Mysterious. Story Of New Zealander’s Death While Jap. Prisoner

Northern Advocate, 22 March 1944, Page 4

Mysterious. Story Of New Zealander’s Death While Jap. Prisoner

Behind an apparent straightforward notice in the Roll of Honour column in the “Northern Advocate” published on March 10, is a story pregnant with mystery, a story which, to all accounts, will not be completely confirmed or recounted until the war with Japan is brought to a conclusion.

The notice, which reports the death of Private Roderick Murdoch Mc.Kenzie, states that he was “killed by the Japanese while a prisoner of war.” So intriguing were the lines, that investigation was made and it was discovered that Private McKenzie. who was a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. McLean, Waipu, was, at ths time of the outbreak of war between Japan and the Allies, on duty in the Gilbert Islands.

What service Private iScKenzie was performing in the Gilberts must, of course, remain unknown until the conclusion of the war, but it is hoped that more explanatory details will be available later.

However, it has been learnt that the duty which Private McKenzie was performing was essential and for it volunteer’s were called. Word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. McKenzie. of Te Kuiti, states briefly and without explanation, that their son. Roderick, was shot by the Japanese together with eight other, New Zealanders at Tarawa in October, 1942, after being captured and held prisoner for a time by the Japanese. It is thought, that Private McKenzie was shot by the Japanese when the invasion of the Gilberts was commenced by the British and American forces, but the reason for his presence in the Gilberts, together with Confirmation of the rtiethod of - his death, must, of ,necessity, remain. Secret Until, after the war.