Cemetery plot location: A-07-04
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| Classification: | POW |
|---|---|
| Identification number: | PWJA 145023 |
| Surname: | SAKAMA |
| Other names: | Tsunekichi |
| Plate name: | SAKAMA, TSUNEKICHI | AKA (Also Known As): | None |
| Name in kanji: | 坂間 常吉 |
| Grave location: | A-07-04 |
| Date of birth: | 1905-05-21 |
| Place of birth: | 3393 Totsuka-machi, Yokohama, Japan |
| Private address: | 71 Hayama-machi, Miura-gun, Kanagawa-ken, Japan |
| Business address: | Not recorded |
| Military rank: | 1st Class Seaman |
| Unit regimental number: | Navy, 8942 Regiment, Yasuda Unit, Yoshioka Company |
| Date of capture: | 1942-10-17 |
| Place of capture: | Milne Bay, New Guinea |
| Reason for internment: | Prisoner of war |
| Camp interned: | Cowra |
| Date interned: | 1942-10-25 |
| Health condition on arrival: | Not recorded |
| Trade or occupation: | Railway employee |
| Length of residence in Australia: | Not recorded |
| Date of entry: | Not recorded |
| Port of disembarkation: | Not recorded |
| Ship: | Not recorded |
| Personal effects: | Nil |
| Religion: | Buddhist |
| Nationality: | Japanese |
| Marital status: | Married |
| Next of kin: | Tomi SAKAMA |
| Address of next of kin: | 71 Hayama-machi, Miura-gun, Kanagawa-ken, Japan |
| Relationship to next of kin: | Wife |
| Father’s name: | Ginzo SAKAMA |
| Father’s occupation: | Not recorded |
| Mother’s maiden name: | Teru SAKAMA |
| Identification: | Height 5'8", weight 140 lbs, dark complexion, black hair, brown eyes |
| Movement report: | SAKAMA was transferred from Gaythorne to Cowra on 8 January 1943. He was hospitalised in Cowra for about 10 days in April 1943 (cause unknown). He died in the breakout. |
| Cause of death: | Burnt in hut |
| Date of death: | 1944-08-05 |
| Cremation or burial: | Burial |
| Date of burial: | 1944-08-09 |
| Place of first burial: | Cowra |
| Extra information: | SAKAMA’s records, held at the Office of Australian War Graves, are sketchy. His body, burned inside a hut, was never positively identified. His grave plaque is engraved as “Buried near this spot”, because his remains could not be distinguished from other burnt remains nearby. |
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