This week we are joined by the Australian Military History Pod host, Warwick. In this special episode, we will talk about the horrific Sandakan Death Marches. One of the many consequences that followed after the Commonwealth forces surrendered to the Imperial Japanese Army in the Battle for Singapore in 1942. Learn about the Battle for Singapore, Hellfire Pass, and the series of forced marches in Borneo from Sandakan to Ranau. Prisoners of War were forced to march even whilst dealing with serious illnesses such as Beriberi and Malaria. Those who stopped or could not complete the march were either shot or bayoneted to death.
The Sandakan Death Marches cost the lives of 2,500 Allied POWs. Only six Australian soldiers survived, and that's only because they managed to escape.
Warwick's from the Australian Military History Pod:
Make your Own Hardtack!
Hardtack Recipe (Survival Bread) - Bread Dad
Civil War Recipe: Hardtack (1861) – The American Table
Sources:
Battle for Singapore: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E84308
Remembering the Fall of Singapore:
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/fall-of-singapore
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/bitter-fate-australians-malaya-singapore
