Christmas day came and for lunch we had a large tin of tongue and biscuits, talking amongst ourselves as we sat under the bungalow said we would not forget this Christmas. A chicken walked around our feet pecking here and there, could have had it for our dinner if we had know how to kill it properly, then again perhaps not, with the cleaning out and plucking the features, after work we wanted to relax.
The constant air attacks slowed the loading, bullets in metal boxes were very heavy as well. At last we finished and when the transport was unloaded we were leaving. Shortly after the train was loaded it was bombed and destroyed along with the station and surrounding area, so we suspected there must have been spies everywhere.
Our next move was to Sungai Besi, an RAF station a few miles from Kuala Lumpur, hut accommodation in a rubber plantation completely hidden by the rubber trees. It was a fighter station and still had some Brester Buffalo fighter flying, so it was the same again.
We were told to rest, we were fairly safe, the fighters did fly over shooting into the trees, but saw nothing and no fires started. There was very little warning again before the fighters arrived, the aircraft were getting destroyed on the ground or as they took off to attack.
The cook house was hidden and we had good meals, was not bad there, just had to lay flat on the ground when the fighters came, no bombs were used as the Japanese wanted this airfield in working order.
Stretching our legs one day, Bill and I went for a walk in the plantation to see how big it was when we heard firing and dived flat. We waited a while, then got up and walked on. We’d walked a long way before we saw light at the side of the trees and coming out, we saw it was a cemetery with large headstone and figures, not for the ordinary people here, but amongst the gravestones was the smouldering remains of a Buffalo fighter, shot down I suppose as he tried to clear the airfield. Just odd bits of the aircraft were still alight, most of the metal had melted and only bits of the iron survived, so it was mostly ashes and must have burnt out in a minutes fully loaded with petrol. The pilots burnt body had shrunk in size and his tightly packed parachute was smouldering behind him. I got a stick and moved it away from the body in doing so it came apart like pages from a book. I was pleased to see in the unburnt white silk it was soaked in blood and the pilot was probably dead before he hit the ground.
Our rest came to a halt when we were told work tonight. At darkness we departed camp, six trucks and men, spares from the dockside we were told, Port Sweetenham. Our vehicle pulled up close to a bungalow, no more light than necessary we were told.
The Japs had tried a landing from the sea during the day but were beaten off, it was possible some were about and we did hear shots during the night.
Our bungalows were stacked from floor to ceiling with oblong four gallon petrol tins, get loaded and go, was the order. We worked a system where we did not bump into each other in the dark and finished before dawn.
Same again the next day, finished about the same time and our departure was a little quicker but the Japanese must have decided on a dawn attack. The shooting started and increased rapidly, as it was dark there was no aircraft, lucky there, and as we pulled away the bungalow was destroyed in a huge fiery explosion, no point leaving that for the Japanese.
The memoirs of a Japanese prisoner of The Second World War 1942-1945. By Frank Planton.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Friday, 22 October 2010
Introduction - Part 6.
Sending a telegraph home was possible, there was a wooden hut on the roadside near the camp, inside was an operator of a morse set, you filled in a telegraph form, he would transmit the morse message, paid and that was it. Life carried on just as it had when I first arrived until mid November, a vapour trail was seen once a day, not one of our aircraft. A few days later three Brewster Buffalo fighters arrived, they did not stay long before they flew away, if they had come to intercept what was flying over there was not much chance of that with another out of date aircraft. General Wavell who was in charge of Far East forces flew in one day in his Dakota aircraft, there was talk that if war broke out we would move into Thailand, but reports came that Japan was doing that already, we were only 24kms from the border with Thailand, Siam as it then was. The guessing and thinking ended on December the 8th, we were being attacked by Japanese forces. Our aircraft took off at 1am to attack Japanese forces in Thailand, they returned around 11am, at that time Bill and I looked up at aircraft noise, there was this large formation of 27 bombers flying our way, no sirens, must be ours, then the sirens went. It was a brilliant sunny day, looking up we could see the bombs glinting in the sun as they were released. Bill and I ran for the nearest hut with a blast wall round it and laid flat. Two Indian workers followed us, they were stuffing their clothing in their mouths and whimpering, as this wasn’t their war, then shrapnel tore into the shed above the blast wall, watching the amount of bombs from one aircraft we knew they were anti-personnel and large enough explosive ones to do the damage they required.
Only three of our aircraft were not destroyed, they flew off to Butterworth airfield. Our living accommodation was untouched as they were away from the hangars and runway. The fuel storage tanks were alight, widespread damage to stores, cookhouse and dining hall, there was no future for this station with no aircraft and no defenses.
Spies must be around the aircraft to arrive just after our aircraft had returned. Bill and I went to the dining hall, broken plates everywhere, the cook in charge said tinned food from now on, we cleaned a few tables but not a lot of diners turned up, most took their food back to the huts.
All native staff were gone, none returned the following day. The airmen were trying to sort out and salvage at their work places what they cold. We did get a visit from a single Japanese aircraft, no bombs dropped.
