What would you hold onto if everything was taken from you?

In this episode, step inside the lives of Australian prisoners of war and experience captivity through the eyes of those who lived it. From the brutal conditions of the Death Railway to hidden diaries, daring escapes and moments of defiance, these are stories that go far beyond survival.

You'll hear how men and women endured hunger, disease and uncertainty, and how they found ways to resist, support each other and stay human in the harshest conditions imaginable.

This is not just a story about war. It is about resilience, courage and the choices people make when pushed to their limits.

Want to go deeper into the stories featured in this episode?

Discover the people, objects, voices and histories behind these accounts, including collection items, photographs and personal records from the Australian War Memorial.

Explore the full episode online: https://wm.awm.gov.au/listen/

If this episode raises difficult feelings, support is available:

• Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Behind every object, photograph and record in the Australian War Memorial's collection is a human story.

Some are well known. Others have remained hidden in diaries, letters, personal accounts, and memories.

Through Their Eyes brings these stories to life through conversations with historians, veterans, families, curators and subject matter experts, revealing the people behind the events that shaped our nation.

An official Australian War Memorial podcast. This series is proudly brought to you by Leidos Australia.