Dalforce: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Military Unit |
{{Infobox Military Unit |
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|unit_name=Dalforce<br>(星华义勇军) |
|unit_name=Dalforce<br>(星华义勇军) |
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|image= |
|image= |
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|caption= |
|caption= |
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|allegiance=[[ |
|allegiance=[[United Kingdom]] |
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|type=[[Irregular military]] |
|type=[[Irregular military]] |
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|branch= |
|branch= |
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|dates=[[December 25]] [[1941]]–[[February 13]] [[1942]] |
|dates=[[December 25]] [[1941]]–[[February 13]] [[1942]] |
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|specialization=[[Resistance during World War II|Resistance]], [[Guerilla]] |
|specialization=[[Resistance during World War II|Resistance]], [[Guerilla]] |
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|command_structure=[[1st Malaya Infantry Brigade]] |
|command_structure=[[8th Division (Australia)|Australian 22nd Brigade]]<br>[[1st Malaya Infantry Brigade]] |
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|size=Approx. 4000 |
|size=Approx. 4000 |
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|current_commander= |
|current_commander= |
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|march= |
|march= |
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|mascot= |
|mascot= |
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|battles=[[Battle of Singapore]]<br> |
|battles=[[Battle of Singapore]]<br>[[Battle of Sarimbun Beach]]<br>[[Battle of Kranji]]<br>[[Battle of Bukit Timah]]<br>[[Battle of Pasir Panjang]] |
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|notable_commanders=[[John Dalley (British soldier)|John Dalley]] |
|notable_commanders=[[John Dalley (British soldier)|John Dalley]] |
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|anniversaries= |
|anniversaries= |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Dalforce''', or the '''Singapore Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army''' (星华义勇军; ''Xinghua Yi Yong Jun'') was an [[Irregular military|irregular forces]]/[[guerrilla]] unit within the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Straits Settlements Volunteer Force]] during [[World War II]]. It's members were recruited among the [[overseas Chinese|ethnic Chinese]] people of [[Singapore]]. It was created on [[25 December]] [[1941]] by [[Lieutenant Colonel]] John Dalley of the [[Malaysian Special Branch|Federated Malay States Police Force]]. The unit was named Dalforce, after its chief instructor and commanding officer, John Dalley. The unit took part in the [[Battle of Singapore]] and some members conducted a guerilla campaign against [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] forces during the [[Japanese occupation of Singapore]]. |
'''Dalforce''', or the '''Singapore Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army''' (星华义勇军; ''Xinghua Yi Yong Jun'') was an [[Irregular military|irregular forces]]/[[guerrilla]] unit within the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Straits Settlements Volunteer Force]] during [[World War II]]. It's members were recruited among the [[overseas Chinese|ethnic Chinese]] people of [[Singapore]]. It was created on [[25 December]] [[1941]] by [[Lieutenant Colonel]] John Dalley of the [[Malaysian Special Branch|Federated Malay States Police Force]]. The unit was named Dalforce, after its chief instructor and commanding officer, John Dalley. The unit took part in the [[Battle of Singapore]] and some members conducted a guerilla campaign against [[Empire of Japan|Japanese]] forces during the [[Japanese occupation of Singapore|Japanese occupation]]. |
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The British noted how ferociously the Chinese volunteers in Dalforce fought, earning them the nickname ''Dalley's Desperadoes''. |
The British noted how ferociously the Chinese volunteers in Dalforce fought, earning them the nickname ''Dalley's Desperadoes''. |
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==Origins== |
==Origins== |
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Dalley had suggested creating a guerrilla network in 1940, but it was not until about a year later, when the Japanese invasion was imminent, did it become apparent that the recruitment of the local Chinese against the Japanese was essential |
Dalley had suggested creating a guerrilla network in 1940, but it was not until about a year later, when the Japanese invasion was imminent, did it become apparent that the recruitment of the local Chinese against the Japanese was essential. The British Government relented and on [[25 December]] [[1941]], Dalforce was established. John Dalley, together with his fellow British officers, began training in [[Johore]] in mid-January 1942 with a force of 200 men. By the time of the Battle of Singapore, Dalforce numbered 4,000 [[Resistance during World War II|resistance]] fighters. |
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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Because there were insufficient British standard army issue unifoms and helmets to be distributed to Dalforce, the troops had to wear white canvas shoes, white [[bandana]]s and mostly blue coloured shirts made from [[tailor]]s to prevent tragedies from [[friendly fire]]. |
