Dalforce

Singapore Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army
(星華義勇軍)
Active25 December 1941 – 13 February 1942
AllegianceMalaya Command
TypeIrregular military
RoleResistance, Guerrilla
Size4,000 (1,250 armed)
Part ofAustralian 22nd Brigade
1st Malaya Infantry Brigade
Garrison/HQKim Yam Road HQ
Ee Hoe Hean Club
Nickname(s)"Dalley's Desperadoes"
EngagementsBattle of Singapore
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Lt. Col. John Dalley

Dalforce, officially the Singapore Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army (星華義勇軍; Xinghua Yi Yong Jun) was an irregular forces/guerrilla unit within the British Straits Settlements Volunteer Force during World War II. Its members were recruited among the ethnic Chinese people of Singapore. It was created on 25 December 1941 by Lieutenant Colonel John Dalley of the Federated Malay States Police Force. The unit was known to the British colonial administration as Dalforce, after its chief instructor and commanding officer, John Dalley, whereas the Chinese in Singapore only knew it as the Singapore Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army. This formation took part in the Battle of Singapore and some members conducted a guerrilla campaign against Japanese forces during the Japanese occupation. The British noted how ferociously the Chinese volunteers in Dalforce fought, earning them the nickname Dalley's Desperadoes.