The Soldier's Details

Bill Reeves was sent to Burma-Thai with ‘D’ Force S Battalion.

Please read further about D Force W Battalion

This Battalion included the largest contingency of 2/4th men of all the Railway work Forces.

He worked firstly at Kanu II, then Kao Rin before being sent to Nacompaton.

Whilst at Nacompaton Hospital, Bill Reeves was one of eight 2/4th POWs to be included in the 1000 man workforce to  construct the Mergui Escape Road.
Road construction commenced in April 1945.

Conditions at Nacompaton were so terrible, Bill thought at the time, any move was better than staying in this death camp, the POW’s description of the hospital camp.    Initially the Japanese informed the men the work force was for light duties in Malaya!   Another Japanese lie.

This road was to be constructed over challenging and mountainous terrain.  When the war ended 18th August, Bill was airlifted to Singapore. One in four POWs died on this project

Read further about Mergui Road Escape.

Please read the amusing and entertaining story of Billy’s end of war return from Bangkok to Queensland.

Borehole Bulletin April 1990

Bill’s daughter Mrs Mary Wheldon wrote, paying subscription with small donation.  Chris McLennan who was friend of her late father had made arrangements for  her to receive last years Borehole Bulletin.  Although she currently had little contact with 2/4th Members, she enjoyed reading the magazine.