USS Missouri war memorial

Reflecting on the WWII story account, we [me and my wife] visited the battleship Missouri, which was decommissioned in 1998. It rests a tone’s throw away from the Arizona. On the deck of this battleship the surrender by Japan was signed, and that formally ended WW II.

As my wife and I stood on the deck of the Missouri, overlooking beautiful Pearl Harbor, the serene countryside and its gorgeous cloud-filled skies, we could not help but reflect in total amazement on man’s inhumanity to man in the World War II. We could not conceive of what possible justification existed in the minds of those fighter pilots swooping in on that early Sunday morning, to indiscriminately kill and maim their fellow man!

In 1999, the battleship USS Missouri was moved to Pearl Harbor from the United States west coast and docked near, and perpendicular to, the USS Arizona Memorial. Upon the deck of the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, the Japanese surrendered to United States General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz, ending World War II. The pairing of the two ships became an evocative symbol of the beginning and end of the United States' participation in the bloodiest war the world had ever seen.

The pairing of the two ships has not been free from controversy, however. Memorial staff has criticized the placement of the Missouri, saying the large battleship would "overshadow" the Arizona Memorial of the World War II. To help guard against this perception Missouri was placed well back of the Arizona Memorial, and positioned in Pearl Harbor in such a way as to prevent those participating in Military Ceremonies on Missouri's aft decks from seeing the Arizona Memorial. The decision to have Missouri's bow face the Arizona Memorial was intended to convey that Missouri now watches over the remains of the battleship Arizona so that those interred within Arizona's hull may rest in peace. These measures have helped preserve the individual identities of the Arizona Memorial and the Missouri Memorial, which has improved the public's perception of having both Arizona and Missouri in the same harbor.

A flood of emotions overwhelmed me. My thoughts went back in time, to Sept 2, 1945. The members of my family had been incarcerated in various different Japanese concentration camps for years in WW II. On the very day that surrender document was signed on the Missouri, I was only 10 years old, a ‘boy-slave’ of the Japanese death camp slaves. I had been separated from my Mother, my Dad, and my siblings. My oldest brother was a P.O.W. in Japan. Had ‘The Bomb’— which led to Japan’s signing of the surrender — had it been dropped just a week later, I would not have made it. I was literally on ‘death’s doorstep,’ emaciated, dehydrated, suffering from beriberi and dysentery.

Arizona, an unforgettable War memorial

The history of World War II has an unforgettable place for Arizona. The USS Arizona Memorial is situated at Pearl Harbor, Hawai. It marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors killed on the USS Arizona during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 by Japanese imperial forces and commemorates the events of that day. The attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu was the action that led to United States involvement in World War II.

This WWII memorial, dedicated in 1962 and visited by more than one million persons annually, spans the sunken hull of the battleship without touching it. Since it opened in 1980, the National Park Service has operated the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center associated with the memorial. Historical information about the attack, boat access to the memorial, and general visitor services are available at the center. The sunken remains of the battleship were declared a National Historic Landmark on 5 May 1989.

The Book of World War II has a giant casket, the rusted remains of the Arizona still entomb 1177 bodies of men [son, father, or a sibling]; leaving behind family members numbering into the tens of thousands. I could not begin to imagine the heartrending emotions relatives just experience who visit the location... a location no doubt sacred to every one of them. The WW II story explains them well.

The silent, rusting remains of that sunken battleship symbolize an extended tragedy: the millions upon millions earth wide who were massacred in that ‘World War II;’ as well as those who lost loved ones, mates, parents and children. Still others who were permanently disabled, starved to death or tortured in this senseless slaughter, this most heinous of wars in human history!

Fifty years after the World War II, a UN official, considering the genocide in Rwanda and Burundi, made a chilling comment that proved to be so tragically true during World War II: “People can be transformed into hating and killing machines without too much difficulty.”

Pearl Harbor

This part of the WW II story explains about the Pearl Harbor. It is well known in the book of World War II. While we were enjoying beautiful vacation, my wife and I took time out to visit the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor is a harbor on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941 brought the United States into World War II.

The decommissioned battleship Missouri lies tied up close by. Groups of tourists visit here daily. As it turned out, our visits to the two Memorials proved to be an unexpected, emotional experience for me. First we visited the Arizona Memorial; one of the battleships sunk in Pearl Harbor on that fateful day which was called by President Franklin D. Roosevelt “a date that will live in Infamy”— December 7, 1941.

