Catalogue

Interview
2247, LR/02
Leicestershire Regiment

Speaker: Savage, Raymond (Capt), 1919 - 0, Interviewee, Male, Soldier; Businessman
Speaker: Thornhill, C, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Outlines joining Territorial Army, 'Artist's Rifle', in London, 1938, joining Leicester Regiment at Glen Parva after mobilisation at start of Second World War. Gives detailed account of preparation for, and execution of, campaign in Norway where eventually interned in Sweden. Describs journey back to Britain, not being allowed to talk about campaign. Gives brief account of blitz in London. Recalls joining regiment in Malaya where replaced troops sent home due to venereal disease (VD); warnings given to Leicester Regiment about VD. Talks about move to Kedha on Siam (Thailand) border, feelings of frustration when HMS Prince of Wales & HMS Rodney sunk, Japanese strategy. Describes fall of Singapore, retreat to Padang, sense of death, capture, march to Changi jail. Mentions local support for Prisoners of War (POW). Talks about horror of march to and work on Burma/Siam railway, bombing of camps, keeping hidden diary, effect of atomic bomb on Japanese moral, arrival of British SOE agents. Recalls journey to Britain, emotional effects of being a POW, recuperation from illness.
Place of birth: Ealing, Middlesex
Education:
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County:
Location: Town/Place:
Periods Covered: 1940s
Language: English

Recording Date: 12/3/2004
Playing time: 35 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.