This site started from an interest in the Australian chapter of the Pacific POW experience from WW2 which was stimulated back in 1985 by the ABC’s landmark radio series compiled by Tim Bowden and Dr Hank Nelson; that interest was re-invigorated by a chapter in Peter Brune’s 2014 book ‘Descent Into Hell’. That chapter told of Reg Newton’s success as a POW Railway leader and raised a great many intriguing questions such as why was he so effective when other officers collapsed under the pressure or simply threw their hands up, retreated into their huts and played bridge all day; meanwhile the ORs were being worked and starved to death all around them? That’s not a pleasant part of the POW story and doesn’t fit with the image we cherish of selfless Australian military leadership but it’s a fact. Reg Newton was not the only one to stand out for standing up in those terrible conditions but Brune’s essential argument is that ‘Roaring Reggie’ was not a popular officer prior to captivity and somehow found his ‘oeuvre’ under the worst circumstances imaginable. One is led to then wonder what all this shows us about effective leadership and also about us, humans. What makes us fall apart completely when the difficulties, the discord and the disharmony mount to insuperable levels? And more importantly, what stops that? What does it take to ensure we function effectively in teams at times when we need it most? Finally, I was then and still am keen to learn more of the legacy of these men and of Reg Newton in particular. How is it that so many of them were able to achieve a level of inner peace and acceptance in their later lives which transcended the daily issues and First World problems which grind so many of the rest of us down? Surely their story and Reg Newton’s contribution to it can serve as a hopeful beacon for all those dealing with issues in their everyday lives. If these men were able to overcome what they faced, that has to give confidence and provide motivation; we can draw strength from the knowledge that humans are extraordinarily resilient creatures and that, at our best, we can achieve truly remarkable things.

I am sure I will not provide answers which will satisfy many and there’s a good chance they won’t even satisfy me but it’s a noble intent and, as such, surely it’s worth a crack and, in a way howsoever small, may serve to honour their legacy. 

Chris Murphy. November 2022.