Talk:Cowra breakout

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 Cowra breakout is within the scope of WikiProject Australia, which aims to improve Wikipedia's coverage of Australia and Australia-related topics. If you would like to participate, visit the project page.
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The article claims that "relations were poor". Maybe this is just myth, but it was my understanding (which is also the view of this guide to the region) that it was only the Japanese POWs. The Italians apparently got on well with the guards (so would I; 1940's Cowra might be a little boring and the food uninspired but compared to being shot at in North Africa I know which I'd prefer...). --Robert Merkel 15:47, 18 Jun 2005 (UTC)

It was my understanding too; I just worded that sentence poorly.Grant65 (Talk) 16:26, Jun 18, 2005 (UTC)

On second thoughts, obviously the Japanese did not get on well with the guards, but we don't know about the others and the Australian sources may be regarded as biased.Grant65 (Talk) 22:26, July 27, 2005 (UTC)

I read that Privates Benjamin Hardy and Ralph Jones were awarded the George Cross, which is fantastic, especially for the locking of the machine gun - but from my memory the George Cross is only awarded to civilians, or to soldiers for acts of bravery not in the face of an enemy. Does being a POW, despite being somewhat armed and intent on killing, not count as "enemy"? Just wondering if anyone had any more information on this? Wampusaust 01:34, 3 May 2007 (UTC)

Yes, under the circumstances it does seem odd. POWs are legally defined as "combatants". Jones might even have qualified for the Victoria Cross, although you usually had to do something like destroy two machine gun positions, under fire, to receive it. They certainly would have qualified for the Military Medal. But I haven't been able to find out the answer. I will bear it in mind. Grant | Talk 03:25, 3 May 2007 (UTC)
The citation for their medals is here. The GC is awarded for "however the George Cross may be awarded to military personnel for gallant conduct which is not in the face of the enemy". There must be some technicality about why escaped PoWs are not classed as enemy. --jmb 23:20, 22 August 2007 (UTC)