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These notes provide additional information to that provided within the Japanese Archive (Insert Link) itself, and relate to war crimes against Allied aircrew and SOE personnel by Japanese forces. These notes are from various sources and are provided to assist the reader gaining a fuller picture.
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Aitcheson, Allan Graham (Case A3-Trial of TESHIMA Fasatoro and 5 Others)
Albinson, Norman Edward (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Almand, Paul Edward (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Anderson, Francis O’Connell (No Trial)
Anderson, Hugh W.
Anderson, Jack Fallow (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Sqn Ldr. Jack Fallow Anderson 253 RAAF, Pilot, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the Laha airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
The bodies were later recovered from a number of mass graves. Sqn Ldr. Anderson’s body could not be identified and therefore it was not possible to determine upon which date he was murdered. He was therefore classified as having died whilst a PoW on or before the 20th February, 1942.
Sqn Ldr. Jack Fallow Anderson. Commemorated on the Ambon Memorial Column 7. Born on the 22nd September 1916 in Melbourne, Victoria. Son of Robert Stanley and Agnes Eliza Anderson of Waverton, New South Wales, Australia.
Atkiss, Donald Davis (No Trial)
Bailey, Phillip Louis (No Trial)
Baker, Burnette Hornet (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Baker, Everitt Edward (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Baker, James (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Sgt. James Baker 402700 RAAF, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
The bodies were later recovered from a number of mass graves. Sgt. Baker’s body could not be identified and therefore it was not possible to determine upon which date he was murdered. He was therefore classified as having died whilst a PoW on or before the 20th February, 1942.
Sgt. James Baker. Commemorated on the Ambon Memorial Column 9. Born on the 6th September 1919 in Lithgow, New South Wales. Son of James William and Ada Baker of Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia.
Bailey, John Pretty (No Trial)
Balonier, Harold Minard (DJAG 65075/JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Barron, John Michael (Not Trial)
Bek, Phillip Louis (No Trial)
Beddoe, Donald Cosmo (No Trial)
Bellingan, Leslie (BR 388)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Benham, Gregory Wade
During the Second World War he was a resident and Patrol Officer of Namatanai. He became a coastwatcher, with the rank of Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RANVR) attached to HMAS Brisbane, on the 23rd January 1942. He and Lieutenant (Lt) Gregory Wade Benham were also a coastwatcher at the same time.
Both were executed on the 1st September 1942 on Nago Island. Both he and Lt. Kyle had two opportunities to escape in February and April 1942 but chose to remain and work together.
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) was posthumously awarded to Temporary Sub-Lieutenant Gregory Wade Benham, RANVR (London Gazette 13th November 1945).
Citation: ‘Lieutenant Kyle and Sub-Lieutenant Benham showed sustained fortitude in circumstances of great hazard in coast watching duties behind the Japanese lines in the Pacific, providing intelligence vital to the conduct of operations’.
Benson, Davis Bernard (30-132 SOMA et al)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Berry, Alexander Rae (No Trial)
Bishop, Louis William (DJAG 65031)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Bodell, Edward Raymond (DJAG 65120)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Boldman Jr., Amel (DJAG 65031)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Borders, Andrew Jackson (No Trial)
Briggs, Everitt Edward Jr. (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Brindos, Roger Hugh (No Trial)
Brown, David Stuart (No Trial)
Brown, Ross Bryan (No Trial)
Burns, John Joseph (No Trial)
Burnside, Ernest William (No Trial)
Butterfield, Royal Duane (DJAG 65120)
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Cheesewright, Albert George Frederick (BR489)
Plt Off. Albert George Frederick Cheesewright MiD, 65030 RAFVR Age 41, had been serving at RAF Kallang.
He was executed by the Japanese after attempting to escape from a camp at Malang in Java. He is remembered on the Singapore Memorial Column 412.
A military court was convened in Singapore on the 22nd, 25th and 27th August 1947
A Major (Rikugun-Shōsa) MIZOE Hachizo of the Imperial Japanese Army, attached to the 7/1st Punjab Regiment was charged on two counts:
1st Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari, Mallang, East Java in or about the month of April 1942 was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the ill-treatment of four (4) PoWs that is to say Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison which ill-treatment included kicking and beating.
