John “Skip” Bailey

14.0
Father Lamarre’s Letter to Skip Bailey’s Mother

On 29th June 1947, Father Lamarre wrote a letter to Kathleen Bailey, Skip’s mother, adding more detail about his encounter with Skip in the POW camp. Kathleen had written to Lamarre on 6th June 1947. [This is an important letter as it was written by a fellow POW who had, probably, the last direct contact with Skip.]

Father Lamarre said in the letter that he remembered Skip was from Perth and was educated by the Christian Brothers. He remembers Skip and the three others of his crew being brought into the camp and they were in good health and had not suffered any injury. He also maintained they were not tortured. He remembered that hunger was the greatest suffering they endured as they allowed only ½ a pound of rice per day.

On 25th November 1943, he wrote in his Breviary (a diary used by priests in the Catholic Church) that ten Americans and two Australians were taken from the camp. [It is not known if was entirely accurate as to the number of Australians.]

On one occasion, Skip spoke with Father Lamarre for a few minutes. Skip told Lamarre that he was from Perth and studied at the Christian Brothers College. He gave Skip absolution for his sins. Father Lamarre also recognised Skip from a photograph Kathleen had sent with her letter of 6th June.