https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Perth_(D29)
One might be inclined to ask why I have included this Section. The men of the PERTH fought, died, were captured and then worked alongside the Americans. It seems fitting that we should honor their memory.
27.1 PERTH by the numbers
Even though there were nearly as many HMAS PERTH crewmen who survived the sinking (330) as those from the USS HOUSTON (74 USMC & 334 sailors), they took somewhat rather diverse paths during their captivity. Of those, only 221 returned to Australia; 109 deaths is a death toll of 34%. The overall death toll for all Australians in this theater is generally accepted as 21%.
By my accounting, a total of 280 men worked the TBR; all but 15 in the Burma sector. Of those, 184 were liberated; 44 were sent on to Japan and another 36 were en route to Japan when the Rakuyo Maru was sunk. [see below for details on those who worked the TBR in Thailand versus Burma]
The following chart depicts the overall fate of the various groups who worked the TBR:
| PERTH | POWs | ||||
| group | 5A (Bu) | Williams (Bu) | Dunlop (Th) | on TBR | |
| liberated | 47 | 130 | 7 | 184 | 65.7% |
| deceased | 7 | 81 | 8 | 96 | 33.9% |
| assigned | 54 | 211 | 15 | 280 | on TBR |
| % grp dcd | 11.3% | 38.4% | 53.3% |
Of the 280 PERTH crew men who worked the TBR, 184 (66%) were eventually liberated; 96 died. There were three separate groups who worked the TBR: 15 worked in Thailand with the Dunlop Group in what I call the highlands of Thailand just beyond HellFire Pass [see Section 8.10 ]. Eight (53%) of them died; 7 while working and 1 later in Kanchanaburi after the TBR was completed.
The other two groups worked in Burma. The smaller Group known as 5A worked almost exclusively in the highlands of Burma; while the Williams Group first worked the lowlands then shifted east into the highlands (Kilo 55 and beyond). 38% of the Williams Grp died: 27 (33%) while working in the highlands during the Speedo period; only 6 (7%) died while they were working the lowlands. Following the completion of the railway, 9 (11%) died in Kanchanaburi; 6 (7%) after being transferred to Japan and 33 (40%) were KIA in the sinking of the Hellships that were transporting them to Japan.
The 5A Group (known to the US contingent as the Tharp Grp) had only 54 PERTH crewmen. Whereas for the Americans, the 5A Group suffered the worse deprivation and the most deaths while working the Burmese highlands, the PERTH contingent fared somewhat better. Only 7 (13%) of the 54 died; 4 of them during the Speedo period in the highlands. Two other members of the 5A Party were KIA when the Hellship carrying them to Burma was bombed by the AAF, therefore they never actually worked the TBR.
The overall death rate of the TBR workers was 34% (96/280). 40% of those deaths occurred while working in the Burmese highlands. A total of 34 TBR veterans died in the sinking of their Hellships. 11% died in Kanchanaburi after TBR completion and 7% succumbed after being transferred to Japan. Only 6% died while working near Thanbyuzayat in Burma. This matches well with the experience of the US Fitzsimmons Group who spent most of their TBR time in that same area.
To date, I have uncovered no information saying that any of the PERTH crew were executed or killed by direct actions of their captors. For many of the 61 (55%) of the 112 crewmen who perished while POWs we have no recorded cause of death; so we can’t be sure that they all died of disease / deprivation. But what we do know is that another 40% died tragically due to what could be called ‘friendly fire’. Only 6 men (5%) died due to enemy action in the hours after the sinking. Another 2 were killed by angry natives soon after coming ashore without ever actually becoming POWs.
Of the 43 men who perished by ‘friendly fire’, the majority (34) died when the Hellships they were on were torpedoed by Allied submarines. Another 7 were killed during Allied bombing raids. Three of those 7 had survived the sinking of the Rakuyo Maru only to die a few months later in Tokyo.
The overall death rate of 34% for the PERTH crew is quite high as compared to other groups of Allied POWs. But the fact that 40% of those were due to ‘friendly fire’ is quite extraordinary! It is also worth noting that the Dunlop group arrived in Thailand in JAN 43, months after the twoBurma-based groups.
27.2 crew men deaths
Let’s begin documenting the saga of those who made it off the ship but who died prior to becoming POWs. Lt. Neville McWilliam is documented as succumbing to his head wound while in the arms of a shipmate on a lifeboat. Almost immediately after coming ashore on Java, Stoker Claude Maslem died from burns and exposure. Neither of their remains were recovered post-war. In a tragically strange turn of events, PO John Harvey was beheaded by a group of angry villagers on the beach. While he was being attacked, those with him fled into the jungle. In a separate by similar incident, on 14 APR Able Seaman Ernest Owen died of wounds he had received when his group was also attacked on the beach by villagers. The fate of four others (Leading Seaman George Bretheton, Able Seamen John Cochrane & Henry Vivian and Artificer Donald Smith ) went undocumented except that they died prior to being apprehended and are buried in the War Cemetery in Batavia. The only other POW to die early on Java was PO Cook Frank Cadge (31 MAR) at the Bicycle camp.
No further deaths occurred until these men were being transferred to Burma. While en route from Singapore to Burma, the Hellship Moji Maru carrying US, Dutch and Australian POWs was attacked[3] by a flight of US B-24s. Stoker George McCredie and Steward Robert Smith were KIA in that attack. Their remains were eventually recovered in Burma and re-buried in the CWGC cemetery at Thanbyuzayat.
1 MAR 1943, the anniversary of the PERTH’s sinking saw the first TBR death: Stoker Cecil Stokes (of malaria). His was also the only pre-Speedo death. Between JUN 43 and the completion of the TBR in mid-OCT, 28 PERTH crew men perished. The majority of them died in Burma and are interred at the Thanbyuzayat cemetery.
Once the TBR was complete, the slow consolidation of POWs to Kanchanaburi began. But many of the Burma-sector POWs, which included the majority of the US and PERTH POWs, remained in the jungle until early in 1944. Between OCT and MAR 44, an additional 21 TBR-POWs died; mostly at the Kanchanaburi camp. They are buried at the Don Rak or Thanbyuzayat CWGC cemeteries.
On 12 SEP 44, the Rakuyo Maru was sunk en route to Japan; 36 PERTH crewmen died in that attack. Miraculously, 4[4] were rescued by US submarines and returned to Australia by the end of the year. Three others (Lead Seaman Allan HAWKE and Able Seamen Eric BOND & Hugh CAMPBELL) also survived the sinking but were picked from the sea by Japanese ships. Fatefully, by JAN 44, all three died[5] in Japanese POW camps. Apparently, RAAF Lead Aircraftman Ernest Toe[6] (assigned to the PERTH) was also taken on board a Japanese ship but succumbed to wounds 2 days later.
Back in Kanchanaburi in DEC 44, Lead Stoker Ronald GRIEVE[7] and Able Seaman Kenneth IKIN were KIA when stray bombs aimed at the bridges fell on to the nearby POW camp. The final three deaths in Thailand took place on 2 JAN Stoker Malcomb BLACK died of malaria; on 23 APR PO Cook Fred CLARK and Lead Signalman Jack Jackson (11 JUN 45) the latter both died at the Nakorn Pathom hospital.
In MAR 45, PO Richard McConnell died at the Yokohama camp.
A bombing raid on Tokyo on 13 JUL 45 killed three PERTH TBR veterans: PO Thomas JOHNSON and Able Seamen Patrick MAJOR & Keith MILLS. Overall, a surprising 7 men were KIA by friendly-fire in the three different bobmbing raids mentioned herein.
Two other PERTH crewmen had a rather uniquely tragic journey to their deaths. Bandsman Henry KELLY and Able Seaman George MORRISS had apparently been left in Singapore during the transfer of POWs. They found themselves bound for Borneo and both died at Sandakan POW camp; KELLY in JAN and MORRISS in MAY 45.
The final PERTH POW death was Lead Seaman Stanley ROBERTS[8] whose death tragically occurred at the Bicycle camp on 16 AUG 45 = one day after the official Japanese surrender!
27.3 other liberated crewmen
Not all of the PERTH POWs worked the TBR. To the best of my knowledge (limited by available records), it appears as though 19 POWs were initially left on Java when the others departed. Of those, 13 were seemingly liberated from the Bicycle Camp. Six were transferred to Singapore where upon one was sent to work on the Sumatra Railway.
We know that soon after the sinking two groups of men ‘commandeered’ boats from the small islands in the Sunda Strait. One group sailed south then east. After almost three weeks, they made it to the port of TjilatJap where the Japanese were waiting. The other group sailed west making landfall on the eastern tip of Sumatra, They too were soon rounded up by the Japanese. Nine men appear to have spent their captivity on Sumatra. Adding Bandsman George VANSELOW, who was sent from Singapore to work the Sumatra Railway, it seems that ten were eventually liberated from Sumatra.Two others (Bandsman HENRY KELLY and AbleSeaman George MORRISS) died on Borneo in 1945.
27.4 limitations
Given that I am limited to two sources of information consisting of on-line records and published survivor accounts and that the digitized Australian military records are by no means as comprehensive as those of the US POWs, I have lain out above my current level of under-standing of the saga of the PERTH crewman. I must acknowledge the contribution of author Mike Carlton who included a ship’s roster in his book CRUISER that formed the basis of my crew list.
I have expanded the information on many of the crew using the Japanese POW rosters provided in the MANSELL collection of WW2 documents. After a long search, I located a MANSELL roster that listed the 211 crew men who were assigned to the Williams Group; by default the other Burma-side TBR veterans (54 of them) were in the 5A Group. These numbers correlate well with those published elsewhere.
[1] I have resolved the journey of 2 liberated POWs that had formerly been undetermined
[2] Not all had worked the TBR
[3] see Section 9.2 for a full story of this incident
[4]
| ARTHUR | BANCROFT | AbleSeaman | F3239 |
| Robert | COLLINS | AbleSeaman | 22177 |
| John | HOUGHTON | AbleSeaman | 23917 |
| Lloyd | MUNRO | Stoker 3c | S5186 |
[5] They are buried in the Yokohama CWGC cemetery.
[6] Toe’s remains were not recovered (buried at sea?); he is memorialized at Singapore War cemetery
[7] GRIEVE’s remains were not recovered; IKIN is buried at the Don Rak cemetery
[8] Roberts is interred at the Jakarta CWGC cemetery.
