The Longcloth Roll Call
Surname K-O
This section is an alphabetical roll of the men from Operation Longcloth. It takes its inspiration from other such formats available on the Internet, websites such as Special Forces Roll of Honour and of course the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The information shown comes from various different documents related to the first Chindit Operation in 1943. Apart from more obvious data, such as the serviceman's rank, number and regimental unit, other detail has been taken from associated war diaries, missing in action files and casualty witness statements. The vast majority of this type of information has been located at the National Archives and the relevant file references can be found in the section Sources and Knowledge on this website.
Sometimes, if the man in question became a prisoner of war more detail can be displayed showing his time whilst in Japanese hands. Other avenues for additional information are: books, personal diaries, veteran audio accounts and subsequent family input via letter, email and phone call.
The idea behind this page, is to include as many Longcloth participants as possible, even if there is only a small amount of information about their contribution to hand. Please click on any of the images to hopefully bring them forward on the page.
All information contained on this page is Copyright © Steve Fogden April 2014.
Sometimes, if the man in question became a prisoner of war more detail can be displayed showing his time whilst in Japanese hands. Other avenues for additional information are: books, personal diaries, veteran audio accounts and subsequent family input via letter, email and phone call.
The idea behind this page, is to include as many Longcloth participants as possible, even if there is only a small amount of information about their contribution to hand. Please click on any of the images to hopefully bring them forward on the page.
All information contained on this page is Copyright © Steve Fogden April 2014.
Joseph Kay.
KAY, JOSEPH
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 3781435
Date of Death: 02/09/1943
Age: 31
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery Grave: 6.B.7.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260190/kay,-joseph/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Joseph Kay was born on the 16th July 1912 and was the son of James Gilbert and Sarah Ann Kay from Ancoats, Manchester. James Kay worked as a printer and according to the 1939 Register, Joseph was still living with his parents at 5 Chaucer Street, Manchester and was working as a clothing salesman.
From Joseph's Army service number, 3781435, it seems highly likely that he was an original member of the 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment that voyaged overseas aboard the troopship, Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. After the battalion was given over to Brigadier Wingate in June 1942, Joseph was allocated to No. 7 Column and began his jungle warfare training at the Saugor camp in the Central Provinces of India. On Operation Longcloth, Joseph served as a section commander in one of the column's Rifle Platoons.
After dispersal was called around the 24/25th March 1943, Joseph was placed into the party commanded by Lt. Rex Walker. This was a group comprising soldiers who were already sick with disease or suffering from some sort of injury or wound. While the main body of No. 7 Column headed east in order to exit Burma via the Chinese Borders, Lt. Walker's dispersal party, due to the physical condition of its men, headed directly west in order to take the shortest possible route back to Allied held territory.
To read in more depth about Lt. Rex Walker's group, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Joseph Kay was officially reported as missing in action on the 10th April 1943, while his dispersal group were preparing to make a crossing of the Irrawaddy River. A witness statement, given by No. 7 Column Adjutant, Captain Leslie Cottrell after the operation throws some light on the situation:
On April 10th we were on the Mongmit-Myitson Road, Lieutenant Walker was ordered to take charge of a party of 3 officers and 25 BOR's. He was told to head westward toward the Irrawaddy and make for India by the most direct route. The group were armed and had ammunition, also they had two days hard scale rations per man. The officers had both maps and compasses. An air supply dropping was arranged for them just west of the Irrawaddy, but the party failed to make the rendezvous. The Japanese were known to be fairly active in the area, but nothing has been heard of the group since.
It seems very likely that the group were attacked almost straight away after splitting from the other dispersal groups from No. 7 Column. It was also reported from other witness statements, that two of the men were murdered by Burmese villagers on the 10th April. This suggests to me that the vulnerable condition of the group had encouraged local villagers to attempt to capture the men in order to gain favour and financial reward from the Japanese in the area.
According to the testimony of Chindit, Pte. Norman Fowler, explained in the pages of his POW liberation questionnaire in July 1945, he and Joseph Kay, alongside another soldier, Pte. Herbert Boston attempted an escape from captivity in early May 1943, close to the Burmese village of Kunchaung. However, it seems most probable to me that Joseph had been captured much earlier than this and most likely close to the scene of Lt. Walker's dispersal party's demise at the Irrawaddy. In any case, although the three men's attempts to escape involved hand to hand fighting with their captors, it all ended in failure.
All captured Chindits were eventually taken down to Rangoon by train and placed into Block 6 of the city jail. Sadly, this is where Joseph Kay perished on the 2nd September 1943. According to paperwork discovered at the Imperial War Museum archives, he was given the POW number, 494 at Rangoon and was buried originally, in grave no. 51 at the English Cantonment Cemetery, located in the eastern sector of the city near the Royal Lakes. After the war was over, all burials from this cemetery were re-interred at the newly constructed Rangoon War Cemetery, with Joseph's remains moving over on the 14th June 1946.
Although his family knew that Joseph was missing after the first Chindit expedition in 1943, they did not know that he was definitely a prisoner or war, or that he had died on the 2nd September that same year. They were given this sad news not long after Rangoon Jail was liberated in early May 1945 and the Manchester Evening News carried a short piece about Joseph's demise in Burma in their edition dated, 8th June 1945. This short two line notification also included the photograph of Joseph used at the beginning of this story. Later on, Joseph's name was included on the WW2 Memorial plaque at St. Andrew's Church, Ancoats, the same church in which he was baptised.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including the memorial plaque at St. Andrews Church. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 3781435
Date of Death: 02/09/1943
Age: 31
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery Grave: 6.B.7.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260190/kay,-joseph/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Joseph Kay was born on the 16th July 1912 and was the son of James Gilbert and Sarah Ann Kay from Ancoats, Manchester. James Kay worked as a printer and according to the 1939 Register, Joseph was still living with his parents at 5 Chaucer Street, Manchester and was working as a clothing salesman.
From Joseph's Army service number, 3781435, it seems highly likely that he was an original member of the 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment that voyaged overseas aboard the troopship, Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. After the battalion was given over to Brigadier Wingate in June 1942, Joseph was allocated to No. 7 Column and began his jungle warfare training at the Saugor camp in the Central Provinces of India. On Operation Longcloth, Joseph served as a section commander in one of the column's Rifle Platoons.
After dispersal was called around the 24/25th March 1943, Joseph was placed into the party commanded by Lt. Rex Walker. This was a group comprising soldiers who were already sick with disease or suffering from some sort of injury or wound. While the main body of No. 7 Column headed east in order to exit Burma via the Chinese Borders, Lt. Walker's dispersal party, due to the physical condition of its men, headed directly west in order to take the shortest possible route back to Allied held territory.
