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Changi
prison, 1969. This is not where the Australians were held
prisoner. |
| Changi
Maximum Security Prison, 1994
Contrary to the myth this is NOT where
most Australians spent the period of captivity in 1942/45 |
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| This is
where they were incarcerated |
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Selarang Barracks,
Changi, on the island of Singapore |
- Over the years the story of the
dreadful treatment by the Japanese guards of Allied Prisoners of War
(POWs) has been told a thousand times. Unfortunately many myths have
grown up, particularly here in Australia. I make an attempt here to
provide the truth. It is awful enough without having anyone gild
the lily.
- First lets get a few things on
record before the enraged mob comes for me with the rope.
- I am NOT an apologist for the
Japanese or their treatment of POWs.
- I fully recognise the horror of
that time (as well as one can without living through it) and the
deep and lasting effect it had on the men and women concerned. I
do not try to downplay that at all. Each one who lived through
it and returned to lead a close to normal life is a hero in my
eyes.
- Those who died in captivity are
just as much to be respected on ANZAC Day as any other sailor,
soldier or airman who was killed in action.
- My desire is to see the truth told
so that when my grandson reads the "history" of WW2 and
comes to the part about Changi he will be dealing with fact, not
some urban myth that has grown up and gained a life and
respectability from constant retelling.
 
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