Jonathon Dallimore: F Force on the Burma-Thailand Railway
Allied prisoners of war build a bridge along the Burma–Thailand Railway. AWM 119162.
The story of F Force on the Burma–Thailand Railway in 1943 is one of abject misery and horror. The experiences of these men in particular gave rise to the term ‘Railway of Death’ when referring to the Japanese-planned endeavour.
Misled by the Japanese with promises of more food and a model camp, the prospect of a move appealed to many, however there were many more who were sceptical of the Japanese and their ‘promises’.
A number of sick men were included in the force, as it was thought improved conditions would restore their health. The British in particular included more sick men as part of their contribution to the force.
Johnathon Dallimore describes the conditions and heightened rates of disease and death endured by the Australian and British prisoners of war as they were forced to work in conditions far beyond human endurance.
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Left: Colonel Edward Holmes, Murray Griffin, (1942, pencil on paper, 50 x 36cm) AWM ART26430.
Right: Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kappe, Murray Griffin (c. 1942, pencil on paper, 50 x 36cm) AWM ART26437.
Edward Barclay Holmes MC (right) commanded British and Australian prisoners of the Japanese from August 1942, following General Percival’s departure. AWM 117117.
James French, Sleeper laying party, (c.1943, pencil on paper, 17 x 22cm) AWM ART92688.
Allied prisoners of the Japanese building a bridge at Tamarkan which was completed in April 1943. AWM 118879.
Three ‘fit’ workers at Shimo Songkurai No. 1 Camp. They are believed to be Privates Bruce Pearce, Oscar Jackson and Reuben Pearce, all of the 2/30th Battalion. Photograph: George Aspinall. AWM P02569.192.
Suspected Japanese war criminals photographed at Nieke, Burma, c. October 1945. Photograph: War Graves Commission Survey Party. AWM P01910.004.
Members of ‘F Force’ bathing and washing clothes in a stream at Kami Songkurai Camp No. 3. Photograph: George Aspinall. AWM P02569.188.
The isolation hospital for members of F Force at Shimo Songkurai No. 1 Camp, known as Cholera Hill. Photograph: George Aspinall. AWM P02569.189.
Thai food vendors offer food for sale to members of ‘F Force’ during a forced march. Photograph: George Aspinall. AWM P02569.186.