27.5 Those who died in the Battle of the Sunda Strait
The HMAS PERTH was sunk alongside the USS HOUSTON on 1 Mar 1942. To the best of my ability, here are the 351 men who died in that sinking. LEST WE FORGET
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/73675/Waller-Hector-Macdonald-Laws-Hard-Over-Hec.htm
| FN | LN | title | SN |
| HECTOR | WALLER | Captain | officer |
| ROBERT | GRAY | Commander | officer |
| WILLIAM | MARTIN | Commander | officer |
| GUY | CLARKE | Lieut-Commander | officer |
| JOHN | JOHNSON | Lieut-Commander | officer |
| LLEWELLYN | WATKINS | Lieut-Commander | officer |
| ALLEYNE | TREGEAR | Lieut-Commander Surgeon | med officer |
| ERIC | TYMMS | Lieut-Commander Surgeon | med officer |
| RONALD | BEVINGTON | Chaplain | officer |
| PETER | HANCOX | Lieutenant | officer |
| MICHAEL | HIGHTON | Lieutenant | officer |
| ARTHUR | MEARS | Lieutenant | officer |
| Cyril | Palairet | Lieutenant | officer |
| DAVID | SUTTON | Lieutenant | officer |
| WILLIAM | GIDNEY | Lieutenant Engineer | officer |
| Albert | Ball | Sub-Lieutenant | officer |
| JACK | LESTER | Sub-Lieutenant | officer |
| THOMAS | WOLLEY | Sub-Lieutenant | officer |
| FRANK | TRANBY-WHITE | Midshipman | officer |
| HAROLD | HAYLOCK | Commissioned Shipwright | officer |
| James | Tuersley | Warrant Engineer | WO |
| HENRY | HILL | Warrant Mechanician | WO |
| HUBERT | CREBER | Master at Arms | 17759 |
| WALTER | DOUGLASS | Bandmaster | 19529 |
| JOHN | HUGGAN | Chief Electrical Artificer | 19670 |
| REGINALD | WHITING | Chief Electrical Artificer | 13763 |
| VINCENT | EDWARDS | Chief Engine Rm Artificer | 16056 |
| JOHN | MADGE | Chief Engine Rm Artificer | 19839 |
| JAMES | WYTHES | Chief Engine Rm Artificer | 20543 |
| ALBERT | ROBBINS | Chief Ordnance Artificer | 19448 |
| ROLAND | HUBBARD | Chief Petty Officer | 16506 |
| ANDREW | HUDSON | Chief Petty Officer | 15239 |
| DONALD | VINEY | Chief Petty Officer | 12688 |
| CHARLES | MARTIN | Chief Petty Officer Supply | 14509 |
| Gerwyn | Evans | Chief Stoker | 04695 |
| LACHLAN | MACQUARIE | Chief Stoker | 06750 |
| HARRY | THOMAS | Chief Stoker | 13283 |
| HERBERT | HATWELL | Chief Yeoman of Signals | 13124 |
| GEORGE | ROWLING | Leading Seaman | 16976 |
| CHARLES | BULLOW | Leading Steward | 12341 |
| WILLIAM | HUTCHINS | Leading Steward | 16212 |
| ALLAN | FARLEY | Leading Stoker | 19133 |
| PERCY | LARMER | Leading Stoker | 17621 |
| ALBERT | McKINNON | Leading Stoker | 12420 |
| ROBERT | NUNN | Leading Stoker | 18229 |
| SPENCER | BLANCH | Mechanician 1st c | 16526 |
| ERIC | PIPER | Yeoman of Signals | 19258 |
| PERCY | STOKAN | Yeoman of Signals | 14723 |
| Alfred | Finney | Leading Cook | S3555 |
| JOHN | HILL | Leading Cook | 20995 |
| HERBERT | LANGDON | Leading Cook | 20860 |
| ROBERT | BORWICK | Leading Seaman | 19038 |
| Ronald | Deveril | Leading Seaman | 17574 |
| ERIC | ECKERMANN | Leading Seaman | PA1627 |
| CHARLES | ESSEX | Leading Seaman | 19811 |
| HARRY | LAMBDEN | Leading Seaman | 22510 |
| WILLIAM | STILL | Leading Seaman | 20446 |
| EDWARD | LANIGAN | Leading Signalman | 21195 |
| WILLIAM | NOYCE | Leading Signalman | 20330 |
| LAURIE | CUTHBERT | Leading Steward | 20993 |
| ALEXANDER | McKENZIE | Leading Steward | 21377 |
| LOUIS | SMITH | Leading Steward | 20284 |
| LEOPOLD | BURGESS | Leading Stoker | 22288 |
| JAMES | EWING | Leading Stoker | 21333 |
| Ronald | Fay | Leading Stoker | 21273 |
| JOSEPH | HARTLEY | Leading Stoker | 20680 |
| ARNOLD | KIRBY | Leading Stoker | 21365 |
| FRANCIS | MUNNS | Leading Stoker | 22921 |
| FREDERICK | OLSEN | Leading Stoker | 22302 |
| GEORGE | PERRY | Leading Stoker | 15407 |
| LEO | STEVENS | Leading Stoker | 22652 |
| THOMAS | WILKINSON | Leading Stoker | 21076 |
| GORDON | GRAHAM | Leading Supply Assistant | 22868 |
| JOHN | DAY | Leading Telegraphist | PM2460 |
| COLIN | CHEADLE | Leading Wireman | 24517 |
| JOHN | INNES | Leading Wireman | 24516 |
| ROBERT | NAISMITH | Mechanician | 05925 |
| THOMAS | WRIGHT | Mechanician 2nd c | 19416 |
| THOMAS | BAWN | Petty Officer | 19716 |
| LEONARD | BRANFORD | Petty Officer | 19584 |
| ARTHUR | CLOSE | Petty Officer | 19131 |
| GEORGE | HATFIELD | Petty Officer | 19559 |
| EDWARD | PAYNE | Petty Officer | 19648 |
| WALTER | SALMON | Petty Officer | 17775 |
| WILLIAM | SPEERS | Petty Officer | 19297 |
| GEORGE | WOODGATE | Petty Officer | 19590 |
| ARTHUR | ENDACOTT | Petty Officer Cook | 16756 |
| ALBERT | FUREY | Petty Officer Regulating | 19149 |
| WALTER | MORRIS | Petty Officer Steward | 16354 |
| CHARLES | ALFORD | Petty Officer Stoker | 14299 |
| ALBERT | BLAKEY | Petty Officer Stoker | 19796 |
| IVAN | CUNNINGHAM | Petty Officer Stoker | 20143 |
| REGINALD | FROST | Petty Officer Stoker | 19173 |
| CLARENCE | HILL | Petty Officer Stoker | 16160 |
| WILLIAM | REECE | Petty Officer Stoker | 17867 |
| JOHN | ROBSON | Petty Officer Stoker | 15223 |
| PATRICK | SANDS | Petty Officer Stoker | 19703 |
| FRANCIS | STEELE | Petty Officer Stoker | 20566 |
| ERIC | BURTON | Petty Officer Supply | 20191 |
| ARTHUR | SPRIGGINS | Petty Officer Telegraphist | 19349 |
| FRANK | WATSON | Petty Officer Writer | 20771 |
| Harold | Sparks | Sergeant RAAF | 03635 |
| DANIEL | PADFIELD | Sick Berth Attendant | PM3035 |
| DALLAS | ABBOTT | Able Seaman | 23786 |
| CHARLES | ASHLIN | Able Seaman | H1435 |
| DOUGLAS | ASPLIN | Able Seaman | PA1727 |
| ERNEST | ATKINS | Able Seaman | PM2929 |
| WILLIAM | ATKINSON | Able Seaman | B2798 |
| LEONARD | AUTON / Anton | Able Seaman | 23868 |
| VERDUN | BLACKWELL | Able Seaman | 20272 |
| Leonard | Broomfield | Able Seaman | B2940 |
| LAURENCE | BUCKLEY | Able Seaman | PA1352 |
| GEOFFREY | BUNCO | Able Seaman | 23002 |
| EDMUND | BURKE | Able Seaman | B2909 |
| GEORGE | CATMULL | Able Seaman | 14854 |
| ERNEST | CHILDS | Able Seaman | W1700 |
| JOSEPH | CLEVELAND | Able Seaman | 24471 |
| Lloyd | Coates | Able Seaman | 23261 |
| STANLEY | COCHRANE | Able Seaman | 19928 |
| DAVID | COLES | Able Seaman | 20188 |
| LIONEL | COLLINS | Able Seaman | F2690 |
| CHARLES | COPELAND | Able Seaman | PM2575 |
| ERIC | COPPING | Able Seaman | S2859 |
| JOHN | COX | Able Seaman | B2440 |
| NORMAN | CUMMING | Able Seaman | B1611 |
| REGINALD | CUNNINGHAM | Able Seaman | 19511 |
| FREDERICK | DELBRIDGE* | Able Seaman | S4162 |
| NORMAN | DIXON | Able Seaman | W0981 |
| THOMAS | EDWARDS | Able Seaman | PA1953 |
| Walter | Fildes | Able Seaman | F2632 |
| Raymond | Firminger | Able Seaman | 20791 |
| WILLIAM | FURNESS | Able Seaman | S3455 |
| JAMES | GALE | Able Seaman | S2506 |
| WILLIAM | GIRVAN | Able Seaman | 24875 |
| GEORGE | GLAUM | Able Seaman | PM2862 |
| SYDNEY | GLOSSOP | Able Seaman | S4505 |
| RUSSEL | GODDARD | Able Seaman | 23792 |
| THOMAS | GOODMAN | Able Seaman | F2741 |
| PETER | GRAHAM | Able Seaman | F2700 |
| ROBERT | GROVES | Able Seaman | S3404 |
| JOHN | GUBBINS | Able Seaman | 18944 |
| EDWIN | HALLETT | Able Seaman | F3377 |
| WILLOUGHBY | HAMILTON | Able Seaman | 20908 |
| LEOPOLD | HARWARD | Able Seaman | PM2719 |
| DAVID | HASKINS | Able Seaman | S4145 |
| DAVID | HEADFORD | Able Seaman | 19814 |
| ROBERT | HOFFMANN | Able Seaman | PM2592 |
| REGINALD | HORTON | Able Seaman | H1354 |
| SIDNEY | JAMES | Able Seaman | PA2013 |
| HAROLD | JARVIS | Able Seaman | S3399 |
| NEALE | JEFFERY | Able Seaman | PA1949 |
| ROBERT | JOHNSTON | Able Seaman | F3350 |
| ERIC | JUSTELIUS | Able Seaman | 16507 |
| DENIS | KINGSTON | Able Seaman | F3211 |
| KENNETH | KITE | Able Seaman | 22173 |
| MAXWELL | LANE | Able Seaman | H1486 |
| DOLPH | LAWLER | Able Seaman | H1493 |
| GEORGE | LAWSON | Able Seaman | F2614 |
| ATHOL | LEARY | Able Seaman | PM3377 |
| LEON | LOHRISCH | Able Seaman | 22418 |
| JOHN | MACMILLAN | Able Seaman | W0667 |
| DARREL | MANNING | Able Seaman | F2731 |
| GERALD | MAY | Able Seaman | PM3426 |
| KEVIN | McCORMACK | Able Seaman | F2779 |
| CHARLES | McCOSKER | Able Seaman | F2283 |
| RONALD | McFARLANE | Able Seaman | PM3378 |
| EDWARD | McWHIRTER | Able Seaman | F2719 |
| WARWICK | MORRIS | Able Seaman | 21911 |
| WILLIAM | MUTTOCK | Able Seaman | 15012 |
| FRANK | NEWSON | Able Seaman | S1943 |
| WILLIAM | NOLAN | Able Seaman | B2898 |
