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The Far East was captured in a dramatic attempt by Japan to seize its wealth of natural resources, the captured men, woman and children had to endure nearly four years of Japanese oppression.
The prisoners lived their captivity as an endless nightmare and with no hope many died of despair.
The fortunate to awaken from their ordeal were never the same again. The nightmares returned to haunt their sleep and the faces of those left behind have never left them.
Researching their ordeal to find answers has led many of us to experience their torment, we will never feel the pain they endured and fortunately we can awaken from the despair that became their living hell as Japanese Pow’s.
Gathering
This year on 23 January is 70 Years ago, the fall of Rabaul, New Britain, Kavieng, New Ireland, New Hanover, Duke of York Islands and Surrounding Islands in the Mandated Territory of New Guinea.
To mark this occasion we have:-
1. ANZAC Week Rabaul 2012
2. Aurora Aurora Expeditions PNG
There is also the Aurora Expenditions PNG. If you wish to spend extra time in Rabaul you will have to fly up.
Sgt Foley, Matthew, Ret. (Coastwatcher on New Britain who is 90 years) and myself will arrive in Rabaul on 21 April 2012 and depart 29 April 2012.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time, we are here to serve.
Warmest Wishes,
Cynthia
Ms. Cynthia Schmidt
Researcher
Rabaul1927@gmail.com
Researching
Need help in researching, you will find helpful hints within these pages, A Start to Researching . As the years pass by many a descendant of these brave souls has researched those prisoner of war years. There are tools to help with the Fepow Story, Books, internet and the Fepows themselves. The Fepow Community has now added new tools for research purposes, the main research section being The Rising Sun . Translation of the Japanese words used by the prisoners is covered by the Word Translator , this started as a pamphlet given to the prisoners by the Japanese and has been enlarged upon. The Fepow Verse has been gathered together by the late Maurice Rooney. One of the ways to survive the prisoners ordeal was to turn to Religion, all prisoners beliefs are respected. The latest addition is the Abbreviations section, I was asked what ALSEA was, I thought life would be easier for us all with the forces abbreviations on.
Web Site Updates
After an email I believe it is advisable to advise browsers:-
- This is not an organisation
- The old FEPOW organisation is no more
- The FEPOW sites are written in my own time
- The Roll of Honour has taken priority since the 65th anniversary of liberty
- Being a one man band, I try my best, but it is impossible to cover all aspects of POW life
- Please use the Research section if extended research is required
- If you have written pages which will help others please email the link
- Otherwise please do not criticise, it doesn’t help
- It has taken about 22 years to put together information to help others, in my spare time
- Thanks to all those who have emailed with appreciation, it does means a lot
- All the sites I have written are in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Far East
- Everything is free except the pins , any profit from these pays for wreaths
- It has cost a lot of time and money but is worth it for the FEPOW’s and my own fathers remembrance
Having gone through my childhood as a child of a FEPOW, I believe there is depth in my writings. I can not try to capture the horror of those years in the camps, but in the 1960’s my father gave me his diary to read, home life then began to make sense, screams in the night followed by shadowy footsteps, everything had to be eaten on ones plate, cloths were worn till they could not be any more, life was strange but my dad was there and will always be my hero.
Keep the candle burning, they deserve it !
New Film
The Prisoner List
Produced by Kate Owen
Filmed & Edited by Danny Roberts
Based on the book by Richard Kandler
The Prisoner List from Danny Roberts on Vimeo.
Background Music
The Naked Isle is written and sung by Jim Rowlands in remembrance of his grandfather Albert Owen Rowlands from the 600 gunners party. The Japanese reported that the ship carrying the prisoners was lost at sea after leaving Singapore, which is known as the Naked Isle.
It wasn’t till after the war the truth was found when a large mass grave was found on Ballali Island, the Japanese had used 517 of the fittest to construct a runway on Ballali Island leaving the sick at Rabaul, then when finished those of the 517 remaining alive were massacred by the Japanese.
436 bodies were exhumed on Ballali Island, those remaining of the 517 are believed to have died before the massacre and buried on the island.
The date of death given by the Commonwealth War Graves is the 5th March 1943 for those who died on Ballali Island, the correct date is not known.
FEPOW Day Gatherings
Liverpool
Sunday 15th August 2010
Far East Vets, former FEPOWs and their families came together on Sunday for what is likely to be a final mustering and rememberence service dedicated to the Far Eastern Prisoners of War. The moving service organised by NESA, took place on VJ day at Christ the King Church in Childwall and was followed by a parade and buffet at the local parish centre.
The day went well and was greeted by sunny weather. Two FEPOW survivors, Adam (Jock) Gordon, Arthur Lane and Far East Vet Joe Carberry as well as family members of those who suffered in the Japanese camps all said that they had enjoyed the day, the chance to show their respect and keep alive the memory of the forgotten army and the forgotten atrocities.
When the FEPOWs finally returned home after the war they stepped ashore at Liverpool. It was therefore a fitting location at which to hold the service which was attended by former Veterans Minister Derek Twigg, Major Pavel Kuznetsov (assistant to the Russian military attache), Gary Hilton (Merseyside Police) and MEP for the northwest Nick Griffin. Other MPs and MEPs who could not attend the service sent their regards.
Thankyou
NESA would like to thank all those who helped to organise the day as well as those who attended. Above all, thanks to all those who suffered for the triumph of civilisation.
Full Story - http://www.nesa.org.uk/page29.htm
Fepow Family Pin:-
Many have asked if a pin is available, the design below is the completed graphic.
The FEPOW Family is world wide keeping the candle of remembrance alight.
The pin will be 1.25 inch wide in Fine Enamel with a butterfly clutch.
Price is £1.95 + postage.
Please order via the printable form:- Order Form
If you require help please email Ron at:- Ron.Taylor@fepow-community.org.uk
I would like to thank Michael Hurst MBE for all the help he has given with this project.
Fepow Day Pin:-
To promote August 15th as Fepow Remembrance Day a pin is also being produced.
The pin will be 1 inch high in Fine Enamel with a butterfly clutch.
The estimated cost will be £1.00 + postage.
Please order via the printable form:- Order Form
If you require help please email Ron at:- Ron.Taylor@fepow-community.org.uk
I would like to thank Michael Hurst MBE for all the help he has given with this project.
New Books:-
Can now be found under Books
Conference:-
The Researching FEPOW History Group invites you to attend the
3rd International Conference
at the
National Memorial Arboretum (NMA)
Alrewas, Staffordshire
Sunday 10th October
Full details click here
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