Private Harry Tysoe
- Rank
- Private
- Service number
- WX9226
- Unit
- 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion
- Cause of death
- Died as Prisoner of War
- Place of death
- Kobe, Japan
- Date of death
- 26 November 1943
- Age
- 35
- Plaque number
- MW60
- Dedicated by
- Family on 13 May 2023
- More information
Biography presented during plaque dedication:
Harry Tysoe was born in Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, England in March 1908 England to parents Roger and Martha Ann Tysoe. Harry was one of eight boys. His family emigrated to Australia, arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia in November 1912. The family moved to the Denmark area and took up farming.
In May 1932, Harry married Eileen Jessie Cross and they had four children. His occupation was listed as a bridge builder/ganger.
Harry enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force in October 1940 at Claremont. At the time of his enlistment his wife was pregnant with their fourth child. He conducted his basic training at Northam attached to 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion.
In January 1942, he embarked for Singapore arriving on 25 January where the battalion was taken to Woodlands Camp. By this time the Japanese were bombing Singapore by air. Harry and the battalion went into action on 8 February 1942. A week later, Singapore was overrun by the Japanese Imperial Army with the battalion suffering heavy casualties and they were all taken prisoner by the Japanese.
Harry was sent to Changi Prison and other different camps in Singapore for sixteen months, where he worked in working parties. In May 1943, Harry and other prisoners formed ‘J Force’ and embarked for Japan arriving at Moji Port, Kyusha Japan in June 1943. Harry was sent to Kobe with other Australian prisoners by train where they were set to work in the many industries in the Port of Kobe.
The winter weather arrived and by November many of the prisoners were suffering from colds and influenza. Harry was admitted to hospital on 7 November suffering from influenza and acute beriberi (vitamin deficiency). Harry died from his illnesses on 26 November 1943.
Harry was cremated at Kobe where his ashes were kept with other prisoners of war at the temple called Juganji in Osaka. Harry’s family did not receive news of his fate until two years later.
Private Harry Tysoe, service number WX9226 of 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion, died of illness as a prisoner of war in Osaka, Japan on 26 November 1943. He was 35 years of age.
Harry’s ashes where later re-inturned at the Yokahama War Cemetery and he is remembered with honour.