17^th August 2001, This was the date in 1945 when the remaining 33 Australian and British POWs of the Borneo Death Marches were slaughtered by the Japanese Nation that had officially surrendered 2 days earlier. Pg I

Dedicated to the Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan, the Borneo Death Marches, Ranau, Kuching and elsewhere in British North Borneo and the indigenes of the Sandakan underground who now rest in the Heros Grave at Kuching, Sarawak plus the 171 heroes (men and women) of the Albert Kwok rebellion of 1943 who today rest in the mass communal grave at Petagas, Sabah.

Sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom and the eventual rescue of 6 Australian Prisoners of War from an estimated number of 2,400 Australian and British POWs in prewar British North Borneo (now Sabah). Pg XXXII

During the late 40's or early 50's an army investigation team retraced the Death March route led by Major Harry Jackson and Warrant Officer Bill Sticpewich AIF. Sticpewich, also a survivor, escaped from Ranau, only to meet his death post-war in an automotive accident in Melbourne. These two men led an Army Graves Recovery Unit accompanied by an Australian Broadcasting Commission team (Colin Simpson) and were among the first to re-trace the Death March route after the war (see ABC documentary Six From Borneo).

This group retraced only the southern route; they were not aware of the northern route, or, if they were, they ignored it. Therefore it is safe to assume that of the large number of missing POW, some still lie somewhere out in the jungle along the former northern route, although it is highly unlikely that the original rentis could now be relocated, the jungle certain to have reclaimed it. Unless rentises were regularly used, they become completely overgrom within weeks.

In view of the Australian Governments reluctance to do anything constructive regarding our missing WW2 warship HMAS Sydney, there is little hope that the recovery of POW lying in the jungle will ever be undertaken. Is it little wonder that the surviving operatives of AGAS 1' inserted by American submarine to locate the POW and report on their welfare, were never called upon to give evidence during the relevant war crimes trials after the war?

Our Officers debriefed after the war, strangely, were never called on to testify against the Japanese at the war crimes trials. In the early 1950's when the Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies discharged hundreds of Japanese war criminals, he proved beyond doubt that it was by design, in favour of trade. Maybe our men knew too much of the truth - the truth the Australian Government wanted to cover up. However, Don Harlem told me in no uncertain terms that his reports on war crimes never were submitted during the trials, and despite his briefing descriptions of Japanese atrocities, nothing was done.

Likewise, following the end of the war and return to Australia and New Zealand of AGAS 1' operatives, (mostly Ors - other ranks from staff Sergeants down) - none were interviewed for war crimes trials. None were invited to testify at the trials of Japanese Major Hoshijima and Captain Takakuwa who succeeded Hosi, or for that matter, any Japanese war criminal. Additionally, there were many of our guerrillas who were eye witnesses to atrocities - particularly Don Harlems group - after he and jock split and operated separate guerilla groups.

Don, during one of our last telephone conversations before his sad passing , assured me that he

was holding a list of witnesses - names and addresses - that he would send to me along with his script for our proposed jointly written book. Unfortunately, his script was never found and even if the list was located today, it is far too late; officialdom couldnt care a damn

Now at 75 years of age, I have a better understanding of life and the appreciation that "war is like business on a giant scale where currency used is not money but mens lives". I cannot but help feel that our presence in BNB was meaningless, and our efforts were just a waste of humans lives, time and cost. Regardless of all the good work done by the AGAS parties, our efforts were lost to the top brass, many of whom didnt care a hoot about the fighting men or the POW lives. The Commonwealth War Cemetery panels at Lebuan list hundreds of Australian and British POW missing , most of whom today lie out in the jungle on the Death March routes. Additionally, there are at least 200 to 300 POW and possibly more Javanese labourers who were bulldozed into trenches on the Sandakan airstrip and never recovered......... Pg 267

Note: For a full chronological account of the rescue of Braithwaite, Campbell, Moxham, Botterill, Short and Sticpewich, refer Lynette Ramsay Silvers Sandakan - A Conspiracy of Silence. Pg 307

In 1914 during the WWI, legislation was passed to guarantee ex-servicemen a pension of not less that 100% of the male Basic Wage. During the mid-thirties, the percentage actually increased to a figure approaching 130% or more; today that figure has eroded to 44% of the present Male Average Total Weekly Earnings (MATWE). Confirmation of these figures can be found in Hansard.

