SCOTT, Gordon
Japanese Occupation of Singapore,
Accession Number 000367
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 7
Total Reels
- Low Lay Leng
Interviewer
- 03:04:32
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 7
Metadata
- 17 Nov 1983
Recording Date
- 00:27:40
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Schools he attended. Worked as accountant in Paramount Films. Joined Local Defence Corps. Duty as despatch rider. Given part-time training. First air raid. Atmosphere in town; life as usual. Confidence in British defence. Expected food shortages only. Evacuation; managed to obtain pass for family to leave. Scene at Clifford Pier. Returned to Headquarters. Description of his uniform. How he knew of British surrender.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 7
Metadata
- 17 Nov 1983
Recording Date
- 00:27:51
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
After British surrender, remained behind to help to maintain peace and stop looting. Unable to return home; stayed in friend's house for two weeks. His first impression of Japanese soldiers. How he learnt of registration. Procedure of registration at hotel in Queen Street. Interviewed by Shinozaki. His impression of Shinozaki. Sent to Joo Chiat Police Station. Stayed the night; next morning marched to Changi. Description of march to Changi.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 7
Metadata
- 18 Nov 1983
Recording Date
- 00:27:39
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Attitude of Japanese guards accompanying march. Re-united with his father. Overcrowded condition in Changi Prison. Local people sympathetic; threw sweets and cigarettes to them during march. Route they work. On arrival first job to clean camp. Administration set up; jobs assigned to each section. Type of work and recreation activities organised; classes for children as well. Morale six months later. Clandestine radio transmission. Reason for Japanese raiding camp.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 7
Metadata
- 18 Nov 1983
Recording Date
- 00:27:48
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
How he spent his time. Type of classes organised. How classes were conducted. Living conditions in Sime Road Camp compared with Changi. How he managed to see his mother illegally when sent out with work party to collect rations. How Changi Prison was divided to sections and jobs assigned to each section. How Japanese treated prisoners; guards kinder towards the end.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 7
Metadata
- 18 Nov 1983
Recording Date
- 00:27:47
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Description of Changi Prison. Freedom of movement in camp except to women's block. Preferred to sleep in the open. Medical facilities available. Type of food given for each meal. In first six months coconuts and sweet potato could be bought. Few Red Cross parcels received. How Japanese guards searched camp:- all assembled in exercise yard, later inspected each cell. Religious activities. Relationship among internees.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 7
Metadata
- 18 Nov 1983
Recording Date
- 00:27:50
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Suggestions for work parties to go outside:- gather firewood, build pig farm, etc. Later prisoners allowed to go swimming. No communication with people outside except women prisoners. Allowed to meet relatives only once in prisoner of war camp. Reason for moving to Sime Road Camp. Camp organisation and conditions. Worked in garden, later in kitchen. Conditions worsened; more fell sick, low morale, few organised activities.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 7
Metadata
- 18 Nov 1983
Recording Date
- 00:17:57
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from interviewee
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Only church services continued. How they knew war had ended. Reaction to news. Japanese guards' reaction. Left camp to join his wife in London a month later. His view on why conditions in Sime Road Camp was much worse. Reason for Japanese to intern his mother and other foreigners. Conditions in boat to London. Impact of Japanese Occupation on his life.
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