Robyn Curnow's grandfather was held in Changhi Prison in Singapore during World War II. This pencil sketch, captioned "Changi, 1942," is one of the few mementos he kept from his time as a prisoner of the Japanese army.
Robert Oxley —
Robyn Curnow's grandfather was held in Changhi Prison in Singapore during World War II. This pencil sketch, captioned "Changi, 1942," is one of the few mementos he kept from his time as a prisoner of the Japanese army.
Courtesy Robyn Curnow/CNN
Oxley was listed as missing one month after arriving in Singapore in January 1942. He spent the next three and half years as a prisoner of war, enduring brutality and hardship.
Missing —
Oxley was listed as missing one month after arriving in Singapore in January 1942. He spent the next three and half years as a prisoner of war, enduring brutality and hardship.
Courtesy Robyn Curnow/CNN
Oxley's exact movements during his time in captivity aren't known. This postcard from his family, sent via the Red Cross, lists him as being at No. 1 POW camp, Thailand.
Messages from home —
Oxley's exact movements during his time in captivity aren't known. This postcard from his family, sent via the Red Cross, lists him as being at No. 1 POW camp, Thailand.
Courtesy Robyn Curnow/CNN
One missive from home signs off "Well cheerio and keep smiling, from Bill, Gladys, Mother and Father."
Keep smiling —
One missive from home signs off "Well cheerio and keep smiling, from Bill, Gladys, Mother and Father."
Courtesy Robyn Curnow/CNN
Changi Prison was originally built by the British in 1936. During World War II the Japanese kept prisoners of war here. It continued to be used after the war as a jail -- this photo was taken in 1965. A museum commemorating its wartime inmates now stands close to the original site.
Changi —
Changi Prison was originally built by the British in 1936. During World War II the Japanese kept prisoners of war here. It continued to be used after the war as a jail -- this photo was taken in 1965. A museum commemorating its wartime inmates now stands close to the original site.
Central Press/Getty Images