Suwabe Masato and others

Case Summary

In January 1943, 500 POWs left Singapore for New Britain. Enroute, the ship they were travelling on was torpedoed. The surviving POWs completed the journey in circumstances of great privation.

The POWs arrived at Rabaul, New Britain on 19 February 1943 in an extremely weakened state. Despite their condition, the POWs were made to work only after a brief rest of 24 hours. Many foot injuries were sustained owing to the absence of footwear. The accommodation was also said to be insufficient and unsanitary.

Subsequently, the POWs were transferred to Tanoura on 1 March 1943. Again, conditions were miserable. It was said that the accommodation were unhygienic, there were insufficient blankets and clothes, there were no medical supplies and rations were inadequate. Furthermore, sick men were forced to go on fatigue duties, resulting in deaths and more illness.

Certain medical procedures were conducted on the POWs. It was said that these were unorthodox and unnecessary methods of treating tropical ulcers. As a result, several amputees contracted gangrene and died subsequently.

For more information, see:

http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/58ae7b/

http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/654c35/

http://www.legal-tools.org/doc/b30a26/

This case raises questions about trial organisation and administration of sentences. The 5th accused had served out his sentence and was released before confirmation. The 1st accused was sent to another trial location to give testimony and had not yet returned to Singapore when trial documentation was being finalised. As a result promulgation had to be delayed.