Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Following the landings on 8 December 1941, the 2/20 battalion was involved in fighting against the Japanese as part of the Malayan campaign. Situated on the north-west coast of Singapore island, the 22nd Brigade was allocated a frontage of 8 miles (13 km). When the Japanese assaulted the island on 8 February 1942, the main assault fell on the 22nd Brigade's area, with the 2/20th bearing the brunt of the initial attack. The 2/20th Battalion's lines, held by about 750 men, were eventually infiltrated by the assaulting Japanese. After initially inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese the battalion, threatened with encirclement, was forced to withdraw which it did in good order. Separated, the individual elements of the battalion continued to conduct a fighting withdrawal but were subsequently captured on the outskirts of Singapore city on the night of 15 February 1942, along with the bulk of the British Commonwealth forces. Commencing with 37 officers and 837 OR they finished with only 489 men on 16 Feb 1942. They marched into Changi Barracks as POW on 17 February 1942. The casualties at 27 March 1942 were 15 officers and 315 OR. Jack was a POW initially at Changi Singapore until transportation to Tokyo, Japan and arriving on 29 November 1942. After Japan surrendered Jack was transported to Manila, Philippines on 5 October 1945, and then returned to Sydney by plane on 5 Oct 45. He suffered torture and abuse during his captivity including malnutrition and beatings. His musical instrument and singing skills were put to use for the benefit of his fellow prisoners and the Japanese.