The Real Hero of The Bridge On The River Kwai

The true story behind the epic wartime film.
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“The Bridge On The River Kwai” has often been referred to as one of the greatest war films of all time.
Certainly Sir David Lean’s epic was the top box office earner in 1957, the year it was released, and it scooped 7 Academy Awards, including best film, best producer, best actor, and best musical score.
Alec Guinness, plays the commander of the British POW’s, Lt. Colonel Nicholson, who somewhat bizarrely insists on building the best possible bridge for the Japanese as a testament to British engineering and hard work.
In the end, a commando unit blow up the bridge as the first Japanese locomotive passes over it.
The film is based upon a real bridge that was built by British POW’s, as part of the “Death Railway” through the Burmese and Thai jungles.
I say based, in the very loosest of terms.
Yes, there was a bridge over the River Kwai.
Yes, it was built by British Prisoner’s of War.
Yes, there was a lieutenant Colonel in command of those prisoners.
However, there were actually two bridges, and they crossed a tributary of the River Kwai not the main river itself.
Whilst British Prisoners helped build it, the film ignores the thousands of civilians who were also forced to work on the construction, and whose treatment and death rates were even worse than the British.
The bridges were put out of action, but only in the last year of the year and by RAF bombing rather than commandos.
Above all, the Lt. Colonel was no Japanese sympathiser or turn-coat.
He was a man, who rather than trying to build the best bridge possible actually did his best to sabotage the construction.
This is the story of the "Death Railway" (the Thai-Burma Railway) during the construction of which, 16,000 allied POW's and 90,000 civilians died.
it also tells the story of the real Bridge on the River Kwai and the real British commander - Lt. Colonel Philip Toosey DSO.
It also has a poignant twist in the tale too!
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:58 Shout Out
2:31 Japanese Offensive
3:30 Thai-Burma Railway
4:36 POW Slave Labour
5:50 Treatment of POW's
8:00 Illness & Death
9:45 The Bridge On The River Kwai
11:03 lt. Colonel Toosey
14:00 The Death Railway
16:55 Survivors
18:05 A Twist In The Tale
19:00 The History Chap
#thebridgeontheriverkwai #deathrailway #ww2 #ad
Sources for this episode include:
"Railroad of Death" by John Coast
The Impoerial War Museum
QJM - international journal of Medecine
dva. gov. au (Anzac portal)
Julie Summer.com
Follow me at:
www.thehistorychap.com
Instagram:bit.ly/3iySrAj
Facebook:bit.ly/37IUfkH
/ thehistorychap
My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or KZbin animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@cheshirepiper9254]

Thanks very much, my wife's Grandfather was captured at Singapore and ended up on the railway and building the actual bridge. Happily he survived. My wife tells me he mocked the film.I also saw his paybook giving his discharge and medical details, a very long list of diseases endured. An absolute miracle he survived.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

I had an operation in RAF Ely in the eighties, when in the RAF. They also treated a lot of ex FEPOW,s for a large number of diseases. The old guy in the bed next to me being one. He told me he had been in Ely in 1945 for an emergency operation, being so weak and malnourished he ended up in a coma for a few weeks, forty years later he was back for another operation, very nervous. I told him about my uncle wally, also captured in Singapore, and on the railway. Being laid up for a couple of days after our operations we chatted for hours and hours. Him and my uncle were on my mind when I visited the bridge and graveyard close by. Your wife’s grandfather, and all those who survived were very special people, although most never wanted to talk about that time, they never forgot those they left behind, nor should we. I hope your wife’s grandfather lived to a good age, he deserved it.

[@cheshirepiper9254]

@@davegoldsmith4020 Thankyou, he did, I would have loved to have met him. He became a local postie, I also saw red cross letters. A local guy who worked with my dad had a brother who never made it back from there. A terrible shame.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

​@@cheshirepiper9254a debt of gratitude to them all...Mrs C, s da served in the Chindits in Burma and suffered bouts of malaria all his life...RIP...

[@mickcraven980]

Have you read "King Rat"? Great book!

[@cheshirepiper9254]

@@mickcraven980 I have indeed but around 30 years ago. I must reread at some point. Thankyou

[@johnhudghton3535]

That true story should become a remake of the film. It would honour the courage, honour, bravery and faith of the men who served.

[@TheHistoryChap]

An interesting suggestion. Who knows what will happen in the future?

