Robert was serving in Singapore as a member of the Royal Air Force during a critical period of the War. In the days leading up to the fall of Singapore in February 1942, he was evacuated to Java, seeking to avoid the advancing Japanese forces.

Final Resistance and Capture

Once in Java, Robert joined a mixed detachment of troops and retreated to the hills to mount a final resistance against the Japanese. Despite their efforts, he was taken prisoner on 8^th March 1942, coinciding with the capitulation of Java.

Imprisonment and Conditions in Harokoe Island

Following his capture, he was transferred between various camps before ultimately arriving at a labour camp on Harokoe Island (also referred to as Haruku POW camp). The conditions in the camp were particularly appalling, with prisoners—mostly Australians and British—forced to build airstrips using only hand tools to crush coral.

During his imprisonment, Robert succumbed to illness, most likely bacterial dysentery, and died while in the labour camp. Those who died in the camp were buried locally at Kario Village, Cape Marakee, on Harokoe Island.

Robert was 27 years old at his death which was officially recorded as having taken place on Sunday 30^th May 1943.

In February 1947, Robert’s remains, along with those of many other servicemen, were exhumed. They were reburied with full military honours at the newly created cemetery on Ambon Island, Indonesia, commemorating their sacrifice and service.

Only son of Sidney Thomas Glaze & Eliza Glaze of Ashton-on-Mersey, Cheshire.

A copy of Robert's story can be downloaded here.

Revised: November 2025