| William | O’Brien | Able Seaman | F3208 |
| Gillespie | Ogilvie | Able Seaman | S3347 |
| REGINALD | OWENS | Able Seaman | S3281 |
| WALTER | PARRY | Able Seaman | 23241 |
| NOEL | PATON | Able Seaman | 18938 |
| RUSSEL | PERRY | Able Seaman | F3392 |
| RONALD | REYNOLDS | Able Seaman | F2730 |
| LEONARD | RIGHETTI | Able Seaman | PM2928 |
| WILLIAM | ROBERTON | Able Seaman | PM3101 |
| PHILLIP | ROVETA | Able Seaman | F1954 |
| CHARLES | RYAN* | Able Seaman | 20939 |
| JOHN | SALTER | Able Seaman | H1509 |
| CHARLES | SCULLION | Able Seaman | B2610 |
| JOHN | SIEVEY | Able Seaman | S5251 |
| FREDERICK | SMITH | Able Seaman | F2476 |
| LESLIE | SMITH | Able Seaman | F2310 |
| THOMAS | THOMPSON | Able Seaman | PM3309 |
| RONALD | TOMS | Able Seaman | 22210 |
| CLIFTON | TURNBULL | Able Seaman | H1446 |
| CLARENCE | VERDON | Able Seaman | 20962 |
| LESLIE | WALMSLEY | Able Seaman | B2261 |
| PETER | WATSON | Able Seaman | W1470 |
| ROBERT | WEGER | Able Seaman | F3309 |
| KEVIN | WEST | Able Seaman | S4727 |
| EDWARD | WESTBROOK | Able Seaman | S4415 |
| ARTHUR | WHERRETT | Able Seaman | H1365 |
| ARTHUR | WHITE | Able Seaman | 20011 |
| RONALD | WILLIAMS | Able Seaman | 19971 |
| ROBERT | WILLIAMS | Able Seaman | 23488 |
| ALICK | WILSON | Able Seaman | PM2968 |
| JOHN | WISDOM | Able Seaman | PA1485 |
| HARRY | FREESTONE | Bandsman | 19182 |
| ALFRED | SAUNDERS | Blacksmith 2c | 18207 |
| NOEL | ALDERMAN | Cook | S5042 |
| HARLEY | BATEUP | Cook | 23340 |
| Francis | Briner | Cook | 22682 |
| CLIFFORD | CHAMBERLAIN | Cook | 22162 |
| LESLIE | COOTE | Cook | PA1906 |
| WILFRED | MINEAR | Cook | 24008 |
| Colin | Nott | Corporal RAAF | 09358 |
| Phillip | Will | Corporal RAAF | 09030 |
| HENRY | PORTER | Electrical Artificer 2c | S495 |
| JOSEPH | SNELL | Engine Rm Artificer 2 c | 19876 |
| ARTHUR | LEWIS | Engine Rm Artificer 3c | 22208 |
| ROBERT | McAULEY | Engine Rm Artificer 3c | 20445 |
| FRANCIS | SWEENEY | Engine Rm Artificer 3c | 22592 |
| EDMUND | VINNICOMBE | Engine Rm Artificer 3c | 20524 |
| WILLIAM | GUMMOW | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | PM1823 |
| FREDERICK | HUTTON | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | PM3774 |
| WALLACE | LENNON | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | 23743 |
| VINCENT | McGOVERN* | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | 23276 |
| ERNEST | MIDOLO | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | PM3885 |
| DESMOND | SCALLY | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | 23610 |
| FRANCIS | TREVOR | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | 23644 |
| SYDNEY | WARREN | Engine Rm Artificer 4c | 23742 |
| TERENCE | WRIGHT | Joiner 3rd c | 21031 |
| Donald | Brown | Mechanician 2nd c | 20050 |
| GEOFFREY | WARD | Ordinary Coder | 24900 |
| Richard | Benham | Ordinary Seaman | S5229 |
| ROY | BENTLEY | Ordinary Seaman | 24801 |
| WILLIAM | BOREHAM | Ordinary Seaman | 23825 |
| ARTHUR | BOYD | Ordinary Seaman | 24803 |
| ROBERT | BURCHALL | Ordinary Seaman | F3319 |
| JOHN | CAMPBELL | Ordinary Seaman | 24873 |
| JOHN | CARMODY | Ordinary Seaman | 24322 |
| GORDON | HOPE | Ordinary Seaman | PM3477 |
| WILLIAM | JAGO | Ordinary Seaman | S5788 |
| WILLIAM | LAMONT | Ordinary Seaman | S5821 |
| AMBROSE | MEEHAN | Ordinary Seaman | W1425 |
| JACK | PAYNTER | Ordinary Seaman | PA2014 |
| SYDNEY | PORTER | Ordinary Seaman | 24843 |
| EDGAR | ROBERTS | Ordinary Seaman | B2861 |
| WILFRED | SANDS | Ordinary Seaman | PM3601 |
| PETER | SEPPELT | Ordinary Seaman | PA2351 |
| ROBERT | SIMS | Ordinary Seaman | S5253 |
| KENNETH | SLOGGETT | Ordinary Seaman | PM3600 |
| ARTHUR | SUMMERS | Ordinary Seaman | PA2055 |
| RONALD | THOMAS | Ordinary Seaman | 23651 |
| PETER | TIMMENS | Ordinary Seaman | PA2329 |
| JACK | TURNER | Ordinary Seaman | F3326 |
| EDWARD | WARD | Ordinary Seaman | S5099 |
| GEORGE | WARD | Ordinary Seaman | F3329 |
| KENNETH | WHATSON | Ordinary Seaman | S5826 |
| ROY | WILSON | Ordinary Seaman | PM3485 |
| MAXWELL | WILSON | Ordinary Seaman | H1462 |
| JOHN | WITT | Ordinary Seaman | 24995 |
| JOHN | NESBITT | Ordinary Signalman | 24466 |
| ALFRED | DEGNER | Ordinary Telegraphist | 24363 |
| WILLIAM | GREEN | Ordinary Telegraphist | S4235 |
| WILLIAM | NEWMAN | Ordinary Telegraphist | PM3348 |
| CHARLES | WATKINS | Ordinary Telegraphist | 01838 |
| CHARLES | CROISDALE | Ordnance Artificer 4th c | 23553 |
| ALFRED | FORD | Ordnance Artificer 4th c | PM3178 |
| HARRY | HEWETT | Ordnance Artificer 4th c | PM3450 |
| RICHARD | STAPLETON | Painter 4th c | S3203 |
| WREXFORD | O’HARA | Sailmaker’s Mate | 14602 |
| FRANCIS | KELL | Shipwright | 22218 |
| ARTHUR | PURKIS | Shipwright 1st c | 13662 |
| RUTLAND | DEARDEN | Shipwright 4th c | 21025 |
| ERNEST | HAYHOW | Shipwright 4th c | F4010 |
| LESLIE | McMILLAN | Sick Berth Attendant | S4488 |
| WILLIAM | BRACHER | Signalman | S3493 |
| ROBERT | DODWELL | Signalman | B2356 |
| JAMES | HISKENS | Signalman | PM2289 |
| WALTER | HOPTON | Signalman | 23632 |
| TOM | RISLEY | Signalman | 23917 |
| RICHARD | SHALE | Signalman | 24139 |
| HOWARD | SNEYD | Signalman | 23498 |
| JOHN | COVERDALE | Steward | 23439 |
| MATT | ILLICH | Steward | 23371 |
| JOHN | POUND | Steward | PM3337 |
| ARTHUR | SMITH | Steward | 22476 |
| PERCY | STEALEY | Steward | S4583 |
| THOMAS | WEBSTER | Steward | 21575 |
| ROWLAND | WELLS | Steward | 21098 |
| HENRY | ABSALOM | Stoker | W2085 |
| PETER | ALLOM | Stoker | 20619 |
| JACK | ANGRAVE | Stoker | W2092 |
| RODGER | BANKS | Stoker | 23859 |
| CHARLES | BENNETT | Stoker | W1833 |
| URWIN | BOWMAN | Stoker | W1615 |
| JOHN | BURDEN | Stoker | W2098 |
| DONALD | BURGESS | Stoker | S4180 |
| GEORGE | BUTTERS | Stoker | 23927 |
| HENRY | DRIVER | Stoker | 23971 |
| DESMOND | EAST | Stoker | 20562 |
| HORACE | FOSTER | Stoker | PM2177 |
| EDGAR | FRANCIS | Stoker | 20478 |
| PATRICK | KELLY | Stoker | 20681 |
| DONALD | KIRKMOE | Stoker | 23699 |
| LANCE | LEALE | Stoker | 20471 |
| WILLIAM | LUCK | Stoker | H1512 |
| Frederick | Miller | Stoker | 23924 |
| STANLEY | MYERS | Stoker | W1788 |
| PATRICK | O’LEARY | Stoker | 19176 |
| ANDREW | ROBSON | Stoker | W25## |
| HENRY | SMITH | Stoker | W1154 |
| CLIFFORD | STEED | Stoker | 24275 |
| ARTHUR | STIRK | Stoker | 24330 |
| ALLAN | STREET | Stoker | 20683 |
| EDWARD | THOMAS | Stoker | 21793 |
| THOMAS | TURNER | Stoker | 22241 |
| THOMAS | WATTS | Stoker | 23822 |
| JAMES | BAILEY | Stoker 2nd c | W2086 |
| JOHN | CORLEY | Stoker 2nd c | W2196 |
| DAVID | CRICK | Stoker 2nd c | PA2160 |
| ALBERT | HOBBINS | Stoker 2nd c | W2184 |
| JOSEPH | LANAGAN | Stoker 2nd c | W2126 |
| SPENCER | LANE | Stoker 2nd c | PA2053 |
| DONALD | LEITCH | Stoker 2nd c | W2084 |
| JAMES | LYMAN | Stoker 2nd c | F3575 |
| LYALL | MARSHALL | Stoker 2nd c | H1632 |
| KENNETH | McCLURE | Stoker 2nd c | W2093 |
| RALPH | McDERMOTT | Stoker 2nd c | W2083 |
| LESLIE | McMURDO | Stoker 2nd c | S5671 |
| MORTON | O’LOUGHLIN | Stoker 2nd c | W2234 |
| JOHN | ROBERTS | Stoker 2nd c | PA2156 |
| MORTON | SARGEANT | Stoker 2nd c | W2066 |
| WILLIAM | SHARMAN | Stoker 2nd c | S5316 |
| STANLEY | THOMAS | Stoker 2nd c | 03574 |
| KEITH | VICCARS | Stoker 2nd c | W2177 |
| LEONARD | WALSH | Stoker 2nd c | B3077 |
| COLIN | WILLIAMS | Stoker 2nd c | B3098 |
| DONALD | KILBY | Stoker 3rd c | H1689 |
| RONALD | CLOHESY | Supply Assistant | PM3300 |
| FRANCIS | GAVEN | Supply Assistant | B3010 |
| WILLIAM | MATTHEWS | Supply Assistant | 24350 |
| LESLIE | PETTY | Supply Assistant | S5247 |
| William | Fitzgibbon | Telegraphist | 24061 |
| CECIL | GWATKIN | Telegraphist | S3999 |
| ROBERT | NEWTON | Telegraphist | 24483 |
| MAXWELL | ROBERTS | Telegraphist | PAV31 |
| THOMAS | STACEY | Telegraphist | 23155 |
| IAN | CAMPBELL | Wireman | 24670 |
| CHARLES | JACKSON | Wireman | 24722 |
| NORMAN | PATTEN | Wireman | 24690 |
| ADOLPHUS | CARY | Writer | F2775 |
| ALFRED | HAWKINS* | Canteen Manager | CIVILIAN |
| KARL | BOROUGH | Canteen Assistant | CIVILIAN |
| JOHN | McCULLA | Canteen Assistant | CIVILIAN |
- there was a fourth civilian Canteen Asst; he was the 17 yo son of Manager Hawkins; He survived to become a POW.
