John Douglas Hellings: A Legacy of Resilience
It began with a game of two truths and a lie over the holidays. This simple family activity unexpectedly revealed the remarkable story of my great uncle John Douglas Hellings OBE, a man whose life exemplified courage and resilience during some of history’s darkest moments.
Early Life and Education
Born on September 19, 1913, to Douglas Hellings and Louisa Violet Lunn, both 28 years old, John grew up alongside his siblings Hugh, Gillian, and Pamela in Bath. His sister Pamela, my grandmother, lives today at 100 and is approaching 101. While Hugh passed away in Sark, Guernsey, in 1961 at age 40, and Gillian passed in 1979 at age 64. Pamela became an anaesthetist during World War II and later worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
John’s academic journey began at Bristol University, where he initially studied medicine before switching to mining — a decision that would profoundly shape his future. Upon graduating in 1939, he joined O&C, just two years before the Japanese invasion of Malaysia would alter the course of his life forever.
The War Years: Survival in Changi
As a Second Lieutenant in the Federated Malay States Volunteer Force, John was among the thousands captured when Singapore fell to Japanese forces. He was interned in the notorious Changi Prison in Singapore. While Changi was harsh, he was fortunate to avoid assignment to the infamous Burma-Siam Railroad construction.
Life in Changi was a testament to human resilience. Despite severe overcrowding, lack of basic facilities, and strict rationing (John traded his own watch for a jar of Marmite he later confessed to my mother, his niece) the prisoners created a remarkable community. They established gardens yielding ten truckloads of vegetables weekly, organised entertainment programs, and even published their newspaper. The prisoners attended lectures on various subjects, from history to engineering, maintaining their intellectual vitality even in confinement.
Post-War Recovery and Professional Success
My grandmother would visit Bath Spa Station every Sunday in 1945, hoping to see her brother return. When John finally arrived, he was severely undernourished, but his spirit remained unbroken. He later returned to Malaysia, settling in Kuala Lumpur with his partner Pamela, before eventually moving back to London’s Hampstead, residing on Frognal Lane.
His professional life flourished after the war. In 1951, John became a partner at O&C (later known as Gopeng Consolidated Limited), rising to Senior Partner by 1965. His contributions to British interests in Malaysia earned him an OBE in 1969, a testament to his dedication and service.
Recognition: The Order of the British Empire
On June 14, 1969, in recognition of his exceptional service to British interests in Malaysia, John Douglas Hellings was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). The honour was bestowed during Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours list, a testament to his significant contributions to Anglo-Malaysian relations during a pivotal period of post-colonial transition.
The OBE, established by King George V in 1917, recognises distinguished service to the arts and sciences, public services outside the Civil Service, and work with charitable and welfare organisations. In John’s case, the award acknowledged his instrumental role in maintaining and strengthening British commercial and diplomatic interests in Malaysia during a significant political and economic change in Southeast Asia. As a Senior Partner at O&C, his leadership helped navigate the complexities of post-independence Malaysia while fostering positive relationships between British and Malaysian business communities.
The official citation in the London Gazette noted his appointment “To be Ordinary Officer of the Civil Division of the said Most Excellent Order, For services to British interests in Malaysia.” This recognition was significant given his history in the region — from his early career beginnings, through his internment during the war years, to his subsequent return and dedication to rebuilding and strengthening Anglo-Malaysian relations.
Personal Character and Legacy
Those who knew John described him as a quiet, thoughtful man who wrote well and enjoyed cricket. My mother, Amanda, shared fond memories of their time, particularly their appreciation for culture, opera, and travel.
John passed away in 1995 at the age of 82, leaving a legacy that inspires our family. His story embodies the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of maintaining dignity in the face of adversity, and the power of quiet determination. As his great-niece, though I never met him personally, his influence echoes through our family’s values and aspirations.
As another Changi survivor, John Sutton, once reflected: “The comradeship, the unselfishness and being ‘all for one and all for none’ was an education that cannot be taught. Your help was always given as you never knew when to require it in return.” These words perfectly encapsulate the spirit that John Douglas Hellings embodied throughout his remarkable life.
