Diary of service - Donald Morrison, 1940 - 1945 - Part 13
Malayan Diary
Captain N Morrison
During the afternoon a message came from Malaya Command forbidding gun positions in the
vicinity of any hospital. It seems that a hospital was bombed by the Japanese because they
noticed that Artillery fire was coming from the Hospital grounds. An Artillery Troop Leader
had set up his guns in the grounds against the protests of the Hospital Co.
After a sort of meal in the evening I went forward to 22 Brigade to see how they were going. I
had only the vaguest idea of where they were and it was not the best of rides into an
unknown area with funny noises and strange flashes going on all around me. Coinciding with
my arrival was that of Lieutenant Colone Stitt of 2 Battalion and Gordon Highlanders who
had come under command of 22 Brigade. The whole world must have heard Stitt and his
Adjutant walking down the centre of the road while the CO held forth "I say, the beggars
must be here somewhere". A sentry baled me up and then handed me over to a guide who
took me to Headquarters in an attap hut where I found Brigadier Verley (Brigadier Taylor had
gone to Hospital completely worn out with the strain) preparing orders for a withdrawal. His
force formed a salient and was being heavily pressed on either flank with the very real danger
of being completely cut off in the very near future. He intended retiring to New Holland
Village and there to take up another defensive position. I made sure that I had the full story
before I went back to Tanglin and told Colonel Thyer after which I went to sleep on my
concrete couch.
About two hours later Harry Jessup (I think it was) woke my up as I had to report to the GOC
who wanted to know why Brigadier Varley had decided to withdraw without permission. I
explained the situation as well as I could and the reasoning which lead to the withdrawal to
the Village. The General was not extremely happy about the move but, after a little while
reconciled himself to it so I went back to bed.
By now I was becoming quite expert at going to sleep anywhere at anytime. The type of
surface was of no consequence be it earth or concrete. I had once believed that it was
necessary to have hip holes to ensure sleep, but, that is not really so.
Friday 13 February, was a bad day. To begin with the second in command of the Gordons
came into Headquarters and said that Varley was quite right in withdrawing but, he then went
around to Malaya Command and said that Varley had cold feet. And then there was the
increase in the bombing and the barrages. To everyone's amazement, our own rate of fire was
increased very noticeably which was a bad sign; we couldn't win so given 'em everything we
had in a last desperate bid. We could not go on much longer, everyone was suffering from
lack of sleep and that means everyone, and tempers were very short.
Singapore Island: 1-15 February 1942
Page 43
Malayan Diary
Captain N Morrison
I don’t know how I kept going as I had some of Gordon’s work to do in addition to my own
and the never ending sorties on Gertie were getting me down. To complicate things a bit more
the Japs and landed on the east coast of the Island and were now advancing on the City from
three directions. The civilians were being very sorely tried. We all wondered how long it
could and would go on.
Sometime during the morning Headquarters RAA had a lucky escape. I went next door to see
them and found McEachern and Mike Hunt standing on chairs and staring at a Jap Infantry
shell on the floor. Mike told me that the shell came through the roof and hit the concrete floor
and, instead of exploding, it just spun around and around. He and Mac did not know what to
do for the best so jumped on a chair and hoped.
In spite of the loss of all my gear at Holland Road, I was once more a well dressed boy with
two of everything as required by the Army. Nearby was a “Q” store and Canteen for the
Tanglin area from which I, along with many others, helped myself. I was able to get toilet
articles and smokes as well as clothes.
After lunch the GI gave me his car and Baynes and I set out to pinpoint the positions of 2/18,
2/19, 2/20 Battalions and GBD and to find the extent of their patrols. The numbers of these
units were pitifully small, just a handful of men left of those who opposed the landings on the
west coast. As we were leaving the GBD area, I met Dave Grubb of Broadford, who used to
be the Mess Steward of the 20 Light Horse. He had come over as a reinforcement to 2/29
Battalion. I saw Mel Johnson for a minute or two but, there was no word of Jock. Back at
Division I sat down to alter the situation map and got a hefty kick in the pants from Curly for
doing so. I forgot that it was his job to make the alterations after questioning me on my report.
At any rate I got peeved and stormed out, grabbed hold of Baynes, and went in search of a
whisky.
Little sleep was possible that night as the guns seemed to make more noise than ever.
Saturday morning was fairly quiet and I had nothing to do. After lunch came the first rumour
that we were going to capitulate. The GOC got very irate at this and immediately summoned
all the Liaison Officers to contact the various Units and inform them that there was no
foundation to the story.
