Government House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
6 December 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
Lieutenant John Leslie APPLEBY
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 and subsequent activities in support of the Dutch Resistance in Java on 6 September 1943.
Corporal James Hubert ARMSTRONG MG
For acts of gallantry in action following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army on Dutch Timor during the period 23 February 1942 until his execution on or about 12 June 1943.
Sergeant Kenneth Joseph BELL
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 16 September 1942.
Corporal Edward Victor EMMETT
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.
Private Charles Thomas FOSTER
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 Raymond Leslie GERAGHTY
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 Robert Stuart GOULDEN
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 12 July 1942.
Private Edward MOFFATT
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 James O'DEA
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.
Corporal Henry Francis THOMPSON
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.
By His Excellency’s command
Paul Singer MVO
Official Secretary to the Governor-General
Overview
The Australian Honours and Awards system recognises acts of bravery and courage by individuals, including those who served in the armed forces and were captured during wartime. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the Military Honours and Awards Act 1986 governs the awarding of military honours and gallantry awards to Australian Defence Force personnel. The act was introduced to provide a formal structure for recognising the bravery and service of Australian military personnel, especially those who displayed exceptional courage in the face of adversity. The act ensures that such acts of gallantry are appropriately acknowledged and commemorated, reflecting the nation's respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
Scope and Application
The gazette C2019G01105 notifies the approval of gallantry awards for Australian prisoners of war who displayed bravery and courage during their time as prisoners of the Imperial Japanese forces in the Far East, specifically those who died while escaping or were executed following recapture. The awards are intended to recognise and honour the exceptional acts of gallantry by these individuals, who, despite their capture, continued to demonstrate extraordinary courage and commitment to their cause. This recognition applies to specific named individuals who were captured and subsequently executed or died as a result of escape attempts. The application of this gazette is limited to the named individuals who have met the criteria of displaying acts of gallantry under the specified circumstances, and it does not extend to any other individuals or entities. The awards are a solemn acknowledgment of their bravery and sacrifice, and the geographic scope is national, acknowledging acts that occurred in the Far East during the Second World War. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and it does not extend its application through subordinate instruments.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this Gazette (C2019G01105) pertain to the official notification of gallantry awards for Australian prisoners of war who demonstrated exceptional bravery and courage during their capture by the Imperial Japanese forces. These awards are in recognition of their acts of gallantry, which occurred in the Far East between the period of their capture and their ultimate deaths, whether from execution or escape attempts. For example, Lieutenant John Leslie Appleby is recognised for his gallantry in action from his capture in March 1942 until his execution on 6 September 1943 following an escape attempt and involvement with the Dutch Resistance in Java (section not numbered). Similarly, Corporal James Hubert Armstrong is honoured for his gallantry from his capture on Dutch Timor on 23 February 1942 until his execution around 12 June 1943 (section not numbered).
The obligations and requirements imposed by this legislation revolve around the formal recognition of the bravery and courage displayed by these Australian soldiers. The Government, through the Governor-General, acknowledges the sacrifices and heroic actions of these prisoners of war. This recognition serves as both a legal and moral affirmation of their service and the ultimate sacrifices they made. The legislation ensures that these acts of gallantry are officially documented and commemorated, thereby honouring their memory and the legacy of their bravery. This formal recognition is also intended to inspire and remind future generations of the valor exhibited by these individuals.
There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences outlined in this Gazette for breach, as it primarily serves to recognise and honour the acts of gallantry of the listed individuals. However, the solemn nature of these awards underscores the importance of the actions they commemorate. The Gazette itself acts as a legal record of these brave deeds, thereby holding these individuals in high esteem and ensuring their stories are preserved for posterity. The recognition of their gallantry is a significant legal acknowledgment of their contributions and sacrifices.