Spotlight on Percy Suey

Ms Briggs-Smith said the investigation would quash the hearsay and help his relatives find peace.

According to research, Gunner was born on March 10, 1912 at Bora Crossing ‘Blacks Camp’ near Manilla.

He joined the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on August 20, 1941 and was taken to Paddington in Sydney to embark to Singapore via the ship ‘Highland Chieftain’.

NX 43172 first field T/Rgeiment 2/15 Rank, Gunner served a continuous full time war service until December 1, 1945 comprising of 1565 days, 52 of those in Australia and the rest overseas.

Ms Briggs-Smith said he was reported missing in action on April 13, 1942 believed to be taken prisoner in Malaya. “When Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 it was found he had been taken prisoner of way and put to work on the construction of the Burma railway. 

“Whilst a prisoner Percy was hit on the head trying to protect a fellow solider from being battered with a rile butt by a Japanese guard, he received a serious head injury and no medical attention,” she said.

At wars end he was released and returned back to Sydney on October 11, 1945 where he was presented a war badge (no A15130). He was medically discharged and said to be a changed man.

Ms Briggs-Smith said on his return to Moree Gunner suppressed his emotions with alcohol trying to forget the horrors he saw and experienced.

“It has been said that Percy attended the Moree show in May 1967 and became involved in a verbal argument with men in the carnival sideshow. Police were called and Percy was placed in a cell to sleep it off.

“Being released later that night, the last sighting of him was in front of the RSL opposite the showground. He was never seen or heard from again.” Ms Briggs-Smith would like to see the case re-opened and, hopefully, solved. If you have any information or would like to speak with Noeline phone 6750 6612.