‘Smile And Carry On’ by The Coconut Grove Theatre at Changi P.O.W. Camp (November 1944)

Note: Vic Owen, a friend Des caught up with 50 years later, is in the cast of actors, as is Willis Toogood who also wrote the lyrics. Willis Toogood caricature can be view at ‘caricatures & portraits’ on this site.

 ‘I began this paragraph by writing of lighter things and before mentioning incidents which have amused us tremendously I would add that half a dozen and more concert parties tour several open-air stages. They are reminiscent of the seaside show on the pier; one is aptly named the ‘Kokonut Grove’. These shows are enormously popular.’

Source: Down To Bedrock (the diary & secret notes of a Far East prisoner of war Chaplain) by Eric Cordingly, Pg 96; permission by Louis Reynolds, daughter.