RAF Memoirs of SE Asia
358 Squadron

Escape and Return to the United Kingdom

by William A. Pugh

On August 23rd we were advised that our original escape plan was being activated due to the Japanese Commander of S. E. Asia announcing that his Armies were going to continue fighting no matter what his Superiors in Japan had agreed to. Rumours were flying again that the Japs were finally going to take over all of Bangkok. We were supposed to leave the Camp that night at Midnight but for some reason unknown to us it was postponed until the following night.

On Friday night, August 24th, as soon as darkness fell, we were spirited out of the Compound into a waiting bus and taken to what turned out to be the Underground Headquarters in the basement of the Prime Minister's/ Regent's house. We were immediately given a tasty hot meal of curry and chicken. It was really delicious and we had to refrain from having Iseconds'. We could end up with upset stomachs the O.S.S. Officers pointed out, and that was the last thing they wanted any of us to be afflicted with knowing what lay ahead of us.

We were really astounded and amazed at the organization in that basement. Being a WOP/AG I was truly fascinated with the wall-to-wall radio transmitters and receivers - it was incredible - and we just thrilled to all the hustle and bustle about us and the obvious fact that we were on our way out, we hoped.

I cannot be sure of the time (maybe just before or shortly after Midnight) we left the Underground Headquarters, however we were bundled into an old bus and after what seemed like a couple of hours arrived at Bangkok's main airport. This airport was shared equally by the Japanese Air Force and the Royal Siamese Air Force and was split accordingly. We learned later that the Japs were on one side of the main runway and the Siamese the other.

On arrival we were led quickly and quietly to what appeared to be a large waiting room and told to lie down out of sight and to keep absolutely quiet. We actually lay down directly beneath open windows and tried to catch a bit of sleep, but it was impossible because of our excitement and knowing the Japs were a mere stone's throw away.

At daylight we were taken out to board three aircraft (they appeared to be different types), which were close to the building. I found myself climbing into a Japanese 'Sally' which I recognized immediately for as with many other aircraft in the Japanese Air Force, they were copied from British and American designs and the 'Sally' was almost identical to the British "Wellington' bomber.

It was now Saturday, August 25th and we finally took off from Bangkok Airport just before 0800 Hrs. The Royal Siamese Air Force Pilot Capt. Surayud - who spoke fairly good English, had previously indicated that they were all very worried about the Japanese who were apparently very jittery. The Siamese were more than concerned that our presence may have been detected due to the activity on the Siamese side of the runway, and who knows what the Japs would have done?

I recall that there were two smaller-type aircraft with our fellow P.O.W.s on board and we left fairly close together. The flight was something else - we all had a good laugh although became a little worried when one of the crew appeared from the Navigator's position with a hand-type oil can and started squirting oil into some part of the aircraft we could not see - maybe it was their idea of a joke, we never did find out.

After a couple of hours flying north we landed on an airstrip cut out of the jungle in Central Siam. In spite of the terrain it was a very good landing as I recall. We quickly got out of the 'Sally' and were met by American O.S.S. and British S.A.S. men and taken inside the fringe of the jungle airstrip to a Compound with a few large tents.

We were given some rations and cigarettes, and again we just marvelled at the organization all about us. At 1100 hours, a DC-3 of the U.S.A.A.F arrived and we all quickly climbed on board. We took off about Noon and the first couple of hours were uneventful. However, on nearing Rangoon, Burma, we ran into some real four weather and we were truly buffeted all over the sky. Those DC-3s were strong and sturdy aircraft for sure. We landed amidst one heck of a storm at Rangoon Airport. I think we all agreed it had to be one of the worst landings we had experienced but when one considered the terrible weather conditions it was really one marvellous piece of piloting to have even landed the DC-3 at all.

Lucky again!

When we finally got out of the aircraft the storm had almost passed over - the rain eased up and the wind dropped considerably. We were astonished to be met by cameramen but as all of them were Americans they were more interested in our American P.O.W. pals - can't say I blame them for that. In any event we were just happy to be free and wanted to keep going.

The time was about 1700 Hrs. and we, the 13 R.A.F. types, were quickly moved from the airport by truck to the main Rangoon Hospital where we were warmly welcomed. We were given clean clothing after showering, food and a decent bed (cot). We were feeling really happy - such a sense of relief!

