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-   -   Flt Lt McAllister RAAF POW (http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=51140)

Brian 9th May 2018 12:46

Flt Lt McAllister RAAF POW
 
Hi guys,

Re-reading Denis Russell-Roberts "Spotlight on Singapore", I note that a Flt Lt McAllister RAAF and Major John Wyatt, attempted to steal a Japanese aircraft from an airfield in Singapore. This may have been circa 1945.

They apparently escaped from Changi jail but were caught, paraded through the streets bare-footed and with ropes around their necks. They were sentenced to be executed but reprieved as it was the Emperor's birthday! Instead, they were sent to notorious Outram Road jail, where McAllister became ill and he was returned to Changi for treatment. Rather than be sent back on Outram Road on recovery, he persuaded a friend to break a bone in his foot with a sledge hammer, and thus remained at Changi.

His colleague, Major Wyatt, meanwhile convinced his jailers that he had appendicitis and was also sent to the hospital at Changi, where he had a perfectly healthy appendix removed - and was not sent back to Outram Road.

Both gallant men survived the war - but who were they?

Cheers
Brian

Col Bruggy 9th May 2018 14:20

Re: Flt Lt McAllister RAAF POW
 
Brian,

MacALISTER, Jack Lyle. Flt Lt, OBE, DFC 390
Born: Melbourne, Victoria 28/12/.1917.
2 Sqn RAAF- 1 MRU. Hudson A16-109. Koepang, Timor 23/3/1942

He was a former commercial pilot. He was on a Photographic reconnaissance operation and had bombed a flying boat in the harbour when he was intercepted by Zeros. One was shot down, but damage to the starboard engine and the ensuing fire, spelt the end and he was forced to bale out at low level.

The aircraft crashed at Oeploela, 30 miles north of Koepang, six miles from Tjamplong. MacAlister had successfully baled out in the mountains, but the remainder of the crew were killed in the air battle or the abandoning attempt.

After landing, MacAlister was strafed by the enemy fighters and was eventually captured in the village of Tjamplong. In Timor, at Ozarphan Bazaar, together with Lt-Col Leggatt**, Major Wyatt*** and four members of 2/40 Battalion, he tried to steal a transport plane, but the starter battery had been removed.

A Later escape attempt whilst in Changi was thwarted when he was betrayed by a civilian contact, he was tortured and sentenced to nine months solitary confinement in the notorious Outram Road Gaol and to 17 years imprisonment overall - should he survive!

Uasapa Besar, Changi.

Killed: Sgt Donald George James HORSBURGH 11640, Sgt John Royston MADDERN 401824 and Sgt James Gordon WRIGHT 405530 - ref: xcix - Highest Traditions The History of No.2 Squadron RAAF. John Bennett. Canberra:A.G.P.S.,1995*

See:
Wingless A Biographical Index of Australian Airmen Detained in Wartime
Roberts,T.V.(Dr.)
Ballarat:Author,2011.
p.308

* Brian, the events mentioned by Dr Roberts are elaborated upon by John Bennett in his, Highest Traditions (pp.154-5). Way too long to transcribe.

See also: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10683835

and ...

** https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10680708

*** http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/Veteran.as...teranId=778902

Col.

DavidIsby 9th May 2018 14:24

Re: Flt Lt McAllister RAAF POW
 
But not mentioned in the two RAAF official history volumes on the Pacific war, which assured sales by footnoting everyone.

RSwank 9th May 2018 16:44

Re: Flt Lt McAllister RAAF POW
 
There is a downloadable pdf transcript of an interview with McAllister here

http://australiansatwarfilmarchive.u.../printpdf/1750

In it he talks about Major John "Wyatt" "WYETT?" , G3 8th Division headquarters.

Col Bruggy 10th May 2018 03:03

Re: Flt Lt McAllister RAAF POW
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by RSwank (Post 251761)
There is a downloadable pdf transcript of an interview with McAllister here

http://australiansatwarfilmarchive.u.../printpdf/1750

In it he talks about Major John "Wyatt" "WYETT?" , G3 8th Division headquarters.

Hello,

If you care to read my Post #2 and take a look at footnote ***, you will find that I have already fully identified Major Wyatt as Major John William Cardwell WYETT.

Col.

Brian 10th May 2018 09:37

Re: Flt Lt McAllister RAAF POW
 
Thanks a million, Col

As ever, you're always ready to share your immense wealth of knowledge.

Sincere thanks

Brian


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