NX34885 Frank Gaven as a Lieutenant, 2/20 Battalion and prisoner of the Japanese, 1941-45, interviewed by Don Wall

Tape 1 Side A: Disorganisation pulling out of Kranji during advance of Japanese on Singapore; position of 'A' Coy; leaving bogged truck; shock at seeing someone killed for first time; conflicting reports over Asherton's death; description of movements and fighting at Singapore; casualties; make up of company; arrival of Ron Merrett and formation of 'A' Company; reassignment 2nd officers; lack of fortifications at Singapore Island; no sign of relief; casualties; desperation; lot of work done on defences at Mersing - depressing to see Singapore unprepared.and inappropriate orders on trivial matters; stealing from men's packs. Side B: problems with training, lack of equipment; conflict with CO; morale and training in brigade and competence of officers; questions veracity of stories; confronts General Gordon Bennett about disorganisation and impact on men; four men missing; return of escaped men; later interpretation of charges of Japanese to save face; nearly drowned in friendly brawl; praise for men in company. Mentioned: Sergeant Stan Smith; Bill Gaden (N348812); Ron Merrett (NX35002); Charles Wagner (NX29683). Tape 2 Side A: retreat to Singapore - lists men of 19th & 20th Battalions; soot from buring oil wells; regroup at Racecourse village; story of Heath and motorbike; ambush of Japanese patrol on bicycles.
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