On Sunday, August 26th the news was spread around that the Japanese Surrender Delegation was due to arrive from Bangkok about 1400 Hrs. We were told prior to the arrival of the Delegation that they would arrive over Rangoon in an aircraft painted all white with a large Green Cross, painted on each side. They were to circle Rangoon until given permission to land and as a result we were able to see the aircraft quite clearly. Obviously our people were deliverately keeping them in a holding pattern as they circled the City for what seemed like almost an hour. Anyhow it was a good sight if only to realize that the Commander of Japanese Forces in S. E. Asia with Headquarters in Bangkok had finally decided to surrender despite his earlier threats as already related herein.

We were in hospital until September 5th, during which time we were given thorough medical examinations and after same were allowed to visit downtown Rangoon. We learned that the 14th Army had taken over the British Sports and Social Club for the troops to enjoy some different food to what they had been used to and, of course, there was plenty of drink available.

We were invited to partake despite being 'Brylcreem Boys' and we made frequent visits there. The 14th Army guys were the tops and we sure admired them for all that they had endured in Burma. My Uncle Jack was with the Seaforth Highlanders in Burma and while I was able to locate some of them, unfortunately not him.

Of course, we did not know why we were being kept in the hospital until, on September 5th, we were taken to the Rangoon docks. We eventually embarked on H.M.S. 'Searcher', a small aircraft carrier, and learned we were part of over 600 repatriated P.O.W.s who would shortly sail for Madras, India. We left Rangoon port about 1730 Hrs. and a few of us R.A.F. types went up on deck and sat on the rear of the flight deck with our legs dangling over the curve of the deck. The sun was about to set as we steamed up-river and the Golden Pagoda of Rangoon was really glistening so vividly one could hardly look at it for long. We had been told that legend had it that if you set your eyes on the Golden Pagoda at sunset, when leaving Rangoon, you would surely return one day!

Have never been back - but who knows? I think there were only two or three aircraft on the main hangar deck (below deck), the rest had been put ashore in order to make room for over 600 of us to sleep. The voyage was pleasant enough and we were able to sleep with no problem. Good wholesome food as well - it was a treat just to have freshly baked bread.

We arrived in Madras Saturday, September 8th about 1700 Hrs. On arrival we were taken to an R.A.F. Compound in the City and given a 'feast of a meal', but once again warned not to overindulge due to our having been subject to almost a starvation diet despite what we had been consuming in Rangoon and on H.M.S. 'Searcher'. However, it should be noted that the food, while good in Rangoon and on board H.M.S. 'Searcher', was nevertheless strictly rationed not only because of our health but because of the shortage of supplies in general. We spent a few hours walking in downtown Madras as this was the first visit any of us had made to this large port City.

On Sunday September 9th, we were advised that the R.A.F. had reserved special compartments on the Trans-Continental train leaving that night at 2130 Hrs. for Bombay for us 13 R.A.F. repats. I think we eventually departed from Madras at 2300 Hrs. The R.A.F. was certainly looking after us! We did not know why but maybe it was because we were the first R.A.F. personnel to be returned to the United Kingdom from Far East P.O.W. Camps for later events seemed to confirm these thoughts. It took us about 31 days to reach Bombay where we were immediately transferred to our 'favourite' R.A.F. Station at WORLI just outside Bombay. The date Wednesday September 12th, 1945.

The following day we spent time checking the whereabouts of our personal effects. They were already packed (in kit-bags) as we were to have gone on R & R leave upon our return on May 29th! We needed clothing and had to meet the Accounts Department regarding our pay - we now needed some spending money. It was a very busy time but one we were enjoying.

On Friday September 14th we were thrilled to find out that Smithy was in Bombay and that he had been awarded thd Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.) and the French Croix de Guerre. He invited the four of us for a celebration and reunion dinner with him that night at the 'Taj Mahal' Hotel.

    I am writing this part of the story almost 50 years later and I suddenly seem to recall having stayed in the 'Taj Mahal' Hotel which by the way was the largest and most modern hotel in India. In any event, it was a truly wonderful reunion but touched with immense sadness over the loss of our fellow crew members and this I think caused us all to drown our sorrows a little.