Early on Sunday morning, that December 7th, Admiral Yamamoto sent his 353 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes towards Oahu in a sneak attack. The victorious battle cry: “Tora, Tora, Tora!”. Their Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The carnage was stupendous. The human toll was 388 killed and 1,178 wounded. Twelve ships sunk, another nine damaged. One hundred sixty-four U.S. planes destroyed and another 159 damaged. From a twisted military point of view, this attack by Japan might be called an absolute success…Also the death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc.

It was impossible for me to picture those hundreds of airplanes swooping in like so many killer bees on that Sunday morning, wreaking such havoc and destruction. How many thousands of Mothers, Fathers, and grandparents lost their sons, daughters and loved ones that day? … And why? For the United States, “Pearl Harbor” marked the start of its participation in World War II; a struggle with huge armies and material pitted against each other, killing and being killed, wounding, destroying, raping and torturing of innocent men, women and children, all without a shred of mercy. The World War II had indeed made a deep scar upon mankind.

The pain of a 'boy slave'

Just imagine the life of a small boy, separated from his mother at age 10, and taken by Japanese Army truck to an unknown destination? What emotions and pain gone through his mind and heart? Rather than play and go to school, his lot became that of a ‘Boy Slave,’ in what came to be known as a death camp. The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. Here below you read the story of that pain of a small boy little by little who underwent and witnessed many atrocities as a young boy. He reflects about it from his present situation.

In September 2, 1945, Japan’s Foreign Minister Shigemitsu and general Yoshijiro Umezo both signed the surrender document of the WWII. General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester Nimitz signed the document on behalf of the United States. Representatives of eight Allied nations added their signatures. The bloody conflict was finally over! And after 60 Years later World War II officially came to an end.

This brief ceremony represented momentous turn of events in the Twentieth Century — the finale of a war that was so utterly senseless, so costly in human lives, so depraved and destructive that it is well described as Total War. In every respect, that war with its estimated 55,000,000+ dead and many more millions wounded and displaced, mirrors the description of the ‘Ride of the horsemen’ in the book of Revelation, or Apocalypse.

The five years of the book of World War II, from 1940-1945, have had an immeasurable impact on human society that is felt even today, sixty years later, and will no doubt continue to affect life on this earth for decades to come.

Yet, in spite of its magnitude and impact on mankind, relatively few people today seem to have any real grasp, any realistic concept of the real horror and extent of the conflict. Names such as Hitler, Hirohito, and Stalin are as alien as Nebuchadnezzar, Nero, and Attila the sun. Admittedly, the majority of people alive today were not even born when that historic surrender document was signed on the deck of the battleship Missouri; but should the heart-rending lessons of our recent history be lost so quickly?

During February 2001 my wife and were in Hawaii for the wedding of our oldest grand-daughter Ellice. It was a joyful occasion, and I was privileged to conduct the wedding. The ceremony took place at sunset, on a catamaran off the coast of Waikiki. To see those two young people, with bright eyes looking towards the future with happy anticipation, was indeed a delight. It is our sincere wish as well as the wish of their parents that they will be spared experiences like those of WWII story.

War murderers!!!

This collection of Nazi, as well as of Japanese vermin has indeed gone down in history, but neither with honor nor dignity. Lot of atrocities were done unto them. They were silent victims in the chamber, hanging ropes etc. But the end of these war murderers was very pathetic. Their hands were washed in the innocent blood and the curse of these innocent blood was fallen upon them. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph and Cathy Brink. Their names have merely been added to the long list of names of other criminals: mass murderers such as Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Idi Amin, Mobutu, and a host of other killers among whom are even supposedly ‘Christian’ slave traders, as well as the clerical Inquisitors of the Middle Ages whose actions, to this date, are emblematic of the most fiendish of tortures. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc.

Many precious lives were slaughtered, many bright brains were jammed, many fighters for the cause of truth were massacred. However, this brief account does not solely concentrate on the world war II and the sufferings experienced by so many. It also points to a source of hope that has been able to sustain millions in this violent 20th century. This WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones.

Paul Joseph Goebbels, a 'terror' after Hitler?

