THE FINAL SCENE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 42, 19 February 1942, Page 7

THE FINAL SCENE

ATTACK ON PALEMBANG

DESTRUCTION BY DUTCH

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.) (Rec. 11.20 a.m.) BATAVIA, Feb. 17.

To hamper the Japanese in moving up the Moesi River in sampans and small craft to attack Palembang, the captain of a British steamer swung his ship round and sank it broadside on in midstream. This statement was made by a Dutch woman refugee, who has just arrived from Palembang.

"At 9.30 a.m. on Saturday," she said, "wo were told that aircraft were ap-; proaching. We then saw everywhere white parachutes falling at the sides of the refineries, and Dutch and British troops rushing to the aerodromes. Later, in the streets, we saw Tommies lying with guns behind barricades.

"At 5 p.m. I saw a glow in the sky, and realised that it was the beginning of the end; our precious oil had been set on fire. It brought a funny tight feeling to my throat. I went home to pack, and saw the leading bank, the telephone exchange, the radio station, and rubber factories in flames. The captain who sank his ship said, 'You Dutch certainly can destroy.'

"I drove to a village where I boarded a very long train to south Sumatra. The port was packed with exhausted British soldiers in torn and muddy uniforms who were caring for the heavily wounded. The spirits of all these boys was wonderful, despite their defeat