Crew break-out KIA vs POW by rate/rank
| OR | NCO | SNCO | OFF | CIV | |
| crew | 466 | 122 | 37 | 50 | 4 |
| KIA | 244 | 55 | 23 | 25 | 3 |
| POW | 222 | 67 | 14 | 25 | 1 |
| crew % | 68.7% | 17.9% | 5.4% | 7.4% | 0.6% |
| % KIA | 69.8% | 15.7% | 6.6% | 7.1% | 0.9% |
| %POW | 67.5% | 20.4% | 4.3% | 7.6% | 0.3% |
27.6 The PERTH POWs
Of the PERTH crew, 330 made it off the ship. 7 died prior to becoming POWs. Of the 323 POWs, 221 survived the ordeal = an incredible 32% POW death rate. Of those POWs, it appears as tho 274 worked the TBR. Even worse, of the small group who worked the Hintok area in the Thai sector 8 of 15 died! (see below)
One-third (35/102) of the POW deaths occurred in sinking of Hellships during transfer.
They are listed alphabetically here:
| FN | LN | title | SN | grp | journey | camp |
| HORACE | ABBOTT | PO | 18818 | Dunlop-lib | TBR-TH to Japan | Hiroshima |
| CHRISTOPHER | ANDERSON | Stoker | 24438 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| ALAN | AXTON | Stoker 2c | W2099 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| GOEFFREY | BALSHAW | PO | D/JX 135023 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| ARTHUR | BANCROFT | AbleSeaman | F3239 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 > rescued RM | rescued by Queenfish |
| RAYMOND | BARKER | Lieutenant | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Wilfred | BARNES | Eng Rm Artificer 3c | 20475 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Athol | BARWICK | OrdinarySeaman | H1533 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Hendatai |
| William | BEE | Signalman | 23922 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| CHARLES | BELL | Leading Seaman | PA1311 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Leslie | BENSON | Leading Seaman | 20796 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Hendatai |
| LLOYD | BESSELL | Stoker | H1511 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| WILLIAM | BEVAN | AbleSeaman | F2550 | 5A-dcd | TBR-5A | Thanbyuzayat |
| Neil | BIDDEL | Yoeman of Signals | 20149 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| William | BIRBECK | AbleSeaman | 23029 | JAVA-lib | Java to SINGA | Changi |
| Kenneth | BLACK | AbleSeaman | W1384 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Gordon | BLACK | Lieutenant | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| MALCOLM | BLACK | Stoker | W0778 | 5A-dcd | TBR-5A | Don Rak |
| Robert | BLAND | CPO Cook | 13018 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Hilston | BOLAND | AbleSeaman | S4930 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| Eric | BOND | AbleSeaman | W0942 | 5A-dcd | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| JOHN | BOWERS | PO Stoker | 19945 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Ronald | BRADSHAW | WO RAAF | 17557 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | Tamarkam |
| GEORGE | BRETHERTON | Leading Seaman | 20772 | JAVA-dcd | DOW on Java | Java not rcv’d |
| William | BRISCOE | AbleSeaman | 19708 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Laurence | BROWN | PO Stoker | 19490 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Ernest | BROWN | AbleSeaman | 14191 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| James | BROWN | AbleSeaman | S3796 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| ALFRED | BROWN | Bandsman | 15171 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Colin | BROWNE | AbleSeaman | 21999 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Leslie | BRUSE | AbleSeaman | F2016 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | tbr |
| Laurence | BULLIVANT | AbleSeaman | S2857 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Lloyd | BURGESS | Lieutenant | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Maxwell | BURK | AbleSeaman | H1587 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | NKP hosp |
| EDWARD | BURLEY | AbleSeaman | 22380 | 5A-dcd | TBR-5A | Thanbyuzayat |
| FRANK | CADGE | PO Cook | 18324 | JAVA-dcd | Java | Batavia |
| FRANCIS | CAMPBELL | AbleSeaman | W1199 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Gavin | CAMPBELL | Sub Lt Pay Master | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Hugh | CAMPBELL | AbleSeaman | S5787 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Yokohama |
| Peter | CARGILL | Stoker 2c | S4590 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| Roy | CARTER | Leading Seaman | 19592 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| ERNEST | CASSERLY | Stoker | 21120 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Harold | CHAFFEY | Leading Seaman | 16140 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| Francis | CHATTAWAY | OrdinarySeaman | S5930 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Edward | CLARK | OrdinarySeaman | PM3588 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Edmund | CLARK | AbleSeaman | F2489 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| FREDERICK | CLARK | PO Cook | 09597 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| William | CLIFFORD | AbleSeaman | 22413 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| JOHN | COCHRANE | AbleSeaman | PM2665 | JAVA-dcd | DOW on Java | Batavia |
| Robert | COLLINS | AbleSeaman | 22177 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 > rescued RM | rescued by Sealion |
| Robert | COOPER | Leading Seaman | 22438 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Francis | CORCORAN | Steward | 19285 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| ROBERT | COSTIN | AbleSeaman | B2339 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH | Don Rak |
| WILLIAM | COWDROY | Leading Seaman | 21820 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| John | COXHEAD | Band Corporal | 19874 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| ALFRED | COYNE | PO | 17663 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH | Don Rak |
| Ronald | CRICK | AbleSeaman | 22886 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| James | CUNNINGHAM | CPO Sick Bay | 18755 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| EDMUND | DALY | AbleSeaman | 09696 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| William | DAVIES | PO | 19654 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| ALFRED | DAVIES | Signalman | 23176 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| William | DAVIS | PO Steward | 18526 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| Graham | DeCOURCY-BROWNE | Eng Rm Artificer 2c | 20525 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| John | DEEGAN | AbleSeaman | 16381 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Charles | DELBRIDGE* | AbleSeaman | S4161 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Allen | DENIC | OrdinarySeaman | F3308 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Samuel | DOBSON | AbleSeaman | 13634 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | Hendatai |
| Cecil | DOGGETT | Leading Stoker | 21624 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| PAUL | DONELEY | OrdinarySeaman | 24977 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| VINCENT | DOUGLAS | AbleSeaman | B2917 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Victor | DUNCAN | Eng Rm Artificer 2c | 21589 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Tokyo |
| ROY | DUNDON | Stoker | W2173 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH | Don Rak |
| GORDON | DVORAK | Stoker | 23163 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Gerald | ELLEN | OrdinarySeaman | H1544 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Alan | ELLIOT | OrdinarySeaman | B2936 | JAVA-lib | Java to SINGA | Changi |
| Kenneth | ELLIOTT | Signalman | 21785 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Joseph | ELWOOD | Leading Stoker | 23106 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Reginald | FARRINGTON | Leading Stoker | B2212 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| BERNARD | FERGUSON | Stoker | 22734 | JAVA-sea | Java > Jp Tam | Tamahoko |
| Douglas | FINDLAY | AbleSeaman | 20204 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | NKP hosp |
| Edward | FIRMIN | Steward | B3223 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Stanley | FOOTE | Signalman | B1775 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| George | FORSYTH | Eng Rm Artificer 2c | 02368 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| Donald | FOWLER | CPO Telegraphist | 12041 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| Norman | FULLER | OrdinarySeaman | F3325 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Robert | GARDINER | Cook | F2870 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| JESSE | GARRETT | AbleSeaman | PM2572 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| William | GAY | Lieutenant | officer | JAVA-lib | Java to Japan (Zg) | Sendai |
| REGINALD | GEBHARDT | Leading Seaman | 20055 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Allan | GEE | AbleSeaman /Bugler | 21440 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| ALAN | GEIER | Wireman | 24896 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop | Don Rak |
| Eric | GIBBONS | Ordinary Telegraphist | 24381 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | tbr |
| ATHOL | GIBBS | AbleSeaman | 24247 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| WILLIAM | GILBY | AbleSeaman | F3075 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH | Don Rak |
| GEORGE | GILES | ChiefStoker | 13416 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Francis | GILLAN | Lieutenant Engineer | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Clarance | GLOSSOP | AbleSeaman | F2374 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Leslie | GOLDING | AbleSeaman | S3697 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan | Hiroshima |
| Thomas | GOLDSMITH | Signalman | W1179 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Charles | GOODCHAP | OrdinarySeaman | B3093 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Marcus | GOODWIN | Ord Artificer 2c | 20133 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Herbert | GOSDEN | Leading Seaman | PA1660 | Dunlop-lib | TBR-TH | Tamarkam |
| John | GRANT | Bandsman | 14107 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| David | GRAY | OrdinarySeaman | F3333 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan | Jp |
| B4- | GRIEVE | Leading Stoker | 23182 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | TH / KIA not rcv’d |
| David | GRIFFITHS | Eng Rm Artificer 4c | 23595 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Norman | GRIFFITHS | AbleSeaman | B2912 | Dunlop-lib | TBR-TH | Tamarkam |
| Arthur | HADLEY | Leading Supply Asst | S1692 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| JOHN | HANNAFORD | AbleSeaman | PA691 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Alfred | HANSEN | Stoker | 23165 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| John | HARPER | Lieutenant | officer | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan | Tokyo |
| Sydney | HARPER | Stoker 2c | F3541 | JAVA-lib | Java to SINGA | Changi |
| John | HARRIS | AbleSeaman | J/X212268 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to VN | Saigon |
| GEORGE | HARRIS | PO | F0670 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| JOHN | HARVEY | PO | 20953 | JAVA-dcd | KIA on beach | Java not rcv’d |
| Allan | HAWKE | Leading Seaman | PA1661 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Yokohama |
| Frank | HAWKINS | Comm’d Gunner | officer | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan | Jp |
| Alfred | Hawkins Jr | Canteen Asst | civilian | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Clarence | HAWSE | Leading Stoker | 06399 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| George | HEDRICK | PO | 17162 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Clive | HENRY | Stoker | 23834 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| ISAAC | HERMAN | AbleSeaman | F2692 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH | Don Rak |
| Thomas | HERRING | OrdinarySeaman | S5847 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Alfred | HEWITT | AbleSeaman | F3428 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| JOHN | HICKEY | ChiefShipwright | 18245 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Ronald | HILL | Cook | 22540 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Harold | HILL | AbleSeaman | F2738 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | ChungKai camp |
| Ronald | HILL | Signalman | 23695 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| JOHN | HODGE | AbleSeaman | PM3504 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| WILLIAM | HOGMAN | POStoker | 19356 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| TREVIS | HOSKING | AbleSeaman | 23005 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| John | HOUGHTON | AbleSeaman | 23917 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 > rescued RM | rescued by Sealion |
| Joseph | HUGHES | Eng Rm Artificer 1c | 14798 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | Camp 3 |
| Carlos | HUGHES | Telegraphist | 22407 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Eric | HURST | AbleSeaman | F2281 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| KENNETH | IKIN | AbleSeaman | H1048 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| NOEL | JACKSON | Leading Signalman | 21788 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Walter | JACKSON | AbleSeaman | 19989 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| JACK | JACKSON | Leading Signalman | PM1783 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| Maxwell | JAGGER | OrdinarySeaman | S5635 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| Stanley | JAMES | AbleSeaman | S3241 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | NKP hosp |
| John | JARRETT | AbleSeaman | W1419 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Rhonsley | JETSON | Stoker | 22653 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Albert | JEWELL | Leading Cook | 22642 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| FRANK | JOHNSON | Leading Seaman | 22047 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Thomas | Johnson | PO | 21947 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Tokyo |
| WALTER | JOHNSTON | AbleSeaman | F3316 | 5A-sea | TBR-5A > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| ALFRED | JONES | Leading Stoker | 18298 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Frederick | JONES | AbleSeaman | 53805 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| HUGH | KEITH | Leading Telegraphist | 20835 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Reginald | KELLIE | PO Stoker | 19271 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| HENRY | KELLY | Bandsman | 19225 | JAVA-dcd | Java to SINGA to Borneo | Sandakan /not rcv’d |
| Malcolm | KERSTING | AbleSeaman | 23826 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Arthur | KIESEWETTER [Kiesey] | Elec Artificer 3c | 05460 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| ERNEST | KING | Shipwright 3c | 22124 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Frederick | KIRKHAM | POStoker | 11745 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| DAVID | KITCHER | OrdinarySeaman | S5410 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Harry | KNIGHT | OrdinarySeaman | 17467 | Dunlop-lib | TBR-TH to Japan | Hiroshima |
| Anthony | KUBE | OrdinarySeaman | H1510 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Ernest | KYNVIN | Plumber 1c | 10907 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Clifford | LANGFORD | AbleSeaman | H0952 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Thomas | LARKIN | Leading Seaman | 20159 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Frederick | LASSLETT | Chief Electrician | PM1848 | JAVA-lib | Java to Japan (Zg) | Ohasi |