[@Antonnick]

I am afraid that in my cynisism, there never will be a film ( if indeed it is important that one be made?) The British would never finance such a venture, US Americans could but as Sir Toosey was British, they would have no interest. Australians might though. That aside - a great documentary you have put together "history chap" - many thanks.

[@billt6116]

This and they should do a movie about the batan Garrison, And the death March that they endured. Ray Pasco, A neighbor was a survivor.

[@user-wm3bf7pi3u]

@@TheHistoryChap "Burma!" "Why did you shout Burma?" " I panicked."

[@Ugnaught82]

My father served in the US Marine Corps in WW2, first in a Defense Battalion, then a AAA Battalion, then last in the 4th Regiment, 6th Marine Division. My Mother told me after he died that it took about two years after the war before he stopped waking up in the night, failing his arms and screaming. She said that the radio had a doctor telling wives what to do, so she would leap out of bed, go to the door, and call his name softly until he came to his senses. She said once he cried bitterly because he was afraid he'd hurt her. He wasn't bitter toward the Japanese that I ever saw, and he once expressed to me that the Japanese soldiers were well trained and completely dedicated. During the war, he managed to mail home a lot of stuff. Today I have a large box filled with small Japanese flags, pictures of him and his friends, Japanese military stuff, and a lot of paperwork from his service.

[@BAM-jc7uy]

my dad (d.1951) had same back home experiences and a suitcase fiilled with like items. dad (200th coast art. +) survived the oryoku maru and was prisoner at fukuoka camp 17. We also grew up non-bitter towards the Japanese. nice to meet you. gr-granny NM

[@stevenholt4936]

Thanks for this, Chris. My wife and I spent our honeymoon in and around Kanchanaburi (she is Thai). The river Kwae Noi flowed at the bottom of the garden outside our bedroom. We were about to descend into the 'Death railway ' cutting near the then (23 years ago) new museum when we noticed an elderly gent sitting on a bench. He was an Aussie and former POW who had worked on the railway. His wife and children were down in the cutting but he was too frail to make the trip - he had been twice before. I cannot tell you the contempt he felt for the portrayal in the film. Bearing out your comments, he said they went as slow as they could and did their utmost to sabotage the project. Incidentally, the museum that moved us more than the flashy new one built by the Aussies, was a small, ramshackle affair comprising mainly yellowing newspaper cuttings. It was built and paid for by a former Japanese soldier on the railway who repented of his behaviour and became a Buddhist monk in Thailand for a while after the war and created this museum. He, we later learnt, was the translator in Alan Lomax's account of the events in his book, 'The Railway Man.' I believe it was turned into a film many years later but I haven't watched it: films take too many liberties with the facts in my eyes.

[@wampuscat1831]

Yep the vets hated most war movies as stupid

[@12dougreed]

Hi I also live in Thailand, I have been many times to the Kwai also Hellfire Pass Where the Musium is situated. Unbelievable the amount of rock they had to move to create the pass.

[@chriskirkman5425]

Excellent movie😢

[@georgelintott9943]

Hello, one of my uncles was a "Chindit" he was in command of some Gurkhas in the jungle, they sometimes came within speaking distance to many of these " P.O.W's. ", to which they supplied food and medicines at the risk of being captured by the Jap's.

[@brettmccardle9303]

The railway man movie is really good

[@derekp2674]

Thanks Chris. As for all the prisoners who died or suffered there, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I am intending to do a video about the Kohima Epitaph for 11th November

[@Johnson-9871]

You'll remember them then go about your day while it doesn't occupy my mind

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

@@Johnson-9871 what?!!?

[@eamonnclabby7067]

​@@TheHistoryChapvery poignant...

[@derrickchapman3870]

WE will remember them.

[@SilverDreamer62]

One of the best history segments you've ever done. Thank You for helping to right a wrong and set the record straight.

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s very kind of you thank you

[@spikeyflo]

My mother, as an Australian Army physiotherapist, treated many returned POWs after the war. I also had no idea about Toosey. Great respect to Brig. Toosey. I knew nothing of Sgt Saito either. All very fascinating. Thank You. Mike Floyd

[@lorlabear]

You may be interested to know that Frank Pantridge - the doctor from Northern Irelad, who invested the heart defibrilator - was a Japanese POW. His hands were so wrecked that he was unable to carry out an operations after the war. Hence his diversification into other types of medicine. subject for a future video?!

[@StevenKeery]

Lorlabear: I think you mean invented, not invested the portable defibrillator.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Kudos....