Because there were insufficient British standard army issue unifoms and helmets to be distributed to Dalforce, the troops had to wear white canvas shoes, white [[bandana]]s and mostly blue coloured shirts made from [[tailor]]s to prevent tragedies from [[friendly fire]]. |
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Most were issued [[Lee-Enfield|Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III]] rifles, [[bayonet]]s and two 10-round magazine clips. Others had to carry weapons used for hunting animals, such as [[shotgun]]s, sporting rifles and [[Parang (knife)|parang]]s. |
Most were issued [[Lee-Enfield|Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III]] rifles, [[bayonet]]s and two 10-round magazine clips. Others had to carry weapons used for hunting animals, such as [[shotgun]]s, sporting rifles and [[Parang (knife)|parang]]s. [[Military training]] lasted up until the Japanese invaded Singapore. Female members were given the responsibility of simple tasks like [[first aid]] and [[cooking]]. |
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The British actually intended to fully equip the troops but became impossible when the liner [[SS Empress of Asia]], which carried the vital supplies for the men, was sunk by Japanese aircraft while on its way to [[Singapore]] from [[Bombay]]. |
The British actually intended to fully equip the troops but became impossible when the liner [[SS Empress of Asia]], which carried the vital supplies for the men, was sunk by Japanese aircraft while on its way to [[Singapore]] from [[Bombay]]. |
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The British military did not give us more bullets as they feared that we would hide the extra bullets. We knew we had to treasure every bullet and not to fire carelessly as they were the only means of protecting our lives. But we were not expert marksmen and 24 bullets were definitely not enough for us to go on the battlefield. The British military did not trust us'' — Choo Kim Seng, Dalforce veteran}} |
The British military did not give us more bullets as they feared that we would hide the extra bullets. We knew we had to treasure every bullet and not to fire carelessly as they were the only means of protecting our lives. But we were not expert marksmen and 24 bullets were definitely not enough for us to go on the battlefield. The British military did not trust us'' — Choo Kim Seng, Dalforce veteran}} |
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===Disposition of companies=== |
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| ⚫ | |||
Dalforce had a total of five companies in Singapore, each containing about a hundred troops: |
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| ⚫ | Dalforce fought in the [[Battle of Sarimbun Beach|battles of Sarimbun Beach]], [[Bukit Timah]], as well as the [[Woodlands, Singapore|Woodlands]] and [[Battle of Kranji|Kranji]] areas. They were mostly used to patrol [[mangrove swamp]]s where enemy landings might be made. A Dalforce unit was also attached to the [[1st Malaya Infantry Brigade]] which took part in the [[Battle of Pasir Panjang]]. |
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* 1) Company stationed at [[Jurong]] 18th Milestone. |
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* 2) Company attached to the [[8th Division (Australia)|Australian 22nd Brigade]] at Sarimbun beach. |
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* 3) Company at [[Johor-Singapore Causeway|Causeway Sector]]. |
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* 4) Company at area between [[Serangoon River]] and [[Pasir Ris]] (Also referred to as the company at [[Hougang]]). |
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* 5) Overseas Chinese Guard Platoon stationed in [[Kranji]]. |
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| ⚫ | |||
Dalforce was most notable in the [[Battle of Bukit Timah]]. Because of their resistance, the Japanese sought revenge by slaughtering an entire Chinese village nearby. Several guerillas reportedly tied grenades to their wrists, attacking Japanese forces and blowing themselves up.{{Fact|date=November 2007}} |
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| ⚫ | Dalforce fought in the [[Battle of Sarimbun Beach|battles of Sarimbun Beach]], [[Bukit Timah]], as well as the [[Woodlands, Singapore|Woodlands]] and [[Battle of Kranji|Kranji]] areas. They were mostly used to patrol [[mangrove swamp]]s where enemy landings might be made. A Dalforce unit was also attached to the [[1st Malaya Infantry Brigade]] which took part in the [[Battle of Pasir Panjang]]. Dalforce was most notable in the [[Battle of Bukit Timah]]. Because of their resistance, the Japanese sought revenge by slaughtering an entire Chinese village nearby. |
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The unit suffered severe casualties due to lack of training, equipment and armament. Nonetheless, Dalforce managed to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy as well, likely because of the Japanese frequent use of the [[banzai charge]] tactic, which gave the guerillas clear targets. The [[Japan]]ese despised the resistance fighters, deciding to use them as an excuse for their savage treatment of the Chinese population, but this behaviour was instigated by the [[Kempeitai]] rather than by [[Tomoyuki Yamashita|General Yamashita]]. |
