This Day in History: 1942-02-05

In Singapore, a lull in the fighting since 31st January came to an end. The 2nd Battalion held the left-hand sector of the perimeter of the Naval Base in the north of the island. They made good use of the time to absorb reinforcements of 2 British Officers, 2 Gurkha Officers and 210 Other Ranks. 18 Vickers machine-gun teams from the 1st Manchester Regiment also joined the Battalion, a welcome boost to their firepower. Major Robertson, who was to command the Battalion throughout its time in Japanese captivity, arrived by air from Calcutta and took over as Second-in-Command.