LAST STAND IN SINGAPORE: THE STORY OF 488 SQUADRON RNZAF by Graham Clayton. Random House Large format (trade) paperback 2008 - 288 pages. Photographs throughout. As new condition. Scarce

"This gripping history has been written using the diaries, letters, photographs and personal reminiscences of members of 488 Squadron, who were based just outside Singapore City and valiantly kept planes in the air against Japanese attacks until just before the city was overwhelmed. The story of their day-to-day life at a time of crisis, their hard work and their valour is eye-opening. The remaining ground crew were granted passage on one of the last ships to leave the island, when the Japanese were just one kilometre from the city centre. The ship had accommodation for 23 passengers, yet there were approximately 3000 people crammed on board. The overcrowding was the least of their worries..."