prisoners of war

1942What is the significance of the Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia to the Australians and British?

Sandakan Memorial Park in Malaysia stands on the site where over 2,700 Australian and British prisoners of war were held by Japanese forces during World War II. The park marks the site of the infamous Sandakan Death Marches, in which almost all of the POWs died from starvation, disease, or execution during forced treks through the jungle in 1945. Of the thousands brought to Sandakan, only six survived these brutal marches, a fact that underscores the scale of suffering commemorated by the memorial established in 2011. Today, visitors can pause for reflection in the peaceful park, where the black commemorative stele stands as a solemn reminder of these atrocities and the enduring bond between nations forged in sacrifice.

2009What is the only known memorial that includes the specific name of an animal alongside names of the fallen and those who have served in a battle?

On the banks of the Rideau River in Ottawa, Ontario, stands the Defence of Hong Kong memorial wall—an enduring tribute to the Canadians who fought in the Battle of Hong Kong during the Second World War. Unique among war memorials worldwide, it lists not only the names of all fallen and surviving members of 'C' Force, but also that of their beloved Newfoundland dog, Gander, who served bravely alongside them as their mascot. Gander's name appears in granite at the insistence of surviving veterans, commemorating his heroism during the fierce 18-day battle in December 1941. His actions were so extraordinary that he became the first animal in 50 years to receive the Dickin Medal, often called the animals' Victoria Cross.

1781Who is recognized as the first Colonel of the U.S. Army and was taken prisoner in Canada during the American Revolution?

Brigadier General William Thompson, born in County Meath, Ireland and later a resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the first Colonel commissioned by the Continental Congress for the "army of the United Colonies"—the forerunner of the U.S. Army. Thompson’s military service during the American Revolution was marked by both valor and misfortune; after leading troops at the Battle of Trois-Rivières in Québec on June 8, 1776, he was captured and spent four years as a prisoner of war. His legacy endures through memorials in Carlisle, New York City, and Trois-Rivières, and a striking Celtic cross and commemorative granite slab at his gravesite honor his unique history as both a celebrated officer and a long-imprisoned war hero. On September 3, 2025, his life and legacy will be remembered on the 244th anniversary of his death—more than 250 years after his groundbreaking commission.