KOMURA/TAKEWO
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Last name
Komura
First name
Takewo
Rank
Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit
Katsura Force, 57 Independent Mixed Bde
Trial
Sentence
Death by shooting
Date sentence carried out (if death)
Location of sentence (if death)
Morotai
Hann, Walters and King were executed on Talaud Is by orders of Col Koba, CO of forces on the island. In response to Koba Force asking for instructions what to do with the PW, a signal was received from Chief of Staff Katsura Force "Genchi Shobun" interpreted as you are to dispose of locally - i.e. executed.
Lt-Col Komura was the only staff officer on HQ Katsura 57 Indep Mixed Bde at Manado.
Koba and his officers told the American torpedo force who arrived after the Jap surrender that the PW had been sent to Manado on 25 July well knowing that they had been executed in March.
JAG report on Petition - Personally feel some doubt but cannot advise that the finding and sentence should not be confirmed.