To read in more depth about Lt. Rex Walker's group, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Joseph Kay was officially reported as missing in action on the 10th April 1943, while his dispersal group were preparing to make a crossing of the Irrawaddy River. A witness statement, given by No. 7 Column Adjutant, Captain Leslie Cottrell after the operation throws some light on the situation:
On April 10th we were on the Mongmit-Myitson Road, Lieutenant Walker was ordered to take charge of a party of 3 officers and 25 BOR's. He was told to head westward toward the Irrawaddy and make for India by the most direct route. The group were armed and had ammunition, also they had two days hard scale rations per man. The officers had both maps and compasses. An air supply dropping was arranged for them just west of the Irrawaddy, but the party failed to make the rendezvous. The Japanese were known to be fairly active in the area, but nothing has been heard of the group since.
It seems very likely that the group were attacked almost straight away after splitting from the other dispersal groups from No. 7 Column. It was also reported from other witness statements, that two of the men were murdered by Burmese villagers on the 10th April. This suggests to me that the vulnerable condition of the group had encouraged local villagers to attempt to capture the men in order to gain favour and financial reward from the Japanese in the area.
According to the testimony of Chindit, Pte. Norman Fowler, explained in the pages of his POW liberation questionnaire in July 1945, he and Joseph Kay, alongside another soldier, Pte. Herbert Boston attempted an escape from captivity in early May 1943, close to the Burmese village of Kunchaung. However, it seems most probable to me that Joseph had been captured much earlier than this and most likely close to the scene of Lt. Walker's dispersal party's demise at the Irrawaddy. In any case, although the three men's attempts to escape involved hand to hand fighting with their captors, it all ended in failure.
All captured Chindits were eventually taken down to Rangoon by train and placed into Block 6 of the city jail. Sadly, this is where Joseph Kay perished on the 2nd September 1943. According to paperwork discovered at the Imperial War Museum archives, he was given the POW number, 494 at Rangoon and was buried originally, in grave no. 51 at the English Cantonment Cemetery, located in the eastern sector of the city near the Royal Lakes. After the war was over, all burials from this cemetery were re-interred at the newly constructed Rangoon War Cemetery, with Joseph's remains moving over on the 14th June 1946.
Although his family knew that Joseph was missing after the first Chindit expedition in 1943, they did not know that he was definitely a prisoner or war, or that he had died on the 2nd September that same year. They were given this sad news not long after Rangoon Jail was liberated in early May 1945 and the Manchester Evening News carried a short piece about Joseph's demise in Burma in their edition dated, 8th June 1945. This short two line notification also included the photograph of Joseph used at the beginning of this story. Later on, Joseph's name was included on the WW2 Memorial plaque at St. Andrew's Church, Ancoats, the same church in which he was baptised.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including the memorial plaque at St. Andrews Church. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Cap badge of the King's Regiment.
KELLY, J.
Rank: Pte.
Service No: 3779327
Age: Not known
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Pte. J. Kelly was an original member of the 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment, that travelled to India aboard the troopship Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. The only information we really have about this soldier, is that he gave a witness statement after his return from Operation Longcloth in regards to Pte. William Dunn and Pte. David Clarke and there last known whereabouts on the first Wingate expedition.
The statement reads as follows:
In a statement forwarded on 5th January 1944 furnished by Lance-Sergeant P. Dorans and regarding the above mentioned men, he states that on the 28th March 1943, in the village of Hintha No. 5 Column encountered the Japanese. After a bayonet charge, Pte. Dunn returned with a bullet wound to his thigh. Dorans applied first-aid and then saw him hobble down to the Medical Officer. Dorans knew Dunn well and is positive of his identity that day.
No. 3779327 Pte. J. Kelly who also gave a statement, said that he last saw Dunn being led away from the same village by Pte. Clarke. Can we obtain the name of the Medical Officer from Sergeant Dorans and whether he can confirm that Dunn and Clarke did indeed reach the Medical Aid Post, and if so, does he know what subsequently happened to the two men. Also, can the Pte. Clarke referred to by Pte. Kelly be identified and a statement obtained?
Sadly, neither the Medical Officer that day, Captain William Service Aird, or Ptes. D. Clarke and W. Dunn survived their time in Burma. William Aird was captured by the Japanese in early April 1943 and perished suffering from both malaria and dysentery as the Chindit POWs were being transported by train to Rangoon on the 10th May.
To read more about William Aird, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Pte. 3649326 William Dunn was wounded during No. 5 Column's engagement with the Japanese at Hintha. Sadly, he died from his wounds that very same day (28th March 1943). He had volunteered to be Lt. Stibbe's batman during the training period in Malthone, India and Lt. Stibbe remembered him in his book, Return via Rangoon:
“I decided to try Dunn as my batman, he had been a leather worker from Warrington. He was dark and well built, a good swimmer and, although had always lived in a town, he had liked country pursuits. He looked after me admirably and kept me amused with his witty and sometimes caustic comments on life. Often he gave me very sound advice when asked, and occasionally, very respectfully, when not asked."
William's body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. To read his CWGC details, please click on the following link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1291967/dunn,-william/
Pte. 3779346 David Clarke managed to disperse with his column after the battle of Hintha, but became separated from his unit during a secondary ambush by the enemy the next day. He and around 100 other men from 5 Column were fortunate to bump into No. 7 Column a few days later close to the Shweli River, where Major Gilkes took all the new arrivals under his wing and allocated them to his own pre-arranged dispersal groups. The party into which David Clarke was placed marched north east into the Kachin Hills, but sadly, on the 26th April David, by now utterly exhausted, fell out of the line of march as the group were preparing to cross a small river. He was never seen or heard of again.
Much like William Dunn, David's body was never found after the war and so he is also remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial was constructed to honour the 26,000 Commonwealth Service personnel who perished during the Burma Campaign, but who have no known grave.
To read David's CWGC details, please click on the following link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2507559/clarke,-david/
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short narrative, including the combined witness statement covering Pte. J. Kelly's information. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Pte.
Service No: 3779327
Age: Not known
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Pte. J. Kelly was an original member of the 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment, that travelled to India aboard the troopship Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. The only information we really have about this soldier, is that he gave a witness statement after his return from Operation Longcloth in regards to Pte. William Dunn and Pte. David Clarke and there last known whereabouts on the first Wingate expedition.
