Skip to content

As the prisoners’ commanding officer and senior medical…

“As the prisoners’ commanding officer and senior medical officer, Dorrigo Evans reported to Major Nakamura that four men had died the day before, two overnight, and that this left eight hundred and thirty-eight POWs. Of this eight hundred and thirty-eight, sixty-seven had cholera and were in the…” quote by Richard Flanagan
Download Open image
““As the prisoners’ commanding officer and senior medical officer, Dorrigo Evans reported to Major Nakamura that four men had died the day before, two overnight, and that this left eight hundred and thirty-eight POWs. Of this eight hundred and thirty-eight, sixty-seven had cholera and were in the cholera compound, and another one hundred and seventy-nine were in hospital with severe illness. A further one hundred and sixty-seven were too ill for any work other than light duties.””

Richard Flanagan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The report details the dire conditions of POWs, highlighting massive illness and mortality, underscoring the brutal realities of war captivity.

In simple terms: War captivity brings severe suffering and disease.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge and learn from wartime hardships.

Themes

war suffering human rights

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

historical documentary

When to use this quote

  • military history
  • humanitarian work
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

history medical ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What lessons can modern societies draw from such suffering?
  • How can we better support prisoners of war today?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Richard Flanagan

Explore all 176 Richard Flanagan quotes

More Cholera quotes

Browse all 66 Cholera quotes