The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Damaged metal cigarette case with a hinge on the left side. The top of the case has a number of small regimental badges attached with spaces marking where others were once attached. Those remaining include one for the RAAF and another for the Federated Malay States Volunteer Forces. The back of the case has been faintly engraved with the words 'POW/AIF/SINGAPORE' within a decorative scroll.
In 1942 Australian and allied prisoners were sent to Sandakan on the northern coast of British North Borneo to build an airstrip. By 1944 conditions at the camp had deteriorated, with reduced rations and increased brutality. In January and July 1945 the Japanese sent 2000 Australian and British prisoners on a 260 km forced march along jungle tracks to Ranau. Those too sick to move were left in camp to die. A large number of prisoners died along the route or were killed if they fell behind. Most others died in the terrible conditions at Ranau and by the end of the war only six soldiers of the 2500 prisoners originally held at Sandakan had survived. Soon after the war 9 Military History Field Team went to Sandakan to gather historical evidence of the experiences of the prisoners. This cigarette case was among the artifacts recovered. The identity of its owner is not known.
One small metal crucifix with a short length of rusted metal chain with beads. It would originally have been attached to a set of rosary beads. In 1942 Australian and allied prisoners were sent to S
Pure bristle shaving brush with wooden and aluminium handle. The base of handle is stamped 'HAMILTON & C0 WARRANTED ALL BRISTLE. VULCANISED RUBBER SET'. In 1942 Australian and allied prisoners were
One large metal crucifix with a short length of rusted metal chain with beads. It has the figure of Jesus upon it and would originally have been attached to a set of rosary beads. In 1942 Australian
Incomplete set of rosary beads made from hardened white-grey seeds joined by a fine metal chain. The crucifix and a small part of the chain has been broken off. In 1942 Australian and allied prisone
Fire damaged man's pocket watch with white enameled face. The watch is missing its glass cover and is marked on the reverse 'Swiss Made'. The other maker's details are illegible. In 1942 Australian
Smoker's pipe made from bamboo. The bowl has two rough decorative lines around the top rim and is lined with clay. The stem has been bound with an aluminium band and the mouthpiece is made from a type
