Unit diaries relating to service of Geoffrey W. Fennell - Wallet 2 - Part 18
DETAILS OF CASUALTIES AND DEATHS SINCE ARRIVAL IN MALAYA
| Name | Rank | Number |
Ser No |
Date | Details |
Place of Burial |
| [[?]]and WF | Major | 13/2/42 |
Last seen HQ 15 Bde N. of BUKIT TIMAH. Missing believed |
|||
|
Kuala Lumpur |
||||||
313
314
NOTES
Most of the casualties in Singapore occurred in the heavy fighting round BUKIT TIMAH about
6 mils from the centre of Singapore. They were mostly caused by bombing. In some cases,
the casualties were evacuated but in others, this could not be done. After the capitulation,
burial parties were sent to Bukit Timah and many bodies, both British and Japanese, were
buried.
Casualties were mostly evacuated to the Alexandra Hospital near the Docks. During the
last stages, this Hospital came in the fighting area and was also bombed from the air.
In addition it is known that some Indian Troops started firing from the grounds of the
Hospital, and the Japanese troops entered the hospital and killed some of the patients
until stopped by their officers. This may have been the fate of some of the men in
Hospital. Owing to the number of deaths from wounds, common burial in the Hospital Compound
had to be resorted to.
The British Military Cemetery in Changi was situated on the main road about 1 mile from
Changi Post Office and about half a mile from Birdwood Camp. It is alongside the road and
cannot be missed. A permanent squad of gardeners were in charge of it and it was beautifully
kept. A register of graves is kept in the office at the Cemetery and each grave is marked
with a wooden cross giving name, number and unit. It is hoped to have the Regimental War
Memorial transferred from Birdwood Camp at a later date.
L/Cpl Cowe and Gunner Millar fell ill on board ss England Maru and were buried at sea by
Padre Pugh and Father Kennedy about 2 hours steaming North and South of Takao, at the
southern end of Taiwan, respectively.
The Cemetery used at Taihoku was the main Civil Cemetery and was reached by going about a
mile along the main road alongside the river near the Camp and then striking off up the
hillside along a very rocky track. The Cemetery was a large one and was at the top of the
hill overlooking a very pretty valley. There was absolute stillness as the town of Taihoku
315
lay on the other side of the HIll. Padre Pugh consecrated the ground.
DETAILS RE PROMOTIONS
A - Officers
All officers shown as time-promoted to Lieut have completed 18 months service, but
the announcement has not been seen in the London Gazette for obvious reasons.
Regarding the promotions of Capt Pearson, Capt McEwan, Lt Archer, Lt Ratcliffe,
Lt Godman, the Regiment were fighting at the time under 9 Indian Division who were
later combined with 11 Indian Division. The promotions were forwarded to 2nd Echelon
which was, it is believed, evacuated to Sumatra. It is not known whether the PT II
Orders arrived. On Singapore Island, the Regiment came under 18 Division for a few
days and the 8 Australian Division at the time of the capitulation. After capitulation
the Regiment came under 18 Division again and the promotions were forwarded but did
not appear in any 18 Div Orders as they were not being published. Later, the Regiment
came under 11 Indian Division and the promotions were again submitted as the question
of promotions in general was taken up By Malaya Command. The following are true
copies of subsequent correspondence.
11 Indian Division Order No 37 of May 1942
Officers will cease to use forthwith a rank or title which has not been authorised in
AHQ, Command, Corps or Divisional Orders or held for a period of 21 days prior to the
date of capitulation. To avoid unfairness to an individual's career, HQ RA and O/C
Units will forward by 21st May 1942 lists of officers affected.
Copy of 1 Indian Div RA Letter No 2/29 of 20.5.42
Reference Divisional Order No 307 of 16.5.42, the name of the following officers are
reported to HQ Malaya Command.
Para 1(a) Those who held acting rank for 21 days before the cessationof hostilities
but whose promotion did not appear in orders.
.......
Temp Capt P M McEwen Promotion to A/Major w/e 26.1.42 (vice DON)
# Lt D R Archer " " A/Capt w/e 26.1.42 (Vice McEwen)
# Lt H C Ratcliffe " " T/Capt w/e 3.1.42 (Vice Brynford-Jones)
all of 5 Field Regt which was not under command of 1 Ind Div at the time. It is
presumed that as this Acting rank had been held for 21 days and according to the
Divisional order the above mentioned officers may continue to use their acting rnk.
#Note: These promotions were not recognised by the Japanese and on arrival in Taiwan
the officers received pay of Lieut.
316
Para 2.b. Those who were promoted to Acting Rank wef before the cessation of
hostilities but did not hold the rank for 21 days.
.......
Capt R A R B Pearson promotion to A/Major wef 12.2.42
LT A Godman " " A/Capt wef 12.2.42
All these name have previously been reported to HQ 11 Indian Div since cessation
of hostilities, and it is understood that under the new orders that the Acting
Rank cannot be used. Please confirm.
