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adrian roberts · 11-12-2006, 01:39 AM

I read about him somewhere a few years ago, probably some research in the Daily Telegraph. Going purely from memory, the gist of it was this:

He was an Australian with Irish ancestry, and had a chip on his shoulder against the British. He was contacted by Japanese Intelligence in Australia, and somehow persuaded to work for them - I think for a considerable sum of money.
Prior to and during the initial phases of the advance down Malaya, he passed messages to the Japanese about numbers and disposition of British forces, using a wireless set. This was from a field near one the aerodromes, which meant he could warn the Japanese when the RAF took off.
He was spotted doing this and arrested, and taken to Singapore jail (was that Changi or was that the one in Hong Kong?). The day before Singapore fell, a British officer decided that he wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of tasting victory, and shot him. I can understand the temptation, though given the Japanese regard for honour and loyalty, I doubt if he would have lasted much longer in the care of his new chums.

As Spidge says, how much of this is provable now is another matter.

Adrian

11-12-2006, 01:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
adrian roberts Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: NW Kent, England Posts: 763	I read about him somewhere a few years ago, probably some research in the Daily Telegraph. Going purely from memory, the gist of it was this: He was an Australian with Irish ancestry, and had a chip on his shoulder against the British. He was contacted by Japanese Intelligence in Australia, and somehow persuaded to work for them - I think for a considerable sum of money. Prior to and during the initial phases of the advance down Malaya, he passed messages to the Japanese about numbers and disposition of British forces, using a wireless set. This was from a field near one the aerodromes, which meant he could warn the Japanese when the RAF took off. He was spotted doing this and arrested, and taken to Singapore jail (was that Changi or was that the one in Hong Kong?). The day before Singapore fell, a British officer decided that he wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of tasting victory, and shot him. I can understand the temptation, though given the Japanese regard for honour and loyalty, I doubt if he would have lasted much longer in the care of his new chums. As Spidge says, how much of this is provable now is another matter. Adrian __________________ for heathen heart that puts its trust in reeking tube and iron shard all valiant dust that builds on dust and guarding, calls not thee to guard thy mercy on thy people, Lord (Kipling)