Medical Officers on the Infamous Burma Railway

John Grehan examines the treatment of British and Commonwealth prisoners of war who were forced to work on the Burma Railway during the Second World War.

The Thailand-Burma Railway was built during the Second World War to bolster the Japanese armed forces in their conquest of Burma (Myanmar).

During its construction, British and Commonwealth prisoners of war (POWs) - as well as civilian labourers from across Southeast Asia - were compelled to withstand extreme working conditions and brutality. Thousands died, earning it the nickname the ‘Death Railway’.

Drawing on reports written by medical officers in the camps, John Grehan will explore how these medics organised their hospitals and dealt with the terrible diseases, beatings and malnutrition the POWs endured.

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About John Grehan

John Grehan was the Assistant Editor of 'Britain at War' magazine from its inception until 2014. He has written, compiled and co-authored more than 50 books spanning many periods of history, from the Battle of Hastings to the Second World War.