Cartin, James - Gunner

(No soldier photo available)

5 Searchlight Regiment,

Royal Artillery

Died 20th July 1942.

Age 33

The Japanese invaded Malaya (now Malaysia) on 8 December 1941. They crossed the Straits of Johore onto Singapore Island on 8 February 1942. One week later Singapore capitulated. Over 130,000 British, Indian and Australian troops became prisoners of war. Gunner James Cartin was one of these. Sometime later, James was transferred by the Japanese to work in Siam (now Thailand) in preparation for the construction of the Burma to Siam railway. This commenced in October 1942. James died as a result of malnutrition, disease and cruel treatment.

James was the husband of Mrs. E. Cartin. He was aged 33. Before he went into the Army, James attended St.James' Church.

James is buried in Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, Thailand. Kanchanaburi is 130 kilometres northwest of Bangkok.The cemetery is only a short distance from the site of the former prisoner of war base camp through which most of the prisoners passed on their way to the railway camps. It was created by the Army Graves Service after the war. There are now 5,084 Commonwealth casualties buried or commemorated in the cemetery. James lies in Plot 2, Row G, Grave 42.