Great Grandad Prisoner of War in Japan

35th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery in the Second World War 1939-1945 - The Wartime Memories Project -

Some memoirs in there - you may be able to add to them if you wish

TD

Added

More to read - 78th 35th LAA Royal Artillery

 

Emma
Please get your Nan to apply for his Service Records. They will give some background details that it may be comforting to know.

However, I have found this lengthy web posting about the PoW Camps at Fukuoka which I would ask you NOT to read without an adult present with you.
As he was your great grandfather, I'm assuming you're fairly young, hence the caution.
Fukuoka POW Camp #1 - Page 1
Others here will understand that PoW of the Japanese received quite barbaric treatment and, as this is quite lengthy, I haven't been able to ensure it's not upsetting. A quick check didn't show the name Lambourne and he died quite soon after capture, from capture in Java on 8 March 1942 until 8 July 1943 from beri beri, which was one of the diseases endemic in the camps, due to the privations the prisoners suffered. From the date, it appears he was involved in construction at an airfield near Fukuoka.

I have to ask you not to read the link on your own, if you are still at school.

This sets out the likely timeline for his capture (from Wiki)
The British, Australian and United States units were commanded by British Major General H. D. W. Sitwell. The British forces were predominantly anti-aircraft units: the 77th Heavy AA Regiment, 21st Light AA Regiment and 48th Light AA Regiment. The only British armoured unit on Java was B squadron from the British 3rd Hussars, which was equipped with light tanks. Two British AA regiments without guns, the 6th Heavy AA Regt and the 35th Light AA Regiment, were equipped as infantry to defend airfields. The British also had transport and administrative units.

On 27 February, the unit 3rd mixed Regiment, led by Colonel Toshishige Shoji, separated from the main convoy and landed on 1 March, at Eretan Wetan, near Soebang on the northern coast of West Java. The unit's objectives were to capture the important Kalidjati airfield and weaken the Allied air arm, while the 2nd Division attacked Batavia.
At dawn on 1 March, nine Brewster and three Glenn Martins from the KNIL Air Force, together with 12 Hurricanes from the 242nd and 605th RAF Squadrons, carried out attacks on Japanese troops at Eretan Wetan. Using motor vehicles, the Japanese rapidly advanced to Soebang. At noon, the Kalidjati airfield was finally occupied following a tenacious defence carried out by 350 British troops. Meanwhile, other Japanese units led by Major Masaru Egashira bypassed Allied defences and headed for Pamanoekan (Pamanukan), and from then on to (Tjikampek), where they were able to cut the road link between Batavia and Kalidjati.
The fall of Kalidjati airfield greatly alarmed the Dutch, who set about planning hasty and ill-prepared counterattacks. On 2 March, a KNIL armoured unit (the Mobiele Eenheid), commanded by Captain G.J. Wulfhorst with approximately 20 tanks, and supported by the 250 men of Major C.G.J. Teerink's 5th KNIL Infantry Battalion, launched a counterattack against the Shoji unit outside Soebang. The attempt initially went well, but in the afternoon the attack was repulsed. Afterwards, the main force of the Japanese 3rd Air Brigade arrived at Kalidjati airfield.
By the night of 7 March, Japanese troops had arrived at the plateau of Lembang, which is only 5 mi (8.0 km) north from Bandoeng. At 10:00 on 8 March, Major-General Jacob J. Pesman, the commander of Stafgroep Bandoeng, met Colonel Toshishige Shoji at the Isola Hotel in Lembang and surrendered.

 

Thanks everyone. I’m 32 but appreciate the caution as I think at any age this kind of thing isn’t going to be nice to hear.
I’m at work now but will speak to my Nan later on. Thanks for the information.

 

Emma, on the 15th, the International Red Cross will be open for applications to get his POW record from them.

You must be quick to apply as they get inundated with requests and close to new applications after 48/72 hours depending on how many requests they receive.