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

You are not correct. The external defibrillator as known today was invented by Electrical Engineer William Kouwenhoven in 1930.

[@daveferguson935]

​@@AncoraImparoPiperHe IS correct! Frank Pantridge invented the portable defibrillator. He was a cardiologist from Northern Ireland. A simple search would confirm this.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

@@daveferguson935 He invented the *portable* defibrillator. Not the defibrillator.

[@petersteen4014]

As is said, "never let the truth get in the way of a good story." Thank you Chris, from the son of a Royal Australian Engineer, 1st Field Coy, 6th Division, PNG campaign. I truly do believe much of his war experience was an important reason for me becoming a History teacher in Australia, later moving to Japan, [!] teaching English as a Foreign Language, then relocating to S/E Asia for a final career shift.

[@harryshriver6223]

A wonderfully told story which page respect can the man who survived and the men who died . The portrayal of lieutenant colonel Tooaey should be redone in modern times so that his real story can be told. I agree with the fact he was slighted by the film portrayal of him as a collaborator. Kudos to you, Chris, for your accuracy and your passion for history

[@TheHistoryChap]

Harry, thanks for your thoughtful comment. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@alanssnackbardailyrelaxati8155]

Great work as ever. Thank you. Growing up in the 70s, i remember my grandfather had an absolute hatred of the Japanese, refusing to buy anything from Japan. Guess he or friends or family had some horrendous experience during this time.

[@TheHistoryChap]

A former POW live down my road in Nottingham

[@jameshepburn4631]

Many of my friends in Singapore & Malaysia disliked the Japanese and made no bones about it, especially the older folks who had lived through the Japanese occupation.

[@DrPowerElectronics]

I had a good friend who was a Japanese POW. The horror of it was such that he never said much. On seeing a streaker he said, ‘I’ve seen too many naked men and don’t want to see another’. Simple but shocking. I believe he was a wartime Major.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing. There was a former POW who live down my road when I lived in Nottingham.

[@Fred-px5xu]

As great as the "The Bridge On The River Kwai" was. I hated the portrayal of lead actor. And that the real story of infamous bridge would be told. And you did just as I hoped, and your narration was spot on. Thank you for bringing joy too an elderly gentleman. God bless you and family!🎉

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & apologies for late reply.

[@nigelhamilton815]

To compare Toosey to the film character is a travesty. A brave and selfless officer who worked everyday to improve the lot of his men and took beatings for them on many occasions for being stubborn. His brave contacts with the civilian resistance increased food and medicines into the camp. He should be revered IMO.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Totally agree with you. Many veterans were angry with the film portrayal of the british commanding officer.

[@jacktattis]

@@TheHistoryChap I think too much influence by US producers

[@rachelhenderson2688]

Any American film; you can guarantee that the only heroes in the story are Americans! @@jacktattis

[@andrewsteele7663]

Good morning. Chris, we visited the bridge a number of years ago, my brother and I having both served wanted to see this famous bridge. We visited the war graves on the way and was really pleased to see that the Graves Commision look after them so well. We did note that some of the lettering on the stones were faded or erased. We asked our guide why this was happening. He explained that the locals bring paper out and place it across the stone to create an etch copy with chalk/pencil, as they believe it brings them good luck. My brother and I were emotionally exhausted by the end of the day trip, having found long lost uncles etc. My mother also told me that they had a couple of chaps from the Thai prisons, return to our village at the end of the war. They were so thin, nobody recognized them. And when I asked what became of them. I was told not to ask. But I am led to believe that they were very traumatized and didn't live very long upon their return. Thanks for another great telling, sorry I rambled on. Cheers

[@kennyw218]

Didn’t you find it bad most if not all the museums are sponsored by Australia

[@andrewsteele7663]

@@kennyw218 Ken, not sure what you mean by your comment. other to say that the Australian War Graves Commission is a brilliant organization. And if you have seen their work in Africa and even Europe, you may not feel the need to comment

[@stillstanding123]

The Australian museum at Hell Fire Pass certainly provides greater information than the museum in Kanchanaburi but the serenity and peace at the cemetery is modelled exactly the same as other notable war graves and provides a typically British understatement. Both seem appropriate. What did offend me was the Thais complete lack of respect to this bridges significance by the errection of a mock " PoW camp" targeting the sale of junk food and trinkets on the opposite side of the bridge.