2nd Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari Aerodrome, near Mallang, East Java on or about the 4th May 1942, was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the killing of Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison, all PoWs in East Java.
Note: the Japanese word Rikugun preceding a rank indicates that it relates to the army.
Maj. MIZOE was Officer-in-Charge of the 28th Aerodrome Battalion (Bn) in East Java from March 1942 to August or September 1942.
A draft of approximately 900 PoWs arrived in March 1942 for work on Singosari Aerodrome in Java. Guards over prisoners were mounted from a Company of MIZOE 's Bn .
Sometime towards the end of April there were two escapes. Ft Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright on or about April 27th 1942 and Sgt. Poland with WO Kenneison (AMWD) on or about April 25th 1942. Both parties were recaptured. Sgt. Poland and WO. Kenneison, when recaptured, were ill-treated by beating and kicking in front of the assembled PoWs who were paraded in the square. MIZOE was present the whole time although the ill-treatment was carried out by an NCO and his men. Flt Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright were brought back a couple of days later and placed in the cells.
MIZOE told the Senior British Officer, Wg Cdr. Welch that these four men would be shot as all the PoWs were now subject to the discipline of the Japanese Army and all men who escaped in the Japanese Army were shot. In spite of insistent protests by Wg Cdr. Welch that the proposed punishment was far in excess of the crime committed and that it was contrary to recognised rules of warfare, MIZOE remained firm.
On or about the 4th May 1942 the four men with hands tied together and all four linked by a rope, were marched out towards the aerodrome where the whole camp had been assembled to witness the execution.
The firing party consisted of approximately eight (8) men. On the first volley being fired only one of the prisoners fell down and then they fired again and two more prisoners fell down. A third volley was fired after which the fourth prisoner fell down. None of the prisoners were dead and after repeated shooting it ended by one Japanese soldier firing at the men on the ground from a close range of a few inches.
The court found MIZOE guilty of the charges and was sentenced to death by hanging. The sentence was confirmed by the General Office Commanding (GOC) of the Singapore District. MIZOE was executed on the 16th January 1948 at the Outram Road Prison.
Cheli, Ralph (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Constantin, Edward Thomas (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Cox, John Preston (No Trial)
Czechowski, Chester M. (No Trial)
DeMaria, Joseph Anthony (DJAG 65075/JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Diercks, Frederick Arthur Donald. (No Trial)
Doyle, Thomas Frederick (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Drummey, Robert David (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Evans, Frederick Arthur (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Aircraftman Class 1 (AC1) Frederick Arthur Evans 37304 RAAF, Telegraph Printer Operator, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
His remains were exhumed and identified from Laha Grave No 2. which was the scene of the 1st Massacre carried out on the 6th February 1942.
Aircraftman Class 1 (AC1) Frederick Arthur Evans. Ambon War Cemetery, 23.B.11. Born on the 28th April 1918 in Marrickville, New South Wales. Son of Reuben Harry and Emily Taylor Evans. Husband of Margaret Jean Evans of The Entrance, New South Wales, Australia.
Evans, Herschel D. (Investigation File: NAA: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Farnell Jr, Raymond James (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Fenwick, John (Investigation File: NAA: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Florence, William Victor (Case A9 - Lt Col MIYAKAWA, Kiyoshi and 3 others)
Gambale, Gene (DJAG 65031 and 65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Gaskin, Frederick Walter (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Cpl. Frederick Walter Gaskin 16645 RAAF, Fitter Armament, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
His remains were exhumed and identified from Laha Grave No 2. which was the scene of the 1st Massacre carried out on the 6th February 1942.
Cpl. Frederick Walter Gaskin. Ambon War Cemetery, 23.B.10. Born on the 15th April 1902 in London, England. Son of Sydney and Alice Amy Gaskin of Ilford, Essex, England.
George, Robert E. (No Trial)
Gerstein, Max (Investigation File: NAA: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Gilhousen, William Richard (DJAG 65031)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Goodrich, Burdette Clark (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Gordon, Robert (BR489)
Flt Lt. Robert Gordon MiD 43329 RAFVR had been serving with No 152 Maintenance Unit (MU).
He was executed by the Japanese after attempting to escape from a camp at Malang in Java. He is remembered on the Singapore Memorial Column 412.
