Seven: Squadron Quarter-Master Sergeant C. J. Ewer, Royal Signals, who was taken P.O.W. at Singapore in February 1942

India General Service 1908-35, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1935 (2320947 Sgln. C. J. Ewer, R. Signals); India General Service 1936-39, 1 clasp, North West Frontier 1936-37 (2320947 Sgln. C. Ewer, R. Signals); 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Malaya, G.VI.R. (2320947 W.O. Cl. 2 C. J. Ewer, R. Sigs.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (2320497 S.Q.M.S. C. J. Ewer, R. Sigs.), mounted as worn, number officially corrected on the sixth, contact marks, generally very fine (7) £400-500

Charles John Ewer, who was born in May 1911 and a native of Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, enlisted in the Royal Signals in December 1930 and was taken P.O.W. in Singapore while serving in Malaya Command Signals in February 1942. As verified by his P.O.W. debrief, Ewer worked on the notorious “Railway of Death”, and participated in acts of sabotage - thus ‘Obstructions on railway bridge building. Introduction of foreign matter into oil and grease passages ... and on air compressors. Failed (?) to understand Japanese orders.’ He also mentioned in the same debrief the bravery of Lieutenant T. Douglas, Royal Signals, for maintaining radio reception for news throughout 1942-45, ‘regardless of the threat of extremely violent physical and mental punishment.’