Who was Weary Dunlop?
Sir Edward Weary Dunlop was an Australian surgeon who cared for fellow prisoners of war on the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II. He became a symbol of courage, compassion and leadership.
Dunlop was born in Victoria in 1907. He studied pharmacy and medicine and was also a talented athlete, playing rugby union for Australia.
During World War II, he served with the Australian Army Medical Corps. He was captured by the Japanese in Java in 1942.
On the railway
Dunlop was sent to work camps on the Thai-Burma Railway, where prisoners were forced to build a railway through jungle. Thousands died from disease, starvation and mistreatment.
Dunlop operated with basic tools, cared for the sick and stood up to the guards to protect his men. His diaries became an important record of life in the camps.
After the war, Dunlop worked as a surgeon in Melbourne and helped promote friendship between Australia and Asia. He was knighted in 1969 and named Australian of the Year in 1977. He died in 1993. His nickname Weary came from the Dunlop tire company: tire became tired, then weary.