The Hellships Memorial

A Place of Remembrance

The Hellships Memorial at Subic Bay stands as a solemn tribute to the thousands of Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees who perished aboard Japanese transport ships during the Second World War.

These vessels—later known as “Hellships”—were used by the Japanese military to transport captured soldiers and civilians throughout the Pacific. Packed into dark cargo holds without adequate food, water, sanitation, or medical care, the prisoners endured unimaginable suffering. Many died during the voyages. Thousands more were killed when the ships were sunk by Allied aircraft and submarines that were unaware the vessels carried Allied prisoners.

The Hellships Memorial honors their sacrifice and ensures that their stories are never forgotten.

Why the Memorial Is Located at Subic Bay

Subic Bay occupies a unique place in the history of the Hellships.

During the war, the harbor served as a major Japanese naval anchorage. Several Hellships carrying Allied prisoners passed through or were anchored in the bay. In some cases, prisoners were temporarily held ashore under brutal conditions before being reloaded onto ships bound for Japan, Formosa (Taiwan), or other occupied territories.

One of the most tragic events occurred in September 1944, when American aircraft attacked a convoy of Japanese transports in the South China Sea. One of the vessels sunk was the Hōfuku Maru, carrying more than a thousand Allied prisoners of war. Only a small number survived.

The waters surrounding the Philippines hold the wrecks of many Hellships, and the country itself was home to thousands of prisoners who were later forced onto these transports.

For these reasons, Subic Bay was chosen as a fitting location for a permanent memorial.

Establishment of the Memorial

The Hellships Memorial was established in 2006 to commemorate all prisoners who suffered and died aboard the Hellships of World War II.

The monument was created through the efforts of historians, veterans, and supporters dedicated to preserving the memory of these tragic events. From its beginning, the memorial was intended not only as a monument, but as a living place of remembrance where families, veterans’ groups, and visitors could gather to honor the fallen.

A perpetual maintenance fund was established to ensure the memorial would be preserved for future generations.

Who the Memorial Honors

The Hellships Memorial honors the memory of:

  • American prisoners of war

  • British and Commonwealth servicemen

  • Dutch colonial troops from the Netherlands East Indies

  • Australian and New Zealand soldiers

  • Filipino prisoners

  • Civilian internees from many nations

More than 20,000 prisoners of war and civilian detainees are believed to have died aboard the Hellships between 1942 and 1945.

Many were survivors of the Bataan Death March and imprisonment in camps such as Cabanatuan, Bilibid, and other Japanese POW camps throughout the Philippines.

For thousands of these men, the Hellships became their final resting place.

A Memorial for All Nations

The Hellships Memorial is intentionally international in its purpose.

The tragedy of the Hellships affected soldiers and civilians from many countries. Today, families and visitors from around the world come to Subic Bay to pay their respects.

Ceremonies at the memorial have included representatives from:

  • The United States

  • The United Kingdom

  • Australia

  • The Netherlands

  • Canada

  • The Philippines

  • Japan

Through remembrance and education, the memorial promotes understanding of the shared sacrifices made during World War II.

The Hellships Memorial Foundation

The memorial is maintained and supported by the Hellships Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to:

  • Preserving the history of the Hellships

  • Honoring the memory of those who perished

  • Supporting historical research and documentation

  • Educating future generations about the events of World War II

The Foundation also works with historians, museums, and international organizations through the WWII Remembrance Network, helping connect institutions dedicated to preserving the human stories of the war.

Visiting the Memorial

The Hellships Memorial is located within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the Philippines.

Visitors are welcome to pay their respects at the monument throughout the year. Commemorative ceremonies are periodically held by veterans’ organizations, diplomatic representatives, and historical groups.

The memorial stands not only as a place of mourning, but also as a reminder of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring importance of remembrance.

Remembering the Fallen

For many of the prisoners who died aboard the Hellships, there are no graves. The sea became their resting place.

The Hellships Memorial ensures that their sacrifice is remembered.

Their stories—of courage, endurance, and brotherhood—remain a permanent part of the history of World War II.