SININGGAZANAK : A short story of the famous female wooden figure from Kampung Tampasak, Kinarut, Papar

SININGGAZANAK : A short story of the famous female wooden figure from Kampung Tampasak, Kinarut, Papar

Female wooden figure in Kampung Tampasak is closely associated with property inheritance, in this case a widow with no children.

The female wooden figure stood on a land at Kampung Tampasak, about half a mile from Kinarut on the Kota Kinabalu side along the Papar Road was recovered in 1965. The female wooden figure stood in a beautiful irrigated valley with slightly tilted over on top of a Bund.

The figure was carved from a fairly hard wood locally known as "Tembusu", scientifically "Fagraca Cochinchinensis" . The local view is that this wood would not last more than 50 years in the open.

The female wooden figure stood on a land belonging to a Kadazan, "Kemuje Bin Lajumin" and was erected approximately 50 years ago (1915) in favour of a widow with no children. The wooden women 6 feet 6 inches high, wear a conical hat of the sort in common use, otherwise no clothing is shown. The sex indicated by a small pair of breasts.

The treatment of the face and particularly the hollowing of the eye is unusual in Borneo wood carving. Quite usual are the bands of geometric parallel lines or cross lines below the block on which she seated.

"Zinzanji" was the name of the widow commemorated by the female wooden figure. She dedicated the land to Lajumin's father. When she died he arranged for a special MINAGANG ceremony for the heir less, killing three buffaloes and providing much feasting.

"Minagang" or The Art Distribution of Property by the Heirless "Status Maker" for the giver in itself a form of memorialising and being remembered after death. With these Kadazan, land normally belong to the family as a form of pusaka. A childless man's land goes to brother or nephews, not his wife. If it is the wife's land by direct inheritance it will not revert to the husband on death but to her own kin. The threat or fear of his side acquiring the property by precedent and possession has certainly made this wooden stature usage of special value to widows in establishing rightful claim before their own death.

Lajumin's father commissioned a then famous craftsman, Lajoman from Kampung Maan near Penampang to do the wood work for the traditional fee, a bundle of padi, 10 gantang (60 lbs) of rice, a black sarong cloth and a chicken. Additional payment over and above this would have been an ill omen, damaging to Lajoman's craft and this is one reason why the craft has now disappeared.

The female wooden figure was relocated to Sabah Museum. Their removal was initiated when E. J. H. Berwick, was the first curator (1963-1964) and involved considerable negotiations as the whole community felt implicated while admitting Lajumin's personal property right. In the end the transfer was agreed against payment of water buffalo, a pig and a chicken (together worth M$230) and M$50 in cash, provided concrete replicas were put up to replace the figures in exactly the same positions.

This offer was accepted and the wooden originals were taken to Kota Kinabalu in 1965. The Public Work Department there, first made exact wooden replicas, the concrete cast copies for erection back in the fields. The results can be seen in the Sabah Museum and on Kemuje's rice fields, do great credit to craftsman Charles Jonioh and foreman Ho Cheu Hwei, working under mechanical engineer M. H. Leonard.

Edited by : Kumis Kumis

Source : The Prehistory of Sabah by Tom and Barbara Harrisson, 1971

Photo Credit M Gore and Google Images

THE STORY OF JEMADAR OJAGAR SINGH - BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

SEJARAH NORTH BORNEO SABAH

SPECIAL EDITION - SECOND WORLD WAR 

THE SANDAKAN UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT

THE STORY OF JEMADAR OJAGAR SINGH - BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

Jemadar Ojagar Singh, a very tall Sikh was a proud man and fiercely loyal to the British. So was his father Pal Singh, who had come out to British North Borneo with his brother Chanda from their home village of Mannan, in India. Both men had joined the constabulary in Jesselton, where Pal had married Sant Kaur the daughter of another policeman, Sadhu Singh, whose son, Dial, was also in the Police force. Pal's second son, Ojagar, born in Mannan where he spent his childhood, arrived in Borneo at the age of ten. By the time he was eleven he, too, had joined the Constabulary, as a bugler.

As a Jemadar (Senior Warrant Officer), he was the father of eight children, five daughter and three sons, the youngest of whom was Anup. Raised in a family with high developed sense of duty, Ojagar would have wished for nothing more than able to fight for the King and to defend the country and the empire that he loved.

Jemadar Ojagar Singh's house was on top of a hill near the Police Headquarters at Bukit Merah. From there he could see what was happening out at the sea and on the Island of Berhala.

Before the war, Sandakan was the administrative centre of North Borneo, and most key European personnel were based there. After the Japanese occupied North Borneo, the island was turned into a detention camp almost all European was interned, initially on Berhala Island before moving to Batu Lintang Camp at Kuching , Sarawak.

European control over the British North Borneo Armed Police Constabulary also came to the end. Major A Rice Oxley, the pre-war commandant, was interned by the Japanese on Berhala Island along with civilians internees.

Berhala Island, located three miles off the shore of Sandakan, could be approached from the towns via boats. The island was previously a quarantine station for leprosy settlement under the British North Borneo Chartered Company rule. The Chartered Company used it to intern Japanese national.

With the absence of European officers, the local policemen at Sandakan were led by three local junior officers : Inspector Samuel Guriaman, Sergeant Major Yansalang and Warrant Officer Jemadar Ojagar Singh. The Japanese believed that these men were loyal to them. Instead, the three remained loyal to their European officers and the Allied cause.

Apart from the Constabulary a well established military/police force that was trained to fight, Sabah's only potential defenders were members of a part time militia unit form in 1937 was known as the North Borneo Volunteer Defence Force but were not sufficiently trained to engage in all out warfare.

Even as he was in internment at Berhala Island, Major Rice Oxley, who was also the Chief Volunteer Force, requested the three junior officers to corporate with Dr James Taylor the principal medical officer who was allowed to remain free in order to carry out his duties at the Sandakan civil hospital. Rice Oxley also asked them to corporate with POWs interned at Mile 8 POW Camp.

The Civilian in Sandakan and the Constabulary have been secretly active sending the foods, drugs money and other necessities to Berhala Island. Dr Jim Taylor headed a humanitarian underground assistance group. The group existence was due partly to Dr Laband and partly to Ernesto Lagan an ex employee of Harrison and Crossfield and a member of the volunteer, who was married to Pedro Dominic's granddaughter Katherine Neubronner.

The Civilian and the Constabulary developed close links with Chinese, Malay and other native people who opposed the Japanese occupation such as the Funk, Azcona, Lai, Apostol, Cohen, Dick Majinal, Pop Wong, Matusup Gungau and others. Together, they became a larger movement known as a local assistance group. This free men and women smuggled foods and medicines to their families and friends interned on Berhala Island. All racial groups were involved in the underground : Europeans, Chinese, Indians and Locals. All groups are represented.