| Jeffery | LATCH | Stoker | 22515 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Noel | LAUGHER | AbleSeaman | B2913 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Doanld | LEARY | OrdinarySeaman | H1534 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| SOCRATES | LIKIARD | Leading Supply Asst | 22989 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Oswald | LOMAS | OrdinarySeaman | PM3429 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Ralph | LOWE | Lt Cdr Pay Master | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| WILLIAM | LOWIS | AbleSeaman | 24884 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Leslie | LUFF | AbleSeaman | 22286 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | ChungKai camp |
| ARTHUR | LUND | OrdinarySeaman | F3396 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH | Don Rak |
| Neville | LYONS | Comm’d Instructor | officer | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | tbr |
| GEORGE | MacDONALD | Telegraphist | PA1542 | Dunlop-dcd | TBR-TH | Don Rak |
| LINDSAY | MACPHERSON | AbleSeaman | 23824 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| RICHARD | MAHER | AbleSeaman | S1984 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Patrick | MAJOR | AbleSeaman | PM3870 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Tokyo |
| HUGH | MALLEY | Leading Cook | 19993 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| David | MANNING | OrdinarySeaman | PM3925 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Petchburi |
| Jack | MANTTAN | AbleSeaman | B2669 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| JACK | MARSHALL | Stoker 2c | H1683 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| VERNON | MARTIN | Stoker | W2255 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| John | MARTIN | Sub Lt | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| CLAUDE | MASLEM | Stoker | 23037 | JAVA-dcd | DOW burns | Java not rcv’d |
| Frederick | MASON | Stoker 2c | W2128 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| JOHN | MATHEW | Eng Rm Artificer 4c | H1678 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| James | MATHIESON | Chaplain | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Sydney | MATSEN | OrdinarySeaman | 24251 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan RM | Tokyo |
| WILLIAM | McCALL | AbleSeaman | F3455 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Robert | McCARREY | AbleSeaman | F2273 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Richard | McCONNELL | PO | 16393 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Yokohama |
| GEORGE | McCREDIE | Stoker 2c | S5456 | 5A-dcd | DOW > Burma | Thanbyuzayat |
| WALTER | McDONNELL | Stoker | 23097 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Allen | McDONOUGH | Pilot | X-407008 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | ubon |
| FRANCIS | McGOVERN* | AbleSeaman | S3478 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Tokyo |
| Brian | McHUGH | Wireman | 24513 | Dunlop-lib | TBR-TH | Tamarkam |
| Donald | McLEAN | Steward | 22957 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| John | McMAHON | ChPOStores | 17649 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Donald | McNAB | Writer | F2729 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| Jack | McQUADE | POStoker /SGT MAJ | 22449 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| NEVILLE | McWILLIAM | Lieutenant | officer | JAVA-dcd | DOW at sea | Java not rcv’d |
| Harold | MEE | AbleSeaman | PM2539 | Dunlop-lib | TBR-TH | Tamarkam |
| CEDRIC | MELLISH | Chief Eng Rm Artificer | 20247 | JAVA-sea | Java > Jp Tam | Tamahoko |
| James | MILLERICK | Stoker | W1574 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Keith | MILLS | AbleSeaman | S4074 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Tokyo |
| WILLIAM | MILNE | PO | 13959 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| John | MINIKEN | AbleSeaman | J8428 | JAVA-lib | Java to SINGA | Changi |
| Andrew | MITCHELL | SickBerth Attd | PA1945 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | Hendatai |
| Thomas | MOONEY | AbleSeaman | 06513 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Selwyn | MOORE | AbleSeaman | H1142 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | camp # 10 |
| Louis | MOORE | CPO Cook | 06758 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to SINGA | Changi |
| Alan | MORRIS | OrdinarySeaman | PA1067/2076 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| George | MORRISS | AbleSeaman | 23670 | JAVA-dcd | Java to SINGA to Borneo | Sandakan |
| Marmaduke | MOUNT | AbleSeaman | 11430 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Robert | MUIRHEAD | AbleSeaman | 12917 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Lloyd | MUNRO | Stoker 3c | S5186 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 > rescued RM | rescued by Barb |
| Alec | MURPHY | AbleSeaman | 23286 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Herbert | MYNARD | Stoker 2c | W2178 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| HARRY | NAGLE | AbleSeaman | F3060 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| FRANK | NASH | Leading Seaman | 20027 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| LIONEL | NEAL | AbleSeaman | 24402 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| PETER | NELSON | Telegraphist | SV70 | 5A-dcd | TBR-5A | Thanbyuzayat |
| RONALD | NICHOLLS | AbleSeaman | 20910 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Ernest | NOBLE | Leading SickBay Att | PM2205 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Lionel | NORLEY | Eng Rm Artificer 4c | 23551 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| RONALD | O’BRIEN | AbleSeaman | 21470 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| MERVIL | O’DONOGHUE | OrdinarySeaman | F3472 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| CHRISTOPHER | O’NEALE | AbleSeaman | S3393 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| George | OSGOOD | OrdinarySeaman | 24287 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Philipp | OWEN | Lt CdrPay Master | officer | JAVA-lib | Java to Japan (Zg) | Sendai |
| ERNEST | OWEN | AbleSeaman | PM1704 | JAVA-dcd | KIA on Java | Batavia |
| Frederick | PARKE | Stoker | W1218 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Albert | PARKER | Leading Wireman | 24521 | JAVA-lib | Java to Japan (Zg) | Sendai |
| Albert | PARKES | AbleSeaman | 22077 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| William | PARKIN | Bandsman | 24799 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Raymond | PARKIN | PO | 19127 | Dunlop-lib | TBR-TH to Japan | Hiroshima |
| JOHN | PARKS | AbleSeaman | 19076 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Percival | PARTINGTON* | OrdinarySeaman | 21938 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| HENRY | PARTRIDGE | AbleSeaman | S3244 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Dallas | PASCOE | Stoker | S4256 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| Charles | PEARCE | Leading Seaman | S4385 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Vincent | PEGLER | Ord Artificer 3c | 21332 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Keith | PENGILLY | AbleSeaman | PA2015 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| CHARLES | PETHEBRIDGE | Stoker | W2164 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| HUGH | POHL | OrdinarySeaman | PM3758 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| Thomas | POLLARD | Mechanician 2c | 17873 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| WILLIAM | PRICE | Telegraphist | 23174 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| NORMAN | PROCTOR | AbleSeaman | 22062 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| Jack | RALSTON | PO Telegraphist | 22058 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Camp 1 |
| Urban | RATLIFF | PO Telegraphist | 19354 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan | Fukuoka |
| Frederick | RAWSON | AbleSeaman | S3282 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Ronald | REES | PO | 23693 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Gordon | REID | AbleSeaman | PA1855 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| George | REIVE | PO | 18292 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| FRANK | RITCHIE | AbleSeaman | S4094 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| DESMOND | RIX | Telegraphist | SV69 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Thomas | ROBBINS | Sub Lt | officer | JAVA-lib | Java to Japan (Zg) | Sendai |
| William | ROBERTS | Sub Lt | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Yokohama |
| Griffith | ROBERTS | OrdinarySeaman | 24327 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| STANLEY | ROBERTS | Leading Seaman | 20048 | JAVA-dcd | Java | Batavia |
| Ernest | ROBINSON | POStoker | 14545 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| John | ROCKEY | POWriter | 19776 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| Joseph | ROHAN | Leading Telegraphist | SV5### | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| ALEXANDER | ROSEVEAR | Stoker | 23025 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| George | ROSS | Comm’d Gunner | officer | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Robert | ROWE | AbleSeaman | F2542 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| RICHARD | RYAN* | AbleSeaman | 21218 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Valentine | SAVAGE | Stoker | 21514 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| MERVYN | SCOTT | Asst Cook | S5052 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Walter | SHARP | Leading Stoker | 20538 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Herbet | SIMONS | Stoker | W1539 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Frederick | SKEELS | AbleSeaman | F3401 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| WILLIAM | SLATTERY | Stoker | 24925 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| RAYMOND | SMITH | AbleSeaman | B2832 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Leonard | SMITH | Comm’d Gunner | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| ROBERT | SMITH | Steward | 21238 | 5A-dcd | DOW > Burma | Thanbyuzayat |
| DONALD | SMITH | Eng Rm Artificer 4c | 23968 | JAVA-dcd | DOW on Java | Batavia |
| Ronald | SPARKS | Bandsman | 23063 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Frederick | SPICER | Leading Telegraphist | 21660 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Lester | STAYT | AbleSeaman | 23916 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Samuel | STENING | LieutenantSurgeon | officer | JAVA-lib | Java to Japan (Zg) | Sendai |
| CECIL | STOKES | Stoker 2c | B3106 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Bruce | STRANGE | OrdinarySeaman | S5804 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| Athol | STUART | AbleSeaman | PM3312 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Leonard | SYMES | Eng Rm Artificer 4c | PA2253 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Meiloe |
| CYRIL | TALBOT | Leading Seaman | 18541 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| John | TANNER | AbleSeaman | F3006 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| FREDERICK | TAYLOR | AbleSeaman | 21755 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Raphael | TAYLOR | OrdinarySeaman | PM3375 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| William | TCHAN | OrdinarySeaman | 03311 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| John | THODE | Lieutenant | officer | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| Alfred | THOMAS | PO Butcher | 13891 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan RM | Tokyo |
| Alfred | THOMPSON | OrdinarySeaman | PM3785 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | Camp 3 |
| Allan | THOMPSON | Leading Stoker | 22447 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| ERIC | THOMPSON | AbleSeaman | 19866 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| Charles | THOMSON | PO | F2514 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| George | TIBBITS | AbleSeaman | B2931 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Ernest | Toe | Leading Aircraftman | 40613 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Ernest | TOOVEY | AbleSeaman | B2965 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Norman | TOULMIN | Stoker 2c | W2199 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A to Japan Awa | Fukuoka |
| ROBERT | TRIMBLE | AbleSeaman | W1928 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| JOHN | TURNBULL | POStoker | 20401 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Roy | TURNER | SickBerth Attd | S4878 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| Edward “Jan” | TYRRELL | PO | 20185 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| George | VANSELOW | Bandsman | 23138 | JAVA-lib | Java to SINGA to Sumatra | Sumatra |
| HENRY | VIVIAN | AbleSeaman | 22163 | JAVA-dcd | DOW on Java | Batavia |
| Cecil | VOWLES | WO Electrician | 20097 | JAVA-lib | Java to Japan (Zg) | Hakodate |
| Ronald | WALHOUSE | Stoker 2c | W1963 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Kenneth | WALLACE | Leading Telegraphist | 21294 | Sumatra-lib | Sumatra | Sumatra |
| James | WARD | OrdinarySeaman | F3372 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | (Humbo) |
| Gordon | WEBSTER | AbleSeaman | S3853 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | NKP hosp |
| Ernest | WEETMAN | Signalman | 23503 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| John | WHITE | AbleSeaman | 31905 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | tbr |
| Norman | WHITE | Sub Lt | officer | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| HAROLD | WILKINSON | AbleSeaman | F3153 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Don Rak |
| REX | WILLIAMS | AbleSeaman | PA1776 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Leon | WILLIAMS | AbleSeaman | H1449 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Frank | WILLIAMS | Stoker | 19394 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | (Humbo) |
| Edwin | WILLIAMS | AbleSeaman | H1456 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Tamarkam |
| Jack | WILLIS | Yoeman of Signals | 19311 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| GEOFFREY | WILLIS | AbleSeaman | 21894 | Williams-dcd | TBR-B4 | Thanbyuzayat |
| LESLIE | WILSON | AbleSeaman | S4360 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| CLIFFORD | WINNETT | AbleSeaman | 24382 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
| Brian | WOODHEAD | OrdinarySeaman | S5134 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 to Japan | Honshu #4 |
| JOHN | WOODHEAD | Stoker | W2094 | 5A-dcd | TBR-5A | Thanbyuzayat |
| Claude | WOODLEY | WO Supply | officer | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | tbr |
| Cyril | WOODMAN | AbleSeaman | 23663 | JAVA-lib | Java | Batavia |
| John | WOODS | AbleSeaman | S4985 | Williams-lib | TBR-B4 | Tamarkam |
| Charles | WRAY | Wireman | 241817 | 5A-lib | TBR-5A | Tamarkam |
| FREDERICK | WRIGHT | Sick Berth Attd 2c | S5523 | Williams-sea | TBR-B4 > Jp RM | Rakuyo Maru |
This is a work in progress, I’d appreciate any additions or corrections. I am working with on-line records and mentions in various books. The column in the above TABLE marked as CAMP is thought to be the place of liberation or burial for the deceased; Jp and tbr are used when the actual camp could not be determined. Humbo is the word for HQ; this places the POW as having worked the TBR but does not indicate the camp where he was liberated from.
