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Auction: 24017 - Stamps and Covers of British Asia
Lot: 461

(x) Japanese Occupation of Malaya
Covers and Cancellations
Singapore
Three second-generation photographs (one creased) by George Aspinal, an Australian POW) of crowded conditions at the Selarang Barracks, showing the parade ground and "hospital area" where the wounded "laid under whatever makeshift cover could be set up", each endorsed "Selarang Incident - Sept. 1942", plus an unused form reading "I, the undersigned, hereby solemnly swear on my honour that I will not, under any circumstances, attempt escape". Most unusual

Note: After the British surrender on 15 February 1942, many Australian and British POWs were confined by the Japanese at Selarang barracks. Built to accommodate 800 men, nearly 17,000 crammed into a parade ground of about 128 by 210 meters and in the surrounding areas.

On 30 August 1942, as a pre-emptive measure, the Japanese Commander wanted all prisoners to sign a "no escape pledge" after the earlier recapture of four escaped prisoners from overcrowded surrounding Changi Prison. Colonel Holmes pointed out that POWs were not allowed to give their parole (Geneva Convention), and he and his fellow officers refused to sign. In response, almost 17,000 men were herded into the parade ground where water supplies and latrines were i very short supply. Continued resistance resulted in th bungled execution of the four recent escapees. It was a dysentery epidemic that caused camp officers to relent, and finally agree to the forms being signed "under duress".

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£110

Starting price
£110