The Malayan Volunteers Group
Membership is not a requirement for posting relevant messages on this website however those who join MVG will also have their messages more widely circulated with our regular newsletter with a readership which includes families and veterans who don't use the internet.
If you wish to enquire on the website about a relative or particular Volunteer please click here.
Steve le Fleming kindly sent in these two excellent photos. His father appears on both photos Any other identities welcome.
Click here for further photos of Malacca children's parties
Singapore Children's Party 1938
Eithne Dunne and Ruth-Jean Aaron identified. Any others?
Scottish Company ISSVF - any identities?
The photos on the website have created considerable interest. The photo on the homepage, courtesy of John Mackie, shows himself (centre) with fellow FMSVF Volunteers Philip Paxton-Harding and Jack Brown.
We are indebted to the following MVG members for the photos on the History page:
Roger Barrett, Penny Dembrey, Mary Harris, Stephanie Hess, Merilyn Hywel-Jones, John Mackie, Ian Stitt and Susan Whitley.
The photo below (courtesy of Mason Nelson) shows officers of the Singapore Volunteer Corps 1930s 2nd row, 3rd from the left is his father, Captain David Nelson. Again, any identifications welcome.
Click on image to enlarge
I have a photo of my father in a group of men in uniform--on the back it says " SVC GOC inspections 3/4 Oct. 1931." I also have his pin for the "Singapore Volunteer Corps".
If anyone can add anything to this information i would appreciate it.
thanks,
Jean Bodlak
jeanhb[at]shaw.ca
I am the creator of the Pengerang Battery website http://www.razcollection.com/pengerang/index.html and I am looking for more period photos of buildings, or street scenes from Malaya.
I am currently tracking down abandoned or empty pre war and post war buildings to photograph and research and looking for leads on other possible locations to follow up on, if they still exist that is.
This is my website for the project: http://www.razcollection.com/urbex/start.htm
I'm also planning a "before and after" gallery from period location photos which could turn out to be interesting.
So if you've anything to share please drop me a line.
best wishes
Raz
My Grandfather, Sub Lt Charles Fittock, Malayan Royal Navy Vol Reserve, after escaping from Singapore on HMS Grasshopper was last seen in Padang, Sumatra mid to late February 1942. He gave his Rolex watch to a person unknown in Padang and said "Please give this to my wife, Kuching, and tell her I will see her in Colombo".
If there is any person who might have heard of or even met my grandfather in Padang in late Feb 1942 can they please contact me.
Any information would be gratefully recieved.
Background information : Charles Fittock was a manager for Carreras in Singapore, he was also a member of The Tanglin Club in Singapore. He was able to evacuate his wife, Kuching and daughter Susan on a troop ship to Colombo shortly before the invasion of Singapore by virtue of the fact that he was a Sub Lieutenant in the Malayan Royal Naval Vol. Reserve.
Charles Hallinan
MVG membert Bill Vowler is looking for childhood friend Peter Stephens whose father O.L. Stephens was PWD Malacca and elsewhere pre-and postwar. Peter was born c.1929 and returned to Malaya with Bill in 1940 on SS Sarpedon from Glasgow. We think this may be Peter Rowland Owen Stephens who was later in Malaya & Singapore through the 1950s. He had a younger sister, Shirley Ann.
Any information gratefully received by Bill at ww.cavowler[at]verizon.net
My great Uncle, Dick Bower was a UK national, (civilian) working on rubber plantations in Malaya prior to WW11. He became a POW of the Japanese, surviving the war and staying on to manage rubber plantations after the war. Can anyone help with information or ideas about where to go for information. Many thanks.
Bryce Dyer
This photo appeared in a 1938 edition of 'St Andrew's Outlook' the Presbyterian Church of Malaya magazine. It shows the baptism party of Malacca planter Aden McLeod's daughter Alison. We believe the Minister is Rev.Stephen Band who must have come up from Singapore for the baptism. Alison and her sister Rhona are particularly keen to establish the identity of others on the photo. Can anyone shed any light on this?
Morag Broomfield in Aberdeen very kindly supplied copies of 'St Andrew's Outlook.' Does anyone else have copies of this substantial and significant publication? More photos from Morag - daughter of CSM W. Carruthers FMSVF will soon appear on the Website.