The statement reads as follows:
In a statement forwarded on 5th January 1944 furnished by Lance-Sergeant P. Dorans and regarding the above mentioned men, he states that on the 28th March 1943, in the village of Hintha No. 5 Column encountered the Japanese. After a bayonet charge, Pte. Dunn returned with a bullet wound to his thigh. Dorans applied first-aid and then saw him hobble down to the Medical Officer. Dorans knew Dunn well and is positive of his identity that day.
No. 3779327 Pte. J. Kelly who also gave a statement, said that he last saw Dunn being led away from the same village by Pte. Clarke. Can we obtain the name of the Medical Officer from Sergeant Dorans and whether he can confirm that Dunn and Clarke did indeed reach the Medical Aid Post, and if so, does he know what subsequently happened to the two men. Also, can the Pte. Clarke referred to by Pte. Kelly be identified and a statement obtained?
Sadly, neither the Medical Officer that day, Captain William Service Aird, or Ptes. D. Clarke and W. Dunn survived their time in Burma. William Aird was captured by the Japanese in early April 1943 and perished suffering from both malaria and dysentery as the Chindit POWs were being transported by train to Rangoon on the 10th May.
To read more about William Aird, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Pte. 3649326 William Dunn was wounded during No. 5 Column's engagement with the Japanese at Hintha. Sadly, he died from his wounds that very same day (28th March 1943). He had volunteered to be Lt. Stibbe's batman during the training period in Malthone, India and Lt. Stibbe remembered him in his book, Return via Rangoon:
“I decided to try Dunn as my batman, he had been a leather worker from Warrington. He was dark and well built, a good swimmer and, although had always lived in a town, he had liked country pursuits. He looked after me admirably and kept me amused with his witty and sometimes caustic comments on life. Often he gave me very sound advice when asked, and occasionally, very respectfully, when not asked."
William's body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. To read his CWGC details, please click on the following link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1291967/dunn,-william/
Pte. 3779346 David Clarke managed to disperse with his column after the battle of Hintha, but became separated from his unit during a secondary ambush by the enemy the next day. He and around 100 other men from 5 Column were fortunate to bump into No. 7 Column a few days later close to the Shweli River, where Major Gilkes took all the new arrivals under his wing and allocated them to his own pre-arranged dispersal groups. The party into which David Clarke was placed marched north east into the Kachin Hills, but sadly, on the 26th April David, by now utterly exhausted, fell out of the line of march as the group were preparing to cross a small river. He was never seen or heard of again.
Much like William Dunn, David's body was never found after the war and so he is also remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial was constructed to honour the 26,000 Commonwealth Service personnel who perished during the Burma Campaign, but who have no known grave.
To read David's CWGC details, please click on the following link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2507559/clarke,-david/
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short narrative, including the combined witness statement covering Pte. J. Kelly's information. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
RSM Kelly (India 1942).
KELLY, RSM
RSM Kelly was the 13th King's original Regimental Sergeant Major and had been with the battalion since the middle of 1940, when the unit had been based at the Jordan Hill Barracks in Glasgow. He was a popular man with officers and Other Ranks alike, having previously been the senior Warrant Officer at the Liverpool College Officers Training Corps. Lt. Leslie Cottrell remembered Kelly, as a : kindly man who would watch over you when giving out orders or instructing new officers in regards duties such as mounting the guard.
Kelly continued in his role after the 13th King's had travelled overseas to India and led the battalion during its time in Secunderabad, where it performed garrison and internal security duties. Unfortunately, after the battalion had been given over to Brigadier Wingate in June 1942, Kelly, along with many other men from the 13th King's, struggled to cope with the arduous nature of jungle warfare training.
Once again, Lt. Cottrell remembered:
After several weeks in the camp at Saugor our sick parades began to feature over 400 men, which was over half the battalion. The men were suffering mostly from mild dysentery and jungle sores which had turned septic and require immediate treatment. RSM Kelly had contracted impetigo which covered his face, but which the new drug MB693 cleared up completely in just five days.
As October turned to November in 1942, the decision was made to bring in reinforcements to replace the original members of the battalion, who were clearly not suited for a jungle warfare role, or were considered simply too old to take part in the forthcoming operations in Burma. In the end it was decided that both RSM Kelly and the battalion's commanding officer, Lt-Colonel W.M. Robinson fell into this category and it was with regret that Wingate informed both men that they would be taking no further part in proceedings. RSM Kelly was replaced by William James Livingstone, who had been with the 13th King's since July 1940.
Leslie Cottrell recalled:
In January 1943 the 13th King's and the other units of 77 Brigade moved by train to Dimapur in Assam; but not all the officers and men who had made up the 13th King's at Patharia still constituted that regiment at Dimapur. Several had been 'weeded out' as it was perhaps unkindly put and reinforcements brought in. Some officers and Warrant Officers, including the Commanding Officer and RSM Kelly were considered too old to take part in the forthcoming campaign and some others were of too low a medical category.
It is not known for sure what role RSM Kelly performed after leaving the 13th King's in late 1942? It must be assumed that a man of his experience and knowledge would have been given an important position, perhaps in the matters of regimental training or internal security for which he would have been an ideal candidate.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short story, comprising photographs of the officers mentioned in the above narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
RSM Kelly was the 13th King's original Regimental Sergeant Major and had been with the battalion since the middle of 1940, when the unit had been based at the Jordan Hill Barracks in Glasgow. He was a popular man with officers and Other Ranks alike, having previously been the senior Warrant Officer at the Liverpool College Officers Training Corps. Lt. Leslie Cottrell remembered Kelly, as a : kindly man who would watch over you when giving out orders or instructing new officers in regards duties such as mounting the guard.
Kelly continued in his role after the 13th King's had travelled overseas to India and led the battalion during its time in Secunderabad, where it performed garrison and internal security duties. Unfortunately, after the battalion had been given over to Brigadier Wingate in June 1942, Kelly, along with many other men from the 13th King's, struggled to cope with the arduous nature of jungle warfare training.
Once again, Lt. Cottrell remembered:
After several weeks in the camp at Saugor our sick parades began to feature over 400 men, which was over half the battalion. The men were suffering mostly from mild dysentery and jungle sores which had turned septic and require immediate treatment. RSM Kelly had contracted impetigo which covered his face, but which the new drug MB693 cleared up completely in just five days.
As October turned to November in 1942, the decision was made to bring in reinforcements to replace the original members of the battalion, who were clearly not suited for a jungle warfare role, or were considered simply too old to take part in the forthcoming operations in Burma. In the end it was decided that both RSM Kelly and the battalion's commanding officer, Lt-Colonel W.M. Robinson fell into this category and it was with regret that Wingate informed both men that they would be taking no further part in proceedings. RSM Kelly was replaced by William James Livingstone, who had been with the 13th King's since July 1940.