BR AUS D US
| No3 Group | 14-Oct-42 | Thailand | 791 | x | x | x | 791 |
| Williams Force | 16-Oct-42 | Burma | x | 1497 | 111 | 190 | 1800 |
In OCT 42, 7 PERTH crewmen were selected as part of the ‘technicians’ group (aka the Zeigler Grp for the US POWs) and sent to various camps in Japan.
| William | GAY | Lieutenant | officer |
| Frederick | LASSLETT | Chief Electrician | PM1848 |
| Philipp | OWEN | Lt CdrPay Master | officer |
| Albert | PARKER | Leading Wireman | 24521 |
| Thomas | ROBBINS | Sub Lt | officer |
| Samuel | STENING | LieutenantSurgeon | officer |
| Cecil | VOWLES | WO Electrician | 20097 |
In her book CRUEL CONFLICT Kathryn Spurling details that 15 PERTH men were eventually dispatched to Thailand as part of the ‘Dunlop 1000’ who worked near Hintok.
These were:
| ROBERT | COSTIN | AbleSeaman | B2339 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| ALFRED | COYNE | PO | 17663 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| ROY | DUNDON | Stoker | W2173 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| ALAN | GEIER | Wireman | 24896 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| WILLIAM | GILBY | AbleSeaman | F3075 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| Herbert | GOSDEN | LeadingSeaman | PA1660 | POW-lib | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| Norman | GRIFFITHS | AbleSeaman | B2912 | POW-lib | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| ISAAC | HERMAN | AbleSeaman | F2692 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| ARTHUR | LUND | OrdinarySeaman | F3396 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| GEORGE | MacDONALD | Telegraphist | PA1542 | POW-dcd | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| Brian | McHUGH | Wireman | 24513 | POW-lib | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| Harold | MEE | AbleSeaman | PM2539 | POW-lib | TBR-TH-Dunlop |
| HORACE | ABBOTT | PO | 18818 | POW-lib | TBR-TH-Dunlop to Japan |
| Harry | KNIGHT | OrdinarySeaman | 17467 | POW-lib | TBR-TH-Dunlop to Japan |
| Raymond | PARKIN | PO | 19127 | POW-lib | TBR-TH-Dunlop to Japan |
Proving that Thailand was a more horrendous experience, half of then died there; 7 in 1943 while working the TBR and Wireman Alan Greier in 1944 while undergoing amputation of his leg. The latter three listed above were later trans-shipped to Japan and were liberated from the Hiroshima camp.
Another Crew list is presented at: https://www.hmasperth1memorial.com.au
27.7 the ordinals
Ordinals refer to the order (first, second, final) in which the deaths of crewmen occurred:
| 1-Mar-1942 | 1 | DOW at sea | NEVILLE | McWILLIAM | Lieutenant |
| 1-Mar-1942 | 2 | DOW Java | GEORGE | BRETHERTON | Leading Seaman |
| 2-Mar-1942 | 1 | KIA Java | JOHN | HARVEY | PO |
| 2-Mar-1942 | 3 | DOW | CLAUDE | MASLEM | Stoker |
| 2-Mar-1942 | 4 | DOW | JOHN | COCHRANE | AbleSeaman |
| 3-Mar-1942 | 5 | DOW | HENRY | VIVIAN | AbleSeaman |
| 4-Mar-1942 | 6 | DOW | DONALD | SMITH | Eng Rm Artificer 4c |
| 31-Mar-1942 | 1 | POW death Java [1] | FRANK | CADGE | PO Cook |
| 14-Apr-1942 | 2 | POW-KIA | ERNEST | OWEN | AbleSeaman |
| 15-Jan-1943 | 1 | POW-KIA >5A [2] | GEORGE | McCREDIE | Stoker 2c |
| 15-Jan-1943 | 2 | POW-KIA >5A | ROBERT | SMITH | Steward |
| 1-Mar-1943 | 1 | Wm death [3] | CECIL | STOKES | Stoker 2c |
| 8-Jun-1943 | 1 | Wm Spdo death | ERIC | THOMPSON | AbleSeaman |
| 19-Jul-1943 | 1 | 5A Spdo death | PETER | NELSON | Telegraphist |
| 19-Jul-1943 | 1 | TH Spdo death | ROBERT | COSTIN | AbleSeaman |
| 20-Sep-1943 | 8 | final TH Spdo death | WILLIAM | GILBY | AbleSeaman |
| 8-Oct-1943 | 8 | final 5A Spdo death | WILLIAM | BEVAN | AbleSeaman |
| 15-Oct-1943 | 8 | final Wm Spdo death | GEORGE | HARRIS | PO |
| 30-Jan-1944 | 9 | final TH death | ALAN | GEIER | Wireman |
| 24-Jun-1944 | 1 | Java at sea >Tam [4] | BERNARD | FERGUSON | Stoker |
| 24-Jun-1944 | 2 | Java at sea >Tam [4] | CEDRIC | MELLISH | Chief Eng Rm Artificer |
| 14-Sep-1944 | 1 | DOW at sea > RM | Ernest | Toe | Leading Aircraftman |
| 8-Dec-1944 | 1 | Wm TBR KIA [5] | RONALD | GRIEVE | Leading Stoker |
| 13-Dec-1944 | 2 | Wm TBR KIA [5] | KENNETH | IKIN | AbleSeaman |
| 2-Jan-1945 | 9 | final 5A death | MALCOLM | BLACK | Stoker |
| 18-Jan-1945 | 1 | Wm Jp death | Allan | HAWKE | Leading Seaman |
| 20-Jan-1945 | 1 | Borneo death | HENRY | KELLY | Bandsman |
| 22-Jan-1945 | 1 | 5A Jp death | Eric | BOND | AbleSeaman |
| 29-May-1945 | 2 | Borneo death | George | MORRISS | AbleSeaman |
| 11-Jun-1945 | 9 | final TBR death Wm | JACK | JACKSON | Leading Signalman |
| 13-Jul-1945 | 1 | Wm KIA Jp [6] | Thomas | Johnson | PO |
| 13-Jul-1945 | 2 | Wm KIA Jp [6] | Patrick | MAJOR | AbleSeaman |
| 13-Jul-1945 | 3 | Wm KIA Jp [6] | Keith | MILLS | AbleSeaman |
| 16-Aug-1945 | 99 | final death Java [7] | STANLEY | ROBERTS | Leading Seaman |
[1] Only 1 POW death occured on Java before the various Groups departed
[2] Two were KIA in the bombing of the Moji Maru
[3] One TBR death occurred prior to the Speedo period
[4] Two died in the sinking of the Tamahoko
[5] Two died during bombing of the Kanchanaburi camp
[6] Three died during bombing of Tokyo
[7] The final PERTH death occurred on Java 1 day after the official surrender date
27.8a Their journey
Although in many respects the saga of the PERTH crew parallels that of the HOUSTON, there are mentionable differences. First is that many more of the Perth crew were documented to have been wounded upon entering the water and many more survived to become POWs. Seemingly, most of the wounded HOUSTON crewmen did not survive to reach the shore. The only man documented to have serious wounds was Lt(jg) Francis WEILER who died of wounds/burns on 26 MAR 42. At least six Perth crewmen died on the beach but prior to becoming POWs. Ship’s surgeon Samuel Stening, himself wounded, is described in the book CRUEL CONFLICT as struggling to treat 14 other men who were taken as POWs while suffering from wounds. To his credit, he and all the others survived the war.
Almost alll of the HOUSTON crew were taken as POWs within hours (12-18) of the sinking, with the notable exception of ship’s doctor CMDR William EPSTEIN. He is noted to have been plucked from the water by a PERTH lifeboat. The HOUSTON had no lifeboats per se. What it had were wood and cork rafts tethered to the side of the ship. These were cut loose then the men dove in and swam to them. The PERTH lifeboats actually had sails to assist in navigation. The rafts had no such thing and were at the mercy of the currents. Two of the PERTH lifeboats had memorable journeys. In short, one sailed west all the way to Sumatra where 10 men were taken captive. Another survived at sea – coming ashore in the day to seek food and water – for two weeks sailing south through the Strait and over to the port of Tjilatjap only to find the Japanese had already captured that port!
Apparently, the PERTH was somewhat farther west than the HOUSTON. The HOUSTON crew largely came ashore in Bantam Bay, while many of the PERTH crew made landfall on the far western tip of the island. Unfortunately, some of them met with less than friendly locals. One man, Petty Officer John HARVEY was beheaded in one of these clashes and Seaman Ernest OWEN was so badly beaten that he died a few days later.
Eventually, most of the PERTH and HOUSTON POWs were gathered in either the city jail or a theater in Serang. They were later transferred to the Bicycle Camp in Batavia.
=================
A daughter of a PERTH crewman asked if I could tell her where her father had worked. I answered with the following:
While I can’t tell you precisely which camps your dad worked at, I can describe the journey in generalities. He was assigned to the largest group of PERTH POWs known as the Williams Group. They also had the most complicated POW experience. That group was later part of a group termed the Mobile Force #1, which means that they moved up and down the line in Burma where ever they were needed. Not all men underwent the same journey. The groups would sometimes be divided and then rejoined later.
The Williams group started in the lowlands of Burma, near Thanbyuzayat. This is where the US Fitzsimmons Grp spent the majority of their TBR time. They arrived in Burma in late OCT 1942. In May 1943, during the Speedo period, they moved into the highlands area. This is the time and place of the most TBR deaths in Burma.
After the completion of the Railway in Oct 43, most of the Burma-side POWs were moved into Thailand where they worked to cut wood for fuel for the trains. They weren’t consolidated to Kanchanaburi until MAR 44. There, they would have generally rested and recuperated from the TBR ordeal.
In JUN 44, POWs from Kanchanaburi began to be moved to Japan. Almost all went first to Singapore by rail then were placed on board the Hellships for Japan. It is not clear when the PERTH crewman went to Singapore. We only know that the Rakuyo Maru was sunk on 13 SEP with the loss of 30 PERTH crewmen; your dad among them.
27.8b Group 5A
For the US POWs, Grp5A led by LTC Tharp was the largest that worked the TBR, but only about 50 PERTH crewmen were in that group. They arrived in Burma in JAN 43 after narrowly avoiding disaster when their Hellship from Malaya was bombed [1]. Once in Burma, they were immediately moved passed the Williams group and began work in the highlands [see Section 8.11]. Their primary job was bridge construction. In those highlands, the rivers ran north to south across the path of the TBR. This required the construction of some of the largest bridges on th TBR. Not only were they in the most inhospitable region of the TBR, but it was monsoon season. The Tharp group suffered heavy losses during the Speedo period. [see Section 7.1]. Fortunately, the PERTH crew fared somewhat better; losing only 5 of 54 men.
Following the completion of the TBR, 5A was shifted into Thailand to work as wood cutters. In FEB 44, they seemingly passed thru the ChungKai camp for a short period and then on to Kanchanaburi. In DEC 44, 15 of them were herded aboard the Hellship Awa for the 11 day journey to the coal mines in Fukuoka Japan. During their time there, 1 crewman persished. The majority were liberated from camps in Thailand.
[1] Two Perth POWs were KIA in that bombing and were buried in Moulmein. Stoker 2c GEORGE McCREDIE and Steward ROBERT SMITH
27.8c The Dunlop Group
In Sep 43, the Group led by LtCol (Dr) Dunlop arrived at the Hintok area. This Group had been cobbled togther from men in Singapore. It included only 15 PERTH crewmen. Unfortunaltely, 7 of those died in just a few weeks; one more died after their consolidation to Kanchanaburi. Not much more is documented about this small group.
27.9 ANZAC Day 2022
On Apr 25th 2022, I visited the Kanchanaburi CWGC cemetery at Don Rak and photographed the 18 graves located there. They are listed and shown herein alphabetically:
| SN | rate | FN | MN1 | MN2 | LN |
| W0778 | Stoker | MALCOLM | DONALD | BLACK | |
| 9597 | Petty Officer Cook | FREDERICK | DONALD | CLARK | |
| B2339 | Able Seaman | ROBERT | COSTIN | ||
| 21820 | Leading Seaman | WILLIAM | ROSS | COWDROY | |
| 17663 | Petty Officer | ALFRED | JAMES | EDWARD | COYNE |
| W2173 | Stoker | ROY | DUNDON | ||
| 24896 | Wireman | ALAN | KEITH | GEIER | |
| F3075 | Able Seaman | WILLIAM | HARVEY | LEONARD | GILBY |
| F2692 | Able Seaman | ISAAC | HERMAN | ||
| 1048 | Able Seaman | KENNETH | WILLIAM | IKIN | |
| PM1783 | Leading Signalman | JACK | JACKSON | ||
| F3396 | Ordinary Seaman | ARTHUR | ERNEST | LUND | |
| PA1542 | Telegraphist | GEORGE | NEIL | ALEXANDER | MacDONALD |
| F3472 | Ordinary Seaman | MERVIL | FRANCIS | O’DONOGHUE | |
| S3393 | Able Seaman | CHRISTOPHER | CHARLES | O’NEALE | |
| PM3758 | Ordinary Seaman | HUGH | GEORGE | POHL | |
| 22062 | Able Seaman | NORMAN | WALTER | PROCTOR | |
| F3153 | Able Seaman | HAROLD | WILKINSON |
There are also 38 of the crew buried at the Thanbyuzayat CWCG cemetery in Burma.
27.10 Key dates Timeline
| Key dates | for the US and AUS POWs |
| Mar-42 | captured on Java / Sumatra |
| May-42 | consolidated at Bicycle Camp Batavia |
| Oct-42 | first grp of ‘technicians depart for Japan |
| Oct-42 | Fitzsimmons & Williams groups depart Burma via Singapore |
| Oct-42 | larger Grp 5 under Tharp depart for Singapore |
| Nov-42 | Fitzsimmons & Williams groups arrive Burma |
| Jan-43 | Grp 5 arrives at Burma highlands |
| May-43 | beginning of Speedo period; most TBR deaths occur |
| Jun-43 | Hellfire Pass completed by largely AUS force |
| Aug-43 | highest overall death toll of 1643 in this month |
| Sep-43 | 200 F-Force at Changaraya KILO 300 die of cholera |
| Sep-43 | Dunlop Grp to Hintok |
| Oct-43 | completion of the TBR |
| Jan-44 | Burma sector POWs begin move to KAN |
| Mar-44 | IJA began to select men to tfx to Japan and Saigon |
| Mar-44 | Williams Force to KAN; following B-24 attack on 105 Camp |
| May-44 | all remaining US moved to KAN camp #1 |
| Jun-44 | Tamahoko sunk by the USS Tang with loss of 17 US; 2 US survivors; 2 PERTH POWs lost |
| Aug-44 | sick moved to Nakorn Pathom |
| Sep-44 | Junyo Maru sunk off Sumatra (5600 KIA) by HMS Tradewind |
| Sep-44 | 5 Perth crew rescued by US subs |
| Dec-44 | Allies bomb Kui Yae (186Km in TH); 1 PERTH POW KIA |
| Dec-44 | 1 PERTH POW KIA in bombing raid at KAN |
| Jan-45 | many POWs moved from KAN to other camps |
| Jun-45 | many officers moved to Nakorn Nayok |
| Jul-45 | 3 PERTH POWs KIA in bombing of Tokyo |
| Aug-45 | LIBERATION |
| Sep-35 | AUS teams begin recovery of POW remains |
| Sep-45 | British & AUS POWs flown to Rangoon; US to Calcutta |
| Oct-45 | AUS POWs begin to arrive home |
| 1948 | official opening of the 3 CWGC cememteries: Than has ### AUS graves with #### at Don Rak [1] |
| 1948 | Thanbyuzayat has 38 PERTH graves; Don Rak 18 |
| 1948 | all US remains were re-patriated |
[1] I’m still searching for these figures.
27.11
new memorial rises
Eighty years after the loss, a new memorial to the crew is taking shape in Perth.
https://www.hmasperth1memorial.com.au/
HMAS-Perth-booklet-info
Another missed opportunity to actually tell the story versus playing background music:
27.12 An Account of the Rakuyo Maru sinking and rescue of POWs
This most excellent account of the events leading up tp and following the sinking of the ROKUYO MARU was posted to the HMAS PERTH MEMORIAL Facebook page by Colin A Bancroft who has granted pemission to have it included here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.hmasperth1memorial.com.au/
Able Seaman Bob Collins was captured in March 1942 after the sinking of HMAS Perth and USS Houston at the Battle of Sunda Strait. After working on the Burma-Siam Railway, Collins was sent to Indo- China, then Singapore and was finally shipped to Japan on the RAKUYO MARU in September 1944. The entire convoy was sunk by United States submarines.
Hereis his accounts of events:
THE DAY CAME when we were moved back to our old camp in Singapore, and told that we were to be prepared to move down to the docks to board ship for Japan. As we approached the docks, the leading file of Australians turned right and boarded the Rakuyo Maru. I later learnt the Japs wanted us to board the President Harding, a captured American ship of the President line, but our boys weren’t having any. The Rakuyo Maru was bigger than the President ship.
The date was 1st September 1944.
We cursed and sweated at anchor in Singapore Harbour for three days. On 3rd September we sailed, thankful to get some sort of breeze from a ship under way. ‘Stowed thick and lousy’ is an old Navy saying, and it was no exception in this ship. There were roughly 1,300 men in this ship, made up of Australians and British. President Harding carried 800 British prisoners. They were battened down but it was impossible to batten us down, although it was tried several times without success. Among my travelling companions was Sergeant Noel Day, RAAF, who had worked with me on the Burma Siam Railway.
Six days out of Singapore we were attacked by a pack of American submarines operating out of Saipan. I have often read communiques which stated that ‘Units of the United States Navy engaged an enemy convoy off so and so. US Navy losses were nil. The entire convoy was sunk.‘ It was not that I didn’t believe them, but they seemed to be too smug or something, I don’t know. Now I knew.To the best of my knowledge, every ship in our convoy was sunk in two attacks by five submarines. Rakuyo Maru fired a few rounds at shadows, and then after the second torpedo had struck home, the crew abandoned ship. All of our chaps got into the water, some on ancient rafts that were practically useless except for morale value, and others with kapok life jackets. Unfortunately, there were not enough of these to go round. This was the second time in my young life that I had been sunk, so I had a few clues. ‘Keep your hats on, make sure you have your water bottles and don’t go over the side until I give the word‘, I said to two Army mates who were sleeping with me on deck.
Grabbing one of the tiny wooden floats and giving my mates a yell, the three of us jumped. So far so good. Now to pull away from a blazing tanker that was on fire from stern to stern just off our port quarter. Getting out of her way, we drifted away from our ship. I felt it was a pity to abandon her so prematurely, when she was holed fore and aft.
When I made this suggestion to an Army Captain, I was threatened with a court martial if I did not obey his orders and abandon. Later some returned to the ship ‘to organise something‘. But I said ‘No‘, when they asked me, because I considered the distance too far to swim. This was the last we saw of them.
At first morale was high but as the days passed our numbers became fewer. I was still in a small party of the originals with whom I had left Singapore. Things were getting desperate. A Jap merchant vessel was sighted bearing down on us during the late afternoon of the third day and our hopes rose accordingly. ‘About time that bloody ship got here to pick us up‘. However, to our dismay it turned away. I watched it as long as it was still visible, wishfully thinking that it was bound to turn back any minute. It did not and my thoughts sent it to the bottom with an American torpedo in its guts.
During the night several of my mates died. They were there one minute, and the moment you seemed to take your eye off them, they were gone. Morning brought a pretty desolate scene. There was about twenty of us left. There was no talking, just a mumble from someone in the last stages of delirium, and in all a very dejected bunch, when along comes a chap on a ship’s hatch board, about eight feet long and two foot six inches wide.
There was a mild skirmish to get on his ‘raft’, but he held off everyone. Sergeant Noel Day calmly surveyed the bunch of hopeful faces pointed in his direction and out of his Army and Air Force mates in the crowd, said ‘I’ll take Bob Collins‘. Me of all people. I couldn’t understand it.
The joy of sitting in the water and not hanging in it by your chin, suspended by your kapok lifejacket, is best appreciated if tried for some time. We picked up a piece of ship’s lifeboat, probably one of the strakes, and I scratched on it with a pencil, ‘Left to perish by the Japs, September 12th 1944‘. Also our names and addresses with some forlorn hope that some day someone might pick it up, and part of the story of what happened to about 600 AIF and a few sailors and airmen might be known.
Some time later I was paddling the raft, when Noel Day said, ‘You’re a Navy man Bob. What kind of ship is that?‘ ‘Submarine‘, I replied, not really interested. We had been in the water five days now, and I think my resistance was a little low. Noel shouted a few Australian adjectives at the man topsides on the submarine and that dispensed any ideas they had that we were Japanese.
Five days later we were landed at Saipan, and tucked into cots by nurses of the 148th General Hospital, who were also attending marines of the Second Division, who had hit the beach head a short time before.
Months later, back in Sydney, I looked Noel Day up and over a middy asked him ‘Why on earth did you pick me up, when you had all your other mates to choose from?‘ He replied, ‘Do you remember the dollar you loaned me to buy those boots? I may not have been here if I hadn’t bought those boots. I never forgot that, the day you loaned me that dollar. That’s why I picked you up.‘
Author Collins, R.A.C., Able Seaman, RAN
Published in December 1975 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
********
Editors Note:
The US submarine, Queenfish, rescued a total of four Perth survivors – AB Bob Collins, AB Arthur Bancroft, AB Jack Houghton and Stoker L. Munro. After the survivors had been questioned by Commander C.R. Reid, RAN, it was possible to publish the first account of the loss of HMAS Perth on 1st March 1942.
The other POWs rescued were British.
********
Further Information:
USS Sealion II (SS- 315) sank the Rakuyo Maru, a 477-foot Japanese-built passenger-cargo vessel carrying a load of raw rubber and, unknown to the crews of the submarine wolf pack pursuing her convoy, over 1300 Allied prisoners of war. Two of Sealion’s torpedoes hit the POW ship, one amidships and one in the bow. It took 12 hours for Rakuyo Maru to sink, which allowed the surviving POWs some time to make rafts and search the doomed ship for food and water. The Japanese guards had left the ship immediately after the attack using most of the lifeboats.
Four days later, USS Pampanito (SS-383) found two men on a makeshift raft. Pampanito’s log recorded: 1634 Hours – “The men were covered with oil and filth and we could not make them out…. They were shouting but we couldn’t understand what they were saying, except made out words ‘Pick us up please.’ Called rescue party on deck and took them off the raft. There were about fifteen (15) British and Australian Prisoner of War survivors on this raft from a ship sunk the night of September 11-12 1944. We learned they were enroute from Singapore to Formosa and that there were over thirteen hundred on the sunken ship.” Pampanito rescued as many as she could and radioed for help. Queenfish and USS Barb (SS-220) arrived at 0530 Hours on September 17th to begin their search for rafts among the floating debris. Just after 1300 they located several rafts and began to pick up the few men still alive. They only had a few hours to search before a typhoon moved in, sealing the fate of those survivors not picked up in time. Before the storm hit, Queenfish found 18 men, and Barb found 14.
The boats headed on to Saipan after a final search following the storm revealed no further survivors.
Of the 1,318 POWs on the Rakuyo Maru sunk by Sealion, 159 had been rescued by the four submarines: 73 on Pampanito, 54 on Sealion, and the 32 found by Queenfish and Barb. It was later learned that the Japanese had rescued 136 for a total of 295 survivors.
*******
THE DAY CAME when we were moved back to our old camp in Singapore, and told that we were to be prepared to move down to the docks to board ship for Japan. As we approached the docks, the leading file of Australians turned right and boarded the Rakuyo Maru. I later learnt the Japs wanted us to board the President Harding, a captured American ship of the President line, but our boys weren’t having any. The Rakuyo Maru was bigger than the President ship. The date was 1st September 1944.
We cursed and sweated at anchor in Singapore Harbour for three days. On 3rd September we sailed, thankful to get some sort of breeze from a ship under way. ‘Stowed thick and lousy‘ is an old Navy saying, and it was no exception in this ship. There were roughly 1,300 men in this ship, made up of Australians and British. President Harding carried 800 British prisoners. They were battened down but it was impossible to batten us down, although it was tried several times without success. Among my travelling companions was Sergeant Noel Day, RAAF, who had worked with me on the Burma Siam Railway.
Six days out of Singapore we were attacked by a pack of American submarines operating out of Saipan. I have often read communiques which stated that ‘Units of the United States Navy engaged an enemy convoy off so and so. US Navy losses were nil. The entire convoy was sunk. It was not that I didn’t believe them, but they seemed to be too smug or something, I don’t know. Now I knew. To the best of my knowledge, every ship in our convoy was sunk in two attacks by five submarines. Rakuyo Maru fired a few rounds at shadows, and then after the second torpedo had struck home, the crew abandoned ship. All of our chaps got into the water, some on ancient rafts that were practically useless except for morale value, and others with kapok life jackets. Unfortunately, there were not enough of these to go round. This was the second time in my young life that I had been sunk, so I had a few clues. ‘Keep your hats on, make sure you have your water bottles and don’t go over the side until I give the word‘, I said to two Army mates who were sleeping with me on deck.
Grabbing one of the tiny wooden floats and giving my mates a yell, the three of us jumped. So far so good. Now to pull away from a blazing tanker that was on fire from stern to stern just off our port quarter. Getting out of her way, we drifted away from our ship. I felt it was a pity to abandon her so prematurely, when she was holed fore and aft.
When I made this suggestion to an Army Captain, I was threatened with a court martial if I did not obey his orders and abandon. Later some returned to the ship ‘to organise something‘. But I said ‘No‘, when they asked me, because I considered the distance too far to swim. This was the last we saw of them.
At first morale was high but as the days passed our numbers became fewer. I was still in a small party of the originals with whom I had left Singapore. Things were getting desperate. A Jap merchant vessel was sighted bearing down on us during the late afternoon of the third day and our hopes rose accordingly. ‘About time that bloody ship got here to pick us up‘. However, to our dismay it turned away. I watched it as long as it was still visible, wishfully thinking that it was bound to turn back any minute. It did not and my thoughts sent it to the bottom with an American torpedo in its guts.
During the night several of my mates died. They were there one minute, and the moment you seemed to take your eye off them, they were gone. Morning brought a pretty desolate scene. There was about twenty of us left. There was no talking, just a mumble from someone in the last stages of delirium, and in all a very dejected bunch, when along comes a chap on a ship’s hatch board, about eight feet long and two foot six inches wide.
There was a mild skirmish to get on his ‘raft’, but he held off everyone. Sergeant Noel Day calmly surveyed the bunch of hopeful faces pointed in his direction and out of his Army and Air Force mates in the crowd, said ‘I’ll take Bob Collins‘. Me of all people. I couldn’t understand it.
The joy of sitting in the water and not hanging in it by your chin, suspended by your kapok lifejacket, is best appreciated if tried for some time. We picked up a piece of ship’s lifeboat, probably one of the strakes, and I scratched on it with a pencil, ‘Left to perish by the Japs, September 12th 1944‘. Also our names and addresses with some forlorn hope that some day someone might pick it up, and part of the story of what happened to about 600 AIF and a few sailors and airmen might be known.
Some time later I was paddling the raft, when Noel Day said, ‘You’re a Navy man Bob. What kind of ship is that?‘ ‘Submarine‘, I replied, not really interested. We had been in the water five days now, and I think my resistance was a little low. Noel shouted a few Australian adjectives at the man topsides on the submarine and that dispensed any ideas they had that we were Japanese.
Five days later we were landed at Saipan, and tucked into cots by nurses of the 148th General Hospital, who were also attending marines of the Second Division, who had hit the beach head a short time before.
Months later, back in Sydney, I looked Noel Day up and over a middy asked him ‘Why on earth did you pick me up, when you had all your other mates to choose from?‘ He replied, ‘Do you remember the dollar you loaned me to buy those boots? I may not have been here if I hadn’t bought those boots. I never forgot that, the day you loaned me that dollar. That’s why I picked you up.‘
Author Collins, R.A.C., Able Seaman, RAN
Published in December 1975 edition of the Naval Historical Review (all rights reserved)
Editors Note:
Further Information:
USS Sealion II (SS- 315) sank the Rakuyo Maru, a 477-foot Japanese-built passenger-cargo vessel carrying a load of raw rubber and, unknown to the crews of the submarine wolf pack pursuing her convoy, over 1300 Allied prisoners of war. Two of Sealion’s torpedoes hit the POW ship, one amidships and one in the bow. It took 12 hours for Rakuyo Maru to sink, which allowed the surviving POWs some time to make rafts and search the doomed ship for food and water. The Japanese guards had left the ship immediately after the attack using most of the lifeboats.
Four days later, USS Pampanito (SS-383) found two men on a makeshift raft. Pampanito’s log recorded: 1634 Hours – “The men were covered with oil and filth and we could not make them out…. They were shouting but we couldn’t understand what they were saying, except made out words ‘Pick us up please.’ Called rescue party on deck and took them off the raft. There were about fifteen (15) British and Australian Prisoner of War survivors on this raft from a ship sunk the night of September 11-12 1944. We learned they were enroute from Singapore to Formosa and that there were over thirteen hundred on the sunken ship.” Pampanito rescued as many as she could and radioed for help. Queenfish and USS Barb (SS-220) arrived at 0530 Hours on September 17th to begin their search for rafts among the floating debris. Just after 1300 they located several rafts and began to pick up the few men still alive. They only had a few hours to search before a typhoon moved in, sealing the fate of those survivors not picked up in time. Before the storm hit, Queenfish found 18 men, and Barb found 14.
The boats headed on to Saipan after a final search following the storm revealed no further survivors.
The US submarine, Queenfish, rescued a total of four Perth survivors – AB Bob Collins, AB Arthur Bancroft, AB Jack Houghton and Stoker L. Munro. After the survivors had been questioned by Commander C.R. Reid, RAN, it was possible to publish the first account of the loss of HMAS Perth on 1st March 1942.
Of the 1,318 POWs on the Rakuyo Maru sunk by Sealion, 159 had been rescued by the four submarines: 73 on Pampanito, 54 on Sealion, and the 32 found by Queenfish and Barb. It was later learned that the Japanese had rescued 136 for a total of 295 survivors.
Francis J McGovern the last surviving member of the PERTH crew died 24 May 2023.
Lest We Forget
