Rex Earp-Jones
Bio
Reginald Earp-Jones dreamed of flying as a child. In 1949, he began his career with the 2nd Squadron, also known as the “Flying Cheetahs”, of the South African Air Force. His early training focused on the Tiger Moths and Harvards, but when it was certain he was destined for Korea, he trained on Spitfires and Mustangs. He arrived in Korea in 1951. While part of a squadron cutting railway lines, he was fourth in the squadron so it was his duty to count the holes made by the bombs. His plane’s engine faltered while flying low enough to check for holes. He ejected from the plane and soon found himself surrounded by Chinese soldiers who took him prisoner of war.
Video Clips
Taken Prisoner of War
Rex Earp Jones recounts flying a mission as a four plane squadron. He notes that it was his job as the fourth plane to observe the damage. While flying low to the ground to observe, his plane's engine faltered. He recalls having to make the decision to either eject from the plane or bring the plane down. He chose to eject. He remembers finding himself unharmed but surrounded by Chinese soldiers when he reached the ground.
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Treatment as a Prisoner of War
Rex Earp-Jones recalls his treatment as a prisoner of war. He notes the experience was not one of comfort, but the Chinese did not treat him harshly. He shares his experience with Chinese interrogators where he frequently provided them with rubbish answers. He notes occasionally being locked up alone or being forced to stand for a long period of time as a punishment.
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Life as a POW
Rex Earp-Jones describes his life as a prisoner of war near the Yalu River. He notes one of the biggest changes was going from three meals a day to one meal a day which consisted primarily of rice. He shares that for much of the time they stayed in a school room. He reminisces about how they passed their time carving chessmen to play chess and playing cards.
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Indoctrination and Punishment
Rex Earp-Jones shares that as part of the Chinese indoctrination of the prisoners of war, they promoted Communism something that would rule the world. He notes that the prisoners could be punished if they upset the class. He recalls one occasion when he complained about the Chinese stealing his watch, which was seen as upsetting the program so he was punished. He notes the Chinese ultimately gave up on attempting to indoctrinate the prisoners.
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Living Conditions
Rex Earp-Jones recalls being very ill while being captive. He notes that both his parents and his future wife wrote him, but he never received this communication. He describes the living conditions within the school classroom that they were kept in including during challenging winter months.
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