to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead

5.0 TBR Timeline

I, personally, am a very linear thinker. I like things in order. In an effort to put the entries in LTC Tharp’s diary into the overall context of the TBR, I have integrated a number of sources. The primary sources are LTC Tharp’s personal diary (labelled Th) and a USN document of a similar nature as a diary (labelled NAVY). Those labelled as ME are from a multitude of sources; too numerous to credit. Finally, the Thai-Burma Railway Centre (TBRC) published a list of “Significant Dates” which I have integrated. Futamatsu was a professional Engineer on the TBR who published a book on his TBR experiences. Names like Fillmore and Berrie are from other sources of which I came into possession.

There are a few mis-connections in some of the dates, but I present them as published. The overall concentration is on the movements and events related to the US POWS (Th and NAVY entries) but I think it is important to know how those fit in with other events that define the TBR.

AUG 2022 Update: In order to honor them, I have added all of the TBR-related deaths and the contents of CPT Cates diary as well as citations found in a number of newly available texts:

sourceJan-41truncated dates are approx = correct to mo/yr
Stone12-Jan-1941RTA attacks thereby beginning the Franco-Thai warhttp://books.stonebooks.com/history/vichyvssiam.shtml
Stone17-Jan-1941RTN defeated at Ko Chang
Stone28-Jan-1941Jp brokered cease -fire
Stone9-May-1941Peace agreement signed with Jp
Th11-Nov-19412/131 departed Camp Bowie
Th14-Nov-1941arrived Ft Mason CA
Th21-Nov-1941sailed SS REPUBLIC from SF
Th28-Nov-1941arrived Honolulu
Th29-Nov-1941departed Honolulu SS Republicconvoy of NIAGRA PENSACOLA Holbrook Meigs Bloemfontein Halstead Chaumont Coast Farmer & Republic
Th13-Dec-1941arrived Suva Fiji
ME16-Dec-1941Japanese invade Burma
Th20-Dec-1941re-routed to Australia
ME21-Dec-1941Thai-Japan alliance signedPM Phibun
Th22-Dec-1941arrived Brisbane
Th23-Dec-1941to Ascot Race Course
Th25-Dec-1941began loading Bloemfontein
Th30-Dec-1941departed Brisbane
Th2-Jan-1942convoy with PENSACOLAHolbrook Chaumant & Liberty (sunk)
Fritshe8-Jan-1942Charles Mott shot down near TAKfirst US POW in Thailand
ME11-Jan-1942131 lands at Surabaja Java along w/ 26th FA Bdeaboard Dutch ship Bloemfontein
ME25-Jan-1942Thailand declares war on the AlliesUS AMD Willys Peck interred as prisoner
Th27-Jan-194219th Bomb Grp; 44 men arr from Mindanos PI
Th28-Jan-194222nd Bomb Grp  from AUS
Th3-Feb-19422 TXNG KIA on B-17 during first air raidPFC John Bingham & PVT Don Barnes
Horn4-Feb-1942Battle of Makassar Strait; damaged by bombing46 KIA in aft Turret
ME4-Feb131 servicing planes at Camp SingosariMalang DEI
NAVY5-Feb-1942withdraw for interim repairs at Tjilatjap, Java
Th9-Feb-1942air raid destroys 1 75-gun & 3 vehiclesSGT Sparkman injured during air raid
Martin14-Feb-1942combined air and amphibious assault to seize Sumatra
Horn15-Feb-1942engages a Japanese Force in the Straits of Timor while escorting a convoy
ME15-FebSingapore surrenders
Th16-Feb-1942British AA Batt (40mm guns) arrive Singosari
Martin18-Feb-1942Black force under BG Blackburn (AUS) formed2/131 ordered to support; multiple ammo and commo difficulties
Martin19-Feb-1942Air raid on DARWIN leaves port facilities damagedmuch shipping re-routed to Perth or Freemantle
Martin20-Feb-1942capture of Timor Island
Martin20-Feb-1942BG Wavell begins evacuation of Allied troops from Javaincluded abt a dozen 2/131 liaison personnel
Th20-Feb-1942air raidCPL Holder wounded E Batt
Th24-Feb-1942visited COL Searle at Bandoeng USF HQdiscussed a general evacuation
Martin25-Feb-1942ABDA command on Java is disolveddefense of Java in the hands of the Dutch
Th26-Feb-1942orders to support Black Force under BG Blackburntotal trrop strength abt 2900
Th26-Feb-194226th FA Bde to Tjilatjap harbor for evac17 (18) men reassigned to 131 as replacements for those assigned/evacuated with the AAF
Th26-Feb-1942E Batt to remain Singosari / Surabajaunder the command of Dutch Gen Ilgen
Cates27-Feb-42main body departed Malangnotes with dismay the convoy tactics of the Brits who stop haphazardly for tea then race to regain their former place in the line
ME27-Feb-1942Battle of the Java SeaAdm Doorman KIA
Th27-Feb-1942left Malang for Jakarta
Cates28-Feb-42shared a last Coca Cola in a café with a grp of enlisted men
ME28-FebHouston and Perth sunk in Sunda Strait1,061 aboard, 368 survived, including 34 of the 74-man Marine Detachment
Th28-Feb-1942to Tasikmalaja
TBRC1-MarJp issues TBR orders
Th1-Mar-1942to Buitenzorg reported to Black Force2/2 Pioneers; 2/6 ENG; 2/3 Mach Gunners of AUS 7th DIV
Cates2-Mar-42awaiting orders at a rubber plantation near BuitenzorgIJA trops noted to be 5 miles away
Martin2-Mar-1942AUS  2/2 Pioneers; 2/3 & 2/4 MG BNs guard the Leuwiliang Rvr bridge2/131 in support
Cates3-Mar-42deployed guns along the Leuwiliang River linein support of AUS forces
Martin3-Mar-1942E Batt ‘liberates’ a warehouse and eats their last full meal for years to come.
