The Forgotten Highlander

1. The Brutality of War Strips Away Humanity

Even when the Death Railway reduced us to little more than animals, humanity in the shape of our saintly medical officers triumphed over barbarism.

Dehumanization. The systematic torture and murder witnessed by Urquhart highlight the dehumanizing effects of war. The Japanese Imperial Army inflicted unimaginable torments on Allied prisoners, reducing them to mere slaves. This brutality extended to the local Asian populations, who were also subjected to starvation, beatings, and massacres.

Loss of Innocence. The young soldiers swept into the Asian holocaust were stripped of their innocence. They were forced to witness and endure horrific acts of violence, forever altering their perception of humanity. The systematic nature of the torture and murder left a lasting scar on their psyches.

Moral Compromise. The extreme conditions of captivity forced individuals to make ruthless choices in order to survive. The struggle for food, water, and safety often pitted prisoners against each other, eroding their sense of morality. The constant threat of violence and death created an environment where basic human decency was a luxury few could afford.

2. Complacency and Arrogance Lead to Disaster

Singapore was a sexy posting for British colonials, who enjoyed a privileged, bungalow-dwelling existence.

Underestimation of the Enemy. The British colonial administration in Singapore suffered from a dangerous combination of complacency and arrogance. They underestimated the capabilities of the Japanese Imperial Army, believing their fortress to be impregnable. This overconfidence led to inadequate preparations and a disastrous defeat.

Racial Superiority. The colonials' sense of racial superiority blinded them to the realities of the situation. They dismissed the Japanese as inferior soldiers, incapable of posing a serious threat. This prejudice prevented them from taking the necessary steps to defend Singapore effectively.

Lack of Cooperation. The colonial civil servants' refusal to cooperate with the military further hampered the defense efforts. Their self-serving actions and disregard for the needs of the troops contributed to the overall chaos and ultimately sealed Singapore's fate.

3. Hope and Humor Offer Resilience in Despair

Remember, while it always seems darkest before the dawn, perseverance pays off and the good times will return.

Maintaining Hope. In the face of unimaginable suffering, the prisoners clung to hope as a means of survival. The belief that they would one day be liberated sustained them through the darkest of times. This hope was often fueled by rumors of Allied advances and the unwavering determination to return home.

Finding Humor. Even in the most dire circumstances, the prisoners found ways to inject humor into their lives. This humor served as a coping mechanism, allowing them to momentarily escape the horrors of their reality. The concert parties and theatrical performances provided a much-needed source of laughter and camaraderie.

The Power of Song. Singing became a form of resistance and a way to maintain morale. Songs like "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Waltzing Matilda" served as anthems of defiance, reminding the prisoners of their shared identity and the values they were fighting for. These songs provided a sense of unity and strength in the face of adversity.

4. Friendship and Altruism Provide Strength

Inspired by the devotion of our hard-pressed medics on the Death Railway I was able to care for my young daughter when she was ill and for my late wife, who required twenty-four-hour attention in the last stages of her life.

The Importance of Bonds. The bonds of friendship and camaraderie played a crucial role in the prisoners' survival. Sharing stories, offering support, and simply being there for one another provided a sense of connection and purpose. These relationships helped to combat the isolation and despair that threatened to consume them.

Selfless Acts. Despite their own suffering, many prisoners displayed remarkable acts of altruism. Sharing food, caring for the sick, and risking their lives to help others demonstrated the enduring power of human compassion. These selfless acts provided a glimmer of hope in a world of darkness.

The Role of Medical Officers. The medical officers on the Death Railway were true heroes. Despite lacking basic supplies and equipment, they worked tirelessly to care for the sick and wounded. Their unwavering dedication and compassion inspired hope and saved countless lives.

5. Survival Requires Ruthless Choices

There is no such word as “can’t.”

Adaptability. The prisoners were forced to adapt to the most extreme conditions imaginable. They learned to scavenge for food, improvise medical treatments, and navigate the complex social dynamics of the prison camps. Their ability to adapt was essential for survival.

Mental Fortitude. Maintaining a strong mental attitude was crucial for enduring the hardships of captivity. The prisoners had to develop coping mechanisms to deal with the constant fear, hunger, and brutality. Those who were able to maintain a sense of purpose and hope were more likely to survive.

