The Soldier's Details

Carter was employed as a bank clerk at Carnamah when he enlisted 6 Aug 1940, later joining 2/4th’s ‘D’ Coy 13 Platoon under Commanding Officer Lt Wankey.  Also in 13 Platoon were his mates from Carnamah – Ken Lally who was working at Eric H. GURR’s General Store in Carnamah from September 1939 until mid 1940.  Bill Baillie & Loller  (Bruce Rock) were also in same Platoon and were mates or connected.

He was AWOL when ‘Aquitania’ sailed from Fremantle 16 January 1942 and with about 90 machine gunners who sailed a week or so later, but their ship was diverted to Java as Singapore was about to Fall.

He was taken POW of Japan in Java.  Later sent on a work party to work on Thai-Burma Railway and evacuated to Tarsau 5 Sept 1943 suffering from malaria and enteritis from which he was fortunate to survive.  Tarsau Hospital was notorious and known by the men as being a place where one was likely not to survive.

Also about ‘D’ Force Java Party O Battalion

Carter was selected fit by the Japanese to work in Japan, and sailed with Rashin Maru Party, which first was required to return to Singapore to board their ship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohama, Hiroshima  POW Camp Renamed Aug 1945 Hiroshima 9-B – Okura Mining Co.

Back Row:  L-R (1)  Bert Poulton WX9764  (5)  Doug Carter WX8240

2nd Last Row: L-R (2) Alf Worth WX7440 (3)  Alex Oag WX8481

3rd Row from Back:  L-R (4) Aub Schuts WX8562 (8) Bob Whitelaw WX9076

Front Row:  L-R (9) Arthur Walker WX16370

Please read about ‘Blackforce’ and Java

Read also The Journey of the Rashin (Byoke) Maru

Also read about Ohama Camp, Japan

Carter was recovered from Ohama Camp at the end of the war.

 

On returning he resumed working in banking, living with his parents Victoria Ave, Claremont.  His mother Dorothy Carter tragically died 29 Dec 1947 aged 53 years, having suicided in their home.

He married Avis Jean Prewett and they continued residing in the Claremont home with Carter’s father Rupert.  Rupert  Carter died in 1963.   Doug Carter is found at Victoria Ave in  Electoral Rolls – 1954, 1963 and 1968.

Doug Carter died in 1970 aged 54 years.  Avis Carter died in 2004.