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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
Thomas Alexander Griffiths, his attestion was 1941. (first image) His casualty card (image 2) POW no 1451 (image 3) regards........Graham.
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
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.