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Welcome to the guest book page for Roger Mansell. To leave your comments, please click on the button below to send me an e-mail. I will post your comment just as soon as possible. cmmayo (a) cmmayo (dot) com
Catherine Mansell (Roger Mansell's daughter)

July 2014

My father, Wilfred T. Nartea was a P.O.W. ,in the Bataan Death March. He claims he was the person, 6th from the left, of that famous picture, on National Geographic, carrying a dead body.

He suffered greatly and was responsible for having to help build the houses that they dumped dead bodies in. He had Malaria, ate bugs, etc., to stay alive.

My mother, who was pregnant with my brother, worked in the office. My father, worked in the field. He would give her names of people (not real), and she would make checks out for them. They had a treasure box, filled with Japanese money. My mother wanted him to turn it in for diamonds and about a week later, the war was over.

My brother was born during the war, when they were running. He was mentally challenged, when they found out, when he was five years old.

Dolores Huntoon

 

July 2013

I worked with Roger for one year at A-M. Our desks were opposite each other, and every morning I would find myself four feet from him, listening to his jokes, his stories, his schemes and stratagems. His Bechtel deal amazed me. Roger was the gold standard for resourcefulness. I was 21, fresh out of college. I did badly at A-M and was fired at the end of the year. But in my next job, I was more like Roger. Ultimately, I became president of two successful tech start-ups and partner in a Silicon Valley venture fund. Roger’s example was always with me.

Rich Shapero

 
May 2013
Good day Sir. I came across a book which had a photo of a Japanese writing. It is a Order to Kill. Page 2 of document 2701, exhibit "O ." My father was a Dutch POW under the Japanese. I am translating his war journal into English. He worked at the death railroads in Burma and Thailand. Luckily he was liberated in Singapore on the 15th of May 1945. That was in the Changi Jail compounds. Let us never forget what was happening there.

Regards, Jack Muller, The Netherlands 

Dear Carolyn & family,

Roger & I spent many days as salesmen for A-M together. Went to several "Hundred Clubs" together, and in fact I have a picture of a Hundred Club group right now - hanging on my wall. Roger is, of course, 2nd from the right - & I'm 3rd from the right (see attached photo).

While I went on to be "just a salesman & 7-11 owner" & a "family man" with 4 kids & 10 grandkids, your Roger went on to do some very significant work in the world , helping others find long lost peace of mind about their MIA or deceased families.


You can be very proud of him, which I'm sure you are! You may not remember, but in those A-M days, we dined together, you & Rog & I, with my wife Mona-Lisa from Sweden. They were good days........

May God grant you all peace on his passing, & may many, many remember his good works.

Roger Cardwell

 

Dear Catherine and Agustín,

I want to thank you for letting us know about your father's book. We are so sorry we never knew him, and also never knew of his passing so we could at least say some words of comfort to you on your great loss. Upon reading most of the letters from people who had the priviledge of knowing him, it is obvious that he was an incredible human being. I could have easily guessed that, since you, Catherine, are also thus. What a legacy he left for all of us! I will read his book with great interest and look forward to meeting you and Agustín soon so we can celebrate the life of this very generous, and good to the core, man, Roger Mansell, your father.

Love, Gloria and Eduardo Schwartz,
Los Angeles, December, 2012

August 25, 2011

Dear Catherine Mansell,

When I tried to contact your father in March 2011 to send him a copy of my just published book Rising from the Shadow of the Sun, A Story of Love, Survival and Joy, I was sad to find out that he had passed; I was too late. I am so sorry for your loss.

Roger was very supportive of my cause, to publish my book based on my mother’s journal about our four years in Japanese concentration camps for women and children in World War II. He gave me permission to use all information on his website and proceeded to send me two DVDs of the NARA files for use in my book.

May you have many fond, happy memories of your Dad. He will live on in the memory of many of us.

Warm regards,

Ronny Herman de Jong
www.ronnyhermandejong.com

Loretta Maino

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Paul Buck

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April 22, 2012

Many years ago I corresponded with Roger via telephone and e-mail seeking inf re. a relative who was a Japanese POW in Japan and of course he was very helpful. He was never too busy to answer a question. He was the "best of the best"! He is kindly remembered!

John Peterlin Jr. (85 yrs.)

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March 25, 2012

I was excited to find your web site. My Uncle Edgar Ramsey was on Guam. As a young boy I heard some of his stories. He remained in the Marine Reserves and volunteered to fight in Korea.

Frank Edgar Ramsey


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February 11, 2012

Dear Catherine...what an honour to read the work of Roger Mansell. I look forward to further additions to your website.

I am a great granddaughter of an American Civil War Veteran who settled here in Victoria in 1868.

Congratulations to you all,

Valma (Bristol) Martin
Bentleigh East
Victoria
Australia

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November 19, 2011

To the Mansell family:

Please accept my apologies in just having learned of Roger's passing. I lost my own mother (Genevieve Snow) suddenly on Good Friday this year.

To lose such a man is a heartache no words of mine can repair. But, it should be said that I am honored and thankful to have known him. The world is a lesser place without him, and Heaven is surely enriched by his company. I will always remember his laughter and smile among our times talking and conspiring on politics and history. His insights. His unselfishness and devotion to country. His vast wealth of POW archives and book which better helped understand my own grandfather's POW years. My family is honored to have contributed Chief Ploke's POW diary to his effort. I am happy to have earlier helped him some with alternative medicine recipe in reversal of his Prostate Cancer. Happy to see his smile once more among your website photos. Sad that I let life and work keep me from checking on him sooner.