The East Surrey soldiers were having a fierce battle with the Japanese at Jitra. On the third day around 11am we were told to get our it and return to transport pick up area, Indian troops were taking up defensive positions to stop the Japanese, the camp was flat everywhere with no defences or trenches they had an impossible job, no aircraft, no guns, only rifles. Our transport arrived and we had to stand to take away as many as possible, no kit, if the airfield was in our troops hands, the vehicles would return to collect it, we were off to Butterworth.
The same conditions as before were at Butterworth, told to dig ourselves a trench outside our small 2 bed cabin near the beach where in better times you could spend 7 days leave here, sandy beaches, coconut palms, good food, nothing to do, music was played all day, what a change now.
The fighting was not going well for our troops, any resistance the Japanese took boats and landed behind the fighting, no British aircraft to help them was key to the Japanese success, there was no way to stop the Japanese advance. Two days later we set off again from Butterworth to an Army camp in the Cameroon Highlands, it had sparse buildings made of cement, outside taps, very basic, to us it looked more suitable for keeping domestic animals, pigs, goats etc, it rained regularly around 3pm, no wonder vegetables grew well in hot, humid, wet climate.
60 or so Gurkhas were also living here. Five days so called rest and we were off again, must say it was a relief to get away from the never ending sweaty humidity, we were told our destination was the RAF station, Ipoh. On arrival we were told to make ourselves comfortable as possible somewhere, there was not a lot of comfort there, it was a fighter station in complete ruins, about 20 of us had come here to help the existing men load spares and ammunition into the trucks to be taken to Ipoh station to be loaded into a train. Bill and I were taken to a shed, nearby another two at another shed, we were near the east end of the runway. It was not long before three Japanese fighters came low level strafing any target they wished, the perimeter fence was down in places so this way out was used before, between us we filled the truck and as it was off to unload, it was time to eat.
Made enquiries about food, it was self service, go to the ruined cook house and find something in a tin, the cooks were dead, someone doing the cooking tried to do a meal in the evening. Lunch was corned beef tinned butter, emergency biscuits, the same recipe as Nelson’s days, rock hard. Bill and I went back to where we were working, not far away was a small wooden bungalow standing on wooden piles, the accommodation was damaged and useless, underneath it was dry and fairly clean so we decided to live there while we were at Ipoh.
The loading continued for about five days during which we were paid constant visits by the fighters, we put as much distance between our loaded truck and us when they came.
Only three of our aircraft were not destroyed, they flew off to Butterworth airfield. Our living accommodation was untouched as they were away from the hangars and runway. The fuel storage tanks were alight, widespread damage to stores, cookhouse and dining hall, there was no future for this station with no aircraft and no defenses.
Spies must be around the aircraft to arrive just after our aircraft had returned. Bill and I went to the dining hall, broken plates everywhere, the cook in charge said tinned food from now on, we cleaned a few tables but not a lot of diners turned up, most took their food back to the huts.
All native staff were gone, none returned the following day. The airmen were trying to sort out and salvage at their work places what they cold. We did get a visit from a single Japanese aircraft, no bombs dropped.
The East Surrey soldiers were having a fierce battle with the Japanese at Jitra. On the third day around 11am we were told to get our it and return to transport pick up area, Indian troops were taking up defensive positions to stop the Japanese, the camp was flat everywhere with no defences or trenches they had an impossible job, no aircraft, no guns, only rifles. Our transport arrived and we had to stand to take away as many as possible, no kit, if the airfield was in our troops hands, the vehicles would return to collect it, we were off to Butterworth.
The same conditions as before were at Butterworth, told to dig ourselves a trench outside our small 2 bed cabin near the beach where in better times you could spend 7 days leave here, sandy beaches, coconut palms, good food, nothing to do, music was played all day, what a change now.
The fighting was not going well for our troops, any resistance the Japanese took boats and landed behind the fighting, no British aircraft to help them was key to the Japanese success, there was no way to stop the Japanese advance. Two days later we set off again from Butterworth to an Army camp in the Cameroon Highlands, it had sparse buildings made of cement, outside taps, very basic, to us it looked more suitable for keeping domestic animals, pigs, goats etc, it rained regularly around 3pm, no wonder vegetables grew well in hot, humid, wet climate.
60 or so Gurkhas were also living here. Five days so called rest and we were off again, must say it was a relief to get away from the never ending sweaty humidity, we were told our destination was the RAF station, Ipoh. On arrival we were told to make ourselves comfortable as possible somewhere, there was not a lot of comfort there, it was a fighter station in complete ruins, about 20 of us had come here to help the existing men load spares and ammunition into the trucks to be taken to Ipoh station to be loaded into a train. Bill and I were taken to a shed, nearby another two at another shed, we were near the east end of the runway. It was not long before three Japanese fighters came low level strafing any target they wished, the perimeter fence was down in places so this way out was used before, between us we filled the truck and as it was off to unload, it was time to eat.
Made enquiries about food, it was self service, go to the ruined cook house and find something in a tin, the cooks were dead, someone doing the cooking tried to do a meal in the evening. Lunch was corned beef tinned butter, emergency biscuits, the same recipe as Nelson’s days, rock hard. Bill and I went back to where we were working, not far away was a small wooden bungalow standing on wooden piles, the accommodation was damaged and useless, underneath it was dry and fairly clean so we decided to live there while we were at Ipoh.