Leslie Cottrell recalled:
In January 1943 the 13th King's and the other units of 77 Brigade moved by train to Dimapur in Assam; but not all the officers and men who had made up the 13th King's at Patharia still constituted that regiment at Dimapur. Several had been 'weeded out' as it was perhaps unkindly put and reinforcements brought in. Some officers and Warrant Officers, including the Commanding Officer and RSM Kelly were considered too old to take part in the forthcoming campaign and some others were of too low a medical category.
It is not known for sure what role RSM Kelly performed after leaving the 13th King's in late 1942? It must be assumed that a man of his experience and knowledge would have been given an important position, perhaps in the matters of regimental training or internal security for which he would have been an ideal candidate.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short story, comprising photographs of the officers mentioned in the above narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Commission on 15th November 1942.
KELLY, JOHN THOMAS
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Service No: 268979
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Previous Regiment: The Border Regiment.
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
2nd Lieutenant John Thomas Kelly arrived at the Chindit training camp in Jhansi on the 22nd December 1942. He had only recently received his commission, gazetted on the 7th May 1943, whilst serving with the Border Regiment. Alongside him on the 22nd December were three other young officers: Ted Horton, formerly of the Lincoln's, Robert Wilkinson of the Leicester Regiment and Gerry Roberts from the Welch Regiment.
Gerry Roberts recalled this moment in his memoirs:
Bob Wilkinson, Jack Kelly, Ted Horton and I were detailed to go to Jhansi to be interviewed by the Brigadier. We had no option and others with less experience I know had been refused. We arrived at Jhansi on the 22nd December 1942, then interviewed on the 23rd and were told we would be attached for operations. All the necessary kit was drawn up and we were tested by compass marching, map reading etc. This went well and we then spent four days training in the jungle with the other columns. These columns already had six months continuous jungle training, yet we had to go in with just a few days under our belts and had do the same work as the other officers. However, we were young and game and had no real worries.
By January 1943, the four men had been split up into the various Chindit columns, with Gerry Roberts going to No. 5 Column, Edwin Horton to No. 8 Column and Robert Wilkinson and John Kelly joining No. 7 Column under the command of Major Kenneth Gilkes of the King's Regiment. It was with No. 7 Column that John Kelly crossed the Chindwin River on the 15th February 1943 and began his period behind enemy lines.
In late March 1943, Wingate called a halt to the operation in Burma, after being instructed by the Army HQ in India to get as many of his now knowledgeable and experienced Chindit Brigade back safely to Allied territory. Wingate's own Brigade HQ had been shielded by Columns 7 and 8 for most of the operation in 1943 and it was these three groups that found themselves on the eastern banks of the Irrawaddy River on the 29th March, close to the village of Inywa.
Several platoons from No. 7 Column were ordered to cross the river using local country boats in order to secure a bridgehead on the west bank. It is known that Lt. Kelly led his platoon across at this point. Unfortunately, the Japanese were waiting on the far bank and began firing at the Chindit parties as they crossed; heavy mortar and machine gun fire took a heavy toll on the men from 7 Column, but a group of around 40 men including John Kelly did make it ashore and dispersed quickly into the jungle adjacent to the river. The rest of the crossing was duly abandoned and the remainder of No. 7 Column turned tail from Inywa and marched east for the Shweli River. Major Gilkes eventually exited Burma via Yunnan Province (China), a march that would last for over six weeks.
After many days march and with several skirmishes with Japanese patrols along the way, Lt. Kelly and the group of Chindits he was with reached the safety of the Chindwin River. To read more about his return journey to India, please click on the following link: Captain William Alfred Jelliss
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Service No: 268979
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Previous Regiment: The Border Regiment.
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
2nd Lieutenant John Thomas Kelly arrived at the Chindit training camp in Jhansi on the 22nd December 1942. He had only recently received his commission, gazetted on the 7th May 1943, whilst serving with the Border Regiment. Alongside him on the 22nd December were three other young officers: Ted Horton, formerly of the Lincoln's, Robert Wilkinson of the Leicester Regiment and Gerry Roberts from the Welch Regiment.
Gerry Roberts recalled this moment in his memoirs:
Bob Wilkinson, Jack Kelly, Ted Horton and I were detailed to go to Jhansi to be interviewed by the Brigadier. We had no option and others with less experience I know had been refused. We arrived at Jhansi on the 22nd December 1942, then interviewed on the 23rd and were told we would be attached for operations. All the necessary kit was drawn up and we were tested by compass marching, map reading etc. This went well and we then spent four days training in the jungle with the other columns. These columns already had six months continuous jungle training, yet we had to go in with just a few days under our belts and had do the same work as the other officers. However, we were young and game and had no real worries.
By January 1943, the four men had been split up into the various Chindit columns, with Gerry Roberts going to No. 5 Column, Edwin Horton to No. 8 Column and Robert Wilkinson and John Kelly joining No. 7 Column under the command of Major Kenneth Gilkes of the King's Regiment. It was with No. 7 Column that John Kelly crossed the Chindwin River on the 15th February 1943 and began his period behind enemy lines.
In late March 1943, Wingate called a halt to the operation in Burma, after being instructed by the Army HQ in India to get as many of his now knowledgeable and experienced Chindit Brigade back safely to Allied territory. Wingate's own Brigade HQ had been shielded by Columns 7 and 8 for most of the operation in 1943 and it was these three groups that found themselves on the eastern banks of the Irrawaddy River on the 29th March, close to the village of Inywa.
Several platoons from No. 7 Column were ordered to cross the river using local country boats in order to secure a bridgehead on the west bank. It is known that Lt. Kelly led his platoon across at this point. Unfortunately, the Japanese were waiting on the far bank and began firing at the Chindit parties as they crossed; heavy mortar and machine gun fire took a heavy toll on the men from 7 Column, but a group of around 40 men including John Kelly did make it ashore and dispersed quickly into the jungle adjacent to the river. The rest of the crossing was duly abandoned and the remainder of No. 7 Column turned tail from Inywa and marched east for the Shweli River. Major Gilkes eventually exited Burma via Yunnan Province (China), a march that would last for over six weeks.
After many days march and with several skirmishes with Japanese patrols along the way, Lt. Kelly and the group of Chindits he was with reached the safety of the Chindwin River. To read more about his return journey to India, please click on the following link: Captain William Alfred Jelliss
Map of the area around Inywa on the Irrawaddy River. The location of the ill-fated crossing on the 29th March 1943.
The exploits of the Chindits in 1943 was used quite extensively by Winston Churchill in raising the morale of the Allied troops in India and the British public back home.
