Kundasang War Memorial, Ranau
Posted on Aug 16, 2008 under Historical Site, History, Tourist Attraction |
I believe each and every country has their own unforgettable history. Even we ourselves have our own story, our background and personal or family history. “Death march” or else “Prisoner Of War” (P.O.W.) are no longer a strange phrase for most of us. Our world has suffered numerous forms of alteration, starting from the major natural disasters to the biggest and dreadful occurrences of man made war.
Today’s topic would be one of the most tragic World War II untold story however important history for the nations of Sabah, Australia and British. During the year 1942–1945, there were some POW Camps in Sandakan (in the East Coast of Sabah) approx. 260 km away from Kundasang, Ranau. To cut the story short, the Japanese has conducted 3 forced marches for the purpose of repositions and as coolie laborers to Jesselton (now is Kota Kinabalu). They didn’t reach Jesselton but only halt at Kundasang, Ranau and most of the Australian and British servicemen died due to illness, starvation, malnutrition, torment and extermination by the Japanese soldiers.
A memorial structure was built at Kundasang Ranau in order to commemorate the significant history. At the memorial entrance, there are some photographs and names of the victims who perished during the death marches.
Let them not depart from Thine eyes, keep them in the midst of Thine heart. (Prov IV. 21)
