THE VOLUNTEER FORCES OF THE FEDERATED AND UNFEDERATED STATES OF MALAYA, AND THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS: 1940- 1942 by AUDREY HOLMES MCCORMICK

VOLUNTEER FORCES OF THE FEDERATED AND UNFEDERATED STATES OF MALAYA, AND THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS: 1940- 1942

SUMMARY

AUDREY HOLMES MCCORMICK

THE VOLUNTEER FORCES: These comprised multi-racial battalions organised on a military basis. The Volunteers were required to continue with their civilian duties. For most categories of British Europeans, Volunteer training and duty became compulsory within 18 - 41 age groups in July 1940 (via an Ordinance which was altered by the Governor Sir Shenton Thomas, from the original Colonial Office Ordinance CO 820 50/29 of June 1940) See below. Previously there was social pressure to join, and medical expenses offered, but travel from remote places could be a considerable problem.

THE LOCAL DEFENCE CORPS ( LDC ):

This was organised as a Home Guard from October 1940. A full time Commissioner with Deputy Commissioners, were appointed in Malaya in September 1940. The Corps was composed of European British over 41 years of age, also British subjects or citizens under British Protection aged 18-55 years, and was opened to British-linked non-Europeans from 31 March 1941. The Local Defence Corps were also available to support the State Volunteer Forces. Some Corps, e.g. Negri Sembilan, claimed more war action than their Volunteer Forces had. (CO820 67/5. Medal entitlement figures 3,125 LDC total, plus 450 for Singapore).

THE PASSIVE DEFENCE SERVICES:

These covered auxiliary civilian volunteer units such as the Fire Service, First Aid Posts, Air Raid Wardens, Ambulance Depots, Demolition and Burial Squads, Canteen Work, Switchboard Manning, Air Observer Corps, Coast Watchers and other vital war services. It included a Boy Scouts Civil Defence Organisation. Senior school pupils in Singapore were taught first aid assistance. (Lee Kip Lee). (CO 820 69/7:

Far East awards for Civilian Defence workers numbered 21,264 (and were named.) Air Raid Wardens were the majority; Medical Auxiliary Services second; Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh received over 4000 defence medals each. Penang 2,991; Johore 2,369; Seremban 1,734; Taiping 1,258; Kedah 1,143; Malacca 826; Kuantan 824; Kelantan 748; Raub 560.)


Sumber : http://www.malayanvolunteersgroup.org.uk/node/58