Albanese pays his respects on the 80th anniversary of the Cowra breakout

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has laid a wreath in honour of those who lost their lives in World War II’s biggest prisoner of war escape.

Anthony Albanese has paid his respects at a commemorative service for those who died during World War II’s biggest prisoner of war escape.

Nearly 80 years to the day, Prime Minister laid a wreath in honour of those who died during the prison breakout in Cowra in central western NSW.

And he praised the spirit of the Cowra community that has “tended the graves of the fallen” for generations and kept the “spirit of humanity” kept aglow.

Mr Albanese said it was an honour to pay his respects to the fallen men. Picture: X

In 1944, more than 2000 Japanese prisoners of war were being held at No. 12 Prisoner of War Compound near Cowra.

In the early hours of August 5, hundreds of imprisoned Japanese soldiers stormed the gates of the detention camp and broke out of the compound.

Australian War Memorial records show four Australian men and 234 Japanese soldiers died during the breakout, which prompted a Military Court of Inquiry.

Speaking at the service, Mr Albanese remembered the “fateful bugle blast” that would trigger the biggest mass breakout of the war.

“The bugle was blown by one of the Japanese pilots who had brought World War II to our shores. And it was music that unleashed chaos right around this region,” he said.

“Today we remember both the Australians and the Japanese who lost their lives as a result of that breakout.”

Mr McCormack and Mr Albanese both attended the service in Cowra. Picture: X

“The people of Cowra remind us that no matter what, our common humanity has the power to transcend everything,” he said.

“In the wake of the bleakest of nights Cowra took the ashes of war and tenderly and carefully nourished the roots of friendship.

“It is a friendship between Australia and Japan that grows and flourishes today.”

Mr Albanese was invited to the important service by former deputy prime minister and federal member for Riverina Michael McCormack, who also paid his respects at the memorial.

Mr McCormack said the service was an opportunity to celebrate the “bonds of friendship” between the two nations.

“This community opened its hearts to Japan after World War Two. It was a very, very difficult time because of atrocities committed by Japan, were forgiven, and they were forgiven in a heartbeat, by the Cowra community and in turn by the Australian community,” he said.

“What we have in Cowra, is the largest Japanese military cemetery in the world. And what we also have is an annual festival, which started through international peace and understanding beginning with Japan.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiro Suzuki attended the ceremony in Cowra. Picture: X

“And it’s such a special bond between what were once two foes, but are now very much two great friends. Australia and Japan coming together for not just economic ties, but for cultural ties, for friendship.”

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiro Suzuki, who also attended the service, took to X to thank Mr Albanese for his presence.

“I would like to express my deepest appreciation toward (Albanese) for the wreath laying at Cowra breakout commemoration. Japan and Australia’s friendship shares a past as it steps forward into a bright future,” he wrote.