Cates4-Mar-42withdrew to rubber plantation near Bandoeng
Th4-Mar-1942to Sourkaboeni
Th5-Mar-1942to Bandoeng (rubber plantation)PVT RHODES Bruce  “Dusty” KIA of acc GSW/booby trap
Martin6-Mar-1942E Batt establishes itself in the Surabaja zoo 
Cates7-Mar-42moved south in attempt to evacuate from Java
Th7-Mar-1942to Garoet race track then tea plantation
Cates8-Mar-42dejected by news of capitulation
Martin8-Mar-1942capitulation; about 10,000 Allied troops became POWs plus their Dutch hostselements of the IJA Eastern landing force reach the southern port of Tjilitap
ME8-Mar-1942Rangoon falls to the IJA
Fujita9-Mar-1942Lt Allen w/ SGTs Ben Keith and Fugita  at Surabaja
Berrie10-Mar-1942CPT Dodson and small grp captured on Madura IsE Batt  attempted evasion
Cates11-Mar-42surrendered to an IJA force at Garoet
Cates13-Mar-42moved into mountains at Ondernewing tea plantation
Futamatsu13-Marfirst Railroad Engineers arr BanPong
Th18-Mar-1942began march to Batavia
Cates19-Mar-42moved to Tjibatoe by truck then train to Batavia
Th19-Mar-1942to Tjbatoe by truck (Tandjoen Priok docks area)
Rogers25-Mar-1942Main 131 grp to Chinese school compound in BataviaChoan school
ME26-Mar-1942first USN dies of woundsLT(jg)Francis Weiler
Cates30-Mar-42moved to Tadjoenpriok port area
Th30-Mar-1942to Bicycle Campjoined by 14 other ARMY (?) and 343 HOUSTON survivors
Pedersen1-Apr-42crew of AMERICAN LEADER tfx’d to Bicycle Camp
William SloneApr-4270,000 Tamils recruited in Malaya
Cates4-Apr-42working on the docks; light duty
NAVY5-Apr-1942LT Ross w/ 25 USN arr Bicycle Camp
Maher6-Apr-19428 (senior) HOUSTON staff to Japanincluding CDR Maher to Zentsuji / Omori
NAVY13-Apr-1942Lt(jg) Hamlin w/ 35 arr BCDetre(OH 475); Melvin Mahlant
NAVY13-Apr-1942COL Searle arr BC w/ 2 enlisted
NAVY15-Apr-1942150 USN arr BCunspecified as to service USN / USMC?
NAVY15-Apr-1942Flt Sgt John Morgan of Eagle Sqrd arr BC(fraudulent US POW)
Cates25-Apr-42IJA combat troops exchanged for camp guards (Korean?)
NAVY5-May-1942first USN death from dysenteryLT Ross died
Cates14-May-42Moved to Bicycle Camp encounter HOUSTON crewmen
NAVY14-May-1942131 TXNG arr BC [confirmed by others]also SM1c CL Seal is w/ TXNG ???
TBRC14-May3,000 Australian POWs left Changi to Burma (known as A-Force)
Cates15-May-42other 131 men who had been at the chinese school arrive
Cates16-May-42USN WO Ken Shaw arr after time in an island in the Sunda Strait
AUS26-May-1942A Force arrives Burmavia TAVOY
KinvigJun-4287,000 Burmese “Sweat Army” recruited
Fujita18-Jun-1942bulk of E Battery at Bicycle from Surabaja
TBRC18-Jun3,000 British POWS left Changi to Ban Pong aka Grp #1
Cates21-Jun-42COL SEARLE at Bicycle Camp
Ramsey23-Jun-1942Sykes grp of 600 British arr BanPong/NongPlaDuk
Cates25-Jun-42controversy over the ‘no escape’ pledge; apparently continued for some weeks
ME29-Jun-1942US AMD Willys Peck departs Thailand
AUSJul-42B Force departs for Borneo1500 AUS to Kunchig camp  (?)
ME1-Jul-1942131 non-POW death in AAF crashPVT Byron West
ME5-JulJapanese engineers begin to survey the route of the TBR
NAVY9-Jul-1942Flt Sgt John Morgan injured in fall
Cates4-Sep-42notes an increase in dysentery cases
Cates10-Sep-42USN Cdr Epstein relates his tale of spending time on an island with 11 US and 14 AUS sailors before their capture after nearly 3 weeks
Reminick10-Sep-1942Michel sinks the AMERICAN LEADER
Cates14-Sep-426 officers departed camp; destination unknown
ME16-Sep-1942Nong Pladuk marker dates beginning of constructionThais build first 50 Km in TH
Th18-Sep-1942new camp Commandant and guards replace at BC
Cates1-Oct-42tested for amoebic dysentery; prelim to movement?
