Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, also known as the Don-Rak War Cemetery, stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of individuals during the construction of the infamous Burma Railway, or "Death Railway," during World War II. Located just a short 100-meter walk from the JEATH War Museum in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, this cemetery serves as a solemn tribute to the prisoners of war (POWs) and laborers who perished while working on this challenging project.

History of the Cemetery

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery contains graves of prisoners of war from several countries. Here is the breakdown by country:

• British: Nearly half of the 6,982 graves belong to British prisoners of war.

• Australian: The majority of the remaining graves are of Australian prisoners of war.

• Dutch: There are 1,896 Dutch war graves in the cemetery.

• Unknown: The graves of unknown soldiers are also honored in the cemetery.

• Cremated: The ashes of 300 men who died of cholera are buried in two graves.
  

These graves are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and are located in Kanchanaburi, Thailand

War Graves by Country

The Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. Located in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, this cemetery is the main prisoner of war (POW) cemetery for victims of Japanese imprisonment while building the Burma Railway. The cemetery is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and contains 6,982 graves of British, Australian, and Dutch prisoners of war.

3,804

2,381

Australian Graves

British Graves

1,896

Dutch Graves

701

Unknown Graves

Both the AWM and the CWGC are dedicated to preserving the memory

Australian War Memorial
(AWM)

• Grave Units: The AWM has historical records detailing the activities of Grave Maintenance Units during and after conflicts like the Second World War. These units were responsible for locating bodies, burials, and the upkeep of cemeteries overseas.

• War Diaries: The AWM holds War Diaries in the record series AWM52, providing insights into the daily activities of the Grave Units, including mundane tasks like weather reports and concrete deliveries, as well as more significant events like the discovery of aircraft crash sites.

• Memorial Plaques: Eligible veterans are entitled to official commemoration through memorial plaques. This includes those who died as a result of operational service, Victoria Cross winners, recipients of a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) pension, multiple amputees with proven war service, and ex-prisoners of war.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)

• Responsibility for Maintenance: The CWGC is responsible for maintaining war graves and Memorials to the Missing outside Australia and Papua New Guinea. They adhere to established standards and conduct regular maintenance, repairs, enhancements, and new projects to ensure the upkeep of these sites.

• Collaboration: The CWGC collaborates with the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) for the care of war graves, official commemorations, and Memorials to the Missing for Australians who have died in conflicts since the Second World War. This collaboration ensures that the graves are maintained appropriately, even those located in cemeteries overseas.

• Database: The CWGC maintains a database of the names and places of commemoration of men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died during the First and Second World Wars. This database is accessible through their website, allowing individuals to search for specific graves and memorials.

Both the AWM and the CWGC are dedicated to preserving the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts, ensuring that their final resting places are respected and maintained with the utmost care and reverence.