The loading continued for about five days during which we were paid constant visits by the fighters, we put as much distance between our loaded truck and us when they came.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Introduction - Part 5.
The security of the station was in the hands of the Army, but the bomb dumb was the RAF responsibility, so each had to take their turn guarding this dump. Some of the chaps were told to sweep and clean the hangars, others sorting and stacking ammunition. We began to have the attitude that if this is what is expected of us, then that was fine.
We asked if we could go for trade training and was told 'An interview with an officer was necessary, wait until you have been here a while so that we can assess you'.
Talking to some of the airmen who had been at Aloa Star much longer than us, the question was raised, have you done the bomb dump guard yet? Various remarks like 'You will enjoy that', 'A new experiences for you there', we did wonder what was different as no one was willing to volunteer information.
The time came when Bill and my name was on the notice board for our turn. A mosquito net on the hat was required along with long trousers and mosquito cream. We had an early breakfast to relieve the guards at 8am. An RAF estate car took us 7km down a dirt track where we arrived at a very high fence with gates made of iron and very heavy chain link fencing, this is it, we were told.
The airmen who we were going to relieve were all ready to go. Shown into the hut saw there was a bunk, table and two chairs, lunch and dinner would be brought to us at normal meal times. One was to stay watching the gate, between us taking it in turn to patrol the perimeter fence. With that, were left to our duties.
The large wooden sheds containing bombs and ammunition had earth blast walls up to the roof, thick at the bottom tapering to the roof height. I took the first walk round the perimeter, mainly to find out how far it was – it took nearly half an hour, the heat was overpowering, away from the gate and hut creepers, bushes and trees made it near impossible to see it from above, the path was uneven and slow, I had not taken my water bottle with me and was gasping for a drink on return, I had not thought the boundary was that long.
Bill was sweating it out in the hut, which was like an oven with the door open. I said you had better take a walk round in daylight to see what you are in for. I sat down and watched the gate, could get duty officer calling.
Night came after we had a pleasant sit down and a meal with a lower temperature in the evening. A dark night, no moon but we had a powerful torch, I thought I would go first, then rest.
Outside it was just blackness, can't say I liked the noises coming from the surrounding jungle. What is making the noise, I switched on the torch, didn’t want to tread on a snake, a 2.7 metre python was found lying in the sun near the medical centre a few days ago, I could see around my but in the distance the light was reflecting on dozens of eyes looking my way, that was enough, it was back to the hut for Bill to accompany me, locking the hut up we set off, we did it once more during the night, that was enough.
Our change of guard arrived ready to take over at 8am, for us it was breakfast, shower and to bed with the day off.
My 21st birthday came four weeks after arrival, my friends insisted we go to the NAAFI in the evening for a drink, I wasn’t keen on the Tiger beer, it was so gassy, I was not teetotal, previously being at Locking in Somerset enjoyed a glass of cider, anyway I had more beer than was good for me and said that was the last time I was drinking that beer.
Now we had a tan and felt like other airmen we felt at home in the camp, told by other airmen we could buy and wear made to measure trousers and shorts of much lighter material than the service issue for going out in town, issue trousers would have to be work on RAF duties and parades. Alor Star had plenty of shops and interesting buildings, it was the capital town of the State of Kedah, it was a new world to us, the British wives of planters and government officials ran a club for servicemen, made cakes and tea, newspapers to read if you wanted a break from the sun in the afternoon. There was a cinema in town, that showed only Asiatic films.
On the edge of town, Malay cafes sold food for our tastes, Bill and I when in town had a chicken with chips and salad, a bottle of ice cold Fanta made our day, a bus service back to camp was run by Indians, a 60mph journey with all the windows open and still it was warm.
A short distance from the camp was a village on the side of a small river the Malay name for village was Kampong, nothing was sold there, how the Malays shopped I don’t know, maybe they bartered what they grew and reared, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks ran around.
Now and then, three of us hired a dugout canoe with paddles to go on trips along the river, it had a small current going to Alor Star so you only had to work one way. Larger canoes than ours did carry fruit, a man at the stern with a long oar steering it, the cargo was usually bananas, asking one of them to stop, gesturing that we would like some bananas, he motioned ‘help yourself’. Ken our other friend went to break a bunch off a stalk, he did not want that, take a whole stack with several bunches on it, holding out a handful of money, he took about 10p, nodding his thanks, off he went, we had enough bananas that day, took some back to camp left the others in the boat.
I mentioned earlier that there was a cinema in the army camp at Jitra, this was the best entertainment by far. The cinema was in the open, part of a previous rubber plantation before the camp was built. Trees had been cut down to seat height and planks screwed to them for seats, a small brick projection box, a screen on a frame, the film being shown had moths, insects and fireflies in it, as they were attracted by the light. No matter what film was shown, it was a farce, drama, cowboy or comic, I had not enjoyed films more than these showings, the soldiers would shout out comic details to the actresses lack of virtue and their past history, actors, told of their faults and failings, detectives were informed what to do, sometimes told what was about to happen, all with a liberal amount of swearing included, in loves scenes the females really came in for cat calls to say she had been around was putting it mildly, add the swearing and there was no doubt, no matter what film I saw there, it was hilarious, always worth the walk.