Jonathan Moffatt
Peter Chan in Singapore is doing a project on British Miltary Railways in Singapore. He would like contact with anyone who has knowledge on the subject or has old maps or photos of British military bases, camps or military railways in Singapore. He is particularly interested in a place called Tanjong Belayar where there was a pier for docking.
Please send any reponses to tb.brown[at]blueyonder.co.uk
Does anyone know what became of Vera Ardmore, the 'People & Places' social & personal columnist of the Singapore Morning Tribune? I understand she married an RAF officer called Stumm and was evacuated to Java in January 1942.
Any leads welcome.
Jonathan Moffatt
Many thanks to all who wrote to me, John Hay, about birth certificates in Penang. I have tried to reply to you all. Due to this help, the birth certificate problem seems to be on its way to a solution. This has produced a bigger problem. Am informed by consular authorities that I lost my status of British-by-birth in a 1983 act, thus my children born later than that have no rights to citizenship. This seems to mean that all those MCS families on duty, whose children were born in Penang (and Malaya? and Hong Kong) could not pass on their citizenship rights after 1983. Those whose children were born on leave, if back in the U.K., were not so deprived. Does anyone have experience of, or comments on, this remarkable disparagement of service in the MCS?
John Hay
If anyone suspects they may also have lost "by-birth" status in 1983, they can find out by checking on their status at NGEnquiries@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk They will receive a quick, if not sympathetic, answer.
I am a military/social historian (Ph.D., St. Andrews) and I am currently gathering material for an academic study of the day-to-day lives of POWs and Internees of the Japanese. Would it be possible to make an appeal for material - personal accounts/letters/diaries/artworks - through your organisation? I would be happy to respect the confidence of anyone who might wish to remain anonymous. I fear that the academic community has made very little contribution to this topic. I feel time is of the essence, and all sorts of information can make an important difference in a study of this nature, so I would be grateful for any assistance.
Yours Faithfully,
(Dr.) Chris Brown.
Kennoway, Fife, Scotland
the_lighthouse[at]btinternet.com
My father went out to India as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1917 then served in the the Colonial Auxiliary Forces.Penang & Province Wellesley Volunteer Corps May 1926/1930. In the Second World War he was in India and Ceylon where I think he was a Major. He died in 1948 so I really didn't get to know him. Is there anyone out there who served with him and can give me any information about him? I also believe he had something to do with te plantations and rubber while in Penang. It would be lovely to know more about him.
Mrs Anne Campbell
My Mother was a member of The Princes Royals Volunteer's known as First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (F.A.N.Y.)
On the surrender of The Japanese in the Far East she was sent with others of her unit to assist in the medical needs and repatriation of P.O.W's. They were some of the very first into Changi in Singapore. The Unit Headquarters in London has many records of the European Operation, but the record files of those on the Far East operation are empty, except for Name, date of joining and date of leaving !!!
Does anyone have any information on the F.A.N.Y unit in the Far East especially in the Singapore or at any of the Railway Camps?
Should you wish to view the web site you can find it by going to http://www.fany.org.uk/
Capt. John Bax. M.N. Ret.
My father was Constantine Roderick Martin. He was of Eurasian background and resided in Kuala Lumpur with his family before, during, and after the Japanese occupation. He worked at the Selangor Turf Club with a Mr. Ken Archer who was the administrative Secretary of the Club and a member of the FMSVF.
While Mr. Archer and other British POWs were confined at Pudu Jail, my father becsame their "Sunday Man" bringing them BBC news clandestinely, and other sustenance including a hidden radio that the prisoners were later able to take to Burma with them. He met up with some of them after the war ended.
Also he was recognized with commendations by the British government for his actions.
My father passed away in 1955.
I would like to know if anyone is still alive or if there are families of those prisoners who remember him. Just to contact and share memories.
I live in Tallahassee, Florida now.
Thank you.
Penny Young
I believe my father served in the FMSVF & Dalforce and would like to find out more about his service. He passed away 20 years ago and of course we rarely had time nor the inclination to talk about his service in Malaya. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him or heard of him.
Brian Kitchener
brian.kitchener[at]tiscali.co.uk
As far as I know, my father, James Longwill, was in the Signal Battalion of the FMSVF and was serving in Malaya & Singapore from 1939 to 1942. Any information on his time in Malaya / FMSVF service welcome.
