Diary of service - Donald Morrison, 1940 - 1945 - Part 8

AIF History 

Captain N Morrison 

Private Pursell and his men were also detached while crossing the camp area referred
to above.

On reaching the road, Lieutenant Colonel Stewart of the Argyles was met and he gave
directions to "12" Brigade Headquarters. Information supplied by Brigadier Paris to
Lieutenant Archdall showed that contact could not be made with any troops forward
of his position. At this stage the oil well areas to the north east were blown up and the
whole island was lit as bright as day. The burning oil lit the area for some minutes

during which everyone expected hell to be let loose.

Our troops were so startled and amazed at the spectacle that everyone seemed
incapable of activity and so it must have been to the enemy, for during those few brief
minutes the whole area was quiet and not a shot was fired. It was not long however,
before the enemy came into action and no sooner had the fire died down than the
enemy forces were on the move again. The force then withdrew along the railway line
towards Bukit Timah and at about 0530 hours on the morning of 11 February, Captain
Johnson of Headquarter Company who directed them to the corner of Holland and
Bukit Timah Roads where the remainder of the unit was collecting.

During the withdrawal, "10" and "11" platoons were not as fortunate as "12" platoon.
"10" platoon withdrew south west and struck heavy enemy opposition. They were
forced on a number of occasions to go into the more heavily covered country and to
remain in such places until the enemy formations dispersed. One small party
eventually got through to friendly lines. A number of the men were fit to return to the
unit while others were evacuated to hospital. Some of the others were later reported to
be in Java. Some of the men who were cut off from the main body of "10" platoon
had to go a roundabout way to get back to the lines.

Corporal Hulms party set out in single file and had difficulty in making their way
through the undergrowth. When nearing the railway crossing in the vicinity of the
dairy farm they were again fired on and made another detour.

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AIF History 

Captain N Morrison

Enemy tanks were coming down Jurong Road closely followed by many troops. The 
platoon withdrew once more, this time to a position behind the Ford Works and
awaited until dawn on the morning of 11 February. It was then discovered that half
the party had already moved off. The remainder crossed the Jurong Road and then

made a wide flanking movement to get around the enemy. The going was very hard as
the men were without food and were very weary. The West Coast Road was
eventually reached near the gap and the party found its way to base. They rejoined the
unit at Tanglin Hill on 13 February. Several of the men were evacuated to hospital 

with wounds and sickness.

Of "11" Platoon, information is vague. The Platoon was withdrawn under Corporal

McGrath and struck the same opposition as "12" Platoon. They were not able to cross
the quarry intact. A number of men joined with Corporal Gilmartin and were behind 

the enemy lines for some days. The remainder disappeared into the blue.
The unit began to reorganise at Holland Road preparatory to moving back into
position. "B" Echelon supplied the men with a hot meal. Many of the men were
suffering from fatigue but could not be evaluated as every available man was required
to fill the depleted ranks.

It was now apparent that the unit had been knocked about pretty badly. Battalion
Headquarters and "A" Company were intact but, the ranks of the companies who had
been at Bukit Panjang the previous day were very much depleted. "B" Company was
about forty five strong under Lieutenant Archdall, the only remaining officer, and was
divided into two platoons under Sergeant Freland and Corporal Dean. Privates T
Hughes and Healy were detached to Company Headquarters for mortar work.

Orders were received that a counter attack was to be made on Bukit Timah and the
unit was prepared to move. The Sherwood Forresters and 18 Division Recce unit
moved through to make the attack. "2/29" Battalion brought up the rear as a protective 
force. The advance was made in extended line at the high port.

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AIF History 

Captain N Morrison

Aerial activity was constant and mortar fire continually harassed the move. This move
gave the unit new heart as the English units were fresh and were moving off to the
attack for the first time. It was hard country over which to travel. There were many
Kampongs and area to be cleared of enemy remnants. The unit in its job as a
protective force did not encounter much trouble and eventually took up a position
adjacent to the cane factory. The position was a well covered one in high elephant
grass about eight feet tall. During the afternoon patrols of the area were maintained
and a good deal of trouble was experienced from enemy snipers. These sniper posts
kept up a constant fire with rifles and light automatics and caused a lot of trouble.
Food was brought up to the unit. "B" Company receiving bully beef and biscuits.
Senior Sergeant Arthur did an excellent job keeping the company supplied with
rations and other supplies.

During the afternoon everyone was startled by explosions on the left flank, which
were followed by dense clouds of black smoke which eventually developed into a
wall of flame and advanced on the unit position. The bursting oil tanks had filled the
gutters along the side of the road with burning oil which flowed down towards us. For
sometime we thought that "Tojo" had put into action a new secret weapon. But it was
not long before we realised the true cause of the fire and soon we settled down once
more.

At dusk arrangements were made to remain in position for the night. However, shortly
afterwards orders were issued for another withdrawal. The Sherwood Forresters and
the Recce Battalion had already withdrawn and the unit was left out by itself with
parties of the enemy in rear. The rendezvous was the corner of Bukit Timah and
Hollands Roads. A short distance only had been covered when the enemy opened up

on the column with machine gun fire. The Forresters, who were some distance down
the road replied in kind and "B" Company came under fire from both sides.
Lieutenant Archdall ordered the company to move into a deep concrete drain along
the side of the road in which the men waded in water up to their knees for half a mile.

