat) Everett,
at any time between his enlistment in July 1940 until his death in July
1943. David Everett (November 2008) email address : dandjeverett@googlemail.com
Gunner Neil Jameson (936333) 77th HAA Regt RA (31.10.08) COFEPOW member Stuart Jameson is trying to contact or identify colleagues of his father Gnr Neil Jameson (936333) 77th HAA Regt, RA. He was from Runcorn in Cheshire and left England on the 'Empress of Australia' in 1942. Survived a train crash. POW in Fukuoka Camp #8-B (Inatsuki). Worked in the coal mine.
If you can help please contact Stuart - Email :
jameson@fsmail.net
Gunner Wlliam Henry Stones (1115610) 88th Field Regiment RA (31.10.08) COFEPOW member Gary Stones writes :- I am researching the Army
life of my father, William Henry Stones (1115610). He was in the 88th
Field Regiment Royal Artillery, left for Singapore on 1st September
1941 and was captured at the fall of Singapore. He worked on the Thai/Burma
Railway and was on the 'Rakuyo Maru' when it was sunk on the
way to Japan.. Unfortunately he now has Dementia and cannot supply any
information himself.
If you can help please contact Gary - Email g.stones@sky.com
Gunner Francis E McGoldrick 11052211
I understand a great number of the 242 Battery did not
return home and if anyone could help in identifying faces in the photo
it would be greatly appreciated.
Can you identify these men?(2.10.08) COFEPOW member Martyn Fryer writes :- The postcard below shows three men from the 5th Bn. Beds & Herts Regt and one sailor. My Grandfather Pte Walter White (5952635) is on the right, however, we do not know who the other men are. The card was pinned in the bar at the men's local pub, the Anchor, in Aspley Guise Square, Bedfordshire.It remained there for a number of years after the war when it was given to Grandfather's sister, Marge, and then passed on to my Mother.
If anyone can identify the other men please contact Martyn Fryer at justjann@westnet.com.au
Searching for a Flag Liz Ashworth writes :- My father Lance Sgt William C Barr Cochrane was the camp tailor in Kanchanaburi POW Camp at the time of the Japanese surrender. He was asked to make a Red Cross flag/banner to guide American aid planes to the dropping zone at the camp. The flag can be easily recognised as when making it William made a mistake in putting the red cross to the edges thereby producing a Swiss flag. This was rectified by putting a pelmet around the edges of the flag to make the red cross in the centre smaller. William, who is now 93, would dearly love to find out what has become of the flag. It was last heard of in a display, with other artefacts, at a hall in Ferry Road, Edinburgh in the 1950's, where it was labelled as "the work of an unknown soldier". If anyone has knowledge of the whereabouts of the flag or what has
happened to it please contact Liz by Email: lizashworth@tiscali.co.uk
Lance Bombardier Clifford Lewis 11052214 Royal Artillery(15.7.08) COFEPOW Member Trevor Lewis is seeking information about his father - L/Bdr Clifford Lewis of 242 Btty, 48th LAA Regt, RA. He was captured in Batavia, Java and later moved on to Sumatra. He was in Changi, Singapore on liberation. He died in 1953. If anyone can help please contact Trevor - Tel/Fax 0161 6788973 or Email trevorlewis05@hotmail.co.uk
Gunner Eric John Taylor 1617418 Royal Artillery(13.7.08) COFEPOW member Barbara James writes :- I am forwarding two photographs of my father Eric John Taylor who served in the Royal Artillery and was captured at Singapore and I know worked on the docks in Saigon.
The first photo is of him prior to departure and the second shows him with some comrades in Colombo where they were sent to recuperate prior to returning home at the end of the war. He was a shadow of the young man who went away and his family were shocked by his condition, even after the long and slow journey home to allow for recovery. He had had his teeth knocked out by Japanese guards for refusing to salute their flag, he had a snake bite on his leg and malaria etc. etc. I am also forwarding a copy of what was written on the reverse of the group photograph as others may recognise themselves or their loved ones. What does the '316' signify? I would dearly appreciate finding out more of what happened to my father as a prisoner. As many other COFEPOW members will understand, he told us very little about any of his experiences, except to talk about his wonderful mates and how brave the Ghurka soldiers were.
