A casual conversation helps bring closure for a Dutch POW’s family.
In September 2002, I had a casual conversation with a fellow employee, Kerry Irving, regarding his upcoming vacation. He told me that he had always been interested in the history and geography of the wars in Southeast Asia, especially the Second World War, and that he was planning on travelling to the area. I told him that one of my uncles had died there as a Dutch prisoner of war; Kerry said he had never met anyone with connections to a Second World War POW in the Southeast Asian conflict.
I then told Kerry that I only knew this uncle from the many stories and memories my father had shared with us about his younger brother, and from the framed picture, hung in the hallway of my parents’ home, of Pieter wearing his uniform. Very few details were known about his demise, other than that he had succumbed to the horrific conditions while he was a forced labourer on the notorious Burma Railway. After the war, Pieter’s parents and siblings had to return to their families and daily lives. They tried several times to get more information about his death through the Red Cross, with minimal results.
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Denne historien er fra October/November 2017-utgaven av Our Canada.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Day & Night
Clive Branson of Ottawa explains the fascinating psychological effect of seeing the same scene in daylight and then at night
BACK-ROAD ADVENTURES
Capturing the history and beauty of Quebec’s Eastern Townships in winter
A Very Merry Christmas
Waiting for the turkey to roast has never been so much fun!
BEAUTIFUL BERMUDA
This lovely island nation boasts friendly locals and incredible views
Room with a View
This window on the natural world brings a sense of peace and joy
Sled dog Salvation
Tracing the incredible journey of a musher from Edmonton who fled her abusive spouse with her dog team and made it all the way into Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Christmas on Display!
Unpacking and showcasing the family collection of Santas, snowfolk and village scenes is an annual labour of love
SOLITARY PURSUITS
Enjoying brisk winter days in the great outdoors
WILLIAM POPE: An Artist for the Ages
A tribute to Norfolk County’s Naturalist
The Intrepid OJIBWAY
The story of a man, and a community, who fostered a sense of pride and dignity for those to come