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 11 - 20 of 62

William John Lambert

A Private with the 4th Battalion, William died on 16th of November 1943 at the age of 23. William was born at Kirkley on 2 August 1920, a son of John William and Lilian Irene Lambert. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 5 September 1920. In 1921 he, and his parents, lived with his maternal grandparents Walter and Rachel Bunn, at 18 Lovewell Road, Kirkley. His parents still lived at 18 Lovewell Road in 1939. Later they lived at 3 Seaman's Cottages, Gorleston Road, Oulton Broad. Fall of Singapore, FEPOW, Burma Railway

Neville Francis Grice

A Driver with 18th Division Headquarters, Neville died on 17th November 1942 aged 25. Neville, who was often known as Frank, was born at Saxmundham on 8 June 1917, a son of Francis William and Muriel Jennie Grice. In 1921 his family lived at Seafield, The Esplanade, Lowestoft. By 1939 his parents were living at Rockhill, Beach Road, Kessingland. In 1939 Neville was living at 66 Stowmarket Road, Neeham Market, and he was a hairdresser. FEPOW, Fall of Singapore, Burma Railway

Felix Hugh Gwilliam

A Signalman, with the Signal Section 21 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Felix died on 19th of January 1945 aged 34.Felix was born at Lowestoft on 7 July 1910, a son of James George and Amelia Bond Gwilliam. In 1921 his family lived at Harbour House, Lowestoft, as his father was the Harbour Master. In 1934 Felix married Hilda Florence Setterfield, this was registered in the Mutford district. In 1939 they lived at 48 Salisbury Road and Felix was a wholesale grocery and provision salesman. After the war Hilda lived at Limes Cottage, Forncett Saint Peter, Norfolk. Fall of Singapore, FEPOW

Alan David Bayfield

A Second Lieutenant, Alan died on the 15th of February 1942 aged 27. Alan was born at Lowestoft on 27 March 1914, a son of Alfred and Ada Bayfield. He was baptised at Saint Margaret’s Church on 14 May 1914 and his family lived at the Anchor Hotel, High Street, where is father was the publican. In 1921 their home was at 159 High Street. By 1939 Alan’s parents were living at 5 The Esplanade. Fall of Singapore

Alan Jack Sturman

A Lance Corporal with the 4th Battalion, Alan died on 12th of September 1943 aged 26. Alan was born at Oulton on 11 July 1917, a son of John R. and Mary Ann Sturman. In 1921 his family lived at Mill Road Mutford, and this was still their address in 1939 when Alan worked as a grocer’s assistant. In early 1941 Alan married Joan Olive Elsey, this was registered in the Wainford district. Joan lived at Hulver and remarried in 1946. bestpic, Fall of Singapore, FEPOW, Burma Railway

George William Maltby

A Warrant Officer Class II (Company Sergeant Major) with the 5th Battalion. George died on 6th of August 1943 at the age of 42.George was born at Lowestoft on 10 March 1903, a son of John and Beatrice Maltby. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 5 April 1903, and his family lived at 20 Lovewell Road, Lowestoft. By 1911 his family was living at 39 Park Road, Lowestoft, and by 1939 his parents lived at 15 Wollaston Road, Lowestoft. FEPOW, Fall of Singapore

David William Balls

A Private with 4th Bn., David died on 14th of February 1942 at the age of 29. David was born at Lowestoft on 23 June 1912, a son of Willie and Fanny Balls. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Kirkley, on 10 July 1912, and his family lived at 21 Southwell Road. In 1939 their address was 76 Norwich Road Lowestoft. In 1937 David married Dorothy A. M. Aldred and in 1939 they lived at 5 The Shrubberies, Sutton Road, Leverington, near Wisbech, and David worked as a tailor's salesman. Fall of Singapore

Ernest Arthur Ashworth

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Ernest died on 12th of February 1942 aged 25.Ernest was born at Lowestoft on 26 November 1916, a son of Ernest Arthur and Alice Amelia Ashworth. He was baptised at Saint John’s Church on 16 December 1916 and his family lived at 8 Essex Road. In 1939 Ernest lived at 10 Essex Road and was a semi-skilled coach painter. Fall of Singapore

Cyril Muskett

A Private with the 4th Battalion, Cyril died on 21st of September 1943 aged 25. Cyril was born at Lowestoft on 2 December 1917, a son Florence Jane Muskett. In 1919 Cyril’s mother married Archibald Cecil Brown. In 1921 his family lived at 3 Princes Road. By 1939 his family were living at 24 Fir Lane and Cyril was an omnibus chair maker. When he enlisted, he stated that he was a carpenter. Cyril married Vera Grace Lee in 1940, this was registered in the Lothingland district. Vera lived at 22 Fir Lane. Vera remarried in 1947. Fall of Singapore, FEPOW, Burma Railway

David Richie Roper

A Private with the 2nd Battalion, David died on 21st of September 1944 aged 38. David was born at Chalfield, Suffolk, on 11 May 1906, a son of John William and Maud Roper. In 1911 his family lived at The Street, North Cove, Suffolk, and by 1921 they were living at 35 Pudding Moor, Beccles, and David worked for H.G. Rose, Corn and Coal Merchants, at Beccles, doing odd-jobs. Fall of Singapore, FEPOW, Burma Railway

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Fall of Singapore