Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Private E. S. Miles, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who was taken Prisoner of War at the Fall of Singapore, 15 February 1942

General Service 1918-62, 1 clasp, Palestine (3855416 Pte. E. S. Miles. Loyal. R.) minor official correction to unit; 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star, this a copy; War Medal 1939-45, nearly extremely fine (4) £100-£140

Edward Stephen Miles, a native of Liverpool, attested for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in November 1934 and was taken a prisoner of war at the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942. The Japanese had landed on Singapore Island on 8 February. Some counter-attacks were attempted, including at Bukit Timah on 11 February by the re-equipped 18th Recce, but in general the invaders were allowed to retain the initiative as the garrison fell back towards the suburbs of Singapore city. The 2nd Battalion, Miles included, defended positions on Reformatory Road before starting a series of withdrawals which took them to Gillman Barracks, their former peacetime base. Their final withdrawal to Mount Washington left the surviving Loyals were ordered to lay down their arms on 15 February.

Miles was interned at Changi Camp from February 1942-July 1943, being held at Osaka Camp for the remainder of the war. He was transferred to the reserve in June 1946

Sold with copied research, including two photographic images showing the 2nd Battalion while in captivity in Changi.