Following the fall of Singapore in 1942, captives of the Japanese included:
- 22,000 Australian servicemen
- 40 Nurses
- Many British and local citizens
Between 1942 and 1945 casualties included:
- 8,000 military dead
- Thousands of civilians dead
- Many thousands of prisoners suffering debilitating illnesses
The conditions for those who did not perish were very difficult indeed, with meagre rations, poor sanitation, inadequate health care and oppressive conditions.
For many servicemen and women the main source of compassion support and kindness was the many members of the local communities who risked their own lives to do whatever they could to help.
An important source of support for members of the AIF after their period of imprisonment was the Red Cross. It provided vital medical and evacuation support, 300 walking sticks, 20,000 pairs of pyjamas, 1000 pipes and 1,000,000 cigarettes.
