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Burma
Rangoon Central Jail
PoW Movements
These pages are compiled from KEW File AIR 40/1855
(H) PoW Movements
(i) Mass Movement of all fit PoW in April 145.
It is not possible to determine the intention of the Japanese except that they meant to keep the services of those who could work as long as possible. Where their destination was is not known.
(ii) 200 plus Dutch PoWs moved from jail Jan/Feb 1943 .
(iii) Move of PoWs in May 1943 to Singapore.
This was the destination stated by the Japanese. The Party included:-
Group Capt. Moore
S/Ldr. Longmore
F/Offr. Townsend
Capt. Vivian Earle
Capt. Madchen (77 Bde.)
Lt. Campbell-Paterson
Lt. Richard Gourley
Capt. Roberts (13th Kings)
Major Yates (15th Punjab)
(iv) Lt. Goad and two N.C.O.’s USAAF. - Moved by air either to Bangkok or somewhere in French Indo-China, returning approximately 10 days later.
This took place in Dec. 1944, Jan. 1945. The party apparently did nothing in particular and was understood that they did not know why they were taken there.
(v) A party of 40 civilians Including the Staff of the Commissioner of the Andaman Islands.
Moved in April to, it is believed, Tavoy.
(vi) A party of approximately 150 Indians moved in March 1945 possibly to join the I.N. A. but there is no proof of this and it is unlikely in the opinion of PoWs.
(vii) 300 Chins under a Chin Subadar were moved on 25 Apr 1944 and according to the Chinese General, the PoWs were to be released.
(viii) A large party of approximately 200 Karens are believed to have been released on 20 Aug. 1944
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