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COFEPOW

The members of COFEPOW are the children, families and friends of the many thousands of men, women and children imprisoned or interned and those who died at the hands of the Japanese in the Far East.

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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.

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New Bus Service to the NMA

News
August 17, 2025
Tamworth to NMA via Alrewas
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VJ80 Lichfield Service Streaming

News
August 15, 2025
https://youtube.com/live/AphsdCNU8Z0
Read More  →

BAFEPOW August 2025 News Sheet

News
August 8, 2025
Important news from the BAFEPOW Committee
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VJ80 Activities at IWMs Across the Country

News
August 1, 2025
The End of the Second World War at Imperial War Museums
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DCMS Newsletter - VJ80

News
July 24, 2025
VJ80 Newsletter
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BAFEPOW July 2025 News Sheet Copy

News
July 2, 2025
Important news from the BAFEPOW Committee
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The Lanarkshire Yeomanry Group VJ80 2025

News
June 10, 2025
St Brigids' Centre, Newmains
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VJ80 Commemoration Suffolk

News
June 9, 2025
St Mary's Church, Bury St Edmunds. Friday 15th August.
Read More  →

News From Borneo - May 2025

News
June 9, 2025
Websites: www.lynettesilver.com & www.sandakandeathmarch.com
Read More  →

BAFEPOW June 2025 News Sheet

News
June 5, 2025
Important news from the BAFEPOW Committee
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COFEPOW's Upcoming Events

Make sure you don't miss any of COFEPOW's upcoming events. See details below.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO UPCOMING EVENTS. PLEASE CHECK AGAIN SOON FOR UPDATES.

In Memory of Eileen Robertson

Eileen was held in high regard and loved by so many members, please make some time to read three very poignant and touching obituaries from Graham, her husband, Carole Cooper, former chairman and trustee, and Norman Craik.

Read Obituaries Here →

More Poems of Hope

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.

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.

The COFEPOW National Enterprise Competition for Primary Schools

The COFEPOW National Enterprise Competition for Primary Schools

We are delighted to say that we are about to embark on a new project which involves establishing a competition for Primary Schools. You are cordially invited to attend the launching of our Education programme on 15th February 2017.

VJ76 Lichfield Cathedral Service - 14th August 2021

For the many that couldn't attend Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday - luckily the entire service was recorded and can be watched below...

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO UPCOMING EVENTS. PLEASE CHECK AGAIN SOON FOR UPDATES.