[@martinhogg5337]

Thanks for putting the record straight!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@snorkherder]

Thank you for telling their story, so we can understand the horror they went through.

[@yvoheaton6402]

Some years ago whilst working in Thailand I had the opportunity to visit the area. Very moving as was the walk through Hell Fire Pass and all the history of that too. The detailed information boards erected by Australian Army were very informative. One cannot imagine the heat and toil the prisoners went through.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Wow, I bet your trip was thought provoking and maybe even emotional

[@coult001]

It took longer than usual to look at this story because I grew up in the care of my grandparents who both were in Japenese camps in Java. You have told that period very well, thank you! Many good friends of my grandparents were lost on that railway...! My grandmothers life was saved by the Japanese commander of the camp on 15 August 1945 by holding back local gangs wanting to kill all Dutch woman and children in the camp. He handed his weapons to the Gurka's a week later.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing your family history, and for watching my video

[@normmcrae1140]

LOVE to hear the REAL STORY of the Death Railway. ESPECIALLY the story of Lt Col Toosey. Reading comments about other Japanese who repented after the War is a telling story, too.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to watch

[@johnquayle7479]

I have visited the Thai / Burma railway and also went for a journey on the train. It is simply amazing with all the cuttings, jungle etc. Some really breath taking scenery as well. The war graves are kept in pristine condition. It brings a tear to the eye to see so many from around the Commonwealth and other parts of the world together, where they perished building this railway. If you're in Thailand for a visit, it's well worth the effort to visit this place.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for the recommendation. And thanks for watching my video too

[@tsunkitchiu6877]

I paid a visit in Thailand for a week about 40 years ago but didn't have a chance to visit that area. I am anticipating another guided tour for 11 days in March, 2024 including a visit to the museum at the Bridge on The River Kwai.

[@garyburford5774]

Very good video, indeed. I was reminded that the actor, Percy Herbert was a prisoner of the Japanese and was in the film and acted as technical advisor to David Lean. His experience was crucial to Lean. I knew former prisoners of the Japanese and unlike the real Lt Colonel, they all never forgot their experiences nor ever forgave the Japanese. In at least two cases, when the Japanese Emperor was on a state visit to Britain, in I think, when the cortège was going down the Mall, they were among the many in the crowd that turned their backs to the Emperor - in Japanese culture an insult.

[@Paladin1873]

I remember seeing him in a lot of war movies while I was growing up, but I never knew he had been a POW.

[@jacksimpson-rogers1069]

There's a more extreme version, called "mooning" where the image from behind does not include the upper part of the body. It's not necessarily Japanese.

[@gregmichael8473]

My great uncle was on the railway and survived but had a life long hatred of the Japanese. He was a surveyor in Malaya but was in a local military unit and captured. He returned to Australia and continued his surveying career. He was working at a coal mine when some Japanese visited. He was asked by management to assist by carrying their luggage and of course refused. The story goes that he resigned after this, if not on the spot. RIP Harry.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thank you for taking the time to share. Much appreciated.

[@horfieldboy9478]

Great video. I had the opportunity to visit the place of the bridge on remembrance day a few years ago. We visited the cemetery, possibly the most moving day of my life, reading the tributes to the fallen soldiers, all in their early 20's. Unbelievable cruelty but that is the nature of war. I read a book about Toosey just after my visit and he sounds like a true hero and couldn't be further from the Alex Guinness portrayal. I seem to recall it was reported he lobbied the local high command to counter attack the Japanese at Singapore which historians believe would have almost certainly succeeded due to the very stretched resources of the Japanese at that point.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting point about Singapore. I haven’t heard that so thanks for sharing.

[@craigcarroll8953]

I genuinely believe the true story would have made a better movie, another brilliant video thank you

[@user-de6jz5kn6f]

Thank you for the history lesson. Lt. Colonel Toosey was a honorable man and a hero. Humanity needs more men like him. After watching what hell he and his men went through, I‘ll just say,,, I have no problems.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment

[@Paladin1873]

