About POWKen

Kenneth Albert George Bailey was born 6th November 1919 in Parkeston, Essex. He is the son of a London born police inspector, and at the age of 7 years moved with his family to Cambridge. Kenneth was educated at Brunswick Junior School, and from age 11 years at the Cambridge and County High School for Boys. His first job after leaving school at 16 years of age was as a tailor’s assistant.

On 18th January 1940 was called up for National Service. On 27th October 1941, as a Corporal infantryman in 5th battalion Suffolk Regiment, he sailed to Singapore where, on 15th February 1942 he was captured by the Japanese. After three and a half years
imprisoned in Singapore, Thailand and Indo-China, he was released in 1945.

In 1946 Kenneth joined the police force and married Pearl, a Liverpool girl whom he had first met when stationed in that city during 1941. Ken and Pearl have 2 sons and a daughter by their marriage.

@POWKen

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Face Of Adversity

Face Of Adveristy - Kenneth Bailey When Corporal Ken Bailey, a physical education instructor with the 5th Suffolk Regiment, set sail in October 1941 for the Far East he was only 21 years of age. Little did he imagine the horrors hewould encounter in the next few years as a Prisoner of War of the Japanese.

To travel 20,000 miles as part of a well-trained Brigade Unit simply to surrender was shaming and disheartening to the British men even though they knew it was far from their fault. The necessary logistic support from those in Supreme Command had not been forthcoming.

“Face of Adversity” is Ken’s story of 3 ½ years imprisonment by the Japanese. Of travelling through dense, hot and humid jungle, building the infamous Burma Railway,watching friends die in horrendous pain and conditions, having very little food, no medicines and suffering severe and inhumane punishments by the captors.

How did Ken have the strength of character and will to live and return home to his family?

Order

The self published Face Of Adversity was released on Kenneth's 90th birthday - 6th November 2009.

Order a copy now, £7.99 + postage: