What's COFEPOW?
COFEPOW is a Registered Charity dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the Far East Prisoners of War.
VJ-Day 80th anniversary
New lapel pin design children’s competition
August 15th 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ-Day. As in the past, COFEPOW will be commemorating this next significant anniversary with a special new COFEPOW lapel pin badge design competition for children.
More Details & Entry Form →
Boxed VJ-Day 75th anniversary pin, produced in 2020
COFEPOW's Latest News
Keep up to date with all of COFEPOW's latest news. See details below.
FEPOW Repatriation Memorial Ceremony - Southampton
News
November 18, 2024
In autumn 1945 over 20,000 British prisoners returned via Southampton port
Liverpool VJ80 Conference – still a few places, register without delay!
News
November 13, 2024
The Researching FEPOW History Group (RFHG) is pleased to confirm the VJ80 conference
COFEPOW's Upcoming Events
Make sure you don't miss any of COFEPOW's upcoming events. See details below.
Poems of Hope Volume II
Click Here to Submit Poem →In 2019, the trustees of COFEPOW initiated a drive to collate as many poems written by FEPOWs and their families as possible, to create an anthology of poetry. The collection featured over 80 poems, many of which were written during captivity or based on recollections or emotions experienced by close family since the war. Published under the title “Poems of Hope”, it went on sale via the merchandising office at £11.99 and has sold well to raise funds for the charity.
A second volume is being assessed for viability and is hoped to contain not only poetry by captives, but also stories, and thoughts or memories of loved ones in poetry form.
Merchandising Officers, Nick and Sylvie Bullen-Bell are asking for contributions of any new or freshly discovered poetry to be included. Any originals will be returned, but in the interests of protecting family heirlooms, they would prefer if rewritten or typed contributions could be submitted.
If you would like to provide any poems, please contact them at the merchandise site by emailing: tickles.sbb@gmail.com, phone 01245 222 604 / mobile 07721 067501 OR by clicking on the button above and submitting your poem.
Research Database
COFEPOW has developed Research Database, which is designed to assist in finding information on WW2 and the Far East easily and quickly. Thousands of liberation questionnaires are now available on the Research Database. There is an integrated search engine to make finding information easier.
Go To Database →The True Story of the Bridge on the River Kwai
One of the most misunderstood events in history. Contrary to the romanticized film version, the structures represent a period of terror, desperation, and death for over 16,000 POWs. The Thailand - Burma Railway was the vision of the Japanese Imperial Army: a 250 mile track cut through dense jungle that would connect Bangkok and Rangoon. To accomplish this nearly impossible feat, the fanatical and ruthless Japanese engineers used POWs and local slaves as manpower. Candid interviews with men who lived through the atrocity including Dutch, Australian, British, and American POWs illuminate the violence and horror of their three and a half year internment. From Britain's surrender of Singapore the enduring force of friendship.