Fillmore1-Oct-1942USN personnel given plaque vaccine
TBRC1-Oct-1942Green Force beg work at Kandaw (KILO 4)start of TBR construction in Burma
Cates2-Oct-42Fz Grp departs Bicycle camp
NAVY2-Oct-1942Fz – Gilmore, Hiner, Stenland & 124 men depart BC89 AUS in that party  aka Grp 3
Th4-Oct-1942Fz party of 191 depart BC aka GRP 3 on Kinkon Maruincludes 62 Houston under LTjg Hanlin
2/4 MG Bn8-Oct-1942Grp 4 depart Java on Kimmon Maru1500 AUS depart BC
NAVY10-Oct-1942Zg party of 68 US depart for JapanTofuku Maru to Japan
TBRC10-Oct-1942A-Force arr at Hlepauk (18 Kilo camp)
Th10-Oct-1942Zg grp selected67 US to Japan
Cates11-Oct-42Th 5A Grp departs BC  along with Zeigler GrpDai Nichi Maru to Singapore
Fillmore11-Oct-1942Th 5A departs BC 488 men aka GRP 5ALt(jg) Hamlin cdr of 237 enl & 9 off from Hous
Fillmore11-Oct-1942Th 5A sails from Priok on Da Nichi MaruTharp has dengue (per Rogers)
Th11-Oct-1942Th 5A departs BC 488 US 362 AUS 150 Dutchaka JAVA Party 5A
Cates15-Oct-42arr Singapore
Fillmore15-Oct-1942Th 5A arrive Singapore; by truck to Changi
ME15-OctE Batt Dodson grp of 12 arr Bataviahad escaped to Madura; date per Ray Robinson
Cates18-Oct-42600 British depart apparently headed to Thailand
ME20-OctTacoma Maru departs Java for Singa; 1600 Brit / Dutch POWsAAF 1Lt Teborak & MSG John F Smith and SM2c Marvin Sizemore
2/4 MG Bn23-Oct-1942Grp 4 depart Singa on Meabashi Maru
Fillmore23-Oct-1942first 131 death on Java from dysenteryPVT Griffin died on Java
2/4 MG Bn24-Oct-1942Organized into Black and Williams Forces43 in Williams; 6 in Black
AUS24-Oct-19422/2 Pioneer & Perth surv arrive Burma; Wiliams Forcesent  to abt 35 Km camp – Tanyin
Fujita25-Oct-1942E Batt contingent arr Bicycle
2/4 MG Bn26-Oct-1942Arr Thanbyuzayat
2/4 MG Bn27-Oct-1942Wm Force to KILO 35 (Tanyin)
Cates27-Oct-42Zg group departs Singa; destination Japan?; groups of 5-600 Brits/AUS departing daily
Th27-Oct-1942Zg Grp depart for Japan60 US ; 200 Dutch; 12 AUS;
2/4 MG Bn28-Oct-1942Wm Force to KILO 45 (Anakwin)
Hall/Bhaze28-Oct-1942AUS Anderson & Williams Forces combine into Mobile Force #1
Labutt28-Oct-42E Batt departs Java on Oyo Maru85 enlisted & 3 officers
Th28-Oct-1942MAJ Horrington (AAF) grp arr BC attached to E Batt100 US
TXNG30-OctFz Grp arr Betetaung (40 KILO camp)as part of Black Force
CatesN-42food, accommodations, enteratinment are quite enjoyable
Th2-Nov-1942E Batt arrives ChangiBattery CDR CPT Dodson not present [to Mukden]
Th5-Nov-1942Grp 5A at Changitotal strength 1387
ME6-Nov-1942AMERICAN LEADER Capt Pederson and crew at BCfrom German Raider Michel
Stanbrough25 Nov 1942Nov-42Zg Grp arrive Moji Jp
TooseyNov-42LtCol Toosey’s Force of British begin work on Bridge 277abt 1500 men (from GRP A @ NPD)
Toosey15-Nov-1942first death at TMK200 more would follow
ME26-NovCRM Harmon Alderman KIA when Tafuku Maru sunk near Jp[had been left behind by Zg Party]
AUSNov-42C Force departs for Japanto Kobe and Naoetsu camps
Fillmore28-Nov-1942E Batt departs Changi for Japan on Kamakura MaruHorrigan Michie 2 USN and CIV David Hicks with E Batt
Reminick29-Nov-1942SS Sawolka sunk near Madagascar16 MM & 4 USNR gunners KIA
TXNG29-Nov-1942Fz Grp to 25 Kilo camp (Kun Knit Kway)
LabuttDec-42E Batt begins work in the shipyard at Fukuoka 2b
Fujita7-Dec-42E Batt arr Nagasaki900 Dutch / 100 US
Hall/Bhaze18-Dec-1942Ramsay Force arr at Kunhnitkway (26 KILO camp)
NAVY20-Dec-19421000 Dutch depart Changi
Th28-Dec-1942COL Searle departs (to Taiwan)?en route to Mukden
NAVY1-Jan-1943USN 231 USMC 8 civ 1 at Singapore
NAVY2-Jan-1943COL Searle and 46 senior officers arrive Changi[see 28 DEC]
Th6-Jan-1943John Morgan exposed as BRITPvt St McKenzie added to USN party
Th7-Jan-1943Th 5A party depart Changi431 enl & 25 off of Hous
Cates8-Jan-43Th 5A grp departs by train456 US; 160 Dutch; 365 AUS
