Our Historical Methodology

Hellships Digital Archive

The Hellships Digital Archive is committed to preserving the memory of those lost on 1 July 1942 with historical integrity, accuracy, and dignity.

This page outlines the standards and methods used in researching, writing, and publishing tribute pages within the archive.

Primary Historical Sources

Where available, biographical and service details are drawn from verified historical records, including:

  • Government casualty databases and Roll of Honor records

  • National Archives service files

  • Official nominal rolls

  • Unit war diaries and operational histories

  • Recognized academic publications

Information is cross-referenced when possible to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Verification Standards

Before publication, tribute pages are reviewed to confirm:

  • Correct spelling of names

  • Accurate rank and unit designation

  • Consistent dates of birth and age

  • Proper identification of civilian internees

  • Alignment with recognized casualty lists

Where discrepancies exist between sources, the most authoritative record available is used. In cases of uncertainty, information may be omitted rather than assumed.

The archive prioritizes accuracy over completeness.

Uniform Narrative Structure

To ensure consistency across more than 1,000 individual pages, each tribute follows a structured format that includes:

  • Basic service details

  • Context of service and capture at Rabaul

  • Verified account of embarkation and loss aboard the Montevideo Maru

  • Optional family remembrance section

  • Archival citations

This uniform approach ensures equal dignity for all individuals, regardless of rank, status, or available documentation.

Use of Standardized Language

Certain historical descriptions — particularly regarding the sinking of the vessel — are presented in standardized form to maintain clarity and neutrality.

Speculative or graphic descriptions are avoided.

The archive does not assign blame or engage in political interpretation. Its purpose is remembrance and documentation.

Family Contributions

Family-submitted photographs and personal reflections are incorporated with permission and clearly identified as such.

These contributions are treated as personal testimony rather than primary historical documentation. Where family accounts contain historical details not reflected in official records, such content may be included as remembrance but not as verified fact.

Submissions are reviewed for tone and historical sensitivity before publication.

Editorial Review Process

All tribute pages undergo a multi-step review process prior to publication:

  1. Draft preparation

  2. Editorial review for tone and structure

  3. Historical review where required

  4. Final approval under Archive oversight

No tribute page is published without review.

Archival Preservation

The Hellships Digital Archive is maintained under a formal governance framework established by the Hellships Memorial Foundation.

To ensure long-term preservation, the archive is supported by:

  • Regular digital backups

  • Secure data storage

  • Periodic review of content accuracy

  • Ongoing maintenance oversight

The intention is permanence.

Scope and Limitations

The archive is a memorial and historical record focused specifically on those lost aboard the Japanese Prisoner of War ships known as “Hellships”.

It does not attempt to serve as a comprehensive history of the Pacific War or of all Allied prisoners of war. Its scope is deliberately defined to maintain clarity and depth within its focus area.

Commitment to Integrity

The men commemorated in this archive were individuals — soldiers and civilians — whose lives were shaped by war and whose memory deserves careful stewardship.

The Hellships Memorial Foundation is committed to maintaining this archive with historical discipline, editorial consistency, and enduring respect.

Their names endure.
Their history is preserved.

Lest we forget.