M15
Morotai Trial M15 was an Australian war crimes trial conducted on Morotai between 14 and 15 January 1946. The case arose from the murder of three captured Royal Australian Air Force airmen, Packham, Jones and Benson, who were executed near Tomohon after being taken into the custody of the Kempeitai during the Second World War.
Major Odamura Toshitake of the Kempeitai was charged in connection with the killings. Evidence presented at trial indicated that, although a request had been made for authority to execute the prisoners, Odamura did not approve the executions and that the orders were instead issued by Lieutenant Colonel Komura. The three airmen were subsequently taken to nearby hills and executed by sword. The court found Major Odamura not guilty, and as no conviction was recorded, no Judge Advocate General's review was required. This page summarises the trial, the evidence presented and the surviving archival records.
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ODAMURA/TOSHITAKE
Three unidentified captured RAAF airmen taken to Kempei Tai at Tomohon. WO Matsuhoto requested permissions to carry out executions but Odamura did not approve. Lt Col Komura gave orders to Matsumoto's request. The three airmen were taken to the nearby hills and executed with swords.