Fukuoka Camp No. 9

27^th August 1945

REPORT ON BEATING OF OFFICERS BY CAMP COMMANDANT.

            On June 22^nd 1945, when working on the farm, I was attacked by a guard named Yama, who thrashed my bare back with a bamboo and raised many bloody weals.  On return to the Camp, Capt. Radcliffe, the Senior British Officer in the Camp, who had interceded at the beating and who had received several blows himself, decided to report the matter to the Camp Commandant direct.  Capt. Radcliffe, Mr. Furness, whose head had been split open by the same guard, and I, went to the Nipponese Office, accompanied by the Dutch Interpreter.  Capt. Radcliffe then started to make his report to the Nipponese Sergeant; there was much interruption from other Nipponese NCO’s., and others who were in the office, which attracted the attention of the Camp Commandant.  Capt. Radcliffe endeavoured to explain the position to him, but although he must have seen my lacerated back which had been bared for exhibition, his only action was to strike Capt. Radcliffe, Mr. Furness, and myself violently in our faces, and to say that we would be punished if we did not work hard.  Capt. Radcliffe received about 6 heavy blows in the face and Mr. Furness and I about 4.  He then dismissed us.  His attack was quite unjustified, and he did not listen to the complaint either before striking us or afterwards.

E.S. Thomas Lieut. R.E.

Witness………….Harold Radcliffe Capt. R.A.

(Senior British Officer)

D.

REPORT ON ILL-TREATMENT OF NO 1614712 L/BDR. CHILTON, F. DURING CAPTIVITY AS P.O.W. IN JAPAN.

————————————————————————————————

            On a certain day in the first quarter of 1944 at No. 1 sub-camp, Kasii, Fukuoka P.O.W. Camp, the undersigned officers were witness to a brutal assault on the above-mentioned L/Bdr. Chilton by the Camp Commandant, Sakamoto, Lt.  L/Bdr. Chilton was marched into the camp before the Commandant, who thereupon attacked him, and incidentally other members of the working party, with a bamboo pole and fists, beating him over the head and body until he was felled to the ground.  The Commandant then kicked him in the body, and finally kicked him behind his left ear, until he lost consciousness.  The Commandant then ordered two Nipponese guards to pick him up and carry him into the hut and throw him on the bed.

W.M. Craig Capt. R.A.

A.M. Simpson Lieut. R.A.

27^th August, 1945.

Major P.C. Benham

G Branch

HQ I Corps District

B.A.O.R!

Sunday 26 Aug 45

My dearest Maz,

This has been in nearly every way a most depressing week, but the gloom has been dispelled considerably by no fewer than 3 most interesting and welcome letters from you, for all of which many thanks.  I am so very pleased that you are really better and to hear that my words of advice have not fallen on deaf ears!  I was most interested to hear of John’s return, (Elli must have made an entry in his winnings book!)  Please give him my love when you see him next – I look forward to seeing him very much.  I also had a very nice card from Elli who seems to have kicked off very much on the right foot of his holiday, the change I know will do him a power of good.  How amazing it was that our letters should have crossed on the ‘Way to the Stars’ film – a real co-incidence as Mrs Carter would say.  So Eileen is now a civilian and her first few days of her new life were spent having a cold – however I’m glad she is better and she spoke most warmly of her very attentive ‘nurse’!  I have seldom known a more depressing week – the sun has hardly shone and the rain hardly ceased – today, what mercy, has for a change been sunny and quite warm, and Nigel and I had our usual Sunday afternoon single.  Good exercise and great fun.  The film this week was well worth seeing, the film of Daphne Du Marrier’s ‘Frenchman’s Creek’.  I enjoyed it though generally most people were rather disappointed – it was in Technicolor starring John Fontaine and Basil Rathbone.  We played our first game of hockey on Thursday afternoon against the General Hospital team – it was a League match and we won 9.2.  I must admit that I didn’t over-exert myself, scoring two goals.  Otherwise the week has been conspicuous for its amount of work and I shall be extremely thankful when my G3 returns, I hope tonight.

Charles I am very sorry to say is leaving us tomorrow – it is rather a blow as we have shared a room now for nearly a year – he is going to teach Regimental instructors how to teach (very involved) at a place called Goettingen, where I’m told there is a famous old University.  He may not be in the Army much longer as he expects to get out under Class B.  Several people have refused to take the Class B opportunity as they say they lose a spot of cash by it – it only makes me feel a bit more peeved than ever – I would take any opportunity to get out under any pretext at the very first possible opportunity!

The great bombshell of this rather depressing week of course was Isaac’s announcement about demobilisation of the Forces and the release of munition workers – it has caused widespread disappointment amongst everyone – the usual sarcastic remarks one hears are ‘the Govt (if there was an election tomorrow you can take it from me everyone would vote against the Socialists!) are going to give all the best jobs to the munitions works and damn the ex-serviceman’ though damn was not the word used by all.  All being well I should be out in March if I’m lucky – after nearly seven years full time years in the army – nearly seven years (6 and 8 months), Maz, it seems fantastic doesn’t it, it has shaken me to the core – articled in 1936 qualified, if I ever do, in 1946!  Yes, I shall qualify all right, don’t worry about that, though sometimes one can’t help feeling a wee bit bitter, can one?  Your holiday is now fast approaching and I know how much you are looking forward to it – may the weather be really kind to you.  I must close now, so many magazines have come this week for which many thanks – (I thought David Papillon’s letter was extremely wet!).  Much love, Maz dear, I do hope you are now feeling yourself again.

