Royal Artillery Java

Discussion in 'General' started by Moonduster, Nov 4, 2019.

  1. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    Does anyone know anything about the Royal Artillery 77Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment and its activities in Java around February to June 1943?
    My relative was listed as missing on February 1st 1943 and died in a prisoner of war camp in December 1943.
    Any information would be gratefully received.
     
  2. Orwell1984

    Orwell1984 Senior Member

    timuk, ozzy16 and Buteman like this.
  3. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    Hello, Thank you so much. I am so very grateful.
     
  4. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    if you shared your relatives name I am sure forum members would be able to assist further.

    have you applied for his service records

    Get a copy of military service records

    also a couple of forum members offer a copy service for war diaries from the National Archives at Kew for a reasonable rate
     
    ozzy16 likes this.
  5. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    Thank you for this. His name was Thomas Alexander Griffiths.
    Another document I have refers to his capture on March 8 1942. This would tie up with information in the account you referred me to. His died from beri beri on 21 December 1943. He is buried in a CWGC cemetery in Jakarta.
    I presume from this that he was put into a POW camp near Jakarta and stayed there for the duration of his life and not moved anywhere.
     
  6. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    upload_2019-11-4_20-19-59.jpeg

    Lance Bombardier Thomas Alexander Griffiths...


    Lance BombardierGRIFFITHS, THOMAS ALEXANDER
    Service Number 1835036

    Died 20/12/1943

    Aged 33

    240 Bty., 77 H.A.A. Regt.
    Royal Artillery

    Son of David and Laura Novells Griffiths, of Roath Park, Cardiff.


    INSCRIPTION
    UNDERNEATH ARE THE EVERLASTING ARMS"

    Buried at JAKARTA WAR CEMETERY

    Location: Indonesia
    Number of casualties: 946

    Cemetery/memorial reference: 3. A. 13.
     
  7. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    I can’t believe this. What a wonderful group of people on this site. Thank you so very much for all the help. The photo of Alex’ grave is wonderful and totally unexpected.
    Thank you
     
  8. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    Sorry I'm a little bit pushed for time at the moment and perhaps another member can follow this up. L/Bdr Griffiths was captured Java 8/3/42. He was transferred from Batavia to Palembang in Java Party 19 in the ship 'France Maru' departing Batavia 5/11/43, probably to work on the Sumatra Railway. He was originally buried at Palembang and his remains then moved to Jakarta War Cemetery at the end of the war (see concentration report attached to CWGC entry). His Japanese Index Card is available on Find my Past.

    Tim

    Edit: Date departing Batavia should read 7/11/43
     
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2019
    CL1, Orwell1984, Owen and 1 other person like this.
  9. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    Again another big thank you. How do you get this information so quickly? I am amazed. I will try to follow this up if I can.
    Marian
     
  10. ozzy16

    ozzy16 Well-Known Member

    Thomas Alexander Griffiths, his attestion was 1941. (first image)
    His casualty card (image 2)
    POW no 1451 (image 3)
    regards........Graham.
    tag1.jpg tag2.jpg tag3.jpg
     
  11. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    It’s truly humbling that you are all prepared to give up your time to help. My husband, who is named after Alexander, is so happy to receive all this information after knowing nothing.
    Many thanks
    Marian
     
  12. timuk

    timuk Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Nov 5, 2019
    ozzy16, CL1, Buteman and 1 other person like this.
  13. ozzy16

    ozzy16 Well-Known Member

    jap2.jpg Hello Moonduster,
    If you can still find it, I recommend this book which mentions 77th H.A.A regt.(ISBN no, is show)

    regards........Graham.

    jap1.jpg
     
    Buteman and Orwell1984 like this.
  14. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    This is fascinating thank you
     
  15. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

  16. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

  17. Moonduster

    Moonduster Member

    Have found the book and another giving experiences on the Sumatra Railway.
     

Share This Page