Kanchanaburi War Cemetery (DonRak) — Attraction in Kanchanaburi Province

On the 18th March 2015 I finally arrived at Kanchanaburi again to complete the parts I had missed on my last journey. This time however I went by taxi, a friend I had known for some time took me. The fare for the whole day was only 2500 Baht, but I did buy him a meal and drinks while on the journey. Plus the usual tip for the day. Giving this tip gets you a better day rate, but you need to talk to the driver or know him for this to work. The drive which took in Samut Sakhon, then Ratchaburi and onto Kanchanaburi, commenced at 06.30 am and took around 2 hours. Arriving at Kanchanaburi about 08.30 am. First port of call was the cemetery I had missed the last trip. Don Rak or Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, located on Sang Chuto road. There are 6,982 former POWs buried in this cemetery mostly Australian, British and Dutch. There are 1,896 Dutch war graves, the rest being from Britain and the Commonwealth. Those who died, were originally buried in makeshift graves at various locations along the Death Railway line. After the war ended, Don Rak cemetery was established ( in its current form ) in February 1956 as a memorial to the fallen with the names, ages and regiments of the soldiers engraved on the headstones, where the identity of a soldier is unknown a simple inscription reads - A soldier of the 1939 - 1945 war, known unto God. Like Chung Kai cemetery the memorials of the men were arranged so regimental in rows, and surrounded by well tended flower beds and the grass walking areas all kept cut and trimmed. Many Thai workers that day were cutting the grass, weeding the gardens and generally keeping the cemetery looking as though someone cares about the place. The Thai people take great pride in looking after both these two Cemeteries. I felt so sad to see all the epitaphs in the entrance building it was a very moving experience to stop & think of those men who had died on this railway. I know it was war, but how they died was not fair, was not good,...

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is a significant historical site that honors the thousands of Allied prisoners of war (POWs) who perished while constructing the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II. Located in the heart of Kanchanaburi, the cemetery is the final resting place for over 6,000 soldiers, primarily from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands. The meticulously maintained grounds, with rows of neatly arranged headstones, create a solemn yet peaceful atmosphere. Each headstone bears the name, rank, and regiment of the fallen, offering visitors a personal connection to the immense human cost of war. The cemetery is not just a place of remembrance but also an important historical landmark. It is located near the Death Railway Museum, which provides deeper insights into the brutal conditions faced by the POWs during the railway’s construction. Visiting the site evokes a deep sense of respect and reflection, as it reminds us of the resilience and sacrifices of those who suffered. The quiet, well-kept surroundings make it a place of contemplation, where visitors can pay their respects. For history enthusiasts or those wishing to honor the memory of the fallen, the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery is a must-visit destination. It stands as a powerful tribute to the past, ensuring that the stories of those who lost their lives are...

I visited here on the 4th February. This like many military graveyards across the world is administered and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and contains the remains of 6842 servicemen who died whilst constructing the Infamous “Death Railway” at the behest ( or in reality as slave labour ) of the Imperial Japanese Army during WW2. Beautifully laid out and maintained it predominantly contains the graves of 5085 commonwealth soldiers (British, Australian, New Zealand, South African etc) and 1896 Dutch war graves. NB there are no Graves of American service personnel as they were all expatriated back home. It is very tranquil yet extremely thought provoking. It was so sad to see the names and ages of those that died, but I was so honoured to find a grave containing the remains of a victim bearing the same surname as myself where I was able to leave a small garland of flowers on the headstone. If you are on a tight deadline please leave enough time to visit the nearby museum, where you can really see what the inhumanity of war looks like. Please also remember the 100000(est) locals killed in the construction of the...