I hope your family finds at least comfort in knowing that good men like Roger never really die. They are remembered for a time longer than most in this world, but very much alive, well, and in a better place on the other side. For them, it is easy. For us, the hardest part is that it seems like forever until we will ever see them again, but they are truly there and always watching over us if you look, listen, and pay closer attention to the subtle signs and wonders in the world.

If you look, now and then you will see his face, hear his voice, and hear him laughing as if in the wind. Still here with us but in different form. Such things will cause you to doubt your sanity, but men with his sense of humor would surely leave you little clues that it is truly his spirit looking after all of you.

There is either a God or there isn't and, if there is, surely He loves Roger's company as much as we all did. Surely, such a kind God would equip Roger to watch over you. We often look at death as a sad thing, and it is very hard for us to see that here is not the greatest place nor even truly life. Here is the dream and nightmare. Where Roger now dwells is the reality. One only need look and there he is alive and well. No wishful thinking. Reality. It's just that the veil between this world and the next is hard for most to peer through. So much noise in this world. Roger was a beautiful noise and music played on this side, however.

His is one of the few souls I will always remember and try to emulate as best as possible. A true officer and gentleman.

God bless,

Stanley L. Snow
http://snowranch.net/family.htm
grandson, CPO John Francis Ploke, Zentsuji POW
great grandson, Don Atanasio T. Perez, chief of Guam's Resistance.
son, Lt. Genevieve Ploke Snow, USN

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July 6, 2011

Dear Catherine Mansell,

I just want to extend thanks for this website. Although I have no direct connection with any POW’s, I have always found this subject fascinating, sad and sobering reading after idly picking up a book by Manny Lawton called “Some Survived” (a survivor of the Bataan Death March and the Oryoku Maru, etc). I have read many POW books and articles and only recently stumbled upon this website which provides so many references and links. My dad served in WWII but only stateside, however, I think of all those that served as brothers and there but for luck or the Grace of God go my father, uncle, relative, neighbor or friend who could have suffered the same fate.

Thanks again, sincerely,

Mrs. Judy Langdale (b.1950)

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January 27, 2011

We lost a good friend. The last meeting we had in China (Manchuria) Roger and I exchanged hats. His green (brown) hat is a precious
souvenir to me.

Lieke - my wife -and I are looking back with great pleasure to the
hours we spend laughing and discussing "work."

If you would liketo have the fotographs of the trip in China, please
let me know.

Kind regards,

Wiko Lamain, The Netherlands


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June 3, 2011

Dear Catherine and Family,

I would have liked to meet your exceptional father and am saddened by your loss. Roger's book The Forgotten Men of Guam, is eagerly anticipated as my father lived the story too.

My Father was John Hollis Smalling, USMC, Insular Patrol, captured in the first battle of Guam and sent to Zentsuji POW camp. He loved life on Guam and guarded the Governor's Palace until the Japanese came and changed his life forever. Dad passed away in 1975 at the age of 53 of his third heart attack... a beriberi heart.

Sincere Condolences.
Sincerely,
Trish Smalling Goldfarb

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A beautiful legacy to give to the rest of us.
Thank you
With love to you Catherine, Agustin and the family
Ceri, Jorge and Tristan


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Querida Catherine:

Con motivo del sensible fallecimiento de tu padre, me permito expresarte mis más sinceras condolencias, esperando encuentres pronta resignación a tan lamentable pérdida.

Saludos cordiales

Laura Celia Méndez Herrera

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March 23, 2011

QUERIDOS CATHERINE Y AGUSTIN

ME HE QUEDADO IMPRESIONADA POR LA TRAYECTORIA TAN PLENA Y VARIADA QUE LLEVO TU PADRE Y SUEGRO DURANTE LA VIDA. SE NOTA UN HOMBRE AL QUE NO SOLO ADMIRAN Y QUIEREN SUS FAMILIARES, AMIGOS Y TANTA GENTE QUE PUDO ACCEDER AL ARCHIVO TAN VASTO QUE INVESTIGO. SIENTO MUCHISIMO QUE CUCO Y YO NO PUDIERAMOS ACOMPAÑARLOS HOY EN LA
MISA, LA VERDAD ES QUE ABRI EL CORREO YA MUY TARDE. RECIBAN UN FUERTE ABRAZO MIO Y DE PARTE DE CUCO.

UN BESO GRANDE
GISELA


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March 5, 2011

I just finished reading Unbroken and noticed the acknowledgement to Roger and his name caught my eye. The book was fascinating and I look forward to reading Roger's book. I, too , was born in New York but raised in Texas and have lived in Florida for the past 40 years.

I recently inherited my sister's vast geneological collection and will do some research. The name "Roger Mansell" rings some distant bell with me.

