The Soldier's Details

Major Green left Singapore as a POW with ‘A’ Force Burma, Green Force No. 3 Battalion to work firstly on repairing and enlarging airfield in south west Burma before arriving 1 Oct 1942 to begin work on the Burma end of the Burma-Thai Railway.  (Green Force was so named after Major Green).

Major Green was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Anketell.  In his capacity as Commanding Officer of 2/4th Machine Gun Battalion and Green Force he was taken by the Japanese and placed into solitary confinement for refusing to sign a no escape declaration.  He was sent to Thanbyuzayat and was not released until he had signed this document which he did under duress.

On his release on 12 October 1942 he rejoined his POW workforce, Green Force No. 3 Battalion, in the rubber plantation at Kendau, the 4.8 km Camp.  The Japanese HQ was also at Kendau.

At wars end Lt. Col. Green was called upon to lead a liaison mission to Ubon near the Thai-Laotian border. Upon completion he returned to Bangkok and was assigned the task of commanding all Allied ex-POWs in the Petchaburi-Kachu Mountain area before returning to Singapore.

For further reading about Green Force No. 3 Battalion

Above:  It is of interest, and shows the level of leadership, professionalism, care for his men and humbleness, that  Major Green returned to WA by sea  – many officers of 2/4th and other battalions were quick to return home by plane.

Lt- Col Green returned to his former employment as assistant Manager of  F.H. Faulding (WA).  He was known to be a keen fisherman.

Charles Edward Green died 4th June 1986 aged 83 years.  He left his widow Doris and a daughter, Mrs Anthony Brand.

It is believed his family held a private funeral and little detail is known.