Home / War and Conflict / Forgotten WWII Heroes' Remains Desecrated, Families Demand Justice
Forgotten WWII Heroes' Remains Desecrated, Families Demand Justice
14 Aug
Summary
- Chinese salvage barge ransacked WWII shipwrecks for 92 days
- Human remains found among the looted items, now in Malaysian custody
- 105-year-old veteran pleads for proper burial of fallen comrades
On the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the veterans of the Far East are once again feeling like an afterthought. As they gather for the solemn commemorations, they are reminded of the bitter-sweet emotions they have carried for decades.
The war in the Pacific has long been overshadowed by the events in Europe, and the sacrifices of these soldiers continue to be overlooked. This is exemplified by the shocking revelation that the wrecks of two Royal Navy ships, HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales, have been desecrated by Chinese salvage operators.
Over the past year, it has come to light that a Chinese barge spent 92 days ransacking these war graves, plundering the sites for scrap metal. Worse still, human remains were discovered among the stolen goods, now in the custody of Malaysian authorities. Despite this, the British government has been slow to act, leaving the families of the fallen heroes outraged.
The lone survivor of the sinkings, 105-year-old Royal Marine Jim Wren, has pleaded for the remains to be given a proper burial by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Wren, who narrowly escaped death when his ship was bombed, is now the oldest living Royal Marine and has been honored by the King for his service.
As the nation commemorates the end of the war in the Pacific, it is clear that the sacrifices of these 'forgotten' soldiers must not be forgotten. The desecration of their final resting places is a shameful act that demands immediate action from the British government to ensure these brave men are laid to rest with the dignity they deserve.
