How did you become interested in FEPOW history?

When I was a child I was lucky enough to go on holiday to Singapore and became fascinated with the place, culture, food and, most importantly, the history. In school we were asked to do a self-research project and I chose the fall of Singapore – ever since then I have been interested in researching the Second World War in Singapore which includes both active fighting, civilian experiences and FEPOW history.

Work outside RFHG

I undertook my BA (Hons) in Modern World History at the University of Central Lancashire, where I achieved a First Class degree and was awarded the 2016 Sydney Lee Prize for History. My undergraduate dissertation focused on the effect of cultural differences between British Civilian Internees and the Imperial Japanese Army on the perception of internment within Singapore during the second world war and worked with the Changi Museum Archives in Singapore as well as personal testimonies.  

I joined the University of Leeds in October 2016 in order to study my Masters by Research in History degree which focussed on how the Second World War in Singapore has been differently memorialised in Australia, Great Britain, and Singapore; the three main countries involved in this historic event. I successfully completed my MA thesis in July 2018.  

My PhD in History at the University of Leeds will work on the thesis Tommy and The Diggers: How Differing Cultural Norms Influenced The Battle of Singapore and Captivity. This project aims to compare the cultural backgrounds and experiences of Australian and British soldiers during the Battle of Singapore and whilst in captivity to see if these cultural backgrounds had an impact on how each army behaved during the Second World War in Singapore. You can find out more here.

I also work with Education Engagement at the University of Leeds and the Brilliant Club to share research skills with the younger generations.

External orgnisations / memberships

I am also a member of ASEASUK (Association of South East Asian Studies UK), SWWRG (Second World War Research Group) and the Association of Asian Studies.

I am also a volunteer with St John Ambulance in my spare time.