Th9-Jan-1943Th 5A depart Changi by trainleft behind: Kelly Porter Martin [Johnson & McManus]
Th9-Jan-1943Th 5A arr Prai (Indo) moved to shipTharp has malaria
Th11-Jan-1943Th 5A dep Prai on Dai Moji Maru488 US ; 150 Dutch  365 AUS
Cates12-Jan-43finally set sail up the coast
Cates15-Jan-1943convoy bombed by B-24s900 Dutch; 350 IJA recscued
Fritshe15-Jan-19433 B-24s; one flown by Col Conrad Necrason7th Hvy Bomb Grp; Ansanal India
Rogers15-Jan-1943LTC Tharp wounded in temple by bomb fragmentthis injury continued to plague him
TBRC15-JanAnderson and Williams Force join at Tanyin (35 KILO camp)
Th15-Jan-1943convoy bombed Nichimei Maru sunkKIA 5 AUS; 43 Dutch MIA-KIA; 2 PERTH KIA
Cates16-Jan-43moved to Moulmein City Jail; claims at least some of the Fz Grp still there
Th17-Jan-1943Th 5A arr Moulmein to District jail966 Dutch rescued after sinking
TXNG21-Jan-1943Th 5A arr Thanbyuzayat base camp
Cates22-Jan-43begin to move up-country
ME23-Jan-1943first USN death on TBR – Beri-beriSM1c Asa Young
Th24-Jan-1943Griffith, Fowler and Tharp to Thanbyzayat camp
Cates25-Jan-43report that the MOJI MARU had been sunk on its return journey to Singapore
Th25-Jan-1943Th 5A begin move to 18 KILO  (Aepauk)
Fillmore26-Jan-1943Fowler & Tharp to 18 KILO
Kinvig26-Jan-43GEN Shimoda plane crash
Cates28-Jan-43Cates himself departs for 18 KILO via ThanbyuzayatAlepauk
Th28-Jan-1943CPT Elkin last at 18 KILO
Cates30-Jan-43begin standard berm building duties
Th2-Feb-1943E Batt death on JavaPVT Abileno Hernandez dies Surabaya
Filmore4-Feb-1943LT Ferrey party of 9 officers arr Batavia (19th BGrp)date ?[where were they held?]
ME10-Feb-1943wooden railroad bridge over Mae Klong finished1000 Dutch arrive at TMK
AUS15-Feb-1943A-Force arrives KAN from Nike (Nikki; Km 131)
Th15-Feb-1943CPT Fowler and 55 US selected for Japan
TooseyFeb-434 of Toosey’s men executed for escape attempt
Rogers16-Feb-1943MAJ Rogers advanced to 85 KILO
ME10-MarFz Grp 3 arrive at 35 KILO camp (Tanyin)joined by Ramsay Force per TBRC
AUSMar-43D Force departs Singa for BanPong2780 Br; 2220 AUS
Cates19-Mar-43260+ US move to 85 Kilo campMAJ Wright at 18 K with sick grp
ME20-MarFz Grp 3 arrive at 14 KILO camp
ME22-Mar-43first USMC death on TBR malaria at 80 KILOSGT Joe Lusk
Fritshe23-Mar-19439th Bomb Sqrn strafes TBR bridges in Burma
Th25-Mar-1943MAJ Wright grp to 30 KILO94 sick in party
AUSMar-43E Force departs for Borneo1000 AUS to Sandakan
CatesMar-43reportedly taking 36hrs to bring in rations by road
KinvigApr-43700 Br from Sumatra at BanPong (via Saigon)joined up with Fitz Grp in Burma
KinvigApr-43F Force arr BP; 30% were unfit3666 Br; 3334 AUS; 7 US
KinvigApr-43F Force 17 day trek of 300 Km in monsoon100 held at KAN hospital
Fritshe5-Apr9th Bomb Sqrn destroy 2 TBR bridges in Burma
TXNG5-AprFz Grp 3 return to 25 KILO camp (Kun Knit Kway)
Cates6-Apr-43moved back to 80 Kilo camp
ME7-Apr-1943USMC PVT Donald Hill dies at BC of dysentery
Rogers7-Apr-1943Th 5A moved to 80 Kilo campTharp carried by cart; too ill to walk
NAVY9-Apr-1943Fowler grp departs for Japan; (207 total)only traveled as far as Saigon
Th13-Apr-1943second USN death on TBRSF1c James White
Cates14-Apr-43notes increasing deaths from a variety of causesamong all POWs not just US
ME14-Apr-1943GRP 4 departs Java with H-Force(1)
Futamatsu15-Apr-1943iron span bridge completed at 277 siteToosey says end of the month
Reminick15-Apr-1943Michel drops MM POWs at Singapore
AUSApr-43F Force departs for BanPong7000 AUS + 10 US
ME18-Apr-1943YM1c Irving Felix dies of TB in BC
Cates24-Apr-43this diary found during inspection but not confiscated
AUS War Mem25-Apr-1943construction begins on Hellfire Passalso 25 APR = ANZAC Day
AUSApr-43G Force departs for Japanarr Moji on Kyokko Maru
TXNG26-Apr-1943Fz Grp to 45 Kilo camp
Th28-Apr-1943Sgt Lusk dies of malaria at 80 Kilo camp
