David Rees has supplied this fascinating video interview of his Uncle Pte Jim Watts VX 38501 2/29th Battalion B Company.
Jim past away in June 2010
"Jim Watts volunteered for service in WW2 in 1940. After doing his basic training he was appointed to B Company 2/29th battalion. Jim loved Army life, plenty of tucker and PT training! He said it was a pity the Japs has to come along and spoil it. Hailing from Inglewood Victoria Jim came from a hard working country family. He excelled at football and was invited by Fitzroy, St Kilda and Richmond to go to the Big Smoke. He completed a pre season at St Kilda shortly before joining up. Jim was wounded in action early in the battle of Muar Road, only just getting back to the Battalion at the time of the surrender. His POW experience was spent mainly on the island of Blakanmati. They were worked relentlessly on the docks by the Japanese guards. It took a great toll on him physically at the time, and mentally for many years to come. Upon release like many he was fattened up and sent home. He never really talked about his experiences until about the time of the making of this film. I guess he thought he was getting on in age, and perhaps he had a story worth telling. I think he was right!"