HOEDEN, Joseph
Japanese Occupation of Singapore,
Accession Number 002521
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 4
Total Reels
- Patricia Lee
Interviewer
- 01:43:59
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 4
Metadata
- 12 Feb 2001
Recording Date
- 00:28:06
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Born in 1920, Singapore. Continued to work as Technician at the Victoria Theatre during the war. Joined the local defence corp. Events leading to the surrender of the British. Interrogated by the Japanese at a cell in Smith Street for keeping a radio set. Was accused of being a spy and sent to the kempeitai headquarters. Description of the cells. Living conditions in the cells. Torture was carried out on the upper floor. Description of the different types of torture he had to endure. Given the water treatment about ten times.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 4
Metadata
- 12 Feb 2001
Recording Date
- 00:29:48
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*How the Japanese tortured him physically. He was kept in YMCA for 45 days. Post-war trauma that he faced. Some had to suffer the finger nails torture and the pencil torture. The rubber hose and electricity treatment. The extent of comradeship among the prisoners-of-war. How his friend's palm was being nailed to a piece wood while being whipped. His release and his return to Victoria Theatre. The struggle he faced in forgiving the Japanese. How his wife decided to abort their baby when he was interned at the kempeitai headquarters.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 4
Metadata
- 12 Feb 2001
Recording Date
- 00:30:45
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Types of concerts held at the Victoria Theatre during the occupation years. Why local people were apprehensive to go to the cinemas. How he took revenge on the Japanese soldiers after their surrender. Japanese soldiers were sent to Tengah Air Base to build stage for a concert. Description of the war crimes court proceedings at Fort Canning. He went to Changi Jail to identify the Japanese soldier and interpreter who tortured him at the kempeitai headquarters. The most traumatic moment was witnessing the death of a naked woman tied to a tree in Chinatown. Other atrocities of the Japanese.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 4
Metadata
- 12 Feb 2001
Recording Date
- 00:15:20
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Most memorable moment was the Japanese surrender at the City Hall. Constant fear of being caught again by the kempeitai during the occupation years. Overcame extreme hardship by retreating to Malacca.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