A military court was convened in Singapore on the 22nd, 25th and 27th August 1947
A Major (Rikugun-Shōsa) MIZOE Hachizo of the Imperial Japanese Army, attached to the 7/1st Punjab Regiment was charged on two counts:
1st Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari, Mallang, East Java in or about the month of April 1942 was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the ill-treatment of four (4) PoWs that is to say Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison which ill-treatment included kicking and beating.
2nd Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari Aerodrome, near Mallang, East Java on or about the 4th May 1942, was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the killing of Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison, all PoWs in East Java.
Note: the Japanese word Rikugun preceding a rank indicates that it relates to the army.
Maj. MIZOE was Officer-in-Charge of the 28th Aerodrome Battalion (Bn) in East Java from March 1942 to August or September 1942.
A draft of approximately 900 PoWs arrived in March 1942 for work on Singosari Aerodrome in Java. Guards over prisoners were mounted from a Company of MIZOE 's Bn .
Sometime towards the end of April there were two escapes. Ft Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright on or about April 27th 1942 and Sgt. Poland with WO Kenneison (AMWD) on or about April 25th 1942. Both parties were recaptured. Sgt. Poland and WO. Kenneison, when recaptured, were ill-treated by beating and kicking in front of the assembled PoWs who were paraded in the square. MIZOE was present the whole time although the ill-treatment was carried out by an NCO and his men. Flt Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright were brought back a couple of days later and placed in the cells.
MIZOE told the Senior British Officer, Wg Cdr. Welch that these four men would be shot as all the PoWs were now subject to the discipline of the Japanese Army and all men who escaped in the Japanese Army were shot. In spite of insistent protests by Wg Cdr. Welch that the proposed punishment was far in excess of the crime committed and that it was contrary to recognised rules of warfare, MIZOE remained firm.
On or about the 4th May 1942 the four men with hands tied together and all four linked by a rope, were marched out towards the aerodrome where the whole camp had been assembled to witness the execution.
The firing party consisted of approximately eight (8) men. On the first volley being fired only one of the prisoners fell down and then they fired again and two more prisoners fell down. A third volley was fired after which the fourth prisoner fell down. None of the prisoners were dead and after repeated shooting it ended by one Japanese soldier firing at the men on the ground from a close range of a few inches.
The court found MIZOE guilty of the charges and was sentenced to death by hanging. The sentence was confirmed by the General Office Commanding (GOC) of the Singapore District. MIZOE was executed on the 16th January 1948 at the Outram Road Prison.
Grey, James Milton (65096 JAG)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Harris, John Allan (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Aircraftman Class 1 (AC1) John Allan Harris 24987 RAAF, Wireless Telegraph Operator, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
The bodies were later recovered from a number of mass graves. AC1 Harris’s body could not be identified and therefore it was not possible to determine upon which date he was murdered. He was therefore classified as having died whilst a PoW on or before the 20th February, 1942.
Aircraftman Class 1 (AC1) John Allan Harris. Commemorated on the Ambon Memorial Column 10. Born on the 10th February 1919 in Kilcoy, Queensland. Son of Samuel Leslie and Daisy Emily Harris of Chermside, Queensland, Australia.
Harris, William Cecil (Not Trial)
Harwick, Vernon Holloway (No Trial)
Herbert, Kenneth Edward (No Trial)
Herry, Robert J.
Hill, Alec (3 Tribunals)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Hill, Joseph Wadsworth (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Hocking, Alfred Ronald (No Trial)
Hockley, Fred (BR. 508)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Jones, Robert Leonard (30-132 SOMA et al)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Kavanagh, Robert Lloyd (DJAG 65120)
Review and Recommendations Trial Papers available. Please contact us via Helpdesk
Keel, Henry Arthur (No Trial)
Kenneison, Charles Arthur (BR489)
Charles Arthur Kenneison Age 30, was a Civilian Works Supervisor (no further information found)
Flt Lt. Robert Gordon MiD 43329 RAFVR had been serving with No 152 Maintenance Unit (MU).
He was executed by the Japanese after attempting to escape from a camp at Malang in Java. He is remembered on the Singapore Memorial Column 412.
