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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 Bronze Repatriation Memorial Re-dedication

News
December 10, 2024
Organised by The Researching FEPOW History Group (RFHG)
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BAFEPOW December 2024 News Sheet

News
December 6, 2024
Important news from the BAFEPOW Committee
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FEPOW Repatriation Memorial Ceremony - Southampton

News
November 18, 2024
In autumn 1945 over 20,000 British prisoners returned via Southampton port
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BAFEPOW November 2024 News Sheet

News
November 14, 2024
Important news from the BAFEPOW Committee
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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
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BAFEPOW October 2024 News Sheet

News
October 7, 2024
Important news from the BAFEPOW Committee
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News From Borneo - Sept 2024

News
September 25, 2024
Websites: www.lynettesilver.com & www.sandakandeathmarch.com
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The Battle of Leyte Golf Anniversary

News
September 10, 2024
80th Anniversary Commenoration
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BAFEPOW September 2024 News Sheet

News
September 2, 2024
Important news from the BAFEPOW Committee
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BAFEPOW August 2024 News Sheet

News
August 6, 2024
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.

VJ80 Plans Materialise

All members welcome to VJ80 commemorations
August 17, 2025
Details  →

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 →

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.

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...