Galleghan, Sir Frederick Gallagher 'Black Jack' (Brigadier, b.1897 - d.1971) Accession Number: 3DRL/2313

Description

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX70416 Brigadier (later Major General Sir) Frederick Gallagher 'Black Jack' Galleghan DSO, OBE, ED, 2/30 Australian Infantry Battalion, prisoner of war, Malaya, Singapore, Changi, 1941-1949.

The collection, consisting of a typed personal record book, correspondence, reports, orders and invitations, covers Galleghan's command of the 2/30th Battalion in the Malaya campaign, his experiences as senior AIF officer in Changi prisoner of war camp, and his post-war military service.

Wallet 1 of 3 - consists of two folders. Folder 1 contains Galleghan's typed personal record book (diary), spanning the period from 8 December 1941 to 14 January 1942 and covering the operations and his activities in the area between Koto Baru and Tampin in Malaya. The diary contains an overview of the history and geography of British Malaya, a narrative of the Malayan campaign and the fall of Singapore, and Galleghan's perspective on the reasons for the defeat of the British Empire forces in Malaya.

Folder 2 contains four pieces of ephemera and three documents, which include 1941 correspondence between Brigadier A. Evans-Gwyne, Air Chief Marshal Sir Robert Brooke-Popham and Lieutenant General Arthur Percival. The ephemera and documents were previously inserted in the pocket at the back of the diary.

Wallet 2 of 3 - contains two folders. Folder 1 consists of 57 items of correspondence and documents, dated between 7 June 1942 and 22 September 1945. The folder includes administrative instructions, orders, policy, minutes from commanders' conferences, the delegation granting Galleghan authority to command AIF forces in Singapore, the 2/30th Battalion War Diary, Christmas cards and well wishes for the new year, the movement of personnel and work parties, and the issue of uniforms and equipment. Correspondents include Lieutenant Colonel Edward "Weary" Dunlop, Major General Cecil Callaghan, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Craven RAMC, and Lieutenant Colonel Hedley Summons.

Folder 2 consists of 23 cards, invitations, permits and ephemera, dated between 1941 and 1949. The folder includes invitations from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Batu Pahat in 1941, a Christmas card and two poems received during Galleghan's captivity, and invitations, permits and identity documents from French, Austrian and Soviet authorities during Galleghan's period as Head of the Australian Military Mission to Germany in 1948 to 1949.

Wallet 3 of 3 - Consists of 12 documents, reports and statements, dated between September 1942 and September 1945. The folder includes reports and witness statements relating to the escape, capture and execution of Corporal Rodney Breavington and Private Victor Gale in September 1942, a summary report on AIF Prisoner of War Camp Changi, a report (dated 5 September 1945) on the treatment of prisoners of war, and a report by Galleghan on the conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Newey of the British Army.

Folio 1 of 1 - consists of an oversized hand illuminated address to Galleghan, dated 22 November 1942, commemorating the second anniversary of the raising of the 2/30th Battalion. The address has been hand signed by the members of the battalion.

Details

Conflicts

• Second World War, 1939-1945

Events

• Battle for Singapore
• Malayan Campaign

Units

• 8 Australian Division
• 2/30th Australian Infantry Battalion

Tags

• Diaries
• Prisoners of war
• Courts martial
• Changi Gaol