I went outside to collect Gertie and found that she had gone. I never saw her again. I would be
perfectly willing to give the BSA people an unsolicited testimonial about their motor bikes. I
Singapore Island: 1-15 February 1942
Page 44
Captain N Morrison
was a very inexperienced rider and I certainly rode the old girl much harder than I should
have done. Daily maintenance was unheard of, for one thing, I did not know what to do, and
all types of country were covered, in daylight at any rate, at pretty high speed from the jump. I
did not have one mechanical defect in a pretty hectic two months. My only regret is that I was
never issued with a driving licence for the bike which would have been a good souvenir. I had
to go back to the “G” Office and borrow a Staff car. In spite of all our efforts to quell them the
rumours persisted.
Sunday 15 February came which was exactly six months since we had landed at Keppel
Harbour so full of confidence and so eager to get stuck into things; an altogether different tale
now.
The troops were despondent and rumours of a capitulation were still rife and with some
foundation this time as Brigadier Newbiggin of Malaya Command had gone forward to
negotiate with the Japanese at the Ford Works at Bukit Timah. In the City of Singapore itself
there were problems apart from the direct military ones such as the civilian battle casualties.
There was the spread of disease caused by the over crowding and the breakdown of the
civilian medical services; then there was the failure of the water supply which had fallen into
enemy hands and lastly the consequences of panic which were reaching alarming proportions.
These problems together with the civilian death rate had prompted the Medical and Civil
authorities to urge for a cessation of the fighting but to no avail.
Just before lunch Colonel Thyer told me to go over to the Botanic Gardens to keep an eye on
Major Lloyd. I asked was he formerly of 2/29 Battalion. Colonel Thyer said he was and that
Major Saggers was attending a conference at Division and would leave Lloyd in charge. I was
to make sure that he did nothing foolish such as stage a counter attack as the position was
very delicate. Smithy drove me in car Red 1; his nerves were getting the better of him but I do
not wonder at that as he just had to sit in the car and take it. Johnny Lloyd was not about when
I arrived but White of 2/26 Battalion was there and we were able to have a drink and a talk
before he returned. I explained my position by saying that I was having a look around. Just
after lunch Saggers returned so I left. During lunch the Artillery fired a few rounds in our
direction but only a couple came anywhere near close.
The afternoon was fairly quiet and I managed to get in some sleep. At about 1830 hours, I
answered the phone and it was Malaya Command asking for the GOC. He was away so the GI
answered. I heard him say something about Cease Fire 2030 hours and Unconditional
Singapore Island: 1-15 February 1942
Page 45
Captain N Morrison
Surrender or words to that effect. He rang MC back some minutes later and the message was
confirmed. Then, when the real meaning of the telephone conversation dawned on me, I sat in
a corner and howled my heart out. I cried and cried like a small boy who had had a belting
and I couldn’t stop. Lord only knows what the others must have thought of me! Bill Kent-
Hughes and Harry Jessup came to my rescue and led me outside for a quiet walk when we
talked of things in general, anything other than war. Harry produced some whisky and very
soon I managed to calm down enough to take notes on the orders which had to be put into
force immediately.
Other officers were detailed to assist the LO’s and we were each given a couple of units to
contact and to acquaint with the Japanese instructions. I was made responsible for the
information getting to the Engineers. As their position was only a short distance I did not need
any transport.
Before I set out Moses called me aside and suggested that I should consider escaping,
especially as I had no men under my command but, I took no notice of him as a definite order
had been issued that all ranks must stand their ground and no one must attempt to escape.
I found Ian O’Donnell easily enough and he sent a runner to collect an officer from the Johore
Volunteer Engineers. Once again I broke down but not for very long; I came good when Ian
produced a bottle of whisky. The orders were “All men to be disarmed except for a few to
prevent looting etc and arms stacked according to kind” no movement from present positions
except for withdrawal of patrols; movement to Changi on the Eastern tip of the Island would
commence in the morning and be completed the dame day; only such articles as could be
carried on the person would be taken; essential stores such as cooking gear, rations, medical
supplies would be carried on the seven trucks allotted to the AIF; each man would carry two
days rations which would be handed into the QM on arrival at Changi.
The JVE Office was able to tell me that Colin Christy was alright and that Dorothea, his wife,
got away all in one piece. No one seemed in a hurry so we had a bit of a general chat before I
went back to Division.
That night everyone was very subdued and our thoughts must have varied considerably.
Although I was dog tired I could not sleep on the lawn; the stillness was uncanny; it seemed
all wrong; my thoughts ran wild – what would tomorrow bring?; what will Ivy’s reaction be
to the news?; could I have done any better?; and so on. I. I had come through without a
Page 46
Captain N Morrison
scratch and wanted nothing more than to get out of the army. Although, I had never been in
action, I had had enough of war.
A couple of familiar figures were absent from the breakfast table the next morning. The GOC,
Moses and Walker had done a bunk during the night without telling Colonel Thyer anything
of their intentions. At one stage Curlewis, Jessup and Mitchell were to have gone also. The GI
had found out about the absentees but was not sure how many had gone. There was a look of
great relief on his face at breakfast when he saw that the remainder of his staff had stayed on
to carry out the work which still had to be done.