Jemadar Ojagar Singh was stationed at mile 8 police station. As the officers, he and Inspector Guriaman were responsible for the area in the vicinity of the POW camp. He was also responsible, along with other junior officers, for providing guards for the civilian internment centre on Berhala Islands.

The Constabulary closely connected with Ernesto Lagan, who was now working as a detective for the Japanese. Shortly after the civilians were sent to Berhala, he had received a message from the Constabulary's Commanding officer, Major A Rice Oxley, seeking financial assistance for himself and two other officers, Captain HB Rowland and Lieutenant MG Edge. The note had been passed from Salleh to Sergeant Ikes and Corporal Koram. Corporal Koram passed the note to Lagan who canvassed those he was sure he could trust and appointed Sergent Yusof Basinau to begin collecting whatever money anyone can spare. The contributors were Inspector Samuel Guriaman, Sergeant Major Yansalang, Sergeant Abin, Corporal Koram, PC Kai, Damudaran, Lumatop, Kassiu, Gorokon, Mohamed Tahir Matusin and Jemadar Ojagar Singh.

Aware that not all the police could be relied upon, Ojagar and Sergeant Major Yansalang made sure that only the most trustworthy of their men were roastered for guard duty at Berhala. They did it in such a way that only the most loyal and sympathetic policemen were allocated to duties that took them regularly to Berhala Island and mile 8 station. With this men in place, many activities started to take place. Food and medicine were smuggled in from the mainland to the civilian internees and a group of POWs on Berhala Island. Supplies were also made available to the POWs at mile 8.

After Major Rice Oxley and the Governor were moved to Kuching. Ojagar and his men, heeding the Major's instruction, were nominally placed under the charge of Captain Lionel Colin Matthews, the main contact person from the Australian POWs and to assist the later with his task of carrying out the underground activities.

The goal for the underground movement were initially humanitarian but expanded into smuggling food and medicine, smuggling of radio parts, collecting of money, gathering of intelligence and eventually military. The underground turned into a dangerous organisation. With the help of these and other courageous locals, a cache of small arms was organised. This include some British equipments mainly weapons brought in from the Philippines. There were about a hundred weapons including three machine guns, hidden about three kilometres from the camp near mile 6. The plan was to use this weapons as part of a general prisoners insurrection to either seize the camp and town or undertake a mass escape of all prisoners and become guerrilla fighters.

Connected to the insurrection plan was the building of a transmitting radio. This would be used to contact American Guerrillas in the Philippines and submarines with a view to obtaining more arms and other support. This development was not just about escaping; it was a challenge to the Japanese position in North Borneo, and one that inevitably would invoke most violent Japanese response.

Berhala Island was where the first and second team of the allied POW escaped. The first team comprised R.K. Mc Laren, Private R.N. Butler and R.J. Kennedy. They arrived at Batu Batu, Philippines on the 13rd June 1943 and was greeted by Colonel A Suarez. The second team consisted five colleagues Lt. Rex Blow, Lt. L.N. Gillon and Sgt. W. Wallace, Captain R.E. Steele and Lt. C.A. Wagner followed thereafter and arrived Tawi Tawi, Philippines on 30th June 1943. They were all integrated into the Philippines guerrilla forces.

Their escape from Berhala Island was successfully executed by members of the underground intelligence organisation directed by an intelligent officer, Captain Lionel Colin Matthews and Dr Taylor. They were responsible with the delivery arrangement of food, medical supplies and money to the POWs. Matthews introduced secret radio links with the outside world and organised the British North Borneo Constabulary for armed uprising against the Japanese.

The Japanese ordered their guards in combination with the local Police Force to search for the escaped Australian. They hunted frantically all over the island but could not locate them. The Japanese military police offered enormous sums of money as rewards for the recapture of the Australians.

The underground movement was soon discovered by the Japanese. Matthews was arrested by the Kempeitai and was subject to brutal treatment and starvation of which he refused to reveal and information to implicate his associates.

The Japanese took all who were involved in the Underground movement of which among others they planned to arm the POW in Sandakan to overpower the Japanese. Those capture composed of international group of Chinese, Europeans, Eurasians, Kadazan, Sikh, Murut, Filipinos, Suluk, Javanese and MY Cohen a wealthy Jewish women, together with 19 Australian POW and five civilians and their wives.

Ojagar Singh was also one of those involved in helping eight Australian POWs to escape from Berhala Island. While many had attributed the escape of the eight POWs to people like Corporal Koram but Ojagar was the man in charge of the police detachment on Berhala that had allowed Rex Blow, Ray Steele and six others to escape to Tawi Tawi. He was also one of the major contributor to a fund that assisted the POWs to escape. Many members of the Constabulary, including Detective Ernesto Lagan and Corporal Abin, also gave money to the fund. Ojagar assisted in the mapping of possible escape routes by providing a map taken from the Constabulary office to Abin, who then passed the map to Matthews. The map showed the main installations and building in Sandakan.

Jemadar Ojagar Singh was especially targeted by the Japanese. Although police friends had warn him that his name had been revealed by others under interrogation, he had refused the entreaties of his wife escape, believing that, if he did, the Japanese would harass his family and probably hold them ransom.

Shortly after Ojagar's arrest the Japanese, acting on further information, escorted him to his house. Ojagar, who remained perfectly calm, told his wife to look after the children. The Japanese then ordered his daughter, Biba, to show them the chicken coop, further up the hill. The searchers, who knew exactly what they were looking for , retrieved letters sent by Rex Blow seeking assistance for his escape. They then searched the house, moving gold jewellery, cash, a pistol and ammunition. As the family had no means of support, Mrs Singh, who was pregnant, moved into the police barracks.

Ojagar were taken to a spacious bungalow on Tanah Merah Road formerly home of the General Manager of Bakau and Kenya Extract company and now the notorious 'House of torture'. The Japanese seems delighted in brutalising prisoners who were physically larger than them. The Japanese were furious that Ojagar betrayed their trust. Ojagar was mercilessly tortured apart from trying to obtain information of the escape. During his violent interrogation, his jaw was broken and his elbow shattered. According to witness they called him the "stubbornly brave black bearded Sikh", as the steadfastly loyal policeman would reveal nothing, Dr Taylor tried to help ease his pain and pleaded to be allowed to treat Jemadar Ojagar but the Japanese denied him medical treatment as an additional punishment. Mrs Singh was not permitted to visit and it was only through police friends that she was able to find out anything. As she washed her husband's clothes soaked with blood and pus, she would pray, tears rolling down her cheeks, certain that he could hear Ojagar 'calling' to her that he would die and she must look after their children.

