The Official 2/26 Battalion Website

In affiliation with the 2/26 Battalion Family & Friends Association Inc.

"This website came to fruition in an attempt to tell the true story the 2/26th Infantry Battalion, (the only Infantry Battalion raised in Queensland; part of the 27th Brigade, 8th Division) played during the Malay Campaign of World War II.... "The 8th Division constituted 14% of the British force but it took 73% of the battle deaths."

Japanese Hell Ships - 1944

DATE

POW'S

DEATHS

DAYS

VOYAGE

SHIP

COMMENTS

1944

            

3 Jun

315

18

Singapore to Moji (Japan Party 1)

Hiyoki Maru

Aust, Brit, Dutch, Americans - also loaded with bauxite.

3 Jun

315

18

Singapore to Moji (Japan Party 1)

Hiyoki Maru

Aust, Brit, Dutch, Americans - also loaded with bauxite.

3 Jun

208

15

Singapore to Formosa (Japan Party 1)

Miyo Maru

Aust, Brit, Dutch, Americans - ship severely damaged in typhoon. Prisoners offloaded in Takao onto Tamahoko Maru.

18 Jun

772

560

6

Formosa to Japan

Tamahoko Maru

Already carrying POW's and copper ore the POW's from Miyo Maru were offloaded onto this ship.

25 Jun

730

178

1

Belawan to Pakanbaroe

Harugiku Maru

Formerly SS Van Waerwijck - Aust, Brits, Dutch - sunk in Sundra Straits.

4 Jul

1,065

12

Singapore to Manila (Japan Party 2)

Rashin Maru

There were 3 other POW ships in this convoy, but this was the only one to contain Austs. They were under Maj R Newton.

6 Sep

1,318

1,159

6

Singapore to Japan (Japan Party 3)

Rakuyo Maru

1 other POW ship in convoy - sunk in China Sea by US Submarine. Among the survivors was Captain R.Richards.

26 Dec

525

20

Singapore to Moji

Awa Maru

Aust, Brit & American - POWs sat onboard ship in Kepple Harbour for 10 days prior to sailing.

1945

31 Jan

2,500

9

Singapore to Saigon (Japan Party 4)

Haruyasa Maru

Only POW ship in convoy - Aust, Brits & Japanese labourers.

3 Jun

451

18

Singapore to Moji (Japan Party 1)

Hozan Maru

Aust, Brit, Dutch, Americans

3 Jun

456

18

Singapore to Moji (Japan Party 1)

Kokusei Maru

Aust, Brit, Dutch, Americans - also loaded with bauxite.