"There...... but for the Grace of God....."

FOREWORD
This is rather a brief account of my experiences as a Japanese POW written over four decades later. To try to relate in full all that took place during those years would not only place too great a test on my memory but also make the story too long. So much has been written about these times and my experiences can be related to most of what has already been published.
 

Other men have their own memories and stories to tell and while some had the nature and strength to take all in their stride, others more sensitive and not as strong mentally or physically, suffered most and in many instances eventually succumbed to the harsh treatment. Most of my closest mates of those days have since passed away and joined the ranks of those who lie in distant graves so far from home.
 

Finally I wish to add that this article is not written for any particular reason other than perhaps to hang on to memories not of degradation and horror  but of mateship and loyalty seldom experienced, unfortunately in everyday life. From Tobruk to Thailand, I met men who, in very sense of the word, proved that brotherly love was not only found inside a family. Their devotion to a mate was something I am proud to have known and possibly was why I lived to return.
 

E.BADHAM
2/2nd A.C.C.S
Formerly 2/15th Inf.Bn