COULTAS, Rowley
Special Project,
Accession Number 002366
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 3
Total Reels
- Jesley Chua Chee Huan
Interviewer
- 01:25:21
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 3
Metadata
- 10 Oct 2001
Recording Date
- 00:30:01
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Born in 1944, England. Father worked in mines. Has eight siblings. Joined Royal Air Force Police at age 17. Served five years in Royal Air Force of which two-and-half years in Singapore at Seletar Air Base. Subsequently joined Newcastle City Police where he served for 30 years. About his children. First impressions of Singapore. Got along well with colleagues. Provided with living quarters. Description of Jalan Kayu in early days. Extra duties during Indonesian confrontation. Living conditions in barracks. Recreational and social activities. Conducted vice-control patrols. Disciplinary action undertaken. Description of prisoners' cells.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 3
Metadata
- 10 Oct 2001
Recording Date
- 00:30:41
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Recalled British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) filming lion dance at Seletar. At Bradford, met Sikh auxiliary policeman whom he knew in Singapore. Mentioned major buildings and landscape within camp. Problem of wild dogs which Royal Air Force (RAF) Police had to shoot down. Description of Christmas parties held. Remembered number of locals married British servicemen. Details on tough training that stood him in good stead. Was "grounded" in discipline since age 14 at RAF Cadet Corps. Electric atmosphere during riots; challenges encountered. British servicemen's families brought within camp premises during riots. Noticed many local employees coming in to camp to work when he was in charge of checking passes at gantry.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 3
Metadata
- 10 Oct 2001
Recording Date
- 00:24:39
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Served as Corporal with Royal Air Force (RAF) Police from 1964 to 1966. Details of various units within RAF Police including Police Dog Unit. Good inter-unit relationships cultivated through sports and recreation. Option of leaving armed forces possible only if one "buys themselves out" with large amount of money; many could not afford it. Charged with insubordination if one were to call superiors with higher ranks by name. He found work repetitive but enjoyable. Opportunities available for those wanting to study further. Communicated with family through letters; flew home twice. Compared Singapore then and now. Ex-RAF servicemen still keep in contact. "Sentiment" reason for his visit to Singapore after 30 years.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
