In Walter’s diary entry (in part) for this day, he says: Met A. Stewart, Tiny Lewis & Captain Lloyd AIF. also LEICESTER/SURREY. In his memoirs T.P. Lewis, a fellow Malayan Volunteer who was attached to Rose Force, notes meeting James Richardson and Walter Pollock at Batang Berjuntai who: had joined an Independent Unit and gave…
View MoreBackground As background to this incident, the Japanese attempts to land in the Kuala Selangor area on the 2nd and 3rd January were repelled by artillery fire from Brigadier Moir’s force, which General Heath then reinforced. On 4th January, Japanese troops (Richardson referenced some 600), using a track north of Kuala Selangor, drove back forward…
View MoreRichardson wrote in his diary that there was a sort of panic prevailing in Kuala Lumpur with air raids over the city. Then at 1630 the Independent Company suddenly moved out of Kuala Lumpur along Kuala Selangor Road where the Japanese have made a landing some 600 strong. Laying up in rubber until 1930 approx…
View MoreBy 1100 hours, the Company was concentrated at the aerodrome camp in KUALA LUMPUR. The Company was to receive 3 days rest and re-organisation and refitting started straight away. However, events were moving at KUALA SELANGOR on the west coast, where the enemy were attempting to land and at 1700 hours the Indepdnent Company was…
View MoreTook up position in rubber estate. Planes looking for us. A little machine gun fire, but no bombs. 1000 hours moved off to new position some 8-9 miles along Kampar – Degong Road and stayed all day. We were holding this road to prevent Japanese outflanking the main lines. Independent Company, some 200 troops, was…
View MoreAir action was requested by W/T from 11 Division which replied at 1030 hours that two Blenheims were on the way. These, however, never put in an appearance. No. 1 Platoon motor launch, commanded by 2nd Lt Holland, engaged the enemy at close range in an exciting fight at 1130 hours. The enemy was ready…
View MoreMajor Fearon was very worried that we returned so late. He asked for recce plane to look for us, but none could be spared. Military have gone mad and broken up nearly everything in our absence. Demolitions everywhere. In the afternoon, the boat was unloaded and the group moved to new quarters. “Fibre” white houses…
View MoreThe leaflet said: “All of you be prepared for our coming. We Japanese will definitely treat you well. Furthermore, may you all live long and that will be our responsibility. Why are you not coming? Have you not already suffered brother?” At 18oohrs Lt Nunnely’s party returned having accounted for several Japanese caught in ambush…
View MoreNothing much all day. 27 bombers (country of origin unsure) seen around 1640 hours. Gilchrist and Richardson did a cycle patrol from Kg. P Tiga to Kg Gajah and back. Nil! No one has any news of the Japanese, but we feel that they are not far away. Lots of kluang (flying foxes) seen. Could…
View MoreFirst went to Kampung Gajah, then onto Kampung Pulau Tiga where we stayed until the 31st of December. On standing patrol for 24 hours. Japanese reported around Parit. Mosquitoes are dreadful, just like Stuka Dive bombers!!
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