Watom
Island
A contingent of British soldiers were interned at Watom Island
after their capture in Singapore. Only 18 survived the war out
of the original contingent of 600 men. The 18 survivors were:
L/Bdr Patrick Ahern Fermoy, Eire
Alf Baker Devonshire, England
Sgt. Joe Blythe Notts, England
Harry Buglass Doncaster, England
L/Cpl Frank Docketty London, England
L/Sgt. W Dunne Lucas, England
Joe Fowler Derby, England
Ben Gabbert Lucas, England
W. Jones Shropshire, England
M. Matts Hampshire, England
G.M. Moore South Wales
L/Bdr Murphy Glasgow, Scotland
C.D. Newell Middlesex, England
Sgt. P. Nolan Ireland
F. Slater Notts, England
Len Smelt Notts, England
Kenneth Walker Rhyl, North Wales
George White Glasgow, Scotland
References
Patrick Ahern
There were no senior officers or NCOs who survived
the experience. At the time of their liberation on September 7,
1945 Sgt. G. Blythe was the most respected by the men and spoke
for them.
The above information was checked against the
list of survivors in the book "What Price Bushido?"
by Alf Baker. For more information on this book contact Colin
Docketty (son of Frank Docketty l/bdr (5th SL RA) 2048251,
ex- POW Watom Island) who is in touch with the author.
