Arch Flanagan, 91, is a retired school teacher. In 1943, as a sergeant in the Australian Army, he was forced to labor on the infamous Burma Railway upon which it is said one man died for every sleeper laid. In the 50 years since, Arch has written four separate pieces reflecting on the experience, two short stories, a memoir and an obituary for his commanding officer, Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop. Martin Flanagan is a poet, writer and a journalist and is the fourth of Arch's six children.