After the ceremony, Sir Joseph said it was impossible to understate the significance of WWI and WWII cemeteries as they contained the remains of 1.7 million soldiers who had died for their countries. The CWGC is supported by the UK’s Defence Ministry and is responsible for the upkeep of war memorials and graveyards in more than 150 countries.
Sir Joseph said he attended the ceremony at Don-Rak to see for himself the situation of the two Kanchanaburi WWII cemeteries. He also met with provincial governor Wanchai Osukhonthip. The two repeated their aim of collaborating on the maintenance of the cemeteries and providing information to tourists about monuments and the region’s role in WWII.
Don-Rak is the final resting place of 6,982 Allied soldiers. Chong Kai is the second allied cemetery and is just outside the town. The remains of 1,740 soldiers are buried here. Most of the dead were prisoners of war who perished while building the infamous Death Railway to Burma.
Kanchanaburi WWII cemetery opens visitor centre
News in Asia
A visitor centre at Kanchanaburi’s principal WWII cemetery was officially opened yesterday. Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) vice chairman Sir Joseph French led Thai and foreign dignitaries at the auspicious ceremony at Don-Rak Cemetery.