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Tomorrow You Die: The Astonishing Survival Story of a Second World War Prisoner of the Japanese
An amazing, action-packed true story of survival as a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II
The oldest child of poor Irish immigrants, Andy Coogan was born on April Fool's Day, 1917. His amazing recollections of life in Glasgow's slums during the 1920s and 30s are told with humor and candor. They form the backdrop to a gripping war story that begins with jungle fighting against Japanese invaders in Malaya in 1942 and ends with the dropping of the atom bomb just 20 miles from Andy's POW camp. As a young man, Andy was tipped for Olympic glory before war service interrupted his promising running career. He was later captured during the fall of Singapore in Britain's greatest-ever military defeat, marking the start of a three-and-a-half-year nightmare of starvation, torture, and disease as a prisoner of war. Andy was imprisoned in notorious Changi prison before being transported to Taiwan, where he worked as a slave in a copper mine and was twice ordered to dig his own grave. Later taken to Japan, where he nearly died, Andy's athleticism and spirit allowed him to survive an ordeal that killed so many. From his poverty-stricken boyhood in Glasgow's Gorbals slums to the atomic wasteland of Nagasaki, Andy's life story is vividly recounted in this epic tale that will shock, enthrall, and inspire.
The oldest child of poor Irish immigrants, Andy Coogan was born on April Fool's Day, 1917. His amazing recollections of life in Glasgow's slums during the 1920s and 30s are told with humor and candor. They form the backdrop to a gripping war story that begins with jungle fighting against Japanese invaders in Malaya in 1942 and ends with the dropping of the atom bomb just 20 miles from Andy's POW camp. As a young man, Andy was tipped for Olympic glory before war service interrupted his promising running career. He was later captured during the fall of Singapore in Britain's greatest-ever military defeat, marking the start of a three-and-a-half-year nightmare of starvation, torture, and disease as a prisoner of war. Andy was imprisoned in notorious Changi prison before being transported to Taiwan, where he worked as a slave in a copper mine and was twice ordered to dig his own grave. Later taken to Japan, where he nearly died, Andy's athleticism and spirit allowed him to survive an ordeal that killed so many. From his poverty-stricken boyhood in Glasgow's Gorbals slums to the atomic wasteland of Nagasaki, Andy's life story is vividly recounted in this epic tale that will shock, enthrall, and inspire.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Andy Coogan
1 bookAndy Coogan was a Scottish author, World War II veteran and former champion runner.
Born in Glasgow, the oldest child of poor Irish immigrants, Coogan's promising athletic career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. As a young man, his goal was to compete in the Olympic Games for Great Britain, but the terrible consequences of war and imprisonment left him physically unable to continue this pursuit.
Captured during the Fall of Singapore, Coogan was interned at the Changi camp (site of the modern day Changi Prison) before being transported to Taiwan, where he worked as a slave in a copper mine and was twice ordered to dig his own grave. He was later sent to Japan on a hell ship voyage that nearly killed him.
After the war, Coogan returned to Scotland and founded Tayside Amateur Athletic Club, competing in veteran athletics and devoting himself to encouraging everyone in the community to participate in sport.
In August 2012, Mainstream Publishing published Coogan's autobiography Tomorrow You Die: The Astonishing Survival Story of a Second World War Prisoner of the Japanese - the story of his 'poverty-stricken boyhood in the slums of the Gorbals to the atomic wasteland of Nagasaki'
Born in Glasgow, the oldest child of poor Irish immigrants, Coogan's promising athletic career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. As a young man, his goal was to compete in the Olympic Games for Great Britain, but the terrible consequences of war and imprisonment left him physically unable to continue this pursuit.
Captured during the Fall of Singapore, Coogan was interned at the Changi camp (site of the modern day Changi Prison) before being transported to Taiwan, where he worked as a slave in a copper mine and was twice ordered to dig his own grave. He was later sent to Japan on a hell ship voyage that nearly killed him.
After the war, Coogan returned to Scotland and founded Tayside Amateur Athletic Club, competing in veteran athletics and devoting himself to encouraging everyone in the community to participate in sport.
In August 2012, Mainstream Publishing published Coogan's autobiography Tomorrow You Die: The Astonishing Survival Story of a Second World War Prisoner of the Japanese - the story of his 'poverty-stricken boyhood in the slums of the Gorbals to the atomic wasteland of Nagasaki'
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 16, 2013
Over the years I have read countless books and seen many documentaries on the war in Europe, the third Reich, the Nazis' the holocaust, the Battle of Britain, D- Day, the list is endless. We did projects on it at school, had discussions about it and even now you can come across the odd article in the media, whether it be on the television, regarding an old Vet' or in a paper commemorating some battle, but information about events in the far east, apart from the American losses in the Pacific and cursory stories on the atrocities, nothing. I certainly learnt nothing at school. Why?
Perhaps there is some small clue in this wonderful story by Andy Coogan, where he relays the tale, that on his return to dear old Blighty, he is forced to sign forms stating he will not recount any part of his time in the camps, including what he witnessed at Nagasaki.It was the absolutely disgraceful treatment of our brave servicemen, having been heralded as heroes throughout their journey home only to be treated like criminals upon arriving in England that stood out and made me ashamed to be English. British politics hasn't changed too much in the last sixty five years then.
This may not be the most challenging read you encounter but the one memory that will stay with me is, even after Andy had been abused, mistreated and let down by so many people he can still see the good in mankind. I'm not sure I could be so forgiving.
Perhaps there is some small clue in this wonderful story by Andy Coogan, where he relays the tale, that on his return to dear old Blighty, he is forced to sign forms stating he will not recount any part of his time in the camps, including what he witnessed at Nagasaki.It was the absolutely disgraceful treatment of our brave servicemen, having been heralded as heroes throughout their journey home only to be treated like criminals upon arriving in England that stood out and made me ashamed to be English. British politics hasn't changed too much in the last sixty five years then.
This may not be the most challenging read you encounter but the one memory that will stay with me is, even after Andy had been abused, mistreated and let down by so many people he can still see the good in mankind. I'm not sure I could be so forgiving.
May 15, 2021
It started as a bit of a slow burner, but it soon picks up and you are fixated to Coogan’s, and his comrades shocking survival story. This book greatly portrayed the effects of PTSD on these young men after returning to civilian life from such traumatic experiences. Their sacrifices, bravery and forgiveness are extremely admirable.
January 25, 2013
From his poverty-stricken boyhood in the slums of the Gorbals to the atomic wasteland of Nagasaki, Andy's life story is vividly recounted in Tomorrow You Die
A true story of survival and humanity (and lack of it).
It's reassuring to read that despite the cruelties and brutalities there was place for friendship, kindness and heroism.
And the light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.
John 1:5
A true story of survival and humanity (and lack of it).
It's reassuring to read that despite the cruelties and brutalities there was place for friendship, kindness and heroism.
And the light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.
John 1:5
August 21, 2024
Changi
My Uncle Sinclair was in Changi with Professor Pantridge the man who invented the defibrillator. I worked in Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as did Uncle Sinclair slim about 5'8" and Prof much taller. Many lunchtimes Mum and I walked behind them, Professor with his arm around Sinclair, oncoming staff looking in amazement as Prof was known not to suffer fools gladly. He lived in Hillsborough, I in Dromara where he liked a jar, he found out I was Sinclair's neice and he certainly was a joy to talk to. I'd been asked to be his Personal Secretary and said absolutely not. I told him, he said, I think you could have kept me in order, anybody related to Sinclair would have done just fine. He said you know we were in Changi? I said yes.
He said Sinclair's humour kept many going. That was all he said about the hated Changi.
My Uncle Sinclair was in Changi with Professor Pantridge the man who invented the defibrillator. I worked in Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as did Uncle Sinclair slim about 5'8" and Prof much taller. Many lunchtimes Mum and I walked behind them, Professor with his arm around Sinclair, oncoming staff looking in amazement as Prof was known not to suffer fools gladly. He lived in Hillsborough, I in Dromara where he liked a jar, he found out I was Sinclair's neice and he certainly was a joy to talk to. I'd been asked to be his Personal Secretary and said absolutely not. I told him, he said, I think you could have kept me in order, anybody related to Sinclair would have done just fine. He said you know we were in Changi? I said yes.
He said Sinclair's humour kept many going. That was all he said about the hated Changi.
October 21, 2019
An amazing story from start to finish. What an amazing life and a side to the war that isn't often talked about. From growing up in the slums of Glasgow to the worst POW camps of WW2 he overcame everything. Such an inspiration!
I would highly recommend anyone this book. Parallels betwwen both Unbroken and Angela's Ashes!
I would highly recommend anyone this book. Parallels betwwen both Unbroken and Angela's Ashes!
August 13, 2025
Tomorrow You Die is a gripping novel that shines with its vivid descriptions of running and the resilience it trains in you. The juxtaposition of Nagasaki's brutalism with the darker truths of Japan's treatment of POWs adds depth and complexity to Coogan’s unbelievable resolve in surviving torture and imprisonment.
August 14, 2021
Worthwhile Read
The Japanese prisoners of war have been largely shadowed by the German camps. This was a harrowing but uplifting account of the suffering and determination of one man and the many he served with. I definitely recommend reading it. R. I. P Andy Coogan
The Japanese prisoners of war have been largely shadowed by the German camps. This was a harrowing but uplifting account of the suffering and determination of one man and the many he served with. I definitely recommend reading it. R. I. P Andy Coogan
October 25, 2017
Well written, in matter of fact style. Not to be missed if any interest in running or WW2
May 10, 2021
Brilliant
A very moving account of Andy Coogan's wartime trials.