Th30-Apr-1943announce beginning of SPEEDO period
2/4 MG BnMay-43Williams and Anderson Forces combined into #1 Mobile Force
2/4 MG BnMay-43elements of 2/2 ENG added to #1 Mobile Force
KinvigMay-43100 Km gap btw KinSaiYok & NikeSpeedo period
KinvigMay-43H Force departs for BanPong2000 Br; 700 AUS; 600 Dutch
TXNG2-May-1943Fz Grp return to 18 KILO camp (Alepak)
Th4-May-194330 sick moved to KAN camp #3
NAVY5-May-194341 US moved to KAN #1 Thamakamjoined with Rogers Party of 110 US
Th8-May-1943MAJ Wright party left 30 KILO
2/4 MG Bn13-May-1943Williams Force to KILO 57 (Taunzun)
NAVY14-May-1943Marine 1SG Dupler dies at Than of dysentery
TXNG14-MayFz Grp 3 arrive at 30 KILO camp (Retpu)
Kinvig15-May-43Cholera in F Force at Nike10% of the workforce succumbed
TBRC15-MayH-Force(2) dep Singa includes 19 ARMY & NAVYincluding Sawolka crewmen
AUSMay-43J Force departs for JapanMoji and Kobe camps
Th24-May-43MAJ Rogers (Th 5A) advanced to 100 KILO
Cates28-May-43marched to 100 Kilo camp; monsoon begins
Th28-May-1943Th 5A marched to 100 KILO (Anganan)
TBRC29-May-1943Grp5 (Th) arr Regue (100 KILO camp)
TBRC30-MayH-Force arr Tonchan/Tarsao (284Km)
KinvigJun-43Cholera among Romusha at 60KM camp in Burma34 deaths among 600 AUS
Th1-Jun-1943first SPEEDO deathsAlbert Lindsley [& Dennis Willis die] 6 OCT 43
AUSJun-43K & L medical Forces depart for BanPongworked the highlands area in Thailand; 365 men
Kinvig12-Jun-43Bombing raid on Thanbyuzayat12 KIA = 1 US
ME12-JunUS POW killed in Allied bombing in BURMACPL Edwin Wilson
NAVY12-Jun-1943hospital camps now at 4 8 and 18 KILOMAJ Elkins  & Lt Bourn
Kinvig15-Jun-43Cholera at Hintok66 deaths
TBRC15-JunMobile Force #1 arr Taungzun (60 KILO camp)start of cholera outbeak (Burmese origin?)
Reminick16-Junfirst cholera death at Hintok
Th16-Jun-1943prepared return to 80 KILOnotified WILSON KIA in bombing
Th17-Jun-194325 US among 100 sent to 80 KILO as hospital
Th27-Jun-1943Tharp Grp 5 death at 100 KILO of dysenteryEM3c Calvin Benner dies of dysentery
NAVY28-Jun-1943MAJ Elkins & Lt Bourn sick at 80 KILO
HELLFIRE30-Jun-1943construction of Hellfire Pass completed in abt 12 weeks[see TBRC Sep 43]
KinvigJul-43K ‘medical’ Force arrives to attend to romusha
KinvigJul-433000 F Force sick moved to Thambaya 43 of 1700 died during the move; in 6mos 748
ME1-Jul-1943first 131 death on TBR(Th) from Tropical ulcerPVT James Drake
Cates4-Jul-43roasted a dog (not hot dog) in celebration
Kinvig5-Jul-4310 man escape attempt from SongKurai5 recaptured after 7 weeks; 5 dead
2/4 MG Bn13-Jul-1943Wm Force#1 to KILO 72 (Mezali)
TXNG14-Jul-1943Fz Grp to 62 KILO camp
Th17-Jul-1943first Fz death SM2c James Musto of dysenterySM1c Floyd Armour (Th) dies of dysentery
Th22-Jul-19434 non-US died of cholera at 100 KILO
Th22-Jul-1943Tharp Grp 5 death at 100 KILO of dysenteryPVT Wendell Carney dies
Th23-Jul-1943Tharp Grp 5 death at 100 KILO of beri-beriPVT Julius Anderson dies
Th31-Jul-1943Tharp Grp 5 death at 100 KILO of dysentery1Lt Hampton dies
Cates1-Aug-43official diary entries ceased due to scrutiny and lack of writing materials; what follws are recollections
KinvigAug-43Fit from H combined with F Force near Konkoita
KinvigAug-43L ‘medical’ arrives15 MD and 100 Ors
Th1-Aug-1943Tharp Grp 5 death at 100 KILO of dysenteryCPT Lumpkin dies
ME2-Aug-1943Tharp Grp 5 death at 100 KILO of dysenterySGT Howard Hall dies
NAVY3-Aug-1943Tharp Grp 5 death at 100 KILO of TUPVT Eugene Silva dies
NAVY12-Aug-1943died during amputaion for Tropical UlcerGM3c Pye dies undergoing amputation
ME29-Aug-1943SM1c Lyle Rozelle dies at Tarsoe1/3 from H-Force Hintok
TBRC8/30/1943highest death toll of 1643 in this month
2/4 MG Bn1-Sep-1943Wm Force#1 to KILO 77 Apalon)
2/4 MG BnSep-43F Force at Changaraya KILO 303200 die of cholera
Reminick7-Sep-1943149 AUS & 150 Brit deceased at Hintok; many of cholera
