FERRIER, Richard Anthony Plowden Gurnay
Imperial War Museum Collection,
Accession Number E000064
- Imperial War Museum
Source
- 5
Total Reels
- IWM
Interviewer
- 02:03:18
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
- 17 Nov 1981
Recording Date
- 00:30:00
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Synopsis is taken from the source:
Aspects of period as officer with 1st and 5th Bns Norfolk Regiment in GB, 1939-1941: reasons for joining British Army, 1938; service in GB, 1939-1941. Aspects of voyage with 18th Division from GB to Singapore, Malaya, 10/1941-1/1942: US protection of convoy; hearing of sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse; reaction of diversion of convoy from Middle East to Singapore. Recollections of operations as officer with 5th Bn Norfolk Regiment in Malaya, 1942: arrival in Singapore, 1/1941; lectures on Japanese and their tactics in Singapore; unit’s position at Mersing; skirmish with Japanese troops; sight of exhausted withdrawing Indian troops; return to Singapore; calm civilian atmosphere; preparing coastal defensive positions.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 5
Metadata
- 17 Nov 1981
Recording Date
- 00:29:57
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Synopsis is taken from the source:
Continues: duties to fire warning signal on Japanese invasion; use of 15 inch naval guns against Japanese mainland; withdrawal; holding off Japanese attacks; Japanese ‘jittering’ tactics; reaction to surrender, 15/2/1942; appearance and behaviour of Japanese troops. Recollections of period as POW in Changi POW Camp, 2/1942-4/1943: march to camp; appearance and layout of camp; state of morale; impossibility of escape; other rank work parties in Singapore under officer supervision; nature of POW illnesses; POW pay; maintenance of rank and discipline; beatings.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 3 of 5
Metadata
- 17 Nov 1981
Recording Date
- 00:29:58
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Synopsis is taken from the source:
Continues: beatings; Selarang Square Incident; objections to Sikh guards of Indian National Army; removal from Singapore, 4/1943. Recollections of period as POW in Muroran POW Camp in Japan, 9/1943-4/1944: conditions on board ship during voyage from Singapore to Hokkaido, Japan, 1943; other tanks airfield levelling work; hours and size of workforce; impossibility of escape; suffering effects of cold in winter camp; use of secret radios; bribing of guards. Aspects of period as POW in Hakodate POW Camp, Japan, 4/1944-9/1944: move to camp; new commandant as result of Allied complaints.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 4 of 5
Metadata
- 17 Nov 1981
Recording Date
- 00:30:09
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Synopsis is taken from the source:
Continues: commandant’s attempt to divide and rule amongst POWs; improvement in conditions; commandant’s farewell meal for POWs. Aspects of period as POW in Zentsugi POW Camp in Japan, 9/1944-3/1945: international character of camp; use of spare time; issue of Red Cross parcels; tooth extraction without anaesthetic. Aspects of period as POW in Mutsushima POW Camp in Japan, 3/1945-9/1945: accommodation; work parties; gleaning war news from Japanese newspapers; hearing news of end of war; liberation of camp; journey back to GB; role of Kempeitai in POW camps; story of his interrogation by Kempeitai in Changi POW Camp, Singapore, Malaya; degree of contact with home as POW.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 5 of 5
Metadata
- 17 Nov 1981
Recording Date
- 00:03:14
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Citation/reproduction requires written permission from the source
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Synopsis is taken from the source:
Continues: Lack of long term physical effects of imprisonment and value of experience. Attitude towards Japanese.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
