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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 515

(x) The Second World War Hong Kong P.O.W. group of three awarded to Sapper F. W. H. Haynes, Royal Engineers, late Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps, who was taken prisoner by the Japanese at the Fall of Hong Kong on 25 December 1941, was drafted as slave labour to a prison camp in Tokyo and then Sendai, and was not released until the Japanese surrender in 1945

1939-1945 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted on card, toned, very fine (3)

Frank William Henry Hayes was born in Plumstead, London on 3 February 1924 and was living in Hong Kong with his mother and father when the Second World War broke out when he was fifteen years old. Hayes enlisted as a Private with the Hong Kong Defence Corps when he turned eighteen, and served with them until transferring to the Royal Engineers as a Sapper (under regimental number 1931918) on 8 December 1941.

It was not long into his service with the Royal Engineers when Hayes was taken Prisoner of War by Japanese forces during the Fall of Hong Kong on 'Black Christmas' 1941. His civilian parents were also both taken prisoners and were interred at the Stanley Internment Camp in Hong Kong. Hayes was separated from his parents and is listed as a Prisoner at the Samshuipo Camp (under P.O.W. number 1425) from 7 January. However, he is also shown to have been a part of the sixth draft of slave labour to Japan, where he was first imprisoned at a camp in Tokyo (P.O.W. no. 4457) and later at the Sendai 2b Camp (P.O.W. no. 614).

Hayes and the other prisoners were finally released after Japan surrendered on 9 September 1945. Upon his release, Hayes returned to England where he lived in Bournemouth and later died at Mayfield, Sussex on 28 Deceber 2004; sold together with both original and copied research including original Soldier's Release Book, Record of Service card, Training Notice, and Bournemouth and District Ex-P.O.W. and Internee Association membership card.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£200

Starting price
£60