The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Howard
- First Name:
- Sydney Patrick
- Nick Name:
- Stumpy
- Rank:
- Pte
- Regimental #:
- WX2623
- Company:
- D Coy 2/3rd MGB
- Enlisted:
- 19.06.1940
- Discharged:
- 29.03.1946
- DOB:
- 29.10.1914
- Place of Birth:
- Three Springs WA
- Father's Name:
- Howard Patrick S
- Mothers's Name:
- Howard Maud Rachel
- Religion:
- Methodist
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Farm Labourer
- POW#:
- 6846, 36179 Thailand
General Description
Review WX2623 Sydney Howard‘s military records held at NAA.
Syd having been evacuated with a leg ulcer from the line at Hintok underwent an amputation below the knee at Chungkai Hospital Camp by Capt Jacob Markowitz. Five days later Markowitz had to again operate to take the limb above the knee.
The ulcer had started out small but whilst inspecting the sick Japanese guards would kick his bandaged wound. The ulcer enlarged and it became necessary to evacuate Syd.
Markowitz was a highly regarded. He stood out as being highly intelligent and astute, was always optimistic, sharp and bright and stood out academically. During his time at Chungkai and Nakom Pathom he performed over 1,000 operations and 3,800 transfusions (25 on one Australian patient).
Please read further about Markowitz
Please read Syd’s story on Winstanley’s website
Syd was recovered from Thailand at the end of the war.
The following is Japanese Prisoner of War Index Card, also held at the NAA.
