Filed under: Far East | Tags: BIG, Big Lottery Fund, Death Railway, Far East, Heroes Return, Heroes Return 2, Hong Kong, Jack Fowler, Japanese, Keelung Harbour, Kinhaseki, Kinkasekid, Lottery Funding, National Lottery, Pearl Fowler, POW, Prisoner of War, Second World War. WW2, Singapore, Stanley Market, WWII
Pearl Fowler went back to the Far East with her husband who served there during the Second World and was the taken as a Prisoner of War. Pearl has recorded some of the most memorable parts of their trip.
Thursday
Arrived with time to spare despite traffic. In duty free, do I treat myself?
Friday
Arrived in Hong Kong. Lost camera and spectacles, not to worry. Lovely meal in hotel and so to bed as very exhausted
Saturday
Selling poppies at Great Pacific Mall in Central Hong Kong with fellow travellers
Sunday
Remembrance Service in Central Hong Kong. Talking with Captain Alex Butterfield about being released by the Americans. Laying poppy wreaths at cenotaph. Went to Sai Wan Cemetery finding gravestones of several Suffolks, which was very emotional. Visited and left poppy cross at Jack Edwards grave, a very emotional day.
Monday
A day of shopping at Stanley Market. An experience travelling 1 hr by local bus and trying to barter with stall holders. It was very hot and clammy
Tuesday
Had a meal at the revolving restaurant, then onto the peak. Wonderful views, an exceptional day
Wed
Short flight and long car journey to reach hotel, settled in and got an early night as busy day tomorrow.
Thursday
Visit the campsite of the copper mine Kinkasekid and the mining museum which has now become a tourist destination. Followed by visit to Keelung Harbour where all the prisoners landed after their long sea trips on the hell ships. From here they were taken by train so far and then a 10 mile march up a very steep track to the campsite carrying whatever kit they still had in their possession.
Friday
Historical & cultural tour
Saturday
Jungle campsite for memorial service, all the locals were there to greet the P.O.W.’s with a band playing, drums beating and bugles playing. Met 90 yr old farmer who remembered the P.O.W’s time
Sun
Memorial services at Kinhaseki. Laying of wreaths. Last post played by trumpeter Andrew Tsao. Bagpipers played by Mal Turner whilst wreaths were laid. Prayers by Rev Diane Womg. Very emotional time when P.O.W’s paid tributes.
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I have a green leather bound photo album with hundreds of photos of soldiers and sailors left to me by my father sergeant Alan French who i believe served in Burma and Singapore it contains many photos of army vehicles tanks and navy ships as well as general living conditions and life in the camps is anyone interested in this album free of any charge but needs collecting from the Halifax Yorkshire area
Comment by PAUL DAVID FRENCH June 30, 2015 @ 4:32 pm