A Review of:-

‘NOTIFY ALEC RATTRAY…’ by Meg Parkes

We have here a book which covers a whole range of human emotion that most people will never experience, except those who lived an served in the years of World War II.

It is not a book to be enjoyed and it is not meant to be so.  The author painstakingly has spent long hours in research and collation to portray for future generations particularly, a kaleidoscope of the life of Far Eastern Prisoners of War, their thoughts and deprivations; the severance and distance of loved ones, and the desire to return to normality, and their aspirations for the future.

 Captain Atholl Duncan and his fiancée Elizabeth built an invisible ‘Bridge of Love’ that spanned countries and continents, which remained steadfast – a bridge that could never be demolished or destroyed.

 Hope too was never abandoned; the day would come for reunion, no matter how long their separation lasted.

The endurance and sheer bravery, the resolution of mind and physical condition and handicaps were seen as obstacles to be defeated rather than succumbed to.

The prison camp environment, and the imprisoned minds at home caused by ‘not knowing’ are just a few of the factors that make this book compulsive reading.  Above all, it is an outstanding example for younger generations to learn of the indomitable British Spirit in adversity, that we and they are fortunate enough to inherit.

Rev. E. J. C. Loseby – Padre for the Wigston & District Branch of the Burma Star Association.