TBRC8-Sep-43Dunlop force at Hintok3-tiered bridge/tresle at Hintok completed; 31 men died
2/4 MG Bn11-Sep-1943Wm Force#1 to KILO 85 (Kyondaw)
ME11-SepPVT Samuel Jones dies at 80 KILO camp of TUthought to have died during amputation
TXNG14-Sep-1943Fz grp to 85 Kilo Camp
TBRC15-SepHintok- Konyu section of railway completedHelfire Pass
ME16-SepPFC Edward Kalous (prior USF) dies at 100 KILO of TU[first non-TXNG Army death]
2/4 MG Bn17-Sep-1943Wm Force#1 to KILO 108 (Payathonzu)
ME17-SepPFC Harry Gray (LIBERTY surv) dies at 80 KILO of dysentery[second non-TXNG Army death]
TBRC17-SepMobile Force #1 arr Paya Thanzu Tuang (108 KILO camp)
ME18-Septhird USMC deathCpl Holsinger dies of TU at 80 KILO camp
2/4 MG Bn21-Sep-1943Wm Force#1 to KILO 116 (Kami Songkurai)cholera in nearby romusha camp / F Force
ME6-OctSM1c Donnis Wilson (Th) dies at 80 KILO of dysenteryLAST USN TBR worker death
ME10-OctPFC Glen Moore dies at F&H hosp KAN of dysentery2/3 Hintok deaths
ME17-OctPVT Johnny Jowell dies at 80 KILO of TULAST 131 TBR worker death
Ramsey17-Oct-1943Thai portion 263 Km; Burmese 152 Km completed
Futamatsu23-Oct-1943official TBR completion ceremonyThai and Burmese sections of line were joined near Konkoita
Kinvig25-Oct-43Kra Isthmus road/rail completed
ME28-OctPVT Billy Thomas dies at F&H hosp KAN of beri-beri3/3 Hintok deaths
Fujita29-Oct-1943SGT Fujita tfx’d to TOKYOpropaganda team
TXNG3-Nov-1943Fz Grp to 114 KILO campfrom 55 Kilo camp
RogersNov-43Tharp nearly blind from vitamin deficiencyalso MAJ Rogers
WithnallNov-43PVT  Thomas Whitehead to ChungKai hosptropical ulcer
Futamatsu15-Nov-1943An average of six trains per day operated for the life of the line
ME17-NovUSMC Pvt Wilson dies of malnutri at Songkurai 1144th and last USMC death
ME29-NovPVT Ray Baldwin dies in ETO131 transferred to AAF
ME3-DecCPL Nolan Kalich dies of meningitisE Batt at Nagasaki Jp
ME12-DecGM3c Gene Fanghor dies of Diphtheriafirst Zg Party death Ohasi Jp
ME12-DecEM3c Alfred Seidel dies of bronchitislast Zg Party death Hakodate Jp
Reminick25-Dec-1943116 H-Force survivors of 525 POWs arr Singa via KANAUS grp 184 of 600 survived
2/4 MG Bn26-Dec-1943Williams Force #1 to KILO 122wood cutting camp
NAVY27-Dec-1943initial Tharp grp moved to KAN “rest camp”housed at Camp #3
Cates28-Dec-4336 hr trip on train to KAN camp for the ‘light sick’
NAVY29-Dec-1943still at 100 KILOARMY 8 off 58 enl; USN 4 off;  74 enl
Rogers29-Dec-1943Tharp moved on litter
Th29-Dec-1943moved from 100 KILO to KAN camp #2 by trainless 148 non-fit men left at 100 KILO w/ MAJ Rogers
NAVY31-Dec-43last USN arr KAN
ME1-Jan-44Th 5A moved to 195 (?) Kilo Camp; cut wood for train fuel
NAVY7-Jan-1944ill tfx 80 KILO to Kanchanaburi
NAVY7-Jan-194420 US from 114 KILO to 105 KILO114 = Songkurai
2/4 MG Bn11-Jan-1944Wm Force#1 to KILO 131-33 (Nike)wood cutting camp
2/4 MG Bn12-Jan-1944Wm Force#1 began Tfx to Kanchanaburiill taken by rail
Reminick15-Jan-19444000/7000 F & 2000/3000 H return to Singa
TXNG17-Jan-1944Fz grp to Kanchanaburi
Th19-Jan-1944strength at KAN: 900 Br/Am/Au  2300 Dutch +150 at Thamakamper ration records
2/4 MG Bn25-Jan-1944Wm Force#1 back to KILO 114 (Changaraya)
NAVY26-Jan-1944marched from 100 to 105 KILO
NAVY26-Jan-1944Thai-anusorn monument begunMM3c Leo  Bird selected to assist w/ monument to deceased Asians
ME30-Jan-1944PVT Ward Simpson dies at KAN F&H of Tuberculosisthird Fz death
2/4 MG BnFeb-44F Force at KILO 105 (Aungganung) w/ Wm Force#1Aussie and US POWs reunited
NAVY4-Feb-1944dedication of the obelisk Romushas memorial[multiple deaths recorded ??] ? 21 Mar 44/
ME13-FebTh GRP 5 moved to ChungKai Camp, then Kanburi
Th29-Feb-1944PFC C M Collins dies at KAN of dysentry
KinvigMar-44begin movement of 10K POWs from KAN to Japan
ME6-MarPVT J W Bartee dies in ETO131 transfer to AAF
