Operation Jurist - Liberation of Panang

Unit/ Formation: Royal Marines

Location: Malaysia

Period/ Conflict: World War II

Year: 1945

Date/s: 28 August 1945

Operation Jurist was the name of the British plan for the invasion and liberation of Penang which had been captured by Japan in December, 1941. The British expected stiff resistance but fortunately the island was taken without a shot being fired because the Japanese Emperor ordered a cessation of hostilities across South East Asia whilst the invasion force was on its way.

Vice Admiral Harold Walker was ordered on 15 August, 1945 to sail from Trincomalee with an invasion force consisting of seven ships of the Royal Navy with accompanying infantry landing craft to effect a D-Day beach landing by the 3rd Brigade of the Royal Marine commandos on 21 August, 1945.

As the British force approached Penang news was received of the imminent surrender of Japan brought about by the dropping of the atom bombs on Japan on 6th and 9th of August and the invasion plan was scaled down, although at this point no formal surrender had occured and resistance was still possible by the Japanese garrison.

Royal Marine commandos on confiscated Japanese vehicles in George Town on 3 September 1945

After the Japanese initially attempted to delay the negotiations, the final surrender was signed between Admiral Harold Walker, and Rear Admiral Jisaku Uozomi and Lieutenant General Shinohara Seiichiro on board the HMS Nelson on 2nd September,1945. Following the signing Admiral Uozomi fainted and was taken to hospital whilst his sword was taken by a British police officer as a souvenir.

Imperial Japanese Navy Rear Admiral Jisaku Uozumi signs the surrender of Penang aboard HMS Nelson on 2 September 1945. He fainted shortly afterwards and was rushed to hospital.

The British Royal Marines landed on Penang unopposed at Weld Quay and hoisted the Union Jack flag before marching to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel. The Japanese garrison surrendered their arms and were paraded through the streets of George Town to the cheers of the local population.

Penang was the first state of Malaya to be liberated. On 12th September, 1945 British troops reached Kuala Lumpur and on the same day Singapore formally surrendered. The British Military Administration was immediately established to restore order and remained in power until 1st April, 1946 when the Straits Settlement was dissolved and replaced by the Malaya Union and Penang ceased to be a British Crown Colony.

Related Royal Marines 'Dits'

• VJ Day - Victory over Japan - Royal Marines in SE Asia & the Pacific

• Re-occupation of Hong Kong

References/ Read More:

1. MALAYSIA 1786 - 1957

2. Wikipedia