Bridge on the River Kwai · Those Who Cross the Bridge at Night

The bridge on the River Kwai is a stretch of the Death Railway that Allied prisoners of war were forced to build during the Second World War. Deaths during the work ran into the tens of thousands, and many left no names behind.

Trains still cross the bridge, and a prisoners’ cemetery stands beside it. Those who keep watch at night say they hear a regular knocking, like someone driving spikes into the rail.

On rainy nights the sound is at its thickest. Locals do not discuss it, and say only that at least someone is still working.

Historical Mysteries / Kanchanaburi · Thailand / 1943