Australia–Japan Research Project at the Australian War Memorial
Australian and Japanese attitudes to the war
Diary of TAMURA Yoshikazu: Last entry

On 8 December 1943, TAMURA wrote about the anniversary of the start of the Pacific War. The writing is quite difficult to read because it is faded.

Two English entries appear on the page following the last entry. Thus, it is possible to assume that TAMURA was killed soon after 8 December. In December and January 1943-1944, there was fighting in the Ram Valley from Dumpu over the ranges to the coast at Bogadjim, just south of Madang. TAMURA most probably died in this part of New Guinea and his diary was captured by Australian soldiers. Eventually, it reached Allan Connell’s hand and remained with him till he died.