In this WWII context it is better to know about Paul Joseph Goebbels. He was a politician and Reich Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. He was Adolf Hitler's closest associates and most devout followers. Goebbels was known for his zealous, energetic oratory, and poisonous anti-Semitism; he was responsible for Kristallnacht. Goebbels earned a Ph.D. in Heidelberg University in 1921, writing his doctoral thesis on 18th century romantic drama. Goebbels came into contact with the Nazi Party in 1923 during the French occupation of the Ruhr and became a member in 1924. He was appointed Gauleiter (regional party leader) of Berlin. In this position, he put his propaganda skills to full use, combating the local socialist and communist parties with the help of Nazi papers and the paramilitary SA. He rose up to one of the most prominent members party ranks By 1928. When Nazis got the power in 1933, he was chosen propaganda minister. He gained full control of every outlet of information in Germany. After his appointment, his attacks on German Jews, were horrible and ever fiercer. The Book of World War II explains them well.WWII atrocities were so cruel.

Goebbels did everything in his power to prepare the German people for a large scale military conflict. During World War II, he increased his power and influence through shifting alliances with other Nazi leaders. By late 1943, the tide of the war was turning against the Axis powers, but this only spurred Goebbels to intensify the propaganda by urging the Germans to accept the idea of WWII and mobilization. Goebbels remained with Hitler in Berlin to the very end. He and his family had a cruel end of lives. It is said that Goebbels allowed his wife, Magda, to kill their six young children. And then, Goebbels and his wife both committed suicide. The pathetic end of a dictator!

He kept a diary for much of his life. He wrote the entries himself from 1923 to 1941. Then he dictated lengthy passages to aides from 1941 to 1945. He sometimes telephoned them in the middle of the night when he wanted to add some text. The dictations usually opened with a description of the military situation, followed by his personal comments. The dictated diary is not as personal as the earlier one he wrote himself. Much of the diaries were thought to have been lost during World War II. However in 1992, they were discovered to be held in Soviet-era archives - as Goebbels himself had ordered his diaries to be duplicated while in the Fuhrerbunker, and buried in a nearby grove of trees - believing that one day history would laud him, and would want to know about his life. Did it ever happen?

In 1943, he wrote in his book Das Reich regarding WWI: “We shall go down in history as the greatest statesmen of all time, or as its greatest criminals.” History proved that the Nazis certainly were not great statesmen. After a fast start in a complacent world tired of war, they proved to be bureaucratic bunglers. Today the Nazi represents nothing but the most despicable; indeed, the vilest of human froth. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph and Cathy Brink.

“Power corrupts… and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

A single war makes lot of impact in the history and thus the people’s mode of life. Most of the influence of the war is painful and unforgettable. The WWII story is the same and it is filled with lot of suffering aspects than advantages. The ghostly remembrance of the Japanese death camps in Ambarawa is horrible. This is very much explicit and clear from the sharing of the soldiers of the WWII. Only the negative aspects rather than the positive are manifested mostly in the book of World War II .

This account does not present facts of history in a politically correct way. Facts are presented by people who lived that history, and miraculously survived this war. We shall certainly not gloss over the despicable deeds of the wretched collection of high-ranking thugs, ambitious bullies and hoodlums, whether they parade around as kings, kaisers, emperors, dictators or führers. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc. Self-confident in their imagined superiority, pompously strutting around in their shiny boots, the Nazi and Japanese gangsters proved true the saying “Power corrupts… and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

What was the final consequence of the WWII? Nothing but chaos and confusion!! Any gain? But only pain….the pain in the mind, body and spirit. Yes, dear friends, do you want to know more about this WWII story. Sure, This WWII story is explained for you through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph and Cathy Brink who was a soldier and witness of the atrocities in the World War II.

What does Kofi Annan say on War?

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES: Introduction VIII Part

Actually the ‘leaders’ of the world initiate the War between countries to countries, tongues to tongues and gender to gender. It is a necessity for such ‘leaders’ to have war or any other kinds of confusion in the world so that their ‘kingdom’ should be established well in this world, to get more financial profit and comfort. This is what led to the World War II. This war led to many pathetic consequences such as death camp slaves, Japanese death camps etc. This World War II story is explained with lot of suffering aspects.

Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the U.N., expressed it well. In the summer of 2001 he reflected on the ‘leaders’ of the world who live comfortably in their palaces and mansions. He observed that, on the whole, they aren’t particularly nice people. They are men who put personal ambition and lust for power above the interests of humanity. “Perhaps,” he said, “this explains an awful lot about the world we live in.” He was right. It is these cruel megalomaniacs who not only cause death and destruction upon their #8216;enemies;’ but who are willing to ‘sacrifice’ even their own countrymen; to allow even their own people — including innocent children — to suffer horrendously. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

War Lords!!! Heroes??? Saviors????