I don't think they email a response and the results take a few months to arrive I believe.

ICRC archives

He has some info on Find My Past. This links you to just the military section
findmypast.co.uk

 

Hi Emma

As others have mentioned, my comments re: Singapore / Thailand were incorrect - sorry about that.

The link for the TBRC is correct - while they are in Thailand they do hold information on POWs held in camps across Asia.

 

I’m intrigued to know how you’ve found out how he died? What website would I view this info on? Unfortunately I can’t view the files on ‘view my past’ as I don’t pay the subscription.
I will speak to my Nan and will her permission share a photo on one of those memoirs

 

I’ve emailed them this morning so will let you know if I get a response

 

Also another question. We were wanting to lay a wreath on his grave. I have contacted the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and am awaiting to hear. Does anyone know how this works, would we get a photo of it on the grave (I guess also to prove someone has actually taken it there?)

 

Emma, my opinion about wreaths, is that it seems so much more personal if you obtain a small cross from the British Legion, and write your own message. There is then a strong probability that someone on this forum will be going there within maybe 6 months and they will lay it for you and take photos. I believe the crosses are left far longer on the graves than wreaths. I have done this a few times for other folk at Sai Wan in Hong Kong and also Yokohama.
If you decide to do this you would be better starting a new thread e.g. Anyone visiting Yokohama.
Mike

 

Hi Emma,
My Dad was in the 78th Battery 35th Regt LAA and would have been with your Great Grandad in Japan. Apart from that, unless you have other information such as letters, it is difficult if not impossible to say exactly where he was. Apart from stragglers and the usual separations of war the 89th Battery were split up more than the others. Other members have given you links and I'll try not to duplicate them. Briefly:
The 35th Regt left the UK on 13 Nov 41 bound for Basra to defend the airfields and kitted out for desert operations. Embarkation strength was 31 Officers and 893 ORs. After Japan entered the war the Regt was diverted at Durban to Singapore. Most of the Regt were in the SS Empress of Japan then from Durban in the SS Narkunda. However Lt North and 15 men of the 89th Battery were embarked in the cargo ship, MS Abbekerk, carrying the Regt's guns and ammunition to provide additional AA support to the ship's DEMS gunners. Oddly these men did not disembark on arrival Singapore but stayed on this ship until Osthaven.
On arrival in Singapore on 13 Jan 42 the Regt disembarked. RHQ, 144 Battery and A and C Troops 89 Battery proceeded to Malaya. 78 Battery and B Troop 89 Battery remained in Singapore to defend the airfields and Naval Base. Around 25 Jan, 78 Battery and B Troop were attached to 6 HAA and withdrawn to Pelembang, Sumatra to defend the airfields and oil installations.
Around 30 Jan A and C Troops of 89 Battery retreated from Malaya and were sent to join the remainder of their Battery in Sumatra. Unfortunately the ship transporting them was sunk but all except one L/Bombardier were saved and taken to Osthaven. 78 Battery and B Troop 89 Battery, under pressure from attacking Japanese, retreated to Osthaven, were re-united with A and C Batteries and thence to Java.
Mathsmal at Post 5 has given you the link to COFEPOW site. Whilst you are on this site also look at the articles 'Java Gunners' and 'John Frederick Bruns Crosse - letter'. Lt Crosse was in the 89 Battery.
Tricky Dicky has given you a link Post 21 to Far Eastern Heroes site. Whilst you are there also look at 'Nevil Benham' and 'Freedom Loosens the Memory' both written by members of 78/35.
Back to Java. Your GG and my Dad were transported from Java to Singapore in a group led by Lt Col Eric Scott in the 'Yoshida Maru' and then from Singapore to Japan in the 'Singapore Maru'. A well recorded and horrendous journey.
George James
On arrival at Moji, Japan those that were still capable of moving were split into four groups and sent to different camps. Your GG and my Dad remained with Lt Col Scott and went to Ube.
Ube- Hiroshima 7-B Formerly Fukuoka 2 Okinoyama (Ube)
Lots of info here. Open up the other links within it for more info. Opening up the Excel spreadsheet under Camp Rosters and going to page for British Dead will give you details for your GG.
My Dad was transferred to another camp at the end of July and luckily survived.
La Database
Tim