Katherine Mansell Merritt

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March 3, 2011

Dear Ms Mansell:

It was with deep sorrow that I learned of your father's passing; what an exceptionally fine man he was. In 2006, I contacted your father regarding a British dog tag that was in my father's memorabilia, that had the name Joseph McCamley. My father's ship, USS Benevolence, was the first hospital ship in Tokyo Bay with the 3rd fleet to rescue POWs. That dog tag had to be associated with that event. Your father immediately researched and told me this British soldier was captured at the fall of Hong Kong. Because the soldier's address before the war no longer existed, he called upon a Mr. Jonathan Moffatt to assist. Together, with the help of a local newspaper in the soldiers home town, The Northern Echo, we placed an article with a photo of the dog tag and my father. The article appeared on their Remembrance Day and was seen by the soldiers son. His father was alive and well at 87. He had, indeed, been rescued and taken on board the USS Benevolence. Thanks to your father, we were able to return this dog tag, much to the astonishment of Mr. McCamley. It was a very proud moment for me, knowing that my father would have been proud, as well. I will always be thankful to your father for making that happen.

Gordon B. Scaggs
Missoula, Montana


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January 8, 2011

Roger Mansell tracked down my father in the course of his research and interviewed him about his 1368 days as a prisoner of the Japanese. At the conclusion of the interview he asked Dad how much disability he received, which at the time was only thirty percent. He urged Dad to apply for 100% disability and gave him contacts at the VA in Phoenix. Dad followed through and ended up with 100% disability, retroactive from the date of his application. he money has made a huge difference in his life and, should she outlive Dad, Mom is now guaranteed the same amount as his widow. What a huge difference this would have made earlier in his life, but, if it weren't for Roger, Dad would never have thought to ask for what he was due. More than the money, however, the belated recognition of a lifetime of PTSD, was very important to him and his family. Our family is very appreciative for all the help Roger was to Dad.

Our sincerest condolences,

Cynthia Hopkins


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January 7, 2011

I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. I hope that your happy memories ease your loss.

I "met" your father when he emailed me to correct an error about the POW camp name in my history of Navy Medicine on Guam. I enjoyed emailing him over the years, and appreciated the information he had collected on the Guam POWs. I look forward to seeing his book on them.

Sincerely yours,

Alice Hadley


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January 5, 2011

"A wonderful man whose hard work for us Civilian and Military POWS was much appreciated."

Sascha Jean Jansen
Ex-Santo Tomas Civilian POW-
Vice Commander- BACEPOW



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January 5, 2011

So sad to read of his death. He read my father's account of the Fall of Hong Kong and was really helpful with lots of pieces of information. It still amazes me that despite all Roger's hard work Japanese POWs are still somewhat forgotten.

Barbara
Daughter of David Henry Davidson


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January 4, 2011

My father Seigel Thomas Lewis was captured at Wake Island 23 Dec 41 and endured 44 months as a pow in China first and then in Japan at Niigata's Camp 5. I wrote a book about all this entitled Wake Island: The Story of a civilian POW at Niigata, Japan, 1941-45 (c) 2006. I was 12 when he was captured and am now 81 1/2. Roger was ever courteous and helpful to me. Busy as he was he almost always wrote me right back, usually by snail-mail. I am saddened by his passing. The surviving members of the POW's of the Japanese have lost a dedicated friend.

Cal Lewis, M.D.
Emeritus Assistant Clinical Professor of Family and Community Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
PFC USMC 1948-50

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January 1, 2011

Hi Catherine,

I wanted to leave a post on Roger's Guest Book. I had not been out to his website for the past couple of months and missed his passing. I knew he was very sick, and hoped this day would never happen.

Roger will be profoundly missed. Before Roger started his website, he and I compared notes on how to research POWs and shared with each other information that we found. He quickly surpassed the research I had done and started putting together the website with data he obtained from the National Archives. I sent scans of some of the original POW photos and documents I obtained which he posted on the website.

He will be truly missed. He did so much to gather and record the history of POWs in the Pacific in WWII, that it will be hard for anyone to fill his shoes.

Rest in peace my friend,

Kurt Stauffer

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December 18th, 2010

Dear Mrs Mansell and Family,

I was so sorry to hear that Roger died in October 2010, and send my sincere condolences.

My Irish father was a Japanese POW from 1942 - 45 with the 1st Battalion, Manchester Regiment of the British Army.

Over the last three years, I have been writing a book about his life. During my research, I eventually came across Roger's website, and he kindly made great efforts to try and trace my father's diary which had been passed over to the Americans in Manila, in 1945.

The diary has never been found but my search continues, and Roger was really helpful in pointing me in various directions.

He also gave me some general information that I have included in my book, and I am only sorry that I was not able to complete the book before Roger died.

You must be very proud of Roger, and I am grateful I was able to share some interesting emails with him. He encouraged me to keep writing, and reminded me that my father will never be forgotten. Neither will Roger Mansell.

Best Wishes

Mrs Kit Clay
Daughter of Thomas Fanahan Finn 1915 - 2000.
Knutsford, England



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December 17, 2010

Howka, Roger did much to help the untold story of the people from my reservation. Because of all his knowledge and investigative skills I learned the truth about the POW experience of my uncle Augustine Quevas. Roger made it possible through all his connections, that I met others that survived the bombing of the POW ship he was on.

Due to those meetings my uncle was given the many awards he was due.

Thank you Roger for the connections you made with all souls that crossed your path. Thanks for giving a voice to the many dead relatives we have all lost.

Much love from the Kumeyaay tribe and the Santa Ysabel reservation.

