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
Paul Singer MVO
A/g Official Secretary to the Governor-General
Overview
The Gazette C2019G00137, dated 5 February 2019, announces the approval of gallantry awards for Far East Prisoners of War by the Governor-General, recognising acts of bravery and courage demonstrated by Australian military personnel during their captivity and subsequent escape attempts from the Imperial Japanese forces. The awards, which include Commendatory recognitions, were issued to honour those who showed exceptional bravery, often at the cost of their lives, while being held as prisoners of war or during escape attempts. The enactment of these awards by the Governor-General serves to formally acknowledge the extraordinary heroism of these individuals, providing them and their families with a lasting tribute to their courage and sacrifice. This legislative action underscores the commitment of the Australian government to honour the service and bravery of its military personnel, even in the face of extreme adversity.
Scope and Application
The Gazetted document, C2019G00137, pertains to the recognition of gallantry awards for Australian prisoners of war during the Far East conflict with Imperial Japanese forces. This announcement applies to specific Australian military personnel who demonstrated acts of bravery and courage, often resulting in their death or execution after being captured and attempting to escape. These individuals, who include private soldiers and a squadron leader, are being posthumously honoured for their gallantry. The geographical reach of this announcement is nationwide, given that it originates from the Commonwealth Government House in Canberra. The awards are retrospective and do not extend to living individuals or affect current legal standing or entitlements. No exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds are specified in this particular gazette; rather, it serves a commemorative purpose. The application of these awards is not extended or restricted through subordinate instruments but is a standalone recognition of historical acts of bravery.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this Gazette notification pertain to the approval of Gallantry awards for Australian prisoners of war who displayed exceptional bravery and courage during their time in captivity or while attempting to escape from the Imperial Japanese forces. Section 1 of the notification lists the recipients and details their respective acts of gallantry. This includes recognition for those who died during an escape attempt or were executed following recapture.
The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act are primarily commemorative and honorific. It mandates the formal acknowledgment and recognition of the bravery exhibited by these individuals through the awarding of Commendations for Gallantry. The Act also ensures that these acts of bravery are officially recorded and recognised by the government, thereby providing a formal platform for the families and descendants of these soldiers to honour their sacrifices. There is no specific obligation placed on the recipients themselves, as they are all deceased, but it does place an obligation on the government to maintain records and to publicly recognise these acts.
There are no offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined in this Gazette notification, as it is purely honorific in nature. The recognition of gallantry is not subject to breach, and therefore there are no sanctions associated with non-compliance. The primary purpose of this notification is to formally recognise and honour the bravery of these Australian soldiers, rather than to impose legal obligations or penalties.