Their Name Liveth For Evermore
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Their Name Liveth For Evermore
If you're a World War II history enthusiast, make sure to dedicate a day of your Bangkok vacation to visit Kanchanaburi. The title of this article, "Their Name Liveth For Evermore," is an inscription found on a monument at the war cemetery there.
Exploring Kanchanaburi
Whether you're passionate about military history or simply enjoy classic war movies, a trip to Kanchanaburi is a must during your visit to Bangkok, Thailand. Just an hour and a half from the city, you'll find the famous bridge over the River Kwae (pronounced "Kwae," not "Kwai"). This bridge, repaired after being destroyed by Allied bombers, remains operational today. You can even ride a steam locomotive along the historic "Death Railway."
The harsh reality is that over 100,000 conscripted Asian workers and 12,000 Allied prisoners of war died constructing this railway for the Japanese Army, intended to connect Thailand to Burma (now Myanmar).
The JEATH Museum
After your train ride, a visit to the JEATH Museum is essential. Contrary to what you might think, "JEATH" is an acronym for Japan, England, Australia, Thailand, and Holland?"the nations whose citizens lived and died building the railway.
The museum, designed to resemble a prisoner of war barracks, houses numerous artifacts and prisoner drawings. No matter your nationality, you will find this experience profoundly moving.
Honoring the Fallen
A short walk from the museum leads you to a military cemetery honoring those who perished. The grounds, meticulously maintained by the Thai people, feature memorials to the war dead. While many deceased POWs were returned to their home countries, numerous graves remain, marked only by simple headstones engraved with names, ranks, service numbers, and countries. Take a moment to walk among the rows and read these names?"ensuring these heroes are never forgotten.
The Reality Behind the Movie
If you have seen "The Bridge on the River Kwai," starring Alec Guinness, you may notice discrepancies during your visit. While the movie is a classic, it contains many inaccuracies. Contrary to the film's depiction, the POWs did not blow up the bridge but rather made efforts to delay its construction and attempted sabotage.
The real senior commander, LTC Philip Toosey, was not a collaborator as portrayed. He motivated his men to sabotage by using tactics like collecting white ants to weaken wooden structures and mixing concrete incorrectly.
In truth, there were two bridges?"a temporary wooden one and a permanent steel and concrete structure. Both were destroyed by Allied bombers; the latter was repaired and remains functional today.
A Visit to Remember
Visiting the JEATH Museum and the Bridge over the River Kwae is a profound experience, a tribute to the brave men who endured and perished in unimaginably harsh conditions. This journey will leave an indelible mark on your memory, ensuring you never forget their sacrifice.
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