In the early hours of August 5, 1944, 1,100 Japanese POW’s attacked the perimeter fences of the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp with more than 200 of the prisoners dying, hundreds more escaping, three Australian guards and an officer also killed during the Breakout.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Beginning this afternoon with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial to the fallen Australian soldiers in Squire Park, commemorations for the 73rd anniversary of the Breakout will continue over the weekend. Cowra Mayor, Councillor Bill West said the commemorations were important not only to Cowra but to the peoples of Australia and Japan.
“While this event was a tragic chapter in human history, out of it, we have come to understand fully how we are all part of the community of nations,” he said.
“By remembering the past, we can learn from its mistakes, its successes, and the sacrifice of those who went before us.
“Cowra — as home to Australia’s World Peace Bell; the Peace Precinct which includes the Japanese Garden; the Festival of International Understanding; and the Avenue of Trees sponsored by Japanese citizens and families — is the centre of world friendship.”
Cowra Breakout Commemorations 2017:
Friday, August 4:
- 4.30‐5.00pm Wreath laying ceremony at Squire Park
Saturday, August 5:
- 8:30‐9:30am Wreath laying at Cowra POW Campsite and Italian Memorial
- 10:00‐10:40am Official wreath laying at the Australian and Japanese War Cemeteries (Conducted by ‐ Cowra RSL Sub‐branch)
- 10:45‐11:30am Morning tea at Cowra Japanese Garden (Bookings required – Please contact Lawrance Ryan 0408 639 088)
- 10.45am Launch of new book, The Man Inside, at Cowra Japanese Garden