We asked if we could go for trade training and was told 'An interview with an officer was necessary, wait until you have been here a while so that we can assess you'.
Talking to some of the airmen who had been at Aloa Star much longer than us, the question was raised, have you done the bomb dump guard yet? Various remarks like 'You will enjoy that', 'A new experiences for you there', we did wonder what was different as no one was willing to volunteer information.
The time came when Bill and my name was on the notice board for our turn. A mosquito net on the hat was required along with long trousers and mosquito cream. We had an early breakfast to relieve the guards at 8am. An RAF estate car took us 7km down a dirt track where we arrived at a very high fence with gates made of iron and very heavy chain link fencing, this is it, we were told.
The airmen who we were going to relieve were all ready to go. Shown into the hut saw there was a bunk, table and two chairs, lunch and dinner would be brought to us at normal meal times. One was to stay watching the gate, between us taking it in turn to patrol the perimeter fence. With that, were left to our duties.
The large wooden sheds containing bombs and ammunition had earth blast walls up to the roof, thick at the bottom tapering to the roof height. I took the first walk round the perimeter, mainly to find out how far it was – it took nearly half an hour, the heat was overpowering, away from the gate and hut creepers, bushes and trees made it near impossible to see it from above, the path was uneven and slow, I had not taken my water bottle with me and was gasping for a drink on return, I had not thought the boundary was that long.
Bill was sweating it out in the hut, which was like an oven with the door open. I said you had better take a walk round in daylight to see what you are in for. I sat down and watched the gate, could get duty officer calling.
Night came after we had a pleasant sit down and a meal with a lower temperature in the evening. A dark night, no moon but we had a powerful torch, I thought I would go first, then rest.
Outside it was just blackness, can't say I liked the noises coming from the surrounding jungle. What is making the noise, I switched on the torch, didn’t want to tread on a snake, a 2.7 metre python was found lying in the sun near the medical centre a few days ago, I could see around my but in the distance the light was reflecting on dozens of eyes looking my way, that was enough, it was back to the hut for Bill to accompany me, locking the hut up we set off, we did it once more during the night, that was enough.
Our change of guard arrived ready to take over at 8am, for us it was breakfast, shower and to bed with the day off.
My 21st birthday came four weeks after arrival, my friends insisted we go to the NAAFI in the evening for a drink, I wasn’t keen on the Tiger beer, it was so gassy, I was not teetotal, previously being at Locking in Somerset enjoyed a glass of cider, anyway I had more beer than was good for me and said that was the last time I was drinking that beer.
Now we had a tan and felt like other airmen we felt at home in the camp, told by other airmen we could buy and wear made to measure trousers and shorts of much lighter material than the service issue for going out in town, issue trousers would have to be work on RAF duties and parades. Alor Star had plenty of shops and interesting buildings, it was the capital town of the State of Kedah, it was a new world to us, the British wives of planters and government officials ran a club for servicemen, made cakes and tea, newspapers to read if you wanted a break from the sun in the afternoon. There was a cinema in town, that showed only Asiatic films.
On the edge of town, Malay cafes sold food for our tastes, Bill and I when in town had a chicken with chips and salad, a bottle of ice cold Fanta made our day, a bus service back to camp was run by Indians, a 60mph journey with all the windows open and still it was warm.
A short distance from the camp was a village on the side of a small river the Malay name for village was Kampong, nothing was sold there, how the Malays shopped I don’t know, maybe they bartered what they grew and reared, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks ran around.
Now and then, three of us hired a dugout canoe with paddles to go on trips along the river, it had a small current going to Alor Star so you only had to work one way. Larger canoes than ours did carry fruit, a man at the stern with a long oar steering it, the cargo was usually bananas, asking one of them to stop, gesturing that we would like some bananas, he motioned ‘help yourself’. Ken our other friend went to break a bunch off a stalk, he did not want that, take a whole stack with several bunches on it, holding out a handful of money, he took about 10p, nodding his thanks, off he went, we had enough bananas that day, took some back to camp left the others in the boat.
I mentioned earlier that there was a cinema in the army camp at Jitra, this was the best entertainment by far. The cinema was in the open, part of a previous rubber plantation before the camp was built. Trees had been cut down to seat height and planks screwed to them for seats, a small brick projection box, a screen on a frame, the film being shown had moths, insects and fireflies in it, as they were attracted by the light. No matter what film was shown, it was a farce, drama, cowboy or comic, I had not enjoyed films more than these showings, the soldiers would shout out comic details to the actresses lack of virtue and their past history, actors, told of their faults and failings, detectives were informed what to do, sometimes told what was about to happen, all with a liberal amount of swearing included, in loves scenes the females really came in for cat calls to say she had been around was putting it mildly, add the swearing and there was no doubt, no matter what film I saw there, it was hilarious, always worth the walk.
Friday, 8 October 2010
Introduction - Part 4.
It was lunch time when we arrived at a transit camp, sorted into groups, we left our kit and were taken for lunch which was now to be called tiffin. The food was very good, lots of salad, so far it had seemed a holiday, a great atmosphere, especially following a great cruise, the start of many in the years to come.
The Athlone Castle we understood would be making its way to New Zealand and Australia for met, grain and tinned goods, then returning to England through the Panama Canal.