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 27 AU 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Aug 26^th 1945 rec Aug 30^th 1945.          (3)

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)

From: – Wing Commander G. Matthews, R.A.F.

            Senior British Officer P.O.W.

                        MIYATA (Fukuoka 9) Kyushu, Japan.

Subject:-

MALTREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR BY LIEUTENANT SAKAMOTO, CAMP COMMANDANT MIYATA CAMP, AND SERGEANT KURIHARA.

3^rd in Command

1. I wish to report the above officer and NCO, of the Japanese Army for crimes against British, Dutch, American and Australian prisoners of war at Miyata Camp and Fukuoka sub-camp No. 1.  Without exaggeration it can be stated that their reign of terror, combined with their direct contravention of almost every clause of the Geneva Convention of 1929 deserve the severest punishment that can be meted out.  When hostilities ceased the Camp Commandant obviously received the strictest instructions in treat the prisoners well, but in spite of this, several cases of beating took place after 15^th August 1945.  With regard to maltreatment during the war there is evidence to show that the Japanese authorities at Fakuoka were aware at least of the reputation of Lt. Sakamoto, but they deliberately closed their eyes to his misdemeanours as he was obtaining results in the way of production of vegetables and in keeping up the output of coal.

• 45 British Officers of the 3 services left Zentsuji on Shikohu in 25.6.45 and arrived in Miyata on 26.6.45.  They were informed on arrival by the Commandant through the Japanese Interpreter, that if they failed to obey orders they would be bayoneted to death.  The following day all these officers were ordered to work and the day after that they commenced agricultural work at the mine farm, which involved leaving the Camp at 0700 hrs. and returning about 1745 hrs. seven days out of eight.  During the first 3 or 4 days in Miyata Camp these officers were subjected individually to a series of beatings by the guards with rifles, sticks, fists and feet, for the most trivial offences, or for no offence at all, doubtless on the instructions of Lt. Sakamoto with the idea of licking the new officers into shape.  The guards were drawn from the 195 Regiment: some of them were of the lowest type who welcomed a chance to beat prisoners, knowing that they could not retaliate.  Incidentally, we have never yet seen any orders which set out the rules and regulations of this Camp.

• The following is a selection of some of the worst cases of ill-treatment for all of which SAKAMOTO must be held responsible and in some of which KURIHARA was directly involved.  It is pointed out that these cases apply only to British personnel; the Dutch prisoner-of-war in this Camp have been treated as badly or even worse, on varying occasions.  The individual items which follow are given under 3 headings viz: Those witnessed by officers ex Zentsuji at Miyata, those witnessed by officers ex Taiwan at Miyata, and those by officers ex Fukuoka at Fukuoka No. 1 Sub-Camp.

• A. (i). BY ZENTSUJI OFFICERS, Officers have throughout their time here been ordered to work, in direct contravention of the Geneva Convention 1929, and, we were informed at Zentsuji, directly contrary to the instructions of the Japanese P.O.W. Information Bureau, which controls the treatment of war prisoners.  The work the officers were forced to do was not confined to farm work but included loading sacks of rice and coal for the Camp (elderly officers up to 59 – some with hernia being selected for this) moving put-props at the mine and emptying latrines at the Camp.  Much of the work was supervised by boys of 16 or upwards who carried sticks and were continually using them.  The work was carried out almost invariably at high pressure.  The only English spoken by some of the guards being “Hurry up.”  Officers had to work in water in paddy-fields which caused many cuts and sores which took weeks to heal up.

(ii). Although not under the control of SAKAMOTO the food question must be mentioned here.  Officers were allowed 360 grams (13 ozs) of rice and 190 grams (6½ oz) of flour per day.  The work was so arduous that this ration (approx 1900 calories) was quite insufficient and during the first fortnight here the Zentsuji officers last an average of 2.8 Kilos (6.16 lbs), and the Fukuoka officers 4.5 Kilos (9.9 lbs) per officer.  No extra food could be obtained but work could have been reduced.  Several applications to the Japanese Interpreter for this to be done were ignored.

(iii). In spite of protests to the Japanese Interpreter all Japanese Military and civilians, were permitted to administer corporal punishment for any offence, real or fancied.

(iv). All Japanese, including boys of 16 had to be saluted at all times, even in the dark.

(v). Hospital patients and cripples received only 360 grs. (13 oz) of rice per day.

(vi). On the 6th August SAKAMOTO attended the sick parade of the Japanese doctor and ordered 46 men to be discharged from hospital.  Some of these men could hardly stand.  They were all called out on working parade in the camp the following day.  Witness – Capt. Hilfmann, Dutch M.O.

(vii). The sick were frequently sent to work down the mine.  One man was sent to the mine with a temperature of 104^o.  Witness – same.

(viii). Major P.W. William Powlett M.C., was severely beaten with the flat of the butt, and the butt end of a rifle for failing to salute a guard the day after arrival in the Camp.  When the senior officer (myself) protested against this he was kicked in the stomach by the guard commander who had ordered the beating.

