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 to initiate 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.