Archibald Paris facts for kids

Brigadier Archibald Charles Melvill Paris (28 May 1890 – 3 March 1942) was a brave officer in the British Army. He is remembered for his strong leadership during the Battle of Malaya and the Battle of Singapore. He also faced a terrible ordeal after his ship, the Rooseboom, sank in 1942.

Early Life and Military Career

Archibald Paris was born in 1890 in Southsea, England. His father, Sir Archibald Paris, was also a respected military officer.

Young Archibald studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous school where future army officers learn their skills. In 1909, he joined the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He became a lieutenant in 1913 and a captain in 1916.

Paris fought in the First World War. For his bravery, he received the Military Cross (MC) in 1917. This award is given for acts of courage during battle.

Fighting in Malaya

In December 1941, during the Second World War, Brigadier Paris was in charge of the 12th Indian Infantry Brigade. This group of soldiers was part of the forces protecting Singapore.

When the Malayan campaign began, Paris and his 12th Brigade were sent to help the Indian 11th Infantry Division. They successfully protected the retreating soldiers. Their actions surprised the Japanese forces and caused them many losses.

Later, Paris briefly took command of the 11th Indian Division. However, after a difficult fight at the Battle of Slim River, he returned to lead his 12th Brigade. He continued to lead them through the retreat down Malaya and the battles on Singapore.

The Sinking of the Rooseboom

As Singapore was about to fall to the Japanese in February 1942, Brigadier Paris was chosen to escape. He boarded a Dutch ship called the Rooseboom. Sadly, the ship was sunk off the coast of Sumatra.

Paris survived the sinking and got into a lifeboat with about 80 other people. The lifeboat was meant for only 28. For 28 days, they drifted about 100 miles, facing extreme hardship and thirst. Many people did not survive this terrible journey.

Brigadier Paris died during this ordeal. Only five people from the lifeboat survived. They eventually reached Sipora, a small island. Two of the survivors, Walter Gibson and Doris Lin, were later found by Japanese soldiers.

Brigadier Paris is remembered at the Kranji War Memorial in Singapore.

See Also

• Malayan campaign
• Battle of Singapore