(ix). Major William Powlett was beaten on the head and body with a pick-helve by the same guard commander when reporting the number of officers leaving the Camp as a working party.  His report was correct.  His head was split open behind the ear, and one rib was cracked.

(x). Lt. Neville Simpson had his eardrum pierced by a blow from a guard.

(xi). Major I.S. Graham sustained a similar injury on the 19^th August 1945, after we had been notified of the cessation of hostilities.

(xii). Just prior to 7^th August 1945 the camp suffered a reduction of 10% in the rice ration.  The Senior Officer prisoners (myself) made every effort to see the Camp Commandant to point out that the food was insufficient, but all efforts failed.  He was never once able to obtain an interview with the Camp Commandant up to the time of the Armistice.  He approached several members of the Camp Staff including KURIHARA but no satisfaction was obtained.  On roll-call on the evening of 7^th August all British officers, except those ex Fukuoka were ordered to remain behind.  Between 90-100 officers were involved.  They were given a long harangue by Sgt. KURIHARA on the sins of Britain e.g. slavery in India, China, and were informed that they were all to be beaten because the senior officer had attempted to see the Camp Comd. (SAKAMOTO) to make a complaint.  A request was made that the sick and elderly officers (two of 59 years of age) should be allowed to fall out.  This was refused.  All officers were ordered to assume the on the hands down position and they were beaten on the posterior with bamboo sticks and poles by KURIHARA assisted by some of the guards.  The whole affair lasted about 40 mins.  it is the general opinion that this was carried out by orders of SAKAMOTO, so that he would not be worried by complaints from the prisoner.  One sick officer was struck on the base of the spine and he fainted.  He was carried into the bathroom by the guards and they revived him by throwing buckets of water over him.  During the talk the officers were made to hold their hands above their heads for a prolonged period during which they were belaboured by the guards if their hands dropped an inch or so.  Officers received 3-10 strokes each and some received severe bruises on hip-bones, spine and buttocks.

(xiii). On the 17^th Aug. after the cessation of hostilities 4 Dutch O.R’s were beaten in the above manner by Cpl. KURIHARA for making music in their huts.

(xiv). On one occasion 5 officers received contradictory orders regarding falling-in for a work party.  They arrived a few minutes late on parade.  Lt. Woodcock, R.E. was attacked by KATSUKI a civilian member of the staff who struck this officer until with his first cutting his chin necessitating 2 stitches.  Skipper Cowling was then attacked with a saw and his cheek deeply cut.

(xv). While naked in the bathroom on 5.7.45. Capt. J.H. Walsh was attacked by the guard commander (vide viii and ix above) with a pick-helve and hit 3 times across the head and twice across the mouth.  Abrasions were caused on the mouth and much blood lost and also swellings on the head.  Reason given was that this officer had not saluted quickly enough.  Capt. Walsh is 50 years of age.

(xvi).   Also on 5.7.45. the same guard comd. for allegedly the same offence attacked Capt S.A. Lambert (aged 48) who was sick in his room.  The guard kicked him in the abdomen and off his feet.  When struggling up he was again attacked.  Capt. Lambert was in great distress for 4 days after the occurrence.

B. (i).  BY OFFICERS EX-TAIWAN.  On 11^th June 1945 Capt. Radcliffe, senior

officer of the Taiwan party was badly beaten by a guard for being late in saluting.  He was beaten for 45 mins.  He fainted twice and while unconscious he was badly kicked about.  He was then put into a cell in the guard-room where he was hit on the head with sticks by the guards.  He fainted again and when he came to he asked for water.  They threw a bucket of urine over him.  Capt. Radcliffe was in hospital for 2 days after this occurrence.  He was the Senior British Officer in the Camp at the time. 

(Report attached marked A.)

     (ii). Lieutenant E.B. Thomas and F.N. Furness were brutally beaten with sticks

 and the flat of a bayonet while working on the farm.  Capt. Radcliffe accompanied these officers to the Japanese office on return to the camp to protest about this treatment.  Their protest was overheard by the Camp Comdr. (SAKAMOTO) who without waiting for any explanation came into the general office and attacked all three officers with his fists saying that they had not worked hard enough. 

(See reports attached marked B and C.)

C. BY OFFICERS EX-FUKUOKA.

            (i). Lance-Bombardier CHILTON was brutally attacked by Lt. SAKAMOTO at

Fukuoka No. 1 Sub-Camp.  The NCO was beaten until he fell down.   SAKAMOTO then kicked him in the body and behind the left ear until the NCO lost consciousness. 

(Report attached Marked D.)

From the behaviour of Lt. SAKAMOTO and Sgt. KURIHARA it is observed that they are two varying types although both appear to be consumed with hate for the Allies and are therefore the last persons to be in authority over prisoners-of-war.  SAKAMOTO was promoted from the ranks for bravery in the field and obviously has a reputation for getting things done.  He is ill-educated, a boor, and completely ruthless.  KURIHARA is better educated, but is a complete hypocrite.  He has many high sounding phrases about protecting the prisoners from dangers outside the Camp, but he makes no effort to control his violent temper and he has stolen more Red Cross food supplies than any other Japanese in the Camp.  He had a stock in the building in which the guards are housed, and he was observed by the Dutch Orderly to be consuming a tin of meat a day then there was none available for the prisoner-of-war.  Guards leaving the Camp were given Red Cross butter, meat and fish, as an iron ration.  KURIHARA’s brother has recently been staying in the vicinity and he took away a large package when he left a few days ago.

