Scattered Under the Rising Sun: The Gordon Highlanders in the Far East 1941 - 1945

The 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders was posted to Singapore in 1937 and fought bravely until the surrender of Singapore in 1942. Of the 1000 men involved, over 400 had died by their liberation in summer 1945. Despite the diverse background of the members, they were bound by a strong regimental spirit and suffered hard labor, starvation, brutality, and tropical diseases. The author has researched the plight of these extraordinary men, who never saw their native Scotland again, and captures the strong collective regimental spirit and the humor and cooperation that saved so many who would have otherwise perished.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, was stationed in Singapore in 1937, accompanied by their families. However, their presence in the region was short-lived as the Japanese invaded Malaya in December 1941. The Battalion valiantly fought until the surrender of Singapore on February 14, 1942. Unfortunately, not all members of the Battalion survived the ordeal. Of the initial 1000 men involved, over 400 had perished by the time of their liberation in the summer of 1945. Despite the diverse backgrounds of the Battalion members, a strong regimental spirit bound them together. As prisoners of war (POWs), they endured arduous labor, starvation, brutality, and tropical diseases. Rank offered no protection from death, as many individuals met their end regardless of their status. After initial imprisonment in Singapore, the Gordons were dispersed to work on various projects, including the famous Thai-Burma railway, mines in Taiwan and Japan, and other slave labor endeavors. The conditions they faced defied modern comprehension, with some dying trapped in hell-ships torpedoed by allied submarines. The author has dedicated himself to researching the plight of these extraordinary men, many of whom never returned to their native Scotland. Despite the grim circumstances, he manages to capture the resilient collective regimental spirit and the humor and cooperation that played a pivotal role in saving so many lives, as many perished as a result. This is an inspiring tale of courage and survival against overwhelming odds, showcasing the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 233 x 157 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399085113