The Tanjong Priok Chapel Windows
The Chapel at Tanjong Priok, Java was built by the Far East Pows in 1942.
Very little tangible evidence still exists today that can bear testament to the ordeal imposed upon the POWS during their inhuman captivity in the Far East during this time.
The beautiful work of art created in the Chapel windows at Tanjong Priok is unbelievable given the surroundings in which they were produced. The unique painted glass windows made for this small Chapel on Java are now in the All Saints Anglican Church in Jakarta, where they have been framed and mounted on the rear wall. Each window is approximately 200mm wide by 1000mm high. Beneath the windows is a plaque which reads as follows:-
THESE WINDOWS WERE IN A CHAPEL AT TANJONG PRIOK BUILT BY PRISONERS OF WAR IN 1942.
THEY WERE PAINTED BY LIEUTENANT COMMANDER H C UPTON RNVR NOW CHIEF ARCHITECT OF CABLE AND WIRELESS LIMITED, LONDON.
THIS PLAQUE HAS BEEN PRESENTED BY CABLE AND WIRELESS LIMITED IN MEMORY OF ALLIED SERVICEMEN WHO DIED IN JAVA.
There is no doubt that these windows are historically very valuable, if only to show mankind what can be achieved in the face of adversity to give some small comfort plus the strength and the will to carry on to those with very little hope.
COFEPOW is very much hoping to obtain copies of these two beautiful coloured windows to be incorporated in the construction of the FEPOW Memorial and Cultural Building at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.It is believed that these windows will enhance the FEPOW Building and also bring about a sense of peace and belonging. The windows will create, in a small corner of the building, a place where the relatives of Java FEPOWs can reflect upon the origins of the windows and the many men who bowed their heads before them in such tragic circumstances.
If anyone would like to contribute to the cost involved in this project, please contact COFEPOW member Meg Parkes. Email mm.parkes@btinternet.com