ABOUT SPENCER CHAPMAN
A British Colonel, Freddy Spencer Chapman D.S.O, was a top British commando who made Pangkor Laut his destination for 36 hours in May 1945. After spending 3 1/2 years in hiding from the occupying Japanese army during World War II in the wild jungles of Malaya, Spencer Chapman mustered his courage and planned his escape route.
On 27 April, accompanied by a few guerrillas, he crossed enemy lines on foot disguised as a local Chinese. From Sungai Perak, hiding in sampans, they finally reached the island 15 days later. On 13 May 1945, he made his last escape from Emerald Bay at Pangkor Laut with his compatriot, Major R. Broome. They swam 45 metres out to sea in the dark of night to be rescued by the Royal Navy submarine, HMS Statesman.
During the 7-day journey back to Ceylon, they were constantly under threat from Japanese air attacks. Despite it being a short visit, the beauty and tranquillity of Pangkor Laut left a great impression on Spencer Chapman and his time on the island is detailed in his book 'The Jungle is Neutral'. When Pangkor Laut Resort was built, the bar situated at Emerald Bay was named 'Chapman's Bar' to mark the rendezvous point where he had escaped with the submarine.
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