A military court was convened in Singapore on the 22nd, 25th and 27th August 1947
A Major (Rikugun-Shōsa) MIZOE Hachizo of the Imperial Japanese Army, attached to the 7/1st Punjab Regiment was charged on two counts:
1st Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari, Mallang, East Java in or about the month of April 1942 was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the ill-treatment of four (4) PoWs that is to say Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison which ill-treatment included kicking and beating.
2nd Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari Aerodrome, near Mallang, East Java on or about the 4th May 1942, was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the killing of Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison, all PoWs in East Java.
Note: the Japanese word Rikugun preceding a rank indicates that it relates to the army.
Maj. MIZOE was Officer-in-Charge of the 28th Aerodrome Battalion (Bn) in East Java from March 1942 to August or September 1942.
A draft of approximately 900 PoWs arrived in March 1942 for work on Singosari Aerodrome in Java. Guards over prisoners were mounted from a Company of MIZOE 's Bn .
Sometime towards the end of April there were two escapes. Ft Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright on or about April 27th 1942 and Sgt. Poland with WO Kenneison (AMWD) on or about April 25th 1942. Both parties were recaptured. Sgt. Poland and WO. Kenneison, when recaptured, were ill-treated by beating and kicking in front of the assembled PoWs who were paraded in the square. MIZOE was present the whole time although the ill-treatment was carried out by an NCO and his men. Flt Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright were brought back a couple of days later and placed in the cells.
MIZOE told the Senior British Officer, Wg Cdr. Welch that these four men would be shot as all the PoWs were now subject to the discipline of the Japanese Army and all men who escaped in the Japanese Army were shot. In spite of insistent protests by Wg Cdr. Welch that the proposed punishment was far in excess of the crime committed and that it was contrary to recognised rules of warfare, MIZOE remained firm.
On or about the 4th May 1942 the four men with hands tied together and all four linked by a rope, were marched out towards the aerodrome where the whole camp had been assembled to witness the execution.
The firing party consisted of approximately eight (8) men. On the first volley being fired only one of the prisoners fell down and then they fired again and two more prisoners fell down. A third volley was fired after which the fourth prisoner fell down. None of the prisoners were dead and after repeated shooting it ended by one Japanese soldier firing at the men on the ground from a close range of a few inches.
The court found MIZOE guilty of the charges and was sentenced to death by hanging. The sentence was confirmed by the General Office Commanding (GOC) of the Singapore District. MIZOE was executed on the 16th January 1948 at the Outram Road Prison.
Kicera, Michael H. (Not Trial)
King, Arthur Christere (No Trial)
King, Robert Ian Maxwell (NAA: A471, 80918: War Crimes - Military Tribunal)
Kirkwood, Donald Clarence (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Koebig, Frederick Kurt (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Koscelnak, Robert J.
Kraehe, Ernest Hubert (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Kuhn, Anthony (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Kyle, Alan Fairlie ‘Bill’
Above: Studio portrait of 14598 Sapper Alan Fairlie "Bill" Kyle, 4th Divisional Signal Company. Sapper Kyle enlisted on 7th February 1916 and returned to Australia on 26th September 1917.
During the Second World War he was a resident and the Assistant District Officer at Nomatanai, New Ireland. He became a coastwatcher, with the rank of Lieutenant (Lt) in the Royal Australian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RANVR) attached to HMAS Basilisk, on the 23rd January 1942.
Another resident and a Patrol Officer of Namatanai, Sub-Lt. Gregory Wade Benham was also a coastwatcher at the same time. Both were executed on the 1st September 1942 on Nago Island. Both he and Sub-Lt. Benham had two opportunities to escape in February and April 1942 but chose to remain and work together.
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) was posthumously awarded to Temporary Lieutenant Alan Fairlie ‘Bill’ Kyle, RANVR (London Gazette 13th November 1945).