Signed A E Rusher
CRA 11 Indian Division
The above paras 1(a) and 2(b) of the letter were confirmed in 11 Ind Div letter
A/344 of 21 May 1942 to o/c 5 Field Regt, a reply having been received from Malaya
Command. These promotions were normal War promotions which would have taken effect
but for the Capitulation on Feb 15th 1942 and in the case of 2(b) is likely to
prejudice the career of both these officers.
Major P A C Don wounded, and evacuated 26.1.42 Major W J Bland missing believed
Capt P M McEwen promoted A/Major 26.1.42 killed 12/2/42
Lt D R Archer promoted A/Capt 26.1.42 Capt R A R B Pearson promoted Acting
Capt Brynford Jones, killed 3.1.42 Major 12/2/42
Lt Ratcliffe promoted T/Capt 3.1.42 Lt Godman promoted Acting Capt
12/2/42
B - WOs and NCOs
Promotions were made up to replace casualties and Pt II Orders submitted, but it
was not known at what period 2nd Echelon ceased to function. As far as is known,
all entries regarding promotions were entered up in AB 64s and signed by the
Regimental Commander.
After about 6 months at Changi, Amenity Money was issued by the Japanese to spend
in the Canteen, and the establishment of NCOs was made up by making Unpaid Lance
Bombardiers. Record of this was made in the AB 64s for the men concerned. The
Rate of Amenity Money was higher for NCOs than for Gunners and details are given
earlier in the Regimental History.
Seniority Roll of WOs and NCOs
Rank Name Number Unit Date Acting Rank W/Sub
RSM Bishop WT 138089 RHQ 25.7.41 20.7.42
RQMS Scotland J 833393 RHQ 14.2.42 11.11.42
BSM Moore P 792003 62/81 2.5.40
BSM Wiggins E 154596 73 17.8.41
BSM Thompson H A 857388 63/81 10.1.42 7.10.42
317
Rank Name Number Unit Date Acting Rank W/Sub
RSM Dibble AH 798002 73 13.2.42 10.11.42
RSM Farnell C 803930 73 13.2.42 10.11.42
RSM Thomas RN 843920 63/81 13.2.42 10.11.42
(Spare)
RQMS* Sloper C 1059244 73 1.9.41
RQMS Perrett FJ 1056562 73 18.10.41 6.4.42
RQMS Thoburn C 32754 63/81 22.1.42 21.7.42
Sgt Price WJ 1043138 RHQ 1.9.39
Sgt Ryder J 804517 63/81 1.9.39 1.12.39
Sgt Higgin LD 917559 63/81 1.9.39 1.12.39
Sgt Stone A 823943 73 25.9.39 25.12.39
Sgt James W 33921 RHQ 1.10.39 1.1.40
Sgt Mondahl J 88794 63/81 10.11.40 8.5.41
Sgt Thompson LR 801759 73 1.1.41 29.6.41
Sgt Chase A 835484 73 1.5.41 27.10.41
Sgt Mountford EL 788943 73 1.5.41 27.10.41
Sgt Hyde G 5106715 73 1.6.41 28.11.41
Sgt Neil BW 810947 63/81 1.7.41 28.12.41
Sgt Clinch FC 932093 73 28.8.41 24.2.42
Sgt Dade SA 843918 63/81 6.10.41 4.4.42
Sgt Beardmore K 5856628 63/81 18.10.41 16.4.42
Sgt Pring C 845502 73 18.10.41 16.4.42
Sg Lungley H 840375 63/81 15.12.41 13.6.42
Sgt Mallone P 852939 63/81 28.12.41 26.6.42
Sgt O'Toole T 853124 63/81 10.1.42 9.7.42
# Evacuated to Hospital from IPOH before War started, detained job at 2nd Echelon Singapore
and rejoined after capitulation.