There was no time for idle thinking as there was plenty to do before we were ready to move to
Changi. I was put in charge of sorting arms and ammunition stored on the Padang in front of
Headquarters; the whole lot had to be listed. The heaps were getting quite big by the time two
Japanese officers drove up. They were met by Brigadier Callaghan, CRA, who had assumed
command of the AIF. They looked neither to the right nor left but just marched straight in
with no trace of contempt. The driver sat in the car and paid no attention to us. They left after
half an hour. We had been given an extra day to prepare for the move.
By the end of the afternoon the Padang was chock a block with ammunition and rations while
the roads were crammed with out transport which had to be handed over in running order.
Most of them had some vital part removed however. In the late afternoon my valise, which
had been left at Holland Road turned up but I did not see how I could use it.
After Mess I began to pack what I considered to be essential taking into account what I could
carry. I settled for one complete change of clothing, socks, underwear, shirt and shorts,
pyjamas, towel, clogs, toilet gear, smokes and seven tins of food. I tried that out and then
added a blanket and a sheet. There were some more new clothes lying about so I put them in
my valise which I labelled in the hope that it might get to Changi on one of the transports.
Rather a forlorn hope but, still worth a try.
There was much mucking about on the morning of Tuesday 17 February, the day of the big
move to Changi. We were supposed to get under way at 1000 hours, but, it was nearer 1600
hours before we formed up ready to move off. Phil Head was in charge of the detail from
Headquarters and we paraded with officers in the front followed by the clerks with the
Defence and Employment Platoon bringing up the rear. The route was Orchard Road, Scott
Road, then down the Canal to Upper Serangoon Road and thence the East Coast Road.
Singapore Island: 1-15 February 1942
Page 47
Captain N Morrison
At last we got going but not for long. There was a halt at Newton’s Circus where we saw a
Malay strung up to a cross. He was being belted by the Nips, most probably for looting. We
started after about fifteen minutes but there was no march discipline in the column and we
were stopping and starting every few minutes. This made the marching much more tiring than
it need have been. We could see comparatively little damage, but, then we passed through the
outskirts of the City. Jap soldiers were everywhere and most seemed to have got hold of a
motor bike although very few had any idea of how to ride one (look who’s talking). Most of
them wanted to start off in top gear.
I had not done any walking for about five months and I had on a new pair of boots and so did
not care what we passed after the first hour or so. There was a hell of a lot of grumbling but,
Harry and I decided to keep our mouths shut no matter what we thought. We would do as we
were told but would not stick our noses into anyone else’s business as there were enough
bosses already. There must have been twenty officers at least in our group.
It was Go; Stop; Stop; the whole way and very soon my feet began to ache and the pack got
heavy. After dark, I found it really tough going and at about 2200 hours I decided not to sit
down as I reckoned I would never get up again. During the night many rested and when the
time came to move they just stayed where they were. Gordon was one who dropped out and
did not try to get going again; he had to be brought in by ambulance, a really undeserving
case.
On and on we trudged and the mile posts got further and further apart. My feet were like red
hot coals. At one Kampong where the mile post said Changi, five miles, the Malays had
lovely cool drinking water ready for us. It was most welcome and certainly gave me new life
for a little while. Although carrying rations, we did not eat as it was decided to do so at the
end of the journey, so I for one was pretty played out.
At last we reached Changi which had appeared as a solitary light in the distance sometime
before but never seemed to get any nearer and there we were met by Bill Kent-Hughes and a
guide who led us into Selarang Barracks, the most modern in the British army and occupied
six months before by the Gordon Highlanders. We halted outside a building and squatted on a
gravel heap while some of the troops were led off elsewhere. Then it was our turn and Harry
Jessup had to help me on to my feet. We were quartered in the old Officers Mess and it was a
hell of an effort to walk up the stairs. Curly, Harry, Greener, Frank McDonald and I were in
the one room. I took off my boots and by the light of a match quickly realised why my feet
were so sore. Each foot was a mass of broken blisters and some of them were bleeding; I have
Singapore Island: 1-15 February 1942
Page 48
Captain N Morrison
never seen such a mess in my life. Frank and I ate a tin of beetroot each and then we stretched
out on the concrete floor and went to sleep. It was now about 0300 hours on 18 February
1942. It had taken about ten hours forced marching to cover sixteen miles, surely the slowest
in British history.
Our POW life had commenced but that did not concern us for the moment. We were too foot
sore and weary to worry about such trifles as captivity.
Singapore Island: 1-15 February 1942
Page 49
Capt. Norman Morrison. VX 28610 2/29 BTN. Drawn y Japanese
artist CHANGI P.O.W. Camp August 1942
(signature)
S. Kurihara
Sam scottThis transcription item is now locked to you for editing. To release the lock either Save your changes or Cancel.
This lock will be automatically released after 60 minutes of inactivity.