4275043 Fusilier Lester DOUTHWAITE, 9 Royal Northumberland Fusiliers: 07/08/1943, POW

I am researching my Grandma's brother Lester Douthwaite and I hope someone can help me find further information. Lester Douthwaite, Fusilier, 4275043. 9th Bn. Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. He died as a Japanese POW in Malya August 7th 1943 in Malaya. I am trying to find out where he was captured and if possible how he died. I know he is buried at Kanchanaburi Cemetery, Thailand. Plot 62.A.4. Please can some help me find further information?

Fusilier Lester Douthwaite | War Casualty Details | CWGC

 

Hi, I visited that cemetery a few years back and have a photo of his grave (along with others from the Northumberland Fusiliers). It is very close to the Bridge on the River Kwai and the Death Railway Museum is adjacent to the graveyard.

 

From 9th Bn Royal Northumberland Fusiliers - Missing Personnel post # 1,

4275043 Fus Douthwaite L Died 8-8-43 Malaria & Malnutrition [location] Tasoa [Tarsoa] [grave] 93 No. 2 Cem.

See also The 9th Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers Roll Of Honour.

Richard

 

Hi Azbrit,
I don't know if you are still reading this board but it's worth trying to get through to you.

I (and my wife) visit your Grandmother's brother's grave on Remembrance Sunday every year.
We say a prayer to him and thank him for his service.
We leave a poppy badge or 2 on the grave along with a 'Phuang Malai' (a Buddhist flower garland offered in prayer).
It isn't enough to pay Lester back for his sacrifice but it's a start.

Why do we do this?
We live in Thailand and I am an ex-member of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Lester served in the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, which on 23rd April 1968 merged with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) & the Lancashire Fusiliers to become the regiment that I served in, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

At my first visit to the Cemetery, we picked (and therefore) adopted a fusilier amongst the fallen and swore that as long as we are alive, our chosen soldier, Lester Douthwaite will never be forgotten.

 

Tony, that's a nice post and one which the family will be interested in. As you say Azbrit hasn't been around for a while but I have sent him a message just in case it gets through.