PETROVSKY, Constantine Constantinovich ( Dr )
Japanese Occupation of Singapore,
Accession Number 000229
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 5
Total Reels
- Chua Ser Koon
Interviewer
- 02:07:59
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 5
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1982
Recording Date
- 00:27:49
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Personal background. His education. Joined British Army in Hong Kong when war started. On way to Europe, stopped in Singapore. Ordered to stay back; joined Field Ambulance Unit. Given training. First bombing raid. When Japanese landed, Unit given duties to look after casualties in Alexandra Hospital, later sent to Cricket Club, then to Chinese High School. Massacre in Alexandra Hospital by Japanese Imperial Guards.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 5
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1982
Recording Date
- 00:27:52
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Scene on day of British surrender. His reaction. Loyalty of Chinese soldiers. Unit ordered to take wounded to Roberts Barracks in Changi. Living conditions in Barracks. His duties in camp. How the Barracks was converted to a Hospital. Conditions got worse six months later; less medicines. Activities in camp for relaxation. His recollection of performances and amateur theatres. Sent to Burma-Siam Railway. Conditions in train.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 5
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1982
Recording Date
- 00:27:47
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Health conditions of soldiers. Given better food supply. Work involved in laying railway tracks. Description of field hospital. Causes of diseases suffered by soldiers. His daily routine. His relationship with Japanese. Punishment for concealing radio. Living conditions in camp. Black market. Death sentence for people trying to escape. Place where radio was concealed. Conditions improved in 1944. Japanese attitude towards Indians. Sent to Japan by ship. Conditions in ship.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 5
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1982
Recording Date
- 00:27:50
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Perilous journey. Reasons for changing ship. Arrived in Japan. Conditions in prisoners of war (POWs) camp. POWs worked in coal mine. His daily routine. Life in camp. Atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima. What he saw in sky. Reaction of Japanese officers. His relationship with Japanese officers. Reason for asking prisoners to dig deep trench. Noticed unusual happening on day of Japanese surrender.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 5
Metadata
- 25 Oct 1982
Recording Date
- 00:16:41
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Reaction of Japanese to news of surrender. Prisoners not given work and food; no reasons given for three days. Then given Red Cross parcels and told of surrender. B-29s dropping food supplies into camp. Prisoners of war (POWs) also given salaries. Their repatriation to England. His reasons for joining army again. Posted to India, then Japan. How he contacted his family in Manchuria. Sent them to Australia.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