If anyone can help Barbara with information on her father please contact her by Email : bmjames142@yahoo.co.uk
Cpl George Wilkins 6910015 RAMC (attached to The Rifle Brigade)(25.5.08) Tony Wilkins writes:- I am trying to to find out more about
my grandad , Cpl George Wilkins who was a POW in Singapore for a number
of years, I believe. He was in the RAMC.and his last camp was Kranji
Camp, where he was in charge of Ward 26. I have a letter from the Austrialiaon
Red Cross dated 15th September 1946 and I am hoping somebody might be
able to help me piece together his whereabouts whilst serving in Singapore.
A copy of this letterappears below. This might assist other people because
it is signed by all those who were under his care.
If you can help Tony please contact him through Email : tony.wilkins@virgin.net 78/35th LAA Regiment RA (9.2.08) COFEPOW member Ted Marriott has kindly sent in the photograph below. It is of some of the men of the 78/35 LAA Regt RA who were all under canvas at Ashton Keynes when this photograph was taken in 1940. Ted’s father, Gunner Edward Marriott, is on the 3rd row from front, second from the right. Perhaps others may recognise their relatives from this photograph. Sadly Ted’s father died in the Far East and is buried at Labuan Cemetery on Borneo
F/O A W H ( Bill) Phillips 243 Squadron RAF (28.1.08) Allan Sleeman from Western Washington University, USA writes :- I
am doing research on A.W.H. "Bill" Phillips, M.B.E. (Military
Division), the distinguished economist and discoverer of the Phillips
curve who was born on November 18th 1914. I was a student at the LSE
1957/60 and was taught by Phillips. Although a very modest and unassuming man, Bill Phillips was friendly
and had a dry sense of humour. He also invented a sort of immersion
heater used by the prisoners to brew up before going to sleep - apparently
the Japanese were always puzzled by the dimming of the lights at that
time of night. Phillips also built and operated a radio receiver although
this was known only to a few senior officers. Phillips was a New Zealander
and there were only a few Kiwis in the camp. Phillips probably taught
Russian and attended Chinese classes. He may also have taught a class
in electrical engineering. If you can help please contact Allan - Email : asleeman@telebyte.com
'F' Force and Songkurai Camp - Burma-Thai Railway(9.1.08) COFEPOW member Phillip Wearne writes :- I am the son of a FEPOW seeking to locate any survivors of "F" Force and more specifically survivors of the camp at Songkurai just south of Three Pagodas Pass on the Burma-Thai railway. Does anyone reading this know of any such survivors? Are you one yourself? If so please contact me at phillipwearne@hotmail.com. Many thanks
Sub Lt Charles Fittock, Malayan Royal Navy Vol. Reserve(5.1.08) Charles Hallinan writes - my Grandfather, Sub Lt Charles Fittock, Malayan Royal Navy Vol Reserve, after escaping from Singapore on the 'HMS Grasshopper' was last seen in Padang, Sumatra mid to late February 1942. He gave his Rolex watch to a person unknown in Padang and said "Please give this to my wife, Kuching, and tell her I will see her in Colombo". If there is any person who might have heard of or even met my grandfather in Padang in late Feb 1942 can they please contact me. Background information : Charles Fittock was a manager for Carreras in Singapore, he was also a member of The Tanglin Club in Singapore. He was able to evacuate his wife, Kuching, and daughter Susan on a troop ship to Colombo shortly before the invasion of Singapore by virtue of the fact that he was a Sub Lieutenant in the Malayan Royal Naval Vol. Reserve. if anyone can help please contact Charles. Email : charlie.hallinan@googlemail.com
Arthur Henry Carpenter - Loyal Regiment (10.11.07) COFEPOW Member Valerie Hill writes:- I would very much like
to hear from any FEPOW who served with my father, Arthur Henry Carpenter.
