Account of the 2/30 Battalion AIF, Malaya, early 1942

Collection relating to the experience of members of 2/30 Australian Infantry Battalion in Malaya in early 1942, comprising a black and white photocopy of a seven page typed manuscript. The name of the writer is not known, however he is believed to have been a friend of NX2556 Private (Pte) Robert Bland who is referred to in the account as 'Kiwi' Bland. The manuscript provides an account of the Sungei Gemencheh Ambush by elements of 'B' Company 2/30 Battalion AIF, of advancing Japanese forces near Gemas, Malaya in January 1942. Includes details of six members of the 'B' Coy rearguard who were captured and shot by the Japanese at Muar. Four men - Ptes Bland, NX26712 John R Cochrane, NX27464 Frederick G Collett, and Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) NX59065 Clive F Mulligan - died on 3 February 1942. Ptes NX37649 Ernest W Sams and NX55521 Terence C Trevor survived the ordeal only to be taken as prisoners of war of the Japanese to Pudu Gaol, Kuala Lumpur on 8 February 1942. Pte Sams died of wounds the next day and Pte Trevor survived the war to return to Australia. Another copy of this manuscript is held in the Memorial's Book Collection, call number F940.547252 A172.