Common Man in Another World

Focusing on the experiences of the 18th Division's ordinary soldiers during World War II, this thesis examines their interactions with diverse cultures as they journeyed to Singapore in 1941. Captured by the Japanese in early 1942, many faced brutal conditions, leading to a significant number documenting their harrowing experiences. The accounts preserved at the Imperial War Museum serve as a crucial resource, offering insight into the soldiers' resilience and the impact of war on personal narratives and cross-cultural encounters.