He was attached to the Loyal Regiment and I know from historical records
he was captive in the following camps:- My father never spoke of his time as a FEPOW and so I have very little knowledge. I am particularly keen to know his typical day and duties and how he was repatriated. I have searched, without luck, to find out the type of camp that Nakom Nai was. Has anyone heard of it? I know that my father made a lifelong friend from his days as a FEPOW, a gentleman by the name of Stan. My father invited him to my wedding on 1st April 1967. My father died in 1972 and I don't remember hearing any more about Stan. I am keen to trace him or his family but am sorry that I have no information on his surname or where he lived although he must have been somewhere on the outskirts of our family home in Wimbledon. If you can help please contact Valerie - Email :- whizz.ted@btopenworld.com
Arthur R V Cooper & Tertius (11.10.07) Corinne Fenton writes:-I am writing a children's book about a gibbon ape called Tertius, who was the treasured pet of Arthur R. V. Cooper a British Foreign linguist who worked for the FECB in Hong Kong, then in May 1941he moved to the FECB in Singapore. I am wondering whether anyone remembers Art Cooper either in Hong Kong (where he worked for Charles Boxer and was a friend of the writer Emily Hahn) or Singapore. Apparently he carried Tertius around with him everywhere, so possibly someone will remember seeing him in either Hong Kong or Singapore. He left Singapore early in February 1942 (I have conflicting information of him departing anywhere between 2nd - 11 th/12th February) but I do know he boarded the 'SS Edendale' on 23rd February in Batavia and arrived in Fremantle, Australia on 5th March 1942. He was most likely travelling with Lt Com E. H. M. Colegrave and of course Tertius. If anyone can help please contact Corinne Email :
corinneking@bigpond.com
Flying Officer Hugo Sutherland-Kolb - RAF Volunteer
Reserve (4.10.07) In one of his camps he was part of a small group which raided a Red
Cross Stores for much needed supplies, withheld by the Japanese.
Edward James Iron - 49 Battery, 48th LAA Regiment,
RA (3.10.07)
William Howard Start - HMS Colossus (25.9.07)
If you have any information please contact Howard
Gunner 1700066 James (Jim) Smelt 35th LAA Regt RA 144 Btty (2.8.07)
If you can help please contact Jim, Email : jdsmelt@hotmail.com
Godfrey Sommerfield RA (30.7.07) COFEPOW member, Glen Robb, is seeking information on Godfrey Sommerfield who was a POW with his father, Joseph Robb. They were both from Glasgow and both attended Hillhead High School. if anyone can help please contact Glen - Email : glendalerobb@aol.com
LAC Herbert John Lester 850539 COFEPOW member Christine Broadhurst has discovered this old photograph of her father with other ex - POWs. She believes it was taken at RAF Cosford. Christine's father, Herbert Lester, is sitting on the grass in front of the group. Christine wonders if anyone can identify any of the others in the group. If so, please contact Christine whose address is: - 31 Meadowhill Crescent, Riverside, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98
8HT. Tel : 01527 456828
Private Glyn Jones 3534703 COFEPOW member Helen Carr has sent in the following photograph of her father, Private Glyn Jones, with other members of the Manchester Regiment. The photograph was taken in Singapore before its fall and Helen wonders if anyone can identify others in the group. If you can help please contact Helen - Email : helen.carr@merseymail.com
Captain George Mulock DSO, RN, FRGS (1881-1963) (31.3.07) I am seeking information relating to my uncle Captain Mulock who
served as Extended Defences Officer at Fort Canning and was Head of
Extended Defences for Singapore from 1939-1942. The Captain was heavily
involved with Naval Intelligence in addition to his assigned station
and I would particularly welcome contact from any survivors who may
have been on his staff in Singapore. In addition, Captain Mulock
under the command of Rear-Admiral E J Spooner was responsible
for the requisition and embarkation of ships due to leave the colony
between the beginning of February and the Fall on the 15th, if anyone
has information on these survivors from ships such as 'Vyner Brooke',
'Empress of Asia', 'Empire Star', indeed any ship that participatred
in either the 'Empire Star' flotilla or the so-called "Spooner's
little ships" I would like to hear from you. With thanks e-mail: mullockmorgans@yahoo.co.uk