Citation: ‘Lieutenant Kyle and Sub-Lieutenant Benham showed sustained fortitude in circumstances of great hazard in coast watching duties behind the Japanese
Laird, Thomas Henry (Investigation File: NAA: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Lamar, Claude Henderson (DJAG Case No: 65075/JAG)
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Lanagan, Alfred Harry (No Trial)
Lanigan, Richard Irl (No Trial)
Leisure Jr., John Earl (65096 JAG)
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Lindley, George Grey (133 MORIMOTO,129 BABA)
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Lockyer, Arnold Alexander (133 MORIMOTO,129 BABA)
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Lyon, John (No Trial)
MacLeod, John Edward (81962 – War Crime - SHIMIZU and others)
Mannon, Paul Munroe (No Trial)
Martin, Norman Bruce (Case A9 - Lt Col MIYAKAWA, Kiyoshi and 3 others)
Massie, Harold Lloyd (No Trial)
Mason, Cecil John Trevelyan (No Trial)
Fg Off. Cecil John Trevelyan Mason 263679 RAAF of 20 Squadron, RAAF had volunteered to be inserted into enemy territory by submarine to attempt a rescue of Leading Telegraphist (LT) Roy Woodroffe F329/10 RAN of HMAS Brisbane was a coastwatcher on Anir Island.
They were surprised by a Japanese patrol and LT. Woodroffe was captured, however Fg Off. Mason managed to escape into the jungle but was later captured by the same patrol. They were seen by a native, tied hand and foot and carried aboard a Japanese schooner together with all their gear including the wireless equipment.
RAAF investigations found that a Rev. W. O'Connell had reported that Fg Off. Mason and LT. Woodroffe, together with four (4) Unidentified American aircrew members were taken from the military prison camp at Rabaul on the 8th October 1942. It was alleged by the Japanese that they were taken to work on a new airfield but during the afternoon some of their clothing was returned to the prison camp.
After hostilities had ceased an RAAF location party was led to by natives from Maturi Island to graves which were situated in the vicinity of the Japanese Cemetery at Matupi. They appeared to have been buried in several trenches. A huge bomb crater was alongside the graves and the natives stated that there was more graves there before the bombing, but that the bomb had blown them up. Recovery work was carried out until satisfied that no further remains were in the vicinity.
In one of the mass graves remains of twenty-four (24) bodies were recovered. One of those was LT. Roy Woodroffe who was wearing a gold ring inscribed 'R’ and who was known to have been wearing such a ring at the time of his capture. The identification of Woodroffe's body makes it probable that Fg Off. Mason was also buried in the mass grave
Mayberry, Walter Thomas (No Trial)
Meyer, Francis Norman (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Fg Off. Francis Norman Meyer 290745 RAAF, Pilot, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
The bodies were later recovered from a number of mass graves. Fg Off. Meyer’s body could not be identified and therefore it was not possible to determine upon which date he was murdered. He was therefore classified as having died whilst a PoW on or before the 20th February, 1942.
Fg Off. Francis Norman Meyer. Commemorated on the Ambon Memorial Column 8. Born on the 2nd October 1921 in Guildford, Western Australian. Son of Thomas Edmund and Olive Brigid Meyer of Maylands, Western Australia.
McCleaf, Paul Frederick (No Trial)
McDonald, Ernest John (No Trial)
McDonald, Frank Graeme
McGuigan, William Roderick (3 Tribunals)
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Moody, Albert James (Case A3-Trial of TESHIMA Fasatoro and 5 Others)
Mull, Romulus Foard (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Mulligan, John Joseph (No Trial)
Murphy, Henry Laurence (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Neumann, Leslie William (No Trial)
Newton, William Ellis (No Trial)
Nicks, Allen William (DJAG Case No: 65075/JAG)
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Norman, Allan Leslie (No Trial)
O'Loghlen, Ross Bryan (No Trial)
Orgill, John Victor (133 MORIMOTO,129 BABA)
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Ortmeyer, Armin John (65096 JAG)
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Packham, Keith (30-132 SOMA et al)
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Parker, John Graham (DJAG 65031)
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Parker, William Murdoch (No Trial)
Pease Jr, Harl (No Trial)
Awarded the Medal of Honor
Phillis, Philip Kirk (No Trial)
Pittard, Charles August (65096 JAG)
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Poland, Dennis Albert (BR489)
Sgt. Dennis Albert Poland MiD 1116610 RAFVR Age 22, had been serving with No. 266 Wing
He was executed by the Japanese after attempting to escape from a camp at Malang in Java. He is remembered on the Singapore Memorial Column 412.