We were soon to experience a rather primitive means of travel, the trains. Twelve of us were to be posted to Alor Star, now know as Setar.
About 4.00pm our transport took us to Singapore railway station where there were other RAF men waiting to be directed to which train to board. The train had two modern carriages, one a diner, the other was air conditioned first class. In contrast the carriage we were to travel in, was wooden with wooden seats, wooden shutters in place of windows, no air conditioning, but a small platform at the end of each coach. We found there was enough air rushing in through the shutters.
The locomotive was burning wood, the air was full of particles of ash which rained down continuously. We were on our way, our packed evening meal eaten, there was plenty of chat and suggestions as to what would follow.
The night was warm so made ourselves as comfortable as was possible and slept fitfully whilst waiting to see where our next move would take us.
We eventually stopped next day at Kuala Lumpur, we had taken 14 hours to travel 300 kms, this train was no Flying Scotsman.
It was breakfast time, so were directed to a restaurant on the station, also available were wash and brush up facilities. We were not rushed so enjoyed stretching our legs and taking our time.
Kuala Lumpur station was and still is an impressive building. We were looking forward to the day ahead as we pulled away.
Daylight made the journey more interesting with mostly jungle around. Looking down as we travelled on bridges over rivers large lizards and alligators could be seen, below one particular bridge the alligators were jammed together like logs. I did wonder if passengers threw unwanted food over at that place.
As the sun went down and darkness fell we began to wonder how much further. After about 2 hours of darkness we arrived at Alor Star.
As we picked up our kit bags and stepped out into the night air, we saw our transport waiting for us, a corporal had come to collect us. There were strange insects all around the station yard, most of the noise came from large frogs, fireflies inhabited the shrubs, this really was the tropics. The RAF station was about 12 kms away. Driven directly to the dining hall a nice meal was ready for us. It seemed a long time since sitting at a table to eat.
The corporal departed saying he would return in an hours time to escort us to our quarters. There were plenty of lights as we followed him to our hut which was European build native style, built on 4 foot piles, a veranda walkway to the entrance with large shuttered openings in place of windows, a type of rush thatched roof. Inside were our beds, lockers and mosquito nets on a frame above the beds, our new home. Showers, wash basins and toilet blocks were situated between the huts.
We were given breakfast times and then instructed to return to the hut where a sergeant would visit us to acquaint us with rules and what would be expected from now on. He eventually left and our first thought was that a nice shower would be refreshing after our long journey. The cold water was a bit of a shock, no hot water was needed, the night was hot and humid. After showing I felt pleasantly refreshed, falling asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The room was quite long where all twelve of us slept.
In the morning we went for breakfast feeling a little out of place amongst the suntanned airmen, some asked where we had come from and conditions at home. Most of who we spoke to were regulars who had been away from home for two to three years and were due to go home for a spot of leave.
On arriving back at our hut, our sergeant arrived, formed us up, told us he was in charge and set some rules. Before 4.00pm in the camp and any time spent in town, tropical hats were to be worn. No walking through long grass between huts and around the camps, snakes were there and if trod on would bite. Work stopped at 4.00pm, Saturday and Sunday were free unless there was a parade or other assembly. He took our identity cards saying he would have camp passes made for us, we would collect them at the gate guard room when leaving camp and hand them in on our return.
A native man introduced himself and said he would be working for us, paid weekly by ourselves, and his duties were to keep our hut clean, polish our shoes and brass buttons, make our beds and would work until 4.00pm each day. His weekly wage was a ridiculous sum, roughly a tenth of each of the twelve occupants daily pay.
Private buses ran a regular service from the camp into Alor Star where there was a cinema that showed mainly native films. There was another cinema that was situated at an East Surrey Regiment Army camp two or three kilometres walk down the road at a place called Jitra, this showed Hollywood and British films.
The sergeant continued delivering his instructions, saying, you can have today off, report to me tomorrow morning at my office when I will have work for you.
I rested until tiffen time, Bill and I were still keeping each other company, so after our meal had a walk round the camp to familiarise ourselves with the layout and came across the Narfi where one could have a chat or a drink. We did go during the evening but as neither of us drank, didn’t stay long. We were soon back in the hut swapping tales with others in our group and all keen to get our passes to see what it was like in town.
Next morning we presented ourselves to the sergeant to be told our duties. We were not happy. Bill, myself and another chap were detailed to work in the dining hall, to ensure the local labour cleared and cleaned the tables after the airmen had eaten, working out the shifts ourselves each one of us would do. Back in the hut that night we were all feeling rather dejected, these were not the duties we had expected to be doing.
The Athlone Castle we understood would be making its way to New Zealand and Australia for met, grain and tinned goods, then returning to England through the Panama Canal.
We were soon to experience a rather primitive means of travel, the trains. Twelve of us were to be posted to Alor Star, now know as Setar.
About 4.00pm our transport took us to Singapore railway station where there were other RAF men waiting to be directed to which train to board. The train had two modern carriages, one a diner, the other was air conditioned first class. In contrast the carriage we were to travel in, was wooden with wooden seats, wooden shutters in place of windows, no air conditioning, but a small platform at the end of each coach. We found there was enough air rushing in through the shutters.
