ANZAC Day April 25 Thailand

by Derek Brook

Throughout the year, members of the Royal British Legion Thailand visit the River Kwai, but there is an occasion every year when members from all over Thailand make a point of being there: Anzac Day April 25. So two days before the event, an advance party, consisting of Bert Elson BEM, secretary, and Richard Holmes, standard bearer, went to the location to set up accommodations and rehearse the remembrance service.

The main party departed April 24. It included 9 Riders of The Royal British Legion Thailand Bikers who left at 9:30 a.m. and arrived relieved at 4 p.m. after a long, dicey road trip on bikes. We also had members arriving from all points of Thailand, including Korat.

The night before is usually a get together of all the Legion members, but not too much as early the next morning for many it is off to Hellfire Pass, about 3 a.m. leave as the ceremony starts at 5:30 a.m. and it is a long walk down. Well worth a visit the bikers made the trip and returned with an additional 30 or so Australian bikers for the main ceremony.

The majority after a bite to eat got into transport for the short trip to Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery. The first thing one notices on entry is how immaculate the cemetery is. The second is members of the Royal British Legion Thailand, with Ron, Greg and the ladies ensuring people have a poppy. Then into position for the ceremony.

The poignant ceremony involves the march led by The British Club Bangkok Pipe Bang, followed by the standard bearer, Richard Holmes, of the Royal British Legion Thailand, and the honour guard. As the ceremony begins, we are reminded why we are there and made to listen with sadness as survivors tell of those hell years. The one-hour ceremony is suitably hot. Following which guests are invited for a sausage sizzle and a few cold uns'.

The day for us was not over until we made our annual visit to Chungkai, the lesser-known War Cemetery at The River Kwai. This, in fact, was the first war cemetery, built by the prisoners of war for those who died in the camp hospital. It is also the resting place of many of the British who died on the Death Railway.

Chungkai is situated on the River about ten minutes outside the city. We found it many years ago and vowed to lay a wreath there every year. For the last few years we have been privileged to have the British ambassador join us for a small heartfelt ceremony. This essentially closed the Anzac day, apart from cementing our ties with our Aussie and Kiwi friends at the bar.

The next day we were up bright and breezy to get into the busses and do the special trip organised by Bert. I leave it for the photos to explain more about our fine day and our visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum.