1. Investigation was carried out on 23.28 Sep 1945.
2. The following Japanese officials and civilians were interviewed:

1st Lt. YOSHIDA ZENKICHI - Prison commandant at termination of hostilities.
1st Lt. INAKI MAKATO - A previous commandant.
Serg.Maj. NEKO ZENZO - On Medical staff of No 4 Camp throughout, except the period 25/5/45 to 27/8/45. [25 May 1945 to 27 August 1945]
IWASHITA HIROE - Clerk employed by KAMAISHI IRON MINING COMPANY. and appointed to look after the affairs of the PWs who were employed by this firm.
R. NAGATA - President of NITTO & Co and employers of PWs through the KAMAISHI IRON MINING COMPANY.
OCURA SUSUMO - Manager in charge of work KAMAISHI IRON MINING COMPANY
WATANABE SUEKITI - Doctor at KAMAISHI IRON MINING COMPANY

3. DOCUMENTS ETC FROM NO.4 CAMP:

The following listed below are submitted herein (INCL)
1. List of 190 POWS from Java via Tokyo.
2. Reports of Dutch POWS who died at No. 4 Camp.
3. List of POWS as of April 1945
4. Return of POWS as of 4 Sep 1945.
5. List of POWS sent to MORIOKA HOSPITAL in Aug 1945.
6. List of 46 POWS sent to Tokyo for release (only 45 on list).
7. Copy of document signed by POW Officers re commandant.
8. Receipt for 7 POW ashes.
9. Plan of No.4 Camp OHASHI.
10. Packet of photographs in connection with camp.
11. Envelope (A) contains documents found in Camp.
12. Envelope (B) contains documents etc found in Camp.

From KASSHI VILLAGE MASTER:

13. Authorities for disposal of bodies.

From KAMAISHI IRON MINING COMPANY

14. POW Regulations
15. Ditto
16. Ditto
17. Ditto
18. Documents re POWS employment.
19. File re POWS employment
20. File re POWS

NOTE: Incls 11, 12, and 14/20 with Copy No. 1 only.

4. (Illegible heading)
The Camp was previously under control of Tokyo and prior to that HOKADATE and accordingly was known as the following:

30 Nov 1942 to 20 Apr 44 HOKADATE OW Camp No.2
21 Apr 1944 to 7 Apr 45 TOKYO PW Camp No. 6
As from 8 Apr 1945 SENDAI PW Camp No.4

At the termination of each of the above periods nearly all record were sent to the body relinquishing control and for the first two periods, the present Commandant having officiated for the last four months only, the greater part of information regarding movement and interchange of POWs was given from memory and is without substantiation. This, however, should be available at the Camp Hqs referred to.

5. COMMANDANTS.
Since its inception on 30 Nov 1942 the following have been in command of the Camp.

30 Nov 1942 to 20 Apr 1944. - 1st Lt. NAGANUMA MASAKI (thought to be now at HAKODATE)
21 Apr 1944 to 28 Jul 1944. - 1st Lt. IWAKI MAKATO (present Commandant of SENDAI POW Camp No. 5 KAMAISHI)
29 Jul 1944 to 26 Apr 1945. - 2nd Lt, KAWABE NAGAYASU (thought to be at HW POW Camp Bureau TOKYO)
As from 27 Apr 1945. - 1st Lt. YOSHIDA ZENKICHI.

6. LOCATION OF CAMP:
30 Nov 1942 t0 1 Apr 1943:
Proximity KAMAISHI IRON MINING COMPANY Map ref 877-1855. These were temporary quarters pending erection of present building.
As from 1 Apr 1943. - OHASHI VILLAGE ref. 881-1850

6. MOVEMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR
From documentary and verbal evidence the following are all particulars available regarding change of Prisoner of War personnel.

