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CYRIL FRANK YOUNG: War Service
CYRIL FRANK YOUNG: War Service
Young, Cyril Frank; Army Number - 450364; Date of birth - 24 November 1917
Service Number - VX62921 : Date of birth - 24 Nov 1917 : Place of birth - MURRUMBEENA VIC : Place of enlistment - ROYAL PARK VIC : Next of Kin - YOUNG ENID
Captain Cyril Frank Young, 8th Division Ordnance Field Park, Australian Army Ordnance Corps. He was one of over 2000 Allied prisoners of war (POW) held in the Sandakan POW camp in north Borneo, having been transferred there from Singapore as a part of B Force. The 1494 POW's that made up B Force, were transported from Changi on 7 July 1942 on board the tramp ship Ubi Maru, arriving in Sandakan Harbour on 18 July 1942. Captain Young, aged 27, died as a prisoner of the Japanese on 27 July 1945. He was the son of Stanley George and Edith Olive Young and the husband of Enid Laura Young, of South Yarra, Vic.
Batu Lintang camp at KuChing, Borneo
Batu Lintang camp at KuChing, Borneo
On 15th October, 1943 Cyril Young together with the other officers from Australian 8th Division B & E force were transferred from the Sandakan camp to Batu Lintang at Kuching. Here they struggled to survive in the face of continually decreasing amounts of food supplied by the Japanese during the period of their imprisonment. Theirs is a story of bravery, suffering, ingenuity, caring and comradeship. They showed a remarkable determination to survive and make a better future for themselves and their families. Sadly, Cyril Young died on 27 July 1945. The camp was liberated on 11th September 1945 by the Australian 9th Division.
Captain Cyril Young admired ANd respected by his men
Captain Cyril Young admired ANd respected by his men
A LETTER OF CONDOLENCE FROM PRIVATE F.C. FINDLAY
A LETTER OF CONDOLENCE FROM PRIVATE F.C. FINDLAY
Dear Mr Young
I don’t just know how to go about writing this letter to you, a letter which I intended writing soon after my return.
It is simply to let you know that your late son Capt. C Young, was, during the time he was associated with his unit, held in the highest esteem by myself and the other boys. It was with the deepest regret that I learned of his death on my return.
From the time his unit was formed at Caulfield, until the time that we all became separated, he was liked and respected by all the men of his unit. He at all times was good to us, and was most unselfish in all his actions. During the brief period we operated in Malaya, he was always keen on his job, and was most anxious to get his show functioning which he did in an efficient manner.
It was during the final week preceding the fall of Singapore, that the boys appreciated him most. During that period, when everything was upside down, with Officers panicking, etc., he never left us to ourselves, and was always giving us encouragement. Not only did he look after us, but took control of a Workshops unit- a show with twice as many personnel as his own- when the C.O of that unit disappeared.
All the men of both units speak highly of Capt. Young. During the brief period I was with him as a POW, he was always looking after his men, at the same time organising classes of education for all ranks. Chaps I have met since my return, who were associated with him before he left for Borneo always had a word of praise for him. I can assure you, Mr Young, there are very few officers who were POW, that are liked by the O.R’s, and your late son was one of those few. Should you hear of any stories pertaining to POW Officer’s behaviour, you can justly disassociate Capt. Young from them.
It is regretted that none of our fellows who went to Borneo, returned, as it is very difficult to obtain any news of the happenings of our lads there. My own two mates failed to return from there.
I extend to you and Mrs Young, my deepest sympathy in your loss.
Private F.C. Findlay
Cyril Young is buried in the Labuan Cemetery Section S, Row B, Plot 6.
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