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES: Introduction VII Part

Most of the people [in any nationality] wants and strives for Peace and friendship with one another with all of the people in the world. Then, how the divisional mentality arises? It is because of the political mafia’s selfish interference for the survival and success of their group or parties. It is a kind of game among the political parties. Unless there is no chaos or confusion in the society what is the role of the political parties. They have nothing to do. It is the ‘mutual understanding’ among political parties to make trouble among the people and play ‘heroes’ among them as ‘saviors’. That’s how the war arise sacrificing many innocent people. That is what happened in the case of WWII. Many suffered due to this WWII. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc.

The purpose of this account is not to elevate any one’s nationality over another. We recognize that the common people in any country, of any ethnic or religious background, are decent and peace-loving folk. Rather, the real villains are without exception the führers, the War Lords, the Emperors,Kaisers, Csars, and megalomaniacal dictators, backed by their modern version of the Roman ‘Praetorian guard,’ and historically supported by their clergy representing various religious systems. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

Anne Frank, an innocent lamb!

Hi friends,

Today you are reading bit about a young girl who made an important footstone in the Book of World War II. She is Anne Frank, the well-known 13-year-old Jewish girl murdered by the Nazi war machine. She showed in a remarkable way how a young Innocent, even without realizing it herself, was able to rise miles above the hatred of the utterly perverted, ruthless collection of Nazi degenerates. It is a Kids view on WW II. Not long before she died in the infamous Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, this young girl wrote in her little red Diary: “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” Just realize her optimistic attitude towards life even in the midst of hardships and sufferings!

Also the WWII Story was filled with atrocities in Japanese death camps. People suffered a lot. Many were tortured unnecessarily in the Ambarawa Camp Seven. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph Brink. And it is an interesting stuff to read on. Read it and get inspired!

A love story for the nation

The WW II story, is of course a painful one. It is an inspiration for all the kids to be better citizens for their country. This account in the book of World War II provides a glimpse into the lives of some of these kids under those awful circumstances WW II story: their fears, their sufferings, their observations of adults, their simple wisdom and their every humor. The stories of kids from among the various nationalities and backgrounds represent horrific experiences; the result of mean-spirited adults at World War II. It must be remembered that none of these kids, of what-ever nationality they were, shared in the guilt for the atrocities perpetrated by their political and military leaders. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. They are simply Innocents — child victims of a war of which they surely did not want to be a part. The memories and sharing of the soldiers who underwent through the sufferings of this horrific circumstances in the World War II is really should be inspiring.The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES: Introduction IV Part

I myself was such a child, interned between the ages of 7 and 11 in various Japanese concentration camps in Indonesia. I believe I can, in a small way, speak for these Innocents; these child victims who endured the horrors of WWII… Against all odds some of these kids, myself included, survived.

The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES: Introduction III Part

One large segment of WW II victims—the child victims of the WWII—has been alluded in some accounts. However, to my knowledge no chronicle has focused exclusively in the experiences of these defenseless Innocents. Silently and bewildered, children suffered horrors and deprivations alongside grown-ups; they witnessed wholesale massacres in Europe, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and elsewhere. These Innocents included the children of Jews, of Gypsies, of the Bibelfőrschers, and other target groups. Children were torn from their parents, starved in concentration camps or simply exterminated in Hitler’s gas chambers.

The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES:Introduction II Part

The mere mention of a date, Dec. 7, 1941, still calls to mind the destruction of much of the mighty U.S. Pacific Fleet. Japanese warlords were flexing their military muscle and aimed for world domination, starting with the ‘Pacific Bowl.’

During World War II, tragedy piled on top of tragedy. Mere words are entirely inadequate to express the suffering, the pain, the grief and distress of the millions of victims. Generations of mankind came to utterly loathe those arrogant murderers who masterminded and pursued their selfish, diabolical schemes for power.

The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps like Ambarawa Camp Seven etc. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view on WWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES: Introduction I Part

World War II, that most gruesome conflict in mankind’s history, killed estimated 55,000,000 men, women and children. Volumes have been written about soldiers enduring unbelievable deprivations in WWII; about killings of civilian populations on an unimaginable scale; about entire societies crumbling; and about millions of displaced people disenfranchised from life. The world’s political landscape changed forever.

Terms such as genocide and holocaust in WWII— the wholesale extermination of peoples — were introduced into everyday speech. Names such as Hitler, Mengele, Himmler, Hirohito, and a plethora of other degenerates will forever be synonymous with utter depravity.

The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s viewWWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES – Last Part

My education in financial matters continued with Martin Weiss' Money and markets. His insights have helped me run our business prudently and without ever greedily over-extending ourselves. Now, at age 74, my wife and I live very comfortably in a beautiful home on the Central Coast - quite a step up from WW II Japanese concentration-camp barracks!

