100 Sqn - Singapore - Jan-Feb 1942
Thread Starter
100 Sqn - Singapore - Jan-Feb 1942
I am researching the (mostly) lost history of 100 Sqn in Jan - Feb 1942 when it was based in Singapore and valiantly attempted to stop the Japanese onslaught in woefully obsolete aircraft such at the Vildebeest. Their actions were decribed as 'insanely brave' knowing that they would be facing overwhelming odds - attacking a Naval task force heavily defended by carrier-based fighters; regretfully no gallantry awards were made becuase of the loss of Official Records (including the F540) when Singpapore was overrun and some of the shipping used to evacuate ground personnel and equipment were sunk or fell into enemy hands.
In particular, I am trying to find out more about a FSgt Stephen Dale BIRDSALL (WOP/AG) who was shot down over Malaya. He was a relative of my wife - and was a bright 19 year old Yorkshire lad who had just been selected for a commission. AHB kindly provided the following extract:
Any help Ppruners could give would be valuable.
WP
In particular, I am trying to find out more about a FSgt Stephen Dale BIRDSALL (WOP/AG) who was shot down over Malaya. He was a relative of my wife - and was a bright 19 year old Yorkshire lad who had just been selected for a commission. AHB kindly provided the following extract:
Flt Sgt Birdsall was a member (WOp/AG) of the crew of Vildebeest K6390 from 100 Squadron which was one of 4 Vildebeest aircraft from the Squadron which were sent to attack a large Japanese invasion force and landing taking place at Endau (mouth of River Mersing) on the east coast of Malaya on Monday 26 January 1942. At the time the Squadron was operating from RAF Seletar with a detachment in Kuantan. The aircraft were over the target area at about 1500 hours and encountered strong fighter opposition and anti aircraft fire. None of the aircraft returned to base and it was presumed that they had crashed in the target area, no exact crash location is known. Out of 36 aircraft sent to attack the Japanese invasion force at Endau only 17 returned. The aircraft came from 36 and 16 Squadrons in addition to those from 100 Squadron.
The 2 other members of Flt Sgt Birdsall’s crew did not survive; the name of the pilot was J D Tillott.
I would be interesting in learning more about the pilot and also track down the name of the other crew-member, presumably an Observer. 100 Sqn enquiries have drawn a blank as have 100 Sqn Association records. FSgt Birdsall (later promoted to WO) was injured in the crash and miraculously survived the Alexandra Hospital Massacre, as well as 2 1/2 years on the Burma Railway. He died in 1944 when his POW ship was torpedoed by a USN submarine.The 2 other members of Flt Sgt Birdsall’s crew did not survive; the name of the pilot was J D Tillott.
Any help Ppruners could give would be valuable.
WP
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Whenurhappy
Just a thought - 36 Sqn also operated the Vildebeest from Singapore at that time so it is possible (in view of the heavy losses during the Japanese invasion) that the torpedo attack was carried out by the remaining aircraft and surviving crewmembers of both Sqns operating as one Unit. If that was the case there might be reference to the attack in any surviving 36 Sqn documentation.
Just a thought - 36 Sqn also operated the Vildebeest from Singapore at that time so it is possible (in view of the heavy losses during the Japanese invasion) that the torpedo attack was carried out by the remaining aircraft and surviving crewmembers of both Sqns operating as one Unit. If that was the case there might be reference to the attack in any surviving 36 Sqn documentation.
Last edited by cazatou; 5th Apr 2011 at 09:18.
Some Beauforts maufactured in Australia for the RAF were sent up to Singapore for 100 Sqn, I don't know if they saw ops. I haven't checked "Bloody Shambles" vols.
Get in touch with renowned RAF sqn historian Andrew Thomas (ex AEW nav), he has looked at 100 Sqn over this period.
Get in touch with renowned RAF sqn historian Andrew Thomas (ex AEW nav), he has looked at 100 Sqn over this period.
Thread Starter
Yes - the attacks of 26 Jan 42 were a combined 100/36 Sqn push consisting of 10 Vildebeests of 100 Sqn, and 2 from 36 Squadron, along with 9 Hudsons and a fighter escort of 8 Hurricans and 15 Buffalos. All the Vildebeests were lost (FS Birdsall's airacraft crashed on the return trip into a coastal swamp), and most of the other aircraft were lost as well. Onely one Beaufort went on operations and it survived a nasty encounter with several Zeroes. the remaining Beauforts were ferried to Australia and became the nucleaus of 100 (RAAF) Sqn.
Last edited by Whenurhappy; 5th Apr 2011 at 11:13.
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Whenurhappy
The last two Vildebeests of 36 Sqn fought on in Java until March 1942 when they were lost in Sumatra during an attempt to reach Burma. A gallant effort.
The last two Vildebeests of 36 Sqn fought on in Java until March 1942 when they were lost in Sumatra during an attempt to reach Burma. A gallant effort.
Thread Starter
Once again, the SE Asian/Pacific war has been almost forgotton in the UK, yet the heroic deeds of the grossly under-resourced (and largely abandoned) RAF were truely unbelievable. The 100 sqn Padre recalled talking to the sqn crews just prior to their departure on the 26 Jan 42 'suicide' mission against a Japanese task Force, with them all knowing their chances of survival were slim, to say the least. How would we feel today of being in that situation?
In the case of FSgt Birdsall, we had contact several years ago with an elderly soldier POW who worked with Birdsall on the docks in Singapore and was on his ship when it was torpedoed. He saw Birdsall on the bow of the ship when it went under, but was able to provide a few more detials of his escapades after crashing in Jan 42. Birdsall's surviving sister finally had 'closure' on the loss of her beloved brother, some 55 years later. Her other brother, serving as the First Mate, was lost on a Shellmex tanker that was torpedoed off Greenland.
My interest is on the last few weeks on the sqn - who he flew with and what happened - and to record for posterity this vignette.
In the case of FSgt Birdsall, we had contact several years ago with an elderly soldier POW who worked with Birdsall on the docks in Singapore and was on his ship when it was torpedoed. He saw Birdsall on the bow of the ship when it went under, but was able to provide a few more detials of his escapades after crashing in Jan 42. Birdsall's surviving sister finally had 'closure' on the loss of her beloved brother, some 55 years later. Her other brother, serving as the First Mate, was lost on a Shellmex tanker that was torpedoed off Greenland.
My interest is on the last few weeks on the sqn - who he flew with and what happened - and to record for posterity this vignette.
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...Although unable to assist regarding 100sqn in Malaya - as already touched
upon the events there in 1942 have been described as Britains greatest
military defeat. The much vaunted 'Fortress Singapore' being none other than a myth - the result of years of inter services squabble with senior
officers more interested in arranging cricket matches on the Padang - Scoffing and deriding the one Scottish Regt that took training its men in
jungle war training seriously. Upon the final surrender Churchill - who was deeply implicated with others for the complacency and its lack of defences would later remark 'I had no more assumed that Singapore was derelict of defences than I would have considered a battleship to have been launched without a bottom".
...
upon the events there in 1942 have been described as Britains greatest
military defeat. The much vaunted 'Fortress Singapore' being none other than a myth - the result of years of inter services squabble with senior
officers more interested in arranging cricket matches on the Padang - Scoffing and deriding the one Scottish Regt that took training its men in
jungle war training seriously. Upon the final surrender Churchill - who was deeply implicated with others for the complacency and its lack of defences would later remark 'I had no more assumed that Singapore was derelict of defences than I would have considered a battleship to have been launched without a bottom".
...
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pasir
It was, in fact, Neville Chamberlain who overturned the Defence Requirements Committee plans to upgrade the defences of Singapore and other Far East bases - stating in his diary on June 7th 1934 that "he did not think that arguments to increase our air forces at such places as Penang would carry much conviction".