By mid September the Kempeitai had finished their investigation of what they called "The Sandakan Incident". Not only the principal ringleaders 'confessed', they had confessed most satisfactorily, mainly because Ozawa and Miura Isawu had 'translated' the confessions. The Australian believed that the mistranslations were deliberate. With the confession secured, all that remained was to ship the 52 civilians and 20 POWs to Kuching to stand trial for crimes ranging from insurrection to money changing.

Not long after, all members of the underground were transferred to the wharf, with the exception of Celia Taylor and Mrs Mavors, who had departed earlier with two medical officers Australian Marcus Clark and Canadian George Graham and one or two other internees rounded up belatedly from the interior.

As word circulated that the prisoners were to be moved, the families of the local people hurried to the road leading from the goal to the dockside, hoping for a final glimpse before there were herded onto Subuk, a small coastal vessel.

On ascertaining from the Japanese which two routes the vehicle transferring those held at the interrogation centre would take, the heavily pregnant wife of Ojagar Singh waited by the roadside with Anup and her other children. The lorry appeared in the distance, but their vigil was for naught. The canvas blinds of the vehicle were rolled down tightly and it took the other road.

Covered by machine guns mounted on the vehicles, the prisoners were loaded onto Subuk's deck and handcuffed to the railings. After a 36 hour delay in Kudat they proceeded to Miri, by passing Jesselton. After eight day voyage Subuk arrived at Kuching, where the prisoners were transferred to the Batu Lintang Camp.

After being transferred to Kuching on 19th October 1943, Ojagar and his colleagues underwent further interrogation before they were pun on trial.

On the 29th February 1944, the defendants were seated according to the seriousness of the charges were on trial, which many believed the trial was a staged affair, the prisoners were hardly given any opportunity to defend themselves. In many instances the interpreters were reported to have wrongly interpreted or refuse to translate in full the replies or question from the prisoners. At the end of the trial Jemadar Ojagar Singh, whose smashed elbow had still not been set and Abin, Lagan, Heng, Mu Sing, Alex Funk, Felix Azcona, Matusup and Matthews, who had risk their lives to help the internees, POWs and Australian brothers was sentenced to death by gunshot to the head. Lieutenant Rod Wells expecting death sentence was given twelve years jail. As he left the courtroom Rod Wells managed to hold Ojagar Singh in one final embrace.

On the 2nd March 1944 , the guard herded the condemned men into a prison van and a small convoy of staff cars and small vans headed down the road and stopped at a small clearing in an isolated patch of jungle about five kilometres from the courtroom known as a rubber estate at Batu Kawa on the outskirt of Kuching. In the centre of the cleared area was a long pit, with nine stout T shaped post placed at three metre intervals along one side. While nine man firing squad readied itself, the prisoners were tied securely to the post and a mark placed in the centre of the foreheads. They were all shot between the eyes killing them instantly and were pronounced dead, a fact confirmed by a doctor, who signed a death certificate. The eight bodies was placed in a coffin and buried in a common grave except the body of Matthews that was buried at a cemetery near St Catherine's Church.

None of the grave diggers knew the identity of the man they had buried. The families of the eight men executed would have to wait even longer for any information. With no official notification, it would not be until after the war that Ojagar Singh's wife would learn, by chance, that her husband had been executed.

The Sikh community in Kuching, aware that one of their members had been executed, petitioned the Japanese to allow Ojagar Singh's remains to be cremated according to Sikh rites, but the request was denied. There were no funeral rites, no prayers, no priest and no acts of remembrance for those buried in the mass grave in the lonely jungle clearing.

Some of those whose relatives were involved in the Sandakan Incident had left town. Nevertheless seemed foolish to Ojagar Singh's wife to remain in Sandakan, especially as there were many members of the Sikh community willing to help. With their assistance, the Singhs had moved into an empty house at mile 1.5, where fourteen year old Hercharan assumed responsibility for the family, including his baby sister, born two months after Ojagar left Sandakan. As Hercharan had a working knowledge of Japanese, he was employed for a while as translator, and also became small time fishmonger, selling fish and shrimps, caught in a nearby stream. The family grew their own vegetables and to earn some cash, sold oil extracted from coconuts.

In late 1943, Mrs Singh's brother, Dial Singh, a Sergeant in the Lahad Datu Constabulary, arrived with his wife and two children. It was his intention to take the entire family back to his property outside Lahad Datu but, after all their belonging were loaded aboard the ship, the Japanese refused to allow anyone apart from Dial Singh to leave.

When he returned to mile 1.5 seven months later, he brought with him eight porters: the family was going to escape overland to Lahad Datu, through the jungle.

Crossing the bay in Sampan under cover of darkness, they made their way along the coast to Segama River, where Dial's friends were waiting with two larger boats. After spending a few days with the headman of Kampung Bikang, they continued upstream in pouring rain, frightening away crocodile that approached the boats with pieces of burning wood.

Forced to camp on an island due to rising floodwaters, and finding themselves surrounded by wild animals and snakes also seeking refuge from inundation, the adults kept an all night vigil beside the fire. About sixteen kilometres from Lahad Datu they left the vastly swollen river and all perils behind and continued on foot along the road, wading through knee deep flood water for the first three kilometres.

After living with relatives for about a month on Tengah Nipa Plantation, where the baby died of malnutrition and illness, they moved deep into the jungle, to a hut Dial Singh had built on his eight hectare property. Here they remained in hiding, subsisting on vegetables and tapioca that they planted, small fish and crabs caught in nearby streams and salt extracted from seawater.

For some time, Dial Singh had been meeting Americans who came to Lahad Datu by submarine from Tawi Tawi to gather intelligence. A police sergeant who learned about his activities decided to report him not directly, but by way of a letter written to the Kempeitai Chief, which he gave to Dial Singh to deliver. Fortunately, Dial Singh had doubts about the Sergeant loyalties and opened the letter.

That night he escaped into the jungle, where he remained alone, until the war was over. His family, meantime, only just managed to stay alive. Hercharan, who had been a tower of strength, fell ill and the two surviving younger girls weakened by malnutrition and beriberi, died after eating poisonous mushrooms. The others, apart from Anup, who did not like mushrooms, were extremely ill, but recovered and managed to remain hidden from the Japanese until the end of the war.