 

Sorry to treat you with "kid" gloves but I was expecting you to be somewhat younger as a great grand daughter.
It seems a lot more messages came through whilst I was collating info for my reply, so it looks a bit out of context and contained info posted in the interval between starting and sending my reply, must remember to be sharper on the keyboard!

Beriberi was due to poor diet and, with minimal rations, and that mainly rice, Western digestion coped poorly, especially with the lack of any real protein, just a watery gruel that may have sniffed a rice grain. Death rates approached 30% or more in most Jap PoW camps, from a combination of harsh treatment, climate and malnutrition.

 

Bit more:
Originally posted by Member 'papiermache' on 15/06/13 on another thread.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ILL-TREATMENT OF
PRISONERS OF WAR COMMITTED ON BOARD S.S.
"YOSHIDA MARU" AND S.S. "SINGAPORE MARU"
21 OCTOBER TO 26 NOVEMBER 1942.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

A F F I D A V I T.
--------------------

I, ERIC KENNETH SCOTT with permanent home address at 62
Columba Road, Blackhall, Edinburgh, formerly Lieutenant-Colonel
( R.E.M.E.) with personal number 93327 in HIS MAJESTY'S Forces, MAKE
OATH AND SAY AS FOLLOWS:-

1. On the 19th October 1942 Col. C.M. Lane M.C., 10/15 Punjab Regt.,
Senior British Officer P.O.W., Tanjong Priok, Batavia, was instructed by
the Japanese Commandant, Tanjong Priok P.O.W. Camp to draft 1000
( 90 Officers and 910 O.R.s approx ), for departure for an unknown destination
on the 21st October.

2. Immediate representations were made to the Japanese Authorities
that, with the prevalence of malaria, dysentery, beri-beri, dengue,
malnutrition, etc., in the camp, the majority were not in a fit state
to travel. The worst sick cases among those drafted were inspected by
the Senior British Medical Officer, Lt.Col. Mazie, R.A.M.C. and at a
later stage by a Japanese Medical Officer from Batavia. Substitutions
were made where possible, but even so, when the draft assembled on the
21st Oct. there were many stretcher cases and some 10/20 % of the personnel
collapsed on the march to the Docks.

3. At the Tandjong Priok Docks the party was joined by a draft of
300 R.A.F., under command of Wing Commander Frowe, and 500 R.A.
personnel under command of Lt. Col. Saunders R.A. This total of 1800
embarked on the thirty year old, 5,000 ton "Yoshida Maru" at 16.00 hours
on the 21st Oct. and were crammed down the four hatchways. Wing
Commander Frowe and Lt.Col. Saunders' parties were accommodated below the
forward hatches with some seventy Japanese personnel who had taken the
"best" of the accommodation for themselves and the Tandjong Priok party of
1000 were crowded together so tightly aft that it was impossible to lie
down and those immediately under the hatchways, which were unprovided
with tarpaulins, were soaked to the skin every time it rained during the
voyage. There were 16 deck latrines forward and 8 aft, also 2 small water
tanks forward and 2 aft.

4. The ship sailed the following morning and throughout the voyage
three meals of rice and fish soup were served daily. Under these conditions
there was an immediate increase in sickness and an emergency
hospital was formed on the upper deck under the shelter of a leaky tarpaulin.
No blankets were provided, nor were any medical supplies of any
description.