The unit suffered severe casualties due to lack of training, equipment and armament. Nonetheless, Dalforce managed to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy as well, likely because of the Japanese frequent use of the [[banzai charge]] tactic, which gave the guerillas clear targets. The [[Japan]]ese despised the resistance fighters, deciding to use them as an excuse for their savage treatment of the Chinese population, but this behaviour was instigated by the [[Kempeitai]] rather than by [[Tomoyuki Yamashita|General Yamashita]]. |
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On [[13 February]] [[1942]], two days before [[Arthur Ernest Percival|General Percival]]'s surrender of Singapore, Colonel Dalley assembled Dalforce troops at Kim Yam Road Headquarters and ordered them to disband. The surviving members were each paid ten [[Straits dollar]]s for their services.<ref>[http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/details/SIP_765_2005-02-01.html Dalforce], Retrieved on [[2007-09-16]].</ref> |
On [[13 February]] [[1942]], two days before [[Arthur Ernest Percival|General Percival]]'s surrender of Singapore, Colonel Dalley assembled Dalforce troops at Kim Yam Road Headquarters and ordered them to disband. The surviving members were each paid ten [[Straits dollar]]s for their services.<ref>[http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/details/SIP_765_2005-02-01.html Dalforce], Retrieved on [[2007-09-16]].</ref> |
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Many men and women would be captured, tortured and executed in the [[Sook Ching massacre]] for their involvement in Dalforce. Others would flee into the jungles and continue the fight against the Japanese by joining up with the [[MPAJA]], or [[Force 136]]. John Dalley is |
Many men and women would be captured, tortured and executed in the [[Sook Ching massacre]] for their involvement in Dalforce. Others would flee into the jungles and continue the fight against the Japanese by joining up with the [[MPAJA]], or [[Force 136]]. John Dalley mysteriously vanished from history, but is known to have survived the invasion of Singapore, evacuating to the [[Dutch East Indies]], where he was eventually captured by the Japanese in [[Sumatra]]. |
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==Popular culture== |
==Popular culture== |
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*Dalforce are depicted in the [[Battle of Singapore]] episode in the 2001 television drama, [[A War Diary]], produced by [[Dreamforest Productions]]. |
*Dalforce are depicted in the [[Battle of Singapore]] episode in the 2001 television drama, [[A War Diary]], produced by [[Dreamforest Productions]]. |
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*Dalforce is the name of an upcoming [[Dreamcast]] game set to come out in the first quarter of 2008.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* Eternal Vigilance, the Price of Freedom; compiled by Foong Choon Hon, translated by Yuen Chen Ching; Asiapac Books, Singapore; 2006 |
* Eternal Vigilance, the Price of Freedom; compiled by Foong Choon Hon, translated by Yuen Chen Ching; Asiapac Books, Singapore; 2006 |
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* Lee Geok Boi; The Syonan Years - Singapore under Japanese Rule 1942 - 1945; National Archives of Singapore; 2005 |
* Lee Geok Boi; The Syonan Years - Singapore under Japanese Rule 1942 - 1945; National Archives of Singapore; 2005 |
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==External Links== |
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*[http://www.chineseheritagecentre.org/docs/Dalforce.pdf Dalforce at the Fall of Singapore 1942: The Creation of an Overseas Chinese Legend] |
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*[http://www.hsse.nie.edu.sg/staff/blackburn/JCOBlackburnChew%20(233-259).pdf Dalforce at the Fall of Singapore in 1942: An Overseas Chinese Heroic Legend] |
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[[ms:Dalforce]] |
[[ms:Dalforce]] |
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Revision as of 02:44, 31 December 2007
| Dalforce (星华义勇军) | |
|---|---|
| Active | December 25 1941–February 13 1942 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Type | Irregular military |
| Role | Resistance, Guerilla |
| Size | Approx. 4000 |
| Part of | Australian 22nd Brigade 1st Malaya Infantry Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Ee Hoe Hean Club, Singapore |
| Nickname(s) | “Dalley's Desperadoes” |
| Engagements | Battle of Singapore Battle of Sarimbun Beach Battle of Kranji Battle of Bukit Timah Battle of Pasir Panjang |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | John Dalley |
Dalforce, or the Singapore Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army (星华义勇军; Xinghua Yi Yong Jun) was an irregular forces/guerrilla unit within the British Straits Settlements Volunteer Force during World War II. It's members were recruited among the ethnic Chinese people of Singapore. It was created on 25 December 1941 by Lieutenant Colonel John Dalley of the Federated Malay States Police Force. The unit was named Dalforce, after its chief instructor and commanding officer, John Dalley. The unit took part in the Battle of Singapore and some members conducted a guerilla campaign against Japanese forces during the Japanese occupation.