Alone in his hideout near Lahad Datu, Anup Singh's Uncle, Dial Singh had realised from the crump of exploding bombs that the war was coming to an end. In their little house in the jungle, Anup and others cowered in terror as Allied planes swooped lover over the rooftop, firing on Japanese position in town. Finally after leaflets had been dropped and all sound of hostility had ceased, the family returned to Sandakan where, after selling her last remaining gold bangle, Mrs Singh set about creating a new life for herself and her surviving family.

There is no mention of any payment of compensation to his widow or family at the end of the war. His position in the constabulary prevented the Australian government from providing financial compensation to his family. There was an understanding that the government of North Borneo would provide for the families of its administrative staff who lost their lives during the war, based on their term of service.

A story of loyalty, bravery, love, humanity, struggle, suffering, sacrifices, heroic deeds, horrendous brutality and cruelty. Brotherhood and friendship towards common good.

Jemadar Ojagar Singh could simply ignored the plights of the Allied POWs and got on with his life. However, he decided to remain loyal to the Allied cause and joined the underground movement. As he was in a position of some influence and authority, he also used his position to ensure that the assistance provided to the Allied POWs could be provided more effectively. Surely all these were efforts that went "Beyond The Call of Duty" .

Lest We Forget

Source :

1. Lynette Ramsay Silver - Sandakan The Conspiracy of Silence (1998)

2. Prof. Danny Wong - Historical Sabah The War (2010)

3. Arkib Negeri Sabah - World War Two : The Sabah's Story (2010)

4. Lynette Ramsay Silver - Blood Brothers Sabah and Australia 1942-1945 (2010)

5. Paul Ham - Sandakan Untold Story of the Sandakan Death March (2012)

6. Interviewed Anup Singh Son of Jemadar Ojagar Singh

7. Special thanks to Aman Avtar Singh Sandhu, Ryan Rowland, David Porter, Mick Smith and  Catherine Chua

Photos :

1. Courtesy Mr Anup Singh

Edited by : Kumis Kumis

CHIEF INSPECTOR (R) PHILIP MAIRON BAHANJA A WAR VETERAN : COUNTRY'S PEACE AND PROSPERITY MUST BE PRESERVED

SEJARAH NORTH BORNEO SABAH

SPECIAL EDITION

SECOND WORLD WAR STORY

A REMEMBERANCE (JASAMU DI KENANG)

A tribute to one of Sabah great hero that would be 91 years on this month @ 28.9.2019. (May his soul Rest in Peace). We knew and remembered that we had shared this stories before in part and pieces on the SNBS Channel as eloquently described by our amazing Mr Kennedy Aaron Aguol .

Today we put up all the stories together from our version after compiling the stories from few sources.

A very unique local hero stories written by the hero himself that was not found in any local history books. His story actually help us connect the many missing pages of Sabah's second world war history. The family currently writing a books on his details exploits, trial and tribulations.

This is a story of a war hero that suffered horrendous brutality as a forced labourer that may relate to many untold missing family members due to force labourers during the second world war in Sabah.

He participated in several important wars and conflict where he suffered injuries and endured great challenges. He contributed and participated in a war against our enemies during second World War, during Pirates Attacked along our eastern coast , Malaysia-Indonesia Konfrontasi, Brunei Revolt and many others perhaps clandestine operations that can become an important chapters of our Sabah history.

A shining example that anybody and everybody can shared and write their family's stories for posterity.

CHIEF INSPECTOR (R) PHILIP MAIRON BAHANJA A WAR VETERAN : COUNTRY'S PEACE AND POSPERITY MUST BE PRESERVED

Chief Inspector (R) Philip Mairon Bahanja (28.9.1928 - 12.12.2012) was the only child of Mr Bahanja Bin Lumintou, a Sino Kadazan family from Kampung Kolopis, Penampang. In early 1943, he was 14 years old and together with a group of 30 Kadazan Dusun youngsters from several villages in Penampang near Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu) decided and innocently seeking employment with the Japanese due to severe hardship of life and looking for better opportunity during the second world war without knowing the tragedy that may awaited them. Little did he know that leaving Jesselton would be the last time he saw his father. He was there to bid him farewell for his journey and it was a very sad moment.

After their group being recruited by the Japanese, they left Jesselton on a wooden boat to Sandakan. The sea trip from Jesselton to Sandakan took them three days. They were served with raw fish to eat and were treated badly from the very beginning. Upon arriving in Sandakan they were forced to work on repairing broken wooden boats at Sandakan slipway near Buli Sim Sim Road.

While they were in Sandakan, they were treated like prisoner of wars and were immediately induced into hard and forced labour. The suffering was horrendous and unbearable. Since all seas and lands exits were secured by the Japanese armies, escaping would be like walking into death trap.

When the Japanese started to realize that the allied forces were closing in and that they may be defeated, the Australian and British POWs were forced to march to the village of Ranau deep in the jungle, 250 km away. At the time, they heard that many of the Australian prisoners of war who were from the Sandakan Camp died when they were forced to walk to Jesselton through the jungle. This is now famously known as the "Death Marches".

In December 1943, he and 29 other friends managed to escape from the forced labour group and planned to go back to Jesselton. They decided to walk through the jungle from Sandakan to Beluran for three days and three nights without any foods.

When they arrived at Kampung Muanad, District of Beluran, they met the village Headman by the name of OKK Kulang and were informed that all land routes was secured by the Japanese armies. OKK Kulang advised them to take refuge at his village and also mentioned that the Japanese armies were looking for them.

They knew that if they were captured they will definitely be executed to death. Looking into the situation, several of them decided to put up in Kampung Muanad. He stayed with Sarawi's a Suluk family and disguised as a local resident and work as a farmer.

Though the Japanese attempted to trace them at nearby village they failed to locate them as people at the village where they take refuge hated the Japanese and did not divulge any information on their whereabouts.

C/Insp. Philip remembered that in 1943, about eight (8) Australian paratroopers landed around Ulu Sungai Labuk, District of Beluran, Sandakan at night. OKK Kulang, Head Village of Kampung Muanad , his group and all the kampung people welcomed the Australian armies.

The Australian armies started recruiting local people and many young locals came forward and joined the guerrilla until the total came to about 500 guerrillas. Philip and his friends were fluent in English language. They were all accepted to join the Australian troops to fight against the Japanese armies.

They underwent training on using weapon and engagement tactics for only about a week and soon after that they donned the allied troops uniformed with high spirit and from then on they joined the fight against the Japanese armies. C/Insp. Philip's choice of weapons was an Automatic Austin-Gun type.

The Australian troops and their group employed guerrilla tactics and succeeded in inflicting a heavy toll on the Japanese up to the end of 1945, several months before the Japanese surrendered to the allied forces headed by the United States of America.

Within one year in the guerrilla team, they were involved in at least three ambushes in Sandakan that inflicted a heavy toll on the Japanese armies. However, many of his friends were killed.

