This website will relate the results of my on-going journey (since 2016) of discovery to learn the story of the hellish ordeal of the US POWs who worked the Thai-Burma Railway (TBR). There are many stories to be told; almost as many as there were men to tell them. Not all of the men ‘involved’ were sent to the TBR; a significant number lived out their separate ordeals in a number of other places in South East Asia.
“No one knows you were there unless you tell your story”
— Roy Livingstone, ex-POW
I will attempt to present their many stories in chapters to make it readable and understandable. Not everyone who visits this site will be interested in every portion of the story. There are many parts to this complex story of a country (Thailand) in turmoil and the men who found themselves in a special kind of hell there.
A significant portion of these men did not work the TBR but went to Japan (some after working the TBR). Others went to Borneo or Sumatra (where they worked the lesser known Sumatra Railway). A few never left the island of Java where most of them began their journey through hell.
The two main groups who became prisoners of the Japanese in March 1942 were comprised of Texas National Guardsmen who were federalized and then destined for the Philippines but were diverted to Australia then Java when the Japanese overran the Philippine Islands. The second group were the survivors of the sinking of the USS HOUSTON (CA-30) off the coast of Java on the night of 28 FEB – 1 MAR 1942.
There are a few ‘others’ whose stories we will add along the journey. Perhaps the most intriguing of these is that of Khun (Mr.) BoonPong and his smuggling network to get the POWs needed supplies. The most ‘forgotten’ group are the Merchant Mariners who survived the sinking of their vessels. One small group were sent to work the TBR at Hintok near the infamous Hellfire Pass.
Also the story of the 1944 Thai-anusorn Shrine has developed a ‘life of its own’. (see Section 14.3) So, too, is the ever developing story of the romusha and achieving for them the recognition that they are so sorely due. (see Section 20)
As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), I have taken the VFW Congressional mandate to “perpetuate the memory and history of our dead” to heart in relating the story of these men.The story told herein is my version of events and those involved.
Any errors or omissions are mine and mine alone. I have not intentionally violated anyone’s copyright. If I have used something that you claim as ‘yours’ alone, I hereby request permission to continue to utilize it.
This site currently consists of multiple Sections or Chapters. In many Sections, the story continued to expand over time. I have chosen to add new content as information became available. but not to edit the earlier content significantly. This simply shows how the saga has evolved over time.
JJ KARWACKI
COL(ret) US ARMY Medical Corps
Life Member VFW Post 9951 Bangkok
INSTRUCTIONS:
Use the 3 bars icon in the far upper left to open additional menu items;
Some of the GALLERY photos are truncated for space; you can click the photo to open a larger view
Currently sat in a hotel room approximately 3km from the bridge. I’m a regular visitor to Kanchanaburi and part of the attraction is the British military history, as well as that of allied forces
So many people believe that there was no involvement of any US military and the only information available is that of a small plaque at the side of the bridge.
Great to finally get the chance to read experiences of our friends from across the big pond.
Thank you for the rare COMMENT
I hope you enjoyed the read.
You have hilited my EXACT reason for this endeavor.
My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different web page and thought I should check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to checking out your web page again.
If you have any questions or suggestions, I’d be happy to to discuss.
Did you see the CAPT Pomeroy story at section 3.6.9 ?
Thank you for the COMMENT.
Do you have any specific questions
I think the admin of this web page is truly working hard in support
of his web page, for the reason that here every information is quality
based material.
Hi there! I simply would like to offer you a huge thumbs up
for your great information you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.
I’ll be happy to try to address any questions you might have.
This is very informative and intersting for those who are interested
in blogging field.
I like it when individuals get together and share thoughts.
Great blog, continue the good work!
I got this web page from my buddy who shared with me about this
web site and at the moment this time I am browsing this
web page and reading very informative articles at this time.
THX
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as
though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to
read?
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good.
I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you are not already
😉 Cheers!
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the site is extremely good.
Stop by my blog post … special
I love reading through a post that will make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Very good info. Lucky me I came across your website by accident (stumbleupon). I’ve book marked it for later!
I have a techie friend who helped lay the infrastructure I do content
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would certainly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thank you!
Please send me a link to your site.
You are so awesome! I don’t suppose I’ve read something like this before. So great to find someone with genuine thoughts on this subject. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with some originality!
THX
I’m still learning from you, while I’m improving myself. I absolutely liked reading all that is posted on your website.Keep the tips coming. I liked it!
I am really thankful to the holder of this website who has shared this great piece of writing at here.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back down the road. I want to encourage you to continue your great posts, have a nice morning!
THX
J K
My father, Walter Pollock, was a British POW who was captured at Singapore and then worked on the Thai-Burma Railway from Nov 1942.
One of the few things that he kept after the war was a short diary, on a couple of scraps of paper, which also included names of POWs that he knew.
This included three US POWs: Buster H Spann, Plainview, Texas; Self, from Lubbock, Texas and Hienen (possibly Heinen) from Dallas, Texas.
As well, on his list of POWs, was Sardis, West 44th, New York. Which I believe is the cafe off Broadway. Do you know if this was a meeting place for POWs after the war?
I would be interested in communicating directly with you further about this if possible?
Thanks
I know nothing about Sardis as I have not pursued the saga beyond their liberation.
However SPANN had something of a unique journey.
I’d would like to see more of what you have.
JJK
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Thank you
my web page :: backstreets bar and grill
ZYNGA ???
I really like what you guys are usually up too.
Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.
Feel free to surf to my site – backstreets bar and grill
Hi! I’ve been reading your website for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!
THX
I called San Antonio home for many years.
This piece of writing offers clear idea for the new viewers of blogging, that truly how to do blogging and site-building.
My webpage – บทความ