Catalogue

Interview
2185, LR/01
Leicestershire Regiment

Speaker: Shenstone, Fred, 1919 - 0, Interviewee, Male, Soldier; Clicker shoe industry
Speaker: Thornhill, C, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Details joining Leicestershire Regiment in 1939, training at Wigston, Leics, being stationed in Agra, India, then Malaya. Describes move to Sunai Patari, poor quality of training, conditions. Mentions period in Penang. Recalls border duty, fall of Singapore. Detailed description of action against Japanese, being shot and rescued. Describes journey via Bidong Hospital, hospital convoy which was bombed, being in Alexandra Hospital when Japanese arrived, killing of patients, being reprieved as member of Leicester regiment. Talks about life as Prisoner of War in Changi, Singapore, naming a few fellow prisoners, focussing on bitterness felt for those who died. Talks about Jock Yates and others from time of joining militia; people from Changi such as Padre Duckworth, young boy adopted as mascot. Gives philosophy that life is mapped out, view of atheists in wartime.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children: Daughters: 3
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1940s
Language: English

Recording Date: 3/3/2004
Playing time: 50 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: Yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.