The first WWII Japanese POW in Australia was captured by a First Nations man

Matthias Ulungura was born into the Tiwi community on Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi Islands situated to the north of Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.

The Tiwi people have a rich cultural heritage, with a strong connection to their land and traditions that have been passed down through generations. 

In the years leading up to World War II, the Tiwi Islands remained relatively isolated from the mainland.

However, the outbreak of the war brought significant changes to the region.

World War II reached Australian shores with the bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942.

Japanese aircraft launched a surprise attack, dropping bombs on the city and its harbor, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

The Tiwi Islands, located close to Darwin, became a strategic point in the defense against further Japanese advances.

The islands' proximity to the mainland meant that they were potential targets for enemy forces.

As a result, the Australian military increased its presence in the region, setting up defensive positions and radar stations to monitor enemy activity.

On February 19, 1942, the same day as the bombing of Darwin, a Japanese Zero fighter plane piloted by Sergeant Hajime Toyoshima was damaged during the air raid.

Toyoshima attempted to return to his aircraft carrier but was forced to crash-land on Melville Island, part of the Tiwi Islands.

Ulungura, who was aware of the ongoing conflict and the recent attack on Darwin, spotted the downed aircraft and approached cautiously.

Armed only with a small axe, he captured Toyoshima, who had survived the crash.

This act of bravery was remarkable, as Ulungura, with no formal military training, managed to apprehend an enemy soldier single-handedly.

Ulungura then took his prisoner to the Royal Australian Airforce base at the Bathurst Island aerodrome, where Toyoshima became a prisoner of war.

The capture of Sergeant Hajime Toyoshima by Matthias Ulungura held significant implications for the Australian war effort during World War II.

Firstly, it provided valuable intelligence to the Australian military. Toyoshima's capture allowed for the interrogation of a Japanese pilot, offering insights into Japanese aircraft capabilities, tactics, and potential future operations in the region.

This information was crucial for bolstering Australia's defenses and preparing for possible future attacks.

Furthermore, Ulungura's actions served as a morale booster for the Australian people.

In a time of uncertainty and fear following the bombing of Darwin, the news of Toyoshima's capture by a local Indigenous man was a source of pride and hope.

Despite the significance of Matthias Ulungura's actions during World War II, his recognition was limited for many years.

Initially, there was some acknowledgment of his bravery, but as time passed, his story faded from public memory.

This lack of recognition was indicative of the broader historical oversight of Indigenous contributions to Australia's military efforts.

In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to rectify this oversight and honor Ulungura's legacy.

Commemorative events and initiatives have been organized to celebrate his bravery and the role of the Tiwi Islanders in the war.

For example, in 2014, a memorial was unveiled on Bathurst Island to mark the 72nd anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, paying tribute to Ulungura's capture of Toyoshima.

Following the capture, Ulungura did not join the military, primarily due to racial restrictions at the time.

However, one of the guards on Bathurst Island, called Corporal Moore, employed Ulungura on as a personal bodyguard.

At the conclusion of the war, Matthias Ulungura returned to his normal life on the Tiwi Islands.

Little is documented about his later years, reflecting the general lack of attention given to his wartime contribution.

He continued to live within his community, maintaining the traditional lifestyle of the Tiwi people.