C2 - Murder of 4 APWs - Wadham, Morrison, Simpson, Solomon at Tantui PW Camp

In early 1945, Allied bombing and the naval blockade of Ambon severely disrupted Japanese supply lines, creating acute food shortages for both Japanese troops and Allied prisoners of war. In response, the Japanese high command ordered that anyone found guilty of stealing food from military stores was to be punished by death.

Shortly before 26 April 1945, four Australian prisoners of war—Private Wadham, Private Morrison, Private Simpson and Corporal Solomon—were caught stealing food from a Japanese store while imprisoned at Tantui Prisoner of War Camp on Ambon. There was no dispute that the theft had occurred. Rather than being tried before a properly constituted military court, the incident was reported through the Japanese chain of command, which ordered that the prisoners be executed.

On or about 26 April 1945, the four Australians were taken to a location near Paso, Ambon, and executed by members of the Japanese 20th Garrison, Shiramizu Unit. Following the war, Australian investigators examined the circumstances of the killings, leading to prosecutions before an Australian War Crimes Court. The case centred on the unlawful execution of prisoners of war, who could not legally be put to death without a lawful court martial conducted in accordance with the laws and customs of war.