Since there is quite a bit of interest in our unusual story which could well be entitled "From Boy Slave to successful businessman") my wife and = wrote a book: WWII... as Seen Through “ Kids' Eyes." With December 7 coming up soon, there should be quite a bit of interest in the fight for dominance of the “Pacific owl,” and the human consequences - the “Silent Holocaust” - experienced by the populations of the Pacific islands. Over 200,000 people, women and children included, died a terrible death.

As to my business philosophy?
1. Enjoy and be thankful for your work (even if it's gas station attendant).
2. Always find ways to improve ourself.
3. Treat others honestly; never take advantage.
4. The best deals you will ever make are "win-win" deals.

The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s viewWWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES – III Part

After 5 1/2 years in the Army - two of which in Heidelberg Germany - and an honorable discharge, I started in civilian life as an editor with a division of McGraw-Hill Book Co. in Monterey, Calif. I made about $375 p. month. In about eight years I was promoted from editor to Production Manager, then to Director of Manufacturing. I loved the work, but had to quit in my thirties because of serious physical problems; leftovers from the Japanese concentration camps.

I had not yet found any gold in the streets and had no financial success story to tell.

Then I received an offer from Howard Ruff for a one-day abbreviated seminar in San Diego. We paid the $45 fee and I listened very carefully. I also bought his book, Nothing Down. Believe me, I studied that book very thoroughly!

From then on, it was all down-hill. Our son became a contractor, and in time, we owned and remodeled some 22 properties. I had a great time making more money in a few months than I made in a year as an executive at McGraw-Hill! We even had time to enjoy our favorite sport: sailing our 2' yacht off the coast of California.

The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot in the Indonesian death camps. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s viewWWII by Mr. Ralph Brink.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES – II Part

Next we repatriated to Holland, a cold and wet country. I went to school, was a lousy student, and wanted to leave as soon as possible for a warm climate; but not before I met and married Cathy, a cute Dutch-Indonesian girl. She lived in Holland as a child during the Nazi oppression.

We applied for visas and emigrated to California in 1956 - I had =ll of $45 in my pocket. I started as a gas station attendant, and we lived with my older brother in a small attached garage with a dirt floor.

After about 1/2 year I enlisted in the U.S. Army. We bought and lived in a 14' trailer. So far, I had yet not found any gold on the streets in the U.S.A.! As a private I probably was at the bottom rung of the economic ladder!

The WW II story which is explained in the book of World War II is mostly filled with lot of suffering aspects, but we should take it as inspiring ones. The Japanese death camps in Ambarawa were horrible. The death camp slaves suffered a lot. This WWII story is explained through a kid’s view.

FROM BOY SLAVE TO RICHES – I Part

Hi,
Have you been through any story of the World War II? Here is the real life incidence of a young boy (still alive) who underwent lot of bitter experience in the WW II death camp as a boy slave. Continue to read and let his life experience in WW II be an inspiration for your future as good citizens. And now let us go through this kids view WW II story part by part. Have a nice time!

My name is Ralph Brink. I was born Sept. 1934 in Netherlands East Indies (Indonesia). My parents were from Holland and lived in the former Dutch colony.
At age 7, soon after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese conquered the islands. All "blandas" (caucasians) were interned in concentration camps. Families were separated. My Dad was in one in a camp (Tjihapit), my 19-year old brother, a pilot, was sent to work as a POW slave on the Burma Railroad. My Mother, 2 sisters and I were sent to a truly lousy concentration camp (Banjoebiroe).
At age 10 I was taken from my mother by Japanese Army truck along with other 10-year old boys and dumped as a “Boy Slave" in a real Japanese death camp named Ambarawa C7.
After close to a year in that Japanese death camp, I was worn out, had beri-beri, dysentery, lice and was dehydrated and flea-bitten all over. “The Bomb" literally saved my life. My Mother guessed where I might be and got me in a horse-drawn cart. I was a smelly, deathly ill little kid. She nursed me back to life. In the meantime, we had to flee because total anarchy engulfed Java. Somehow my Dad wheedled space on a coal ship to Balikpapan (Borneo), and later on we went by "Gooney Bird" (Dakota plane) to Australia. We lived there for about a year. Here, at age 11, I went to school for the first time in my life, learning English as I went along. And read more about this interesting and inspiring story of WWII Japanese death camps at brink publishing.