James longwill
james.longwill[at]btinternet.com
Any information on these girls or there present whereabouts most welcome.
Seated L-R: Jean Purvis, Donna Faber, Frankie Edmonds, Linette Hilton, Shelagh Harvey, Thelma Squire, Eithne Dunne
Standing L-R: Audrey Trotter, Margaret Bill, Delvine Vines, Jennifer Joubert, Elizabeth Huggins, Joan Chester, Ruth-Jean Aaron, Janice Andrews, Judith Bird.
Responses to Stephanie Hess shess[at]worldonline.co.za
I would be extremely grateful to anyone who has suggestions for a problem with a lost birth certificate. My father was Malayan Civil Service and I was born in Penang, in 1938. My father died in a Japanese POW camp. The Colonial Administration office tells me that they have searched all the relevant registers and do not find me, that they cannot help any further, and that I should contact the Malayan High Commission. I have done so but so far have not received a reply. The birth certificate is urgently required both for passport renewal and for registration as British subjects for family members. Has anyone dealt with a similar problem?
John Hay,
P.O. Box 252
Davenport, CA. 95017, U.S.A.
I am researching Rolls Royce armoured cars and came across information online mentioning Rolls Royce armoured cars in Malayan service.
I read the excellent article on your website regarding the Singapore Volunteer Armoured Car Company, but it does not mention the use of Rolls Royce armoured cars. Did this unit, or any other unit operating the the region, use Rolls Royce armoured cars?
Thank you,
Mark D. Cowan
Does anyone have any information or photographs of Captain Alfred Webb of 2 FMSVF? He was the padre of 2 FMSVF and before that, a minister of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Selangor. He was in Changi and Chungkai POW camps and survived the war but did not return to St Andrew's.
Andrew Hwang
I am seeking any photographs which show the terrain near Kuala Lumpur, especially the hills. I am commissioning a painting by a well-known aviation artist to depict the air battle over Kuala Lumpur on 22 Dec 42 and am keen to ensure the background geographic details are correct. Any assistance would be gratefully received.
Kind regards,
Mark Haselden
mark_rae[at]msn.com
Andrew Hwang in Malaysia is seeking information on two relatives particularly in relation to the events of December 1941 to February 1942.
Both Captain Cho and CQMS Tan served in the Chinese Company, that is B Company 4SSVF.
Captain Cho, [who appears on the 4SSVF officers photo, stood 5th from left] was in civilian life the Manager of Bukit Kathil Rubber Estates Ltd. We now believe that he was killed by mortar fire on Cluny Hill, Singapore on February 13th 1942 and that CQMS Tan was a victim of the massacres of Chinese Volunteers on February 28th 1942.
Both Captain Ho and CQMS Tan appear in a much earlier photo - that of the Tay family on the MVG Website Gallery.
Any further information most welcome. Please send to Andrew at ac_hwang[at]yahoo.com
Mason Nelson in New Zealand sent in this photo posted to him in later years by Miss Griffith-Jones.
Any identities welcome.
enquiryreplies[at]malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk
Can you help with identities and name the trophy?
enquiryreplies[at]malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk
CSM Crabbe died at Wampo POW Camp on the 4th of January 1943. We have heard stories about him but never found anything about him in the SSVF. If there is anyone out there with any information on the 1st Battalion SSVF or any photographs of them, please can you mail them to me.. We have built up quite a picture of a man who was well liked and very much a do'er. We know of one particular feat in which he escaped from the Jap camp and got some pills for the medics without being caught but unfortunately we do not have the full story. He also worked for Fraser & Neave (Tiger Beer) and was also a prison warder at one point.
If anyone knows of any pictures we would be so grateful.
Darren Standen
Princess Royals Volunteers, First Aid Nursing Yeomanry. (F.A.N.Y.) Service No 19385
I am looking for any information regarding my Mother's service in the Far East and in particular in Thailand/Singapore at the time of the release and repatriation of P.O.Ws from both Thailand camps and Singapore. My Mother married H.J.C.K.Toms who was a P.O.W. Details of him can be seen on a separate posting on this site.
The H.Q. of the unit has no records of any of the personnel who served in the Far East at the time of Japan's surrender and who were involved in the well being of the released P.O.Ws The only information available from their service files is the date of joining and the date of leaving together with their service number.