An example of this comes from the pages of the Liverpool Echo dated 21st May 1943, in the form of an interesting short story about four men from the local area (including John Kelly) and their experiences during the first Wingate expedition.
Liverpool Ghosts: Local Men in Great Burma Exploit
Merseyside has a special interest in today's news of the Ghost Army which, under Brigadier Orde Charles Wingate, a relative of Lawrence of Arabia, has now returned to an Indian base after a three month wrecking expedition in Japanese occupied Burma. For a number of men from this area are members of what if commonly known as Wingate's Circus. As already detailed, the troops penetrated over 200 miles into Burma, crossing the Chindwin and Irrawaddy Rivers, and played havoc with Japanese communications in conditions of unbelievable hardship.
Among them was Sergeant James Creasy of Liverpool, who showed his toughness, while others lost weight, caught malaria and so on, by gaining himself an extra 10lbs! After living for many days on tea and bamboo shoots, one party killed a buffalo. Lance Corporal James Holton of St. Helens and two other men proceeded to skin the animal with double-edged razor blades, using nine blades to complete the operation. Lieutenant John Kelly of Sandbach in Cheshire, lived for five days on a banana leaf diet. To rescue the sick and wounded of one column, a transport plane landed on an open patch of ground half the length normally required for a take-off. Private Fred Nightingale of Lancaster was among the men rescued.
After returning from Burma in 1943, John Kelly and the other survivors from Operation Longcloth enjoyed a long period of rest and recuperation in the hill stations of northern India. Eventually they all rejoined the 13th King's at their new base, the Napier Barracks located at Karachi. John Kelly spent the rest of his service with the King's at Karachi employed for the most part in internal security and garrison duties and was promoted to Captain on the 8th December 1944. From the summer of 1945, many of the Longcloth men still present with the battalion began to be repatriated to the United Kingdom as their overseas service period expired. It is not known exactly when John returned to the UK but the battalion was disbanded on the 5th December 1945, with any remaining Other Ranks being sent over to bolster the strength of the 1st Battalion of the King's now stationed at Dehra Dun.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including notification of John Kelly's promotion to Captain from the 13th King's War diary. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
An example of this comes from the pages of the Liverpool Echo dated 21st May 1943, in the form of an interesting short story about four men from the local area (including John Kelly) and their experiences during the first Wingate expedition.
Liverpool Ghosts: Local Men in Great Burma Exploit
Merseyside has a special interest in today's news of the Ghost Army which, under Brigadier Orde Charles Wingate, a relative of Lawrence of Arabia, has now returned to an Indian base after a three month wrecking expedition in Japanese occupied Burma. For a number of men from this area are members of what if commonly known as Wingate's Circus. As already detailed, the troops penetrated over 200 miles into Burma, crossing the Chindwin and Irrawaddy Rivers, and played havoc with Japanese communications in conditions of unbelievable hardship.
Among them was Sergeant James Creasy of Liverpool, who showed his toughness, while others lost weight, caught malaria and so on, by gaining himself an extra 10lbs! After living for many days on tea and bamboo shoots, one party killed a buffalo. Lance Corporal James Holton of St. Helens and two other men proceeded to skin the animal with double-edged razor blades, using nine blades to complete the operation. Lieutenant John Kelly of Sandbach in Cheshire, lived for five days on a banana leaf diet. To rescue the sick and wounded of one column, a transport plane landed on an open patch of ground half the length normally required for a take-off. Private Fred Nightingale of Lancaster was among the men rescued.
After returning from Burma in 1943, John Kelly and the other survivors from Operation Longcloth enjoyed a long period of rest and recuperation in the hill stations of northern India. Eventually they all rejoined the 13th King's at their new base, the Napier Barracks located at Karachi. John Kelly spent the rest of his service with the King's at Karachi employed for the most part in internal security and garrison duties and was promoted to Captain on the 8th December 1944. From the summer of 1945, many of the Longcloth men still present with the battalion began to be repatriated to the United Kingdom as their overseas service period expired. It is not known exactly when John returned to the UK but the battalion was disbanded on the 5th December 1945, with any remaining Other Ranks being sent over to bolster the strength of the 1st Battalion of the King's now stationed at Dehra Dun.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including notification of John Kelly's promotion to Captain from the 13th King's War diary. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
142 Commando insignia.
KEMBLE, (Captain)
Rank: Captain
Service No: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: 142 Commando attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Previous Regiment: Unknown
Chindit Column: Rear Base (Saugor)
Other details:
There is only one reference for Captain Kemble from the diaries and writings in relation to the first Chindit expedition in 1943. From the war diary of 142 Commando section, 77 Brigade, we learn that Kemble was the Mess Officer at Saugor and that he was to have the mess room ready and operational by the 24th September 1942. It is not known whether Kemble took part on Operation Longcloth, or remained behind to undertake his catering duties back at the Saugor Camp. Please click on the image below to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Captain
Service No: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: 142 Commando attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Previous Regiment: Unknown
Chindit Column: Rear Base (Saugor)
Other details:
There is only one reference for Captain Kemble from the diaries and writings in relation to the first Chindit expedition in 1943. From the war diary of 142 Commando section, 77 Brigade, we learn that Kemble was the Mess Officer at Saugor and that he was to have the mess room ready and operational by the 24th September 1942. It is not known whether Kemble took part on Operation Longcloth, or remained behind to undertake his catering duties back at the Saugor Camp. Please click on the image below to bring it forward on the page.
Entry from the 142 Commando war diary dated 20th September 1942.
Cap badge of the King's Own Scottish Borderer's.
KENNEDY, JOHN
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 3186236
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Previous Regiment: King's Own Scottish Borderer's
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
John Kennedy was born on the 5th March 1913 and was the son of Walter and Janet Kennedy from Galashiels in Selkirkshire, Scotland. John had enlisted into the Army on the 14th March 1931 and had been transferred to the 13th King's in 1940 as part of a small draft of NCO's originally from the King's Own Scottish Borderer's. He joined the 13th King's at the Jordan Hill Barracks in Glasgow and was posted to C' Company within the battalion.
After performing defence duties with the King's along the south eastern coastline of England, in December 1941, he voyaged with the 13th Battalion to India aboard the troopship Oronsay. The original intention was for the battalion to serve as garrison troops in Secunderabad, looking after internal security and policing the streets of the area and dealing with the increasing civil unrest amongst the Indian population. This all changed in June 1942, when the battalion was unexpectedly given over to Orde Wingate and became the British Infantry element of his newly formed 77th Indian Infantry Brigade.
