Guestbook

Congratulations on Neil’s OAM announced today in the Australia Day honours. If anyone deserves one it is Neil for his untiring efforts in promoting the BTRMA, honouring the memory and experiences of POWs and assisting their families to find out more about them. Neil is an inspiration to me every day of my life. Leonie McGaw

My mothers brother (my uncle), who of course I never met, died of dysentery on the railway. He was Private Dennis Minahan VX64674. He was a reinforcement for the 2/29 Infantry Battalion. He died on the 10/5/43 and is buried in the Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, grave A11.C1. The last work group he was in was Force A. If anyone knows of him or members of his battalion or their family would like to email me, I would like to hear from you. Thank you in advance.

Dear Sirs, My name is Michael Noble and my father was a POW Qx14864 Roy (Stewart) Noble. For the last Ten years I have been doing diplays at our local Libraries and schools in memory. I started with my father and since then I have been trying to include as many people as I can with each year being different from the last. In those early days I contacted Mr McPherson and he offered me some wonderful support and assistance , and I would like to take this Opportunity to say thankyou. Especially now that my two young Daughters Caitlin 11 and Maddison 9 have started assisting me in keeping the memory of all those who have served alive for future generations. I find great inspiration from all the wonderful ExPOW’s that I have been fortunate to meet,so when times have been a bit hard for me I look at the contribution that you all have contributed to the world and it gets me motivated to go again and for this I personally thank you. Please find attached a digital copy of our Little thank you, and also the newspaper article. thank you Mic, Caitlin & Maddison

Finding it hard to locate my Uncle Franks daughter/granddaughters. Francis Samuel William Russell joined 2/20th battalion and is mentioned in Don Walls Beyond Singapore. His Daughter Barbara Jean was born 1942, and I have been told has since passed away. Frank joined the army with his best mate, Vic Barnes

I am researching my Great-Uncle William Edward SMITH NX45070 who was captured in Java, March 1942 and sent to the Burma-Thai Railway – possibly with A Force Januay 1943. William was killed whilst being held on the Japanese ship TAMAHOKO MARU which was torpedoed on 24th June 1944 off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan. I would like to find out where Uncle William was during the time of March 1942 until June 1944 and if/where he was on the Burma-Thai railway. Any information would be greatly appreciate. Wonderful site. Thankyou for this moving memorial to these endearing people.

I went on the 2005 QLT and had the time of my life. I got to meet amazing people and learnt so much about everything. It is something that I will never forget! One day I hope to be able to go again. (one day soon). To everyone who was on the 2005 trip I havn’t forgotten you and hope to get in touch soon. miss you all!!! EMAIL ME! Also thanks to all who organised the trip.

Hello All, what an excellent website. I am looking for any information about the 2/2nd Australian Pioneers who served in Syria, Java, on the Railway (1st forming) and New Guinea, Tarakan, Borneo, Balikpapan (2nd forming) so I can complete a website for the 2/2nd Pioneers Younger Generation Group (I am a member – more members are great). Every bit helps! Stories, photos, notes. In answer to a query, the Battalion history book can be purchased from the 2/2nd Pioneer Association in Melbourne. Emails welcome! Thanks, Cary

My high school headmaster at Highett High , F.E. Farmer , was a survivor of the Rakuyo Maru sinking .. He only once mentioned his harrowing experiences , during a morning assembly of the whole school. We students were too young and silly to appreciate just what he had gone through. Mike

I have just finished reading ‘The Burma Railway, Hellships & Coalmines’ Wow i found it hard to put this book down! It brought a tear to my eyes in many parts and embeded in my mind the hardships that these men suffered at the hands of the Japanese. It also reminds me of the harsh reality that material things mean very little and that true friendships, mateships mean’t the difference between life and death.

My maternal Grandfather McKINNON, EDWARD Signalman NX26294 30/06/1943 age 35 8th Div. Australian Corps of Signals Rests peacfully grave 10. F. 2-10. L. 4. KANCHANABURI WAR CEMETERY Edwards service record list beri beri as cause of death. Any information on Edward greatfully cherished. God Bless and thank you