Karen Vigneault - MLIS
Librarian
Santa Ysabel Tribal Library
PO Box 130
Santa Ysabel, Ca. 92070
www.santaysabeltriballibrary.blogspot.com

Founder
Kumeyaay Historical Society
http://sites.google.com/site/kumeyaayhistoricalsociety/Home

Leader
Nations of the 4 Directions (LGBT Native organization)
http://nationsofthe4directions.com/


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December 13, 2010

Roger was an amazing man. Smart, quick wit, kind, loving husband and father. Life is made up of memories of good times and great people you meet along the way. Roger Mansell is a man that I loved and will never forget,

Sean White


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December 1, 2010

I enjoyed two hours reading all the worthy letters and your very respectful information about Roger and cannot add anything more except, I appreciate what you and your mother have done to give Roger the love and support to do
the job he did supporting POWS and their families.

Too bad they were not treated as well as the local American/Japanese were treated by us.

Keep the fires burning, Catherine.

Respectfully,

Bob Craft, Sr.

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November 30, 2010

Hello, I just finished Laura Hillenbrand's book, Unbroken, and in reading the credits, came across Roger Mansell's name. I do not know if my husband's family is related to Roger Mansell, but the facial features look very familiar. I will make sure my husband sees this site.

Sincerely,
Susan Mansell


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November 30, 2010

To the Mansell family—

Upon learning of the tremendous effort that Roger Mansell put into his research and delving into his personal life and commitments in business and family, I extend condolences to your family on behalf of the Wellington C. Mepham High School Association in Bellmore, N.Y. We here recognize those alumni who have achieved a high degree of success and contributed to community and society in an unselfish manner. Roger has been selected as an awardee of the 2011 Mepham High School Who's Who Award.

Respectfully,

Dr. David H. Krinsky, Mepham HS '67
On behalf of the Mepham HS Alumni Association
Bellmore, NY

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So sad to hear of the loss of Roger. He was a wonderful man and patriot. He brought the story of the 4th Marines to life for me so I could understand the journey my uncle took during his time in Japan's captivity.

God Bless you all, and Peace be brought to your hearts.

Semper Fi

Chris Hamilton

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Roger was the most generous of researchers and it was a pleasure to do transcription in return. I can’t think of completing any of my work without thinking of Roger and the gift he has given to those who served this country in a way that the future may never fully understand. If it does, it will primarily be because Roger took the time to make sure the record was known. It now falls to us to make sure it is read and understood.

Thank you Roger for your friendship, your guidance and your leadership.

Jim Burnett

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Catherine,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know what a profound one it is. I send a huge hug and look forward to talking… On the other hand, I feel so lucky to know more about your father. I now understand even more why you are such an amazing human being. What a wonderful and passionate and dedicated man! His research and accomplishment is astounding. What a gift he has given to so many in a concrete way—with news of their loved ones and friends—and to all of us in terms of history and a model of devoted work. I wish I had heard him tell his stories, but then I see that they are coming through to us all via his genetic connection to you. I am so sorry, Catherine, and am also so glad that you had such a lovely father.

Thinking of you,

Sara Taber
Washington DC

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November 25, 2010

Dear Carolyn and Family,

Roger touched the heart and soul of those he met. It was not only a privilege to know him but fun and enlightening. He lived life with passion and compassion. He will be missed but also remembered by those who knew him and you.

Our deepest sympathy,

Beverly Brockway and Robert Healy
Palo Alto


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November 10, 2010

To the Mansell family.

I am so sorry to hear the sad news. My condolences to you all. In my search for my father's footsteps as a POW in the Pacific I very often looked up Mr. Mansell's website which was so well documented. When I asked him about the camp in Manchuria he immediately send me some photos. I just want you to know how important it is that there are people who are so fascinated about something and want to share that with others. He will be missed greatly.

Best regards,

Maureen Hoyer
Dutch Indonesian


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November 9, 2010

Dear Mrs. Mansell and family,

It is with a heavy heart that I write you today. I have heard about Roger's passing away. I not only lost a great friend but a fantastic fellow researcher. This saddens me and my colleagues so badly, as we could still vividly recall the happy hours we had together at the seminar in my school in 2008 when Roger visited us and gave a speech on Mr. Mellilo's DVD on Bataan. Roger accepted my invitation to be our honorary adviser during this visit. I had known Roger for about 8 years since 2002 when I was working on my research book about Mukden POW Camp. Since then he gave a lot help to me no matter what and when I asked for. Please accept my deepest condolences over Roger's passing, and we will always miss him. May he rest in peace.

Sadly,

Yang Jing
Director/Associate Professor
Mukden Allied POW Camp Studies
Shenyang University
No. 21, South Wanghua Street
Shenyang, China 110044


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November 5, 2010

Dear Catherine,

Roger was the person who helped me find where my father had been held as a Prisoner of the Japanese so I owe him a debt of gratitude. I met Roger twice in the UK and I was impressed with both his friendliness and his knowledge. The one message that Roger will always be remembered for is that of "To remember them is to honour them" and I for one will remember Roger always.

Stephen Rockcliffe
United Kingdom



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November 3, 2010


To Mr. Mansell & family,

I met Mr. Mansell in 1988 when I was seven years old. My father Manuel and I maintained the yard at the Mansell residence for many years. My father continues to do so. I helped my father work until my first year of college. Mr. Mansell helped my father establish his career as a Landscaper and always made sure my father was taken care of. During these years Mr. Mansell spoke to me about life, work, and the value and importance of an education. He made sure I graduated high school and always focused in school. I remember Mr. Mansell telling me to continue my education and attend a university. I took every piece of advice he ever game me and ran with it. I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Administration of Justice, a Minor in Sociology of Criminology, and a Masters in Public Administration from San Jose State University. I would have never accomplished any of this without the help, tenacity and wisdom given to me by Mr. Mansell. I remember visiting him a couple years ago very briefly and seeing the "extremely proud" look on his face when he saw me. I will always remember him as a friend, mentor, and as a father figure. I have endless memories of his smile, humor, and warm character. God bless.

