Surviving the Sword: Prisoners of the Japanese in the Far East, 1942-45

by Brian MacArthur

During World War II, there were few fates that could befall a soldier so hellish as internment in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. To this day, many survivors–most of whom are in their eighties–still cannot talk about their experiences without unearthing terrible memories. Surviving the Sword gives voice to these tens of thousands of Allied POWs and offers us a powerful reminder of the terror and depravations of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

In this important book, Brian MacArthur draws on the diaries of American, British, Dutch, and Australian Fepows (Far Eastern prisoners of war), some of whose recollections are published here for the first time. These soldiers wrote and kept their diaries, in secret, because they were determined that to record for posterity how they were starved and beaten, marched almost to death, or transported on “hellships”; how their fellows were summarily executed by guards or felled by the thousands by tropical diseases; and how they were used as slave labor–most notoriously on the Burma-Thailand railway, as depicted in The Bridge on the River Kwai.

The diaries excerpted in this book make plain why the Fepows believed that their brutal treatment by Japanese and Korean guards was, literally, incomprehensible to those who did not live it. The prisoners whose stories appear here risked torture and execution to keep diaries and make sketches and drawings that they hid from the guards wherever they could, sometimes burying them in the graves of lost comrades. The survivors’ narratives reveal not just a litany of horrors, but are a moving testament to the nobler instincts of humanity as well, detailing how the POWs prevailed over horrible conditions, even finding or creating a precious few creature comforts and sustaining the rudiments of culture, learning, and play. Forced into solidarity by inhuman conditions, the soldiers showed incredible compassion for one another, improvising ingenious ways to care for the sick, boost morale by subtly mocking their jailers’ authority, or even turn meager rations into the occasional feast.

Countless thousands died in Japanese prison camps during World War II. Those fortunate enough to emerge from their ordeal were never the same again. Surviving the Sword at last fills a notable historical gap in our understanding, while also commemorating and memorializing the Fepows’ struggle and sacrifice.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Japan, Military Fiction, Military History, Asia

458 pages, Hardcover

First published February 7, 2005

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written history of the prisoners held by the Japanese in Asia during World War II, most of which were British, Australian, and Scots. There was a much small contingent of Americans, of which my mother's first cousin, Louie, was one. He died at the hands of the Japanese after surviving the Bataan Death March and several years in POW camps, but died being transported by ship to Japan where he no doubt would have worked in a mine or factory had he not expired on the trip across. Reading this book gave me a very real sense of how he must have suffered. I only hope my mother and his family never knew how awful it was. This book is divided into chapters by the various camps or areas where the Japanese impressed the prisoners into building air fields, roads, bridges, train tracks, and their own camps. Besides the utter brutality of the Japanese toward all prisoners, I was most impressed by the camaraderie and ingenuity of the troops. Reading this book was very difficult, but also very important. I appreciate Brian MacArthur's excellent work in compiling this excellent history.

[Oliver Hepburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book, comprising largely of the recollections of Allied POWs who were imprisoned and forced to work for the Japanese. The book does a fantastic job of dispelling many of the myths about the POWs that have sprung up since the end of the war, no thanks to films such as ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’. That particular film is referenced throughout, and changes ones perception of the film once you know the true facts. The author, the fantastic Brian MacArthur, puts great emphasis of story of ordinary soldiers, both the prisoners and the guards, who had to endure up to 3 whole years of hot, humid, and insufferable conditions. It delves deeper than other books on the topic, and reveals stories that weren’t even taught to us at university level. A thoroughly enjoyable book for anyone, not just those interested in history.

[Stephen Rowland · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tepid, and mainly focusing on British soldiers. Who cares? AMERICA.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been several years since I first read this book, and it has stayed in my mind ever since. I think a second read, after all these years is on the cards.
An incredibly insightful and horrifically moving. A few tears were shed from reading what these poor men went through.
If you wish to have any understanding of the hardships and atrocities that went on, this book is a very good place to start.
Brian MacArthur, I doff my hat sir!

[Jordan Phizacklea-Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ordeals of the American, British and Australian soldiers imprisoned in the Japanese POW camps of the Second World War are all too vividly brought to life in MacArthur's noble biography; amidst recounts of astonishing cruelty, there are also many moments of comradeship (as well as skullduggery) to form a rounded narrative.

[Richard Klueg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sobering account of the treatment of (mostly) British and Australian prisoners of war held by the Japanese in WW2. It was shocking and disturbing to read of the savage brutality of the captors, but also amazing to see the desperate resolve and resourcefulness of the prisoners in their efforts to survive.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavily detailed accounts of POWs in the East. This was a heavy read with descriptions of the torment and brutality that these men went through. But light shined through with moments of hope, perseverance, and humanity that spoke of the strength of character and resilience of spirit.

[Dachokie · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow ..., July 3, 2008

Upon reviewing the several hundred books in my library on World War II, I noticed my reading was skewed heavily to the European Theatre (particularly the Eastern Front) ... I felt this book was a good start to creating more balance in my studies.

With a firm understanding of Japanese brutality during the war ("The Rape of Nanking" illustrates this very clearly), I felt I needed more than the Bataan Death March, hari kari and suicide pilots to better understand the Japanese disdain for surrendering. This book proved to be a real jaw-dropper.

I had no idea as to the horrific conditions of the prison camps or the brutal treatment received by the men who were confined in them. As gratuitous as the violence and disgusting conditions were within these prison camps the book supplies more than enough examples of how utterly brilliant man can be in his will to survive. The stories that these survivors recall so vividly will keep the reader thoroughly engrossed to the very last page.

If someone desires to gain a deeper knowledge of World War II's Pacific Theatre, I would definately recommend this book ... it is a superb resource.

[Claire]

An extremely moving and very graphic account of the harrowing experiences of the British, Australian, American and Dutch servicemen taken prisoner by the Japanese in the Far East during World War Two. This is a fascinating story of courage (both moral and physical) and of survival - this book demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit, and the strength and determination of these remarkable men, only some of whom survived the war, against the most appalling odds and despite the horiffic treatment meted out to them by the Japanese. Using the POW's own accounts alongside various post-war secondary sources, MacArthur weaves together a story that is equal parts brutality and ingenuity; a story that is almost unimaginable to the modern 21st century reader, but should be read by everyone. This is a vivid, disturbing and compelling book which lingers long in the memory after it has been read and replaced on the shelf.

[James Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever wanted to read about Japanese run POW camps, then this is the book for you. The book is filled with details about the camps run for the Allied soldiers taken prisoner during the war. It also contains a lot of details that can easily prove very upsetting to the reader. I would give a BIG warning about the gruesome factor for this book.

It details events at specific camps, but also has various thematic elements. Some of the topics include Changi; the Burma Railroad; the Bridge on the River Kwai; and Sonkurai in the camps and areas. For thematic elements, the author has survival, books, food, religion, jungle medicine, smoking and various other elements.

Then there is a section on the "hellships," camps in Japan, and various other areas.

Very thorough, very upsetting, and very well done.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, tugs at my almost non existent heart strings! Covers everything from the very depths of brutality from their captors, the dishonest amongst their own stealing to the very best in human nature caring for the suck often at great personal risk. One of the best books on the Far East prisoners I've read!

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores the lives of Allied POWS and their experiences at the hands of their Japanese captors. An interesting read.

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interviews from POWS in Burma and Thailand during WW2.

[Matty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed depiction of brutalities. Occasional dry parts.

[Lee Ferriday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing and horrific treatment by the Japanese. But a triumph of the human spirit.