The author of the book on which the movie is based was Pierre Boulle, himself a Free French agent who was captured by Vichy loyalists in Indochina in 1943 and subjected to harsh treatment. After the war he wrote the highly fictional novel. Your recounting of some of the actual events is a rare and refreshing treat for those of us who have studied WWII history and would like to see the record set straight. To this end I'd like to tell a highly truncated companion story involving a late friend of mine who was born and raised on the island of Bali before the war. His father was the military commander of colonial Indonesian forces there, so Carl enjoyed a privileged, but strict and colorful military upbringing. As luck would have it, Carl was attending the Dutch version of West Point (or Sandhurst) in Holland when his home country was invaded by the Germans. He spent the rest of the war serving in the Underground, eventually assisting British ground forces during their drive to liberate the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Dutch East Indies remained independent but unable to assist. This became a moot point when the Empire of Japan invaded the Indonesian island chain in January of 1942. His father's engineering battalion retreated to the jungles and fought the Japanese for months until their supplies ran out. After their surrender they became part of the group of Dutch POWs who were pressed into constructing the Railway of Death. Carl would not see his father again until he returned to the Far East following the Japanese surrender in 1945. It was then that he learned the details of his father's plight. Major (later Colonel) Hazenberg's experiences in many ways mirrored those of both LTC (Brigadier) Toosey and the fictional Colonel Nicholson. When he refused to order his men to work on the railway, he was beaten and put in a hot box, but he did not break. Eventually the camp commander had to negotiate a deal with him. In exchange for their labor, he promised adequate rations and medical care, an action which saved many lives. When the war ended the Japanese commander surrendered his sword to Major Hazenberg, who later gave it to his son, Carl. I have seen and handled this sword, which remains in the family to this day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to add that additional information to my comment section. Very much appreciated.

[@Paladin1873]

@@TheHistoryChap Soon all such memories of the past will be lost, save for those few fragments we post in the ether we call the internet.

[@MeowingWhale]

Thanks for this video - My grandfather worked on engineering the bridge in the film when he worked in Sri Lanka! Great content as always

[@Simon.the.Likeable]

Walking through the cemetery on Anzac Day some years ago now and being bought to tears at the sight of the graves of those cut down in the flower of their youth, I realised there were so many heroes of the River Kwai. Still, Smedley Bulter was 100% correct when he said, "War is a racket."

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing your journey. Must’ve been a poignant moment.

[@user-ws8xn1sw7c]

I saw the film and made the trip to kanchanburi in 1993 and travelled on the railway....thank you for your excellent presentation.❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@richardbailey3343]

I remember listening to a audio recording of this brave fellow many years ago and still when i speak of the movie behind it, people still cant get past the movie.😮

[@brianperkins4155]

Thank You.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You're welcome

[@heinzh5687]

In early 2000 I saw the Thailand part of the bridge. The Thais take pretty good care of it, I saw them doing some welding on it.

[@hunglikeadonkeybutnotassmelly]

I have lost count how many times I watched the film...I know,,,MADNESS Bloody Madness! Because of that i went to Kanchanaburi to see it for myself.

[@thehumancanary131]

Also, the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was made in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). I have visited the site, and am surprised the film crew survived the awful curries that were sold in nearby restaurants. You should have mentioned "Weary Dunlop" - a famous Australian doctor who treated many of the POWs - being a POW himself.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to contribute

[@markfisher8206]

Excellent Chris. I have marched across the bridge whistling “ the tune” along with a troop of Thai Boy Scouts in uniform who must have wondered about the crazy round eye. The other fact that I have never forgotten from the museum at one of the cemeteries is that the first soldiers to die were all members of the battalion ( Dorsets I believe) soccer team as they had no accumulated body fat to sustain them,and thus weakened and died.The other fact was the steel part of the bridges were taken from a railway in the dutch East Indies and shipped to the site.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your story.

[@dandog7653]

I enjoyed the movie, suspected it was not accurate in any way, was pleased to get this truthful version from you. What a great story, you did a great job telling it. Thank you.

[@stillstanding123]

Another superb account Chris and thank you for your respect not only to the captured soldiers but also the even greater numbers of locals who also perished. Your research into the post war effects and stories behind Toosey and Saito was so interesting. I now live in Thailand and each year try to pay my respects at the CWG cemetery at Kanchanaburi. It is a calm and well kept memorial to those men who died and quietly walking around reading the families inscriptions brings tear to my eye. Your videos are so good at reporting the often overlooked facts. Thank you Chris

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@margaretklos8937]

​@@TheHistoryChapthank you for making this video. I never knew the true story of the bridge until I found your video.

[@kevinfuller1805]

I just came back from visiting Kanchanaburi cemetery and Hell fire pass. It is a place certainly worth a visit and brings home the horrors of war. May all the soldiers from both sides rest in peace.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for posting that nice comment

[@bobclover4634]

Brilliant video as always. Your portrayal of the people involved in these historic events really is magnificent. I look forward to the next one.

