Sprod, George Napier (Gunner, POW Changi)

Place Asia: Singapore, Changi
Accession Number 3DRL/3110
Collection type Private Record
Record type Collection
Measurement 1 wallet: 2 cm
Object type Book
Maker Sprod, George Napier
Place made Singapore: Changi
Date made 1942-1945
Access Open
Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. AWM315 419/098/010
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copying Provisions Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction.
Description

Collection related to NX34279 Gunner George Napier Sprod, who served with 2/15 Field Regiment and was a POW in Changi. Collections consists of two books (and an explanatory note) made by Sprod between the early part of 1942, up to 1945 when the Japanese surrendered.

The larger of the two, the one bound in a piece of gas-cape, was commenced at Bukit Timah in Singapore Island in 1942 and contains verses, mostly written by Sprod, and posters from plays and variety shows which were staged in Syme Road camp in 1944.

The smaller book is bound in the cover from one of Kipling's books. It contains sketches of Changi Gaol and the hut encampment surrounding it. There is a drawing of the Synagogue, of the Chinese villa near where they used to swim at times, of prisoners digging defensive tunnels for the Japanese (by candle-light), and of Freddie Brightfield the concert party drummer. This book was bound in the camp book-binding shop and shows the technique used.