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62 results returned within occupation Signalman

We Never saw the Camp in Daylight

Mr. Gerrard describes leaving North Point camp at daylight to go to work and not returning until after dark. He recalls having a day off and discovering for the first time that his bedding is infested with bed bugs.

Impression of Japanese Captors

Mr. Gerrard describes the rough look of the enemy, and how his Japanese captors are initially hesitant to approach the captured Canadians.

Last Action

Mr. Gerrard describes being strafed by Japanese fighters and having to fall back to Victoria Barracks. The men are deployed to posts in all five levels of the barracks in anticipation of a Japanese assault, but the surrender of the colony pre-empts any further fighting.

Shelling at Wan Chai Gap

Mr. Gerrard describes seeking refuge in a building in the Gap during a Japanese shelling. While inside, a shell bursts, blowing him backwards from the doorway of a room he was about to enter. He soon finds the room is full of dead and wounded men. A wounded soldier whom he helps evacuate later dies.

The Attack on Sham Shui Po Barracks

Mr. Gerrard describes the first air raid at Sham Shui Po which destroys the barracks. He is moved up to join the 1st Scottish Regiment's signal corps. With the threat of being overrun by the Japanese, a chaotic evacuation sees him move to the island of Hong Kong.

The Voyage to Hong Kong

Mr. Gerrard discusses the diet of mutton aboard ship and how pervasive its odor was. He describes his role as a signalman during the voyage overseas and on the difficult approach to Manila in pitch black conditions.

Too Young to Die

Mr McCrindle describes the loss of a young 16 year old man where Mr. McCrindle's troops were being billeted. This broke his heart and he disobeyed orders by helping the family get a coffin for the boy.