John was allocated to No. 7 Column at the Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India and became a Section Commander in one of the column's Rifle Platoons. No. 7 Column was led by Major Kenneth Gilkes also of the King's Regiment, who John would have known from his earlier service with the regiment back in the United Kingdom.
For most of the the journey through the jungles of Burma in 1943, No. 7 Column had kept close to Wingate's own Brigade Head Quarters, protecting and shadowing their leader wherever he went. By late March 1943, many of the men from No. 7 Column were suffering from severe exhaustion, starvation and numerous other afflictions common to the jungles of Burma at that time. After a failed attempt to cross the Irrawaddy River as one body on the 29th March 1943, the Brigade split up into individual dispersal groups.
A group of Chindits, already very ill with diseases such as dysentery and malaria were placed under the leadership of Lieutenant Rex Walker, a young officer from 7 Column. He was given the task by Major Gilkes of taking these men back to India when the column split up into it's dispersal parties. Major Gilkes and the majority of his column then turned eastwards and crossed the Shweli River with the view of exiting Burma via the Kachin Hills and then into the Chinese border province of Yunnan.
To read the full story of this group, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Lt. Walker's party, which included Corporal Kennedy, were now heading due west and attempted to cross the Irrawaddy River on the 10th April 1943; sadly none of the men from this dispersal party ever got over the river. Many were killed during a Japanese ambush, whilst others were taken prisoner. John Kennedy was reported as missing in action as of the 10th April 1943, but according to his POW index card (seen in the gallery below) was actually captured by the Japanese on the 27th April. So it would seem that he and possibly others from the group made an initial escape from the enemy after the engagement at the Irrawaddy. With no access to food other than what he could obtain from local villages, it is to John's great credit that he survived in the Burmese jungle for as long as he did.
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 3186236
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Previous Regiment: King's Own Scottish Borderer's
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
John Kennedy was born on the 5th March 1913 and was the son of Walter and Janet Kennedy from Galashiels in Selkirkshire, Scotland. John had enlisted into the Army on the 14th March 1931 and had been transferred to the 13th King's in 1940 as part of a small draft of NCO's originally from the King's Own Scottish Borderer's. He joined the 13th King's at the Jordan Hill Barracks in Glasgow and was posted to C' Company within the battalion.
After performing defence duties with the King's along the south eastern coastline of England, in December 1941, he voyaged with the 13th Battalion to India aboard the troopship Oronsay. The original intention was for the battalion to serve as garrison troops in Secunderabad, looking after internal security and policing the streets of the area and dealing with the increasing civil unrest amongst the Indian population. This all changed in June 1942, when the battalion was unexpectedly given over to Orde Wingate and became the British Infantry element of his newly formed 77th Indian Infantry Brigade.
John was allocated to No. 7 Column at the Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India and became a Section Commander in one of the column's Rifle Platoons. No. 7 Column was led by Major Kenneth Gilkes also of the King's Regiment, who John would have known from his earlier service with the regiment back in the United Kingdom.
For most of the the journey through the jungles of Burma in 1943, No. 7 Column had kept close to Wingate's own Brigade Head Quarters, protecting and shadowing their leader wherever he went. By late March 1943, many of the men from No. 7 Column were suffering from severe exhaustion, starvation and numerous other afflictions common to the jungles of Burma at that time. After a failed attempt to cross the Irrawaddy River as one body on the 29th March 1943, the Brigade split up into individual dispersal groups.
A group of Chindits, already very ill with diseases such as dysentery and malaria were placed under the leadership of Lieutenant Rex Walker, a young officer from 7 Column. He was given the task by Major Gilkes of taking these men back to India when the column split up into it's dispersal parties. Major Gilkes and the majority of his column then turned eastwards and crossed the Shweli River with the view of exiting Burma via the Kachin Hills and then into the Chinese border province of Yunnan.
To read the full story of this group, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Lt. Walker's party, which included Corporal Kennedy, were now heading due west and attempted to cross the Irrawaddy River on the 10th April 1943; sadly none of the men from this dispersal party ever got over the river. Many were killed during a Japanese ambush, whilst others were taken prisoner. John Kennedy was reported as missing in action as of the 10th April 1943, but according to his POW index card (seen in the gallery below) was actually captured by the Japanese on the 27th April. So it would seem that he and possibly others from the group made an initial escape from the enemy after the engagement at the Irrawaddy. With no access to food other than what he could obtain from local villages, it is to John's great credit that he survived in the Burmese jungle for as long as he did.
Missing in actions listing for men of No. 7 Column, 77th Indian Infantry Brigade.
As mentioned earlier, John's dispersal group were last seen on or about the 10th April. Here is a transcription of a report made by Captain Leslie Cottrell, who was 7 Column Adjutant on Operation Longcloth:
Statement of evidence as of 24th of July 1943.
Witness. 138760 Capt. L.R. Cottrell.
"I was Staff Officer of number seven Column, during Brigadier Wingate's Burma expedition. On April 10th, 1943, the Column Commander (Gilkes) decided for various tactical and administrative reasons to split his column. This was mid-way between the Mongmit and the Myitson Road.
Lieutenant Walker was ordered to take charge of a party which consisted of three other officers and 25 British Other Ranks. His orders were to march approximately westward, re-cross the Irrawaddy and return to Assam by the most direct route. The British Other Ranks were not considered by the Column Commander or by the Medical Officer as physically capable of marching the long way out via China, as the main body intended to do.
They were all equipped with arms and ammunition and had two days hard scale rations each, the officers had maps and compasses. An Air Supply drop was arranged for them just west of the Irrawaddy, but, the party failed to make the rendezvous and the aircraft concerned did not locate them. The Japanese were fairly active in this area. Nothing has been heard of any of these Officers or men since."
Signed. Leslie Cottrell, Captain.
Counter-signed. H. Cotton, Captain.
Of the 29 men who made up Lieutenant Walker's dispersal party, only five survived the war and returned home to the UK. The majority were taken prisoner by the Japanese at various times after the 11th April. Some died in POW transit camps, possibly in places like Kalaw and Maymyo, others made the final journey down to Rangoon, only to perish in Block 6 of the jail, succumbing to dreadful diseases such as dysentery and beri beri.
According to John Kennedy's POW records, he was held originally at the transitory prisoner of war camp in Kalaw and was then transferred, along with many of his Chindit comrades to Rangoon Central Jail. Inside the prison, he was given the POW no. 113 and was made to recite this number in Japanese, ichi-ichi-san, at every morning and evening roll-call. John worked as a labourer for the Japanese during his two years as a POW, often unloading cargo from ships down at the city docks.