Self-Preservation. In the struggle for survival, prisoners were often forced to make ruthless choices. Stealing food, betraying others, and even resorting to violence became necessary for some to stay alive. These choices weighed heavily on their consciences, but they were often seen as the only way to endure.

6. Faith and Vows Offer Solace and Purpose

Life is worth living and no matter what it throws at you it is important to keep your eyes on the prize of the happiness that will come.

Finding Meaning. In the face of unimaginable suffering, many prisoners turned to faith for solace and purpose. Religion provided a sense of hope and meaning in a world that seemed devoid of both. The secret masses and religious services offered a sense of community and spiritual nourishment.

The Power of Vows. Making vows and setting goals provided prisoners with a sense of direction and purpose. These vows often involved helping others or dedicating their lives to a cause. The commitment to fulfilling these vows gave them the strength to endure the hardships of captivity.

Inner Strength. The ability to find inner strength and resilience was essential for survival. The prisoners had to draw upon their deepest reserves of courage and determination to overcome the challenges they faced. This inner strength was often fueled by their faith, their vows, and their unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future.

7. The Scars of War Endure Long After the Battles

Of course both mentally and physically I have never fully recovered from my experiences.

Physical Trauma. The physical hardships endured by the prisoners left lasting scars on their bodies. Malnutrition, disease, and injuries took a heavy toll, leaving them with chronic pain, disabilities, and a weakened immune system. The tropical diseases that racked their bodies gave them pain for many years.

Psychological Trauma. The psychological trauma of captivity was even more profound. Nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety plagued the prisoners long after their liberation. The memories of violence, starvation, and death haunted their dreams and affected their ability to lead normal lives.

Long-Term Effects. The exposure to radiation at Nagasaki and the skin cancer from slaving virtually naked for months on end in the tropical sun are examples of the long-term effects of the war. The prisoners' experiences shaped their personalities and determined their paths in life, for better or worse.

8. Bearing Witness Demands Sharing the Truth

Now I am breaking my silence to bear witness to the systematic torture and murder of tens of thousands of allied prisoners.

Breaking the Silence. For many years after the war, the prisoners remained silent about their experiences. They did not wish to upset their families or relive the horrors they had endured. However, as time passed, they felt a growing need to bear witness to the atrocities they had witnessed.

Combating Denial. The prisoners' stories served as a powerful counter to those who sought to deny or minimize the extent of Japanese war crimes. Their firsthand accounts provided irrefutable evidence of the systematic torture and murder of Allied prisoners.

Ensuring Remembrance. By sharing their experiences, the prisoners ensured that the sacrifices of those who died on the Death Railway would not be forgotten. Their stories served as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again.

9. Finding Redemption Through Service

While in Japan, and working with my friend Dr Mathieson, I vowed to spend the rest of my life helping others and I am pleased to say that I have done so.

Turning Suffering into Compassion. The prisoners' experiences transformed them into more compassionate and caring individuals. Having endured so much suffering themselves, they developed a deep empathy for others who were struggling.

Dedication to Helping Others. Many prisoners dedicated their lives to helping others after the war. They became doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers, using their experiences to make a positive impact on the world.

Finding Purpose. By serving others, the prisoners found a sense of purpose and redemption. Their suffering was not in vain, but rather a catalyst for positive change. Their actions demonstrated the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and create a better world.

10. The Importance of Remembering and Atoning

My business with Japan is unfinished, however, and will remain so until the Japanese government fully accepts its guilt and tells its people what was done in their name.

Facing the Past. The author emphasizes the importance of Japan fully accepting its guilt for the war crimes committed by its military. He argues that true reconciliation cannot occur until the Japanese government acknowledges the suffering it inflicted on millions of people.

Educating Future Generations. The author calls for Japanese school textbooks to accurately portray the history of the war, including the atrocities committed by the Japanese Imperial Army. He believes that young Japanese people need to learn about their nation's past in order to prevent such crimes from happening again.

Seeking Justice. The author's anger stems from the failure of successive Japanese governments to face up to their crimes. He believes that the victims of Japanese war crimes deserve justice and that the Japanese government has a moral obligation to atone for its past actions.

Last updated: April 13, 2025