Garoet - Java

Garoet – Java

In January 1942, the Allied Joint Command ABDA – American, British, Dutch and Australian was set up with its headquarters in Java.

Following the Dutch East Indies capitulation to Japan, all Allied Soldiers & the Dutch East Indies troops were taken POWs of Japan.

On 14^th April 1942 a group of mostly 2/3^rd machine gunners left Leles  POW Camp for Garoet POW Camp where they remained until 22nd June. The camp was located in the High School buildings that were serviced with light, water and sewerage. In June the POWs were moved to Bandoeng to Camp No. 12, the 15^th Depot Battalion Barracks Camp where they met up with other Australians from 2/2^nd Casualty Clearing Station.

Reference to https://www.indischekamparchieven.nl/

Read about all the Camps

On 22 June 1942 more than 600 Australian and British POWs arrived at Bandeong looking rather untidy with long, dirty hair and beards!  The men were a mixed lot including 2/4rd MGB, RAF and others.  Unfamiliar with Japanese drill, they rather expected to be saluted by the Japanese!