Peter Winstanley

Peter joined the committee of the Quiet Lion Tour in 2000 and made his first Thailand pilgrimage in 2001, at that time we “Oldies” were anxious to pass the baton on to the next generation to ensure the ongoing success of our project. With Peter’s banking and legal back ground (also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, where he served for 36 years) he immediately introduced major improvements and in partnership with Secretary Eric Wilson began a programme that included the Incorporation of the organisation.

A name change and the drawing up of a constitution by Peter and Eric was both time consuming and labour intensive and resulted in our present name the Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association (BTRMA).

In 2002 Peter was elected Chairman and Tour Leader and guided the Association and organised our tours for the next three years, an additional test of his organising ability was his Defence Reserves Association Tours each year in November. These had been planned prior to his association with the Quiet Lion Tours.

During Peter’s administration the BTRMA Inc were able to improve the Association finances to assist in the continuation of Student subsidies, and the issue of shirts caps and booklets for each tour.

During Peter’s administration it was my privilege to work closely with him and as Promotion and Marketing Officer his opinions and suggestions were always constructive.

After the 2004 tour Peter resigned as Chairman and Tour Leader to concentrate on his research of the Medical Personnel and Railway History, Peters Web Site www.POWs-of-Japan.net is a testimonial to his dedication to keep alive the Railway Story.