At the same time Kinabalu Guerrilla headed by Albert kwok, Chan Chau Kong, Charles Peter, Jules Stephens and OT Panglima Ali also fought against the Japanese but they were eventually caught and were executed in Petagas.

During the last of his operation, they managed to kill a Japanese spy by the name Pariong.

After the war in 1945, Philip who was 16 years old went directly to the Police Headquarters in Sandakan with a letter of recommendation from Captain Russel and joined the Military Police (MP).

C/Insp. Philip never have the opportunity to keep in touch with any of his comrades and commanders Captain Russel and Captain York although he know them very well.

Among his other contribution and services was that his involvement in an operation against pirates attacked on North Borneo, Konfrontasi Malaysia-Indonesia, Brunei Rebellion, Installation of wireless antenna on Mount Kinabalu and several clandestine operations.

In 1960s, C/Insp Philip was awarded with a "Kukri" (Gurkha Blade/Knife) for his gallantry, sacrifice and service during Konfrontasi. C/Insp. Philips was also an expert in Morse Code, fluent in speaking and writing Japanese language.

C/Insp. Philip reminded the younger generations during his last interview with a local reporter, that they should ponder over our country's history in reaching independence.

Many lives were sacrificed in wars and he urge the younger generation to defend our country independent, peacefulness and welfare. He said the war was a painful experience for him and was a matter of life and death when fighting the enemy to free the country from foreign occupation. Not eating for days on a stretch and getting shot in the leg were some of the sacrifices he made to defend the country.

For his lifetime of service he was awarded more than 9 medals and awards such as follows :-

1. The Pacific Star was campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded for service in World War II (1946)

2. G. BR OMN REX ET INDIAE IMP. GEORGIVS VI 1936-1945 - for fighting in the World War II( 1946)

3. Elizabeth II Del Gratia Regina R. D - for fighting in the World War II (1946)

4. Elizabeth II Dell Gratia regina F. D (1960)

5. Elizabeth II D. g. Br. OMN Regina F. d Colonial Police Forces ( 1957)

6. Pingat Peringatan Malaysia -Indonesian Confrontation-Involved in Indonesian Confrontation. (1963)

7. Bintang Kinabalu - Presented by the Government of Malaysia

8. Bintang Setia Kinabalu -Presented by the Government of Malaysia

9. Pingat Perkhidmatan Am-Presented by the Government of Malaysia.

Source and photos :

1. Sandakan Day Memorial's booklet dated 15.8.2008 courtesy of Ktryn Chua

2. PDRM Facebook comments 15.12.2012

3. Ms Vian Marion

Edited by : Kumis Kumis

THE STORY OF LAMBERTO APOSTOL : THE SANDAKAN UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT

SEJARAH NORTH BORNEO SABAH 

SPECIAL EDITION

SECOND WORLD WAR SERIES

THE STORY OF LAMBERTO APOSTOL :

 THE SANDAKAN UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT

In 1999, Ms Doreen Hurst went to Sandakan for the dedication of the memorial. She met Anacleto Apostol who was the local architect for the memorial. She knew that his father a Filipino born Lamberto Apostol had been a member of the underground movement. She asked if his father had written anything about his wartime exploits. He said 'Yes', but the document had been given to an Australian and he did not know who that man was, and therefore, had no idea where the document was.

Many years later out of the blue, this documents arrived "The Recollection of Lamberto M Apostol During Japanese Occupation 1940-1945 by Lamberto M Apostol dated 1970" in the mail, sent by Frank Murray whose father had died on the death march route - bayoneted by the Japanese.

RECOLLECTION OF LAMBERTO M. APOSTOL DURING JAPANESE OCCUPATION OF SABAH 1940-1945

1. In 1941 as Forest Ranger and Agriculture Officer. I was forced to continue to work otherwise 6 months jail will be imposed if quit to work (Japanese Military Order). I did not like to work in Forestry because Forestry supplies timber for the war. I hate the war. I work as Agriculture Officer and was stationed in Mile 8 agriculture experimental station, at Sandakan to supervise the planting of Tapioca, Rice and other crop for the hungry population of Sandakan.

Mile 8 experimental garden was made the site for the prisoner of war. The area where the water buffalos were kept has been converted place for the P.O.W.. Barbed wire have been constructed around the place.

While as an Agriculture Officer in mile 8 , I could not help helping the P.O.W. who were treated badly by the Japanese soldiers.

2. Through to the information of Mr Jack Law in 1942 , I was caught by the Japanese and sued for helping the P.O.W. at Mile 8, I was then taken from my house which is near the office early in the morning. I was tied by rope and brought by lorry to Sandakan at Bukau Co. building at Leila Road for instruction. I was tortured from 4 pm to 4 am daily for about 2 months. Tying me on stick forced to kneel on sharp firewood bilits - slap and beat me until my face was swollen just to confess of made against the Japanese.

3. Various cases have been charged against me as follows :-

a) Radio receiver and transmitter parts given to P.O.W.

b) The Japs questioned me about the radio spare parts in my possession

my reason is that I was a radiotrician and many spare parts that I could not surrender all the Radio spare parts at the short notice by the Japs. Some parts in mile 8 and some in Sandakan. I gave my radio parts to P.O.W. to release me from having them.

Through my information that the P.O.W. requires radio valve, Mr JR Phillips requested Ng Ah Koi to give the valve. Johnny Funk also give valve. These men were investigated and tortured.

Mr Wong my Agriculture Assistant also testify about the Radio Part, I supplied the P.O.W.. He also was tortured

c) Supply of food to Australian P.O.W. as 6 bottles fresh cow milk daily chicken eggs and salts occasionally.

d) Letter of Mr Keith (Conservator of Forrest requesting help for the Australian P.O.W. - Mr Paddy Funk and Henry Chang were involved about the letter I received from Mr Keith my former Boss. These two gentlemen were investigated and tortured - feet tied and head plunge in a tub of water until almost exhausted in order to confess the fault. They were also threatened to be shot in the field, near the back yard of Bakau Co's house. I have seen them from room where i was detained.

e) Radio news report from the P.O.W. every Saturday brought by Police Sgt. at mile 8. I use to interpret for him the news for he does not know English. This report was also supplied to the internees at Berhala Camp. The Sgt. of police was tortured for this.

f) Assisted in the escape of some of the detention Australia Officers from Berhala. By arranging Filipino Kumpit (sailing boat) to bring away the Australian Officers. Mr Lagan was the mastermind of this and he was killed by the Japs.

g) Food supply to the Internees in Berhala - Salleh a local watch man brought my supply regularly. I was able to give Christmas cake to internees through my old Japanese pre war friend Go To Sang who at that time exchange of the food supply for the internees.

