1946 Rabaul War Crimes Tribunal POW Correspondence Japanese General R Tanka

A rare set of hand written and typed correspondence relating to a Japanese General held as POW on trial in the war crimes tribunal at Rabaul 1946 and an Australian officer of ghe 2/24th Infantry Battalion.

A rare original hand letter of apology to Major Clyde Bunbury hand written in Japanese and dated 20th September 1946. Apologizing for insulting the King whilst help as POW and on trial as a war criminal. Together with a hand written translation letter in English from the interpreter. Also original translation copy of the letter. Signed R Tanaka. Major General.

The original types official letter to General Tanaka from Major Bunbury expressing his displeasure at the insult given to the King and expecting a written apology from the General as well as a verbal apology witnessed by other AIF officers, signed by Bunbury.

An original camp typed letter of diagnosis from the Medical officer of No.2 Labour Camp regarding General Tanaka’s condition for malaria dated 29th September 1946. Together with a hand written chit from the M.O to Major Bunbury advising him of the Generals medical condition. 30th September 1946.

Original photo of Major Clyde Bunbury as a junior officer in the pre-war Militia.
Major Bunburys two Soldiers Pay Books ( post war continuation entries).


General Ryōzaburō Tanaka
Born 1st of May 1895

Promoted Major-General 10/6/1945
Service 1/4/1941– 23/3/1943 as Commanding Officer 229th Infantry Regiment in China - Hong Kong.

23/3/1943 - 2/9/ 1945 as Chief of Staff, 38th Division.
Condemned as war criminal to 20 years imprisonment as war criminal. Died 8th of August 1970.



Name BUNBURY, CLYDE RAYMOND
Service Australian Army
Service Number 2123 (NX150345)
Date of Birth 20 Feb 1919
Place of Birth MELBOURNE, VIC
Date of Enlistment 12 Dec 1939
Locality on Enlistment GLEN IRIS
Place of Enlistment DUNTROON, ACT
Next of Kin BUNBURY, HAROLD
Rank Major
Posting at Discharge 24 INFANTRY BATTALION

Code: 2720