Japanese POWs

[greg]

A slightly different one than normal from me this time. A neighbour has asked me if I can find out anything about his Father, who was a FEPOW in WW2 and survived (but understandably didn't talk about it much) although died of old age a few years ago.

536757 William Hayden Smith was, according to Stubbs "Unsung Heroes", on the strength of RAF Kai Tak, and was held initially in Hong Kong before being transported to Japan.

Do any of the FEPOW debrief reports, like the Bomber Command ones, exist, and if so, can anyone point me in the right direction for them? Also, what was Kai Tak - an operational airfield with squadrons perhaps? I'm way out of my comfort zone here trying to find gen.

Any pointers, advice, or information anyone can give would be gratefully received.

TIA, Greg

[greg]

Just having a Google - am I right in thinking Kai Tak is now the famous Hong Kong airport with the runway built out over the sea?

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Greg

Kai Tak was the main RAF base in Hong Kong and eventually became HK International until replaced a few years ago

Malcolm

[PeteT]

A quick google of FEPOW came up with the following:

There are a couple of databases with information on, one is "down" at the moment. However there is some information on http://www.mansell.com/pow_resources/camplists/hiroshima/hiro_3_tomano/hir-03b_british.html

If you call up the spreadsheet at the top of page it provides additional information about him which maybe a useful start point.

http://home.comcast.net/~winjerd/Supply/hirdiv.htm (Aerial views / information on camps)

Regards

Pete

[greg]

Many thanks Pete and Malcolm, I'll follow up on your suggestions.

Greg

[Arthur Arculus]

Hello Greg,

Here is a very good contact, Margaret Martin who doe's a lot of work for Japanese POW's (FEPOW Club). You can tell her I set you on to her! you wil find he3r at this address margaretmartin2@sky.com

Best of luck,
Digger.

[greg]

Cheers Digger, you're a star!! I owe you a pint.

I see your boys turned over Ireland right at the death earlier today? :-D

[Arthur Arculus]

Hello Greg,
Margaret helped a lot regarding my wifes brother in law. She works very hard.

Regarding last night, Oh what if it had been Wales!!
From a Surreyite,
Digger.

[greg]

Digger - I'd like to tell you that Wales would never have thrown it away deep into injury time like Ireland did yesterday. However, the Aussie press may be reporting it a bit differently this morning... :-D

[PeteT]

Greg

Another link which you may find interesting (providing NA file numbers for index cards and liberator questionnaires)

http://www.cofepow.org.uk/pages/research_centre.htm

Regards

Pete

[greg]

Thanks Pete - add a pint to what I already owe you :-)