[@TheHistoryChap]

it's like painting the Forth Bridge! Ha ha

[@eamonnclabby7067]

​@@TheHistoryChapthe old ones are the best....maybe next ,the battle of Handforth parish council...only kidding...😅😅😅...what would I know I,m from Birkenhead....E...

[@kathrinevaradaraj4365]

My grandmother-in-law survived working on the death railway. Her family was Tamil coolies under the British in Malaysia, and when the British plantation owners fled, they had no work. The Japanese put up posters asking for workers and promised food and shelter, so her family volunteered. Out of 2 parents and 9 siblings, only 2 survived. Her work consisted mostly of carrying big rocks up a hill, she said. When I asked how her family died, she said it was because they drank bamboo water that cut up their intestines and they bleed to death. I believe they got typhoid or cholera. They survived eating tapioca, and she would not under any circumstance eat tapioca ever.She said that they felt very sorry for the British, as they were not used to hard labor like the coolies were. After the war she married and got 7 children. She lived to be 79 years old and was an absolutely wonderful lady.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching my video & for sharing your interesting family story.

[@aislinnkeilah7361]

A remarkable podcast setting the record straight.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to listen

[@robertsansone1680]

Excellent as always. Thank You

[@Lemmi99]

My uncle was in Philip Toosey's TA regiment before the war and was evacuated from Dunkirk with him. He was 19.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks so much for sharing your family story

[@jameshepburn4631]

The famous 1957 movie “The Bridge On The River Kwai” was based on the 1952 book by Frenchman Pierre Boulle which in English was “The Bridge Over The River Kwai”. Boulle was an engineer by profession. He was working for the Free French in Singapore when the Japanese captured it and they made him a forced labor prisoner for two years. He wrote ‘Bridge’ inspired by personal experience. Boulle also, in 1963, wrote his other classic “Planet Of The Apes” on which the series of 9 movies is based.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing. he always argued that the CO in the book was not based on Toosey but on French Vichy collaborators whom he came across in Indo-China.

[@robertchubb5602]

How a man can respect another foe...this is priceless..they shared what is known..and unknown to us..and this man became respectful of this man's resilience and passion. This gave him back his life

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to write a comment too.

[@davidarchibald50]

Thanks for that HC. In these days of the returning of the bestiality of war across the globe it is easy to fall into despair about the moral arc of humanity. The story of LC Toosey and SM Saito is an indication that there is a goodness given to some that will survive even the darkest horrors. Maybe there is hope yet for humanity.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@d.g.n9392]

Very well done video, I have watched the movie several times through the years. Interesting to hear the real story and the men’s biography

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@roddixon368]

Thanks, my father was stationed at RAF Seletar 1965-7. Even then there were still many examples where the POWs had managed to poorly construct things. The roads between Seletar and Changi where my school was had several good examples. The Japanese and Korean troops had very few trained engineers in their ranks and had to rely on the POWs for these skills.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Fascinating to hear how the POWs quietly resisted

[@stuartdavey1327]

Another great video! Filled me with anger and sadness and everything in between keep them coming

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment

[@michaelmalone9062]

I remember watching the fictional film in 1960. Thanks for bringing truth to the story of the Bridge on the River Kwai. And thanks for honoring the real Lt. Colonel commander of the POW's. "History Chap" you do an outstanding job of teaching us history in an outstanding way.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your very kind comment. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel

[@michaelmalone9062]

Yes, I'm a subscriber. Thanks for your good work.

[@Ceilliau]

Thank you so much. What a wonderful story brought to life for us all to appreciate. Those men on both sides made so many sacrifices that we can not possibly imagine that hardship in our modern, comfortable, and frankly placid lives

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching my video

[@bruceferguson6637]

Enjoyed this clarification of events over the movie. Quite a story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@desfourie528]

Thank you from South Africa

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure, thanks for watching

[@garysimpson3900]

Like "Zulu" this film is a travesty to reality. I remember your article that Private Hook's relatives walked out of the "Zulu" Premier at the portrayal of their relative.

[@MasonBryant]

I understand how they felt but the film wasn't made for them. He was a brilliant multifaceted character.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to make that comparison.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Great to hear the entire, true story. Thank you.

[@kmorton54]

Chris, this was one of your best videos. Well done you 👏

[@pugowner1347]

Thanks for the perspective.

