‘B’ Squadron, 3rd Hussars – The ‘Java’ Squadron
A few days after the surrender of Hong Kong to the Japanese, the 3rd Hussars received orders to provide one squadron at full strength, for ‘service overseas’.
‘B’ Squadron was chosen, the Squadron had 18 Vickers Mark VIb and VIc light tanks, including three reserve vehicles, and Maj William-Powlett was allowed to pick the men to go with him.
In January 1942, ‘B’ Squadron Leader was called to the C.O.’s office and told that one squadron of 3rd Hussars of full strength was to be dispatched to Cairo immediately – future destination unknown.
Immediately after the capitulation the British and Australian troops stayed in their units beside the roads.
Captain J.M. Bentley-Taylor, M.C. of the 3rd The King’s Own Hussars kept a meticulous diary of his time commanding ‘B’ Squadron when they were prisoners of war of the Japanese in Java.
