This is Jocko Podcast number 522 with Echo Charles and me.

Jocko Wilink, good evening, Echow.

Good evening.

In April, 1942, this officer was shot down and captured after sending out this warning

from his patrolling seaplane that a large force of Japanese warships was approaching Salon.

Throughout his three and a half years as a prisoner of war wing commander birchall as senior allied

officer in the prisoner of war camps in which he was located continually displayed the utmost

concern for the welfare of his fellow prisoners on many occasions with complete disregard for his

own safety he prevented as far as possible

Japanese officials of various camps from sadistically beating his men and denying prisoners the

medical attention which they so urgently needed typical of his splendid gallantry was when

in the negato camp he called a sit- strike in protest against ill treatment of his men.

On another occasion when the Japanese wanted to send some sick prisoners to war to work,

Wing Commander Birchell found it necessary at great personal risk to forcibly prevent the Japanese non-commissioned

officer in charge from making these prisoners work. As a result, Wing Commander Burtle

spent several days in solitary confinement. Nevertheless, the sick prisoners of war did not have to work.

Knowing that each time he forcibly intervened on behalf of his men he would receive brutal punishment

Wing commander Bertrand continually endeavored to improve the lot of his fellow prisoners

He also maintained detailed records of personnel in his camps along with death certificates of deceased personnel

The consistent gallantry and glowing devotion to his fellow prisoners of war

that this officer displayed throughout his lengthy period of imprisonment

are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

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