Fusilier William Wait

Fusilier William Wait, 9th Battalion, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He fell on 15th February 1942, aged 21, defending Singapore against the Japanese and is commemorated on the Singapore Memorial. His parents Thomas and Elizabeth lived in Norham. Those of the Battalion who had not fallen in action went into captivity when Singapore fell and were forced to suffer a cruel time at the hands of the Japanese. Many of these P.O.Ws died and many of their captors were indicted for War Crimes in 1945/46. ( His brother Thomas was one who died during captivity – see above ).