Following a request from members of the veteran community, a paver commemorating Thailand will be added to the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk to recognise Prisoners of War the Japanese held as slave labourers in Thailand.
During World War II more than 22,000 Australians consisting of soldiers, sailors, airmen and members of the army nursing service, as well as some civilians, were taken by the Japanese at various locations throughout South East Asia.
Many served as slave labourers on the infamous Thailand-Burma Railway, where some 2,646 perished, and the paver is a reminder of their sacrifice and contribution Minister Brock said.
Keith “Chook” Fowler, 101 years old, is a surviving member of the 2nd/3rd Machine Gun Battalion that was captured by Japanese forces in Java, March of 1942. Mr Fowler and his mates then endured the hardships and deprivations of nearly three years as Prisoners of War. Mr Fowler applauds this recognition of all his 2nd/3rd comrades and, more broadly, all South Australians who lie in graves in Thailand.
He is a proud representative of veterans past and present and plans to attend the unveiling, set to be held on the 15th of August, Victory in the Pacific Day, Minister Brock said.
Quotes
Attributable to Geoff Brock
We’re not only delivering on another election commitment, but we’re supporting and recognising our veteran community with the installation of the Thailand paver to the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk.
Mr Keith ‘Chook’ Fowler, health withstanding, will be front and centre for this memorable occasion, he is a truly great Australian and proud representative of all those who suffered as prisoners of war in Thailand.
I know that all members of the veteran community respect the service and sacrifice of all generations of Australian servicemen and women who have defended our values and way of life in wars, conflicts and peace operations throughout more than a century of service.
Attributable to Bill Denny, Ex-Service Organisation Representative
The placing of a commemorative paver on our state’s Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk is an excellent way to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who served in Thailand, especially those who perished as Prisoners of War during World War II.
It might seem a small gesture to some, but I can assure you it means so very much to the wives, children and families of those who suffered and died in appalling circumstances.
It also means a great deal to the ex-service and broader community who have been seeking this outcome for some years. Mr Fowler is a true legend. As the last known prisoner of war of the Japanese in our state and the last of his unit, he is loved and respected by us all
