The incident in Kure--a 40-year follow-up of post-traumatic stress disorder

A traumatic incident involving Allied Occupation Forces in Japan in 1947 came to light in the course of pension applications by three Australian ex-servicemen. They had been present when a 'fire fight' took place between Australian and Indian soldiers based near Kure, apparently resulting in the death of two Sikhs. The emotional consequences had been suppressed, as had details of this incident, for 40 years. These cases provide a rare insight into the long-term consequences of traumatic events. The nature of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and the necessity for evaluation of the contribution that traumatic experience can make to continuing psychopathology are discussed.