There are 12 WWII servicemen shown under the heading ‘Great Britain’ on the memorial. Jack Dickens is one, and he was held captive in Fukuoka POW camp in Japan. The camp records for him were dealt with by the Americans, who then notified the British Authorities. All the other British soldiers who died there are on the Yokohama War Memorial but not Jack Dickens.
Further research: After the war, a cremation urn in Yokohama Mausoleum was recorded as containing the ashes of 100 allied POWs who had been cremated by the Japanese after their deaths in Fukuoka Camp. This included casualty J Dickens. In cases like this, the country who had the most remains in the mix of ashes had the right to choose where the remains were to be buried. As 71 of the POW’s cremated were recorded as being Americans, the Americans removed the urn to America for burial in St. Louis (Jefferson Barracks) National Cemetery. Courtesy of CWGC.

After Three Years – Message from Rushden Man in Japan

Nearly three years after his capture by the Japs, Gunner J. Dickens (36), son of Mrs. M. E. Dickens, 44 Little-street, Rushden, has succeeded for the first time in getting a message through to his home.

After the fall of Malaya in February 1942, nothing was heard of him until the summer of 1943, when his mother received official notification that he was a prisoner, in Japan. The card just received is dated August 18th 1944, and reads:

“Dear Family, Keep receiving mail from you at various times. Glad to know everything is all right at home. Keeping pretty well myself, but be glad to be back with you all again. So chins up—keep smiling. Loving prayers.”

Gnr. Dickens joined the Royal Artillery in September 1940, and went out to Malaya shortly before the Jap invasion. He formerly worked for Mr. A. Jaques, painter and decorator.