Summary

On the morning of December 8th, 1941, Philip and his family learned of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor and Malaya that occurred the day before. Later he learned that the British naval commander had sent two ships from Singapore to meet with the Japanese navy, one of which William was on. Philip’s father received the call while they were at work that indeed William had been one of the recorded deaths on that ship. Philip prepared the funeral, a small memorial service.

After dinner, later that evening, Philip’s father suggested that all his children leave for the safety of Singapore. A consensus could not be met, so they all agreed to stay instead. Philip believed, and said as much, that the only way to assure their safety was to work with the Japanese. No one liked this idea. At nightfall...