Sgt Rogers WJ 835835 73 18.1.42 17.7.42
Sgt Lamb N 794579 73 9.3.42 8.8.42
Sgt Archer W 843448 63/81 14.2.42
L/Sgt Harrison ERC 838852 63/81 1.5.41
L/Sgt Harris GD 850531 73 10.10.41
L/Sgt Blackham H 853824 73 15.10.41
L/Sgt James DAM 800504 73 15.10.41
L/Sgt Hoare 843475 63/81 18.10.41
L/Sgt Brighton GG 850873 63/81 18.10.41
L/Sgt Bishop EA 851416 63/81 19.12.41
L/Sgt Elliott AT 6085676 73 21.12.41
L/Sgt Hopcraft J 838718 73 26.12.41
L/Sgt Nidderth WA 833554 63/81 10.1.42
L/Sgt Mason E 853827 73 18.1.42
318
Rank Name Number Unit Date Acting Rank W/Sub
LSgt Curtis J 842920 63/81 22.1.42
L/Sgt O'Brien P 843675 63/81 9.2.42
L/Sgt Hall E 835629 73 10.2.42
L/Sgt Osbourne L 845894 63/81 12.2.42
SSgt Jones DB 1058587 63/81 Pd/A/SSgt/Artfer 15.2.42
Sgt Brandish ER 124490 63/81 A/Sgt Eqpt Repr 18.10.41
L/Sgt Stafford ER 1061554 73 Eqpt Repairer
L/Sgt James AR 777510 73 Artificer RA
L/Sgt Scott W 802209 63/81 Ftr Mtr Veh 6.11.41
Sgt Hoy WT 808134 RHQ Arty Clerk 6.11.41
Sgt O'Mahoney J 845759 RHQ Arty Clerk
Records BTR/450/
13/10/41 13.10.42
Sgt Adcock A 2321103 R Sigs
L/Sgt Watson E 2330120 " 10.2.42
L/Sgt Johnstone S 856357 63/81 10.2.42
__________________
Bdr Montgomery W 1054168 RHQ 1.6.36
Bdr Altham T 1059121 63/81 12.12.36
Bdr Freedman MF 922876 63/81 (Reverted to 2.6.39
Gnr own request
19.10.42)
Bdr Mundy (?) R 848413 63/81 1.2.40
Bdr Trew RJ 758266 73 1.2.40
Bdr Carson W 3596459 63/81 1.2.40
Bdr Ackroyd K 964989 6381 20.12.4
Bdr Noble WA 2183565 63/81
Bdr Barrow A 840449 73 1.5.41 29.7.41
Bdr Mellors A 863709 73 1.5.41 29.7.41
Bdr Ritchings J 845524 73 1.5.41 29.7.41
Bdr Rodgers J 853376 63/81 1.5.41 29.7.41
Bdr May FW 847589 63/81 1.5.41 29.7.41
Bdr Jones B 818376 73 1.5.41 29.7.41
Bdr* Foster AJ 840275 73 1.5.41 29.7.41
*Reverted to Gunner 24.9.42 Malaya Command Letter o 41/1301 of 9/42
Bdr Reynolds GH 863659 73 1.5.41 29.7.41
Bdr Warren A 843164 63/81 18.10.41 16.1.42
Bdr Edwards WT 856240 63/81 16.1.42
Bdr O'Shea P 842703 73 11.12.41 1.3.42
Bdr Deebanks J 840871 RHQ 15.12.41 15.3.42
Bdr Davis AW 4104610 63/81 19.1.43 19.3.43
Bdr Kerr T 843754 73 12.12.41 22.3.42
Bdr Nelson J 981923 73 28.12.41 28.3.42
319
Rank Name Number Unit Date Acting Rank W/Sub
Bdr Blankney WJ 923122 RHQ 2.1.42 2.4.4
Bdr Alvis F 854289 63/81 10.1.42 10.4.42
Bdr Greene TW 860610 63/81 18.1.42 18.4.4
Bdr Jones IG 845941 63/81 22.1.42 23.4.42
Bdr Lown CW 822525 73 23.6.42 22.9.42
Bdr Quilter GC 893609 73 1.6.41 29.9.41
Bdr Jones WA 4125135 73 1.6.41 29.7.41
Bdr Putland W 2032661 26.2.41
_______________________
Rank Name Number Unit Date
L/Bdr Jones WT 818269 63/81 16.7.40
LBdr Maynard A 845730 73 4.10.41
LBdr Bellerby T 893399 73 18.10.41
LBdr Lowe JA 899543 73 18.10.41
LBdr Clark B 92389 63/81 22.12.41 Reverted to Gnr
10.8.42
LBdr Hirst G 841445 RHQ 28.12.41
LBdr Hick BJ 926886 73 10.1.42
LBdr Venables G 856776 63/81 18.1.42
LBdr Haynes WF 1077862 RHQ 9.2.42
LBdr Whyttall N 988954 63/81
LBdr Russell L 847596 73 12.2.42 Reverted to Gnr
24.5.42
LBdr Wilders L 854727 63/81 12.2.42
LBdr Hitchen FD 847462 63/81 12.2.42
LBdr Humphries R 968370 63/81 13.2.42
LBdr Chaplin S 847633 73 13.2.42
LBdr Dutten HW 1110580 RHQ 15.2.42
LBdr Magee R 872077 RHQ 14.2.42
LBdr Rotherforth F 876301 63/81 14.2.42
LBdr Ellis GK 958080 73 1.7.42
LBdr Moncaster V 844130 RHQ Ftr/M/V
LBdr Mack T 840545 63/81 "
LBdr Munro RW 860366 63/81 10.2.42
320
Unpaid Lance Bombardiers
U/L/Bdr O'Connell RHQ 6.6.41
" Bickford RD 926021 63/81 10.1.42
" Williams GAH 928099 73 10.1.42
" Gibson J 953676 RHQ 20.5.42
" Roberts J (Died) 860458 73 20.5.42
" Westcott GW 1092104 RHQ 20.5.42
" Ferguson G 863405 63/81 20.5.42
" Byrne F (Died) 1469766 63/8 20.5.4
" Beaverstock G (Died) 998051 RHQ 20.5.42
" Daff LS 968356 63/81 20.5.42
" Bird CH 1077517 RHQ 20.5.42
" Berry H 974063 73 20.5.42 Reverted to Gunner 24.9.42
" Meecham E 983161 73 20.5.42
" Ramage W 1091832 RHQ 1.7.42
" Spink N 956910 63/81 1.7.42
" Stevens R 1083552 63/81 1.7.42
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