Tumbleweeds on the Wind

A family uprooted from a comfortable colonial existence, plunged into WWII and Japanese occupation. The family driven into concentration camps on Java; those who remained outside left without any means of survival as husbands and adult sons were transported to Burma, those who made it through and did not drown in the Java Sea. Post war conditions became worse as thousands of people were released from the concentration camps and while the trains unloaded on stations, the Indonesian freedom fighters opened fire on already emaciated women and children. Many fled to Singapore on British warships and were herded into camps, which were protected by British and American troops. The Burlifla POWs were transported to Thailand and families travelled there on army transport to look for their loved ones. Our family was very fortunate to be reunited with my father, to be repatriated to the distant home land of the Netherlands.

This story needs to be told as ensuing generations will forget the horrors of war.