Description
Object description
British soldier served with 80th Anti-Tank Regt in Malaya 11/1941-2/1942. POW of Japanese and Thailand 1942-1945; Burma-Thailand railway
Content description
REEL 1 Brief resume of wartime service in GB and Malaya 1939-1942: with 215th Bty, 54th Anti-Tank Regt in GB 12/1939-1941; posting with 80th Anti-Tank Regt to Malaya 11/1941-2/1942 and Malayan campaign. Aspects of FEPOW experiences in Singapore and Thailand 2/1942 -8/1945: degree of contact with enemy troops; rations available in Changi; Japanese dispersal of Allied POWs; expectations of working party to Thailand; conditions on train journey up-country; amount of equipment and personal effects carried by POWs; conditions at Banpong 6/1942; daily work making camp at Nong Pladuk; wooden structure of Nong Pladuk camp Jul-9/1942; Japanese language classes; lorry journey under Major Roberts to Tamarkan 10/1942; clearing site and Thais constructing bamboo and atap huts; arrival of Toosey's troops 26/10/1942. REEL 2 Continues: Toosey assuming camp leadership; weekly work pattern; railway work and construction of bridges; physical appearance of Toosey and Boyle; war rumours; Young's dysentery; incident of kindness by Japanese guard when ill; keeping mentally alert; Toosey's discipline methods 1/1/1943; Toosey's action over an escape attempt which included Lieutenant Howard of 80th Anti-Tank Regt; POW pay; getting known by Toosey whilst in sick ward; incident of POW officers shooting POW with cholera and Japanese reaction; move to Nong Pladuk 10/1943 and effect on camp morale when Toosey took command in 12/1943; importance of Toosey's discipline and hygiene standards. REEL 3 Continues: Allied air raid and move to Nakom Pathon 6/1944 Toosey helping Young conceal diary at Nong Pladuk 1945; air raid on Nakom Pathon 4/1945; road building work 1945; Young's eye injury and treatment at Nakom Pathon ca 6/1945; returned dysentery summer 1945; hearing news of war end; finding Red Cross stores Japanese had kept and improving POW diet; air drops and types of supplies; evacuation from camp; Toosey inspiring confidence and his clothes; Young's relations with Japanese; Toosey starting games and entertainment at Nong Pladuk; reference to diary entries including beatings and escape attempts and treatment of Thais.