Sabah-Australia-UK ties forged in ashes of despair over Sandakan Death Marches

SANDAKAN – Sabah, Australia and the United Kingdom have remained close “friends” until today due to a bitter shared experience during World War II, 76 years ago. 

The story started between 1942 and 1943, when the Japanese shipped approximately 2,700 Australian and British prisoners of war (PoWs) from Singapore to Sandakan to build a military airstrip.

In 1945, the Japanese were concerned that Allied troops might land in Sandakan, and decided to move their prisoners, most of whom were sick and injured, to Ranau – which is 260km away – a move now dubbed the Death Marches.

Over 1,000 malnourished Australian and British PoWs were forced to march more than 260km inland to Ranau. Those too ill to walk were killed by their captors or left in the jungle to die; while those who fell during the march were killed. Only six survived the march.

During that time, brave locals established a resistance called the North Borneo Volunteer Force and helped the prisoners. Many of them were executed.

Six prisoners who were marching to Ranau survived as they were hidden and looked after by local villagers.

Sadly, not one PoW survived in Sandakan as the last man left alive at the camp was beheaded on the morning of August 15, five hours before Japan surrendered.

The tragedy has been commemorated annually on August 15 for the past 19 years as Sandakan Memorial Day. 

Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Justin Lee said Sandakan Day is etched in the collective memories of Australia and Malaysia.

“It bears testimony to the horrors of war. But it is also a day to celebrate the close ties between Australia and Malaysia forged in the ashes of despair. 

“This chapter in our history has laid the foundation for the strong and cooperative partnership Australia and Malaysia share today,” he said during his recorded speech for the virtual commemoration of Sandakan Memorial Day hosted by the Sabah Tourism Board today.  

Before the pandemic, Sandakan Memorial Day would have families of fallen heroes and locals attending a service at Sandakan Memorial Park Mile 7 here. 

Australian and British defence force personnel would pay tribute at the site, lay a wreath in the honour commemorating all the lives that were lost during the tragedy. It is a day that unites Sabahans, Australians and the British as they remember the painful past they share. 

“We must not let it happen again,” said British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay of the war.

He said people may find that history is something that has been left behind, but the ongoing wars occurring elsewhere in the world show that war can occur again if countries allow conflict to fester. 

“We need to remember what would happen if we allow conflict to happen, and the terrible price that victims have to pay. 

“Perhaps the loved ones that are left behind by the victims sacrificed during World War II do not need a reminder, but the rest of the people do. I think it is an important message; it is a reminder that people need to learn on this Sandakan Memorial Day,” Hay said during the virtual event.

This is the second year the event has been conducted virtually due to the pandemic. Last year, a hybrid memorial service was performed on site, with a live telecast via Sabah Tourism’s social media page. – The Vibes, August 15, 2021