4. After over a month tortured in Sandakan Bakau Co's building we were transferred to local jail at Sim Sim detention. During detention my wife was able to give me $400 cash money concealed in the food provided me. Then from there we were sent to Kuching Sarawak by military boat. Some Australian P.O.W. and 20 other were included in the trip. The three brothers ( Johnny Funk, Paddy Funk and Alex Funk) Felix Azcona, Henry Chang and other Chinese Towkay were among them.

5. In Kuching we were placed in the old building in the Reservoir area and after few days of Court Marshal investigation individually sentence were finalised as follows :-

Faced Firing Squad

Capt. Mathews

Alex Funk

Felix Azcona

An Indian Sergeant (Jemader Ojagar Singh)

10 Years Jail

Lamberto Apostol

Other men were sentenced below 10 years jail as

Johnny Funk

Ng Ah Koi

Paddy Funk

Henry Chang

and some chinese Towkay also.

6. When Jesselton revolted against the occupying Japanese most of the Japanese Military men were ordered to fly to Jesselton to quench the revolt. We were then transferred to the local jail house fetching fire wood, planting vegetables etc. during this time the American bombing raid was continued daily.

The food in the jail was very poor, a plate of gruel rice - no salt and boiled kangkong (watercress) for meal. Smoking tobacco is only allowed outside sleeping room.

7. From Kuching Jail we were transferred to Bau jail via small boat passed Busoh a town near the river bank. We have done various work as transporting rice to Serian, plant tapioca in Panchor, placing earth in Sibu land aerodrome, constructing earth road in Kukong.

In Kukong Paddy Funk escaped away from the camp and when i heard the Jap surrendering I sent word to Paddy to return to safety. He did return.

8. From Kukong I was transferred to BAU jail - other jail companions stay behind because they were given some work. When all my co jail person were in after few days later we were released as free men (Japanese has surrendered)

9. I have to go with the Sandakan Chinese Towkay to Kuching by manpower boat provided by Kapitan China of Bau. Arrived in Kuching 4 am and i have to stay outside the shop while my companion Chinese Towkay went inside. Later in a day a local boy whom i helped in the jail gave my lodging place and we had fun. The next day I reported to the internees camp at mile 5 Kuching and my Boss Mr Keith accommodate me near his bed which is evacuated.

10. In the internee camp fair food was given. The Red Cross has given me clothing for my whole family. After few days I was transferred to join with my other companion in another building a few yards away. Here we enjoy good food provided by the Australian army. After staying in Kuching for about 2 months we were transferred to Labuan by the military seaplane.

11. In Labuan we boarded the (DUCK) lorry that goes in land and water efficiently and in camp the Australian army give us good accommodation and good food with free drinks - beer and soft drink and cinema show once a week. I was called to resume work as a forest ranger same pay. After over a month in Labuan we were taken by military boat for Sandakan including our surplus food. In the way at Balabak Island the boat developed trouble and we have to wait for another boat.

12. In Sandakan I have to resume duty as forest ranger with increase pay. I had to find a place for my family, most of the empty house were dead humans bodies were beheaded. Lucky I found a house without dead men. The Australian officer investigation our case for helping the Australian P.O.W. came and investigation done.

b) In my case the Australian officer after investigating gave me cash money and certificate of the help i made - attached Photostat copy and picture.

Verbally he told me that in case i want my children to study in Australia free education will be given by Australia.

c) I continue to work during the taking over of the British Crown and afterwards resign due to maximum pay limit. I join the private timber company with good pay and get experiences in modern timber logging. Now i am in a retired life - being 75 years old although healthy and strong yet.

L M Apostol

July, 1970

Kota Kinabalu

LEST WE FORGET

The civilians in Sandakan and the local constabulary have been secretly active, the two groups developed close links with Chinese, Malay and other native people who opposed the occupation. The story of Lamberto M Apostol and many more like him resound with the astonishing bravery and ingenuity of the Sandakan underground.

"Those who were not there probably can never fully comprehend the depth of pains, the grief of their families who until recent years knew little of what had happened to the love ones." Owen Campbell

"War is essentially cruel and brutal and in the execution of the principal object no activity which does not contribute to the achievement of that object can be entertained." C.H.Finley

Source :

1. Doreen Hurst : Sandakan 1942-1945 - Stories of the local people who heroically help the Australian POWs

Photos :

Credit to Anacleto E Apostol Jr

Edited by : Kumis Kumis

Special Thanks to Mr Mick Smith for the Doreen Hurst's Book and Mr Ryan Rowland

ANZAC MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL JESSELTON : THE ORIGIN OF SANZAC SCHOOL KOTA KINABALU

SEJARAH NORTH BORNEO SABAH

SPECIAL EDITION

SECOND WORLD WAR SERIES

ANZAC MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL JESSELTON : 

THE ORIGIN OF SANZAC SCHOOL KOTA KINABALU

LIBERATION OF BRITISH NORTH BORNEO

British North Borneo was the site of the last operation conducted by the 9th Australian Division during the Second World War. The ultimate objective of the operation, codenamed OBOE 6, was the liberation of British North Borneo, which had been occupied by the Japanese since 1942. Its immediate military purpose, however, was to secure Brunei Bay for use as a base by the British Pacific Fleet.

On 10 June 1945 the 24th Brigade of the 9th Australian Division landed on Labuan Island at the mouth of the bay, while its sister brigade - the 20th - landed on the Borneo mainland at Brunei point. The landings were virtually unopposed. The 24th subsequently cleared Labuan and crossed into British North Borneo, while the 20th Brigade leapfrogged down the Brunei (a British-protected state) coast, utilising watercraft as its main form of transport.

These movements resulted in a series of small-scale but relatively costly engagements. The Australian forces remained active until the end of the war on 15 August 1945. OBOE 6 killed 114 Australians and approximately 1,400 Japanese.

2/32ND INFANTRY BATTALION AUSTRALIA

The 2/32nd Infantry Battalion was unique in being one of only three Australian infantry battalions formed in the United Kingdom. In June 1940 a troop convoy carrying almost 8,000 Australians, sailing to Middle East to join the 6th Division, was diverted to Britain.

This force was based around the 18th Brigade and also consisted of infantry reinforcements and other support troops. In late-June it was decided these reinforcements and support troops would form the basis of a new infantry brigade, the 25th Brigade, for the 7th Division.

However, each battalion only had three rifle companies instead of the usual four.

