| Accession Number | 030391/05 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Negative |
| Maker |
Williams, John Munslow |
| Place made | Netherlands East Indies: Java, Batavia |
| Date made | June 1942 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Informal portrait of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) J M Williams, Commanding Officer, 2/2nd ...
Description
Informal portrait of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) J M Williams, Commanding Officer, 2/2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, in the Officers' Compound, Bicycle Camp. Lt Col Williams had just been returned to the camp after having been subjected to torture for 30 days by the Kenpeitai (Japanese Military Police) in an attempt to obtain from him matters of military importance. Persistent refusal to capitulate to the Japanese inquisitors was met by such treatment as poisoned food which brought on excessive vomiting and filling the stomach with water and being jumped on. On one occasion he was taken out before a firing squad. He was humiliated by being imprisoned with native prisoners and allowed only an occasional wash, but was not permitted to shave.