To read more about the Chindits who became prisoners of war, please click on the following link: Chindit POW's
John was liberated as a prisoner of war in late April 1945, whilst marching with some 400 other POW's on the Pegu Road, just north of Rangoon. After returning to India by a Dakota aeroplane and a period in hospital at Calcutta, where he was treated for malaria, dysentery and beri beri, on the 6th June, John agreed to complete what has become known as a Liberation Questionnaire.
This document recorded the history of the prisoner in question, stating the camps he had been held at, the work he had been asked to do and how he had been treated by the Japanese he encountered. After the war, John also gave a series of witness statements in relation to some of the men he had served with on Operation Longcloth and then as a prisoner of war. Later in 1945, probably around October or November, John would have been repatriated to the UK. According to his POW records he was admitted to the Mellerstain Auxiliary Hospital, located at Gordon in Berwickshire.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this narrative, including some of the witness statements mentioned above. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Statement of evidence as of 24th of July 1943.
Witness. 138760 Capt. L.R. Cottrell.
"I was Staff Officer of number seven Column, during Brigadier Wingate's Burma expedition. On April 10th, 1943, the Column Commander (Gilkes) decided for various tactical and administrative reasons to split his column. This was mid-way between the Mongmit and the Myitson Road.
Lieutenant Walker was ordered to take charge of a party which consisted of three other officers and 25 British Other Ranks. His orders were to march approximately westward, re-cross the Irrawaddy and return to Assam by the most direct route. The British Other Ranks were not considered by the Column Commander or by the Medical Officer as physically capable of marching the long way out via China, as the main body intended to do.
They were all equipped with arms and ammunition and had two days hard scale rations each, the officers had maps and compasses. An Air Supply drop was arranged for them just west of the Irrawaddy, but, the party failed to make the rendezvous and the aircraft concerned did not locate them. The Japanese were fairly active in this area. Nothing has been heard of any of these Officers or men since."
Signed. Leslie Cottrell, Captain.
Counter-signed. H. Cotton, Captain.
Of the 29 men who made up Lieutenant Walker's dispersal party, only five survived the war and returned home to the UK. The majority were taken prisoner by the Japanese at various times after the 11th April. Some died in POW transit camps, possibly in places like Kalaw and Maymyo, others made the final journey down to Rangoon, only to perish in Block 6 of the jail, succumbing to dreadful diseases such as dysentery and beri beri.
According to John Kennedy's POW records, he was held originally at the transitory prisoner of war camp in Kalaw and was then transferred, along with many of his Chindit comrades to Rangoon Central Jail. Inside the prison, he was given the POW no. 113 and was made to recite this number in Japanese, ichi-ichi-san, at every morning and evening roll-call. John worked as a labourer for the Japanese during his two years as a POW, often unloading cargo from ships down at the city docks.
To read more about the Chindits who became prisoners of war, please click on the following link: Chindit POW's
John was liberated as a prisoner of war in late April 1945, whilst marching with some 400 other POW's on the Pegu Road, just north of Rangoon. After returning to India by a Dakota aeroplane and a period in hospital at Calcutta, where he was treated for malaria, dysentery and beri beri, on the 6th June, John agreed to complete what has become known as a Liberation Questionnaire.
This document recorded the history of the prisoner in question, stating the camps he had been held at, the work he had been asked to do and how he had been treated by the Japanese he encountered. After the war, John also gave a series of witness statements in relation to some of the men he had served with on Operation Longcloth and then as a prisoner of war. Later in 1945, probably around October or November, John would have been repatriated to the UK. According to his POW records he was admitted to the Mellerstain Auxiliary Hospital, located at Gordon in Berwickshire.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this narrative, including some of the witness statements mentioned above. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Cap badge of the King's Regiment.
KENNETT, J.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3968415
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. Kennett (christian name unknown), formerly of the Welch Regiment was posted to the 13th King's in the autumn of 1942 during the training period for Operation Longcloth at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India. At Saugor, Kennett was allocated to No. 8 Column, commanded by Major Walter Purcell Scott. After the expedition was over, Kennett gave a witness statement in relation to two of the men he was with on dispersal in April/May 1943: Pte. 5109644 George Pritchard and Pte. 3968886 Stanley Herbert Rule:
I and the two missing men were with a party commanded by Lieutenant Hamilton-Bryan. On May 3rd, we crossed the Mandalay-Myitkhina railway near Mawhun. After proceeding west for about 15 miles we came near the village of Samaw. Lt. Hamilton-Byran went into the village with a foraging party. While he was away the remainder of the party was attacked by the Japanese. We dispersed to a RV (rendezvous point) on a nearby hill and when personnel were checked up on, it was discovered that Rule and Pritchard were missing. They have not been heard of since.
On the 14th April 1943, Major Scott had decided to split his column up for the dispersal journey back to India. The responsibility for a group of previously wounded men, mostly stretcher cases was given to Lt. Hamilton-Bryan and the column medical officer, Captain Heathcote. Their orders were to find a friendly Burmese village in which to handover the sick and wounded men and then rejoin the main body of the column at an agreed rendezvous position near the Irrawaddy River. It is likely that Kennett, Rule and Pritchard had been seconded to this party as stretcher-bearers.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3968415
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. Kennett (christian name unknown), formerly of the Welch Regiment was posted to the 13th King's in the autumn of 1942 during the training period for Operation Longcloth at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India. At Saugor, Kennett was allocated to No. 8 Column, commanded by Major Walter Purcell Scott. After the expedition was over, Kennett gave a witness statement in relation to two of the men he was with on dispersal in April/May 1943: Pte. 5109644 George Pritchard and Pte. 3968886 Stanley Herbert Rule:
I and the two missing men were with a party commanded by Lieutenant Hamilton-Bryan. On May 3rd, we crossed the Mandalay-Myitkhina railway near Mawhun. After proceeding west for about 15 miles we came near the village of Samaw. Lt. Hamilton-Byran went into the village with a foraging party. While he was away the remainder of the party was attacked by the Japanese. We dispersed to a RV (rendezvous point) on a nearby hill and when personnel were checked up on, it was discovered that Rule and Pritchard were missing. They have not been heard of since.
On the 14th April 1943, Major Scott had decided to split his column up for the dispersal journey back to India. The responsibility for a group of previously wounded men, mostly stretcher cases was given to Lt. Hamilton-Bryan and the column medical officer, Captain Heathcote. Their orders were to find a friendly Burmese village in which to handover the sick and wounded men and then rejoin the main body of the column at an agreed rendezvous position near the Irrawaddy River. It is likely that Kennett, Rule and Pritchard had been seconded to this party as stretcher-bearers.
