2/22 Battalion Lark Force, Rabaul 1942
steve74
I am looking for any information on:
2/22nd Lark Force, Rabaul 1942- Little Hell
“In January 1942, after three weeks of air bombardment, Rabaul was attacked by the Japanese from the sea, and with overwhelming odds soon broke the defence. It is estimated that against the original garrison of 1,500 the Japanese landed 17,000 men in the immediate vicinity of Rabaul. Though forced to withdraw the garrison left between 3,000 and 4,000 Japanese dead on the shores of the Bay and the Harbour. The defenders split into small groups and while some managed to escape by sea a great number were killed or captured. Of the latter many were murdered, and most of remainder were drowned when the ship taking them, together with some 200 civilians, to the Philippine Islands was torpedoed and sunk. Nevertheless a number of the original garrison ran the gauntlet of the Japanese Patrol and reached Australian Territory in small vessels, overlooked when the Japanese Commander sent destroyers steaming up and down the Coast smashing all boats to be found” source: Australian War Memorial
Frankston Standard, 1st October 1943
LETTER FROM JAPAN In a letter to his relatives in Mentone, Major L. H. Lannan, formerly secretary of Standard Newspapers Pty. Ltd., who is now a prisoner of war in Japan, mentions the name of Dr. Akeroyd, Frankston's medico of pre-war days, as one of the number held in his particular camp. Major Lannan and Dr. Akeroyd were both captured after the fall of Rabaul.
Enlisted in 2/22 Lark Force
Alfred Albert Perry, born 1909 Boolarra. Address Frankston. Rank: Private
L.H lannon, Rank: Major
by steve74
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steve74 has been a Family Tree Circles member since Dec 2011.
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steve74 on 2012-02-04 21:44:08My Grand father was in the 2/22 Battalion. Dr Ackeroyd was is Doctor after the War. He told the story about how dr Ackeroyd could have escaped but chose to surrender so he could treat the wounded. This is one battle that deserves more attention. I would love any information
888shelley on 2012-02-04 22:04:00Ok, Maj Lannan (Les) and some of his group escaped and hid in the bush helped by the fuzzy wuzzy angels (I have a handwritten cheque used to pay them for food)but as you mentioned there were seriously injured men so Les surrendered and they were placed aboard the Naruto Maru which was lucky as the other ?Maru was sunk off Leyte (by the USA).They continued on to Japan and Zentsuji Camp. Les was made liaison officer to the Camp commander and between other camps. I will get my info together and send to you as there is too much to put here. There is a chap doing research and history of the 2/22nd and I will find his name in my files for you.
I remember meeting your gfather although I was only very young and Les died in 1953.
steve74 on 2012-02-04 22:14:52Sorry for the confusion, Dr Akeroyd was not my grandfather. My grandfather was private Alfred Albert perry. I have a photo of a Volcano erupting in Rabaul. Pop didnt speak much about the War, I know his best friend from Frankston, was found hands bound and beheaded. Alf found him. he never got over this
steve74 on 2012-02-04 22:15:04Sorry for the confusion, Dr Akeroyd was not my grandfather. My grandfather was private Alfred Albert perry. I have a photo of a Volcano erupting in Rabaul. Pop didnt speak much about the War, I know his best friend from Frankston, was found hands bound and beheaded. Alf found him. he never got over this
888shelley on 2012-03-02 01:00:32Steve, have not forgotten you! Will try to get things underway soon. My cousin has just sent a whole lot of other family history for me to deal with, so when I have that done I will get to you and the others I have promised to send stuff to.
steve74 on 2012-03-02 01:40:47Thanks, its worth the wait
steve74 on 2012-03-02 01:43:31I am trying to "Snowy Cummins" beheaded by the Japanese. He played Football for Frankston
888shelley on 2012-04-24 00:23:19Steve, google 2/22 Lark force, the chap who is doing the research is Rod Miller. I just remembered that. Happy Hunting!!
janilye on 2012-04-24 03:41:10Perhaps if you can get a copy of the book 'Hell and High Fever' by David Selby as advertised HERE in The Argus, Weekender book reviews in 1956 will give you some more of the story.
888shelley on 2012-04-24 07:22:14Thanks Janilye!!
janilye on 2012-04-24 07:49:44The State Library of Victoria has a copy so does Monash and the research library at the Australia War Mem.
888shelley on 2012-04-24 08:16:17Thanks Janilye!! It might mean a trip to Victoria...I am in Qld,pooh!
janilye on 2012-04-24 08:50:03Ask your library if they can get a copy. The book was republished in 1971, I believe as part of a series called Australians at war, so there are probably quite a few copies around. Or request a copy from the National Library. Also here is an interview David M. Selby interviewed by Hazel de Berg
WOW!!!!!! Major Lannan was my father. He and DR Ackeroyd were POWs in Zentsuji Camp Japan. I have some info and photos and also a contact for Lark Force!!
Cheers Shelley
888.shelley@gmail.com