Guestbook

It is with great sadness that I have just learnt of Ernie Redman’s passing – a huge loss to the BTRMA and the people of Esperance. I had the pleasure of Ernie’s company on the four Quiet Lion Tours I took part in. Ernie always wore a smile and was always surrounded by his ‘harem’ as we called them – the (usually female) students from Esperance who treasured Ernie as a second grandfather. Ernie and the other POWs who are the backbone of the BTRMA are enduring examples of the Aussie spirit. I’m sure there’s a special place for you with your mates in Heaven, Ernie. Time to rest, mate, you’ve done your bit.

I feel very privileged to have been on the 2009 Quiet Lion Tour. To spend time with ex-POWs Snow Fairclough, Neil MacPherson and Bill Haskell, “Uncles” so-called by our Thai guides, was an experience to treasure. These men have seen and survived the worst of man’s inhumanity to man but also the best of the compassion and self-sacrifice of mateship. When they related events in their steady measured tones, the impact was very telling. Occasionally a memory would tap them on the shoulder and we could see and share a little of their pain. The trip wasn’t just a sombre pilgrimage however, it was also a kaleidoscope of experiences, travelling by longtail boat, Thai Railways and air-conditioned bus. Enjoying exotic meals on a river cruiser, a floating restaurant, a pontoon raft, a balcony overlooking the River Kwae and luxurious well appointed hotel dining rooms. Then there was the shopping, acres of bustling, colourful, lively stalls with the excitement of seeking the right gift at the right price. The Anzac Day service of Hellfire Pass was the exact opposite and gave us all time to reflect and think our own thoughts on all who “gave their tomorrows for our today.” All in all the Quiet Lion Tour is a credit to the Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association and I would recommend it to anyone.

I have in my posession a bronze medallion which I believe was made in Bampong for Japanese officers to celebrate the completion of the Thailand/Burma railway. The medallion belonged to a relative who served in the British army and was captured by the Japanese in Singapore in 1942. The Australian war memorial site -http://cas.awm.gov.au/heraldry/REL/19904 – suggests that there are only 6 of these medallions known to exist. I would be interested to contact any readers who have information about such medallions.

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