Anniversary of the Cowra Breakout - Exhibitions and Shows, Festivals and Celebrations
The Cowra Prisoner of War (POW) campsite was the site of a mass breakout of more than 1,100 Japanese during World War II. At 2am on 5 August 1944 Japanese prisoners of war launched a mass escape. Two hundred and thirty-one Japanese lost their lives in the Breakout, 107 were wounded while a further 334 managed to escape into the surrounding countryside. Three Australian soldiers died during the breakout, while a fourth was killed in the subsequent round-up of escapees. It took nine days for all escapees to be re-captured. The Cowra Breakout remains the largest mass prison escape in modern military history.
The anniversary will be commemorated with a number of services at sites around Cowra including wreath laying at Squire Park, the prisoner of war campsite and the Japanese and Australian War Cemeteries. A number of special events will also be held including a church service and the annual luncheon of the Cowra Breakout Association.
Open Time
From 4.15pm Wednesday to 4.00pm Thursday. | |
Contact Details:
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