[@TheHistoryChap]

At the end of the day, History is all about perspectives

[@simonnoble7589]

Hi , that was fantastic to watch , you tell the story so well ... Loved your work , on my fav film .. Thank you 😃🙃😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@brianivey73]

Another stellar video! My favorite yet sir

[@andysvehiclehistorychannel]

I'v been so looking forward to this video and as usual you didn't disappoint 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@kelvinriach4573]

There ought to be another film with the true story of the Bridge told warts and all My late dad served in Burma 1942-45. I remember once when the film was on TV he told me to switch it off explained it was all lies .God bless those 16,00, brave lads and the numerous civilians who were worked to death. And total respect for Lt/Col Toosey Why did he never get the Victoria Cross Staying with his men when he could have escaped on one of those last ships?

[@samrodian919]

They would never have given a VC to somebody who had surrendered. " Not the done thing old boy" you can just imagine it can't you?

[@marywagner9927]

There is ! It is To End All Wars. It is fantastic, but brutal.

[@Stornoman]

4:03 If there is another film of that period they should base it on my Uncle's experience. He was a Medic on the bridge, see his book 'In the Shadow of Death by Idris James Barwick. Out of print but copies available in the internet.

[@Katmando376]

Thank you, Chris, one of the best videos you have done!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you, thanks.

[@eamonnclabby7067]

​@@TheHistoryChaptotally echo that sentiment...E...

[@mikenorton3294]

Thank you for telling the real story.

[@WaltANelsonPHD]

The Man Behind the Bridge. Written by Peter Davies. Presents the story in detail. Shows the bravery of Toosey, his medical staff, his men and also civilians who helped the Brits. After having read this book, I formed the opinion that the movie should be shelved and any awards revolked. Thanks for posting the facts. Toosey is a great man.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback.

[@WaltANelsonPHD]

@@TheHistoryChap Best wishes to you!

[@gregorylumpkin2128]

One thing that is highly accurate stands the test of time is the statement made by the good doctor at the very end: "madness".

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@bobjackson4720]

The Singapore surrender was ridiculous, the British military leaders surrendered to a much smaller, much less well equipped force. It was a huge mistake which ended up causing a huge number of deaths.

[@FranceDuseberg-yo8ej]

What a wonderful story of very brave men. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kaythomas5884]

A friend of my father worked on the railway and survived to return to Australia and work as a sleeper cutter for our Queensland Railways. His name was Phil Davis. He was nearly blind from beri beri. They used to go cane cutting, also hard work. Kay

[@TheHistoryChap]

Kay, thanks for taking the time to share your story about Phil Davis.

[@kaythomas5884]

Those men were forgotten for a long time, but this has changed a lot. Not that it worried them. They continued on with life and were thus victorious. I have included this in my book the Pilgrims Progress to Victory, since I found out my father is descended for one of the Pilgrim Fathers of America, the Rev Thomas Blossom, Kay Thomas@@TheHistoryChap

[@bradwilliams7212]

Thank you. Like so many, I had no idea. Your research is well respected.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@anglo4906]

Brilliant video as always

[@alexandradane3672]

Thank you and I’m delighted to have found this channel and become a new Subscriber .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support, & thanks for watching my video.

[@davepask4706]

Another great video Chris. Love your work. Would you consider doing a video on the Wager mutiny and Captain Cheap? Little known but fascinating story.

[@balasubramaniamjanardhanan9673]

Thanks for sharing such important information.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching my video.

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

Thank you that was an excellent video and quite emotional especially the ending Total Respect

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel here on KZbin

[@davidwhite4874]

I took a short break there while living in Bangkok in '93. Walked across the bridge in flip-flops (not advisable). There's an interesting little museum there, too, called the JEATH museum, for some reason.

[@kevinfuller1805]

The Jeath name is made up from the country's of Japan, England, Australia, Thailand and I think the last is Holland. So I am told.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

It’s great to remember the treatment of the local population…. As you say, the bridge wasn’t over the Kwai. The Burma Railway doesn’t cross the Kwai. The railway bridge goes over the Mae Klong. However for years after the film was released tourists started to arrive looking to find ‘the bridge over the river Kwai’. The ever enterprising Thais subsequently renamed a section of the Mae Klong to ‘Kwai.’ As you say the bridge was bombed and indeed you can see the carcasses of two unexploded 1000lb bombs on the eastern abutment. It’s only a reasonably short bus ride from Bangkok and still worth a visit, not least to see the excellent Australian-run museum at Hellfire Pass and the beautifully maintained Commonwealth War Grave at Kanchanaburi.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share this information and how close it is to Bangkok.

