When is cooperation collaboration with the enemy?

We now know how close the men on the ‘Burma Railway’ came to being annihilated. It was not merely the working conditions and the lack of food and other supplies that threatened their lives. The Japanese were prepared to eliminate prisoners with callous disregard for their moral responsibilities. We know this from the actions undertaken by the Japanese military on Ambon and at Sandakan. At these locations, they literally drove the Australians into their graves.

Colonel Anderson knew that he must appease the Japanese or they might murder his men. Having witnessed the hard justice of the Japanese, perhaps he understood this intuitively. He was, by all accounts, a keen judge of character. However, it is also very likely they he took heed of the insights of the Dutch interpreter assigned to Brigadier Varley’s staff, Honorary Ensign Cor Punt.

Unlike Captain Dower, who was also a brave officer and an intrepid interpreter, and Colonel Williams, who was a courageous combat officer, Colonel Anderson was willing to placate the Japanese. He was willing to meet the captors on their terms. At least, he was willing to allow them to save face while he maneuvered them into a more favourable stance regarding the survival of his men.

He had done this during the Battle of Muar where his courage and leadership were both well manifested. The Japanese recognised in Colonel Anderson a man of valor. He had defeated them in battle. They gave him their respect and Colonel Anderson used this respect. He combined it with his own cunning, and with the good work of his men, to gain everything that he could for their welfare. However, this was not always enough and his tactics were not always understood.

Captain Richards was a young medical officer who had cross-trained as an artilleryman. He gave of himself unstintingly in his fight to save the lives of those entrusted to him. The Captain certainly earned the praise and regard of all those who owed him their lives and their well-being. His reputation has continued to grow over the years. He can rightly expect our respect. However, he was not always able to see, hear and move in one motion, as it were.