WATSON, Thomas John - WX7307
From WA Military Digital Library
| Original items held by a member of the community |
Pte Thomas John Watson
| Conflict | World War 2 |
|---|---|
| Service Arm | Citizen Military Force Australian Imperial Force |
| Unit | 16th Battalion Cameron Highlanders 1 Independent Company |
| Service No. | WX10681 |
| Service Arm | Army |
| Date of Birth | 7 Dec 1914 |
| Birthplace | Perth, WA |
| Residence | Perth, WA |
| Date of Death | 1 Jul 1942 |
| Relatives | Father - William John Watson Brother - WATSON, William Simpson - W13120, WX10681 Brother - WATSON, John Charles - W8663, WX14539 Brother - WATSON, Clive Lawley - 5400164 Brother - WATSON, Arthur - 5/1241 Brother - WATSON, Harold - 276347, WX5013 Brother - WATSON, Leslie Joseph - WX16573 |
On 22 June 1942, men of the No 1 Independent Company who were Prisoners of War of the Japanese were ordered aboard the Japanese Navy ship, Montevideo Maru. They were being moved to a camp on Hainan Island. Eight days into the journey the ship was spotted by an American submarine which fired 2 torpedoes at the vessel. The Montevideo Maru sank and all of the soldiers died. 17 Japanese crew survived and confirmed the loss of men and ship.
Attestation documents
Correspondence with the Army Medals Section regarding the issue of medals to family members.
