M7

Morotai Trial M7 was an Australian war crimes trial conducted on Morotai between 6 and 7 December 1945. The case concerned the murder of Royal Australian Air Force airmen Hann, Walters and King, and formed part of the series of prosecutions arising from the same killings. Lieutenant Tanaka Seizo of the 211 Regiment, 32nd Division, and Private Fujisaki Maseo were charged with responsibility for the murder of Warrant Officer Walters.

The prosecution alleged that Lieutenant Tanaka ordered Private Fujisaki to bayonet the wounded Australian airman. The court found both men guilty but imposed different sentences reflecting their respective roles. Lieutenant Tanaka, who gave the order, was sentenced to death by shooting and was executed on Morotai on 6 March 1946. Private Fujisaki was initially sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, but following review his sentence was reduced to five years. This page summarises the trial, the evidence, the convictions, the sentences imposed and the surviving archival records, including the Judge Advocate General's report.