Sea1c Katsuro Nagatomo
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) 4th Kokutai A6M2 Zero Pilot
Prisoner Of War (POW) February 28, 1942 died Cowra Riot August 4, 1944

Background
Katsuro Nagatomo was born on January 24, 1920 in Miyazaki-ken on Kyushu in Japan. His father was a doctor.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 4th Kōkūtai (4th Air Group) as a fighter pilot at Lakunai Airfield near Rabaul. On February 17, 1942 six A6M2 Zero took off from Shoho and landed at Lakunai Airfield. These were the first Zero land based Rabaul.

On February 23, 1942 Nagatoma took off Lakunai Airfield flying one of six Zeros that scrambled to intercept the first U.S. bombing mission against Rabaul when a formation of B-17 Flying Fortresses bombed shipping in Simpson Harbor. The intercepting Zeros fire on the bombers and claim an aerial victory. In fact, the damage they inflicted was superficial. Some gunfire hit the tail of B-17E Flying Fortress 41-2446 (aka "Swamp Ghost") later force due to low fuel.

Mission History
On February 28, 1942 took off from Lakunai Airfield piloting A6M2 Zero 911 as one of six Zeros led by Harutoshi Okamoto on a mission to escort G4M1 Betty bombers over Port Moresby. Over the target, the Zeros encountered no resistance so they tested their guns on the Moresby Wreck (SS Pruth), then strafed flying boats moored in Fairfax Harbor off Napa Napa and sink Catalina A24-3 and Catalina A24-6. During the firing pass, this Zero was hit by gunfire from a single 7.7mm Lewis machine gun emplaced above Napa Napa. Damaged, Nagatomo flew eastward and was able to bail out before his Zero crashed into Bootless Bay.

Prisoner Of War
Nagatomo was aided ashore by soldiers from the Australian Army. He was badly burned on his legs and taken to the hospital for treatment. He became the the first Prisoner Of War (POW) captured in the Australian Territory of Papua during World War II and was assigned prisoner number PWJA.100015.

Soon afterwards, he was transported to Australia for medical treatment at the RAAF hospital at Laverton near Melbourne. While hospitalized for six months, he was interrogated for an hour session over seven days. During these interrogations, he used the alias "Katsuro Sho" or "Eiori" and was "not inclined to be helpful" and responded to some questions with "scornful contempt". While recovering, he became friends with the nurse caring for him who he described as "a mature and understanding woman" and a chaplain at the hospital. Due to these relationships, his attitude changed and he freely answered technical questions.

Later, he was transfered to Redholme Manson in South Yarra, Victoria. During the springtime and was given unrestricted use of the grounds and answered questions from intelligence material section. Nagatomo was likely the Japanese Prisoner Of War (POW) who aided Air Technical Intelligence Unit (ATIU) at Eagle Farm Field to create a cockpit check list for the A6M3 Model 32 Zero (Hybrid) restored to flying condition from the wreckage of several Zeros captured at Buna Airfield.

He was asked to make a propaganda broadcast stating that Japanese prisoners were being fairly treated, which he declined, and requested to join other prisoners "to suffer with them". His request was initially declined and he remained at Redholme Manson, in hopes of further cooperation. At one time, Nagatomo even offered to become an a hospital orderly, probably in hopes of seeing the nurse or chaplain he befriended. Eventually, the Australians agreed to his request to join other Japanese prisoners detained at Cowra POW Camp.

On May 22, 1943 interned at Cowra POW Camp as a Prisoner Of War (POWs) with other Japanese captured in Australia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In captivity, Nagatoma and other Japanese Navy officers became the leaders of the camp, but as more Japanese Army prisoners were added to the camp population, their leadership was diminished.

By early 1944, there were 1,100 Japanese prisoners at the camp, larger than the capacity of the camp or guards. The aviators including Nagatomo made alliances with the other extremist Navy and Army prisoners. As time passed, they decided on a ban on all labor and planned a riot and breakout with the goal of engaging the Australian guards in a suicidal battle to die honorably. During the planning, the prisoners gave the impression of being contented and cooperative.

On August 4, 1944 at 5:00pm, fifty of the senior prisoners met in B Compound to complete planning for the riot and breakout and debate the merits of the plan. They decided to take a vote of all the prisoners and go with the choice of the majority of the prisoners who voted yes or no with a circle or cross on toilet paper. Survivors estimate 80% voted in favor, but might have been intimidated into voting yes. The prisoners celebrated and said their farewells into the night.

On August 5, 1944 at 2:00am Hajime Toyoshima signaled the start of the breakout with a bugle and the prisoners from Compound B attempted to rush the perimeter fence near the Vickers machine gun, the northeast F guard tower and Broadway gate. While trying to escape, Nagatomo was hit by a bullet in his left left side and died.

Memorials
Nagatomo is buried at Cowra Japanese War Cemetery at grave QC 29 (21125).

References
War Diary HQ Inf Bde March 1, 1942
Intel Summary No. 15 and Appendix 1
Australian Post "Where Japs got the third degree" by David Sissons, July 17, 1986, page 4
War Diary 1942 (1984) page 30
"28 Saturday (February 28, 1942) Fourth raid: ...Eleven Jap bombers and five fighters [sic, six A6M2 Zeros] made a big raid on Moresby today. Fighters machine-gunned the Catalinas, destroying two and damaging a third. Bombs dropped on aerodrome and A.A. gun pits. About 10 men wounded, only one seriously. A couple of houses in town blazing furiously. More than 130 bombs were dropped but most damage done by fighters, one of which was shot down in flames on to the reef near Bootless [Inlet] by M-G fire. The pilot bailed out and was captured- 1st Jap prisoner taken on Australian territory [Territory of Papua] in the war. He was badly burnt and taken to hospital."
Kijyo-nschi "Killed In Action, In Fact, A Life of a POW in Australia" July 10, 2004
Wrecks & Reefs (1994) pages 27
Thanks to Harumi Sakaguchi and Robert Piper for additional information

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