80th Anniversary Of Cowra Breakout Commemorated

Cowra commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Cowra Breakout in style last weekend, with a number of formalities and dignitaries happening, including a surprise visit from the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

In the early hours of Saturday 5 August 1944, more than 1,000 Japanese Second World War prisoners staged a breakout from their compound near Cowra, in the NSW Central West.

Sentries opened fire but several hundred prisoners escaped into open country, while others who remained set fire to the camp buildings.

In August 1944 there were 2,223 Japanese prisoners of war in Australia, including 1,104 housed in Camp B of No. 12 Prisoner of War Compound near Cowra, guarded by the 22nd Garrison Battalion.

On the night of the breakout three Australian soldiers were killed and another three were wounded. Privates B.G. Hardy and R. Jones, who were overwhelmed while manning a machine gun post, were posthumously awarded the George Cross.

A fourth Australian, Lieutenant Harry Doncaster was killed when ambushed during the recapture of the prisoners.

In the nine days following the breakout 334 prisoners were retaken, with Japanese casualties totalling over 230 killed and 108 wounded.

Australia and Japan now share a special relationship, strategically, economically, culturally, and more broadly through the continuing cooperation between their defence forces.

The Cowra Japanese Garden is a lasting symbol of our ongoing friendship and peace.

The centrepiece event on the weekend was a special commemoration at the site of the POW compound at 1.30am Monday, the time of the prisoner breakout 80 years ago.

Other events included a Peace Bell ceremony and torch run, a lantern parade, a community event at the breakout site and a Mayoral Dinner, and on Monday, a media breakfast at the Cowra Japanese Gardens Café, a wreath laying ceremony and a morning tea.

NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“This weekend is a special time in our nation’s military history, especially in New South Wales, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Cowra Outbreak.

“I would like to thank Cowra Council for leading the way in acknowledging this momentous time and helping to foster unity between Cowra and Japan, and our nation and Japan.”

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• History