A military court was convened in Singapore on the 22nd, 25th and 27th August 1947
A Major (Rikugun-Shōsa) MIZOE Hachizo of the Imperial Japanese Army, attached to the 7/1st Punjab Regiment was charged on two counts:
1st Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari, Mallang, East Java in or about the month of April 1942 was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the ill-treatment of four (4) PoWs that is to say Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison which ill-treatment included kicking and beating.
2nd Charge - Committing a war crime in that he at Singosari Aerodrome, near Mallang, East Java on or about the 4th May 1942, was, in violation of the Laws and Usages of War, concerned in the killing of Flt Lt. Gordon, Plt Off. Cheesewright, Sgt. Poland and Mr. Kenneison, all PoWs in East Java.
Note: the Japanese word Rikugun preceding a rank indicates that it relates to the army.
Maj. MIZOE was Officer-in-Charge of the 28th Aerodrome Battalion (Bn) in East Java from March 1942 to August or September 1942.
A draft of approximately 900 PoWs arrived in March 1942 for work on Singosari Aerodrome in Java. Guards over prisoners were mounted from a Company of MIZOE 's Bn .
Sometime towards the end of April there were two escapes. Ft Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright on or about April 27th 1942 and Sgt. Poland with WO Kenneison (AMWD) on or about April 25th 1942. Both parties were recaptured. Sgt. Poland and WO. Kenneison, when recaptured, were ill-treated by beating and kicking in front of the assembled PoWs who were paraded in the square. MIZOE was present the whole time although the ill-treatment was carried out by an NCO and his men. Flt Lt. Gordon and Plt Off. Cheesewright were brought back a couple of days later and placed in the cells.
MIZOE told the Senior British Officer, Wg Cdr. Welch that these four men would be shot as all the PoWs were now subject to the discipline of the Japanese Army and all men who escaped in the Japanese Army were shot. In spite of insistent protests by Wg Cdr. Welch that the proposed punishment was far in excess of the crime committed and that it was contrary to recognised rules of warfare, MIZOE remained firm.
On or about the 4th May 1942 the four men with hands tied together and all four linked by a rope, were marched out towards the aerodrome where the whole camp had been assembled to witness the execution.
The firing party consisted of approximately eight (8) men. On the first volley being fired only one of the prisoners fell down and then they fired again and two more prisoners fell down. A third volley was fired after which the fourth prisoner fell down. None of the prisoners were dead and after repeated shooting it ended by one Japanese soldier firing at the men on the ground from a close range of a few inches.
The court found MIZOE guilty of the charges and was sentenced to death by hanging. The sentence was confirmed by the General Office Commanding (GOC) of the Singapore District. MIZOE was executed on the 16th January 1948 at the Outram Road Prison.
Pocknee, Frank Ronald (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Read, Isaac Wood (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Sgt. Isaac Wood Read 406222 RAAF, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
The bodies were later recovered from a number of mass graves. Sgt. Read’s body could not be identified and therefore it was not possible to determine upon which date he was murdered. He was therefore classified as having died whilst a PoW on or before the 20th February, 1942.
Sgt. Isaac Wood Read. Commemorated on the Ambon Memorial Column 10. Born on the 3rd March 1911 in Maylands, Western Australia. Son of Frederick Mark Isaac and Annie Thomasine Read of Mount Lawley, Western Australia.
Rich, Joseph Cosmo (65096 JAG)
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Rittaco, Louis J.
Roberts, Ernest Stanley (Investigation File: NAA: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Rodriguez, Frank (DJAG 65120 JAG)
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Scott, Ernest Dallas (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Wg Cdr. Ernest Dallas Scott AFC, 250 (101) RAAF, Pilot, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
His remains were exhumed and identified from Laha Grave No 2. which was the scene of the 1st Massacre carried out on the 6th February 1942.
Wg Cdr. Ernest Dallas Scott AFC. Ambon War Cemetery, 23.B.8. Born on the 5th October 1913 in Victoria, South Australia. Son of Ernest William and Gwendolyn Lenore (née Virtue) Scott. Husband of Enid (née Stewart) Scott of Toorak, Victoria, Australia.
