Sandakan Day 2025

Honouring 80 Years of Courage, Sacrifice, and Remembrance

In 2025, we mark a solemn milestone — the 80th Anniversary of the Sandakan–Ranau Death March, one of the darkest yet most heroic chapters of World War II history in Southeast Asia. This year’s Sandakan Day holds even deeper meaning, as we pause to reflect on the endurance, suffering, and sacrifice of more than 2,400 Australian and British prisoners of war, and the Sabahans who risked their lives to help them.

Held each year on 15 August, Sandakan Day is a time for remembrance, unity, and healing. As we honour those who perished and those who survived, we also acknowledge the enduring connections between nations, families, and generations that have grown from this tragedy.

We invite you to explore this special 80th anniversary tribute — featuring historical insights, and heartfelt messages from descendants, veterans’ communities, and members of the public. Let us come together in memory and gratitude, ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

Background

Almost 2500 Australian and British prisoners of war were held in a camp at Sandakan during World War 2. Almost all perished by 1945, which is 1400 at Sandakan and the remainder on death marches or at Ranau, in Sabah’s interior. At war’s end, six Australians, who escaped and were cared for by villagers, were the sole survivors. No one survived at Sandakan. The last man left alive at the camp was beheaded on the morning of 15 August, five hours before Japan surrendered.

Sandakan and the Death Marches

During 1942-43, the Allied prisoners of war were transferred to Sandakan from Singapore by the Japanese to build a military airstrip. They were imprisoned at a camp near Mile 8, now the site of the Sandakan Memorial Park.

Between January and June 1945, more than 1000 malnourished POWs were force-marched to Ranau, 260 kilometres from Sandakan. About half died on the way, killed by the effects of the mountainous jungle terrain, tropical illnesses, malnutrition and brutal treatment by their guards. Anyone who could not keep up was killed. Those who survived this gruelling ordeal succumbed to starvation and illness at the destination camps. Sandakan’s 1400 remaining prisoners, too weak or ill to be moved, died at the camp in appalling conditions.

Local people, who remained loyal to the Allied cause, also suffered terribly. Many were executed. It is estimated that 14 per cent of Sabah’s population died under Japanese rule, from starvation and brutal treatment.

On 15 August 2025, the 80th anniversary of World War 2, we invite you to tune into a live streaming of the Sandakan Day Memorial Service

"Lest We Forget"

Sandakan Day 2025

80th Anniversary Message Submission

This year marks the solemn 80th anniversary of the Sandakan Death March, a significant chapter in our shared history. As we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who suffered and perished, we invite you to submit personal messages of remembrance and reflection.
Send your message

Messages

Madam Noredah Othman
Peace is now your world, dad. (Lieutenant Graham McLeod) Vicki McLeod Wilson - Australia
Madam Noredah Othman
After 80 years, we family of the Sandakan POW and Sabahans that suffered and fought to survive during Japanese occupation in Borneo still remember and feel the pain and loss of those that did not survive. I want to share photos of a few of those brave men, to remember them today and not forget what they endured in their effort to protect our freedoms. Lest We Forget Michael Glover - Australia
Madam Noredah Othman
This year, we solemnly mark the 80th anniversary of the Sandakan Death March — one of the most harrowing and heroic chapters in our shared history. We honour the memory of over 2,400 Australian and British prisoners of war who endured unimaginable hardship, and the brave Sabahans who, at great personal risk, offered aid and compassion in humanity’s darkest hour. Their sacrifice is etched into the soul of Sandakan, reminding us of the cost of war and the strength of the human spirit. As we gather in remembrance, may their courage, resilience, and the bonds forged in suffering continue to guide us toward peace, unity, and a more just world. Lest we forget. Catherin Chua AM Retiree - Sandakan Municipal Council Malaysia
Madam Noredah Othman
My thoughts will be with you on Sandakan Day, the 15 August 2025. It brings back memories of the years that I have visited Sabah, researching the history of Sabah and Borneo and admired the quiet and dignified bravery of the local people during those terrible years. I shall not be there as I am giving a reading at the Malayan Volunteer Group Service at the National Memorial Arboretum Chapel on VJ Day 80th Anniversary 2025. The reading is taken from my book. It is part of a letter written by Bernard Cole-Adams to his wife on 30 August 1945. He was the District Officer of Tawau and an internee for three years at Batu Lintang POW and Internee Camp, Sarawak. He died in the evening of 11 September 1945, the day the Australian K Force liberated Batu Lintang. He died a free man. 'We must keep the flame of history and remembrance burning.' John Tulloch - MBE Retired and Author of 'The Borneo Graveyard 1941-1945 UK

Media

Video produced and contributed by Dr Arthur Chung.

"Going Home" sung by Robert Gordon Ellice-Flint of 8th Division 2nd Australian Imperial Force Sandakan - Kuching Prisoner of War camp. Video produced and contributed by Mr Peter Kue.