MURDER OF NEW ZEALANDERS

Southland Times, Issue 25501, 23 October 1944, Page 4

MURDER OF NEW ZEALANDERS

Japanese Executed 17 On Tarawa

P. AND T. EMPLOYEES AND SOLDIERS

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 22. A statement on the execution by the Japanese of 22 Europeans, of whom 17 were New Zealanders, was made today bv the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. “This outrage,” said Mr Fraser, “occurred on the island of Tarawa, in the Gilbert Group, on October 15, 1942, after the bombardment of the island on the afternoon of that day by United States warships and United States aircraft. “The fate of the men was not discovered until after the capture of thq Gilberts by United States forces in December last and it was not until some time later that the facts had been established beyond reasonable doubt,” said Mr Fraser. “These circumstances, together with certain discussions which had been taking place with other. Allied Governments, explain the long interval which elapsed between the occurrence and the publication of the details. The next-of-kin of the men concerned were, however, acquainted with the position as soon as the fate of their relatives had been definitely determined. COAST-WATCHING GROUP

“The facts are shortly as follows:— “Seven of the New Zealand personnel were officers of the Post and Telegraph Department, all young men who early in 1941 had volunteered for service in the coast-watching organization in the Pacific Islands. The remaining 10 New Zealanders were army personnel who had volunteered to assist in coastwatching duties and to keep the Post and Telegraph officers company in the remote islands, very few of which had any regular white inhabitants. “The occupation of the Gilbert Group by the Japanese began in December 1941 immediately after the outbreak of war in the Pacific. The three northern islands of the group, Little Makin, Butaritari and Abaiang, were then seized by the Japanese and three Post and Telegraph officers and four soldiers, who were serving there, were taken prisoner and removed from the colony. “According to reports received they are safe, but it is not known where they are detained—presumably in Japan. The remaining 17 personnel were serving in the lower islands of the Gilbert Group which were occupied by the Japanese in September 1942. “After the recapture of the Gilberts by United States forces investigations were made by the Resident Commissioner of the Gilbert and the Ellice Group. These disclose that immediately after their capture in September 1942 the Europeans were all removed to Tarawa and that on arrival there they were kept outside the quarters occupied by the Japanese commandant with their hands tied and secured to coconut trees for up to three or even four days, awaiting examination by the Japanese commandant. They were then confined at the Tarawa central hospital in an enclosure which was previously used for the detention of native lunatics. During the period they were treated as prisoners the men were required to work on the construction of a wharf at Betio. On the afternoon of October 15, 1942, the island was bombarded by United States warships and United States aircraft and on the evening of that day 22 Europeans were beheaded or otherwise killed by the Japanese. TRIBUTE TO BRAVERY

“I am sure every citizen of this Dominion will join with the Government in expressing our sincere sympathy with the relatives of those men who were so foully murdered by the Japanese. No tribute to their courage and their devotion to duty is too high. Notwithstanding the danger to which they were exposed after the outbreak of war with Japan they all remained at their posts and continued to send reports of enemy movements up till the time that they were captured. The information which they gave of enemy activities in the group was of the utmost value as it enabled the service authorities to dispose to the best advantage the naval and air forces available in the Pacific in 1942 to arrest the progress of the Japanese who were then moving south. Evidence of the natives and others gathered since the reoccupation of the group pays eloquent tribute to the bravery of all the coast-watchers.

“Particular mention is made of Lieutenant A. L. Taylor and Corporal T. C. Murray, who at the time of the Japanese occupation were serving on Beru. These two men abandoned their intention of escaping on learning that the Japanese had threatened the natives with reprisals if they should leave the island. These men discharged their duties with courage and met an untimely death with fortitude. Their example of duty and the knowledge of their fate should inspire all New Zealanders to do everything they can to end this war as quickly as possible and to ensure that in this area of the world the Japanese shall not again be permitted to practise their barbarities on peace-loving people. No effort will be spared to identify, if this is possible, the criminals who were responsible for this outrage and if they can be found they will be fully and suitably punished. This atrocity is but one more in the grim list for which Japan will be called to account.”

NAMES OF VICTIMS CASUALTY - LIST ISSUED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 22. The names of the New Zealand victims of the Tarawa massacre are contained in an official casualty list issued today, as follows: — Lieutenant A. L. Taylor; Waimate. Private R. A. Ellis; Auckland. Corporal H. R. C. Hearn; Hastings. Corporal A. C. Heenan; Middlemarch. Private R. I. Hitchon; Waitoa. Private D. H. Howe; Thames. Private R. Jones; Auckland. Private C. A. Kilpin; Te Aroha. Corporal J. J. McCarthy; Auckland. Corporal A. E. McKenna; Levin. Private R. M. McKenzie; Te Kuiti. Corporal T. C. Murray; Hokitika. Private J. H. Nichol; Te Puke. Private C. J. Owen; Lower Hutt. Private W. A. R. Parker; Waharoa. Corporal C. A. Pearsall; Lawrence. Private L. B. Speedy; Auckland. The Post and Telegraph officers referred to in the statement by the Prime Minister are Lieutenant Taylor and Corporals Hearn, Heenan, McCarthy, McKenna, Murray and Pearsall.