OCRd book entry or other narrative
DERHAM, ALFRED PLUMLEY. 1909.
S.C. and Camberwell G.S.; 5th year Med.; member of first Univ. Union Committee.
A.A.M.C., Pte. 2nd F. Amb. 18.8.14; transf. to 5th Btn. September 1914; A/Sgt. 5.9.14; 2/Lt. 16.9.14; Lieut. 1.2.15; Staff Capt. 2nd Bde. 12.8.15; Capt. 16.3.16. Egypt, Anzac landing and Gallipoli till evacuation, France. Twice wounded 25.4.15, but remained on duty; wounded 8.5.15. M.C. for work at landing 25.4.15; Despatches June 1915; 24th (British) Divisional Orders July 1916. Returned to complete course; appointment terminated 14.2.17; M.B., B.S. 1918; re-enlisted Capt. A.A.M.C. 1.5.18; sailed 1.11.18. Returned 23.3.19.
Narrative
On 10 April 1940 Alfred was appointed colonel in the A.I.F. Made assistant director of medical services to the 8th Division, he organized and trained its medical units and flew to Malaya in April 1941. That month he was appointed A.D.M.S., A.I.F. headquarters, Malaya. In the campaign which followed the Japanese invasion in December, Derham inspired his staff while supervising the evacuation of medical units across the Causeway to Singapore. Captured when Singapore fell on 15 February 1942, he was incarcerated in Changi prisoner-of-war camp for six months, and subsequently shipped to Formosa and then to Manchuria. He arrived home in September 1945 and his A.I.F. appointment terminated on 26 March 1946. ADB