SAKAMOTO, on the other hand, has never been known to misappropriate Red Cross Supplies.

• The officers from Zentsuji wondered on arrival at Miyata why no-one smiled or looked pleasant.  They soon discovered that the vast majority of prisoners were under a spell of fear.  It is difficult for an outsider to appreciate the state of mind reached by these prisoners after months of physical and mental torture for which these two war criminals were chiefly responsible.

G. Matthews

Wing Cdr. R.A.F.

Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry by order of Lieut. Colonel. R. R. Petrie, R.A.S.C., on 23^rd August 1945 at Fukuoka No. 12 POW Camp to inquire into the circumstances whereby 148034 Lieut. A. N. SIMPSON, R.A. 6^th Heavy A.A. Regiment, R.A., received injuries resulting from maltreatment by a Japanese guard.

President:                  Major G. CAMPBELL, R.A.

Members:                  (Capt. R.J. KIMBER, R.A.S.C.

(Capt. K. CAMPBELL R.A.

The Court having been duly convened, proceeds to take evidence:

148034 Lieutenant A.N. SIMPSON, R.A. states:-

On 7^th August 1945 at 19.45 hrs. I was accused of smoking a pipe in my quarters by a Japanese sentry during forbidden hours.  I showed him the extinct pipe which was still warm whereupon he assaulted me, striking me across the face with clenched and open fists.  Several of the blows landed on my left ear.  I was then ordered outside the hut and struck again across the face and ears.  I was then forced to lie on the ground in the “press up” position, and clubbed repeatedly on the base of the spine and buttocks with a rifle.

Again at 2015 hrs. I was ordered to the Guard-room and there assaulted with bamboos and fists.  The blows on both my face and body.  As a result of this treatment I noticed almost total deafness in my left ear, and my spine was badly bruised.  Next morning I reported to the Dutch Medical Officer.

A.N. Simpson Lieutenant.

190915 Lieut. R. P. M. BELL, R.A. states:-

At 1945 hrs. on 7^th August 1945, I was in my room preparing to go on evening roll-call with Lieut. Simpson.  A Japanese guard came into the room and struck Lieut. Simpson across the face many times, and then took him outside the hut from where I heard further sounds of striking.

R.P.M. Bell…Lieutenant.

Officier van gerondheid 1^e classe K.N.I.L.  M.M. HILFMAN.

 (Dutch Medical Officer in Fukuoka No. 12 Camp) states:-

On the morning of 8^th August 1945, Lieut. Simpson came to see me and report deafness in his left ear as a result of beating by a Japanese sentry.

I examined his ear and noticed in the upper right quadrant, a hole with irregular edges partly covered with blood.

G. CAMPBELL, President.

Major R.A.               

                        R.J. KIMBER, Capt.)            Members

K. CAMPBELL Capt. R.A.)                        

Fukuoka No. 12 Camp

23^rd August 1945

Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry by order of Lieut. Colonel. R. R. Petrie, R.A.S.C., on 23^rd August 1945 at Fukuoka No. 12 POW Camp to inquire into the circumstances whereby 13023 Lieut. E.B. DAVIES, Federated Malay States Volunteer Force attached 80^th Anti-Tank Regiment R.A., received injuries while doing compulsory work as ordered by the Japanese Prison Commandant.

President:                  Major G. CAMPBELL, R.A.

Members:                  (Capt. R.J. KIMBER, R.A.S.C.

(Capt. K. CAMPBELL R.A.

The Court having been duly convened proceeds to take evidence:

13023 Lieut. E.B. DAVIES, F.M.S.V.F. states:-

On 27^th July, 1945, while working under orders of the Japanese Sergeant in charge of the daily Officer P.O.W. working party, I was ordered to cut grass.  While doing this the sickle slipped on a root and cut my left hand severely.  After about two hours I was taken to the hospital in a neighbouring village where the wound was attended to and stitched by a Japanese doctor.  After return from work I reported to the Dutch doctor and the Japanese Office in Camp.

E.B. Davies Lieutenant.

Officier van gerondheid 1^e classe K.N.I.L.  M.M. HILFMAN.

 (Dutch Medical Officer in Fukuoka No. 12 Camp) states:-

Lieut. Davies reported to me on the evening of 27^th August. 1945, with an injured left hand.  I examined the hand and noticed two cuts, one across the knuckle of the forefinger, inflicted by the sickle, and the second in line with the tendon which had been made by the Japanese surgeon in order to gain access to the tendon.  Both cuts had been stitched so I only dressed the outside of the wounds.  The finger could be lifted at that time so I concluded that the surgeon had connected both parts of the cut tendon.

After four days inflammation started and I had to open the stitches in order to let out the pus.  After another four days it became clear that the finger could not be lifted any more, so in my opinion a second operation is necessary when the inflammation is altogether clear, otherwise the function of stretching the finger will be lost.

G. CAMPBELL, President.

Major R.A.               

