Burma Railway Man: Secret Letters from a Japanese POW

by Charles Steel, Brian Best (Editor)

Charles Steel took part in two military disasters - the Fall of France and the Dunkirk evacuation, and the Fall of Singapore. Shortly before the latter, he married Louise. Within days of being captured by the Japanese, he began writing a weekly letter to his new bride as means of keeping in touch with her in his mind, for the Japanese forbade all writing of letters and diaries. By the time he was liberated 3 1/2 years later, he had written and hidden some 180 letters, to which were added a further 20 post-liberation letters. Part love-letter, part diary these unique letters intended for Louise's eyes only describe the horror of working as a slave on the Burma - Siam Railway and, in particular, the construction of the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. It is also an uplifting account of how man can rise above adversity and even secretly get back at his captors by means of 'creative accounting’! Now, we can share the appalling and inspiring experiences of this remarkable man.

Genres: History, World War II

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

Reviews

[Ietrio · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sorry for the man and his suffering, but it is so funny to see how a White man's unpleasant journey is a disaster, and the Holocaust can be ”greatly exaggerated”, or worse, when the skin color differs ”we brought them the train”.

[James Witty]

about burmu railway

[mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

True inspirational man

Should be part of school history and be laid mandatory. Fantastic book certainly recommend to anyone who is interested in this kind brilliant history