How many Australians died at Changi?
Of the 22,000 Australian prisoners of the Japanese, in all locations, one-third died in captivity. By contrast, of the 85,000 Allied prisoners who passed through Changi, just 850 died there. Former prisoners were, as one account noted, more likely to describe Changi as POW “heaven” than “hell”.
How did the Japanese treat female prisoners of war?
10. Female prisoners of war were raped, deliberately infected with syphilis, and forcibly impregnated for the purpose of scientific research by the Japanese. Although male prisoners of war under the Japanese Empire endured intolerable and sustained abuse, female prisoners equally suffered.
How many Australian POWs were killed by the Japanese?
Of the 22,376 Australian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese, some 8,031 died while in captivity. After the end of the war, War Crimes Trials were held to investigate reports of atrocities, massacres and other causes of death.
How many Australian POWs were taken by the Japanese?
22,000 Australian
Over 22,000 Australian servicemen and almost forty nurses were captured by the Japanese. Most were captured early in 1942 when Japanese forces captured Malaya, Singapore, New Britain, and the Netherlands East Indies.
How many POWs died in Japanese camps?
3,500 POWs
Thus, in addition to the seven main camps, there were 81 branch camps and three detached camps at the end of the war. 32,418 POWs in total were detained in those camps. Approximately 3,500 POWs died in Japan while they were imprisoned.
When was the Changi prisoner of war camp built?
Initially prisoners at Changi were free to roam throughout the area but, in early March 1942, fences were constructed around the individual camps and movement between them was restricted.
What was the main prisoner of war camp in Singapore?
Changi was the main prisoner-of-war camp in Singapore. Some 14,972 Australians captured at the fall of Singapore were imprisoned there (as drafts were sent away, the numbers at Changi declined, then after the completion of the Burma-Thailand Railway, numbers rose again).
How many Australian prisoners of war died on the Burma-Thailand Railway?
In all, 9,500 Australian prisoners of war worked on the construction of the Burma-Thailand Railway, which ran from Bampong, Thailand, to Thanbyuzayat, Burma . Building commenced at each end of the railway. Altogether, 2,646 Australians died working on the railway.
Who was the painter of the Burma Railway?
This watercolour of the Burma Railway is owned by former Captain E.C. (Teddy) Dickson, and was painted in Changi by Des from a detailed description by Captain Dickson on his return to Changi after working on the railway. It was painted on the back of an old Changi prison duty roster sheet.