Paper based material collected by Commander Whitebrook during World War II

Subject or historical figure Commander Herbert Gordon Whitebrook (1907 - 1995)

Date1942 - 1945

Object numberANMS0295

NameArchive series

ClassificationsPosters and postcards

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from L Whitebrook

Terms

World War II

DescriptionThis archive collection comprises paper based material collected by Commander Herbert Gordon Whitebrook between 1942 and 1945. It consists of news circulars, Japanese propaganda leaflets, a poster, menu, and proclamation.HistoryCommander Herbert Gordon Whitebrook was born 10 December 1907 in Sydney, New South Wales. He joined the Cadet Reserve of the Royal Australian Navy when he was 12 years old and remained in the reserve during his adult life. While serving in World War II he became the first Reserve officer to be given command of a vessel - HMAS GLENELG. During the war he served in HMA Ships KOOKABURRA, BENALLA, STELLA, HEROS and GLENELG. As commander of the GLENELG between March 1945 and January 1946, Whitebrook was involved in the Japanese surrender of Ambon in the Netherlands East Indies, and the consequent repatriation of Australian prisoners of war. During peace time, Whitebrook undertook his reserve training sessions on survey vessel HMAS MORESBY. Whitebrook retired from the Navy on 27 February 1952.SignificanceThis archive series documents Whitebrook's experiences during his service in the Royal Australian Navy. Of particular significance are the Japanese propaganda leaflets which represent the surrender of the Japanese second army in Ambon to Australian forces, and of the repatriation of Australian prisoners of war (the survivors of Gull Force). They provide a rare personal glimpse into the darker side of Australia's involvement in the war in the Pacific.