The Soldier's Details
- Surname:
- Thompson
- First Name:
- Henry Francis
- Nick Name:
- Laddle
- Rank:
- L/Cpl
- Regimental #:
- WX4113
- Company:
- D Coy 2/3rd MGB
- Place of Birth:
- Maylands WA
- Mothers's Name:
- Thompson A
- Religion:
- C of E
- Pre-war Occupation:
- Farm Labourer
- Cause of Death:
- Presumed dead, executed.
- Place of Death:
- Java
- Date of Death:
- 30.04.1942
General Description
Review WX4113 Henry Thompson‘s military records held at NAA.
Thompson sailed from Middle East to Java 1942 where the men were to support the Dutch East Indies army preventing the Japanese invasion.
The Dutch surrendered 8/9th March to the Japanese and the Dutch and Australian forces were taken POWs.
Corporal Henry Thompson was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for actions following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt in about April 1942. Corporal Thompson and five other men escaped, making for the coast of Java by hiding among Royal Air Force Prisoners of War. The group continued their escape from Djokjakarta but were recaptured by Japanese forces, interrogated and taken away to Taskimalaja. Corporal Thompson and the five others are reported to have been executed near Taskimalaja about April 1942.
Below: several WA 2/3rd men attempted escape and were caught by the Japanese and executed on 4 April 1942.
A family member was presented with a Gallantry Award in 2018.
