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Scattered under the rising sun : the Gordon Highlanders in the Far East, 1941-1945 /

By: Mitchell, Stewart (Volunteer Researcher at the Gordons Museum)
Material type: BookPublisher: Barnsley : Pen & Sword Military, c2012.Description: xii, 212 p. ; ill. + 16 plates + map : 24 cm.ISBN: 9781781590256 (hbk.) :; 1781590257 (hbk.) :Subject(s): World War, 1939-1945 -- Prisoners and prisons, Japanese | Singapore -- History -- Japanese occupation, 1942-1945 | Great Britain. Army. Gordon Highlanders. Battalion, 2nd -- History | World War, 1939-1945 -- Regimental histories -- ScotlandDDC classification: 940.547252
Summary:
2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders was posted to Singapore in 1937 with their families. When the Japanese invaded Malaya in December 1941, the Battalion fought bravely until the surrender of Singapore on 14 February 1942. Those who were not killed became POWs. Of the 1000 men involved initially, over 400 had died by their liberation in summer 1945. Despite the diverse background of the members of the Battalion, all were bound by close regimental spirit. As POWs, all suffered hard labour, starvation, brutality and tropical diseases. Rank was no protection from death. After initial incarceration in Singapore the Gordons were dispersed to work on the famous Thai-Burma railway, in the mines of Taiwan and Japan and on other slave labour projects. Conditions defy modern comprehension. Others died trapped in hell-ships torpedoed by allied submarines. The author has researched the plight of these extraordinary men, so many of whom never saw their native Scotland again. Despite the grim conditions, he captures the strong collective regimental spirit and the humour and cooperation that saved so many who would have otherwise have perished -- as many did. This is an inspiring tale of courage and survival against appalling odds.
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Item type Home library Call number Status Date due Barcode Item holds
REGULAR University of Wollongong in Dubai
Main Collection 		940.547252 MI SC (Browse shelf) Available T0025015
Total holds: 0

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Formerly CIP. Uk

2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders was posted to Singapore in 1937 with their families. When the Japanese invaded Malaya in December 1941, the Battalion fought bravely until the surrender of Singapore on 14 February 1942. Those who were not killed became POWs. Of the 1000 men involved initially, over 400 had died by their liberation in summer 1945. Despite the diverse background of the members of the Battalion, all were bound by close regimental spirit. As POWs, all suffered hard labour, starvation, brutality and tropical diseases. Rank was no protection from death. After initial incarceration in Singapore the Gordons were dispersed to work on the famous Thai-Burma railway, in the mines of Taiwan and Japan and on other slave labour projects. Conditions defy modern comprehension. Others died trapped in hell-ships torpedoed by allied submarines. The author has researched the plight of these extraordinary men, so many of whom never saw their native Scotland again. Despite the grim conditions, he captures the strong collective regimental spirit and the humour and cooperation that saved so many who would have otherwise have perished -- as many did. This is an inspiring tale of courage and survival against appalling odds.

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