P. ENGELBRECHT [????-????]

STATEMENT by Sigmn. P. ENGELBRECHT, attached to No.2 Coy, on events of 25 Dec. 1941.

After I lost contact with Lt. Bryden and party, I made my way down the hillside toward the Maryknoll Mission dodging frequent machine gun fire which seemed to come from the direction of the Mission.  Heavy rifle fire came from the Japanese near here, which forced me to take cover between the huts in the village.  This was at approximately 1815 hours on 25 Dec.  I remained there until 1900 hours and finally decided to work my way to Stanley by way of the beach.  About 200 yards from Stanley Police Station I was captured by a Japanese beach patrol, taken to the Police Station where I had most of my equipment, including battle jacket and boots taken away from me.  I was questioned about why I joined the army to kill the Japanese, etc.  I was finally tied, hands behind the back and tied round the neck.  Finally, eight Indians, two Canadians and I were marched to St. Stephen’s College and locked up in a room for the night.  Early next morning, we were released and ordered to clear all debris around the College after which we were locked up in a concrete tennis court for several days with practically no food at all until finally being marched to the Fort.  Here I rejoined L/Cpl Mathias.