During the war years radio enthusiasts or “ham radio operators” listened in on the radio broadcasts emanating from around the globe. A number of enthusiasts from across Australia listened in on the broadcasts from the Japanese run “Radio Singapore”. Their letters to Frank’s family are listed below.
Radio message dated March 8th 1945 #1
This letter was written by Mary Rourke of 4 The Boulevard, Petersham, N.S.W. Mrs. Rourke mentions that her own husband is a signaller and that he was captured in Timor and is located in No. 4 POW camp, Thailand.
Radio message dated March 8th 1945 #2
This letter is written by Frederick G. Young of 40 Bayview Road, Fivedock, Sydney, NSW. On the reverse of the message Mr Young wishes the recipient happiness and a happy reunion for all.
Radio message dated March 9th 1945
This letter is written by a Master B. Clegg of Barber Street, Gunnedah. Master Clegg recounts this message and politely asks for a reply to his letter.
Radio message [date unknown]
This letter is written by a Mrs A Lucy of 66 Wolsely Road, Point Piper, NSW. She recounts the radio message.
News article regarding radio messages March 15th 1945
This is a newspaper clipping from the Advance newspaper about each of the letters above. The article also describes Jack Larkin’s reaction to the letters. The clipping has a handwritten date of March 15th, 1945
Dec 21, 2011 @ 03:30:53
I am hosting a 70th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore Exhibit at the Logan City Historical Museum beginning on the 1st of February 2012 and Concluding on the 30th April 2012.
I would like to ask your permission to copy and display with suitable recognition to you some of the information on your web site.
The uniqueness of the letters about the Radio transmissions would certainly bring the human factor of what it was like for families during those dark days.
Thank you for your time
Mic Noble
Project Officer