South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 24 October 1942

Back From Singapore

Mexborough Airman’s Travels

Home on 14 days leave is Squadron Leader Leslie Cook (24), second son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Cook, of 40, Dodsworth Street, Mexborough, who left Singapore just before it was taken by the Japanese. Squadron Leader Cook told the ” Times ” he left Singapore towards the end of last January and flew to Sumatra, being stationed at Palembang until Japanese parachutists attacked the town. T h e parachutists captured the aerodrome, but were prevented from Marching on the town by Dutch troops. The next day British troops were evacuated, and as they left the oil wells were burning. The troops were got away by train, buses, lorries and cars.

“We left for Java that morning,” Squadron Leader Cook said, “and arrived there without any sign of enemy craft of any description. I left Batavia for Colombo, Ceylon, in a ship which the Japanese claimed to have sunk. I was then kept in India a few months, where I was given an appointment which gained me promotion to Squadron Leader, but I don’t know it I shall hold this rank. It Just depends what kind of a Job they hand me. I flew from India, arriving in England recently.”

Squadron Leader Cook, who lost practically all his personal belongings, said he did not see any land lighting between Japanese and our troops, but witnessed numerous air fights.

He left Mexborough Secondary School and Joined the R.A.F. as an apprentice clerk when he was 16. He had served in Singapore from October, 1937, until January this year, and has held a commission since December, 1940. He is engaged in personnel staff duties.

Squadron Leader Cook’s sister. Edith (19), Joined the W.A A.F. a fortnight ago and is now in training as a clerk accountant. She held a similar position at Dale. Brown’s, Swinton. Edith was educated at Mexborough Secondary School.