Gallery: Men of Column 7
Column 7 was led by the amiable Kenneth Gilkes during operation Longcloth. Very much like Major Scott, Gilkes was a well liked and respected leader, who would never ask a man to perform a duty that he would not be willing to carry out himself. During the operation Column 7 was often split up into sub-units in order to perform various tasks required by Wingate as the operation unfolded. This often left senior officers, such as Leslie Cottrell and William Petersen in temporary charge of large groups of men and away from the comfort and security of the main column strength.
Generally the column shadowed Wingate and his Brigade HQ. Once the order to disperse was called, Gilkes (known as Mr. Calm) decided to make for the Chinese borders and ultimately Fort Hertz, the most northerly town in Burma still in Allied hands. His column had been fully re-fitted with equipment in early April and had enjoyed a recent supply drop of food and ammunition shortly after crossing the Shweli River. He felt his men should have the means to make the longer, but hopefully safer route out of Burma that year. The trip out into China and then hugging the borders until the grain of the country led them to Fort Hertz would take on average 4-6 weeks longer than marching out directly west toward India.
On the way the dispersal groups of Column 7 would endure great hardship as they combatted the wild and exposed terrain of the Chinese borders. Eventually they reached areas occupied by Chinese troops and were well treated and more importantly well fed by their Allies. On reaching their final safe haven the column enjoyed the very great luxury of a lift home in the USAAF Dakotas that were present in the area, arriving back in India in some cases as late as July.
Below are some photographs of the men from Column 7. 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.
Generally the column shadowed Wingate and his Brigade HQ. Once the order to disperse was called, Gilkes (known as Mr. Calm) decided to make for the Chinese borders and ultimately Fort Hertz, the most northerly town in Burma still in Allied hands. His column had been fully re-fitted with equipment in early April and had enjoyed a recent supply drop of food and ammunition shortly after crossing the Shweli River. He felt his men should have the means to make the longer, but hopefully safer route out of Burma that year. The trip out into China and then hugging the borders until the grain of the country led them to Fort Hertz would take on average 4-6 weeks longer than marching out directly west toward India.
On the way the dispersal groups of Column 7 would endure great hardship as they combatted the wild and exposed terrain of the Chinese borders. Eventually they reached areas occupied by Chinese troops and were well treated and more importantly well fed by their Allies. On reaching their final safe haven the column enjoyed the very great luxury of a lift home in the USAAF Dakotas that were present in the area, arriving back in India in some cases as late as July.
Below are some photographs of the men from Column 7. 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.
Copyright © Steve Fogden and contributors 2011-15.