If you can assist I would be very grateful to know a bit more about the personnel from this unit who went down through Thailand/Burma and Singapore. We know they were there as they show up in camp records.
My Mother was originally in the ATS and from there went to Princess Royals and from there as a volunteer to F.A.N.Y.
We have them in Rangoon and it is also believed they were the only batch sent to Burma and then went on down through the Thai railway Camps ending up in Singapore and was one of the first through the gates at Changi. We know Harry Toms Ex POW both came back to U.K. from Singapore on one of the repatriation ships to U.K.
It's quite possible she met him at the camp of Kanchanaburi as medical teams were moving in there in September 1945....... but how did she keep Harry Toms with her all the way down and back to Changi?
If you can assist I would be very grateful, anything, however slight that may be connected with them or the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (F.A.N.Y.) is of interest to me. I was serving in the Merchant Navy (Blue Funnel Line) when she passed away, so by the time I got home at was all over and the information I am seeking now was gone.
Please contact me at Bluefunnel[at]sympatico.ca.
Capt John Bax. Retd.
TOMS H.J.C.K. [Henry John Cecil Kelway] �Harry� born 1901 Loughborough. Joined Mansfields 1928. Manager/Marine Superintendent Mansfield's/ Straits Steamship Company. Lieut. Singapore Royal Artillery. (Volunteer) P.O.W. (Changi) on 15th February.1942
Employees of Straits Steamship Company that had volunteered to stay behind were H.J.C.K. Toms (Marine Superintendent) and F.S.Gibson. R.F.W. Leonard and D.Richardson.
Upon his release and after recovery from internment and working on the Burma Railway he became Chairman of Straits Steamship Co. Organized rehabilitation of the Company; built Somerville Flats, Holland Rd for Straits officers. Played a leading part in founding Malayan Airways. Left Singapore for London 1955 to work for his old firm of 1919, Mark Whitwell [Shipbrokers] Ltd. Also a member of Advisory Council, Overseas Service.
He died 28.4.72 Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading.
Somewhere along the line between his release and repatriation possibly on repatriation ships Tegelberg/ Nieuw Holland or Cilicia to U.K.from Singapore or possibly at Kanchanaburi Camp, he met my Mother who was serving with The Princess Royals Volunteers . The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (F.A.N.Y.) who will be the subject of a separate enquiry on this web site, so please read on.
Any information, however slight, that, you feel may be related to Harry Toms, or any other members of staff that volunteered to stay and thus became P.O.W's.will be greatly appreciated.
Please contact me at Bluefunnel[at]sympatico.ca.
Thank you.
Capt. John Bax. (Member MVG.)
Ex: Blue Funnel Line and Straits Steamship Co,
I am trying to find out information on a Charles Sharkey whom was a Lieutenant in the Singapore Volunteer Regiment. I have no other details apart from that he had a son Charles Terence Sharkey who was born around 1922 and who got married in Carlisle in the 1940s.
Unfortunately I don't have any other details which makes it difficult to search.
Jackie Mctaggart
jacquelinemctaggart[at]yahoo.co.uk
My grandfather George Barnet was a rubber planter in Negri Sembilan/ Selangor/Segamat area, Johore Malaya before World War 2. He married my grandmother, Ebba Herlin a Swedish Masseuse in Malaya and had 3 children, John Harold, George Patrick and Eleanor Kathleen, all born at the European Hospital In Kuala Lumpur, Malaya.
If anyone knows anything about this family I would love to hear. George was taken prisoner by the Japanese during the war and spent most of the war in a concentration camp [Changi < Sime Rd internee].
Helen Messenger
helen.messenger[at]btinternet.com
Harold, my father was a planter and a member of the Malacca Volunteers. He was a prisoner at the Burma Rangoon Railway. I would like to know what happened to him. Please advise me by email. Thanking you in anticipation.
George G Page
gpage.perth[at]ljhcommercial.com.au
I would be grateful for any information on the Singapore Royal Artillery (Volunteers) c. 1952 particularly relating to Lt Guy Edmund Thompson who served at this time.
