INTRODUCTION In adversity men turn to religion for moral support. The officers and men who fell into Japanese hands at Singapore in February, 1942, and those who joined them later in the prisoner of war camps from other parts of the Far East were no exception to this rule. Very soon churches began to appear. In some cases the ruined remains of existing buildings were adapted for this purpose; in others new buildings were erected with such material as could be found. In the grossly over-crowded camps building material was scarce and many of the churches seemed, as it were, to grow out of nothing. Under the direction of the chaplains they were built by the willing hands of voluntary workersand there was never any lack of volunteers. But the churches were but the visible sign of the religious revival which was taking place. In those dark days, when news of the outside world was scarce and when most of what there was came from enemy sources, there could be in those prison camps little of that national fervour which impels the peoples of belligerent countries in times of stress. Something else was needed to take its place. It was found in the develop- ment of an implicit faith in the ultimate triumph of right over the forces of evil which was threatening the very existence of peace-loving and God- fearing people. Every Sunday the churches were filled, and, where there were no churches and no chaplains, services were held in ordinary buildings or in the open air and were conducted by the prisoners themselves. In the main camp at Changi on Singapore Island a large number of officers and men were confirmed by the Bishop of Singapore, who himself set a wonderful example of courage and endurance under torture and privations. Wherever possible, Communion services were regularly held and were always well attended. Inspired by faith, the British soldiers in these camps displayed some of the finest qualities of their race. Courageous under oppression and starvation, patient through the long years of waiting, and cheerful and dignified in face of adversity, they steadfastly resisted all the efforts of the Japanese to break their spiritand finally conquered. That was an achievement of which all may be proud. The churches themselves may disappear, but this book will remain as a record of work well done by a devoted and tireless band of chaplains, and of the triumph of the Christian Faith over the forces of evil. A. E. PERCIVAL, December, 1945. Major-General. Formerly C.inC. Malaya Command. 7