SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Day Memorial Service is held every year, but among the familiar scenes of remembrance on Saturday (Aug 15) was a group that stood out.
More than 70 members of an extended Murut family had made the roughly eight-hour journey from Pagalungan, Nabawan, to Sandakan, with some wearing attire bearing traditional Murut motifs.
It was their first time at the annual service, and they had come to remember Sgt-Maj Korom Anduat, whose wartime courage has remained part of the family's story for generations.
Among them was Phillip Antugi, 66, Korom's nephew and the son of his eldest brother.
Phillip never had the chance to meet his uncle as Korom died from illness in Sabah in 1953, before he was born.
He said no family members who personally knew Korom were still alive, but his story continued to be passed down.
“I am very grateful that today we could be together with the families of the Australian and British servicemen in such a historic ceremony,” he said.
Korom, a Murut who served with the North Borneo Constabulary during the Japanese occupation, was remembered for helping Allied servicemen during the Second World War.
Among his most notable wartime acts was helping eight Allied prisoners escape from Berhala Island on June 4, 1943, in what became known as the “Berhala Eight Escape”.
He later continued assisting Allied efforts against the Japanese.
Korom survived the war and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1946 for his wartime service, travelling to London to receive the honour before returning to Sabah.
Korom had only one daughter, while Phillip is descended from his eldest brother.
The Sandakan Day Memorial Service commemorates Australian and British prisoners of war as well as local people who helped them during the Japanese occupation.
Between 1942 and 1945, about 2,700 Australian and British prisoners passed through Sandakan.
By January 1945, 2,434 remained – 1,793 Australians and 641 British servicemen. Of them, 2,428 died, with only six Australians surviving after escaping.
This year marks the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, whose speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, said historical records must be preserved and younger generations taught about the prisoners and local people who helped them.
For Korom's family, their first journey to the service was a way of ensuring his story would continue to be remembered.