The locomotive was burning wood, the air was full of particles of ash which rained down continuously. We were on our way, our packed evening meal eaten, there was plenty of chat and suggestions as to what would follow.
The night was warm so made ourselves as comfortable as was possible and slept fitfully whilst waiting to see where our next move would take us.
We eventually stopped next day at Kuala Lumpur, we had taken 14 hours to travel 300 kms, this train was no Flying Scotsman.
It was breakfast time, so were directed to a restaurant on the station, also available were wash and brush up facilities. We were not rushed so enjoyed stretching our legs and taking our time.
Kuala Lumpur station was and still is an impressive building. We were looking forward to the day ahead as we pulled away.
Daylight made the journey more interesting with mostly jungle around. Looking down as we travelled on bridges over rivers large lizards and alligators could be seen, below one particular bridge the alligators were jammed together like logs. I did wonder if passengers threw unwanted food over at that place.
As the sun went down and darkness fell we began to wonder how much further. After about 2 hours of darkness we arrived at Alor Star.
As we picked up our kit bags and stepped out into the night air, we saw our transport waiting for us, a corporal had come to collect us. There were strange insects all around the station yard, most of the noise came from large frogs, fireflies inhabited the shrubs, this really was the tropics. The RAF station was about 12 kms away. Driven directly to the dining hall a nice meal was ready for us. It seemed a long time since sitting at a table to eat.
The corporal departed saying he would return in an hours time to escort us to our quarters. There were plenty of lights as we followed him to our hut which was European build native style, built on 4 foot piles, a veranda walkway to the entrance with large shuttered openings in place of windows, a type of rush thatched roof. Inside were our beds, lockers and mosquito nets on a frame above the beds, our new home. Showers, wash basins and toilet blocks were situated between the huts.
We were given breakfast times and then instructed to return to the hut where a sergeant would visit us to acquaint us with rules and what would be expected from now on. He eventually left and our first thought was that a nice shower would be refreshing after our long journey. The cold water was a bit of a shock, no hot water was needed, the night was hot and humid. After showing I felt pleasantly refreshed, falling asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. The room was quite long where all twelve of us slept.
In the morning we went for breakfast feeling a little out of place amongst the suntanned airmen, some asked where we had come from and conditions at home. Most of who we spoke to were regulars who had been away from home for two to three years and were due to go home for a spot of leave.
On arriving back at our hut, our sergeant arrived, formed us up, told us he was in charge and set some rules. Before 4.00pm in the camp and any time spent in town, tropical hats were to be worn. No walking through long grass between huts and around the camps, snakes were there and if trod on would bite. Work stopped at 4.00pm, Saturday and Sunday were free unless there was a parade or other assembly. He took our identity cards saying he would have camp passes made for us, we would collect them at the gate guard room when leaving camp and hand them in on our return.
A native man introduced himself and said he would be working for us, paid weekly by ourselves, and his duties were to keep our hut clean, polish our shoes and brass buttons, make our beds and would work until 4.00pm each day. His weekly wage was a ridiculous sum, roughly a tenth of each of the twelve occupants daily pay.
Private buses ran a regular service from the camp into Alor Star where there was a cinema that showed mainly native films. There was another cinema that was situated at an East Surrey Regiment Army camp two or three kilometres walk down the road at a place called Jitra, this showed Hollywood and British films.
The sergeant continued delivering his instructions, saying, you can have today off, report to me tomorrow morning at my office when I will have work for you.
I rested until tiffen time, Bill and I were still keeping each other company, so after our meal had a walk round the camp to familiarise ourselves with the layout and came across the Narfi where one could have a chat or a drink. We did go during the evening but as neither of us drank, didn’t stay long. We were soon back in the hut swapping tales with others in our group and all keen to get our passes to see what it was like in town.
Next morning we presented ourselves to the sergeant to be told our duties. We were not happy. Bill, myself and another chap were detailed to work in the dining hall, to ensure the local labour cleared and cleaned the tables after the airmen had eaten, working out the shifts ourselves each one of us would do. Back in the hut that night we were all feeling rather dejected, these were not the duties we had expected to be doing.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Introduction - Part 3.
Firstly the obligatory visit to the recruiting centre, then three months wait before reporting to an RAF station where for the next three days I spent learning the basic rules, given my service number and being sworn in.
Now with the news of the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk I knew that I would not be going to France for a while. On the 12th August 1940 a letter with a railway warrant to Blackpool requested me to report for service.
On arrival I was issued with my uniform and kit along with other recruits placed in seaside boarding houses, some still busy with holiday makers.
The following 14 days were spent with rifle and foot drill, lectures with illustrations on screen and inoculations, which I quite enjoyed.
The last Saturday we paraded with our kit, then taken to our RAF station. Our escorting NCO took us to Locking in Somerset where mechanics trained. Arriving in the dark after travelling all day we moved into a hut then told a meal was waiting for us in the dining hall, the food was good, after a wash we were ready for bed.
Next day we were left to do our own thing except to be told that outside we must be fully dressed and salute officers. Monday after breakfast a sergeant entered the hut and informed us that he would be in charge of us from now on.