[@tomparatube6506]

I'm glad I ran across and watched this. Very educational and eye opening. Thank you 👍👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching. Please do subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss further videos

[@Love_rainy_days]

Thanks for sharing! that was a great movie and a great march.💂‍♀💂‍♀ My dad was a POW in WW2 with his brother in Germany. The Germans put them on a farm to work. The American POWs acted like they did not know how to do farm work and the German said "All Americans are all cowboys and gangsters and don't know how to do farm work". Then, a farm kid from Minnesota, came to the farm. And he was a working fool. When the German saw him working they knew all the Americans knew how to work, and the American POWs holiday was over. Love the channel.💖 My dad passed in 2000 at age 78. The VA ruled his death was related to him being a POW in Germany 40 years before. So all the POWs of WW2 had it bad. They were the greatest generation. Cheers 🍺🍺🤠

[@MrBook123456]

thanks a another good video

[@roycanriz]

A great programme. Thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@Aguilatriste46]

Thank you very much for this. My husband and I visited the camp when we went to Thailand and we saw the museum. I saw the movie and I remember crying. The real story is much more moving. My husband was French and I am Mexican regards and thank you again.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to tell me about your visit to Thailand and the camp

[@sailordude2094]

Powerful story that he stayed to be with his men. Thanks for the history!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@morrismclean3584]

I had an Uncle who was there. When he came back to Australia he weighed about 7stone and had lost a lung. In his later life he became very upset that his Wife bought a Japanese car and his health deteriorated rapidly from this point. So few took time to consider his deep felt resentment.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your family story.

[@drtimsmith]

After the Japanese surrender, my father took over a section of the railway. He said it was heart-breaking, seeing men looking so thin. Yet, you had to be careful not to overfeed them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I had heard that last comment, thank you for confirming it

[@philipmarsden7104]

Excellent video, thankyou very much!

[@TheHistoryChap]

You are welcome!

[@generalbanastretarleton6578]

Absolutely fantastic video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks!

[@edlicsathiamurthy4520]

Thanks.... a powerful documentary

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markjackson6502]

The final act of the Japanese ex Sgt. Major at Brigadier Toosey’s grave shows what a truly remarkable man the Brigadier was.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment

[@v0n1b0]

I was doing okay until that final scene where I finally lost it.

[@steverosario5962]

This was a superb story ! Well done sir 👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks, & thanks for watching my video

[@garynurkiewicz7789]

Brilliant, mate

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks.

[@historybuff1673]

Love this, thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@HandyMan657]

Nicely done. Cheers

[@michaelstraker1027]

Thanks, Chris, for another informative video. I very much enjoyed it. Goodness knows what the survivors thought about the book and film. They must have been enraged.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@steveaxell2487]

Great story thanks, really great timing, I am travelling up to look at the bridge in the next week or so something I have wanted to do since seeing the film as a child ( I now live in Thailand).

[@TheHistoryChap]

Have fun!

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you this was fascinating

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@michaelhayden725]

I have had to joy or sorrow to walk across the bridge displayed in the doco. I have also walked “ hellfire pass”, it brought significant tears to my eyes. Australian Doctor and war hero E. E. (Weary) Dunlop who worked day a night to keep the prisoners alive. His ashes are interred in a section of that Pass. Seeing this again brought more tears.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing your travels and your tears

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Thank you for another informative video. I have visited the bridge, museum and graves. I found it a very moving experience. However, rightly or wrongly, I think that my overwhelming emotion was anger.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

@@TheHistoryChap further to my comment above. I have just visited my uncle’s grave at Trois Arbres cemetery near Lille in France. It is a relatively small ww1 cemetery surrounded by farms. The strange thing is that compared to visiting the war graves near the bridge on the river Kwai I experienced very little emotion at all, even though my uncle is buried there. Perhaps just sadness.

[@Rogue66669]

My great uncle was captured at Singapore where he was wounded in the hand, he died Oct 1943 and is buried at Kanchanaburi cemetery

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching my video & for sharing our family story.

[@RJM1011]

Thank you for this video a family member on my mothers side worked on this bridge also.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks

[@pookieanderson9474]

Very nice story