Clark15-Mar-194410 US tfx to Khao Din RailyardArt Clark. Chas Pryor; Dallas Clark; John Lee;Wade Webb
NAVY18-Mar-194447 US still at 105 KILOUSN 24 MC 3
NAVY22-Mar-194419 US at 105 KILO tfx to JapanUSN 14
2/4 MG Bn25-Mar-1944IJA began to select men to tfx to Japan
2/4 MG Bn27-Mar-1944Wm Force#1 to Kanchanaburifollowing B-24 attack on 105 Camp
KinvigApr-44F & H hosp in Kan closedpatient deaths: F-45% H-27%
ME9-AprFowler +206 Army and 8 AAF to Saigonw/ SSG H.R. Cobb
NAVY10-Apr-1944all at 105 KILO to KANUSN 3 off & 6 enl
WhitnallApr-44FCM1c Mahlant tfx to Nong Pladukthen on to Ubon
Rogers5-May-1944Rogers & Tharp reunited at ThamakamTharp’s health somewhat better
ME7-Mayfinal US 131 TBR POW dies on TBR (Th)PVT Herrera of dysentery at Nakorn Pathom
ME11-MayFowler returns to Kan from Saigon
Cates16-May-44final group of US arr Thamarkan
Cates8-Jun-44errant bomb hits hospital killing 85 mostly Dutch
ME24-JunTamahoko sunk with loss of 16 US; 2 US survivorsSM1c Wilfred Logan & SM2c Leo Callahan survived
NAVY25-Jun35 US from KAN depart for Japan via Singapore
NAVY7-Aug-1944sick moved to Nakorn PathomLT Heinman in command
Withnall6-Sep-1944Allied B-29s bomb of Nong Pladuk railyards98 KIA ; 2-400 WIA mostly British
Fritshe13-Sep-1944sinking of the Rakuyo Maru carrying BG Varleymany PERTH crew perished as well; 4 were among 158 POWs by US subs
Reminick18-SepJunyo Maru sunk off Sumatra (5600 KIA)survivors USMC Pvt Wm Miller; SGT Gordon Miller & PFC Jos Sokolowski KIA
ME11-OctIndia-based pilots warned of Allied POWs on the TBRintel from POW survivors of Rakuyo sinking
Fritshe2-NovUSN post-TBR death in SaigonBKR3c Albert Tanberg of dysentery
ME3-Novreceived 1/6 of RED CROSS ration package
Rogers4-Novfinal USN TBR death at Chung Kai hosp campSM1c David Williams of dysentery
ME15-Nov35 US from KAN arr Japan (Fukuoka) via Singapore
NAVY29-Nov-1944Allies bomb the RKB #1Dutch POWs KIA from ‘short-fall’ bombs
Fritshe1-Dec-44Cates hospitalized at ChungKai
Cates4-Dec-1944bombing at KAN & Non PladukKIA 14 at Kan; 96 at NP no US
NAVY8-Dec-1944Allies bomb Kui Yae (186K in TH)26 Dutch POWS KIA
TBRC13-Dec-1944Allies bomb the RKB #2slight damage only
TBRC5-Jan-1945Officers at KAN to be separatedenlisted moved to other nearby camps; ChungKai
NAVY15-Jan-1945Maj Rogers; CPT Parker 2 others arrested for radiosentenced to 5 yrs hard labor
NAVY23-JanAmerican VB-1 AZON MCLOS-guided 1,000 lb aerial ordnance hits bridge
ME5-Feb-1945Allies bomb the RKB #4wooden bridge damaged
Fritshe9-FebWooden bridge damagedby US AAF B-24s
Fritshe13-FebBoth brides damagedby US AAF B-24s
Fritshe15-Feb-1945more sick moved to Nakorn PathomENS Stivers  w/ brain tumor
NAVY19-Mar-1945Kra Isthmus rail line bombedby US AAF B-24s
LabuttApr-45the 3 E Batt officers tfx’d to Mukden
Fritshe3-Apr-1945USAAF damaged the wooden railroad bridge once againLt Wm Henderson 7th US Bomb Grp
Fritshe24-Apr-1945multiple bombing raids along the entire TBRutliing a new ‘dive bomb’ technique
LabuttMay-45most E Batt tfx’d to coal mines at Fukuoka camp 9
Kinvig5-May-45Rangoon falls; IJA exodus from Burma begins
Fritshe15-May-1945Saigon grp left Dalat for Tuy Hoa to repair a bridge
ME28-May-1945PVT Lavern Staver dies in Singapore (post-TBR/Hintok)last H-Force death of brain cancer
ME30-May-1945both bridges were operational again
ME18-Jun-1945medical supplies dropped on Sanam Luang BKK
Fritshe24-Jun-1945RAF damaged the main bridge and entire railway line out of commission
Ramsey14-Jul-1945final US AAF strafing attack along the TBR
Fritshe15-Jul-1945Officers begin move to Nakorn Nayok
NAVY12-Augfinal US POW dies in Japan of beri-beriSGT Donald Heleman of E Batt
ME15-Aug-1945sixth grp moves to Nakorn Nayok17 US officers
Th16-Aug-1945official notice of war’s endextra food and medicine arrive