Scott, John Leonard (NAA: A471, 80918: War Crimes - Military Tribunal)
Sheets, Jack Raymond (65096 JAG)
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Snelling, Robert James (BR 338)
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Stewart, Lawson (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Stewart, Leslie
Stookey, Donald Laben ((Investigation File: NAA: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Sugden, Alston F. (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Thomas, Gordon Ronald (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Verey, Harold George (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Fg Off. Harold George Verey 261029 RAAF, Administrative & Special Duties, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
His remains were exhumed and identified from Laha Grave No 2. which was the scene of the 1st Massacre carried out on the 6th February 1942.
Fg Off. Harold George Verey. Ambon War Cemetery, 23.B.9. Born on the 10th October 1909 in Melbourne, Victoria. Son of Harold William and Ida Blanch (née Simeon-Hoos) Verey, of South Yarra, Victoria, Australia.
Vincent, Geoffrey Hubert (No Trial)
Walker, Laurence Douglas (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Laurence Douglas Walker 27521 RAAF, Wireless Telegraph Operator, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
The bodies were later recovered from a number of mass graves. LAC Walker’s body could not be identified and therefore it was not possible to determine upon which date he was murdered. He was therefore classified as having died whilst a PoW on or before the 20th February, 1942.
Leading Aircraftman (LAC) Laurence Douglas Walker. Commemorated on the Ambon Memorial Column 10. Born on the 26th March 1918 in Kooringa, South Australia. Son of Oswald Gilbert and May (née Mclaren) Walker, of Burra, South Australia.
Wallace, Bruce Eskdale (NAA: A471, 80918: War Crimes - Military Tribunal)
Wasilevski, Vincent (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Wein, Colin Elbert (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Westberg, Wayne Robert (65096 JAG)
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White, Kenneth McKeller (DJAG 65120)
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White, William Vynere Duckett (AWC 2938 - Hatakeyama et al)
The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) was awarded to Fg Off. White whilst with 2 Squadron.
Citation reads:
“Flying Officer White enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force as an air cadet on 30.1.40 and, on completion of his flying course, was appointed to a commission with the rank of Pilot Officer on 4.5.40.
After serving in a number of units, he was posted to No. 2 Squadron, Darwin, on 12.8.40 and served at Darwin for several months as captain of an aircraft taking part in numerous seaward reconnaissance.
About the middle of December, 1941, Flying Officer White moved with his Squadron to Ambon and from there in the early stage of operations against the Japanese he flew continuously as captain of aircraft, both on reconnaissance flights and in operations against the enemy. His constant devotion to duty and the skill and daring displayed by him whilst flying against the enemy in the Celebes-Ambon area proved e shining example to his crew and the other members of his squadron.
On the 29th and 30th January, 1942, immediately preceding the Japanese invasion of Ambon, Flying Officer White carried out an almost continuous reconnaissance of the large enemy invasion fleet. The enemy force was strongly supported by fighter aircraft but, despite frequent attacks, Flying Officer White courageously, persistently and with outstanding skill continued his reconnaissance until the enemy were within ten miles of their objective. As a result of repeated attacks his aircraft was so seriously damaged that it could no longer be flown but his successful reconnaissance enabled the land forces to occupy the most favourable positions possible prior to the attack.
Flying Officer White's actions during this trying and difficult period constituted an epic story of courage, determination, skill and devotion to duty”.
Flt Lt. William Vynere Duckett White DFC, 260624 RAAF, pilot, was a member of a party of eleven (11) members of the RAAF under the command of Wg Cdr. Ernest D. Scott who were endeavouring to escape from the Island of Ambon.
On the 2nd February 1942 the party left the LaHa airfield at 19:00 hrs, after obtaining food supplies, aiming to cross the mountains to the north coast of Ambon. Approximately four (4) days later the party was captured by a Japanese Naval Patrol in the Haroekoe Strait (today Seram Strait) attempting to cross to the island of Ceram (today Seram). They were brought back to Ambon and imprisoned at Laha with the members of the Laha Garrison been captured by the Japanese.
Three-hundred and nine (309) Australians and Dutch which included the RAAF party of eleven (11) were randomly selected by the Imperial Japanese Navy and in four separate massacres around the airfield over the period 6th to the 20th February, 1942 summarily executed them.