Going Home

We had previously been instructed earlier that day that we were to be flown to Karachi to connect with the newly re-inaugurated B.O.A.C. "Sunderland' Flying Boat Service from there to the United Kingdon. On Saturday September 15th, we were taken to the Bombay Airport and boarded an R.A.F. DC-3 which took off at 1100 Hrs. and arrived in Karachi at 1430 Hrs. We were taken to an R.A.F. Station in Karachi for an overnight stay.

Very early on Sunday morning about 0400 Hrs. we were awakened and after getting organized were whisked off to the harbour. We got our first look at the 'Sunderland' which was newly painted in B.O.A.C. colours and Logo and we were quickly ferried out to board it. There were already several civilian passengers on board. I had always wanted to fly in a 'Sunderland', this was good good to be true I thought - what a thrill it was to take off and land on water - lots of excitement!

We lifted off at 0600 Hrs. and headed for Bahrain in the Persian Gulf where we landed at about 1300 Hrs. I thought we had experienced hot weather in India and Siam, however the heat that met us when we stepped out of the aircraft into a small motor launch was really unbearable and it took us a few minutes to catch our breath. We were taken ashore for a meal while the 'Sunderland' was refueled and we re-embarked for take-off at 1500 Hrs.

The flight over Saudi Arabia was very interesting - had never seen such landscape before except in the movies. It appeared to be very hilly country, and the colours of the terrain - reds, yellows and browns gave the whole land a distinctive hue. At about 1800 Hrs. we were approaching Cairo and circled the City, including the Pyramids, before landing on the River Nile amidst a glorious sunset - it was a beautiful sight and one I can still vividly remember.

Our first class treatment continued. Upon being ferried to dockside and passing through Egyptian Customs we were taken to our Hotel for the night - a handsome River Nile Cruise Ship. The accommodation while on the small side was excellent as was the meal we enjoyed. After dinner we all went on the town and toured the Nightclubs. That was quite an experience - the details of which could form the subject for another story. We eventually got to bed on the Cruise Ship in the wee hours of Monday September 17th, but were soon awakened for breakfast, ferried to the 'Sunderland' and lifted off at 0700 Hrs.

The flight so far was turning out to be more like a holiday for the next thing we knew we were landing in the harbour of Augusta on the Island of Sicily at about 1300 Hrs. B.O.A.C. placed us in a very nice but small hotel on the waterfront. As in Cairo, we toured Augusta's downtown and had a real good time together - lots of fun. The next morning - Tuesday, September 18th we were again awakened early, breakfast, and ferried to the 'Sunderland', lifted off at 0700 Hrs.

Conclusion

The story draws to a happy conclusion, especially when we pass over the Swiss and French Alps then the English Channel and land on the waters of Poole Harbour in Dorset. What a sight - we were all very excited and couldn't put our feet on English soil quickly enough.

The Motor Launch arrived alongside the 'Sunderland' and we took our leave with grateful thanks to the crew. As the Launch approached the shore we could see crowds of people congregated at the top of the steps from the 'jetty landing'. We soon found out that our arrival was Universal news and it was all more than a little embarrassing to hear them greeting us with cheers and back-slaps as we mounted the steps to the Promenade and with cameras flashing we were hurried by R.A.F. Officers and S.P.s into a waiting bus. Talk about excitement! What next?

Would you believe seats in a specially reserved "Pullman Coach" of the Great Western Railway (G.W.R.) which took us (eventually) to the R.A.F. Station at Cosford near Wolverhampton from where, after a couple of days, we were given leave of about three weeks.

On return from leave we were all given the choice of opting out of the R.A.F. due to our repatriation status if we had jobs to return to, or stay on in the R.A.F. until our demobilization number came up. My job in the Steamship Company was held for me and, as the Company was so busy and short-staffed, I decided to return to 'Civvy Street' in October 1945.

I cannot possibly remember all the details of things that happened to me and the story I have tried to relate above is as true and accurate as I recall incidents experienced.

RAF Memoirs of SE Asia: 358 Squadron Special Ops and P.O.W

More RAF 358 Squadron

Escape from Siam RAF 358 Squadron, Burma 1945

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© Copyright 2001 by William A. Pugh.
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