Many rumours of American landings on the mainland spread and although they were
soon to be proved false they were a wonderful stimulant for the time being. To put it

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AIF History 

Captain N Morrison

mildly these rumours were not frowned on by the higher orders. Aerial activity was 
continuous but did not trouble the unit area.

By dusk platoons had been organised and built up from the troops who drifted into the 
area during the day. Lieutenant Smith of "D" Company joined us and three platoons 
under Lieutenant Archdall, Smith and Martin were organised. There was a shortage of 
NCO's, so some of the senior privates were appointed to take over sections. Small 
arms fire could be heard to the south of the position. The Malayan and Chinese 
volunteer corps did excellent work in an endeavour to quell the fifth column menace 
but were out numbered.

The Company was allotted an area to cover during the night and sentries had just been 
posted when the alarm was raised by a sentry on the southern section. The flash of a 
light had been seen in the Danish Consuls house. As this house had been closed and 
placed out of bounds to all ranks suspicion was immediately raised and the house 
surrounded. A party in charge of an officer went in to investigate. Sometime later the 
anxious watchers were given the all clear. The cause of the trouble was Senior 
Sergeant Arthur and other members of "B" Echelon taking a bath before retiring for 
the night. Although amusing it was rather annoying to tired and weary troops. Rest 
was practically impossible owing to heavy artillery batteries in the near vicinity and a 
six inch gun, just below, which kept up a constant barrage all night.

At 0400 hours on Friday 13 February, orders were issued that the unit was to move to 
the front lines. At dawn the unit in position in perimeter defence near Bukit 
Besar. "B" Company's area, overlooking the road, was on high ground and an 
excellent position to prepare for defence. "A" Platoon of 2/4 machine gunners were 
attached to the unit and took over an excellent field of fire in Lieutenant Smith's area.

At this stage the fire power of the Company was very weak. Light automatics and 
even rifles were very scarce. A great deal of trouble was experienced in preparing slit 
trenches as the company tools consisted of only a few picks and shovels. Shallow slit 
trenches were dug mainly with the aid of a bayonet.

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AIF History 

Captain N Morrison

During the day planes were continually overhead, but the company area was not 
discovered and escaped attention. The night was spent in the position and again at 
intervals. The company was subject to artillery fire but damage was slight.

The platoons were now up to full strength as during the afternoon many men had 
returned from hospital. It seemed tragic that unfit men were compelled to leave their 
beds and move to the front lines in a last desperate attempt to hold the enemy's 
advance. Lieutenant Martin took over Sergeant Freeland's Platoon. From these new 
arrivals we gathered that the position was desperate. The enemy had worked around to 
Alexander Road and were continually out flanking our forces. An order had been 
issued that all who could walk must leave the hospitals and convalescent depots and 
report to their units. Many these men lost their lives by doing so.

At dawn on Saturday 14 February, the unit withdrew to the Tanglin Hill area and took 
up position on the outskirts of the perimeter. "B" Company were on the gardens 
overlooking Singapore. Slit trenches were dug and a quiet day spent. Patrols were 
maintained during the day and contact kept with 22 Brigade on our right flank. The 
night was quiet and uneventful.

Captain Lovett reported back from hospital and took over the job of second in 
command of the Company. He was still suffering from a wound in the back which he 
got at Muar.

Sunday 15 February, proved to be the most tragic day in the history of the force in 
Malaya. During the day the enemy kept up a constant barrage of the area. All AIF, 
English and Indian, had been concentrated in a small area around Singapore, and were 
surrounded on all sides by the enemy.

The enemy air arm kept up a constant vigil on the position and movement was easily 
picked up. Pamphlets ordering the force to surrender were dropped at frequent 
intervals. These were printed in many languages and were rather amusingly worded.

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AIF History 

Captain N Morrison

At approximately 1700 hours a heavy barrage was dropped on the unit area and "B" 
Company suffered the brunt of this attack. The attack lasted for nearly an hour during 
which time the enemy threw everything he had on the area. During this barrage many 
men were killed and injured. Corporal Giles of the RAP did an excellent job under 
difficult conditions. He moved about during the barrage trying to aid the injured.

At 2200 hours the order to cease fire was issued. It became known that an 
unconditional surrender had been accepted by the Commander in Chief of the allied 
forces.

The order came as a terrific shock to everyone as at no time did the forces expect an 
ending with total surrender. Escape was impossible as the enemy had complete 
command, not only of the land, but also of the air and sea. The night of 15 February 
was spent in circumstances which will never be forgotten; a feeling of despair was 
prevalent. None looked to the future with any confidence as the enemy's attitude 
towards prisoners of war was not the best, as had been proved in the past towards 
other armies.

16 February was a day of forced activity. Arms and equipment were discarded and 
dumped and some preparation made for the future. Food was obtained from the 
deserted areas and clothing scrounged to outfit the force. The night was passed in the 
same area and on the morning of 17 February all allied force were ordered to prepare 
to move to Changi.

