Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Lieutenant John Appleby was awarded the Commendation for Gallantry for his actions following capture by the Imperial Japanese Army in March 1942 until his execution as a result of an escape attempt and subsequent activities in support of the Dutch Resistance in Java on 6 September 1943. During the nineteen months when LT Appleby was an escaped POW, he joined the Dutch Resistance in the area and engaged in resistance activity against the Japanese.  - ^{Courtesy of Defence Honours and Awards}