Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Corporal Edward Emmett was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for actions following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army on 15 February 1942 until his death as a result of escaping on 18 June 1945. Corporal Emmett was part of the second Sandakan Death March when, on 7 June 1945, while three Allied aircraft flew overhead, he and four other Australians took advantage of the situation and escaped into the jungle. The group evaded capture until 18 June 1945, when they were approached by a small boat. Hiding in the boat was a Japanese soldier who appeared from beneath a cover and shot and killed Corporal Emmett and Private Sidney Webber, who is also being awarded a Commendation for Gallantry. Only one member of the group of five survived. Gunner Owen Campbell survived the escape attempt and was able to return to Australia to provide evidence of what happened on the Sandakan death march. ^{Courtesy of Defence Honours and Awards}