Hell Fire pass
Hell Fire Pass is a part of Burma-Thailand Rail or Konyu Cross-cut as the Japanese called it. The Hell Fire Pass was one of the more difficult crossings on the 415 Km long railway line. The line was made by Australian, British, Dutch and other Allied prisoners of war who worked up to 18 hours a day. A tunnel was under consideration, but it would take a long time why the Japanese chose the solution to work down the mountain with the little tool available. During the 6 weeks it took to open this pass, alone, 700 people died of cholera, dysentery, hunger and fatigue. In addition, 69 prisoners were stabbed by the Japanese who showed the worst form of cruel treatment of prisoners the world had ever seen. The Japanese also lured many civilians to work on the track, and it was especially here the many deaths took place.
The railroad was not built for long-term use, and it was often bombed by the RAF. One of the more speckled bombings is the bridge inside Kanchanaburi, and it has been filmed several times. The best of the movies is unconditional recording from 1957, although the story is not completely truthful.
I revisited the pass on December 4, 2022.
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In advance, the difficult part of the passport is seen. A tree that started to grow me on the line shows that there have been no trains here for many years.
2017
The roots of the tree with enough space for children to walk through the tree.
2017
All channels for blasting the rocks are cut by hand tools
2017
Here a chisel got stuck and cracked. It has undoubtedly cost him life as the Japanese were inconsiderate
2017
At the end of the Hell Four Pass, this memory is raised. You can go on foot much longer if you want to enjoy nature in this quiet corner of the world.
2017
The view from the building where the trip starts is outstanding. Here you stand out on a glass slope and can look out and down the slope.
2017
It is possible to book a table, the telephone number is shown here. Note that the new parking space built in 2018 approx. 100 meters east of the old one....
2018
Here is the old route that can be wet during the rainy season.
2018
As seen here, the old route is not particularly suitable for people who are poorly walking, but you look more at the beautiful nature.
2018
The trip down from the museum takes place via several hundred steps. The stairs are beautiful and well-made, but due to the many steps, the tour is not recommended for those with walking difficulties. However, they can now be driven down in a golf cart along a path established in 2020 - 2021
2022
The old track has here in 2021 / 2022 been refreshed with new shards.
2022
The view from up here is absolutely breathtaking, and since it is slightly cloudy, the temperature is quite pleasant.
2022
Some tools from that time are attached to a rock. Visitors, especially from Australia, make sure there are always flowers in these places.
2022
In 1996, the Hell Fire pass was reopened. It happened through a collaboration between the Australian and Thai governments. The entire railway was long ago closed down, but a few of the old track bodies have found their way back. Here and there there are still some of the old sleepers.
2022
The sign reads "These rails and sleepers are from the official railway and were repositioned at Konyu Cutting in April 1989 by the men of C Company 3rd Battalion Roval Australian Regiment. They were moved to their current position in 2006"
The coins are placed by visitors, and not fixed.
2022
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