Our big hearted Government - unlike their salary increases - proposes a pension increase to 75% over three years, applicable to special pensions only. While our politicians continue to procrastinate over this matter, they are smart enough to realise that in three years hence, many more veterans will have fallen off the perch and will cause no further problems.............

..........By virtue of our Oriental appearance, combined with our ability to speak the necessary languages that enabled us to act in a clandestine capacity, and masquerade as locals in Far Eastern countries, we were guaranteed rewards by our Australian Government if we survived the ordeal. A number of Australian born orientals plus the lovable Malay Pearl divers, and those in professions from the Far East, did not survive. Captured by the Japanese, they were tortured to death while the others survived torture, only to lose heads to Japanese Samurai swordsman. However, a few did survive the war. All had one thing in common.

When Japan entered the war, we were interviewed individually by a British Intelligence Officer whose name cannot be divulged - yet. All were promised a home after the war. Not one received one. It is little wonder we feel cheated? A few of the Malay boys have since died almost poverty stricken, some unable to secure a pension. As I type this passage I am reminded that onmly weeks ago, the Department of Veteran Affairs refused my request to have my cardio vascular condition (stroke 1997) accepted. However, a few years after WW2, they accepted my conditions of neurosthinia (war nerves), rhinitis and hypertension as war related. Double standards?

A few months earlier, I received a flowery two-page letter from the Minister of Veteran Affairs in which he praised my efforts during WW2, adding words to the affect, that in the eyes of the Australian community I was great. Sadly however, no, the Department of Veteran Affairs refused to re-instate my service pension that was revoked in 1997 while flat on my back in Royal Perth Hospitals Shenton Park Annexe.........

.......Because we undertook special missions into enemy held territory and, or operated out of

American Bases where there were no Australian RAPs (regimental aid posts) or hospitals, consequently, no official records of our activities and medical problems were found, due to the ultra strict secrecy under which we operated.

Is it simply a matter of no records, no proof, no benefits? If so, this is not good enough. Men who fought for their country and prepared to pay the supreme sacrifice, should not be subjected to penny pinching tests or unfairly treated. Once again, America leaves us for dead. In the US one rarely hears of a poorly treated return veteran. Pg322 & 323

In conclusion, as a loyal Australian, I urge you the reader to remember that 2,400 Australian POW were shipped from Changi Gaol Singapore to Sandakan, British North Borneo to build an airfield for the Japanese Emperor during WW2. Of this number, more than 1,800 were marched to their deaths. There were only Six Survivors from Borneo. Today there is only one - Owen Colin Campbell of Queensland. Pg368

Extracts taken from "Blood On Borneo" Jack Wong Sue DCM JP

In earlier history when groups of people declared war on each other the leaders always led their troops into battle. It is a great pity we do not have the same system today; perhaps our politicians would think twice before they gambled with the lives of their people........

.....When one remembers all the events in the 1930s which led to World War II, and to the victory which we were promised would bring peace and make the world a better place to livein, one can only wonder if it was all worthwhile. We have only to look around us and see the same thing happening all over again. An old french saying can best express my sentiments. Plus ca change, plus cest la meme chose. Pg195 & 196

Extracts taken from "The White Mouse" Nancy Wake

Appendix One Because of her efforts, Nancy Grace Augusto Wake, became one of the most highly decorated heroes of the Second World War. The Americans awarded her their Medal of Freedom, the British the George Medal and the French two Croix De Guerre with Palm, the Croix De Guerre with Stat and the Medaille De La Resistance. In 1988, they awarded her the Chevalier De Legion DHonneur.

She has yet to receive official recognition from Australia, though as this book goes to press, that is under discussion. Pg298Extract taken from "Nancy Wake" Peter FitzsimonsPenniless but Priceless, War hero Nancy Wake battles on.

Prince Charles asked her to tea last November, but she asked for something stronger and then stole a piece of Christmas pudding, stuffing it into her handbag. "Someone told me hed made a contribution to my bill here. I said Your joking. I didnt ask for it, but there is nowhere else in London Id rather be."........