When Churchill returned to a position of authority in September 1939 the priority was the War in Europe and the Middle East. Japan, it should be remembered, had been an Ally in World War 1.
It was, in fact, Neville Chamberlain who overturned the Defence Requirements Committee plans to upgrade the defences of Singapore and other Far East bases - stating in his diary on June 7th 1934 that "he did not think that arguments to increase our air forces at such places as Penang would carry much conviction".
When Churchill returned to a position of authority in September 1939 the priority was the War in Europe and the Middle East. Japan, it should be remembered, had been an Ally in World War 1.
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... Cazatou Churchill was Chancellor during the years up to
the early 30's. The reasons for the fall of Malaya and Singapore are varied
going back to 1924 or earlier when planning for building the huge new naval base - and new RAF airfields in Malaya were being conceived.
Sadly it has to be stated that Churchills involvement or blame can be found documented in many of the reasons behind the fall of Malaya and Singapore. From diverting hundreds of fighters to Russia
(mostly Hurricanes or Spitfires) - Sanctioning the despatch of Prince of Wales and Repulse without fighter cover - Involved in delaying construction of the new Naval Base - to touch on but a few.
By comparison Chamberlains role is hardly mentioned. That Churchill had much to answere for regarding the shameful defeat can be ascertained by
his excuse to put off the enquiry into the loss untill after the war.
A promise that Churchill failed to keep and which to this day has been
swept under the carpet and hardly a word mentioned about his own
role he was responsible for in the volumes on the history and the 2nd world war that he later wrote and published.
...
the early 30's. The reasons for the fall of Malaya and Singapore are varied
going back to 1924 or earlier when planning for building the huge new naval base - and new RAF airfields in Malaya were being conceived.
Sadly it has to be stated that Churchills involvement or blame can be found documented in many of the reasons behind the fall of Malaya and Singapore. From diverting hundreds of fighters to Russia
(mostly Hurricanes or Spitfires) - Sanctioning the despatch of Prince of Wales and Repulse without fighter cover - Involved in delaying construction of the new Naval Base - to touch on but a few.
By comparison Chamberlains role is hardly mentioned. That Churchill had much to answere for regarding the shameful defeat can be ascertained by
his excuse to put off the enquiry into the loss untill after the war.
A promise that Churchill failed to keep and which to this day has been
swept under the carpet and hardly a word mentioned about his own
role he was responsible for in the volumes on the history and the 2nd world war that he later wrote and published.
...
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Whenur; I presume you have read "Singapore Burning" by Colin Smith, first published 2005, and described as the definitive book on the topic. It supposedly contains much previously unpublished material. I have a copy and it certainly reveals some detail of the air operations of which I was previously unaware.
Whenur; I presume you have read "Singapore Burning" by Colin Smith, first published 2005, and described as the definitive book on the topic. It supposedly contains much previously unpublished material. I have a copy and it certainly reveals some detail of the air operations of which I was previously unaware.
Like a number of British military journalists come historians, instead of having a good look at the failings of British military leadership at all levels, they lay the blame elsewhere. In Hong Kong they blamed the Canadians, Singapore the Australians, Malaya the Indians.
Thread Starter
Unfortuantely the Unit F540 was lost for this period so I am looking, ideally, for personal remeniscences - and, thanks to PPrune, I have a lead. I spent several weeks in Malaysia and Singapore a couple of years ago, trying to find the crash site and other local information. Regretfully, what records survived the war have been 'lost' during the decolonisation process. In Malaysia, access to offical archives is very, very difficult (and requires an application to the Prime Minister's department - three months before you intend to visit). Singapore archives are very helpful and their oral collection provided me some background information, but their documentary archives are very scant for this period.
100 sqn Association managed to provide me a bit more about the Sqn around the time of the invasion.
