VR 360 Box Office Movie- The Forgotten Battle-Burma

At PAP International Ltd., we are dedicated to bringing compelling stories to life through the medium of film with VR 360 Movie. Our latest endeavor, "THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE: BURMA," is a non-profit project close to our hearts, one that we believe not only pays homage to a remarkable individual but also serves to illuminate the deep historical and cultural connections between nations.

The narrative of "THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE: BURMA" revolves around the inspiring journey of William B Rice, a native of Charleston, Carolina, born in 1919. As a proud member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Rice served with unwavering valor in the 139th Bomber Squadron during the tumultuous years of World War II. Tragically, his life was cut short in April 1942, as he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the China-Burma-India Theater. His final resting place at the "Chattogram War Cemetery" in Bangladesh stands as a solemn testament to his courage and dedication. Notably, Rice is the sole US-Canadian casualty buried in Bangladesh, a poignant reminder of the shared sacrifices made by individuals from our two nations.

To bring this vision to fruition, we have assembled a talented team of filmmakers and collaborators from Canada and Bangladesh, united in our commitment to authenticity and excellence. Rest assured, the production of "THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE: BURMA" will be fully financed through our extensive network of sponsors and investors.

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VR 360 - Box Office movie Based on Capt. William B. Rice:

Bio:

Name: William B. Rice
Rank:Pilot Officer
Serial Number: 106353
Unit:
❖ Royal Canadian Air Force
❖ Royal Air Force (RAF)
❖ Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
❖ Royal Canadian Air Force
Date of Death: 1942-04-23
State: South Carolina
Cemetery: Chittagong War Cemetery (CWGC), Chittagong, Chattogram District, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Plot: 5.E.4.
Battle:
❖ China India Burma Campaign (CBI)
❖ Pacific Theater

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Story:

In a piece from the Charleston Post and Courier dated May 26, 2022, Colonel (Retired) Russell V. Olson reflects on Memorial Day, a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. As the 75th anniversary of World War II's end coincides with this Memorial Day, Olson highlights the story of William B. Rice, who bravely gave his life for freedom during the war.

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In 1985, while training at the Bangladesh Defence Services Command and Staff College, Olson visited Chittagong, Bangladesh, where he discovered the Commonwealth War Cemetery housing over 300 well-kept graves. Surprised to find an American grave, Olson learned it belonged to a Charleston native, William B. Rice. After contacting a local newspaper, Olson connected with Rice's surviving brother, who shared the details of William's journey.



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Initially rejected from joining the military due to medical reasons, Rice traveled to Canada and joined the Royal Air Force, eventually becoming an RAF pilot. Tragically, his bomber crashed during a mission over Burma on April 23, 1942, when Rice was just 23 years old. His body was laid to rest in Chittagong, far from his home.



After the war, the U.S. government offered to repatriate Rice's remains, but his mother insisted that he should rest alongside his comrades where he fell. Thus, in Bangladesh, a small piece of land remains sacred to all Americans, honoring the sacrifice of William B. Rice and his fellow warriors.

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Our intention with "THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE: BURMA" is twofold. Firstly, we aim to honor Rice's heroism and ensure that his legacy endures through the ages. Secondly, we seek to shed light on the profound historical and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Canada, fostering greater understanding and strengthening bilateral relations between our nations.

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Read More about Royal Canadian Air Force-RCAF History & Heritage