Locals who died as prisoners of the Japanese during WWII

VX30686 Clarrie Hawkins was born in Korumburra on December 6, 1901 and moved to Sale with his family when he was eight years old. In 1929 he was involved in a serious road accident which resulted in him losing the sight in one eye and a metal plate being inserted into his head. Despite these disabilities he was able to enlist in the 2nd AIF on June 6, 1940 and was assigned to the 8th Division Signals. After the fall of Singapore in February 1942, Clarrie along with the rest of the 8th Division was captured by the Japanese. Clarrie died on June 4, 1945 as a result of malaria and ill-treatment, by his captors during the infamous Sandakan Death March. Clarrie Hawkins was 43 years old.