Norman Grantham
Malcolm Read sent in this photo which includes his father and appears to be an OCTU course or similar. A number of the staff are identifiable Argylls and Gordon Highlanders including Major Denne, CO OCTU Malaya which was based at Changi. Note white trimmings on the men's caps. Any information/identities welcome.
enquiryreplies[at]malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk
Ian Stitt sent in these photos of Tanglin children 1947. Any identifications welcome.
enquiryreplies[at]malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk
I'd welcome any information on my father D.A. David who served in the Kedah Volunteer Force, and I am interested to know if such a unit did contribute during the Japanese invasion on Malaya? I have some buttons of the unit My father was working at the Harvard Estate when he was called to serve.
Thank you.
Jothy David
My aunt, Eithne Dunne, was a pupil at the Fay Hamilton School of Dancing in the late 1930s till the end of 1941. I wonder does anyone know or remember anything about the school and it's owner Fay Hamilton (Mrs. F.C.H. Smith)?
I would also be very grateful for any information about the little girls named in the cutting taken from the Singapore Free Press.
Stephanie Hess
I would be interested to know if you have any information regarding my great grandfather who was a planter pre-1914 and at the Golden Hope Plantation, Klang, Selangor in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1914, aged 32, he enlisted in the Australian Light Horse Brigade and was a L/Sgt.
Family history implies he enlisted in the Straits Settlements Police, but I am not sure when of if this is correct.
Any direction/help would be gratefully appreciated.
Many thanks.
Suzanne Arnold
suzlee[at]leearn.wanadoo.co.uk
My grandfather Richard Aubrey Witham was in 1941 a planter at Bukit Raja Rubber Estate, Klang and formerly at Ulu Remis Estate, Layang Layang, Johore. He was a 2nd Lt and later Captain in FMSVF and a POW in Singapore and Thailand. We know that he was at Nong Pladuk in September 1944. He survived the war but was killed in an air disaster at Amsterdam 14.11.1946.
Any information about him or photos would be gratefully received.
Thank you
Regards
Offy Hawk
James O'Dowd Egan was a private in the Federated Malay States Volunteer Force who died while held prisoner and is buried at the Chungkai War Cemetary.
His wife was Sylvia Doris Egan of Marylebone, London. She was evacuated on the Empress of Japan.
Any information on either one of these two people would be greatly appreciated.
Michael Egan
Whilst researching my family history I have found reference to "John Howard Tyte officer commanding Malay States Volunteer Rifles". Do you have any information on him? He is my 1st cousin twice removed.
Many thanks
Eve Mills
I have marvellous photos of my grandfather William Charles Daniel in his uniform in Penang from c. 1910-1914. He was a hotelier, but apparently in whatever they were then. Territorials? Volunteers? Can you help?
Gwyneth Daniel
Click to enlarge
All I know of my grandfather was that he was a British planter based in Perak and was captured during WWII. His name was Frederick Boucher. I was told that he worked on the Burmese Railway and was evacuated to Perth immediately after the war, but died due to his bad condition. Details may not be accurate.
Any information about this is much appreciated.
Thanks.
D. Boucher
Hello, I am enquiring about some information on my father who was Pte P Glover of the FMSVF Reserve MT Company. He was captured and spent time in Changi. Do you have any information on him? He also spent time as a POW on Blakang Mati.
Ric Glover
I am presently attempting to gather information relating to 13534 Corporal Roy Alexander Moulton M.M. 25th.March 1910 - 28th April 1944. Fitter and Winchman. Southern TronohTin Dredging Ltd Tg. Tualong. Perak. Joined F.M.S.V.F. Armoured Car Unit. D Battalion POW Singapore to Thailand 12.10.42. Badly wounded (Shot through both Hands ???); responsible for saving live of commanding officer and others (hence M.M.) Little else known at this stage. Any information would be of great help.
Roy G.Moulton.
I am a retired third generation railwayman from Peninsula Malaysia and in the old days, this would be known as British Malaya.
I am now writing a book on railway life and work. One of the chapter deals with the railway sappers. In the present day context, these railway sappers are associated with the Malaysian Army's Engineering Corps and is purely a volunteer Force made up railway staff. Whilst researching, I only managed to find out that a railway volunteer Force was raised in 1915 called the 'Railway Institute Platoon' but it was disbanded in 1917. No reasons for its disbandment were given. But I also understand that there was a railway volunteer force called the 'Railway Operating and Maintenance Company' between the two world war years. They were mobilsed in the final days of the Japanese invasion of Malaya and the went out of existence when the British surrendered in Singapore.
