34,737 Australian service personnel were prisoners of war during the Boer War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War. Some lived to tell their story of survival through extreme hardship and to carry with them the burden of those who died. For many, their greatest victory would be in the simple act of surviving.
The courage of the thousands of POWs, men and women, who served their country is integral to the Australian identity and history. Just as our national character was forged on the shores of Gallipoli, capture as a prisoner of war tested courage, defiance, mateship and required as much strength of character as any hard fought battle.
Aussie Soldier - Prisoners of War shares the voices of those who found themselves on the wrong side of the wire. It brings together an unforgettable collection of memories and experiences to be treasured as part of our military history.
These vivid and compelling stories show the extremes of war; the generosity of human nature and the cruelty, hate and indifference that human beings can inflict on each other.
The reminisces of our POW’s will take you on their very personal journeys through capture, conditions, escape attempts, punishment, humour, keeping up morale and for those lucky enough, the taste of freedom.
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