Even in the midst of a war, Christmas is an opportunity to relax a little. In 1941, No.488 Squadron RNZAF was battling the Japanese in the skies over Singapore from its base at Kallang.
Squadron members also kept a diary of their time in Singapore, and this is how they celebrated, such a long way from home.
As you will read below, there were high jinks aplenty. Highlights included some minor petty theft, presents from home, trousers lost and a concert as they did their best to put aside homesickness and celebrate during uncertain times.
For some this would be their last Christmas. The original diary survived and was given to the museum by ‘Hutch’ Hutcheson, one of the flight commanders.
It is now held in our archives.
24/12/41
T’was the night before Christmas. Everybody was talking of how they spent last Xmas, some a little homesick but most too eager to get at the Japs to feel any pangs. Big party in the mess with Dutchmen, Wing Commander Chignell, Squadron Leader Clouston. Hutch was at his best with his repertoire of dirty songs.
Flight Lieutenant MacKenzie, Butch Hesketh, Noel Sharp, Jack McHarry and Terry Honan went out souvenir hunting in “Galloping Gertie” (a car). Secured a beautiful masterpiece of Kay Francis 3 ft 6 ins by 2 ft 6 ins. While Butch and Noel patrolled in- front, and Mac and Terry acted as look-outs, Terry swiped it. A fine piece of formation work!!! Paulette Goddard was accomplished by Jack McHarry and Mac’s overcoat. Considering we had to descend two flights of stairs in a crowd, and Mac fell on the stairs, this was a more classic effort than the first. Gert’s fine getaways deserve special mention. But Gert was not to rest long in peace. Some thieving b.s. swiped her and her cargo of pictures. Noel Sharp dropped everything and gave chase but alas it was to no avail. Gert had vanished into the night leaving five disconsolate pilots stranded. A further trophy of the chase had to be abandoned in a “gents”. These five weary warriors partook themselves of a few at the Adelphi and were later driven home by an Australian.
All personnel received either 200 cigs or a large tin of butterscotch from the New Zealand Patriotic Society. These gifts were very much appreciated.
25/12/1941
The first Christmas away from home for most of the Squadron. We were at readiness from dawn till dusk but no fresh Jap disturbed us. Our dispersal hut was much improved by a little decorating which helped to bring a seasonal charm to our otherwise drab surroundings. “Galloping Gertie , complete with cargo, had been found and all were much relieved to find Kay and Paulette unscathed after their harrowing experience. In the evening, 488 Squadron had its first gala evening together. A Smoke Concert was held in the airmen’s hall and proved a great success thanks to the good organising by Pilot Officer Franks. We were honoured by the presence of two Dutch air force officers and “Judge” Foreman, the Station’s able engineer officer. Toasts were proposed by Cecil Franks, Bunt Pettitt, and by a Dutch officer. Squadron Leader Clouston read a Christmas greeting from Air Chief Marshall Sir Cyril Newall which we all autographed and sent back to N.Z. The CO also said a few well-placed words thanking the personnel for their hard work in getting the Squadron to its high state of efficiency in such a short period. The concert then went away with a swing, and caused much amusement to a well-behaved, slightly sozzled audience. Pilot Officer Pettitt and Pilot Officer cox brought much laughter and jeers by their parody of many well known members of the Squadron…..Sergeant Kuhn and Sergeant Howard Taylor took off Flight Sergeant Ginnivan, Flight Sergeant Chandler and Flight Sergeant Rees much to the amusement of the troops. But the climax came quickly when a mob of alcoholic sergeant pilots staggered onto the stage to give their rendition of “Fourth form at St. Kallang”. A definite flap. De-bagging was then the order of the day, Flight Sergeant Paterson being the first to lose his trousers, followed in quick succession by Flight Sergeant Chandler, Pilot Officer Sharp, Flight Lieutenant Hutcheson and the CO. This was the Culmination of a very enjoyable evening which was characterised by the good behaviour and spirit of all present.”
Of those mentioned in the diary, Noel Sharp, Tony Cox and Greville ‘Butch’ Hesketh were killed or posted missing in the next two months operations. Squadron Leader Wilfred Clouston and Harry ‘Bunt’ Pettitt were both captured by the Japanese but survived.
