Papers of C. Carpenter, a driver in the Motor Transport Section of the 5th Royal Norfolk Regiment
1941-1942
In the forward of his account, he notes that there had been in training for desert warfare. Pp. 10-49 cover his arrival in Singapore on 13 January 1942 , the fighting in Malaya and retreat back down to Singapore. Praises the fighting qualities of the Australians and the Ghurkas but complains of the lack of air cover and the incessant rain. He was brought to Singapore as a stretcher case and spent time in Gilmore Hospital. Vivid description of the last days in Singapore, including blowing up the Causeway, noise of the firing of the 15 inch guns, scenes of desolation in the streets and using the monsoon drains as air raid shelters. Felt completely abandoned and 'sacrificed' by the British establishment. Describes buring food, using whisky to fan the flames, rather than leaving it for the Janpanese. Notes that the POWs built a shrine at Bukit Timah for the Japanese dead. Early days of capture - realised that the working parties had access to better food, so he volunteered and went to River Valley Camp. Most of the mess in the town seems to have been cleared up. later billted in some Chinese houses by the waterfront. He was working to extend the jetty. Comments on the kindness of the Chinese. Went north on the Railway.
87/34/1
NAB 1192
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