Wyett, John William Cardwell (Major, b.1908 - d.2004)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of TX2155 Major John William Cardwell Wyett, Headquarters Malaya, Second Australian Imperial Force, Malaya, 1942.

Wallet 1 of 1 – Consists of one diary of Major John William Cardwell Wyett, containing entries dated between 23 January and 28 December 1942. It covers his service in Malaya in early 1942, and his subsequent capture and internment by the Japanese in Changi Prisoner of War camp. In his diary, Major Wyatt writes about destroying infrastructure while retreating from the Japanese, being targeted by Japanese aircraft while travelling, preparing defences, hearing bad news from Singapore, being heavily shelled, the capitulation of Singapore to the Japanese, moving to Changi Prisoner of War camp, rations, attending conferences with other officers, using Japanese time, establishing the perimeters of the camp, inspecting fences and gardens, being ill with dysentery, having his special belongings looted, organising his office, reports from representatives of various work parties, including those for fencing, and fishing, attending a large Anzac Day service, the progress of yeast production, groups of thousands of prisoners leaving the camp to work in the north, attending the newly-constructed church, hearing reports of work parties in Singapore, watching cricket games played between different divisions, attending educational lectures, producing dietary supplements, guarding stores from Japanese soldiers, practising Malayan language, writing a postcard home, being ill with dengue, meeting Australians who had been captured in other parts of Malaya, moving to new lodgings, seeing plays produced by fellow prisoners at the Changi Theatre, learning about Japanese attitudes towards war and army organisation, negotiating with the Japanese after the events at Selarang Barracks, in which prisoners of war refused to sign an agreement not to escape, visiting the Australian Infantry Battalion cemetery, hearing news of the war from other parts of the region, having rations severely reduced, learning German, attending a large voluntary parade of internees, management of the gardens, and Christmas in the camp. This diary also contains notes on Malayan language, medicine, equipment, rations, training, tactics, and the Malayan campaign, and one letter from Frank Mansfield [identity unknown].

Major John William Cardwell Wyett enlisted to the Second Australian Imperial Force on 12 August 1940, after previously serving with the Naval Reserve and the Citizens’ Military Force. After attending a course at the Army Staff College at Quetta, India [now Pakistan], he joined the 8 Division Australian Imperial Force Headquarters in Malaya. In February 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese, and Mayor Wyatt had the responsibility of writing the orders for 8 Division’s surrender and move to Changi Prisoner of War camp. While a prisoner in Changi, Major Wyatt used his knowledge of chemistry, Wyatt initiated the production of soap, dietary supplements, and dental fillings to improve the wellbeing of his fellow prisoners. After the war, he was repatriated to Australia, and was discharged on 12 March 1946.

• Wallet 1 of 1 - Diary of John William Cardwell Wyett, 1942