Chindit Chasing, Operation Longcloth 1943
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Gallery: Men of Column 5

Of all the columns made up of British infantry that took part in operation Longcloth column 5 must have been the unluckiest of all. Led with enthusiasm and endeavour by Major Bernard Fergusson, admirably assisted by Adjutant Duncan Campbell Menzies, Air liaison officer Denny Sharp and the dependable Peter Dorans, the unit was never much favoured by 'Lady Luck'.
 
They were caught out whilst preparing to blow the railway at Bonchaung and bumped the Japanese again at the village of Hintha; often asked by Wingate to perform rearguard duty for Northern Section they continually missed their fair share of air supply drops too. These and other factors gave column 5 the unenviable record of returning the least amount of British Other Ranks to the safety of India in 1943.

Below are photographs of some of the men of column 5. Please click on image to view personal information caption. NB. I have had to reduce the amount of information written on each caption, this is due to the web host changing the caption position from underneath the image to the new format seen presently. If you are interested in any particular photo then please get in touch using the contact form found on the home page.

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