Amazing that a man can take so much and retain his sympathy for others.
A genuine hero
A very moving account of Andy Coogan's wartime trials.
Amazing that a man can take so much and retain his sympathy for others.
A genuine hero
September 20, 2021
An outstanding memoir. This book brought me to 1920s Glasgow, then WW2 Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, then America and Canada, before returning home to Scotland. Very poignant and moving.
May 16, 2023
An amazing story from one of the world's truly remarkable men .
If this book was fictitious writing ,it would have been unbelievable.
Truth stranger than fiction.
If this book was fictitious writing ,it would have been unbelievable.
Truth stranger than fiction.
September 25, 2025
Shocking and eye opening memoir of a little known or spoken about part of WW2. Very well written, succinct and captivating. Remarkable story from a remarkable man.
December 30, 2020
Fantastic Read
Tells you a lot about Scotland before the war and then descends into the awfulness that was the war in Asia.
Tells you a lot about Scotland before the war and then descends into the awfulness that was the war in Asia.
Read
September 3, 2014Mr. Coogan starts out writing about his childhood in Glasgow as the son of poor Irish immigrants. His childhood was rough and I guess it helped him survive Japanese brutality in the way that he did.
Anyone who has read about Japanese aggression in Singapore during the war would have been appalled. To witness it and have the forbearance to live through it is something else. Like Alistair Urquhart (the author of The Forgotten Highlander), Mr. Coogan tells it like it is, and doesn't sugarcoat anything. His experiences are astonishing and a must-read for anyone who finds interest in the tales of WW2 in Asia. Mr. Coogan, as with all servicemen returning from war in the Far East, was forced to sign an agreement with their government not to reveal the atrocities of war. I'm glad that he is one of those men who decided to break his silence.
Anyone who has read about Japanese aggression in Singapore during the war would have been appalled. To witness it and have the forbearance to live through it is something else. Like Alistair Urquhart (the author of The Forgotten Highlander), Mr. Coogan tells it like it is, and doesn't sugarcoat anything. His experiences are astonishing and a must-read for anyone who finds interest in the tales of WW2 in Asia. Mr. Coogan, as with all servicemen returning from war in the Far East, was forced to sign an agreement with their government not to reveal the atrocities of war. I'm glad that he is one of those men who decided to break his silence.
September 14, 2015
Este libro son las memorias de un soldado escocés desde su infancia hasta el final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, escritas por un hombre ya de 90 años.
Las memorias tienen dos partes: la infancia de pobreza en Glasgow y el cautiverio a manos japonesas en la II GM. En ambas hay motivos sobrados para llorar.
Es todo un canto a la Humanidad, en el que el autor siempre sabe sacarle el lado bueno a las cosas, casi siempre ensalzando valores muy positivos como la solidaridad, el compañerismo y el perdón. Estos valores destacan sobre el trasfondo de crueldad del cautiverio japonés, un tema mucho menos tratado que las atrocidades nazis, pero no por ello menos grave. Esta crueldad está descrita en el libro con detalles, pero sin dramatismos, es como si el autor no quisiera recrearse en sus propios y terribles recuerdos.
Un libro muy recomendable, sin duda.
Las memorias tienen dos partes: la infancia de pobreza en Glasgow y el cautiverio a manos japonesas en la II GM. En ambas hay motivos sobrados para llorar.
Es todo un canto a la Humanidad, en el que el autor siempre sabe sacarle el lado bueno a las cosas, casi siempre ensalzando valores muy positivos como la solidaridad, el compañerismo y el perdón. Estos valores destacan sobre el trasfondo de crueldad del cautiverio japonés, un tema mucho menos tratado que las atrocidades nazis, pero no por ello menos grave. Esta crueldad está descrita en el libro con detalles, pero sin dramatismos, es como si el autor no quisiera recrearse en sus propios y terribles recuerdos.
Un libro muy recomendable, sin duda.
August 23, 2013
Reading any memoir of someone who survived Japanese captivity during WW2 is humbling and sad. What many of them had to endure was barbaric and often sadistic. What makes this book different to the rest is the fact that Andy Coogan was a high-level athlete before he joined the Army. The self-discipline, courage and physical stamina that enabled him to excel at competitive running, really helped him to cope with the hardships of life as a POW. Inspirational.
August 13, 2013
Really enjoyed this. Tugged at the heart strings,but what these guys went through....unimaginable
April 14, 2025
I found this book very moving and inspiring. The horrors of war make me both angry and sad, and am amazed at man's will to survive when needing to.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews