The Fall of Rabaul Part 2

Evasion, Massacre and Escape

The terrain the men of Lark Force had to contend with while evading the Japanese after the fall of Rabaul.

With the port town of Rabaul captured by the Japanese, the men of Lark Force began their retreat. Two main escape routes developed, one to the north and the other to the south. All of the survivors experienced hardships over the coming weeks. Those who went north and came under the energetic leadership of Lt Appel were the lucky ones, being evacuated after only a few weeks. Those who headed south faced a much tougher trek, with some destined to fall victim to Japanese atrocities at the Tol Plantation.

Map showing the main escape routes.

Rabaul and surrounding areas.

The 2/10th Field Ambulance. The circled man is Les Fawcett.

Two survivors of the Tol Massacre. Private Cook was bayoneted eleven times but managed to find his was back to a group of Australians who treated his wounds.

Remains of Australian troops massacred at the Tol Plantation.

More remains at Tol.

Lt Appel (Major in this photo) at the Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne, 1943.