I would appreciate any information that you may be able to share with me.
Louis Vincent
I am tracing my partners family history but we only have a photo of his father dated Sept.1941 when he was serving in the Royal Engineers, Malaya.
He was also a Japanese prisoner of war. Can you help me in any way to trace more information on him.
Regards
Carol Drew
Roberta Ward in Australia writes:
I am seeking more information on my Great Uncle, Joe Speelman, who was born in Russia in 1904 and became a British Citizen in 1933. He was a cellist in the 'Raffles Hotel Orchestra' and was also a member of 'Nick's Dance 6'. He was in the Singapore Volunteers Unit and was a POW with the D Battalion on the Thai-Burma Rail. He survived the 'Rakuyo Maru' sinking and was in Japan at the end of WWII. From 1953-1971 he was the Secretary/Manager of the Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur and also taught at Taylor's College in KL in the 1970s. He died in Kuala Lumpur in 1991
Any replies through enquiryreplies[at]malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk
Joe Speelman 1904-1991
Click on image to enlarge
Does anyone recognise these Gunners? We only know that stood back right is Sgt Michael Stephens.
Click on image to enlarge
enquiryreplies[at]malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk
What information do you have about my relative who was either killed in action or killed whilst a POW of the Japanese in WW2:
Reginald Sidney MISSEN is listed among the Commonwealth War Dead between 03/09/1939 and 31/12/1947 while serving as a Sergeant with the Federated Malay States Volunteer Force, 4th (Pahang) Battalion.
Although he is Australian, he is recorded in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission as nationality of the United Kingdom, and hence he does not appear in any records of the Australian War Memorial. In fact I can�t find him in any records anywhere, and he deserves more than that.
Any help that you can give is greatly appreciated.
And importantly from a personal family point of view, any information that you can provide about his service, why he was in Malaya in the first place, and any information about his death, is greatly appreciated.
Harold Peacock
Does any one have any information about the Selangor, Section, of the FMSVF Light Battery? Names of Officers & Gunners, or photographs?
I was Gunner 18435 and received a Mention in Despatches. On the fall of Singapore I returned to KL and later joined Force 136, and would like to make contact with anyone who served with me.
George Hesse
Can anyone shed any light regarding this photo? Maybe Penang? Who and when?
Click on image to enlarge
enquiryreplies[at]malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk
I'm researching the use of aircraft by the MVAF throughout the Malayan campaign 1941-42 and the retreat into the NEI.
This interest has been prompted by my restoration of a 1935 vintage Avro Cadet. The machine is the oldest of its type and of the 13 worldwide survivors it now make 4 that are airworthy. My machine is an ex-RAAF trainer but a number of the type were used "on ops" by the MVAF. I intend to put together a book pertaining to the history of the Cadet, and I believe that there is a major untold story about the MVAF yet to be told.
Any data pertaining to the MVAF, particularly recollections and photographs would be welcomed.
Little did I know that during my RAAF service (Penang / Butterworth in the 1980's) that I would have a "recurrent connection" with the location twenty years later!
Regards
Darryl Hill
Senior Training Captain
Cathay Pacific Airways
Hong Kong
hillyhkg[at]netvigator.com
I'm hoping someone may have some information about my Grandfather Richard 'Dick' Peall who was a 2nd Lt. in the Selangor Battalion of the FMSVF and was killed on the 15th February 1942 near/in Singapore. If anyone has any information please drop me a line. My mother who lives in Western Australia will be making a visit to UK in May 07 and is hoping to do research about her father while she is over.
Thank you.
Jacquie Mackay
I am trying to discover whether my wife's grandfather, Sergeant Robert Chan (1896?-1941) served in the Malayan Volunteers. According to the family he was in the British Army and travelled to France in the First World War. I have also seen a service medal for Iraq.
Thanks for any help or pointers
Bruce Macfarlane
I am a medical doctor currently working with the Malaysian Ministry of Health. I am interested to find out more on the life and experiences of medical doctors working in Malayan Hospital and Clinics circa 1957. I intend to write it up and publish it in the Malaysian Family Physician in conjunction with Malaysia's 50th Independence Day this year.