Victor Manuel Aguilar
Deputy Probation Officer III
San Mateo County Probation Department
San Mateo, CA

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Familia Mansell,

Estoy muy triste por la muerte de Mr. Mansell. Pero a la ves agradecido de todo corazón por haberlo conocido por muchos años y haber convivido mucho tiempo con el. El para mi fue más que un cliente y patron. Mr. Mansell fue una persona cariñosa y dedicada a la humanidad. El siempre brindaba su sonrisa y ayuda al prójimo. Su jardín se mantenerá luciendo bello y lleno de color y armonia porque se que el lo va estar viendo desde el cielo. Gracias Mr. Mansell por haber sido un gran amigo para mi y para mi familia. Nunca te olvidaré y llevaré tu memoria en mi corazón. Que Dios te tenga en su gloria.

Manuel Aguilar Medina
Redwood City, CA


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Dear Catherine
I'm so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Much love... xoxox

Leslie Pietrzyk

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Carolyn,

Not sure what anyone can say with Roger's passing. Though I only knew him briefly over the past few years....what a wonderful guy.

We are all so sorry for his passing and the loss to you, Alice, and family.

Sincerely,
Steve

Steve Bellumori


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November 1, 2010

To the Mansell Family

As a member of the UK Researching FEPOW History Group I would like to send our condolences to you all.
I have been corresponding with Roger since 2001 when I was researching my books about my father's FEPOW diaries. Dad (a British Army officer) had been held at Zentsuji in Japan and this was a camp that Roger knew a great deal about. He was so supportive and encouraging and helped me in so many ways.

In April 2003 I had the pleasure of meeting Roger at a reunion of the Zentsujians in Kansas City.

When the Researching FEPOW History Group was formed in September 2005 Roger was one of the first speakers we invited to present a paper and we were thrilled when he accepted our invitation by return. He was a compelling speaker as well as a knowledgeable and generous researcher.

It is typical of the man that when ill health prevented his return visit to the UK to speak at this year's conference just three weeks ago, he recorded his talk on video for the benefit of us all.

He has enriched the lives of so many and preserved the memory of thousands more
what a remarkable legacy.

With kind regards at this very sad time,

Meg Parkes
Wirral, England

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To the Mansell Family,

I did not know Roger well. It was always a pleasure to see him and have a brief conversation with him at the conventions. All descendants of Prisoners of War of Japan owe him an enormous debt of gratitude for the doors he opened for us. It was a joy to see him in Reno in April at the first Descendants convention. I am very sorry for your loss, it is a loss for many.

John C. Whitehurst
Son of Maj. Collin B. Whitehurst, Jr. 1914-1944, perished in the sinking of the Arisan Maru

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October 29, 2010

To the Mansell family, Roger was a colossus; I find it hard to accept his passing, he was an inspiration for me in my ongoing research and in life in general.

I first came into contact with Roger in 2001 when I was cruising the Internet, searching for information on my father's POW experience in Zentsuji POW camp. Roger at that time was doing research for his book on the Guam POWs, many of whom ended up in that POW camp. So we were able to exchange information it was very heavily weighted towards Roger providing me with details; however I do like to think that I was able to give him some valuable leads and contacts as well.

From that time on I stayed in regular contact with him and finally in 2006 I met him during a stopover in San Francisco. We discussed so many things about life in such a short time. The Roger that I knew was a passionate person. What you saw is what you got. Politically we were opposites, but this did not matter as politics is a small thing at the end of the day and we had many similarities, especially in our upbringings, which we sometimes discussed.

During the last year as his death approached it was sometimes like Roger was holding my hand and helping me through. He seemed so strong against my inability to know what to do in this situation.

Please accept my condolences. He was my friend.

Kevin Menzies


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I know Roger will be missed by many, but even more so by myself as I take over his massive work. What a privilege it was to be just an email away from an answer or a confirmation to a piece of information about POWs or WWII in general. I am still often awed by just how much detailed work he has done, and how much he has left for us from which we may receive great benefit. May his love of sharing continue on in the lives of many others who are doing research in this vast field of treasures, fulfilling those great words spoken long ago, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Wes Injerd
Portland, OR
www.mansell.com
Center for Research Allied POWs Under the Japanese



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With the authors' permission, here are some quotes from a longer, personal letter sent to me (Catherine).

Nothing your Dad did was half way. Politics, research, love of and pride in his family, and I suspect fighting cancer. I was so shocked when he had to write me and assure me that he was NOT (his all caps) going to survive it. I couldn't imagine he wasn't stronger than cancer.

I am so glad that he enjoyed the trip to China. He did have a grin on his face much of the time, and everyone fell in love with him. He did mention that he was having surgery once he got home, but he didn't seem too sick, and the gravity of it went right over my head.

One of the things I most admired about Roger was his willingness, no eagerness, to share his research. He gave us dumps of his files and it was like going through our own National Archives.

Blessings, love and hugs to all three of you.

