 When Singapore surrendered on 15 February 1942, Hallowes joined Major "Nick" Nicholson to form one of two pairs of officers who were sent to carry the order to ceasefire to garrisons on the islands of Pulau Blakang Mati and Pulau Brani.They were given permission to try to escape from the Japanese after the order was delivered.They took a boat to the east coast of Sumatra, and walked to Padang, from whence they were rescued by Royal Navy destroyer which called in to refuel after the Battle of the Java Sea.