The British noted how ferociously the Chinese volunteers in Dalforce fought, earning them the nickname Dalley's Desperadoes.
Origins
Dalley had suggested creating a guerrilla network in 1940, but it was not until about a year later, when the Japanese invasion was imminent, did it become apparent that the recruitment of the local Chinese against the Japanese was essential. The British Government relented and on 25 December 1941, Dalforce was established. John Dalley, together with his fellow British officers, began training in Johore in mid-January 1942 with a force of 200 men. By the time of the Battle of Singapore, Dalforce numbered 4,000 resistance fighters.
Development
Because there were insufficient British standard army issue unifoms and helmets to be distributed to Dalforce, the troops had to wear white canvas shoes, white bandanas and mostly blue coloured shirts made from tailors to prevent tragedies from friendly fire.
Most were issued Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III rifles, bayonets and two 10-round magazine clips. Others had to carry weapons used for hunting animals, such as shotguns, sporting rifles and parangs. Military training lasted up until the Japanese invaded Singapore. Female members were given the responsibility of simple tasks like first aid and cooking.
The British actually intended to fully equip the troops but became impossible when the liner SS Empress of Asia, which carried the vital supplies for the men, was sunk by Japanese aircraft while on its way to Singapore from Bombay.
We were not given hand grenades or hand-held machine guns. Each of us was given a water bottle, a small mat which we wrapped around our waist, a bayonet and 24 bullets... Our female members were only responsible for first aid, cooking, relaying messages and other simple tasks. The British military did not give us more bullets as they feared that we would hide the extra bullets. We knew we had to treasure every bullet and not to fire carelessly as they were the only means of protecting our lives. But we were not expert marksmen and 24 bullets were definitely not enough for us to go on the battlefield. The British military did not trust us — Choo Kim Seng, Dalforce veteran
Disposition of companies
Dalforce had a total of five companies in Singapore, each containing about a hundred troops:
- 1) Company stationed at Jurong 18th Milestone.
- 2) Company attached to the Australian 22nd Brigade at Sarimbun beach.
- 3) Company at Causeway Sector.
- 4) Company at area between Serangoon River and Pasir Ris (Also referred to as the company at Hougang).
- 5) Overseas Chinese Guard Platoon stationed in Kranji.
Combat History
Dalforce fought in the battles of Sarimbun Beach, Bukit Timah, as well as the Woodlands and Kranji areas. They were mostly used to patrol mangrove swamps where enemy landings might be made. A Dalforce unit was also attached to the 1st Malaya Infantry Brigade which took part in the Battle of Pasir Panjang. Dalforce was most notable in the Battle of Bukit Timah. Because of their resistance, the Japanese sought revenge by slaughtering an entire Chinese village nearby.
The unit suffered severe casualties due to lack of training, equipment and armament. Nonetheless, Dalforce managed to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy as well, likely because of the Japanese frequent use of the banzai charge tactic, which gave the guerillas clear targets. The Japanese despised the resistance fighters, deciding to use them as an excuse for their savage treatment of the Chinese population, but this behaviour was instigated by the Kempeitai rather than by General Yamashita.
End of Dalforce
On 13 February 1942, two days before General Percival's surrender of Singapore, Colonel Dalley assembled Dalforce troops at Kim Yam Road Headquarters and ordered them to disband. The surviving members were each paid ten Straits dollars for their services.[1]
Many men and women would be captured, tortured and executed in the Sook Ching massacre for their involvement in Dalforce. Others would flee into the jungles and continue the fight against the Japanese by joining up with the MPAJA, or Force 136. John Dalley mysteriously vanished from history, but is known to have survived the invasion of Singapore, evacuating to the Dutch East Indies, where he was eventually captured by the Japanese in Sumatra.
Popular culture
- Dalforce are depicted in the Battle of Singapore episode in the 2001 television drama, A War Diary, produced by Dreamforest Productions.
References
- ^ Dalforce, Retrieved on 2007-09-16.
Books
- Anthony Livesey, Great Commanders and their Battles
- Eternal Vigilance, the Price of Freedom; compiled by Foong Choon Hon, translated by Yuen Chen Ching; Asiapac Books, Singapore; 2006
- Lee Geok Boi; The Syonan Years - Singapore under Japanese Rule 1942 - 1945; National Archives of Singapore; 2005