9 Coast Gunners

Remembered with Honour

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James Henry Mason

1941

In Memory of Gunner 851512 James Henry Mason

Died 21st November 1944 - Age 30

James Henry Mason, Arrived at Spinx BTY and escaped to the Dutch Islands.

In October 1942 600 POW with their commander Lt. Col. J Bassett were loaded onto a ship, stopping in Surabaya in Indonesia and continuing to Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. In November the 517 fittest men were shipped out to Japanese camp on Balalae Island, and were set to work building a runway still in use today.

Many died from overwork and tropical diseases, but a great number were killed by air raids on the island, in June 1943 another heavy air raid followed from the US Navy convincing the Japanese they were about to be invaded, On 30th June Japanese decided to execute all surviving prisoners where 70-100 men were bayonetted or beheaded.

After the war ended the remains of 400 men were removed and now buried at Bomana Commonwealth War Cemetery in Port Moresby. No war crime convictions for the events on Balalae were ever made.

Of the 80 odd less healthy men left behind in Rabaul the only survivors only 18 men who had been transferred to Watom survived.

In Memory of Gunner 872393 John Robert Redpath

Died February 1942 MIA

John was stationed at Palau Sajahat on Tekong Island. It was used by the British as a defence post to protect the straits of Johore and the Naval facilities at Sembawang from enemy attack.

On the 14th February 1942 they left Sajahat under the cover of darkness on small boats lead by Lieut Jones.

John was seen on Bitan Island in Tan Jong Pinang, they were retreating by boat.

Leuit Batemans party came across another group of men and mentioned they were stationed on a smaller island, and they were trying to get some food. John was then seen at Pedang.

We are currently trying to find out what happened to John and his story isn't over yet.