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Ofuna Interrogation
Liberation
At Liberation there was a change of guard at Ofuno and masses of clothing and food was freely given. Previously more than half the Red Cross Parcels had been stored by the Japanese and the remainder rationed over several months. Further confirmation that special attention was given to pilots or Super-Fortress aircraft was given by the fact that the only death to occur since the reception of the war prisoners was an American major of No. 29 Squadron who died soon after reaching the hospital ship. He had bean beaten and clubbed unconscious just a few days before the Allies landed.
Basil was classified as a ‘Sitting’ case aboard Hospital Ship ‘Benevolence’ in Tokyo Bay. Diagnosed with Malnutrition and Beriberi. Fair condition, although walking with difficulty. T.B. vaccination and vitamins given.
From left:- Robert Gunther, Basil Aldwell, Unknown, Gordon Grant
The prisoners on the hospital ship had been interned at Ofuna, Ka-Waski No. 2, Sabo, Hospital, Tokyo or Tomori and at no time was more than a thin cotton vest given to them by the Japs during the last winter, which was the coldest in 42 years.
Signatures from Liberation
The roster at August 1945 included 135 PoWs, of these ten were British the rest American.
The British PoWs on the Liberation Roll at Ofuna were:-
Aldwell, Basil Wellington, Lieutenant, HMS Illustrious, PoW No, 7267, Age 25. Illness:- Malnutrition and Beri Beri.
Cameron, Donald, Lieutenant, Navy, PoW No. 7265, Age 23.
Douglas, Donald Cameron, Lieutenant, Navy, PoW No. 7266, Age 22. Illness:- Septicaemia fracture.
Gibbs, Sidney, Leading Seaman, Navy, PoW No. 7349, Age 24. Illness:- Malnutrition and Beri Beri.
Gunther, Robert Michael, Sub Lieutenant, HMS Illustrious, PoW No. 7300, Age 23. Illness:- Septicaemia of head and right foot.
Hunt, Ronald A, Petty Officer, Telegraphist, Navy, PoW No. 7336, Age 29
Megraw, William Harold Annesley ,Telegraphist, HMS Exeter (Picture)
Newman, Harold E George, Chief Petty Officer, HMS Exeter, PoW No. 7323
Schofield, Norman Neville, Lead Telegraphist, Navy, PoW No. 7348, Age 25
Two British died because of their treatment at Ofuna:-
1944/04/19 - Shilton, Robert Percy, Petty Officer Telegraphist, D/J69414. Cause of death given as Diffused Peritonitis, died at Kanigaya.
1944/10/22 - Kidd, Franklin Benjamin, RB 3/c, Cause was given as Cancer of the Stomach, died at Kanigaya
Included in the American’s at Ofuna were surviving crews of:-
USS Tang (SS-306), USS Perch (SS-176) and the USS Sculpin (SS-191.
The American PoWs included 1st Lieutenant, Louis Zamperini, an Olympic distance runner who was later featured in the film ‘Unbroken’ based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book about him.
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