The Bikers are on their way.
Derek Brook
As a branch, the Royal British Legion Thailand often has members visiting
the River Kwai. However, there is one weekend a year when our members travel
from all over Thailand to be there and this is Anzac Day, the 25th April.
This year, on the 23rd of April, the ‘Advance Party’, consisting of the
secretary, Bert Elson BEM and standard bearer, Richard Holmes, went up
early. Bert essentially to set up the accommodation, and Richard to ensure
his part of the Remembrance Service was well rehearsed.
Members arrive at the
ceremony.
The main party left on the 24th, and this also included 9
riders of the Royal British Legion Thailand Bikers who were to make the long
journey on their ‘Bikes’ - and very impressive they were. Leaving at 0930
they arrived at 1600 hrs. When they arrived it was with a sense of relief, I
think, as there is nothing more dicey than motorbikes on the road here, big
and powerful as these bikes are. We also had Members arriving from all
points of Thailand but in particular our members from Korat.
Wear a poppy please.
The night before is usually a get together of all the
legion members, but not too much as early the next morning for many it is
off to Hellfire Pass, leaving at about 0300, as the ceremony there starts at
0530 and it is a long walk down. Well worth a visit, the bikers made the
trip and returned with an additional 30 or so Australian bikers for the main
ceremony.
Nigel at the waterfall.
The majority after a bite to eat got into transport for
the short trip to Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery. The first thing one
notices on entry is how immaculate the cemetery is kept. The second is
members of the Royal British Legion Thailand, with Ron, Greg and the ladies
ensuring people have a ‘Poppy’. Then into position for the Ceremony.
Band and Standard Bearer Ready
to go.
This is a most poignant ceremony involving the march on,
led by the British Club Bangkok Pipe Bang, followed by Standard Bearer
Richard Holmes of the Royal British Legion Thailand, and the ‘Honour Guard’.
Soon in position, the ceremony begins and for all to see it is a marvelous
occasion. We are reminded of the reason we are there and are made to listen
with sadness as ‘Survivors’ tell of the hell of those years. The ceremony is
approximately 1 hour, and these days it is suitably hot; however, after the
‘March Off’ the guests are invited to a ‘Sausage Sizzle’ and more
importantly a few ‘Cold Uns’. We thank the hosts for their hospitality.
Eddy, Mrs. Derek Brook and the
Ambassador of the U.K were there.
For the Royal British Legion Thailand the day was not
over as we then made our annual visit to the lesser known War Cemetery at
the River Kwai called Chungkai. This in fact was the first War Cemetery,
built by the Prisoners of War for those who died in the Camp Hospital. It is
also the resting place of many of the British who died on the Death Railway.
It is situated on the river about ten minutes outside the main city. We
found it many years ago and promised to lay a wreath there every year. To
this we go back in numbers every year and for the last few years have been
privileged to have the British Ambassador to join us. We hold a small
ceremony led by the chairman and the secretary and this is a most heartfelt
ceremony, as some of our members have family interred here. I must thank
here those who keep it in such fine condition.
This essentially closed Anzac Day, apart from cementing our ties with our
Aussie and Kiwi friends. At the bar, not forgetting next day, we were to do
the visiting of the local sites.
The next day we were up bright and breezy to get into the busses and do the
‘Special Trip’ organised by Bert from his wide experience of the area. I
will leave it for the photos to explain, but we had a really fine day and
finished it with a visit to the Hellfire Pass Museum. Bert and I had a good
sit down while the younger and more energetic walked down. All in all a fine
and poignant few days. T.T.F.N.
Group Photo at Chungkai.
Flags to half mast, standard
dips and those with head gear salute.
Fred to lay wreath for the
Royal British Legion Thailand.
Laying wreath.
Bert tells of our Chungkai
involvement.
Royal British Legion Riders
and Bert, the standard bearer and the ambassador.
Ron and an old train.
Bert starts the tour.
Kevin Wild makes a donation of
20,000 baht to the museum.
Nigel does not know which way
to go.