                        R.J. KIMBER, Capt.)            Members

K. CAMPBELL Capt. R.A.)                        

Fukuoka No. 12 Camp

23^rd August 1945

Major P.C. Benham

G Branch

HQ I Corps District

B.L.A..

Sunday morning 19 Aug 45

My dearest Maz,

I was so delighted to get your most welcome letter on Wednesday written on the 11^th – poor old Maz, what a nasty time you had.  I do so hope you feel really better now, it sounds very much like Dorothy’s attack of 48 hour flu – it is no fun at any time to feel rotten, but, as you say, far worse when you have to run a house yourself.  I got a wizard consignment of papers from you the other day and two consignments of DF baccy, for all of which many thanks.  I had a long chat yesterday morning with John Wilson – I had no idea that he has 3 children, his wife and family live near Aldershot.  He told me that Peggy Turnbull’s husband, Steward I think his name was, was killed recently in Burma – he was a full colonel in the Signal Corps – very sad.

What momentous news on Tuesday night, to think that nearly 6 years ago today Pari and I were mobilised – it seems in so many ways almost a life-time doesn’t it – now at long last the world is at peace again – may it never happen again and may we go forward to enjoy the fruits of our 6 years toil.  On Wednesday evening I went to the Iselohn Church where there was a special Thanksgiving Service, a very impromptu one which was not very well attended.  Thursday was a semi holiday and apart from an hour or so in the office during the morning I had the day off.  It made a very good break in a week which has during working hours found me extremely busy.  Tim Roberts went off on leave yesterday so until Trevor Harrison gets back on Thursday I am very much on my own with no possible chance of getting out.  They have now announced the release dates for groups 17 and 18 between 7-21 October so Tim Roberts whose group is 18 will not have many more weeks with us.  My entertainment activities this week have been threefold and oneach occasion really good.  On Thursday night I was asked to go and see the preview of a film called ‘The Way to the Stars’.  It is an English film and was being shown for one night only in a barn which has been magnificently converted into a miniature cinema holding 30-40 people – very comfortable arm chairs etc.  the film is an English production, all about a RAF station’s history through the war which was later handed over to the Americans.  The actors of note were John Mills, Michael Redgrave Stanley Holloway Basil Radford and Rosamund John (?) and I think it was one of the finest films I have ever seen, it knocked any Yank film into a cocked hat – first class acting photography etc.  you mustn’t miss it when it comes to Colchester.

Tim had dinner with me on Friday night and afterwards we went along to the ENSA show – the play was not a very strong one but the acting was extremely good – Rene Ray and Phyllis Dare were the two outstanding people in it – the troops, who don’t usually like a comedy played by ENSA, loved it.  Last night was a guest night and we killed five of our chickens in honour of the occasion.  We played a mild game of poker afterwards and after being very well up at about three quarters time with some amazing hands I never held another ‘bidding’ hand and finished up at 2 am this morning exactly 3d up!!  Charles on my right just didn’t have any fortune at all the whole evening and was the biggest loser.

Very shortly I must slip up to the office and just see what’s cooking and this afternoon I’m hoping, provided the weather holds, to get a game of tennis – at the moment it is very grey and looks as though it may pour at any moment.  I can’t ever remember a week of such vile weather, the sun has hardly been out at all and we have had no days without some rain.  I keep thinking of the wonderful weather we had on our leave and the marvellous time we had.  When you receive this, Eileen will be back and out for good – she sounded so excited about it in her last letter to me and is longing to get the flat in order – it makes me all the more impatient to get back and join her and to be back again with you all.  Now, Maz dear, I really must go up to the barracks.  I do so hope you are feeling really better and that you are taking things very easy – an attack of flu like that makes you feel very low for a bit.  My love to Pari and Elli – much love

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 20 AU 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Aug 19^th 1945 rec Aug 22^nd 1945.         (2)

Post VJ-Day August 1945

(Pacific)

On the 16^th August 1945, the day after VJ-Day, “Emperor Hirohito” issued an order for all Japanese forces to cease fire. Simultaneously the Japanese cabinet resigned therefore acknowledging the Second World War was over. The one exception to “Hirohito’s” order, was an intelligence officer, Hiroo Onoda who refused to believe the was over.  For nearly thirty years he conducted a guerrilla war on Lubang Island in the Philippines and living mostly off the land. He refused to surrender when contacted in 1974 until he was relieved of duty by his former commanding officer. Upon returning to Japan he received a hero’s welcome and afterwards led an interesting life and died at the age of 91 in 2014.

Prior to taking over command of the Japanese government, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur issued General Order No 1 on the 17^th August 1945. This order was approved by U.S. President Truman and announced at the Japanese Surrender Ceremony on the 2^nd September 1945. The order instructed, firstly, that all Japanese forces surrender to designated Allied commanders. Secondly that all military developments must be revealed and finally that all military equipment was to be preserved for later disarmament.

For over three years the British Crown colony of Hong Kong was occupied by Imperial Japan. The outnumbered British defenders, after fierce fighting, surrendered to the Japanese on the 25^th December 1941 and many thousands of defenders taken as prisoners-of-war. HMS Swiftsure, a light cruiser, entered Hong Kong harbour as flagship for the British Pacific Fleet. On the 30^0h August 1945 Swiftsure hoistedher flag to accept the Japanese surrender.