Pat and Ao Wang


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Querida Catherine,

Lamento profundamente el fallecimiento de tu padre, una persona realmente única y admirable. Te envío un abrazo con toda mi solidaridad y cariño para ti y tu familia.

Pilar Campos


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Dear Catherine and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss.

Sincerely,

Bob and Philippa O'Keefe

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Mr. Roger Mansell,

We are so sad to know about your passing away and regret we should have learnt many more researching skills from you. You were always helping us giving any small information on POWs who were brought to inland of Japan during the WWII.

We first met you in 2001 at ADBC [American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor] Convention in Hampton, VA, we were astonished to see you bringing a big amount of paper materials of POWs on the two-wheeled cart from your house.

Later you did not bring any papers, but you gave us some Flash Memories which were full of precious information on POWs. We have no words to thank you enough. In computer, you sent us many jokes to make us laugh even recently, we don’t forget. In 2009, we had the last ADBC Convention in San Antonio, we missed you so much. However, we will remember and thank you for your generous kindness, forever.

In peace, we pray,

Ms. Taeko Sasamoto
Ms. Nori Nagasawa
POW Research Network Japan

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October 28, 2010


Dear Catherine,

I was sad to learn about your father's passing. You're in my thoughts.

Robert Giron


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I was saddened to hear of Rogers passing. I shared with him my tribute site to my father an ex POW of the Japanese Allen Jones 1919-1959. I will always remember the excellent work Roger has done in researching the POW's and how they suffered.

Regards

Kathryn Jones-Lucas

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Dear Catherine and Agustin,

We have learned with great sorrow of the passing of your father Roger Mansell. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

His remarkable life will stay with us thanks to his work, and yours.

With warm regards,

Carlos, Tracy and Ani, from Seattle

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Hi

I was saddened to hear of Mr Mansell's passing. When I started looking for the camp in Japan where my dad had been imprisoned, Roger's website gave me the information that was unavailable elsewhere. Most people who responded to my pleas for help cited the website as a reference work. Armed with the knowledge, we arranged for dad to return to the camp in 2005, and were made most welcome by the locals, see [BBC story here] for further details.

Thank you Roger Mansell for all your knowledge and research into the plight of the FEPOWs which made my information gathering exercise that much easier. You, your knowledge and your humanity will be missed.

Ian Topham,
proud son of Stanley William Topham (13/5/1919 -
18/9/2010), Lance Corporal, 4th Bn Royal Norfolk Regiment, ex FEPOW in Mitsushima (Tokyo No 12) POW Camp


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With the author's permission, here are some quotes from a longer, personal letter sent to me (Catherine).

I first came into contact with Roger when I was researching my Grandfather's Japanese war history and stumbled across a reference to his POW camp, where he died, on your Dad's website. That was about eight years ago. . .

Your Dad's help, advice and encouragement was a tremendous help to me. It transpired that he had done a load of research on behalf of a New Zealand war widow (Mrs. Macintosh from Invercargill) whose NZRAF husband was in the same POW camp as my Grandfather. He sent me a copy of the book he had published for them and copies of all his notes on a CD including photo scans! My mother, who was only a toddler when her Dad died, was completely overcome with this sudden wealth of information about her father's last days. . . .

It was a great privilege to meet him when he came over to England to speak at the Researching FEPOW Conference in Staffordshire a few years ago. . .

I emailed him a few times in recent months and his good humour and peaceful demeanour shone through his gentle replies.

He was a truly great man. Respected greatly by everyone who I ever heard mention him and his work.

The research community has lost a precious treasure and I have lost a good friend.

Richard Brooker
Solihull, Nr Birmingham, UK.


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Roger’s passion inspired countless people to learn more about their family members who were Japanese POW’s. He was so thorough. There is no way we can fully take in all that he contributed to the POW descendant community. He will live on in our hearts and in his research.

Cynthia C. Bates
Cousin of Dr. Gordon K Lambert, LT jg lost on the Brazil Maru


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Dear Mansell Family,

Roger was and will always remain quite a guy. We shared many good emails, some phone conversations and enjoyed an occasional cigar when rare opportunity allowed us to discuss History and more at Veterans' gatherings.

The kind of Man he was might best be summed in a comment he made while sharing information about the POWs back on 20 September 2007.

"Steve The world of POW researchers knows the value of cooperation. It's the standard we set when we started. We're not some college professor types who hoards information. What you are doing makes it a better world and we're all proud to help. Let' see how it goes. You mentioned you obtained a number of films from NARA. We'd love to see them sometime. Warmest regards," Rog

And in that statement he basically said... "Above all else, it is the Story and Legacy of the Veterans that matter most." In some unfortunate sense, that made Roger a rare and Beautiful soul indeed.

I will always remember Roger as a Man of Integrity and Mission... a Good Man who did his best to make things better for those he loved, and through love, studied and helped.

I am deeply sorry to learn of his passing. I am fortunate and honoured to have known him.

Love and Godspeed to you his Family,

Stephen Melillo


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Dear Mansells,

We had very much hoped that Roger would be with us in the UK earlier in the month. Although I had known him, and his famous generosity, for several years through the Internet, I had never had the chance to thank him in person for all his help. A great man indeed.

Regards

Tony
www.hongkongwardiary.com



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Over the years communicating with Roger on the history of the Far East PoW's has been beneficial to us both and the FEPOW cause. I have looked on Roger as a friend although we never met in person. It was a great shock to hear of his death, but Roger leaves an important legacy, his FEPOW research, which will live on.