EVACUATION OF SINGAPORE ( 20.1.07) David Hope writes - I am researching this topic and hope you could please post this request for information on your website. I live in Singapore and my research is focused around the evacuation records documented by HK Rodgers who was the Chairman, Harbour Boards, Straits Settlements who escaped in the "TENGARROH" on the 14th of February 1942 at 1.30 am under heavy shelling. I am looking to document stories and recover as many images or personal accounts possible associated with these records. Specifically the names of the ships and vessels I am researching include:- BAGAN - Harbour Board ferry Steamer LABURNUM MATA HARI KUALA TENGARROH - yacht built in 1929 for the sultan of Jahore CHARON M.L 130 (Rear Admiral Spooner was on board this vessel) SHU KURAIG KUNG WOH SHU KWANG HMS DANAE (could also be DANAO) HMS KEDAH KPM Steamer HOON HOOA WU CHANG CITY of MANCHESTER ZAADAM (Dutch Steamer) MALACCA TANJONG PINANG For any information please contact David Hope at davidahope@gmail.com . Thank you
Lance Corporal Denis Hood - No.1 Coy. Malaya Command Signals (17.11.06) Janet Still writes :- My father, Denis Hood, was in the Far
East and returned home to Ealing, London on the "Corfu". I
have a photo from the Evening Standard of the 8th October 1945
of my father with :- My father was in No. 2 POW Camp, Thailand. Are there others alive who knew him, or their families? If you can help please contact Janet - Email :
janetstill@tiscali.co.uk
John Forgione Pte 5573524 4th Bn Royal Norfolks (30.10.06) COFEPOW member Mary Michael writes :- My dad was with "B' Company
4th Royal Norfolks 18th Division. His name is a bit unusual, so someone
could possibly remember seeing the name somewhere. Private 5573524 John
Forgione (he was born in Ireland). He was captured with all the
others on February 15th 1942 in Singapore. He did survive the camps
and return to England, he was released to Lt. Col. Eachern on September
9th 1945. Lt. Col. Knights was his Bn.CO. He was with Work Group 2 on
the Railway and was at Changi, Bang Pong, Chungkai etc. (he was involved
in sabotage at the kilometers Lin Lin, Nam Chon Yai, Tha Mayo, &
Kroengkrai) Thought it might be worth a try to see if anyone does recall
him. or Email :- Mmarymichael@aol.com
"SS Orion" and E J H Corner (23.10.06) COFEPOW member John Corner was evacuated from Singapore with his mother in December 1941. They left on the "SS Orion" which sailed from Singapore in December 1941and arrived in Fremantle, Australia on 6th January 1942. John would welcome hearing from anyone else who was on the "SS Orion" at this time. John's father, E J H Corner, was the Deputy Director of the Straits Settlements Botanic Gardens at the Fall of Singapore and was captured by the Japanese and interned in Changi. He had been in Singapore from 1927. As Singapore fell it is said that the Governor, Sir Shenton Thomas, gave him a 'pencilled note' to take to the Japanese to ask that the Botanical Gardens and the Records be looked after and not lost. As a result John's father was not interned but left to care for the Gardens although he had to wear a badge identifying him as an 'Enemy Alien'. Apparently there was some ill-feeling from the POWs towards John's father and the few other people labelled as 'Enemy Aliens'. John would like to hear from anyone with information relating to his father and his life in Singapore up to its Fall and during its period of occupation. In particular John would like to know if anyone else saw the 'pencilled note' or can give any information about it.. John can be contacted at :- astley22@bigpond.net.au
William Dickenson - 4th Bn Suffolk Regt (23.10.06) COFEPOW member, William Dickenson, would like to know if anyone can recognise the people on these photographs. If you can help please contact Carol Cooper -Email :- Carol.Cooper@cofepow.org.uk
Alexander Hospital, Singapore - late September 1945 - William is front row far right
Bangalore Hospital, India - October / early November 1945 - William is middle row far left
Norman Grice (11.10.06) Winson Saw is trying to trace any descendants of Norman Grice who was interned in Changi in 1942. He subsequently became Resident Commissioner of Penang in 1946. If anyone can help please Email :- bruce19@streamyx.com
Sir Shenton-Thomas (10.9.06) COFEPOW member John Corner would like to locate & contact any surviving family of Sir Shenton-Thomas, who was the Governor of Singapore pre- war & during the war. He was interned. If you can help please contact John, Email :- astley22@bigpond.net.au