Cates17-Aug-1945LTC Tharp arrived Bangkok w/ MAJ Rogers & CPT Parker
Th17-Aug-45Cates taken to BKK by train/ barge and 10 mile trek
Th18-Aug-1945ENS Stivers to Bangkok Nursing Home hospital(brain tumor)
Th18-Aug-1945Charles Mott to join US contingent in BKKfrom NongPlaDuk
Th19-Aug-1945Tharp to PMK hospital BKK
Th20-Aug-1945distribution of US pers: Ubon 4;Muang 46;Prachin43;Nayok152 Petch33;NKPhosp16; Saigon 200294 Thailand; 206 Saigon
Th22-AugHoffman and Harris escape Pethburi camp
Th22-Aug-1945LT Stensland to Nakorn Pathom38 US in hospital at Nakorn Pathom
Th22-Aug-1945LT Keithley to Nakorn Nayok122 US in Nakorn Nayok
Th22-Aug-1945LT Hard to Prachinburiw/ 10 US
Th23-Aug-19454 TXNG & 4 USN arr KAN from jungle camps
Cates24-Aug-1945CPTs Wright & Cates and ENS Nelson to Petchburialso PVT Barnes and SGT Moritz
Th24-Aug-45some US moved to Petchburi supposedly to prep for evac
Th25-Aug-1945CPTs Fz  Fowler & ENS Clark to US HQ BKK
Th25-Aug-1945MAJ Rogers to Oriental Hotel
Th25-Aug-1945LT Heinen to Go-downs area Harbor camp
Th25-Aug-1945LT Morgan to [Tamwan]? = Tha Muang!w/ 21 US
Th25-Aug-1945LT Lattimore at KANw/ 9 US
Th25-Aug-1945CPT Mott & ENS Smith at Paratrooper HQ
Th25-Aug-1945USMC Sgt Aust retieves Tharp’s records from ChungKai
Th26-Aug-1945LT Keithley arr from Nakorn Nayokw/ 121 US
Cates27-Aug-1945LT Hard arr from Prachinburiw/ 16 US
Th27-Aug-45first Petchburi grp (ill) evaced to Rangoon/Calcutta
Rogers28-Aug-1945CPTs Taylor, Scarbrough & Demoss to Rangoon
Th28-Aug-1945Rogers released from BKK jail and meets TharpTharp “looks 90 yo”; walking with a cane
Th29-Aug-1945ENS Stiver still at BNH hospital(brain tumor)
Th29-Aug-1945151 US to Calcutta
Th29-Aug-1945LT Fillmore at BKK HQ
Cates30-Aug-1945SGTs Schmid & Douglas return to BKK
Th30-Aug-45Cates flies out of Petchburi airfield; upon arr in Calcutta encounters a former student now AAF MAJ Lovelace
Th31-Aug-1945ENS Stivers and LTs Fillmore & Skillern to CalcuttaENS Clark returns from up country
Th1-Sep-1945Fz to Saigon;  LT Schmid to CalcuttaSGT Schmid & Douglas to Calcutta
Th2-Sep-1945SGTs Crain & Brown from [Tamwan] = Tha Muang!
Th3-Sep-1945SM2c S. Barnes to BNH hospital
NAVY6-Sep-1945Saigon party stop at BKK to Calcutta214 US including 8 AAF
Labutt14-Sep-45Fukuoka Camp 9 liberated by US forces117 British, 138 American and 761 Dutch
NAVY15-Sep-45CWGC begins remains recovery
Labutt19-Sep-45most of E Batt depart Japanaboard USS Wadsworth and Lunga Point
Labutt21-Sep-45arrive Okinawa; some are flown to Manila, others board the troop carrier USS Haskell
Cates25-Sep-45medically cleared and released;
Cates30-Sep-45landed in Newfoundland then on to NYC and WASHDC
Cates4-Oct-45finally arr at McKinney TX military hospital; then on to Decatur
Cates7-Oct-1945final TBR-related deathEns John Bell Stivers dies of Glioblastoma in St Albans hosp NY
Labutt10-Oct-4527 men board the Marine Shark for SF via Hawaiiarr SF 1 NOV
Labutt28-Oct-45MS Klipfontein arr Seattle with 21 E Batt mbrs
ME12-Dec-1945final 131 dies in plane crash in New GuineaPFC Wm Forceraser tfx to AAF
ME15-Jun-1947TBR system sold to Thailand (50M baht/ 1.25M Pounds)as part of war reparations via Britain
TBRC24-Jun-1949NongPlaDuk to Kan portion reopened
Ramsey1-Apr-1952WangPo portion opened for traffic
RamseyJul-52SRT begins to repair the RK Bridge
TBRC1-Jul-1957Railway reopened to NamTok
RamseyJul-58TBR system reopens mainly for tourism

The US POWs in the company of others from Java were sent to a number of destinations in addition to the TBR. Some, the E Battery contingent and Zeigler Party went directly to Japan (via Singapore). Many of the officers ended their captivity in the Mukden camp in Manchuria; some direct, others post-TBR. Sumatra was the destination for a few. A handful never left Java,

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