b/w printphotograph

The dating of these photographs is based on the uniforms. Soldiers are not yet in the 1937 pattern battledress, but do have the later Britannia badge, without the laurel wreath.

During the next two years, groups of POWs were sent to the mainland to work on the Siam-Burma railway. Major Wood went on 17th May 1943. 'Speedo' was the Japanese command for more effort and no one, including officers, was spared from unceasing, hard physical labour in the hot, humid jungle. Unsurprisingly, soldier's uniforms were soon worn out or discarded. The favoured garment was then the briefest covering. This may owe something to the traditional Japanese 'fundoshi' loincloth. Someone amongst the British and Australian toilers soon came up with the nickname, 'Japhappy' which raised an - inward - smile; open defiance of the lowliest Japanese guard would bring at least a severe beating with sticks, boots and rifle-butts.

On completion of the railway, Major Wood returned to Changi Jail, Singapore on 10th December 1943 for another twenty months' imprisonment. Photographs of Japhappy-clad POWs liberated after August 1945 clearly show the living skeletons they had become. The term “Jap” has been used as an abbreviation of “Japanese” to describe things imported from Japan or of a Japanese style. However, during the Second World War the term was used in a derogatory manner.