Despite Bernard's warnings few Europeans believe that Singapore will fall to the Japanese and New Year is celebrated as usual. However news of the capitulation of Hong Kong causes a change of heart and civilian evacuation to Australia gets underway though Dr. Mason and Sister Ulrica stay at the hospital. Simon must use force to get Christina on board when her European parentage is doubted and Rose's demands make her unpopular with other passengers. Squabbling among the evacuees is forgotten as the ship is torpedoed and many people,including Vicky,drown. The survivors make it ashore but they are caught by a Japanese patrol who separate the men from the women.