Second World War
Anderson was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the 2/19th Battalion, part of the Australian 8th Division, deployed to Malaya in 1941.
During the period of 18–22 January 1942 in the Battle of Muar near the Muar River in British Malaya, the forty four year-old Anderson was in command of a small force which destroyed ten enemy tanks. When they were later cut off, Anderson led his force through fifteen miles (24 km) of enemy-occupied territory, being attacked by air and ground forces all the way. They were again surrounded and suffered heavy casualties; although the detachment attempted to fight its way through another eight miles (13 km) of enemy-occupied territory, this proved impossible, and Anderson had to destroy his equipment and attempted to work his way around the enemy. However he insisted on protecting the wounded from his unit and refused to leave them. For these actions, Anderson was awarded the highest and most prestigious decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy that could be awarded to British Commonwealth forces.
His V.C citation, as listed in the London gazette, 13 February 1942, states: for setting a magnificent example of brave leadership, determination and outstanding courage. He not ony showed fighting qualities of very high order but throughout exposed himself to danger without any regard for his own personal safety
Anderson was captured and became a prisoner of war for three years (1942–1945). He was the chief staff officer under Brigadier Arthur Varley of the 22nd Brigade in A Force – the first contingent of voluntary POWs at Changi POW camp to avail themselves of a Japanese "offer" to move to a new location where they were told there would be abundant food and a healthy climate. In reality the group of 3,000 were shipped to Burma and were used as slave labour to build the 415 km railway link between Nong Pladuk in Thailand and Thanbyuzayat in Burma.
His appointment in the army was terminated on 21 December 1945 and he returned to his property in New South Wales.
Read more about this topic: Charles Groves Wright Anderson
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