We collected our kit, formed up outside in ranks and moved to a different hut, he then told us we were all of different trades but Britain was fighting for its life and if the fighters were unable to defeat the Luftwaffe we would be invaded. We were to be trained to defend the camp from paratroopers and possibly land forces.
I met a couple of like minded chaps so we trained with rifles, machine guns and hand grenades, when proficient did 24 hours at the perimeter, 24 hours on standby in a hut and 24 hours off plus guard duties. The threat of invasion lessened and we became bored with our duties, not what we expected when joining the RAF.
I did get a break from the monotony along with five others, when a Messerschmitt was shot down. It was being displayed on a tennis court at Weston-super-mare Winter Gardens and the five of us were sent to spend one week guarding it.
The chance of a move came in February 1941, 24 men were needed for overseas posting, one pal and I volunteered, the other decided to stay, said he would wait until he was needed for the job he had joined for which was to be a fighter pilot.
After a thorough medical check – about six inoculations – I was sent home on embarkation leave, arriving back at camp we were told postings had been cancelled.
Two weeks later I was back on leave again, 12 men only were required, my remaining pal was not one of them.
I said goodbye then travelled with my eleven companions to west Kirby near Liverpool, arriving at the camp we just had to lose ourselves, by then we were enjoying some sunny fine weather.
The day arrived when we were taken to the dock and boarded the ‘ATHLONE CASTLE’ a passenger liner. I was given a card that read ‘Balin 221B Deck’. A chap knew had the other bunk. We, Bill and I, made ourselves comfortable, with wardrobes, chest of drawers with mirrors above and outside were wash basins and bathrooms, all the mod cons, after all, it was a cruise ship and very relaxing.
It was a fine sunny afternoon as we left Liverpool and sailed north, the food was excellent. It had been an eventful day and the sea soon rocked us to sleep that night.
On deck the next morning we were in company with ships and warships as far as the eye could see. We were in the centre of the convoy, three lines of passenger liners, around us were merchant ships of all sizes and on the horizon, destroyers, cruisers and two large battleships, the weather was a little cooler. Within three days the sea looked black, there was fog with sleet falling, the day biting.
We had exchanged summer for winter, I assumed our position must be near to the North Pole, the battleships had left us along with some of the escorts. I thought possibly we had passed through the area where the U-boats were most active. The cold weather continued for about one week, then gradually it became warmer.
We were then given the order to wear out tropical clothes that had been issued. The escort was now five destroyers, several merchant ships had now left.
Three weeks after leaving Liverpool we slowly cruised into Freetown, Sierra Leone. Anchor was dropped and in no time dug-out canoes surrounded us, the natives diving for coins that were thrown and falling in the clear waters.
Some Sunderland flying boats were moored near the shore, it wasn’t long before a RAF launch came to the side of the ship, the chaps asking for news of home.
A water tanker came to refill our tanks, then we were ready and on our way. Some of the ships stopped at Cape Town, South Africa, we continued on our way until arriving at Durban where we tied up. The ship was to be refuelled and restocked, we had six days to spend ashore. One day when Bill my cabin companion and I were looking around we were asked to the home of a South African family where we were served a fine dinner, then asked for our names and addresses, a card was sent to each of our families for us after which we were given a tour of Durban and its beaches, a very enjoyable day. We heard this was a regular treat for troops passing through.
Then it was time to depart, so formed up in a convoy, much smaller than previously then headed North deciding our destination would be where there was fighting in North Africa.
We had passed Madagascar when a morse signal was sent from the commodores warship to us, we were to proceed alone at maximum speed to rendezvous with HMS Hector in the Indian Ocean.
A day at full speed when we met our escort, an armed merchant ship. The Athlone Castle had to slow down to match the speed of our escort. Another stop, this time Bombay (Mumbai) to fill water tanks again.
Next day we were alone once again heading for Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to meet up with HMS Mauritius. Later, as we watched, in the distance a hazy shape was heading towards us. As we neared it was possible to see that it was the high white waves of a ships bow, a fully armed cruiser travelling at maximum speed as it continued past us before slowing down and positioning itself alongside.
We travelled with it to Ceylon which was surrounded with mines, our ship moving slowly through the channels. The shore was quite close with a sandy beach and palm trees dotted about, my first glimpse of such a scene. Soon it was time to leave accompanied by another warship, sailing through seas as calm as a pond on a sunny day.
Our destination was Singapore. Naturally we all crowded the rails to take a quick look before disembarking. We could see RAF vehicles waiting for us to disembark. We were met by the waiting RAF personnel, asked our name and number, then each directed to their assembly point, as each carrier filled it was then on its way.
Like most people in those days I had never travelled out of England before, so everything and everywhere seemed so different. The ships displaying their goods, the buildings had pillars supporting the above floors making a covered walkway; very wide deep tropical drains. I was looking forward to seeing more in the coming days.
Now with the news of the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk I knew that I would not be going to France for a while. On the 12th August 1940 a letter with a railway warrant to Blackpool requested me to report for service.
On arrival I was issued with my uniform and kit along with other recruits placed in seaside boarding houses, some still busy with holiday makers.
The following 14 days were spent with rifle and foot drill, lectures with illustrations on screen and inoculations, which I quite enjoyed.
