Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Taiwan Memorial Unveils History of Allied WWII POWs
During World War II, Japan held Allied prisoners of war (POWs) in Taiwan.
These POWs, captured in Southeast Asia, endured brutal conditions.
Many survivors didn't speak about it and little was known for many years.
A memorial now stands where the Kinkaseki camp once was, with over 4,000 names etched on it.
About 4,300 Allied soldiers were sent to these camps, with about 430 dying from disease and harsh treatment.
The experiences of these POWs were long overlooked compared to other notorious camps.
Efforts have been made to build memorials and raise awareness about their suffering.
Over 4,000 names of Allied POWs are etched on a memorial in Taiwan.
The memorial is located on the site of the Kinkaseki POW camp, run by Japan during WWII.
More than 4,300 Allied servicemen were sent to Taiwan from 1942.
The POWs were captured across Southeast Asia and held in harsh conditions.
430 men died in the camps due to malnutrition, disease, overwork and torture.
- Who
- Allied servicemen, including British, American, Australian, and others, held as POWs by Japan.
- What
- Allied POW camps in Taiwan during WWII are being remembered.
- When
- From 1895 to 1945, during WWII.
- Where
- Taiwan, specifically near Taipei.
- Why
- To remember the suffering and raise awareness about the POWs.
- Location of Memorial
- Taiwan, near Taipei
- POW Camp Name
- Kinkaseki
- Number of Names on Memorial
- Over 4,000
- Number of POWs Sent
- Over 4,300
- Cause of Death
- Malnutrition, disease, overwork, and torture
- Countries of Origin
- British, American, Australian, Dutch, Canadian, and New Zealand servicemen