It was established that the order for the Laha massacre was issued by Rear Admiral (Kaigun-shōshō) HATAKEYAMA, Koichiro who was the Commander of the 24th Naval Base Special Force who, unfortunately, could not be brought to trial as he had been killed in an air crash on the 15th January 1945.
Lieutenant (Kaigun-tai-i) HATAKEYAMA, Kunito and Sub-Lieutenant (Kaigun-chūi) NAKAGAWA , Kenichi were directly responsible for carrying out the executions which were perpetrated by the crews of three (3) Japanese Minesweepers. It was reported that the crews requested to carry out the executions, in retaliation for the sinking of one of their ships which had struck a mine, and was authorised by HATAKEYAMA.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were tried before an Australian Military Court held at Rabaul on 14th, 15th and 17th July 1947. They were jointly charged on three (3) counts of committing a War Crime in that they, at three different locations and on three separate occasions, ordered the murder of a number of Australian and Allied PoWs.
HATAKEYAMA and NAKAGAWA were found guilty on all three (3) counts with HATAKEYAMA being sentenced to death by hanging and NAKAGAWA sentenced to twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon review the findings were confirmed as was the sentence for NAKAGAWA. The death sentence for HATAKEYAMA was commuted to twenty (20) years imprisonment. A number of other Japanese who may have been involved in the Laha massacre had been hanged for other crimes and therefore the question of their complicity in this outrage could not be investigated.
The bodies were later recovered from a number of mass graves. Flt Lt. White’s body could not be identified and therefore it was not possible to determine upon which date he was murdered. He was therefore classified as having died whilst a PoW on or before the 20th February, 1942.
Flt Lt. William Vynere Duckett White DFC. Commemorated on the Ambon Memorial Column 8. Born on the 25th October 1913 in Inverell, New South Wales. Son of Harold Albert Duckett and Constance Mary (née Smith) White of Edgecliffe, New South Wales, Australia.
Wharton, Sidney Frank (Case A9 - Lt Col MIYAKAWA, Kiyoshi and 3 others)
Whitescarver, John Thomas (DJAG 65120)
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Woodage, John Derek (BR 388)
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Woodbridge, Stanley James (BR 388)
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Woolley, Fred (Investigation File: 336/1/1345 Part 6)
Woodroffe, Roy (No Trial)
Leading Telegraphist (LT) Roy Woodroffe F329/10 RANVR of HMAS Brisbane was a coastwatcher on Anir Island.
Fg Off. Cecil John Trevelyan Mason 263679 RAAF of 20 Squadron, RAAF had volunteered to be inserted into enemy territory by submarine to attempt a rescue of LT. Woodroffe. They were surprised by a Japanese patrol and LT. Woodroffe was captured, however Fg Off. Mason managed to escape into the jungle but was later captured by the same patrol. They were seen by a native, tied hand and foot and carried aboard a Japanese schooner together with all their gear including the wireless equipment.
RAAF investigations found that a Rev. W. O'Connell had reported that Fg Off. Mason and LT. Woodroffe, together with four (4) unidentified American aircrew members were taken from the military prison camp at Rabaul on the 8th October 1942. It was alleged by the Japanese that they were taken to work on a new airfield but during the afternoon some of their clothing was returned to the prison camp.
After hostilities had ceased an RAAF location party was led to by natives from Maturi Island to graves which were situated in the vicinity of the Japanese Cemetery at Matupi. They appeared to have been buried in several trenches. A huge bomb crater was alongside the graves and the natives stated that there was more graves there before the bombing, but that the bomb had blown them up. Recovery work was carried out until satisfied that no further remains were in the vicinity.
In one of the mass graves remains of twenty-four (24) bodies were recovered. One of those was LT. Roy Woodroffe who was wearing a gold ring inscribed 'R’ and who was known to have been wearing such a ring at the time of his capture. The identification of Woodroffe's body makes it probable that Fg Off. Mason was also buried in the mass grave
Wright, Bill (DJAG 65120)
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Wright, Keith Charles
Yackie, Julius Fidel (65096 JAG)
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Yates, Herbert (Case A9 - Lt Col MIYAKAWA, Kiyoshi and 3 others)
Zizlavsky, Joseph Franklin (DJAG 65120)
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