Diary of an escape from Singapore in Feb. 1942, after the fall of Singapore to the Japanese, 1942-01-26 - 1961-06-05
Scope and Contents
Diary by Oppenheim describing the retreat of the army to Singapore, the city's surrender and his escape initially by sail boat to Sumatra, Sri Lanka and then Bombay (69 pages). The diary is anonymous, but Mortimer Hay, who also participated in the escape, has identified its author as Oppeneheim, based upon internal evidence and comparisons of its manuscript with Oppenheim's handwriting. For Hay's account see RCMS 103/12/4. The file includes a note regarding the diary's provenance by Hugh Bryson. This is an original diary. There is a copy stored at RCMS 103/12/3.
Dates
- Creation: 1942-01-26 - 1961-06-05
Creator
- From the Fonds: British, Association of Malaysia and Singapore (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
For conservation reasons, this collection must be read on Cambridge Digital Library or Master Microfilm Reel 8236.
Biographical / Historical
H.R. Oppenheim was a chartered accountant who worked for the firm of McAulife, Davis & Hope in Ipoh when the war against Japan began. He served in the Light Battery of the Artillery Section of the F.M.S. Volunteer Forces.
Extent
1 volume(s) (1 vol.) : paper
Language of Materials
English
Former / Other Reference
BAM XII/21
Date information
DateText: The diary has a chronological summary from 7 Dec. 1941 to 12 Sept. 1945, but its detailed entries cover the period from 26 Jan. 1942 to 10 Mar. 1943..
Originator(s)
Oppenheim, H R
Finding aid date
2012-07-10 14:36:40+00:00
Repository Details
Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository
Cambridge University Library
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Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom
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