The Definitive Account of the Alexandra Hospital Massacre, Singapore 1942
"The level of detail has really brought it to life. This is the definitive account of what happened." - Colonel (Ret'd) N E Montagu, Editor, Sapper Magazine
In February 1942, as Singapore fell to the Japanese, the British Military Hospital Alexandra found itself stranded between collapsing frontlines. What followed was one of WW2's most covered-up atrocities-up to 300 wounded soldiers, nurses, doctors and orderlies systematically killed over two days. Many murdered in their beds. Others executed after overnight captivity. One on the operating table.
A Bleeding Slaughterhouse is the authoritative examination of this tragedy, naming the perpetrators for the first time, and examining the causes of one of the Pacific War's most brutal episodes. It also follows the full continuum of the Japanese regiments responsible -- where they started and where they ended up. Plus the War Crimes Trials.
Built on Primary Research
This is not a summary. Author Stuart Lloyd has spent decades researching this incident through first-hand survivor interviews, unpublished memoir documents, and archival investigation. The result is a meticulously researched narrative that brings together the raw and original voices of survivors, medical staff, and military personnel, plus relatives of survivors and victims - many speaking on record for the first time.
Over 40 pages of original maps, illustrations, and previously unpublished photographs document the hospital's layout, Japanese unit movements, and the individuals at the centre of this atrocity. The book identifies the Japanese commanders responsible and examines the circumstances that left a major hospital in the firing line.
Authority You Can Trust
Stuart Lloyd is an established military historian and military history tour guide of WW2 Southeast Asia, author of five acclaimed books on the region's Pacific War campaigns. His expertise spans Singapore, Malaya, Thailand, and the Burma Railway. His research has been featured in the WW2TV documentary series and referenced by award-winning filmmaker Noura Kevorkian.
This book is the result of 10+ years of interviews, archival work, and collaboration with survivor families-many of whom are sharing their stories in print for the first time.
It has been referenced by award-winning documentary maker Noura Kevorkian for her doco 'The Taste of Longing' featuring a Red Cross nurse who was a VAD at The Alex (and her husband a major surgeon there).
Essential Reading for:
- Military historians and researchers
- WW2 enthusiasts
- Descendants of those involved
- Library collections on Pacific War history
- Anyone seeking the definitive account of Singapore's fall
Review :
"The best book on the massacre. A magisterial account, incorporating original research and interviews with the survivors."
MJ Lee, author of The Missing Father.
"The definitive account of what happened. The level of detail has really brought it to life."
Colonel (Retired) N E Montagu, editor, Sapper Magazine.
"This story-driven account drips with human spirit as we get to know the key characters on both sides, and their fluctuating fortunes in the war and after."
The Guardian.
"First-hand survivor accounts of this atrocity make this book compelling reading."
John Casey, Historic War ToursJohn Casey, Historic War Tours.
"There are some books which once read, you cannot get completely out of your mind. This is one of them."
Col (Ret'd) Marty Slade, RAMC.
"The most comprehensive account of the incident to date."
Amazing Walks, Singapore.
"Utterly heartbreaking yet fascinating."
ANZA Magazine, Singapore
"Mind blowing! Absolutely fascinating and incredible to hear granddad's story."
Lauren Lloyd, granddaughter of Pte Sydney Hoskins, RAMC.