0n the 29^th August 1945 U.S. General MacArthur was ordered by his president to administer authority over the Japanese government in Tokyo. The task was duly carried out on the 31^st August 1945. American high command chose to allow the Japanese state to exist, which included “Emperor Hirohito”, would be ultimately under U.S. control. While the majority of Allies wanted “Hirohito” to step down and face war criminal charges, MacArthur disagreed and he argued that a cooperating “Hirohito” would establish a peaceful allied occupation. MacArthur created a plan for the emperor to be retained as a figurehead monarch and separated him from the militarists, therefore absolving him of any war crime activities. As “Hirohito” was always considered “God” by the Japanese population MacArthur was assured cooperation of the Japanese people. Anything that went wrong would automatically be blamed on the previous Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo.

(Other Theatres)

Norway was a neutral country prior to the German invasion of 1940. Vidkun Quisling was a Norwegian military officer and politician who had fascist views regarding the Norwegian Jewish community. When Germany occupied Norway, Quisling washead of the country’s government as a Nazi collaborator. As well as participating in Germany’s war efforts the collaborationist government deported many Jews out of the country. Their destination was to concentration camps n occupied Poland, where most were killed. At the end of the Second World War in Europe, during the legal purge of the collaborationist government, Quisling was put on trial for war crimes. He was found guilty of high treason against the Norwegian State. The charges also included murder and embezzlement for which he was sentenced to death. Quisling was executed by firing squad on the 24^th October 1945.

————————————————–

Major P.C. Benham

G Branch

HQ I Corps District

B.L.A..

Sunday 12 Aug 45

REMEMBER VINES.

My dearest Maz,

I didn’t write yesterday as my letter would only have been a very hurried one and wouldn’t have been posted any earlier than one written with my undivided attention today.  Before I tell you about my journey back, here’s thanking you for what, without a shadow of doubt, was quite the best leave ever – You were, in every way, the complete hero – I just can’t thank you enough for all the things you did for us – didn’t we have some wizard days and so much variety?  Those wonderful days at Walton, the tennis, golf and the host of other things, food for every meal par excellence, yes, it was a super leave.  This time last week (how often has one said that during the last 6 years) we were just on our way to Walton trying to eat ices without making a mess – it is now 10.50 am and a glorious day on the beach was ahead of us.  I had a ‘fair’ journey back – we got up to London absolutely on time and the Taxi got us to Victoria at 9.15.  After finding the right platform we had a cup of coffee and then wandered quietly along through a seething mass of returning troops to the train which was due out at 10.20.  I found myself a seat but then wasn’t allowed out past the barrier but Eileen and I had a good last minute chat over the barrier and we had to part at 10.15.  Charles arrived just after 10 ocl and we found a seat for him.  We went via Dover and arrived after a lot of hanging around at Calais at 5.45 to find that our train to Munster was due to leave just after 6 which didn’t leave us long in which to get dinner.  We then spent 19 solid hours in the train, fortunately I was fairly tired so got a bit of sleep and you can imagine how wonderfully welcome those sandwiches (in excellent condition) were.  We got in to Munster at 1.30 pm on Thursday and it was while we were there that we heard the first rumours of the Jap surrender offer.  A 3 ton lorry had us back, unshaved and unwashed, in the Mess by 6 ocl.  I didn’t go up to the office but had a good shave and bath before ‘becoming’ involved in an impromptu mess party to celebrate the Jap surrender.  (I still don’t know whether the Jap war really is over!)  Anyway it was wonderful news and we celebrated accordingly!

Yesterday saw me back to the grindstone again and I had a nonstop day – my G3 went off on leave on Thursday and I found several major worries to deal with though I’m told by Tim Roberts that they haven’t been at all overworked in my absence.  He asked me to have dinner with him last night and afterwards we went out to see a really excellent thriller called ‘Laura’ – no James Mason was not in it!  There was no one well known in the cast but it was well worth seeing.  I had expected to find myself on duty today but some kind person thinking I wouldn’t be back until yesterday has put me down for Tuesday night.  Later on this morning I shall walk up to the office and see what’s cooking and this afternoon I’m playing a game of tennis with a chap who fancies himself in the tennis line a lot.  In my absence they have got 4 hard courts going and racquets and balls can be borrowed free of charge from the groundsman – I shall be very interested to see what it’s like.

I have no concrete information about the later age groups being released but there is an air of great expectancy about that the thing is being speeded up (age group 16 has been brought forward 3 weeks) and I honestly think there is a reasonable chance of my being out by the end of the year – certainly in January – which is most cheering.  All being well some definitely news should be forthcoming today about the war in the Far East, how wonderful if it really is over – how relieved many anxious families in England will be.  Later on today I will be writing separate little notes to Pari and Elli, so will close now and get myself ready for the office.  Again, Maz dear, thanks for everything when I was home and may the time go very quickly between now and my return for good.  God bless you and much love.

            Yours as ever

very affectionately

                        Peter

NB I hope the maxim at the head of the letter is still ringing in your ears!

In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.

Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 13 AU 45.  Signed P.C. Benham.  