5. The "Yoshida Maru" arrived at Singapore at 13.00 hours on the 25th
Oct. and the following morning all personnel were ordered ashore for a
hosedown on the dock side under the supervision of Japanese guards. All
personnel were then marched to the roadside where they were obliged to take
down their trousers and a glass rod was inserted in each man's anus in
full public view. All were then returned to the "Yoshida Maru."

6. On the 28th Oct. Wing Commander Frowe was instructed to draft
200 of his men to join Lt. Col. Saunders' party of 500 and transfer to
another ship. Fourteen of the more seriously sick from Tanjong Priok

- 2 -

Camp were then transferred to Singapore Hospital.

7. On the 29th Oct. at 04.00 hours the remaining 1086 disembarked
and were disinfested. During the day a further 19 went sick and were
sent to shore hospital and 14 replacements were received from Changi
P.O.W. Camp, making a total of 1081.

8. The 1081 embarked on the S.S. "Singapore Maru", 5,200 tons,
built in 1904, at 19.00 hours on the 29th Oct., the officers, 96 in
number, being in this instance, segregated in the aft hold for the
better maintenance of discipline. The general arrangements were similar
to those on the "Yoshida Maru". Forward were accommodated Japanese
troops, who spread themselves at the expense of the prisoners, and forward
were 16 deck latrines, ( 8 for prisoners ), and four small water tanks,
( two for prisoners ). Aft were 8 deck latrines, two water tanks and the
galley. Three meals of rice and fish soup were provided daily and hot
water for drinking three or four times per day. There were two small
lifeboats, four rafts and no life-belts for P.O.Ws.

9. The "Singapore Maru" sailed for Japan at 10.00 hours on the
30th Oct. and by the 2nd of November sickness had increased to such an
extent that the establishment of a hospital on the aft hatch cover became
necessary. The required accommodation was grudgingly given, as was the
1 lb Mag. Sulphate and a few aspirin and quinine tablets. Two men died
almost as soon as the "hospital" was established.

10. On the 3rd of November the "Singapore Maru" hove to off Cap St.
Jacques, where, as Senior Officer, I made the strongest possible representations
to the Japanese Commanding Officer, Lieut. Moriyama, regarding the
state of affairs on board and demanded the immediate removal of all sick
to Saigon and the sending of a radio report to Batavia to prevent the
further shipment of P.O.W.s under such intolerable conditions. The same
afternoon the ship sailed without any action being taken to improve
conditions aboard.

11. Sickness was now increasing at such a rate and the weather
deteriorating to such an extent that the accommodation under the aft
hatch had to be cleared of troops and the sick transferred to the space
vacated. No amenities of any sort such as mats, mattresses, blankets, etc.
were provided and the sick lay on the bare steel deck. With difficulty
some wooden buckets were secured for use as hospital latrines. A small
quantity of newsprint was provided as toilet paper, but was soon exhausted
and, as there was only sufficient water to permit of washing the hands once
a day, personal hygiene was impossible and disease spread rapidly in
consequence.

12. Deaths continued up to the arrival of the "Singapore Maru" at
Takow, Formosa, on the 13th Nov. where 8 bodies were sent ashore for cremation,
the harbour authorities refusing to permit them to be buried at sea.
A list of 100 seriously sick was compiled and a request for their immediate
removal to shore hospital was submitted, but twenty-one only were put ashore.

13. At Takow I was informed that accommodation was to be found for
a further 400 Japanese troops and, in spite of all protests, the upper
decks in all holds were cleared and the thousand odd P.O.W.s crammed down
in the bottom of the holds and on the sand ballast in the space below the
holds. The "hospital" was also transferred to the bottom of the aft hold.
All Japanese troops were provided with clean mats to sleep on. P.O.Ws.
slept on the steel decks or the sand ballast.

- 3 -

14. On the 15th the "Singapore Maru" left Takow and the same day
anchored off the Pescadores, where she remained until the 18th. A
further seven were buried at sea the same evening. Two hundred bismuth
tablets were then issued to Dr. Liddell, the R.A.F. doctor on board,
by the Japanese Authorities.

