Tantui, Ambon - Murder APW - Schaefer

david

  • Pte Schaefer Aust PW escaped Tantoey Camp on 26/3/45 and recaptured 10/4/45 – beheaded on or about 30 April 45. Schaefer and another PW had succeeded in stealing food from the Japanese store and escaped from the compound but Schaefer was within a few days recaptured.

The Shirozu unit was responsible for guarding and administration of PW in Tantoey Camp.

Miyazaki was 2 i/c Shirozu unit - Schaefer was interrogated regarding the route taken during his freedom. Questioned immediately after his recapture and "admitted the crime." These interrogations were the only form of inquiry.

It was not legal for local Japanese Commander to execute a PW for an alleged offence without a trial before a court martial.

Miyazaki reported to his HQ on the incident and rxed orders that Schaefer was to be executed. It was handed over to Honji  with instructions that orders had been received that the PW was to be executed for stealing food and escaping. The PW was taken out of the camp to a place of execution and beheaded by Kurokawa under the orders and in the presence of Honji.

trials conducted