Conditions for Far East Prisoners of War were truly hellish. Appalling
diseases were rife, the stench indescribable. Food and equipment were
minimal or non existent. Men died daily, many in agony from which there
was no relief. And yet, in the midst of such horrors, the human spirit
steadfastly refused to be broken. Captives helped each other, intense
bonds were formed, selfless sacrifces made. Tools and medical equipment
were fashioned from whatever could be found, anything that could make
life more bearable. Resilience, resourcefulness, pride and camaraderie;
these were the keys to survival. Freedom, for those who made it, meant
many things: home, family, comfort, of course; but also adjustment, loss
of friendships, and a difficult road to recovery that for some would be
lifelong. Most refused to talk about their experiences, coping alone
with the post traumatic stress and chronic health problems. It was these
ongoing physical after effects of captivity that brought a group of men
into contact with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Beginning in
1946 and lasting right up to the present day, LSTM's involvement with
the health (and latterly the history) of these veterans represents the
longest collaborative partnership ever undertaken by the School. Out of
this unique and enduring relationship came knowledge which has improved
the diagnosis and treatment of some tropical infections, together with a
greater understanding of the long-term psychological effects of Far
East captivity. Using eyewitness accounts and the personal perspectives
of this group of now elderly POWs as the backdrop, Captive Memories
charts this fascinating history.
For more information, see the project website -
Captive Memories
Available from:
Carnegie Publishing
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