remembrance

OVERSEAS

Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, Thailand

A Remembrance Day ceremony was conducted at the Hellfire Pass Memorial site on 11 November 2002 at 11.00 a.m. The ceremony was organised by Mr Peter Winstanley, a former senior Army officer. Mr Winstanley organises annual tour parties from Perth, Western Australia, to attend Remembrance Day services at the Hellfire Pass Memorial. This year 27 of the group participated, including Mr John Parkes, a former prisoner-of-war (POW).

Mr Frank Keegan, also a former POW, and his family had travelled from England. Mr Keegan worked on the Burma–Thailand Railway in the Kin Saiyok area during World War II. It was his first return visit since departing Thailand after the war.

The ceremony was viewed by many tourists who had been visiting the area and mixed freely with those who had participated in the ceremony. Many were delighted to meet actual POWs who had worked on the Burma-Thailand Railway during the war.

A second group also arrived, led by Mr Bill Haskell, a former POW. Mr Haskell is a popular and regular visitor to the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.

Australian visitors on Remembrance Day totalled 99 and were the main group of international visitors to attend the commemorative services.

	Peter Winstanley with John Parkes, a former POW, after Remembrance Service, Hellfire Pass

	Wreath laying, Hellfire Pass Remembrance Day Service

Please accept out grateful thanks for your generous support in allowing the visitors to spend time in the museum and reflect on their memories of loved ones. The Hellfire Memorial Museum is an excellent asset.