The brigade’s three battalions were the 70th, 71st, and 72nd Battalions. The 71st Infantry Battalion, established on 27 June, became the 2/32nd on 28 October. The 70th and 72nd Battalions became the 2/31st and the 2/33rd Battalions respectively.

2/32nd reformed at Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland and undertook an extensive period of training. The war was almost over before the battalion went into action again.

In April 1945 the 9th Division was transported to Morotai, which was being used as a staging area in preparation for the 7th and 9th Divisions amphibious operations on Borneo. The 24th Brigade landed on Brown Beach on Labuan Island on 10 June. After 11 days of fighting the 2/28th and 2/43rd had cleared the island. Meanwhile, the 20th Brigade landed at Brunei Bay.

With the Japanese falling back in British North Borneo, the 9th Division commander decided to clear the Klias Peninsula and follow the railway from Weston to Papar. The 2/32nd had been in reserve during the earlier operations. On 17 June it crossed Brunei Bay in landing craft to Weston. The 2/43rd landed at Menumbok and the 2/11th Commando Squadron landed at Mempakul on 19 June.

By end of the first day, patrols from the 2/32nd had reached Lingkungan. The next day a platoon moved further inland along the railway from Weston to Maraba. Patrols also followed the Padas River, enabling the 2/32nd to advance on Beaufort. Similarly the 2/43rd moved on Beaufort via the Klias River. Beaufort was captured on 29 June. Thereafter, the 2/32nd moved along the railway towards Papar and on 10 July one of its companies made an amphibious landing south of the town. Papar occupied two days later.

Following the end of the war and Japan’s surrender, the ranks of the 2/32nd thinned, as men were discharged, transferred, or volunteered for the occupation force for Japan. Those who remained with the unit returned to Australia in January 1946 and the 2/32nd was disbanded at Ingleburn at the end of the month.

RECONSTRUCTION OF BRITISH NORTH BORNEO

The 9th Division was heavily involved in reconstructing British North Borneo from July onwards and rebuilt and re-established a considerable amount of civil infrastructure. The division developed a warm relationship with the local people and its efforts were recognised by the incorporation of the division's colour patch in the coat of arms of the new Colony of British Borneo.

FATHER AND FOUNDER OF SANZAC SCHOOL MR FRANCIS XAVIER LOH (b. 3.4.1931, d.19.1.1994)

Francis Xavier Loh born on the 3rd April 1931 married to Theresa Thien born 2nd February 1936. The couple blessed with 5 sons (Gus, Martin, Reg, John and George) and a daughter (Prisca). Francis migrated to Perth, Australia with his family in the 1980s.

As a local Jesselton's boy, Francis Loh who made himself indispensable to troops of 2/32nd Battalion in their work of reconstruction at war's end, was instrumental in the school establishment. He was great at climbing coconut trees and had other great skills. In a tribute to him the departing troops collected funds to enable him to resume his disrupted education in Perth, Australia

Francis gained sound education to commence work as a news reporter for local English newspaper, then moved to education on several regional Chinese School, General insurance in the 1960s and later became a very successful businessman. It was he who negotiated with the Sabah Government to acquire the site and to build the school in recognition of the help given to him by his "digger" mates.

Francis Loh for his vision, passion and dedication first took the initiative to build this first and probably the only "Monuments and Memorial" in the form of a School after the second world war in Sabah. It was built on the five acres of land at Sembulan, which had been generously donated by the State Government in 1966.

The construction of the school including reclamation of the land required approximately $200,000.00. Half of the amount had been donated by the Returned and Service League of Australia and other individual organisation in Australia and New Zealand. The other half of the cost was funded by Francis Loh personally. Francis also raised a fund locally through fun fairs and lion dances. Francis Loh had struggle through five years of labours and pains to fit every tiles in its place.

The completed Monuments and Memorial building consisted of seven classrooms and 30 feet height monument. The Monument had a structure of four pillars which depicts the national flags of three countries forming SANZAC, meaning Sabah, Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. Francis Loh handed over the school to the Education Department in 1971 and had been made the first Malay medium secondary school in Sabah.

"SANZAC, serve to create the past and inspiring memories for the future, such structures are embedded with recollection of heroic deeds of our fathers for us to cherish in thoughts. Similarly, the father of the school who took such pains to build the school must not be forgotten. " Vicky Ng.

The School also a memorial to all those who lost their life in the liberation of Sabah, 1941-1945.

LEST WE FORGET

Three of the original classrooms call Anzac Heritage Rooms.

Source :

1. Ryan Rowland - Borneo Exhibition Group

2. lohkokempire.blogspot.com

3. smk-sanzac.com

4. vickyng - news paper article 1979

5. Australia War Memorial www.awm.gov.au

Photos courtesy Ryan Rowland

Edited by : Kumis Kumis

HEROES ROLL - PART 1 - SANDAKAN UNDERGROUND 1942-1945

SEJARAH NORTH BORNEO SABAH

SPECIAL EDITION  

SECOND WORLD WAR

HEROES ROLL - PART 1 - SANDAKAN UNDERGROUND 1942-1945

"For there are deeds that should not pass away, and names that must not be forgotten" Lord Byron

In July 1943, the Sandakan Underground Movement was betrayed. The Kempeitai wasted no time. They immediately took Dr Taylor, Captain Mathews, Detective Lagan and Corporal Abin for questioning, suspecting them to be the ring leaders. They were severely beaten and relentlessly questioned under torture to reveal the names of their co-conspirators. Inside the camp, the Japs became more brutal in their search for those POWs involved in building the radio transmitter and those possible link to the underground.

The Kempeitai rounded up nearly one hundred people suspected of involvement in the underground resistance. The interrogations and beatings went on for three months. Nearly everyone involved with the underground was caught.

Many prisoners were beaten and subjected to various forms of torture by the Japanese. Some suffered terrible water torture and others were beaten mercilessly until they confessed their guilt.

Late in October 1943, more than 200 people including POWs, Military and Civilian boarded a ship to Kuching.

Upon arrival to Kuching, the prisoners were interned and the tortured continue.

In early 1944, the prisoners were sent to Japanese Military Court. They were sentence to death and jail.

