“Representing Canadian Interests in all Matters Relative to Canadian War Dead:” Lt. Col. J.A. Bailie and the Recovery, Concentration and Burial of the “C” Force Casualties in Japan and Hong Kong

Abstract

Abstract : The processes and rituals of grieving, memorializing and remembering a nation’s war dead are well known, while the project of recovering, concentrating and preparing wartime casualties for burial is less clearly understood. The task of burying the Canadian war dead in the Pacific fell to one individual, former pow, Lt. Col. J.A. Bailie. This paper investigates Bailie’s experience that began with his pow journals and ended with the consecration of the Yokohama and Sai Wan Military Cemeteries in Japan and Hong Kong. Bailie’s efforts and the relationships he developed with Canada’s allies heralded successful results, despite meagre resources and support