a. On 30 Nov 1943 the first POWs comprising 200 personnel from JAVA via Tokyo arrived. 190 are listed as per INCL 1 but the remaining 10 who died shortly afterwards are omitted. They are however recorded under INCL 2 together with 3 other deaths which took place at this camp.
b. During April 1943, 39 POWS arrived from HOKODATE and 39 were sent to that place in return. All the records were sent to HAKODATE.
c. In Jun or Jul 1943 the following 3 American personnel arrived from ZENTSUJI:

Lt. Jg. EPPLEY, James E. (Navy)
PhM3c BERRY, Bryan Webster 2625320 (Navy)
PhM1c COFFIELD, Rolland (Navy)

d. On 30 Aug 1943 Pfc ELVY, Stanley (Brit RAF) escaped but was recaptured the same day and taken to HOKKODATE (sic) where he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. In May 1944 he died from Pneumonia whilst in a civil prison. [Elvy, Stanley Alfred Gaydon, AC1c, RAF Vol Reserves, 912865, died at Abashiri Prison, 23 March 1944, ashes never recovered. Honored at Singapore Memorial Column 440]
e. In October 1943, 38 POWS including, it is thought, the following 29 shown under INCL 1 were sent to HOKKODATE:
Ewing, John A.
Houis, Howard Curtie
Knight, Douglas Franklin
Dale, Michael Joseph
Hooper, Marin W.
Mavista, Ariton
Cerruts, Julines Elmer
Gilleland, Jesse Paul
Rose, Guy Michael
Blake, Bernard
Beales, Ray Stanley
Welch, William
Tan, Kak Yen
Lanford, Alfred
George, Fred Anthony
Lee, Clarence James
Snellebrand, Pieper Cornelis
Waag, Leo Vander
Philippo, Jan Jr.
Stavers, Duncan Francis
Bergmans, Anton Edward
Schrijver, Herman
Versigny, Eugine Henri
Meijer, Hendrick Frederick
Lentze, Frans
Vorst, Jean Alexander Edward
Pechler, Leonard Ascar
Tit, Frederick Mazes
Verbeck, Andreas Joseph Johannes

On the same day two men were sent to Tokyo.

f. In Jan 1944, 51 POWS arrived from MURURAN a town in HOKKAIDO. Records were sent to HOKODATE.
g. In Mar 1944, Lt. Tucker (American) and 5 enlisted men arrived from Philippine Is.
h. In Mar 1944, the following Officers (8) were sent to HAKODATE.

American:
Smith, Travis Joel
May, Earl Vincent
Shaw, Kenneth Leigh
Australian:
Campbell, Edward
Vowles, Cecil Victor
Dutch:
Van Wall Groeneveld, Johannes Marrinus
Huininga, Obbe Hendrick
Leent, Grederik Johan

i. On 13 Jun 1944 Feenstra, Klaas (Dutch) who was unsuccessfully operated on by Dr. Lt. Eppley (American Navy) and a Japanese local Doctor TATEDA RYOSHICHIRO for sarcoma, was sent to Tokyo Shinagawa for POWS, where it is reported to have died on 17 Feb 1945. [actual 18 Jan 1945; kidney cancer]
j. On 31 Mar 1945, 200 POWS arrived from KAWASAKI - all records sent to Tokyo.
k. In August 1945, 24 patients and 6 PW Medical personnel were sent to MORIOKA Military Hospital.
l. (copy unreadable) Sendai PW Camp Bureau (unreadable) and handed over to Occupational Forces Tokyo.
m. On 9 Sep 1945, 9 PW were taken to YOKOHAMA by Capt. SATOTADASHI, Hq PW Bureau and handed over to American Hospital ship.
n. This leaves 319 Pws who were taken over by Major SELTZ, 8th US Army. A receipt was given but this was forwarded to HQ SENDAI PW BUREAU.

8. DISTINGUISHING SIGNS AND PROXIMITY TO MILITARY OBJECTIVES.
In either sites the camp was not lit up at night and there were no recognizable sign by which the camps could be recognized by Allied Aircraft.
The Temporary Camp was previously a building in the Iron Mines Area now used to house Korean workers.
The latter camp is on the main road and close between two railway lines.
The only air raid shelter at the latter was an open trench- capacity about 25 men.

9. DEATHS

(a) From Natural Causes
Date, Name, Nationality, Cause
4 Dec 1943 - Pvt. WETTERS, August Valeriaan H., Dutch, Colonitis or colitis
7 Dec 1942 - 1st Pvt. REES, Thomas H., British, Colitis and undernourishment [Rees, Thomas Howard, RAF, AC1]
7 Dec 1942- LAC NOBLE, Austin Black, British, Pneumonia, Collinitis, collitis & undernourishment
7 Dec 1942 - 2nd Pvt PFAFF, Gustaaf Adolph, Dutch, Collinitis, collitis & undernourishment
7 Dec 1942 - 2nd Pvt OGILVIE [Ogilie], Rudolph Albert, Dutch, Collinitis, collitis & undernourishment
19 Dec 1942 - W.O. SEIDLE, Alfred C., American, Pneumonia [Seidel, Alfred Glenn, USN]
19 Dec 1942 - W.O. FANGHOR, Gene, American, Pneumonia [Fanghor, Gene, USN]
19 Dec 1942 - 2nd Pvt VAN HEYMANS [Hijmans van Androoij, Benjamin], A.B., Dutch, Pneumonia and undernourishment
20 Dec 1942 - 2nd Pvt STENFERT, Julien Hendrik, Dutch, pneumonia [& malnutrition]
30 Dec 1942 - 2ns Pvt MARTHERUS, Rudolph, Dutch, Peritonitis and pneumonia
13 Jul 1943 - L/Cpl MARRALL, Leslie, British, Chronic Diahorrea [MERRALLS, Leslie]
9 Aug 1943 - LAC JACKSON, Harry, British, Chronic Diahorrea
8 Jan 1944 - 2nd Pvt HILLING, Jacoben A. [Jacobus Adolph Augustinus], Dutch, Pneumonia
23 Mar 1944 - AC1c Elvy, Stanley Alfred Gaydon, RAF Vol Reserves, 912865, died at Abashiri Prison [Added by Center For Research - see Paragraph (6d) above]
18 Jan 1945 - Sld2c Feenstra, Klaas, Dutch, Kidney Cancer at Shinagawa Hospital [Added by Center For Research - see Paragraph (7 i) above]

b) FROM ALLIED ACTION - nil
Back to Sendai Main

10. DISPOSAL OF BODIES
In the cemetery about 3/4 miles EAST of the camp were found the graves of the following:

LAC NOBLE
WO SEIDLE
WO FANGHOR
Pvt VAN HEYMANS
Pvt STENFERT
Pvt MARTHERUS
These all bore crosses and it was explained that the original crosses were rotted and replaced.

The remainder of the bodies were cremated, the reason given that these all died of infectious diseases. As can be seen from Para 9, this is absurd and in view of the fact that the majority of deaths were so close together (10 in Dec. Including 4 on the anniversary of Pearl Harbour). This matter appears one to be treated with suspicion and calls for further investigation. Cremation was carried out at the district Crematorium situated 200 yards SOUTH of the road (Map ref. 880-1851) and the ashes were buried in the cemetery. On 22 or 23 August 1945 these were dug up and sent to Tokyo. No information can be gained as to what happened to the identity discs but it is thought that they were probable sent to Tokyo with the deceased effects. INCL 10 includes Photographs of the graves, including three old crosses which had been replaced, and the Crematorium.
The latter is in a state of ruin, the wooden edifice having been broken down, It was explained that it was in good order when these men were cremated.

11. MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH
According to evidence the first lot of prisoners which arrived were in very poor condition, mainly suffering from malnutrition and Beri-Beri. The Medical Staff at that time comprised:

1 Medical Officer from MARIOKA (sic) (part time only)
1 Sgt.
2 Pvts.
5 Nurses

These were assisted by 10 PWs who had had experience and it appears that the Doctor of the Kamishi Iron Mining Co. Hospital devoted a considerable amount of time to the patients. At this time it is stated that nearly half of the prisoners were very ill and confined to bed. The Mining Cos doctor WATANABE SUEKITI stated that he recommended that at least 40 of the POWS be sent to the hospital. The Commandant however declined to do this on the grounds that the only hospital available was the KAMAISHI civil hospital and that it would be inconvenient for them not being able to speak Japanese. It is stated that extra rations and Vitamin B preparations were given to the prisoners and milk and eggs supplied to the patients. By March 1943 all POWS who had arrived were restored to good health. [Caution- this is a Japanese statement in direct contradiction of POW affidavits. Food for the ill was just half rations]

12. WELFARE [Caution: Japanese statement in contradiction to affidavits]

(a.) FOOD - Normal ration (daily Rice or equivalent of beans, barley or flour; 750 grams
FRESH VEGETABLES - limited but small quantity each day.
FRESH BEEF - almost every day according to supples available
SUGAR - small quantity issued twice per month
SALT - supplies not sufficient
TEA - could be bought by POWS - about 1/4 lb - 90 sen to 1.3 yen

(b.) CLOTHING AND BEDDING
POWS issued with winter coats and overcoats, 1 straw mat and 3 quilts were supplied and there were also a few blankets.

(c.) ACCOMMODATIONS
This appears to have been sufficient (see INCL 9)

(d.) TOBACCO AND CIGARETTES
Issued by Army according to supplies available. In addition at times POWS were able to purchase cigarettes at 35 yen per packet.

(e.) CORRESPONDENCE
Unreasonable limitations. One letter or one card per month. Further letters had to be written on a certain form and as during the last four months, owing to paper shortages no forms were available, letter writing was eliminated completely.

13. EMPLOYMENT
Pows were for the main part employed by KAMASHI IRON MINING CO. Rate of pay 1 yen to 1.35 per day but most of this went to Japanese Govt. For provision of clothing and food. E.g., one an worked 28 days at 1.15 Yen per day = 32.20 Yen. Of this, the man received 8.40 Yen and the Japanese Govt 23.80 Yen.

It was stated that there was no penalty for refusal to work but there [were] no refusals throughout. [Comment: the penalty was a severe beating and no food] Compensation for injuries was paid at the same rate. There were no deaths in the course of employment. Rest days three per month. Time worked 8 hrs. per day in Mine and 9 hrs per day in Machine factory including 1 hour per day rest. Work was largely on the shaft system. For periods of ten days per month NITTO & CO Charcoal Manufacturers hired POWS from the Mining company. For this the Mining Company was paid 2 yen per man per day.

14. GENERAL
It is emphasized that the foregoing information is mostly from verbal evidence and therefore cannot be considered as accurate without further substantiation. The investigation personnel were at a decided disadvantage in that they arrived after the POWS had been released. The evidence of one man only, who had been with the camp since its inception would be invaluable and clear many if not all of the doubtful points. It would appear that at the latter end of the hostilities conditions for POWS were fairly satisfactory but in the earlier stage they may have been subject to very great hardships and as may be seen there are several suspicious incidents. No satisfactory explanations could be obtained as to why 4 men were cremated whilst 6 who died, about the same time, were buried. It was stated that, under pressure, at the termination of hostilities a number of camp documents were burned these being considered of no further use. The question arises - why then were others kept? Many other documents were reported to have been forwarded to H/Qrs and it is recommended that immediate steps be taken to obtain these. Evidence of a reliable nature was never at any time easily derived and time and time again was found to be contradictory or conflicting. It was only after hours of tedious cross examination even necessitating recourse to bullying and threats of trial as War Criminals before being satisfied that truthful information was being given. It is considered that the account as outlined is now fairly reliable but it is again strongly recommended that the whole matter be taken further and that particularly, additional evidence be taken from the ex POWS.

Dated this 1st day of October 1945.

/S/ R. TODHUNTER Capt. [British?]
7 LIAISON TEAM
Recovered Personnel Det.

/S/ JOHN W. KOCHER 2d Lt. Inf.
Recovery Team 64.
Recovered Personnel Det.