315 Btty 5th Searchlight Regt RA (2.9.06) COFEPOW member David Kent would like any information on the above Unit and his father Bdr Arthur Penn, Service No. 2033081, particularly relating to any action they were involved in prior to the Fall of Singapore. If anyone can help please contact David by Email :- david_kent11@hotmail.com
Edward (Ted) Marriott - 78/35th Regt LAA RA (31.7.06) COFEPOW member Ted Marriott (Junior) writes :- Does anyone know, or have relatives, that could help me trace my dad's gun crew of the 78/35th LAA RA. ('B'Troop) ?The story on the Far Eastern Heroes page, "Freedom Loosens the Memory", runs parallel to my dad's up until the author was shipped to Japan. The author never gave his name. My dad, Gnr Edward (Ted) Marriott landed in Singapore, then was sent to Sumatra, then Batavia, where they were captured, then to Changi and finally to Batu Lintang camp in Sarawak, Borneo where he died in 1945. I speak to two heroes who were in the camp and in the same regt, but they do not know of the gun crew. I would be grateful if anyone knew him would please mail me. THANKS.....TED Email : edward.marriott2@ntlworld.com
Bill Spooner - Hong Kong 1941 (8.7.06) COFEPOW member David Stanford is writing a book on his family's history including his Grandfather, CSM Frederick 'Sammy' Stanford of the 2nd Bn Royal Scots, who was captured by the Japanese at the Fall of Hong Kong and subsequently died in the sinking of the "Lisbon Maru". David is trying to contact a Bill Spooner who it appears was a friend or associate of 'Sammy' Stanford. If you can help with information on Bill Spooner or any other information regarding David's grandfather up to and during the Fall of Hong Kong please contact David - Email :- stanford@djkl.fsnet.co.uk
Photograph - 12th Coast Regiment ? (30.5.06) COFEPOW member Ron Brooks writes :-
OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS ? (30.5.06) Can anyone identify this photograph or the men in it? It is believed to be of an Officers' Training Corps in Singapore. COFEPOW member Malcolm Read thinks his father, who was in the SSVF, is on the back row 6th from the right.
To view a larger version of the photograph - Click here If anyone can help please contact COFEPOW - Email : Carol.Cooper@cofepow.org.uk
ASO Mine at Fukuoka #26 Camp (Keisen, Yoshikuma) (26.5.06) It seems there is much recent interest in the Aso Mine at Fukuoka #26 (Keisen, Yoshikuma), and the Brits & Aussies who were there. Would anyone happen to know of any British or Australian POWs who were at this camp, or books written? The main interest is due to the name "Aso" and the relationship
to the present-day Foreign Minister of Japan, Taro Aso. Thanks for any leads you can offer. Wes Injerd - Email: winjerd@comcast.net
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Lyn
Everitt is hoping to find anyone who can recall or provide information
on her father CSM Alfred Cant who was killed in the fighting in Singapore
shortly before it fell. 
COFEPOW
member Stuart Jameson writes:- this photo was found in a collection
of items brought back by my Dad, Neil Jameson, 77th HAA Regt, RA, from
his "jaunt" in Japan.
COFEPOW
member David Everett writes:- I am interested in locating anyone who
would still remember my father, Stanley Albert Everett, also known as
'Pat'. He enlisted on July 26th 1940 and I can only assume, having followed
the progress of the 5th Suffolk Regiment from that date until departing
for Singapore on October 29th 1941, that he would have been stationed
at North Walsham (Norfolk), Fulbourne (Cambridgeshire), Hawick (Scotland),
Knowsley Park (Lancashire) and finally, Leominster (Herefordshire).
Howard
Start writes :- My father, William Howard Start (CHICKO), served
aboard 'HMS COLOSSUS' as Quarter Master and was in Mess 2 Port Side
from her commissioning until 1946. He took part in the repatriation
of POWs and internees to Colombo in 1945 and would like to know if anyone
could identify the young Dutch girl in this photo. He believes she had
two sisters who may have been teachers and that her mother and father
survived the war. Most of the crew of 'Colossus' were detailed to a
family or individuals to act as pals. This photo was taken on the flight
deck of 'Colossus' in Colombo. Any information about the family or other
members of the crew would be of great interest to him.
Jim
Smelt has a photograph of his father, also Jim, taken before he became
a prisoner of the Japanese. Jim's father died on Ballalae Island in
the Solomon Islands in 1943. Can anyone identify the other men, Jim's
father is on the left looking at the photograph.
