This leaflet was dropped by Allied aircraft, over the Changi Prison around 28 August 1945 under the operation codename, Birdcage, to inform the prisoners of war (POWs) about the surrender of the Japanese. The other side of the leaflet contains instructions to the Japanese regarding how the POWs should be treated, for fear that the Japanese commanders on ground had not learnt about Emperor Hirohito's surrender. The leaflet thus also helped to ensure the safety of the POWs and lift their spirits. The leaflet came fromAlbert Riley who held the rank of Private in the 196 Field Ambulance unit (part of the Royal Army Medical Corps) and later became a prisoner of war at the Changi Prison. Fortunately, he survived the imprisonment and hardship, and eventually returned to Britain after the surrender of the Japanese.