15. Proceeding Northwards the weather worsened and the cold
increased to the great discomfort of those, the majority, who were in
possession of tropical clothing only, and no blankets. The deck
latrines, damaged by heavy seas, leaked badly and sprayed infected
excreta over the decks, while below decks, the hospital, being unable
to cope with any more sick, sub-hospitals were established in each hold.
Latrine buckets were set up in the holds but some were so weak by this
time as to be unable to use them and de-faecated in their mess tins or
where they lay.

16. By the time the ship anchored off Moji on the 24th of November
approximately 700 were suffering from some sort of sickness or other. On
the 25th Nov. the ship went alongside and the Japanese troops disembarked.
This left the stores unguarded and the same night they were raided by
British personnel. An enquiry was instituted by the Japanese Military
Police on discovery of the theft on the following day, but the urgent
necessity to disembark appeared to cut these proceedings shorter than was
expected. As Senior British Officer on board I was held responsible and
threatened with shooting, while several officers were referred to as
"uncivilised beasts" by the English speaking Japanese Officer from Fukuoka,
who was in charge of disembarkation. A hygiene squad came aboard and
sealed all latrines and inserted a glass rod in the anus of each P.O.W.
( a test for dysentery we were told ), but did nothing for the 280 seriously
sick who were left on the ship after thirty of the hospital sick had been
taken ashore for treatment in Moji, and the remaining 677 mobile P.O.Ws
disembarked for splitting up into groups for transport by open barge to
Coal Mines in the vicinity.

17. Of the fate of the 280 who were left on board in the care of three
Dutch doctors and six Medical Orderlies I am unable to give precise information,
but have reason to believe that the majority succumbed within a few
days. Further information in this connection should be available from
Dr. Liddell of the R.A.F. who was himself evacuated to Moji hospital at
that time.

18. The 677 mobile P.O.W.s after standing on the dock, in subzero
temperatures, dressed in tropical kit, for several hours and without food
were eventually split into one group of 170 and three groups of 169 each.
I was in charge of the group of 170 and proceeded to Fukuoka No. 7 Camp,
Ube, where a further 17 died from the effects of the voyage. All sufferred
from scurvy for several weeks.

- 4 -

Summary
-----------

677 - Disembarked, Moji
63 - Buried at sea.
1 - Committed suicide.
21 - Removed to hospital, Formosa.
30 - Removed to hospital, Moji.
289 - Too ill to be removed from "Singapore Maru".
-------
1081 (includes 3 Dutch doctors and 6 M.O.s )
______


SWORN by the said ERIC KENNETH SCOTT
at 6 Spring Gardens in the City of
Westminster this 19th day of January
1946

Tim

 

Thanks Tim. I’m overwhelmed with how much I’ve found out since last night. Thank you so much.

My Nans Mum went on to remarry my Great Grandads friend who was also with him at the time in Japan as a POW. He is on that first page of the spreadsheet (William Amos) , he died just 5 years ago and although he told my Nan some things I think there was a lot he didn’t say due to being obviously traumatised by the events.

How old would your Dad have been at the time?

My Great Grandad would have been 112 now. My Nans 83.

Really appreciate this once again, I’m just on my way back from work so will have a proper read through it. I’m seeing my Nan tomorrow so will look at her pictures she has of him and see if i recognise him anywhere and with her permission share a photo of him.

Thanks again

 

Thanks for this that sounds like a good idea.

 

William Amos was also in 89th Battery. On Regimental Roll he is listed with rank of Bombardier.
Tim

 

Hi Kevin, how would my Nan apply for his service records? Or is this something I can do on her behalf as his great grand daughter?

 

Hi Emma

Link for service records is - Requests for personal data and service records: a detailed guide - GOV.UK I believe you will need to provide the CWGC details of his death

TD

 

Where do I get the forms from? Thanks

Thanks! ^^