Published on Thursday, 7 May 2020 at 11:03:46 AM
Albany’s heart is heavy today as it farewells one of its most loved and respected community members, and “Death Railway” prisoner of war survivor Harold Martin, aged 103.
Mr Martin’s story is one of incredible resilience and strength to overcome indescribable suffering after he was captured by the Japanese in World War II and spent two long and brutal years working on the Thai-Burma Railway.
He then survived a grim journey to Japan on a notorious “hell ship” which was sunk by US submarines, leaving Harold to cling to a makeshift raft at sea for four days before the USS Pampanito came to his rescue.
Recounting the nightmare events of his past, Mr Martin worked to preserve his stories in film, creating the documentary ‘A Long Way Back’ with New York-based filmmaker Samm Blake.
The film follows Harold’s journeys back to Myanmar as he searches for the gravesites of his fallen mates before returning to the original Japanese trains that carried POWs on their journey to the camps of Thailand.
Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington paid tribute to Mr Martin, describing him as inspiring with stories of resilience and an attitude that would stand up to any challenge he confronted.
“We have lost one of the greats today, a true legend within the Albany community and my deepest thoughts are with the family and friends of Harold Martin at this time,” he said.
The City of Albany honoured Harold Martin on his 100th birthday in 2017 with a Chinese Elm tree planted in his name at Eyre Park, which stands today with pride.
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