CIVILIAN EXECUTION AT MILE 1.5 , 27.5.1945 :

1. Chan Teck Wah (Clerk, Harrison and Crossfield)

2. Thomas Chan (Former Chinese Consulate Staff, Firewood Merchant)

3. Chong Wai Cho (Basel Church School Teacher, Editor Sandakan Chinese Overseas Daily)

4. Pongolo Stanislaus Dominic (Retired Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Customs)

5. Fung Bak Ming (Member, China Relief Fund)

6. Alfred Funk (Partner, Funk and Sons)

7. K. A. George (Inspector, Sandakan Sanitary Board)

8. Ho Shu Fah (Merchant, Member China Relief Fund)

9. Jappar (Trader)

10. Khoo Kim Cheng @ Yau Kam Chung (Chip Loong & Co, Chairman of China Relief Fund)

11. Kong Su En , Lieutenant (Chief Clerk and BNB Volunteer Force)

12. Kong Su Leong (Wireless Operator)

13. Kwan Lok Ming (Man Loong & Co, Chairman , Chinese Chamber of Commerce)

14. Kwan Yun Hin (Member of Legislative Council and Partner , Man Loong & Co)

15. Lee Seng Lok (Trader)

16. Lew Kew Chong

17. Linck, Mrs (wife of German Doctor)

18. Lee Sah Cie, Dr (Japanese Language Censor, Chungking News)

19. Ng Shea Wah (Member, China Relief Fund)

20. Ng Tai Yong (Building, Contractor)

21. Pang Thau Fen (Government Clerk)

22. Patel, MS (Pharmacist, Manager Sandakan Dispensary)

23. Tam (Wireless Operator)

24. Stella Tao (Chinese school Teacher from Shanghai)

25. Voon Thau Yin (Teacher, St Michael School)

26. Voon Yin Chong (Chief Clerk, Public Works Department)

27. Unidentified Indian (Doctor)

CIVILIAN EXECUTION AT MILE 1.5 , 28.5.1945 :

1. Foo Chi Ming

2. Pereira, Andrew

3. Watson, Richard

CIVILIAN EXECUTION SHOT BY HOSOTANI NAOJI AT MILE 1.5 , 27.5.1945 :

1. Sui Chong

2. Ten Pek

FINED :

1. Cohen, Mrs Moselle Y (later killed)

2. Hu Li Tsia $50

3. Khoo Siek Choo $1000

4. Kwan Choo Ming $2000

5. Kwan Ming Ming $1000

6. Lo Hoi Chee $2000

7. Wong Wee Ming $2000

8. Yan See Chan $1000

DIED IN KUCHING, BEFORE TRIAL

1. Keating, Sapper Edward (Died 11.2.1944)

ARRESTED AT SANDAKAN NOT TRIED :

2. Koram Bin Andaur, Corporal (escaped)

3. Mananai, Puloro (tortured and released)

4. Wong Yun Siew (released after feigning insanity)

5. Lander, Sergeant Colin (released not enough evidence)

ARRESTED AND TRIED AT KUCHING DEATH (SHOT BY FIRING SQUAD 2.3.1944) :

1. Abin, Sergeant

2. Azcona, Felix Junior

3. Funk, Alexander

4. Matusup Gungau

5. Lagan, Detective Ernesto

6. Matthews, Captain Lionel

7. Heng Joo Ming

8. Jemadar Ojagar Singh Mannan

9. Wong Mu Sing

IMPRISONMENT

SENT TO OUTRAM ROAD GOAL, SINGAPORE :

1. Mavor, Gerald (Died 5.5.1945)

2. Taylor, Dr James

FIFTEEN YEARS

1. Damodaran, Mr M

2. Yangsalang, Sgt. Maj.

3. Yusop (Usop) Basinau, Sgt.

TWELVE YEARS

1. Lai, Peter Raymond Kui Fook

2. Mohammed Salleh Bin Madang

3. Wells, Lt. Roderick (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

TEN YEARS

1. Apostol, Lamberto

2. Ng Ho Kong

EIGHT YEARS

1. Amigau Bin Bassan (Died at Kuching)

2. Chin Piang Syn @ Chin Chee Kong @ Edmond Kong

3. Guriaman, Inspector Samuel

4. Soh Kim Seng (Ah Tu) (Died at Kuching)

5. Weynton, Lieutenant Gordon (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

SEVEN YEARS

1. Peter Leong

2. Dick Majinal

SIX YEARS

1. Chang Tiang Kiang, Henry

2. Funk, Patrick H (Paddy) (escaped from penal servitude)

3. Chan Tian Joo

4. Kassiu, PC (Died at Kuching)

5. Richards,Cpl. J. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

6. Stevens, Sgt. Alfred (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

FIVE YEARS

1. Foo Seng Chow

2. Jakariah

3. Sidek Bin Simoen

FOUR YEARS

1. Funk, John Simon Jr (Johnny)

2. Gorokon, PC

3. Lumatop, PC

4. Marshall, Sapper Donald (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

5. Chan Ping (Ah Ping)

6. Felix Tang

THREE YEARS

1. Aruliah, Samuel

2. Martin, Private Frank (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

3. Phillips, Mr A.E.

4. Tahir, Mohammad PC

TWO AND HALF YEARS

1. Lau Bui Cheng (Bueh Ching)

2. Ngui Ah Kui

TWO YEARS

1. Davis, Private Stanley G. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

2. Jensen, Sapper Carl (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

3. Kassim Bin Jumadi @ Mandor (Died at Kuching)

4. Mills, Corporal Cyrill (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

5. Suratmin Bin Jumadi (escaped from Kuching Goal)

6. Sastroh (Died at Kuching)

ONE AND HALF YEARS

1. Blain, Sergeant Alister M. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

2. Davis, Sapper Roy (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

3. Graham. Cpl Thomas G. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

4. Holly, Sgt Ray B. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

5. James, Staff Sergeant J.H. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

6. McMillan, Corporal J (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

7. Roffely, Cpl L.A.D. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

8. Small, Cpl Arnold (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

ONE YEAR

1. Allan, D R

2. Amat

3. Goh Tiek Tshi (Teck Chai)

4. Dahlan

5. Kai, PC

6. Laband, Dr J F

7. Rice Oxley, Major

8. Goh Tiek Soong (Teck Sing)

TEN MONTHS

1. Yong Cha Ming

SIX MONTHS

1. Mc Donough, Sergeant William J. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

2. Rumble, Private Thomas H. (sent to Outram Road Goal Singapore)

"Sandakan should be remembered because it was more than a battle between nations and more than a battle between conflicting ideologies; it was a war between human decency and human depravity. The victims [of the Death March] were as much casualties of evil as those who died in the Nazi death camps in Europe. " by Paul Keating

Lest We Forget

Source and Photos :

1. Doreen Hurst - Sandakan 1942-1945

2. Paul Ham - Sandakan

3. Lynette Silver - Blood Brothers

4. Prof Danny Wong - The War

5. Arkib Negeri Sabah - World War 2

6. Australia War Memorial

Edited by : Kumis Kumis

PS : in view of several long list and cross referral, the spelling of names may be differ and certain names be omitted unintentionally pls highlight for immediate amendment