BURMA: There and back...again. Even though my previous visit (Autumn 2007) went extremely well, I was always determined to return - I HATE loose ends! - in order to 'capture' those c27,000 names on the Rangoon Memorial. In addition: I also wanted to photograph all the names on both the Taukkyan Cremation Memorial (c1000 names) and the Taukkyan Memorial (c45 names). The Rangoon Memorial is a wonderful monument to behold and a fitting tribute to all those brave solders, whose names are inscribed on it's pillars/faces. View it via GOOGLE Maps or Find A Grave: Rangoon Memorial& The Singapore Memorial holds a similar number of names (c24,000) and with the help of a telescopic device - produced at home - I was able to capture all the names inscribed on it's 472 columns during a visit there in Jan/Feb of this year.I am now distributing these names via this good website. From a photographer's point-of-view,the Rangoon Memorial is, however, a completely different kettle-of-fish. In general terms, it consists of 56 pillars with names inscribed on both sides of each pillar (112 faces).These pillars are c6 - 7 mtrs tall and only about 1 mtr wide. And the distance between them is very small indeed...c1-1.5 mtrs. And all that's before the Sun decides to play games with contrast/shadows/reflections(stonework is very white- bright)/camera electronics. It took me one day of just walking around to study the light patterns and movement of the Sun. This time of year - March - it's directly overhead at mid-day...or...as near-as-dammit! Once understood, it took me another 4 days to complete the operation itself. In addition, I re-visited CWGC Rangoon and CWGC Thanbyuzayat and re-took photographs of all the graves in both of those locations + of course, all the graves at CWGC Taukkyan itself. I am now sorting all of these new images and hope to be able to offer them to you in the next 6 to 8 weeks. Will post again when they are available for distribution. Two further points: 1. I would like to relate to you the wonderful hospitality, patience and assistance I received from all the CWGC Staff at these 3 locations: CWGC Taukkyan: Oscar (Mgr) and Peter (Head Gardener) CWGC Rangoon: Mohan (Mgr) CWGC Thanbyuzayat: Simon (Mgr) When all's said and done, it's all about 'teamwork' and we must never forget all those wonderful people who make life so much easier for photographers like myself. I have already send a memo to CWGC HQ in UK concerning the above. 2. According to the CWGC, the Rangoon Memorial... ''was designed by Mr. H.J. Brown, ARIBA and unveiled by General Sir Francis Festing, GCB, KBE, DSO on 9 February 1958....''. Query: Does anybody know anything about H.J.Brown?? If so, can you contact me directly via my e-mail address nt872b(at)hotmail.com Many thanks. Tony
Tony, Tremendous effort on your project. With regards to H.J. Brown with the letters he was a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. I cannot find anything personally about the man, but the Institute may be worth pursuing. Regards Tom
Hi Tony, As always good to hear from you and as Tom has mentioned-Tremendous effort ! Ref the Rangoon Memorial there maybe some movie footage in the Pathe News website of the official opening. Regards Andy
Tony, I think I can safely say that anyone who you have ever helped in regard to memorials in the SE Asian theatre, is forever in your debt. You have given me so much assistance over the years and this has allowed me to send images to families, who would otherwise never have seen the final resting place of their loved ones. I will no doubt be in contact again when the Rangoon Memorial photos are up and ready. Many thanks again. Bamboo.
I would also like to thank Tony for his help and fantastic images. I have passed onto relatives of the men who died that I have so far found and will pass on the rest when I find more relatives. When you consider that the relatives of the dead men have never seen the graves of these men, it is very touching to see the gravestones of the men who died. It has meant alot to me to see the graves of the men who's bodies my great grand father and his platoon recovered laying next to each other. I'm sure that the relatives really aprreicate that ability to see where there husband/brother are buried. Thank you Ed
Great work Tony and I know your efforts are much appreciated by many both here at Talk and elsewhere, and I might just have a query I have had for a while to run past you thanks for your sterling work, Jason
Tony, Fantastic effort that is appreciated by me and many others. Will be in touch when Rangoon is ready. At the moment recieving Kranji from you. Cheers Paul
Good effort that man. Do you ever have any hassle travelling to Burma/Myanmar ? I hear it's a bit dodgey.
