KUCHING: The original 1945 Japanese surrender document, which marked the end of World War II in Borneo, has been handed over to Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
It was presented by Michael Eastick, the grandson of Kuching Force commander Brigadier General Sir Thomas Eastick, during a courtesy call at the Astana here on Tuesday (Sept 9).
Also present were state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, South Australia and Northern Territory National Malaya and Borneo Veterans Association President Major (Rtd) Paul Rosenzweig and Sarawak Tourism Federation heritage adviser Datuk Lim Kian Hock.
Eastick is leading a group of 17 from the Brigadier General’s family on a visit here in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of Sarawak’s liberation from Japanese occupation during the war.
On Sept 11, 1945, Brig-Gen Eastick accepted the surrender of the Japanese General Hiyoe Yamamura aboard the HMAS Kapunda.
He then served in Kuching as military governor for six months before Sarawak peacefully returned to civilian rule.
On Thursday (Sept 11), the 80th anniversary of Sarawak’s liberation will be commemorated by various events, including the unveiling of the Surrender Monument at Pending Point, a reenactment of the surrender aboard Australian patrol boat HMAS Cape Schanck at Sim Kheng Hong Wharf, and a commemoration ceremony at the Batu Lintang war memorial square.
