British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history". The Singapore surrender of the fortress stunned him. He felt it was a disgrace and is said to have left a scar on his mind.

In Singapore, panic was everywhere, many tens of thousands of men, women and children were left to their own escape or become a prisoner. To stay in Singapore certainly meant  captivity - at that time an uncertainty. This book tells of some of the remarkable and shocking experiences that lay in store for those who decided to escape by whatever means. A shocking and inspiring book that embraces great courage and endurance.

The author, Geoffrey Brooke would know as he was there - Brooke served on the mighty Prince of Wales, survived the sinking and then made his daring escape from Singapore, via Sumatra and 37 days later reached Ceylon in a small malay boat.