This book covers the capture and imprisonment of Lieutenant Ronald Williams, by the Japanese, on Java in 1942. Williams’ artillery regiment had set sail from the Clyde to fight the Nazi in the Middle East, but were then diverted to the Far East after the Japanese invaded Malaya. Following the sudden surrender of Singapore, Java was next in the firing line and quickly succumbed. Williams’ and his remaining regiment were taken into captivity, which led to increasing levels of hardship and brutality. Stories and anecdotes leading up to the allied surrender and first nine months of imprisonment are included.
Frank Williams is a retired NHS consultant, living in the Brecon Beacons, who has an interest in twentieth century military history. He has previously published books on Japanese POWs, notably, The Jungle Journal: Prisoners of the Japanese on Java 1942–45 (The History Press) and Under the Poached Egg: Living on the Edge of Reason (Athena Press).