The Colonel of Tamarkan: Philip Toosey and the Bridge on the River Kwai
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ค. 2012
- Writer, researcher and historian Julie Summers examines the true story behind the Oscar-winning film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. It is, in essence, a story of bloody-minded determination not to give up in the face of an implacable enemy.
Part of the Lunchtime Lectures series - a programme of free talks that takes place at the National Army Museum in London every Thursday at 12.30pm.
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Hello, my name is Neil Curran, I had the privilege of being the postman for Nick and Jane Toosey at Heath Cottage, Oldcastle in Malpas for about 20 years. Can I just send my very sincere condolences for the loss of both but most recently Nick who I grew extremely fond of. We'd talk briefly about cricket, holidays and politics but to my eternal regret I never spent enough time for a real talk. He was charming, funny, upbeat and most importantly the type of man you'd want to spend time with . I will miss him very much as many, many people around Malpas. He was a true gentleman and you should be very proud of the heritage in your family. I'm afraid I won't be able to attend his funeral on Monday as I'm working but I shall be there in spirit. God bless Nick and Jane and all your family, my very best wishes, Neil Curran, his loyal postman and friend.
This woman is just amazing. Very impressive teller of stories. If I had my hat on, I would take it off to you, Ms. Summers.
Just read the chapter on Philip Toosey in surviving the sword. Today's generation of leaders can learn so much from this man's example. inspirational is all i can say. You can really judge someone character by how they react under pressure and in a crisis.
Fascinating, interesting. I could go on listining forever . Thank you for putting it on youtube. Hope there is more to come.
That was fantastic especially after reading her book. What a hero that fellow was.
Very interesting and informative. Thank you Julie. 👍
Amazing story of a British commanding officer, the best type of leadership in such a terrible time of war when real men shine, told by just the right type of engaging spokesperson possible!
what a wonderful orator
Fantastic presentation and very interesting. Such a good speaker and great presentation.
Ever since reading her book Toosey has been a great hero of mine. As much for his life after the war as during. Her book also ruined the movie for me. I’m with his men . I guess the only parts that were factual was there was a war and the whistled . That part I still like. Thank you for the added info. Refusing the order to leave was amazing
Bravo a wonderful peace I thank you so much!
An excellent and entertaining lecture for anyone interested in the historical basis for one of the most acclaimed films of all time. Thank you much!
A wonderful lecture that one seldom stumbles upon. Will have to read the book now!
Julie Summers comes from an amazing family. She is also the great-niece of Sandy Irvine who perished on Everest with George Leigh-Mallory in 1924.
fascinating lecture by the grand-daughter and author of the excellent bography on the redoubtable Colonel Toosey.
I have read "Miracle on the River Kwai" An amazing and inspiring true story. What is the connection between that author, Rev Ernest Gordon and Toosey. Were there more than two bridges across the Kwai?
Weary Dunlop was born in Australia.
The truth about the building of the bridge and the characters in the drama is much more interesting than the film. There was an absolutely engrossing Timewatch documentary in the 90s about this. I have it on video sonewhere.
I love the Freudian slip (if that is what it is) at 3:03 - 'conflagration' instead of 'conflation'. We might see the fictional account as putting a match to the truth.
If you go to Google Books and search for 'The Colonel of Tamarkan' that should give you some options.
Our country is desperate for men such as these to lead by example and work in the best interests of the many. A f...k..g gentleman as his troops called him!
The film itself is pure fantasy. The notion that Japanese engineers (some of the best in the world) would have "positioned the bridge incorrectly" is ridiculous, as is the suggestion that they would need advice on bridge-building from British POWs.
Dr 'Weary' Dunlop was in fact the Australian-born surgeon who was instrumental in providing much life-saving medical care to fellow prisoners on the Burmah railway construction project of the Japanese. Julie Summers makes an appalling schoolboy howler in claiming he was likely British-born. What explains such apparent motivation to over-claim Dunlop as a Brit?
Interesting pronunciation of "Spiegel," but I doubt Americans, which he was, pronounced it that way.
My grandad served under Phillip Toosey, he said he was the best officer in the British army , he was his Batman , his name is Henry W Marsden.