Government House

CANBERRA ACT 2600

 

5 February 2019

 

It is notified for general information that the Governor-General has approved the following Gallantry awards for Far East Prisoners of War:

 

In recognition of bravery and courage as an Australian prisoner of war who died while escaping from the Imperial Japanese forces or who were executed following recapture.:

 

 

 

COMMENDATION FOR GALLANTRY

 

Australian Army

 

Private Phillip Mowbray BESSELL

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942.

 

Private John Edward DURKIN

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in early March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt on 14 August 1945.

 

Private James Frederick ELMORE

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army until his death on 22 May 1945, as a result of an escape attempt in March 1945.

 

Lieutenant Wilkins FITZALLEN

For acts of gallantry in action while held in captivity, during his escape and subsequent recapture by the Imperial Japanese Army on Dutch Timor during the period 23 February 1942 until his execution on, or before, 23 October 1942.

 

Private Arthur Edward FORD

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army on 15 February 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt on 17 March 1942.

 

Private Jack Victor JONES

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942, until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942.

 

Private Norman Heather McARTNEY

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army on 15 February 1942, until his execution as a result of as escape attempt on 12 July 1943.


 

 

Sergeant Howard Thomas MANNING

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942.

 

Private Sidney Arthur WEBBER

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army on 15 February 1942 until his death as a result of escaping on 18 June 1945.

 

Sergeant Bertram John WEST

For acts of gallantry in action while held in captivity, during his escape and subsequent recapture by the Imperial Japanese Army on Dutch Timor during the period

23 February 1942 until his execution on, or before,

23 October 1942.

 

Sergeant Henry WHITTON

For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942.

 

Royal Australian Air Force

 

Squadron Leader Daryl Maxwell SPROULE DFC

For acts of gallantry in action following his capture by the Imperial Japanese Navy until his execution as a result of an escape attempt around the middle of August 1943.

 

By His Excellency’s command

 

T:\Images\Scanned Signatures\Paul Singer signature.png

Paul Singer MVO
A/g Official Secretary to the Governor-General