The last Saturday we paraded with our kit, then taken to our RAF station. Our escorting NCO took us to Locking in Somerset where mechanics trained. Arriving in the dark after travelling all day we moved into a hut then told a meal was waiting for us in the dining hall, the food was good, after a wash we were ready for bed.
Next day we were left to do our own thing except to be told that outside we must be fully dressed and salute officers. Monday after breakfast a sergeant entered the hut and informed us that he would be in charge of us from now on.
We collected our kit, formed up outside in ranks and moved to a different hut, he then told us we were all of different trades but Britain was fighting for its life and if the fighters were unable to defeat the Luftwaffe we would be invaded. We were to be trained to defend the camp from paratroopers and possibly land forces.
I met a couple of like minded chaps so we trained with rifles, machine guns and hand grenades, when proficient did 24 hours at the perimeter, 24 hours on standby in a hut and 24 hours off plus guard duties. The threat of invasion lessened and we became bored with our duties, not what we expected when joining the RAF.
I did get a break from the monotony along with five others, when a Messerschmitt was shot down. It was being displayed on a tennis court at Weston-super-mare Winter Gardens and the five of us were sent to spend one week guarding it.
The chance of a move came in February 1941, 24 men were needed for overseas posting, one pal and I volunteered, the other decided to stay, said he would wait until he was needed for the job he had joined for which was to be a fighter pilot.
After a thorough medical check – about six inoculations – I was sent home on embarkation leave, arriving back at camp we were told postings had been cancelled.
Two weeks later I was back on leave again, 12 men only were required, my remaining pal was not one of them.
I said goodbye then travelled with my eleven companions to west Kirby near Liverpool, arriving at the camp we just had to lose ourselves, by then we were enjoying some sunny fine weather.
The day arrived when we were taken to the dock and boarded the ‘ATHLONE CASTLE’ a passenger liner. I was given a card that read ‘Balin 221B Deck’. A chap knew had the other bunk. We, Bill and I, made ourselves comfortable, with wardrobes, chest of drawers with mirrors above and outside were wash basins and bathrooms, all the mod cons, after all, it was a cruise ship and very relaxing.
It was a fine sunny afternoon as we left Liverpool and sailed north, the food was excellent. It had been an eventful day and the sea soon rocked us to sleep that night.
On deck the next morning we were in company with ships and warships as far as the eye could see. We were in the centre of the convoy, three lines of passenger liners, around us were merchant ships of all sizes and on the horizon, destroyers, cruisers and two large battleships, the weather was a little cooler. Within three days the sea looked black, there was fog with sleet falling, the day biting.
We had exchanged summer for winter, I assumed our position must be near to the North Pole, the battleships had left us along with some of the escorts. I thought possibly we had passed through the area where the U-boats were most active. The cold weather continued for about one week, then gradually it became warmer.
We were then given the order to wear out tropical clothes that had been issued. The escort was now five destroyers, several merchant ships had now left.
Three weeks after leaving Liverpool we slowly cruised into Freetown, Sierra Leone. Anchor was dropped and in no time dug-out canoes surrounded us, the natives diving for coins that were thrown and falling in the clear waters.
Some Sunderland flying boats were moored near the shore, it wasn’t long before a RAF launch came to the side of the ship, the chaps asking for news of home.
A water tanker came to refill our tanks, then we were ready and on our way. Some of the ships stopped at Cape Town, South Africa, we continued on our way until arriving at Durban where we tied up. The ship was to be refuelled and restocked, we had six days to spend ashore. One day when Bill my cabin companion and I were looking around we were asked to the home of a South African family where we were served a fine dinner, then asked for our names and addresses, a card was sent to each of our families for us after which we were given a tour of Durban and its beaches, a very enjoyable day. We heard this was a regular treat for troops passing through.
Then it was time to depart, so formed up in a convoy, much smaller than previously then headed North deciding our destination would be where there was fighting in North Africa.
We had passed Madagascar when a morse signal was sent from the commodores warship to us, we were to proceed alone at maximum speed to rendezvous with HMS Hector in the Indian Ocean.
A day at full speed when we met our escort, an armed merchant ship. The Athlone Castle had to slow down to match the speed of our escort. Another stop, this time Bombay (Mumbai) to fill water tanks again.
Next day we were alone once again heading for Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to meet up with HMS Mauritius. Later, as we watched, in the distance a hazy shape was heading towards us. As we neared it was possible to see that it was the high white waves of a ships bow, a fully armed cruiser travelling at maximum speed as it continued past us before slowing down and positioning itself alongside.
We travelled with it to Ceylon which was surrounded with mines, our ship moving slowly through the channels. The shore was quite close with a sandy beach and palm trees dotted about, my first glimpse of such a scene. Soon it was time to leave accompanied by another warship, sailing through seas as calm as a pond on a sunny day.
Our destination was Singapore. Naturally we all crowded the rails to take a quick look before disembarking. We could see RAF vehicles waiting for us to disembark. We were met by the waiting RAF personnel, asked our name and number, then each directed to their assembly point, as each carrier filled it was then on its way.
Like most people in those days I had never travelled out of England before, so everything and everywhere seemed so different. The ships displaying their goods, the buildings had pillars supporting the above floors making a covered walkway; very wide deep tropical drains. I was looking forward to seeing more in the coming days.
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