I hope you don't mind me adding Roger to the Site Memorial within the Roll of Honour using your text:-
http://www.roll-of-honour.org.uk/m/html/mansell-roger.html
He will be sincerely missed.

God Bless
Keep the candle burning

Ron Taylor
www.fepow-day.org

www.britain-at-war.org.uk
www.roll-of-honour.rjt.co.uk
www.fepow-community.org.uk
www.acle-indoor-bowls.org.uk
www.far-eastern-heroes.org.uk

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Like so many others, I too have a great debt to Roger for his sage wisdom, advice and flat out encouragement in my own pursuit of Japanese POW history. Roger never laughed (at least not on-line) to my naive questions and whenever I would hit a stumbling block, as often as not, he had some bit of advice on what to do next. One piece of wisdom I will never forget is his telling me that even if I don't find something specific on my Uncle Zeke, the simple act of searching, of discovering what others like him experienced and what they had to say would tell me reams about my uncle. It was, and is, completely true. I will miss that advice and his warm presence in our world. He has left a legacy in this world. My heartfelt aloha nui loa to his family and friends.

Dr. Steven D. Hobbs
Kahalu'u, Hawai'i
Nephew of Gordon "Zeke" H. Alton, USA



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To the Family of Roger Mansell,

I am so sorry to hear the news that Roger passed away. My condolences to your family. He was a very special person and made a difference in so many lives.

Roger was a great help to me in researching my father's experience at Omori POW camp. I knew very little of the story because my dad would not talk about it. Until I corresponded with Roger, I thought that no records existed that could help me piece together a history of my dad's ordeal as a POW in Japan. He was so helpful in providing information and giving me leads and contacts to keep my research going.

I was so impressed by his dedication. I thought at first that he had been a POW himself, as he put so much of himself into his work. I was even more impressed when I learned that he had not been a POW, but was doing this because he wanted to honor the POWs by keeping their memories alive.

Another thing that was so special about him was that he put all his information together on a website so that others could find it. If he had not done that, I may never had started my research. He was so generous with his time, information, and resources.

I will always remember that he was the first person to tell me that my dad was an American hero. It meant a lot to me to have him tell me that, because I now know that my dad really suffered as a POW. Roger made a big impact on my life, and I will always remember him.

Karen Caston,
Daughter of Melvin Johnston

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October 27, 2010

I only met Roger once, at the convention held a few years ago in the Washington, DC, area, but I have been so impressed by the work he has done. What a loss to the community of WWII survivors. God bless you and your family for all the support you’ve provided for his work and for your own endeavors. My prayers are with you.

Susan Fertig-Dykes

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Carolyn, Alice, Catherine and Agustin,

I am so saddened by the news of Roger's passing. Without a doubt, he was a very special man. Please accept my condolences.

Words seem so inadequate when describing Roger's dedication to documenting the stories of the Japanese prisoners of war and the POW camps in Japan. Because of him, our family now has the story of what happened to our WWII POW and when we knew the details of what he went through we were able to better understand the stranger that came home to the family.

I didn't know where to begin and Roger was the person who gave me the guidance on how to find the documents and facts I needed for the research. His time, generosity and encouragement enabled me to keep going with this terrible harrowing story which sickened me at times.

I titled it "Remember These Stories" (because these were the words our POW would say each time he wanted to talk); I wrote an acknowledgment in the book to Roger for his invaluable assistance and encouragement.

Thank you dear Roger for the legacy you have left; these brave men will never be forgotten because of your efforts.

Eileen Santen


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To the Mansell Family

Please accept my sympathies on Roger's passing. I had pleasure of corresponding with him while working on my book, Escape From Davao: The Forgotten Story of the Most Daring Prison Break of the Pacific War, and his invaluable assistance was greatly appreciated. As I mentioned in my acknowledgements, Roger's Center for Research, Allied POWs of the Japanese, was "an invaluable resource." The same could be said of Roger. May he rest in peace.

John D. Lukacs
Tempe, AZ


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To the Mansell Family:

I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy on Roger's passing.

Dale Wilber
Author,
The Last Voyage of the Arisan Maru


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Dear Mansell Family,

I did not really know how to do research on any, let alone my Grand Uncle. Roger,was a man that would take someone like me under his wing and lead us through the steps that we needed to do, to find our relative or friend in the lost jumble of records. I only emailed him a few
times, but I will always remember him as the one that got me started on doing my genealogy of my family, by helping me find my Grand Uncle.

Thank You Roger, you will be missed here, but will be welcomed in Heaven by St Peter and all those POWs that were guests of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy.

Lorie Franceschi
Grand Niece of Cpl Italo "Frank" Franceschi
POW in camp Osaka 3B


Your Dad was a great man for what he started and I know in my heart that his work will continue until everyone of our men and women are accounted for and the relatives if they want can have a closing to their wondering what happened.


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Roger was a wonderful person. He was willing to share any and all info he had and he did research to help others. He also had a delightful sense of humor and we often shared “emailings” of things that made our days a little lighter. I shall miss him and my heart goes out to his family.

Please accept my heartfelt sorrow at the loss of such a wonderful person.

Patricia Wadley


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The highlight of the Reno Convention last April was being able to sit down with Roger and discuss POW issues. After years of exchanging messages, I greatly enjoyed meeting him face-to-face. His service POW research is immeasurable.

