On 12 September 1944, the Japanese transport vessel Hofuku Maru was attacked during American air operations in the Philippines. On board were Allied prisoners of war being transported under harsh and concealed conditions.

About one thousand men perished.

The sinking of the Hofuku Maru remains one of the most devastating of the Pacific War “hellship” tragedies. Many of the prisoners were British and Dutch servicemen who had already endured years of captivity before their final voyage.

This Roll of Honor is dedicated to preserving the names of those lost — individually and permanently.

Each name represents a life lived before the war. A family. A regiment. A story interrupted.

The Hellships Memorial Foundation is committed to documenting and preserving the memory of those who perished aboard the Hofuku Maru through careful research, verified records, and family collaboration.

About This Archive

The Hofuku Maru Roll of Honor will include:

• Verified names of Allied prisoners of war lost on 12 September 1944

• Rank and unit where known

• Nationality and service branch

• Historical context

• Family-submitted photographs and tributes (where available)

Research and verification are ongoing.

This archive is being developed with the same standards of historical accuracy and dignity applied to all Hellships Memorial Foundation projects.

A Place of Remembrance

The Roll of Honor exists to ensure that the men lost there are remembered not only as part of history, but as individuals whose service and endurance are not forgotten.

Their names endure.
Their memory remains.

Lest we forget.