Transport was provided to move the sick and wounded and a certain amount of gear 
and food stuffs was allowed with this transport. At 1600 hours movement of troops 
began.

The roads were choked with troops, broken down and destroyed transport and the 
ruins of war. It was a march of intense hardship, movement was slow and the journey 
long. Everybody was in a state of mental and physical exhaustion and many had to be 
assisted. We arrived at Serang Barracks Changi - footsore, weary and weakened of 
morale.

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AIF History 

Captain N Morrison

It was the end of a day of experiences never to be forgotten and the end of a 
hopeless battle against overlwhelming odds.

Beer Company 

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MALAYAN DIARY

August 1941 to August 1945

The Chapters covering the period from 15 August 1941 to May 1943 were compiled 
from notes made at odd intervals and later checked when several of us used to get together 
and talk about our "war".

The remaining Chapters are an enlargement of a day by day Diary which I kept from 
June 1943 to the end. Some of the references were, of necessity, very brief and with the 
passing of the years the significance of the entry has eluded me.

Malayan Diary 

Captain N Morrison

MALAYA – SETTLING IN

AUGUST – NOVEMBER 1941

The convoy which carried the 27^th Australian infantry Brigade had an uneventful 
voyage across the Indian Ocean and docked at Keppel Harbour, Singapore, early in 
the morning of 15 August 1941. We were welcomed with a tropical downpour which 
lasted for an hour or more and which held up disembarkation for a long time. 
Eventually the sun came out; we experienced our first of ever so many good "sweats" 
and it was not long before the Company said "Goodbye" to the "Mad Ship Marnix" 
which in real life was the Dutch luxury liner "Marnix van Sint Aldegonde".

Among the crowd on the wharf was Brigadier D S Maxwell MC, who was to be our 
new Brigade Commander in succession to Brigadier Marshall who had to be left in 
Australia. Maxwell had arrived in Malaya in 1941 as CO, 2/19 Battalion. He 
was a First War man and in private life a medical practitioner at Cootamundra in 
NSW. "Black Jack" Lieutenant Colonel F G Galleghan was CO of the 2/30 Battalion 
and the senior battalion commander in 27 Brigade and had rather expected the 
appointment but, he was passed over in favour of Maxwell, who had had six months 
experience of conditions in Malaya.

Basil Maher remained in the ship's sick bay so I took the Company to the awaiting 
transport which was to lift us to St Patricks School at Katong on the East Coast Road. 
The other two battalions were to be billeted to Changi at the East end of the Island.

How familiar this was to be in months to come. As I was in the back of the truck I did 
not see much of the City but, several memories remain; the density of the population 
with its mixture of races and creeds, the kaleidoscopic effect of the national costumes, 
the absence of any horse drawn traffic, the various smells that greeted one at every 
turn, the filth and squalor of streets and shops in the native quarter and the sudden 
transformation when we entered the European section with its modern buildings and 
well laid out gardens.

Malaya - Settling in: August - November 1941 

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Malayan Diary 

Captain N Morrison

On the outskirts of the City we passed the Civil Airport at Kallang which is a very 
up-to-date terminal. We then entered a residential area of spacious buildings each 
surrounded with plenty of garden. After driving for five miles we turned into St 
Patricks which was a modern two storied concrete H shaped building on the sea front. 
Between the school buildings and the road was a padang or playing field, large 
enough to hold a battalion parade. "B" Company were housed on the top floor of the 

H, farthest from the sea and had quite comfortable quarters. The officers' rooms 
overlooked the sea, with the Mess and Ante-room on the ground floor.

Lieutenant Bob Betteridge, 2.20 Battalion, was attached to us for the first week to act 
as "The Man in Grey", and answer all our queries about living in the East and to help 
us settle in, with the assistance of men from 2 Battalion Loyal Regt. He had a hot 
meal ready for us on our arrival, store tents erected, latrines built and a lot of the 
rough edges removed. Those of us who had personal contact with Bob in those early 
days were very sorry to hear of his death during the Island fighting.

After lunch on that first day our education into Eastern expressions began – 
"Charpois", a wooden framed bed which was crisscrossed with rope instead of having 
a wire mattress, "Squat Latrines"; "Dhobis" or laundries conducted by natives; 
NAAFI or British Army Canteen; "Boongs", used at first to define anyone with native 
blood but later kept for the Malay; Malayan Dollar which was worth ²/₁₁ Australian 
and it took a long time to work out the comparative value of any goods we brought. 
No matter how exact our calculations, the native trader got his one hundred per cent.

The humidity was terrific and we seemed to be always in a muck sweat. Six showers a 
day seemed to be the minimum that would keep us reasonably fresh but after two 
weeks or so, we found that one in the morning and another in the evening sufficed. 
The next step was to learn a log list of Do Nots which must be carried out if we 
wished to remain alive in this Bastion.

Here are some I remember:

• Don't drink unchlorinated water;
• Don't eat anything bought from the natives;

Malaya – Settling in: August – November 1941 

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