Fall of Singapore

At the beginning of December 1941, on the same day that Japan was attacking Pearl Harbour half a world away, the Japanese simultaneously bombed the Royal Air Force bases to the north of Singapore on the Malay coast, thereby eliminating the Air Force’s ability to either retaliate or protect the occupying troops on the ground. Their tactics were shrewd and incredibly well thought out. Before a Japanese soldier set foot on Singaporean soil, Britain’s naval and aerial capabilities had both been destroyed. When the Navy responded by sending the battleship ‘Prince of Wales’ and the battle cruiser ‘Repulse’ at the head of a fleet of ships, both were torpedoed and sank into the tropical waters. This left Singapore defenseless to assaults from both air and sea. Britain and Singapore’s only hope was in the British Army and Commonwealth forces. CREDIT:historic-uk.com

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Displaying 41 - 50 of 60

George Clifford Hugman

A Private with 4th Bn., George died on 12th of February 1942 at the age of 23. George was born at Lowestoft in 1920, a son of Ernest John and Ellen Maud (Nellie) Hugman. By 1939 his mother had died and George's father lived at 6 Broad View Villa, Hall Road, Oulton. George married Winifred Iris Weaving, of 66 Victoria Road, at Lowestoft in autumn 1939. Fall of Singapore

Frank Horace Bullen

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Frank died on 6th of February 1944 aged 30. Frank was born at Corton on 31 August 1914, a son of Frank James Bullen and Gertrude Jane Bullen. In 1921 his family lived at Well Cottages, Corton, and this was Frank’s home for the rest of his life. In 1939 Frank worked as a builder’s labourer. Fall of Singapore, FEPOW, Burma Railway

Reginald Arthur Lord

A Private with 4th Bn., Reginald died on 15th of February 1942 at the age of 24. Reginald was born at Lowestoft on 20 November 1917 a son of Reginald and Ella May Lord. He was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 19 February 1918. At that time his father was in the Army and the family home was at 24 May Road. In 1934 Reginald became a postman-messenger for the Post Office at Lowestoft. In 1939 Reginald married Kathleen Gertrude Pennell at Lowestoft. Their home was at 33 Cleveland Road, Lowestoft. Fall of Singapore

Peter Eric Day

A Private with 4th Bn. Peter died on 13th of February 1942 at the age of 20. Peter was born at Lowestoft in 1921 (his birth registered in the last quarter of 1921), a son of Walter Percy and Clara Maud Day. In 1939 his family lived at 13 Haward Street, Lowestoft. Fall of Singapore

George Marler

A Colour Sergeant with 4th Bn., George died on 14th of February 1942 at the age of 40. George was born at Shoreditch, London, a son of Herbert Walter and Mary (Polly) Marler. In 1911 his family lived at 16 Welsh Street, Shoreditch. On 21 July 1919 George enlisted in the Machine Gun Corps, at Stratford, London. Prior to this he worked as a plumber's assistant. On 17 March 1922 he transferred to serve with the Royal Tank Corps. George married Rose Annah (Rosannah) Chase at Romney Marsh on 28 February 1924. Fall of Singapore, Tank

Gordon Ernest Catchpole

A Private with 4th Bn., Gordon died on 14th of February 1942 at the age of 21. Gordon was born at Lowestoft on 20 October 1920, a son of Arnold Lancelot and Violet Annie Catchpole. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 19 November 1920 and his family lived at 57 Bevan Street. By 1939 the family were living at 35 Lorne Park Road, Lowestoft. Fall of Singapore

Leonard Clarence Smith

A Warrant Officer Class II with 4th Bn., Leonard died on 15th of February 1942 at the age of 35. Leonard was born at Barton Mills, Suffolk, in 1907, a son of Henry Arthur and Elizabeth Smith. In 1911 his family lived at Nene Parade, March. Leonard married Doris Amy Grimmer at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 18 January 1936. They lived at 27 Lovewell Road, Lowestoft. Fall of Singapore

Reginald Herbert Hitcham

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Reginald died on 13th of February 1942 aged 28. Reginald was born at Kirkley on 27 July 1913, a son of Henry and Louisa Hitcham. In 1921 his family lived at 42 Morton Road. This was still their home in 1939 when Reginald was a butcher’s shop assistant. In 1940 Reginald married Mina Edith McCann, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Fall of Singapore

John Charles Nathan

A Private with the 4th Battalion, John died on 12th of February 1942 aged 22.John was born at Lowestoft on 15 November 1919, a son of John Charles and Lilian May Nathan. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 1 January 1920 and his family lived at 71 Beresford Road. By 1939 his parents were living at 6 Suffolk Road. Fall of Singapore

Harry Balls

A Private with 4th Bn., Harry died on 15th of February 1942 at the age of 21. Harry was born at Lowestoft in 1921, a son of Harry Palmer and Elsie Maud Balls of 26 Bruce Street, Lowestoft. Fall of Singapore

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Fall of Singapore