Surviving Tenko: The Incredible Story of Margot Turner

During World War II, a true survivor emerged from the darkest times. Margot Turner, a remarkable woman with unwavering courage, witnessed the horrors of her time as a prisoner of war. Her story of resilience and determination serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Life Before Tenko

Margot Turner was born on August 7, 1920, in London, England. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, she had a happy childhood. Margot had dreams of becoming a nurse and dedicated herself to pursuing this noble profession.

Surviving Tenko: The Story of Margot Turner

by Penny Starns(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1371 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	204 pages

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However, her life took an unexpected turn when World War II broke out. Like many others, Margot's dreams were put on hold as the war engulfed the world in chaos and destruction.

The Journey to Tenko

As the war escalated, Margot found herself living in Singapore where she was captured by the Japanese forces. Along with hundreds of other women, she was transported to a remote camp known as Tenko.

Tenko, a brutal internment camp located in the dense jungle of Sumatra, Indonesia, was notorious for its inhumane conditions. The prisoners endured extreme physical and emotional hardships, with little hope for survival.

The Struggle for Survival

Margot faced unimaginable challenges during her time at Tenko. With limited food and water, diseases running rampant, and constant threat of violence, every day was a battle for survival.

Yet, Margot's spirit remained unbroken. She formed a bond with her fellow prisoners, supporting and uplifting each other during the darkest times. They shared stories, sang songs, and offered comfort when hope seemed lost.

Margot's determination to survive grew stronger each day. She maintained a disciplined routine and focused her energy on finding small joys amidst the chaos. Whether it was tending to a small garden or helping others with their ailments, Margot found solace in serving her fellow prisoners.

The Liberation and Aftermath

After enduring three long years at Tenko, liberation finally came in 1945. Margot and her fellow prisoners were freed by the Allied forces, marking the end of their unimaginable suffering. However, the journey to recovery was far from over.

Margot, like many survivors, had to confront the psychological aftermath of her trauma. But her resilience, fueled by the desire to rebuild her life, shines through. She dedicated herself to heal and rebuild, ultimately becoming an inspiration for others struggling with the effects of war.

A Legacy of Strength

Margot Turner's story is etched in history, a tale of indomitable strength and unwavering spirit. Her will to survive against all odds serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the human capacity for resilience.

Today, Margot continues to be an advocate for peace and unity. She shares her story with countless individuals, spreading a message of hope and emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

Surviving Tenko: The Story of Margot Turner is a testament to the human spirit. Margot's remarkable journey from captivity to freedom serves as a shining example of resilience and courage. Her legacy inspires us to strive for a more compassionate and understanding world.

Surviving Tenko: The Story of Margot Turner

by Penny Starns(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1371 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	204 pages

FREE

The dramatic tale of Margot Turner's survival as a prisoner of war during the Pacific conflict of the Second World War inspired the 1980s television series Tenko. The cargo ship on which she was evacuated from Singapore in 1942 was shelled, leaving her on a makeshift raft with sixteen other survivors. One by one they perished, leaving her along, burnt black by the sun, and suffering from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Discovered by a Japanese destroyer, she was imprisoned on Banka Island and nursed back to health by nuns. A nurse by profession, Margot was initially permitted to help run the operating theatre on her recovery, when, unexpectedly she was arrested by the dreaded Kempeitai and thrown into Palembang jail. There, crammed with murderers and rapists in a filthy cell, she spent six months living in daily fear of joining the many prisoners who were noisily tortured and executed, before being returned to the prisoner-of-war camps for the duration of the war. In this, the first biography for forty years, Penny Starns describes the often horrific but occasionally heart-warming experiences of this unbreakable woman who, not content with surviving the war, went on to become a brigadier and matron-in-chief of the British Army nursing services. Using recently released material from the National Archives and Turner's own words, Starns re-analyses the Pacific conflict against a backdrop of one person's incredible fortitude and strength, and brings the story of a remarkable woman to life.