Breaking Gerald's Silence: Far East POW
Subject: Gerald Ernest Burtt
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Description
Bombardier Gerald Ernest Burtt, 908631 of the 118th Field Regiment Royal Artillery, seldom spoke of his wartime experiences, except on two occasions. The first was when he wrote a short piece for his grandson's school project newspaper, attached here. You'll notice he mentions how he became a Far East POW and how he made it home, but he doesn't delve much into his captivity. The second occasion was when he showed his son Jeremy a photo, taken clandestinely, of soldiers in the square at Penang. Gerald didn't take the photo himself, but he was entrusted with bringing it home. Unfortunately, the photo hasn't been seen since. Given Gerald's background as a historian, it's hoped it has found its way to an appropriate repository.
Timeline
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