Adrian Martin
Author of
Brothers From Bataan and Operation PLUM

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Carolyn, Alice, Catherine and Augustin,

What a sad day it is after learning of Roger’s passing. I too was one of the hundreds of POW Descendants who sought Roger’s expertise. He was a very “special” human being. Roger was also a character with a great sense of humor. I am so glad that I had the privilege of knowing such an honorable man. I commend you, the family, for being gracious enough in allowing him to share his time with the rest of us.

The strife is o’er the battle done

Mary Molesevich, PA

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Dear Carolyn, Catherine, family & friends,

A “lowly” children’s librarian once taught her 6th grade students the neglected history of the POWs. The students were so moved they wanted to know more, write the veterans letters, etc. Where to start? And there was my answer my guide and mentor, Roger Mansell. Not only did he guide me on my research, supporting my website
(financially as a single mom he knew I could not do it alone he encouraged me to set up a donations link) but he showed incredible patience as I learned the path of a “researcher” in this area, swamping him with questions.
It was Roger who told me I needed to be in DC, for my first ADBC [American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor] convention in 2007. And when I felt overwhelmed by all the other researchers with their degrees, PhD’s, etc., it was Roger who pulled me aside for a drink and told me my heart and dedication to my work is more important than any degree. He often signed his e-mails this way

Keep up the great work my friend,
Rog

Thus Roger gave me one of the best gifts I will ever receive
his encouragement and his friendship

Linda Dahl
WWII - Fukuoka 17- Omuta POW History Project Manager
http://www.lindavdahl.com



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Carolyn, Catherine, Alice,

As someone who was new to researching a family member who was a former POW not so long ago, Roger's help was tremendous. By sharing his time and information and putting me in touch with people who could help, I was able to share my great uncle's story with our family. A story that my great uncle never told. I could never thank him enough for his time and generosity. Beyond the research he and I became friends. We would talk about anything and everything under the sun. I will always treasure the time I was able to spend with such a remarkable human being. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by all.

Va Con Dios Mi Amigo

John Hicks
Central California


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Dear Mansell Family:

There are no words to define the sorrow that is felt around the world caused by Roger’s passing. We are all thankful for his invaluable gifts to the history of WWII and the POWs of Japan and their families. He is at peace with our Lord. I pray that you find comfort in your memories as you celebrate his wonderful life. I was honored to welcome him at the registration table at the Descendants Group convention in Reno this past April. We were privileged to have him attend.

May God give you rest during these sad days.

Kristin Ellis Dahlstrom
Daughter of William J. Ellis, Jr., 1906-1945
POW of the Japanese, 1942-1945

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Dear Mansell family and friends,

Much data and many photographs in my recent book, Ghosts of Canopus, about the USS Canopus (AS 9) at Bataan and Corregidor and her crew as Prisoners of War of the Japanese came from Roger Mansell. With his credited data on this ship I have been able to more completely answer the many inquiries from those who had fathers, uncles, and grandfathers on the USS Canopus. Roger was always my friend and fellow researcher frequently in the National Archives. His presence will be sorely missed. I know he will have smooth sailing in his new assignment.

Love to you all,

Everett M. Perry

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Dear Carolyn, Catherine & family,

As one who Roger talked to on many occasions, I am saddened at the news of his death. He truly was a man of many talents, a man of commitments and a man who loved what he was doing, whatever it was he was doing he loved doing it. The world is a better place because of Roger Mansell. We will all miss him.

Lester (Les) Tenney, Past National Commander ADBC
(American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor)

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To the Mansell Family,

As a budding researcher, five years ago, I contacted Roger because my father was a Bataan veteran. Roger was patient with me for I literally knew nothing about my father's war experiences. When I finally found someone who could help, I wanted to know everything right away. Roger told me to research all Philippine defenders and I would eventually know everything about my father. He was right. He put me on the path to where I am today and not only do I know my father's experiences but have been able to help so many others. All this from Roger Mansell. If there exists a Heavenly Philippine defenders organization, I know where Roger is now.

Robert L. Hudson
http://bataanson.blogspot.com



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I am happy to be able to call Roger Mansell my friend. He is, without a doubt, the leading researcher of POWs of the Japanese. More importantly, he has been willing to devote himself to helping descendants of POWs of the Japanese learn information about their POW relative. His web site and other information that he has made public are priceless.
All that knew Roger will miss him greatly. Now my wish is that he may rest in peace.

John B. Lewis

Dear Catherine and Agustín:

We will always remember the thanksgivings we spent with your Dad in Mexico. He was certainly a gentleman and a great father. We were dismayed to learn of his passing away and we want to extend our deepest sympathies to you and Agustín, your mother and your sister. Siempre estará en nuestras oraciones. Reciban un cariñoso abrazo y beso, de Tita, Jorge jr., Roberto y mio.

The Nicolín Family
Mexico City


Dear Carolyn, Catherine & family,

Please accept my condolences on Roger's death. He will be greatly missed by those of us involved in FEPOW Research here in the UK.

I will remember Roger for his personal courage in a long and difficult battle against cancer and for his generosity in both sharing information and in helping so many sons & daughters discover their fathers captivity story. Until Roger Mansell came along the story of the POW camps in Japan was a closed book; now it is there for all to see.

with very best wishes at this sad time

Jonathan Moffatt
Coventry UK