On front of envelope Written Aug 12^th 1945 rec Aug 17^th 1945.          (1)

August 1945

(Liberated Europe)

In the Soviet Union occupied German city of Potsdam, the Potsdam Conference ended on the 2^nd August 1945. The reason for the conference was to administer a defeated Germany after VE–Day and ultimately force Japan to agree to the terms of an unconditional surrender. The participants of the conference were British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, President Harry Truman of the United States and General Secretary Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. After a general election in Britain Churchill was replaced by Clement Attlee, as prime minister, on the 26^th July 1945, the same day the Potsdam Declaration was released.

Historically, Russian-Japanese relations were marked by antagonism since the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 ending with Russia being defeated. The Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact, signed in 1941, allowed the Soviet Union to concentrate on defeating Germany rather than face the war on two fronts. When Germany was defeated the possibility of Soviet participation in the Pacific War seriously began to be considered by both Allies and Soviet leadership. Before engaging in the war against Japan, the Soviet Union aimed to maximise its gains in East Asia. The Soviet Union’s declaration of war on the 8^th August 1945 was not coincidental. The United States had dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the Soviet Union wished to enter the war before the bombing of Nagasaki. By doing so before the inevitable defeat of Japan they would capitalise in the post-war settlement.

(Pacific)

Heavy Cruiser USS Indianapolis was given the top-secret mission to deliver to Tinian Island in the Pacific, the components for the atomic bombs.  After delivering the bombs she continued enroute to Guam. On the 30^th July 1945 she was struck by two torpedoes fired from a Japanese submarine. Within twelve minutes Indianapolis sank taking with her 300 crew members. With too few lifeboats and many without life jackets the remaining 890 crew members were adrift in shark infested waters.      For whatever reason U.S. Navy command knew nothing of the tragedy until survivors were spotted three days later. On the 2^nd August 1945 a routine patrol flight of a PV-1 Ventura and Catalina flying boat spotted the survivors and the Ventura immediately dropped a life raft and radio transmitter. Immediately all air and surface units were despatched to the scene. First to arrive was an amphibious Catalina flying boat, whose captain disobeyed orders not to land in the open ocean after dropping off life rafts to the survivors. The Catalina was rendered unflyable after taking on board as many survivors as possible. Seven rescue destroyers arrived after nightfall and the first used its searchlight for the picking up the remaining survivors. The Catalina was destroyed as it could not be recovered. Only 316 of the 890 men set adrift survived. Many were injured, all were suffering from lack of food and water and many died from exposure to the elements. Hundreds of sharks were drawn to the wreck and after picking off the dead and wounded they began to attack the survivors. The number of deaths attributed to shark attacks range from a few dozen to 150.

U.S. Navy command kept operations plotting boards which monitored all ships in the area. It was assumed ships as large as Indianapolis would reach their destination on time unless otherwise informed. Indianapolis was removed from the operations board on the 31^st July 1945 when she should have arrived at Leyte, therefore her position was based on predictions not on actual facts. There was no report made that she was overdue.

The navy, in the first official statement, said that possibly distress calls were keyed by radio operators and transmitted. However, there is no evidence that any distress message from Indianapolis was received by any ships. One of the 316 survivors of the sinking was Charles B McVay III, commander of Indianapolis. In November 1945 McVay was Court-Martialled on two charges. The first was failing to order the crew to abandon ship, but as one of the last to abandon the ship he was cleared of the charge. The second charge was for “hazarding the ship by failing to zigzag”. McVay had been ordered to zigzag at his discretion but Naval headquarters had failed to inform him of Japanese submarine activity in the vicinity. McVay was convicted of the charge but eventually the charge was overturned and he was restored to active service. McVay was the only captain to be Court-Martialled for the loss of his ship due to enemy action in combat.

The Japanese Field Service Code of 1941 adopted the “Do not surrender” policy which forbade soldiers to surrender, thereby stiffening Japanese resolve to fight to the death. Japanese culture during the Second World War was that surrender was dishonourable. When called upon all military personnel were expected to die in battle or return home victorious. Japan was a defeated nation on all fronts but still they wouldn’t surrender. The Potsdam Declaration was issued on the 26^th July 1945, and among other points regarding the reshaping of Europe, Japan was required to unconditionally surrender. U.S. President Harry Truman was aware many American lives would be lost during an amphibius attack against mainland Japan. Even women and children were taught how to fight with basic weapons and, if necessary, die for the emperor. The Japanese did not respond to the Potsdam Declaration and on the 5^thAugust 1945 Truman ordered that the atomic bomb was to be dropped on Hiroshima.

