SANDAKAN: The courage and sacrifice of Sergeant (Sgt) Korom bin Anduat, MBE, a North Borneo Constabulary resistance fighter who helped orchestrate one of the most daring escapes of the Second World War, were honoured at today’s 24th Sandakan Day Memorial Service.
At the ceremony, Sgt Korom’s great‑grandniece, Evra Sandra Winara, delivered a moving tribute that retold her family’s story of the man whose bravery helped save lives during the darkest days of the Japanese Occupation of North Borneo. Speaking on behalf of her relatives, she shared personal recollections of his character and wartime deeds, ensuring that his heroism was brought to life for the gathered audience and dignitaries.
Born in 1915 in Kampung Kakutar Sumatalun, Pagalungan, Sgt Korom was a Murut and a member of the North Borneo Constabulary. He was married to Angalas and had one daughter, Raitah Binti Korom.
During the Japanese Occupation, Sgt Korom was stationed in Sandakan and later on Berhala Island. His most celebrated act of bravery occurred on June 4, 1943, when he assisted eight Allied prisoners of war in escaping from Berhala Island—an episode now remembered as the Berhala Eight Escape.
At tremendous personal risk of arrest, torture, or death, Sgt Korom provided assistance, information, and guidance to facilitate the escape. After the prisoners departed, he deliberately misled Japanese authorities by creating false trails and diversions, giving the escapees valuable time to evade capture.
Following the escape, Sgt Korom continued serving the Allied cause, joining guerrilla operations associated with Operation Agas IV. He worked alongside Major Rex Blow, one of the men whose life he had helped save during the Berhala escape. His leadership, knowledge of local terrain and communities, and courage contributed to intelligence‑gathering and resistance activities that supported the eventual liberation of North Borneo.
In recognition of his wartime service, Sgt Korom was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1946. He travelled to London and was invested with the honour on June 17 that year.
Sgt Korom’s greatest legacy was not the MBE medal itself, but the lives he touched and the example he left for future generations.
In 2017, a memorial was erected in Sgt Korom’s hometown of Pagalungan in recognition of his service and sacrifice. The memorial was funded through the Nabawan constituency fund and initiated by Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan during his tenure as the Sabah State Legislative Assemblyman for Nabawan.
The memorial is a lasting symbol of the community’s gratitude, ensuring that future generations will remember one of Sabah’s wartime heroes.
Present at today’s memorial service were High Commissioners Danielle Heinecke (Australia), Ajay Sharma (Great Britain) , Michael Walsh (New Zealand) and US Embassy chargé d’affaires David H. Gamble Jr.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor was represented by his Assistant Minister Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun.
The annual Sandakan Day Memorial Service on August 15 continues to honour the sacrifices of those who served, resisted and suffered during the Second World War in North Borneo. This year also marks the 81st anniversary of the Sandakan-Ranau Death Marches. – James Leong
Sgt. Korom bin Anduat, a North Borneo Constabulary resistance fighter and recipient of the MBE.