I will be very grateful if anyone can provide me with information, contacts, personal accounts and photographs.
Mimi
Val Trevethan val-t[at]bigpond.com writes: My father Verner Walter Trevethan, pilot, died in action 18 December 1941 at Ipoh. I have located a memorial to Verner and others at Kranji War Graves Cemetry. On the same plaque is the name F/Sgt Cleaverly. I too was a driver airframe for about 34 years and to the best of my knowledge never had a shot fired at me.
I have the details of the aircraft that my father perished in. It was a De Haviland DH89a, VR-SAV, c/n 6360 Dragon Rapide in I believe, ambulance markings based in Singapore. I have never been able to establish the truth of his death. Friendly fire aided and abetted by a Japanese bombing raid runs a popular first.
During my 15 years in the RAAF I had friends and associates based at Butterworth make trips to Ipoh in vain attempts to find a burial site. I thought perhaps that you may be able to shed some light on this issue.Information on Verner may not be easy to find. He had a very short RAAF career, operated Junker tri motors in PNG for a period then he joined the Malayan Volunteer Air Force. From what I remember as a child my mother received no war widow assistance from the British or Australian governments. I guess his various histories were too short to create an issue.
Any information on Verner Walter Trevethan most welcome.
Here are several references to colours for FMSVF units in the summary history. I would appreciate any information on MVF uniforms and any guidance as to source material. Were colours actually worn by the volunteers e.g. patches?
I am trying to illustrate as many Empire/Commonwealth volunteer units and the Malayan area is not well covered in available texts. Thank you for your consideration and an excellent site.
Sean Ryan
MVG member John Warden writes: "I attended Tanglin Cameron Highlands for about 2 years before it closed in 1941 and would be very interested to hear from any contemporaries. My particular friend was Graham Hodgkins (Hedgehog). Others I remember were John Arbuthnot, Ian Pierce, Anne Steed and Audrey Waters. Group photo below."
john[at]warden1633.fsnet.co.uk
My uncle was a member of the 3rd (Penang & Province Wellesley Volunteer Corps) Battalion Straits Settlements Volunteer Force in Singapore. Service # 4810.
He is listed on the Singapore Memorial as casualty type: Commonwealth War Dead with a date of death of 6/8/44. Age 29.
My father died when I was very young from brain cancer and I never knew my Uncle. Any information that I could obtain about this particular unit would be very special to my sister and I. Even if it has nothing to do with my Uncle.
I understand that my grandparents were never able to find any information about his death or, circumstances and then they also lost their second son (my father). This was pre-internet so it is our hope that we can track down something, anything to connect us with him.
Thank you so very much for anything, no matter how small you could share.
Giselle Wales
I was born in 1928 in Malacca and was only just 12 in February 1942 when I left with my parents. My Father "Tim" Vowler was manager of Batang Malaka Estate from 1926 and MVC. My parents retired to Malacca, Klebang, in the early 1950s We spent the war in South Africa _ Durban. I would be fascinated to find out more of my contemporarys __ mid 1930s when I was in Tanglin school in the Cameron Highlands __ Miss Griffith-Jones. We were evacuated on the Empress of Japan. My Brother, young "Tim" was in Changi __ FMSVF POW. Also if there are any contemporary's of my parents, or Tim's I would love to make contact with them. I now reside in Oxford, Maryland. USA.
I was known as "Billy" in my early school days.
Very sincerely, Bill Vowler.
Harold was my uncle. Arrived in Malaya in 1926. In Johore from 1928. Rubber planter at Ulu Tiram Estate. Between 1930-40 was with Johore Volunteer Engineers. Between 1940-42 was South Johore Group Commander. I know he later in 1951 became Dato and left Malaya in 1955. I'm looking for any info on him. Did they wear uniform ? Did they have a cap badge? Where can I obtain one ? (to put with his other medals (WWI with the A&SH ) and Decorations?) His wife Margaret is now in her late 90's.
MacKenzie
Can anyone provide any information on Dudley Griffith Owen irrigation engineer Malaya, member of the Johore Volunteer Engineers No 1214 captured Singapore.
Any information would be appreciated.
