Roads choked with AIF, Motor Transport and troops. Called up for duty at Sime Road & went up at 1500hrs. Lots of AIF & Indian troops swarming into Singapore. A rout! Morale gone. Pollock and Richardson assigned to the AIF as interpreters. Evening called on Shebbeare regarding jungle knowledge. He is forming a register of…
View MoreMary & Chris came to dinner and we had a marvelous ham. Hell of a bombardment most of the night. Japanese effected landings in force on Northwest and North of the island through mangroves! Heavy losses of allied forces, including Dalforce. Kranji, Pasir Lebah & Tengah. Thousands of troops swarmed back into Singapore.
View MoreDoris arrived home with Ford Y8 which she had from an American Mission. Tony Lewis came round for the evening. Had an amusing time. First shelling of Singapore by Japanese, small bore, high velocity guns. Australians holding forward positions in North West aided by Dalforce.
View MoreObtained a W.D. car (Standard from R.A.S.C. at Alexander Road Depot. Car attached to 42 Motor Transport Company). Doris commenced work at Malaya Command, Fort Canning with DDST.
View More1st February 1942: To Fort Canning to See Major Anderson (D.A.G.) who gave Pollock and Richardson letters to give to F.M.S.V.F. regarding their discharge. This was effected immediately and they are now almost in the Intelligence Corps. They met a colleague who predicted the Fall of Singapore in two weeks. Subsequent events proved right. 2nd…
View MoreStragglers continue to arrive from the Mainland. Richardson went to RAF HQ and saw Colonel Franklin at 0830hrs. Richardson said that there was “nothing doing for me in Tech. Branch, but can drive a lorry.” Very disappointing, but learned that Brigadier Moir will not release Volunteers for RAFVR. They are wanted for other jobs, for…
View MoreRichardson passed everything except vision. ‘No good for pilot, but may get into ground staff.’ Met Shebbeare and Dick Noone and Fitch (Liaison Officer, Norfolk Regiment). Does this withdrawal presage the beginning of the Fall of Singapore?
View MoreAlso saw Lt. Sherson in Intelligence Corps – we are on list as “excellent material” but still no job. They want us however.
View MoreRichardson met many people, lots from Pahang -Volunteers, etc. Long walk, some 4 miles with Doris in evening. Out to see Col. Chip of A.O. Corps and w/Cmdr Lester, also Geoff Harral (A.O. = Observer Corps)
View MoreAlso went to see Major Chamier, Intelligence Corps, Sime Road and asked for jobs. Nothing doing yet. Chamier took particulars and suggested that we may be taken on in a short time. Called at M.G.O. regarding salary and was advised to register Doris with the P&O Company. Really delightful to be with Doris (James Richardson’s…
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