With the decision taken to attack Hiroshima with an atomic bomb, three separate Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers took off from Tinian Island and rendezvoused over Iwo Jima. The B-29 first was the Enola Gay, named after the pilot’s mother, and transported the unarmed atomic bomb, codenamed Little Boy. The second B-29 was there to film the Little Boy being dropped and the third B-29 for weather reconnaissance. At approximately 07.45 hrs on the 6^th August 1945, Little Boy was armed and Enola Gay ascended from a cruising height of 8,000 ft to a bombing height of 31,000 ft When released over Hiroshima at 08.15 hrs it took Little Boy 53 seconds to fall to the predetermined detonation height of 1,968 ft. Enola Gay had travelled about 11.5 miles before she felt the shock waves of the blast. Although buffeted by the blast the first two B-29s were undamaged and landed safely. The third B-29 was damaged but still landed safely. The blast from Little Boy destroyed about three-quarters of the city and approximately 75,000 people were killed with another 70,000 injured. When Enola Gay landed her captain, Colonel Fred Tibbets, was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross immediately after descending from the aircraft. Japan still did not surrender after the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima therefore a second atomic bomb attack was deemed necessary. Almost everything went wrong on the Nagasaki bomb attack whereas the Hiroshima bomb attack everything went right, “the perfect mission”. The mission of B-29 Superfortress Bockscar was brought forward two days to the 9^th August 1945 ln order to miss the forecasted bad weather. Bockscar took-off from Tinian Island at 03.47 hrs with the atomic bomb Fat Man loaded and partially armed, but  a few minutes after take-off the arming was completed. The flight engineer of Bockscar discovered a fuel transfer pump was not working whilst conducting a pre-flight inspection. This meant fuel carried as reserve could not be used but changing the pump could take many hours. Moving Fat Man into another B-29 would take just as long, it was also dangerous as the bomb was fully armed. The decision was taken to fly with the inoperable pump. Instead of flying separately as they did on the Hiroshima raid, accompanying Bockscar were the two B-29s acting as observer and weather reconnaissance. Despite assurance the weather over the prime target, the city of Kokura and secondary target of Nagasaki were clear, the three aircraft ran into thunderstorms. On the bomb control panel of Bockscar, unexpectantly a white light came on which turned out to be misplaced switch. This light only illuminated when the bomb was about to be released. Upon arrival off the coast of Japan one B-29 failed to make the rendezvous. The two B-29s circled the rendezvous area for forty minutes whilst waiting for third to appear, but with fuel running low they proceeded to Kokora approximately thirty minutes away. The delay meant clouds had developed over the city and black smoke from a previous B-29 firestorm raid obscured the bombing area. After the third attempted bomb run Japanese anti-aircraft guns were getting too close. With fuel conditions becoming critical the secondary target of Nagasaki was selected. When approaching Nagasaki low cloud had obscured the city, but a last-minute break in the clouds and flying at the prescribed height for dropping Fat Man, Bockscar visibly sighted the target. The bomb was dropped at 11.01 hrs and exploded 47 seconds later. The major portion of the city was protected by intervening hills and the blast was confined to the Urakami Valley. It was later estimated that 39,000 people were killed and a further 25,000 injured. Bockscar arrived unannounced at Okinawa and repeatedly attempted to contact the control tower that they were almost out of fuel. Not receiving an answer and with only enough fuel for one landing attempt they came in too fast. The control tower was alerted to the emergency landing by Bockscar firing off every flare on board. On the final approach one engine died from fuel starvation and by reversing the remaining three propellers coupled with the two pilots standing on the brakes, the aircraft came to a stop after a 90 degree turn to avoid running off the runway. The fuel situation was so critical a second engine ran out of fuel before the plane came to a stop and as they were not expected there was nobody there to greet them.                                                 

Prior to nuclear weapons being used the Japanese government considered adopting the Potsdam Declaration. They received the translation of the initial English radio transmission and concluded the acceptance of the terms were unavoidable. However, it was thought further negotiations should be sought regarding the form of Japanese government and the status of “Emperor Hirohito”. After meeting with the emperor, the prime minister stated Hirohito deemed the Declaration acceptable in principle. On the 10^th August 1945 the government replied their willingness to agree to the terms subject to further negotiations.          

A military coup was attempted on the night of the 14^th August 1945 just before the unconditional surrender of Imperial Japan to the Allies. The coup was attempted by the Staff Office of the Ministry of War of Japan and many from the Imperial Guard. Their aim was to prevent the surrender of Japan and place “Emperor Hirohito” under house arrest. The rebel army officials wished to destroy “Emperor Hirohito’s” pre-recorded surrender speech and assassinate Japan’s present Prime Minister Kantara Suzuki. However, the destruction of the pre-recorded speech and Suzuki’s assassination did not happen. Over 18,000 rebels and officers failed to convince the remaining 25,000 soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army to oust the Imperial House of Japan. The four rebel leaders committed suicide. As a result, the recorded speech of “Emperor Hirohito” continued as planned.            

The pre-recorded speech of “Emperor Hirohito’s” unconditional surrender was by way of a radio broadcast on the 15^th August 1945. For the majority of the population of Japan they had never heard “Hirohito’s” voice before even though they pledged their allegiance to him. Britain and approximately 70% of the American public wanted “Hirohito” tried as a war criminal. U.S. General Douglass MacArthur did not approve of the idea. He reasoned that “Hirohito’s” cooperation would help to establish a peaceful Allied occupation regime in Japan. Eventually “Hirohito” was absolved as a war criminal. From the time of the surrender “Hirohito” remained as Emperor until his death in 1989.

15^th August ’45 – Victory Over Japan Day (VJ-Day)

VJ- Day was the day that Imperial Japan finally surrendered and effectively ended the Second World War. The whole world recognises the victory as being the 15^th August 1945. However, America recognises the 2^nd September 1945 as being VJ-Day when the formal surrender was signed on board USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

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