Letter from Army Records

NX49282 - WAUGH, Norman Sidney (Norm), Pte. - B Company, 10 Platoon

Letter from NSW Echelon and Records to Mrs. Florence WAUGH informing her of the death of her son, Cpl. Norman Sidney WAUGH.

The letter reads:

Mrs. Florence Waugh,
BANGALOW NSW

Dear Madam,

It is with deep regret that I have to inform you on behalf of the Minister for the Army, that advice has been received from the International Red Cross Committee, Geneva, that your son NX49282 Corporal Norman Sidney WAUGH died of illness (Cardiac Beri Beri) in Malay Camp on 3rd February 1944.

Realising the shock and grief this announcement will cause you, it is thought preferable to advise you by letter rather than by telegraphic means, and that some explanation is due concerning the receipt of information in respect of prisoners of war.

Despite repeated representations by the Commonwealth Government to the Japanese Government at Tokyo through neutral sources, it has failed to comply with the terms of the Geneva Convention, one of which provides for the prompt interchange of Information regarding Prisoners of War.

It is only during recent months that the Japanese have cabled information to International Red Cross, Geneva concerning prisoners of war in certain camps, and it can only be assumed from the date of death as reported, that Japanese Broadcast messages, capture cards and earlier particulars furnished to the Geneva Convention have been in the possession of the Japanese some consideroble time before being released.

It will no doubt be readily understood that the only method of communication with Japan is through the International Red Cross, Geneva. Owing, however, to the reluctance of the Japanese to furnish information to the powers who are at war with them, the Commonwealth Government has no means of ascertaining just how long particulars in respect of members of the Australian Military Forces are held at Tokyo before release.

With the profound sympathy of the Minister for the Army.

Yours faithfully,

Officer in Charge NSW Echelon and Records