.....Quite rightly, they see Nancy Wake as a treasure.

John Howard is in town this week and I called one of his innumerable press officers to ask if maybe some of the present defence budget could go towards this remarkable and heroic Australian. I never heard back, though. He is too busy planning a war. Pg15-17Extract Taken from "NT News" Saturday February 15, 2003 By Bruce Wilson in London

Darwin Bombed

In this respect I believe, and I think the Author believes also, that we were ill served by the censorship clamped on the Darwin raids. A censorship which, even now, leaves many quite ignorant of their extent and the devastation caused. There were, presumably, only two reasons for censorship. The first, that it would give the information and encourage the enemy, the second, that it would be bad for the civilian moral. As to the first, it would have been a very obtuse enemy who could not see perfectly well from the air the extent of damage caused; and the Japanese were not obtuse. The second was really an insult to the average Australian. Knowing my countryman, as I hope I do, I have no doubt that the real picture would have infuriated rather then depress them. Pg.ix

Extract from "Foreword" by Austin Asche.

For fifty years there was no official acknowledgement of the service given by those who defended Darwin during the Japanese air raids. Our Government provides recognition of the armed services by way of medals for valour, or for service in areas of combat. From the 1940's untill around 1995, it seemed that a service person did not fight, become wounded or die for his country unless it happened overseas. Our administration did not acknowledge service personnel who engaged the enemy on home soil but fortunately, in later years, this oversight has been remedied. Pg.ivExtract from "Introduction" by Jack Mulholland

Fifty odd years have seen many changes in national attitudes; the composition of the Australian population and other factors have emerged. One wonders whether we have not become over civilised to a fault. Many of the freedoms gained by people with good intent are being balanced by further constraints on our way of life. Pg4

Extract from "Darwin Bombed" Jack Mulholland

Extract from When War Came To Australia" Darwin Defenders1942-45 inc.

Private James Charles Martin, killed at Gallipoli on the 25^th of October 1915. He was 14 years old. Information from "Soldier Boy" Anthony Hill

He once said to me that his father fought in WWII for freedom and, in his honour, he was not going to be gutless but would stand up for the principles he felt were important for the country. Pg 87

Extract from "The Dick Smith Way." Ike Bain

Andrew Wilkie - resigns from intelligence O.N.A. & states "No link between Saddam Hussien & Osama Bin Laden" March 2003

1860 - 1866    2,000 "Pitts Militia" fought in Maori Wars (NZ).    20 killed

1887 - 1885    Sudan. 6 killed

1899 - 1902    16,000 Australian fought in Boer War (RSA).  606 killed

1900                2 Ships and 460 men to Boxer Rebellion (China).  6 killed

1914 - 1918    332,000 Australians fought in the WWI. 61,919 killed

1939 - 1945   WWII. 39,366 killed

1950 - 1953   15,164 Australians fought in Korean War.  339 killed

1948 - 1960   7,000 Australians fought in Malayan Emergency.  36 killed

1963 - 1966   Indonesian Confrontation.  15 killed

1962 - 1972   50,000 Australians fought in Vietnam War.  520 killed

1991              Gulf War (Kuwait).  Nil killed

1992 - 1993  Somalia. 1 killed

1999 - Present East Timor. 2 killed

2003- Present  Iraq. 1 killed

Total Fatalities 102,837

13. "Recalls, in that context, that the Council has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations of its obligations;" [Adopted as Resolution 1441 at Security Council meeting 4644, 8 November 2002.]

"War with Iraq without U.N. would lack Legitimacy." Kofi Annan

We Australians shouldnt have locked ourselves into a firm position with U.S.A." Richard Woolcott - Former Australian U.N. Ambassador. March 2003

United States of America 290,457,149

United Kingdom 58,789,194

Australia 19,818,284

             369,064,627

It is estimated that the total number of Muslims range from 0.7 to 1.2 billion worldwide and up to 7 million in the USA, about 21% of all people on earth follow Islam. The religion is currently in a period of rapid growth.

When one considers that approximately 99% of our fatalities have occurred offshore or because of injuries received offshore one cannot help but wonder when we will stop sending our finest young men and women to die in offensive actions offshore?