The Japanese Surrender September 9th, 1945General Blamey and high ranking Japanese officers at the official signing of the surrender documents, believed to have taken place on the pacific island of MOROTAI (Indonesia) on the date shown
Hello and welcome.
I have put this page on the web in the hope that someone out there may be able to help me discover more about the war in the pacific, in particular the area including the island of Morotai.
The Americans had an airfield here and the Australians had a hospital on this island. I am after any information at all about this place but in particular the hospital and it's Australian Army Staff.
My Father was in the Australian Army Medical Corps, and served for a time at this hospital, he never spoke of his wartime experiences, and is now deceased.
I realize that most of the people that served here would now be into their seventies or eighties, perhaps their prodginy may have some information.
If you think you have information, or perhaps know someone that may, please email me as soon as you can, or complete the special form at the bottom of this page, it will be very much appreciated.
I have included a number of photo's here which may help with the recollection, or perhaps you have seen something similar in your Fathers memorabilia.
Sadly the quality of some of the pictures on this page has deteriorated over the years, but you'll get the idea...
The comments accompanying each photo are from pencil writing on the back of each image.
The Japanese Surrender September 9th, 1945
General Blamey and high ranking Japanese officers at the official signing of the surrender documents, believed to have taken place on the pacific island of MOROTAI (Indonesia) on the date shown
More Papers To Sign
That's General Blamey on the extreme left of picture, note the Australian troops in the background, notes on back of original photo say "lots of paper work here too"
A Very Unhappy Chappy
The Japanese officer (bending over) was none too happy about the proceedings, he had a little cry and turned away from the table
A Hardpacked Dirt Airstrip
It is believed that the surrender took place at this joint Australian/American airfield on the island of Morotai.
Catalina flying boat
Catalina flying boats operated from here as rescue craft (among other things)for aircrews that may have had to ditch in the ocean on returning from missions against the Japs in this region, and to rescue the crews from crippled ships in the area
A Flying Fortress Life boat carrier
The flying fortress shown here was able to drop the lifeboat to crews already in the ocean in shipping lanes, and a passing ship would pick them up, the lifeboat was equipped with all the appropriate survival gear for many days at sea.
A Life Saver
Here you can see the lifeboat detached from the aircraft.
The Well Armed Liberator
Another of the many different types of aircraft that operated from here. This liberator was used primarily for recce flights and perhaps more importantly, for searching for allied crew that did not make it back from their missions
The Lightening, Very fast in it's day
The lightening was used primarily for photo-recce sorties, but was also involved in search and rescue missions.
Flying Works Of Art
A number of the aircraft had this kind of "ART" lovingly painted by the artistic member of the crew
A captured Japanese Zero
The story of this captured Japanese Zero is sadly not know...
Some supplies that made it...
Fuel and other heavy supplies coming ashore, from ships at this flimsy dock, ships remained under power in order to move quickly in time of air attack, and also to keep the weight off the dock.
Front Gate to the troops living area
This is the gate to the camp where the Australians lived
The main camp site
Very neat and tidy, locals that could be trusted are allowed to work here, the camp was located right on the waters edge.
The main street of local village
A view of the main street of the local village or hamlet, unfortunately the name and other details are not recorded
Looking the other way
Another view of the main street in paradise.
A Local Dwelling
always very big and spacious
Another Hand Made Home
These dwellings had been commandeered by the Japanese before they were driven out
Young Mothers
Young mothers, some as young as twelve, all seem able to cope in there own way
Meal Time
It's all in at meal time in the family outdoor kitchen, Each member of the family helps out.
Well Dressed
Some of the older Women choose to dress well
Been Fishin'
Life is all fun and games for these boys, and they are good fishermen as even at this young age they are required to provide each day for the table
A Sore Foot
This little bloke was treated at our RAP and was found to have an infected cut on his heel
Recreational Madness'
A bit scary, took a fair bit of practise to be able to climb these trees after the coconuts
Another Island We Visited
Another small island near Morotai that was visited by our boys, no other details are recorded
Jungle...
It's like this almost from the beach all the way to the top of the mountain
A Fishing Boat
...very light and very fast, easily maneuverable
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A very good link for information on this matter, Check It Out