Robyn Aitchison
I'm doing research for my website on St Michael's Institution, Ipoh. This a boys school and I came across a mention that one teacher, Mr Fitzpatrick was a volunteer in the 1st Bn (Perak) FMSVF. He was reported killed in Kampar during the Battle of Kampar. I can't find any mention of him except one that names a Earnest Edward Fitzpatrick on the Singapore Memorial in the commonwealth graves commision website.
You will find him in a photo of the school staff on my page here http://quisutdeus.bravehost.com/photos.html
I would be happy if someone can shed some light as to what happened to him. My intention is to write about him on a page to commemorate him on a page within my website. As a teacher, he saw it fit to fight in the war and it would be good history for the school to remember him as a hero, someone they can relate to as being a teacher in a their school.
I would appreciate photos of him, if any.
Thank you very much.
Anthony Morris
Prior to the War, Alex Miller worked as a Vehicle Licensing Officer, Batu Phata, Johore, starting about 1937. His wife Marie "Merlin" Mahon died of cancer in Muar 19.02.41. Colleagues at the Johore Licensing Office include J.H. Keen and H.G. Brooks. J.H. Keen was also in the JVE, but died 15.05.43 incaptivity.
I seek:
I have photographs of Miller and Brooks, plus a group photo taken Christmas 1938 probably at 14 Straits View, Johore Bahru, Johore, Malaya.
Thank you in advance.
Scott E. Hayes, Amateur Historian, Oregon, USA
smhayes8888[at]msn.com
Any recollections or information regarding Sid Baddeley most welcome. He was a prisonaer in Sumatra and Japan. We are particularly keen to locate a report he wrote in 1945.
Any information to Philip Baddeley
My parents (George and Elizabeth Bean) of Batu- Gajah, Perak were friendly with the Greethams and the Dons before the War. In fact the Greethams were present at their wedding in Ipoh on 7.2.1940 - Margaret Greetham was a witness and I think that their daughter, Jennifer Greetham was a bridesmaid. I have a photo of the wedding and would be happy to send a copy to any member of the Greetham family.
I'm not sure but it's possible that my mother and Anna Don shared accomodation in Rockingham, Perth, W Australia in 1942/3 together with myself and Anna Don's daughter.
Any information of this family welcome.
Christine Edmondson
I am trying to obtain a copy of Mary Thomas' "In the Shadow of the Rising Sun" published by Maruzen Asia in 1983. The ISBN number is 9971-954-14-1. I would be very grateful for any help.
Stephanie Hess
Robert Guy Young was my great Uncle. He returned to Malaya with his wife Margaret Davidson and had a son.
We cannot find any information about them after the war but family history says they escaped to Australia and that there son was killed in WWII and he was in the Air Force but again I cannot find anything about him. He may be R.G. YOUNG JP Planter Manager, Karak Estate ,Bentong and Sungei Engun Rubber estate, Pahang - 1931,1933,1935 and 1940 Directories and may have been in the Malayan Volunteers but as he was an officer in the RAF in WWI the Private in the MV may not be him. Any guidance would be appreciated.
macdhaibhidh[at]blueyonder.co.uk
Drew Davidson
I would be glad to have any information re Volunteers in Johore and their role, especially since one of, if not the, last battle on the mainland was fought on and around my father John Harper Ball's rubber estate at Mengkibol, Layang Layang.
Ros Henry
Hello,
I am seeking more information on the SSVF and my Uncle, Norman Percival Bigelow (born Bright, Victoria, Australia 1907). He enlisted under the SSVF, 3rd Battalion (Penang & Province Wellesley) service no. 5415 as a Gunner. He was an engineer, and I believe he was working for a general merchant house in Penang called "Henry Waugh & Co". Any information would be appreciated.
Regards, Anthony
My late father, Ho Pan Thong, was a member of the 8th Platoon, B Company, FMSVF Perak. He died during the Japanese occupation of Malaya. Understandably, any evidence of his volunteer status was dangerous to his family and I thus have no memento of his volunteer service. If any reader of this note has any group photo of my dad's platoon, I'd be so appreciative if they would email it to me and I would see if I could spot my dad in it.
Ivan Ho
Federated Malay States Volunteer Force
Richard Morris, grandson of Colonel Eaton of Kuala Lumpur and the Selangor Volunteers is seeking any information on his grandfather who was a Director of the Rubber Research Institute and left Malaya in 1935. Richard can be contacted at MORRIS1856[at]aol.com