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The Grateful Nephew

Earlier this year I had the privilege and honour of visiting my young uncle's grave at Kanchanaburi War Grave Cemetery in Thailand, where nearly 7000 POWs are buried.

It was established in 1946 and has been meticulously looked after since then by the caretakers and the "Death Railway" Museum staff. It is only when you are there do you fully appreciate the care, attention and respect that is given to the War Graves.

This being the 80th Anniversary year of VJ Day, I have decided to trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft) in memory of my young uncle and his comrades who perished between June/July 1943 at Hintok Valley Camp.

I hope to raise some funds in gratitude for the respect and dignity the CWGC have shown over the years at Kanchanaburi.

Who was William Irvine.

William was a Gunner in the 240th Battery of the 77th H.A.A. Regiment Royal Artillery. The regiment was captured by the Japanese Invading forces on the Island of Java in 1942. They then became POWs of the IJA and many were sent over to Thailand to work on the infamous "Death Railway". William was drafted to "Hintok Valley Camp" and toiled in "Hellfire Pass". Due to the dire conditions the POW's faced daily and from the lack of food, shelter and medicines, William sadly perished on the 8th July 1943 aged 20 years.

"...When you go home tell them of us and say, we gave our tomorrow for your today...." inscription Hellfire Pass

Page cover - Ben Nevis June 2025 Me on the left.