100 sqn Association managed to provide me a bit more about the Sqn around the time of the invasion.
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Have you read Remorseless Road by James McEwan ? He was 36 and 100 sqn
I O for the period in question. Gives a very detailed account of life in S`pore and on the Sqns right up to the end.
I O for the period in question. Gives a very detailed account of life in S`pore and on the Sqns right up to the end.
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" I found a lot of British expedience in that book.
Like a number of British military journalists come historians, instead of having a good look at the failings of British military leadership at all levels, they lay the blame elsewhere. In Hong Kong they blamed the Canadians, Singapore the Australians, Malaya the Indians."
I would say the Loss of Singapore was a Pure home grown British exercise.
There was no Fortress Singapore in 1918 and by early 20's Japan had been identified as the only Potential Enemy.
The RN had the task of Saving the Eastern Empire following a major sea battle.
A dockyard capable of repairing Capital ships was required and after discounting Hong Kong and Australia, Singapore was chosen for the base.
Upon a jap fleet sailing the UK Battle fleet was to be dispatched to save the day.
The newly formed RAF wanting a Strategic Role offered a cheaper solution to sink the invading fleet hundreds of miles offshore and until early 1930's no land invasion was considered practical.
In mid 1930's the young Col Percival was sent out to asses the situation by Sir John Dill, soon to be CIGS and who considered Percival to be an up and coming successor.
Percival made his report, almost nothing was done, he had requested two Tank Regts and four divisions.
350 Modern A/c where required but never supplied only 2nd rate obsolescent where employed, about 150 in total.
Tales told after the war included Indian troops six weeks in the ranks, four having been spent teaching them to wear boots and march.
The commander of the Australian division said in a interview with UK press that ten days previously some of his troops had been civilians on the streets of Sydney.
All divisions where of only two brigades instead of the normal three.
All divisions where Mechanised, Lorry born troops, road bound, without any Pack Mules necessary for Jungle warfare.
The jap employed the hook tactic and it was not until 44 that Slim was able to use the Air Fleet, to supply his men surrounded on the ground and so defeat the jap encirlement which had spooked troops from day one.
A pure UK Disaster the bar steward without a father.
john
Like a number of British military journalists come historians, instead of having a good look at the failings of British military leadership at all levels, they lay the blame elsewhere. In Hong Kong they blamed the Canadians, Singapore the Australians, Malaya the Indians."
I would say the Loss of Singapore was a Pure home grown British exercise.
There was no Fortress Singapore in 1918 and by early 20's Japan had been identified as the only Potential Enemy.
The RN had the task of Saving the Eastern Empire following a major sea battle.
A dockyard capable of repairing Capital ships was required and after discounting Hong Kong and Australia, Singapore was chosen for the base.
Upon a jap fleet sailing the UK Battle fleet was to be dispatched to save the day.
The newly formed RAF wanting a Strategic Role offered a cheaper solution to sink the invading fleet hundreds of miles offshore and until early 1930's no land invasion was considered practical.
In mid 1930's the young Col Percival was sent out to asses the situation by Sir John Dill, soon to be CIGS and who considered Percival to be an up and coming successor.
Percival made his report, almost nothing was done, he had requested two Tank Regts and four divisions.
350 Modern A/c where required but never supplied only 2nd rate obsolescent where employed, about 150 in total.
Tales told after the war included Indian troops six weeks in the ranks, four having been spent teaching them to wear boots and march.
The commander of the Australian division said in a interview with UK press that ten days previously some of his troops had been civilians on the streets of Sydney.
All divisions where of only two brigades instead of the normal three.
All divisions where Mechanised, Lorry born troops, road bound, without any Pack Mules necessary for Jungle warfare.
The jap employed the hook tactic and it was not until 44 that Slim was able to use the Air Fleet, to supply his men surrounded on the ground and so defeat the jap encirlement which had spooked troops from day one.
A pure UK Disaster the bar steward without a father.
john
