22-04-2025
Bigger group for Death March's 80th anniversary
Published on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Published on: Tue, Apr 22, 2025 Text Size: Lynette said the gathering has grown each year since she brought a small group in 2000, armed only with a tape player and flag. SANDAKAN: This Anzac Day, historian Lynette Silver is leading a larger group of relatives than usual to here to mark both the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and the infamous death marches that claimed the lives of more than 1,800 Prisoner of Wars (POWs). 'Twenty-four members of my group have a deep personal connection to the events of 1945 – including relatives of those who died, a rare escapee and the commando who rescued him. 'We are all united by the tragic stories of these men, whose courage and sacrifice must never be forgotten,' she said in a statement. Lynette said the gathering has grown each year since she brought a small group in 2000, armed only with a tape player and flag. 'That first service was a simple, humble beginning. It marked the first Anzac commemoration at the camp since 1944, when the POWs had observed the day,' she said. The event now attracts a significant number of local people, members of the Australian Defence Forces, the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, and other dignitaries. The group will also attend a special service at St Michael and All Angels Church to mark 20 years since the dedication of its stained-glass Windows of Remembrance, honouring both the POWs and local civilians who risked their lives to help them. Private Sidney Webber, from Sydney, was among five POWs who escaped the second death march in June 1945. Tragically, he and his mate Ted Emmett were shot while trying to signal a native boat. Their fate remained a mystery until 1988, when survivor Owen Campbell met Webber's niece June, recognised from a photograph Sid had always carried. 'I'm honoured to be part of this group, representing my great uncle,' says Kerry Fowler-Smith, Sid's grand-niece. Private James Molloy, from Sydney, died in Ranau in 1945. His grandson Steve Molloy, and great-grandson Michael, are attending the service in his honour. 'Walking the death march track with my grandfather's memory in mind was an emotional experience,' Steve said. Sergeant Philip Grinter was left behind due to illness and died in July 1945. His nephew Peter Grinter, travelling with cousin Shane Reynolds, remembers him and another family member, Private Clarence Grinter, who died at Sandakan. Private Keith Jones died at the camp aged 27. His grand-niece Lauren Saunders is attending the service in his memory. Gunner John 'Jack' Robinson, from Victoria, died just weeks before the war ended. His grand-niece Suzanne Robinson is travelling to Borneo to honour him. Gunner Lorraine Corney, from Townsville, died shortly after reaching Ranau. His nephew Trevor Corney is attending the service. Private Nelson Short, one of only six survivors of the marches, escaped Ranau in July 1945 and was rescued by Australian commandos. Nelson's grand-niece Yolande, an Australian Defence Force member, and Ken Hodges, son of his rescuer, are part of the group. 'My grandfather's story is one of survival against all odds. 'The reunion with Lofty Hodges and his team in 1945 remains a powerful memory for our family,' Yolande said. Ken Hodges, the son of the commando who saved Short, shared his perspective: 'What my father and the other commandos did was an act of bravery that none of us will ever forget. They didn't just save lives – they gave hope to men who had almost lost the will to live.' For the next eight years, Lynette organised an Anzac Day service for POW families at Sandakan until, with the help of Sydney Morning Herald journalists and ABC radio, she raised the profile enough for the Australian Government to fund and organise an official service in Malaysia. This paved the way for a national event with broad recognition. 'It was a grassroots effort that grew over time. 'I never imagined it would become such a significant event, but it's a testament to the families and their enduring connection to the men who sacrificed so much,' Lynette said. With only six survivors and 1,787 dead, this tragedy remains the worst atrocity committed against Australians in war. 'Their memory endures through the service and the stories passed on by their families. We owe it to them to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten,' she said. For more information, contact [email protected] or at 0168 031 567 after 8pm on April 23. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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