| Accession Number | P08259.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white - Digital print |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | c 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Studio portrait of NX40307 Private (Pte) Douglas Hume Brotchie, 2/18 Battalion of Gunnedah, NSW; ...
Description
Studio portrait of NX40307 Private (Pte) Douglas Hume Brotchie, 2/18 Battalion of Gunnedah, NSW; formerly of Glasgow, Scotland. Pte Brotchie enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 19 June 1940. The 2/18th Battalion arrived in Singapore in February 1941 and from there moved to northern and central Malaya to undergo further training. During May and September it moved to the east coast to prepare defensive positions against the increasing likelihood of a Japanese invasion. In January 1942 the battalion was ordered to withdraw further south and were engaged in their first major action, at Nithsdale Estate, Johore, Malaya, a few weeks later. 2/18 Battalion withdrew to Singapore and suffered heavy casualties when the Japanese attacked on 8 February 1942. Pte Brotchie was listed as missing, presumed killed in action during the defence of Singapore on 9 February 1942. He was 39 years of age.