I extracted this story this from a friend Mac (jnr) Hunter, when I say extracted, after Mac showed me some historical pieces I was quite moved by the story and thought someone might help with the mystery of the thai script on the photos.
The story..
Mac recently mentioned his father was a prisoner of war on the Burma- Thailand Railway 1941 - 1943 and he had visited the area in 2007. I was listened with great interest having visited the Jeath museum with my family in 2007. I don't wish to detail the story, simply because it's not mine to tell, but I will say it's all you would imagine having seen the Jeath Museum. This link is the Aust Govt website http://www.dva.gov.au/OAWG/war_memorials/overseas_memorials/thailand.htm Mac (jnr) and his wife Laat live in Perth and there other home is Chachoengsao - see the pic in link to the photosPics of the historical pieces and thai friends and script are on the AusWaThai website - click here each item can be enlarged to study.
The feeling that one has just holding the wallet, knowing the memories it holds was quite humbling. Now on the the story, about about Mac Hunter's dad "Mac Hunter born 1917, Aussie solider captured in 1941 Java, a member of 2nd 4th machine gun batalon - WA battalon.
Mac's was a prisoner working on the railway 1941 to 1943 and later Singapore.
In 1980's Mac (jnr) meet a famous solider Dr Edward (weary) Dunlop (doctor) who assisted Mac (snr) during periods of illness in 1941-1943 and confirmed many of the stories passed on from father to son. Footnote: Dr. E Dunlop retired to Thailand and spent good deal fo time as a Buddhist.
Biography In 1976 Sir Edward Dunlop was honoured as Australian of the Year. ... Dr. Alexander Dunlop remembers that his father was very charismatic to his colleagues in Europe, Canada, and America. In Asia, particularly in Thailand, he was revered. ... I was deeply conscious of the Buddhist belief that all men are equal in ...www.siredwarddunlop.com.au/bio2.htm
When Mac visited the railway line in 2007 he spent a long stints at places of special interest from stories quoted by his father. Ironcially Mac found himself wondering off into the jungle thinking about his Dad's time and bumping into a Thai guy .. both were taken by surprise and it would appear Mac was presumed to be a ghost of the past because the Thai chap reacted very anxiously and uttered a lot of words ... anyway ask Mac the story.
Anyway if any of the thai script means anything or the name, people or places please reply to the post and of course chat to Mac, eh an Laat are regular Sunday visitors to the Nollamara Temple. BSWA.. now i just gotta get Mac to a computer to read this...regards, Lucky
The burma Railway tour is a major tourist attraction in Thailand for Australians and is a must do. Most travel agents will have details of tours
we hope you can contribute information to the Forum article link - click here the forum link has links to Jeath Musuem
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