No. 9 Camp

Fukuoka District,

JAPAN.

August 25^th 1945

Statement by LT. F.N. FURNESS, 1^st Bn. The Manchester Regt.

            On June 22^nd 1945 whilst working out on the Farm Party, I was very badly beaten up by a guard named Yama, as I refused to give him an American Red Cross Cigarette.  I was struck on the head with the flat of his drawn bayonet several times, and my head cut open.

I was also struck across the left ear with a thick bamboo stick, and on the back and forearms until blood was drawn.  The marks are even now still showing on my arms and my hearing has been definitely impaired.

On the return of the Party to Camp I was ordered by Capt. Radcliffe the senior British Officer in the Camp, to attend at the Camp Office along with Lt. Thomas, and the Dutch Camp Interpreter, in order that a complaint could be made to the Nippon Sgt. who was in charge of the working party but who was not present on the day of the assault.

Capt. Radcliffe was making his report to the Sgt. when the Camp Commandant, Lt. Sakamoto came into the office and before any explanation could be given he proceeded to strike all three of the British Officers present and when his temper had died down somewhat he stated that Lt. Thomas and myself had been beaten because we would not work, and if we didn’t work he would give us no food.  I can add that for the month of June I was presented by the Nippon Authorities with 50 Cigarettes for being a hard worker on the Farm.

F.N.  Furness Lieut.

1^st Bn. The Manchester Regt.

Witness   Harold Radcliffe Capt. R.A

(Senior British Officer)