Santo Tomas University hostages

[Peter H]

Santo Tomas University,4th February 1945.

http://www.angelfire.com/nm/bcmfofnm/hi ... rated.html

..in the end,it had been necessary to insure safe conduct for Lt.Col Hayashi and 65 of his men to the enemy's lines in order to free 270 internees held as hostages in the education building..

Photo from Time-Life.

Japanese soldiers standing outside the Education Building of Santo Tomas University while negotiations are underway for their safe conduct from the city in exchange for the safe return of 200 American hostages they are holding.

[Peter H]

Further from http://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/ ... homas.html

On February 3, the university was liberated by the US Army 1st Calvary Division (8th Regiment, 1st Brigade). They were backed by five tanks from the 44th Tank Battalion. They were assisted by Filipino Guerrillas. The tanks entered thru the gate at Calle Espana after a brief skirmish, freeing many of the captives. The Japanese, commanded by Lt. Col. Toshio Hayashi gathered the remaining internees together in the Education Building, as hostages, exchanging pot shots with the Americans. On February 4th, they negotiated with the Americans to allow them to rejoin Japanese troops to the south of the city. Americans allowed this to save the hostages, allowing them to only carry their rifles, pistols and swords. On the morning of February 5, 47 Japanese were escorted out of the university to the spot they requested. Each group saluted each other and departed. The Japanese were unaware the area they requested was near the American occupied Malacanang, and soon afterwards were fired upon and several killed including Hayashi. Later in the afternoon, some of the same group returned to Santo Thomas, captured as prisoners during the same day.

[ithascome]

I just wanted to offer a link to a page about this topic that many may have not seen yet.
http://ithascome.bravehost.com/Ernest_Stanley.html My Dad knew this man.