Ronald John ROUTLEDGE [1920-2002]

ROUTLEDGE, R J.  Sgt RCCS

Citation: 

"For devotion to duty and conspicuous bravery whilst on Special Service during his period of captivity  as a prisoner of war in Hongkong in the hands of the Japanese.

From the middle of October 1942 contact had been established between officers of the Shamshuipo Camp and British Intelligence Officers  [BAAG] at Waichow.

About the middle of May 1943, when the method of sending and receiving messages was  through the medium of Chinese drivers of the ration lorries, it became necessary to replace the contact  who had been dropped from the ration party, and consequently was no longer in a position to continue the service.  Routledge was a member of this ration party who, without hesitation, volunteered to fill the vacancy.  He showed considerable initiative and intelligence in performing the extremely difficult and hazardous duty of passing the messages under the eyes of the Japanese guards, when the slightest slip would have resulted in exposure leading to severe punishment, even to the loss of his life.  He perfomed this service competently until the channel of communication was closed about the middle of June.  This work was of the utmost value to the Camp, ensuring as it did the vital supply of medicine for the many sick in hospital and providing important information to the outside whch was urgently required. 

On the 1st July he was sent for by the Japanese Military Authorities and, suspecting the reason, he showed great initiative and presence of mind by giving the alarm to his fellow workers en route.  He was removed from the Camp and taken to the Gendarmerie Headquarters and charged with communicating with the enemy.  He was brutally beaten and suffered a variety of tortures including th Japanese "Water Torture" to endeavour to compel him to disclose the names of  the officers directing these operations.  In spite of incredible suffering he resolutely refused to divulge any information, and showed great courage and fortitude in enduring these repeated tortures for several hours before finally being removed to Stanley Prison to await Court Martial for espionage.  The court sat on 1st December and after the statements were read the Prosecutor demanded the death penalty, but the Court awarded a sentence of 15 years imprisonment.

He was confined to Stanley Prison until 22nd June 1945, when he was removed to a Military Prison in Canton.  He was returned to Hogkong on 21st August and set free. 

The resolute courage of this NCO in spite of indescribable suffering, and his devotion to duty, provide an example in the highest tradition of the Service."