HAMPSON, Robert Douglas - WX7123

Sgt Robert Douglas Hampson
Conflict	World War 2
Service Arm	Australian Imperial Force
Unit	2/4th Machine Gun Battalion
Service No.	WX7123
Service Arm	Army
Date of Birth	2 Aug 1914
Birthplace	Maylands, Perth, WA
Residence	Menzies, WA
Date of Death	20 Dec 1997
Relatives	Father - John Hampson

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Brief biography and photos

Along with the other soldiers of Australia's 8th Division, Sgt Hampson was captured and became a prisoner of the Japanese. He managed to survive the hellish nightmare of being used as slave labour on the consruction of the Burma-Thai railway. He was held at Tamarkan in Thailand until April 1944 and then allocated to the first Japan Party. They were to be shipped to Japan and used as forced labour in the coal mines.
They were crammed in appalling conditions aboard the Rakuyo Maru and 6 days out of Singapore their ship was sunk by an American submarine. The ship had no markings to indicate that Allied prisoners were on board and so the US Navy submarines would assume it to be carrying Japanese supplies.
The Japanese and Korean guards abandoned ship leaving the prisoners to their fate. There were some 1300 Allied POWs on board. Once in the water they disposed of the guards and clung to anything to stay afloat.
Hampson gained a hold on a rope loop on the side of a raft. Fourteen started out on the raft but by the fourth day only three were left. After six days adrift covered in oil and without food or water they were eventually saved by another American submarine - only Robert Hampson & Leo Cornelius were left on the raft. They celebrated the last Christmas of World War Two in Australia with their families.

Message from Field Marshal Thomas Blamey

164.99 Headquarters, Allied Land Forces, South West Pacific Area

Message from Field Marshal Thomas Blamey

WX 7123 Robert Douglas HAMPSON 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion AIF.

It is with pleasure that I confirm the despactch to you by telegram of the undermentioned messages from His Majesty The King and His Excellency the Acting Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

MESSAGE FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING
The Queen and I bid you a very warm welcome home. Through all the trials and sufferings which you have endured while in the hands of the Japanese you and your comrades have been constantly in our thoughts. I realise from the accounts which you have already given how heavy those sufferings have been. I know too that you have endured them with the highest courage. We mourn with you the deaths of so many of your comrades. We hope with all our hearts that your return from captivity may bring you and your families a full measure of happiness.
George R. I.

MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY THE ACTING GOVERNOR GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA.
My Wife joins with me in expressing our deepest gratitude to you all for your courage and fortitude under the most trying circumstances. We welcome you back to your homeland and join with you in solemn remebrance of your many comrades who have lost their lives.
Winston Dugan.

I also desire to express my appreciation of the high degree of courage you have displayed whilst in conflict with and in the hands of the enemy, and during the harrowing circumstances resulting from the torpedoing of the Japanese Transport "RAKUYO MARU". I trust your return to Australia and reunion with relatives and friends has brought you the happiness you so richly deserve.

T. Blamey
General
Commander- in- Chief

Postcards from POW camp near Moulmein, Burma.

Imperial Japanese Army
I am interned at the War Prisoners Camp at Moulmein Burma.
My Health is good
I have had illness
I have been in Hospital
I am working for pay at Fifteen Cents per day.
My Salary is ______________ per month
I am with friends Jack Barnes, Fred Barker
Both are well, Love and Regards to all,
Keep smiling dont worry, Doug.
R D Hampson
From Douglas, Hampson
________________________________________________
SERVICE DES PRISONERS DE GERRE
From
Name R.D.Hampson
Nationality Australian
Rank Sergeant
Camp WAR Prisoners Camp
Moulmein, Burma
To Mrs. E Hampson
90 King George St.
South Perth
West Australia
_________________________________________________
SERVICE DES PRISONERS DE GERRE
From P.O.W. No. 3867
Name R.D.Hampson
Nationality Australian
Rank Sergeant
Camp WAR Prisoners Camp
Moulmein, Burma
To Mrs. E Hampson
90 King George St.
South Perth
West Australia
_________________________________________________
IMPERIAL JAPANESE ARMY
I am still in a P.O.W. Camp near Moulmein, Burma,
There are 20,000 Prisoners, being Australian, Dutch, English and American. There are several camps of 2/3000 prisoners who work at settled labour daily.
We are quartered in very plain huts. The climate is good, Our life is now easier with regard to food, medicine and clothes. The Japanese Commander sincerely endeavours to treat prisoners kindly.
Officers' salary is based on salary of Japanese Officers' of the same rank and every prisoner who performs labour or duty is given daily wages from 25 cents (minimum) to 45 cents, according to rank and work.
Canteens are established where we can buy some extra foods and smokes. By courtesy of the Japanese Commander we conduct concerts in the camps, and a limited number go to a picture show about once per month.
Dear Mum and Pop, I am well, having good Health, Hope you are same, Love and Regards Doug
_________________________________________________
Sce DES PRISONERS DE GERRE
From
Mrs. E Hampson
90 King George St.
South Perth
West Australia
__________________________________________________
WX 7123 SERGEANT
Robert Douglas Hampson
Dear Mum and Dad
Am safe and well, hope all at Home are well Love and Kisses to All Love to ETT.
Doug
_________________________________________________
SERVICE DES PRISONERS DE GERRE
From P.O.W. No. 3867
Name R. D. Hampson
Nationality Australian
Rank Sergeant
Camp : No.3 Branch Thai War Prisoners
Camp. Nike, Thailand
To Mrs. E Hampson
90 King George St.
South Perth
West Australia
Australia
_________________________________________________
IMPERIAL JAPANESE ARMY.
Our present place, quarters, and work is unchanged since last card sent to you. The rains have finished, it is now beautiful weather. I am working healthily. We receive newspapers printed in English which reveal world events.
We have joyfully received a present of some milk, tea, margarine, sugar and cigarettes from the Japanese Authorites.
We are very anxious to hear from home, but some prisoners have received letters or cables.
Everyone is hopeful of a speedy end to the war and with faith in the future we look forward to a happy reunion soon.
With best wishes for a cheerful Christmas
Received no mail, Hope all are well, Love and Best wishes to you and Pop, Regards to All
From R.D. Hampson
_________________________________________________
Commonwealth Of Australia - Post Master General's Department
TELEGRAM
8 Dec 1943 South Perth
Postal Acknowledgment Delivery
Mr John Hampson
90 King George St.
STHPerth Personal

R6862 Acting Sergeant Hampson Interned Thai Camp further Reports received State that WX7123 Acting Sergeant Robert Douglas Hampson previously reported prisoner of War is now Interned Thai Camp
Minister for the Army BE 1-13P
___________________________________________________
Commonwealth Of Australia - Post Master General's Department
TELEGRAM 1 Oct 1944
Perth 108/1 12/58 Postal Acknowledgment
Personal Delivery

Mr John Hampson 90 King George St South Perth
R4421 It is with pleasure I am able to advise you on behalf of Minister for Army That your Son WX7123 Acting Sergt Robert Douglas Hampson has been recovered from the enemy by an Allied Force and has now safely reached allied territory according to information received He is well - An Australian Officer is making all necessary arrangements for his comfort including any necessary medical attention and for his return to Australia at an early date - You will be advised immediately your Son arrives in Australia - In His interest please treat as confidental -
W-A-Eschelon and Records-

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