George Pritchard was the son of George (senior) and Violet Pritchard from Aston, a suburb of the city of Birmingham. He had started his war service with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, before being posted to the 13th King's in India during September 1942. As mentioned by Pte. Kennett, George Pritchard went missing at the village of Samaw on the 3rd May 1943.
We know from prisoner of war records that he was captured the very same day and was taken eventually to Rangoon Central Jail, where he sadly perished in Block 6 of the prison on the 22nd June. He had been allocated the POW no. 423 at Rangoon and was originally buried at the English Cantonment Cemetery (grave no. 58) in the eastern sector of the city near the Royal Lakes. After the war, all burials from the Cantonment Cemetery were moved over to Rangoon War Cemetery and this is where George lies today. George Pritchard is also remembered in the Birmingham Book of Remembrance for WW2. The photograph seen left, is taken from the Prisoner of War newspaper and was kindly sent to me by WW2 researcher, Tony Honeyman.
CWGC details for George Pritchard: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2261097/george-pritchard/
Stanley Herbert Rule was the son of Herbert John and Blanche Rule and the husband of Kathleen Rule from Cambridge in England. He had started his war service with the Welch Regiment before his transfer to the 13th King's in India. It is possible that he and Pte. Kennett had both served together with the Welch Regiment before their arrival at the Chindit training camp of Saugor and may have been friends.
Stanley Rule was captured at the same time as George Pritchard and was also sent down to Rangoon Jail. He was allocated the POW no. 526 and survived just a few short months longer than Pritchard, eventually perishing in Block 6 of the prison on the 7th October 1943. He too was buried in the first instance at the English Cantonment Cemetery (grave no. 75), before being moved across to Rangoon War Cemetery after the war.
CWGC details for Stanley Herbert Rule: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2261163/stanley-herbert-rule/
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including Pte. Kennett's witness statement and a photograph of George Pritchard's grave plaque at Rangoon War Cemetery. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
We know from prisoner of war records that he was captured the very same day and was taken eventually to Rangoon Central Jail, where he sadly perished in Block 6 of the prison on the 22nd June. He had been allocated the POW no. 423 at Rangoon and was originally buried at the English Cantonment Cemetery (grave no. 58) in the eastern sector of the city near the Royal Lakes. After the war, all burials from the Cantonment Cemetery were moved over to Rangoon War Cemetery and this is where George lies today. George Pritchard is also remembered in the Birmingham Book of Remembrance for WW2. The photograph seen left, is taken from the Prisoner of War newspaper and was kindly sent to me by WW2 researcher, Tony Honeyman.
CWGC details for George Pritchard: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2261097/george-pritchard/
Stanley Herbert Rule was the son of Herbert John and Blanche Rule and the husband of Kathleen Rule from Cambridge in England. He had started his war service with the Welch Regiment before his transfer to the 13th King's in India. It is possible that he and Pte. Kennett had both served together with the Welch Regiment before their arrival at the Chindit training camp of Saugor and may have been friends.
Stanley Rule was captured at the same time as George Pritchard and was also sent down to Rangoon Jail. He was allocated the POW no. 526 and survived just a few short months longer than Pritchard, eventually perishing in Block 6 of the prison on the 7th October 1943. He too was buried in the first instance at the English Cantonment Cemetery (grave no. 75), before being moved across to Rangoon War Cemetery after the war.
CWGC details for Stanley Herbert Rule: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2261163/stanley-herbert-rule/
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including Pte. Kennett's witness statement and a photograph of George Pritchard's grave plaque at Rangoon War Cemetery. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
CWGC certificate for Peter Edwin Knight.
KNIGHT, PETER EDWIN
Rank: Private
Service No: 5335617
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2514707/knight,-peter-edwin/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Pte. Peter Edwin Knight originally enlisted into the Royal Berkshire Regiment at the outset of WW2. He was transferred to the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment in the autumn of 1942 and was posted to the 142 Commando section of the King's based at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India. After safely negotiating commando training, he became part of the commando platoon allocated to No. 7 Column under the command of Lt. John Hubert Trigg of the Royal Engineers.
Unlike some of the other commando platoons on the first Chindit expedition, Trigg's men had no definite objective or pre-arranged target. They were used to lay booby-traps at locations judged to be frequented by the enemy and often scouted ahead of the main body of the column. When the order to return to India was given by Brigadier Wingate in late March 1943, Major Gilkes, the commander of 7 Column, ordered Lt. Trigg to lead one of the main dispersal parties. This group was made up of Trigg's commando platoon, plus some members of 5 Column who had become separated from their own unit after a battle with the Japanese at a place called Hintha and had met up with 7 Column at the Shweli River.
Major Gilkes had always had it in his mind, that if the Chindit Brigade ventured across the Irrawaddy River during the operation in 1943, that he and his column would exit Burma on dispersal via the Kachin Hills and into the Yunnan Province of China. Lt. Trigg and his dispersal party accompanied Gilkes for the vast majority of this journey. Once again, Trigg and his men were asked to blaze a trail and move ahead of the column, often reaching villages and arranging local guides and much needed food supplies for the ailing and exhausted soldiers behind.
Lt. Trigg was successful in getting the majority of his men out of Burma in 1943, eventually leading his party to safety via Yunnan Province and then having the luxury of being flown back to India in United States Air Force Dakotas on the 7th June. There was however, one incident that took place on the 8th April, which must have played on his mind as he began his well-earned period of rest and recuperation.
From a witness statement given by Lt. Trigg after Operation Longcloth:
On the 8th April 1943, L/Cpl. S. Hunt requested that with a compass and a full set of maps, he be allowed to take the following men westwards to cross the Irrawaddy. L/Cpl. Desmond (5 Col. Commando), Pte. Samuel Craig (7 Col. Commando), Pte. William Pearce (7 Col. Commando), Pte. Peter Knight (7 Col. Commando) and Pte. Stephen O’Connor (5 Col. Commando). The request was granted by the Officer commanding the Column. No news has since been heard of these British Other Ranks.
The group had all been wounded to one extent or another and were also suffering badly from the monotonous diet of rice. They felt that the longer route out via Yunnan Province was now beyond them and their only hope was to turn west and head back towards the Chindwin. Sadly, none of these six men made it back to India in 1943. All six were captured by the Japanese over the coming days and weeks. Peter Knight died at the temporary POW Camp at Kalaw, Sidney Hunt and William Pearce survived a little longer, but eventually perished inside Rangoon Jail. Only Gerald Desmond, Samuel Craig and Stephen O'Connor survived their ordeal as prisoners of war and were liberated on the 29th April 1945.
Seen below is a map of the area around the village of Pinlon, located on the western banks of the Shweli River and close to the Nanhlaing Chaung, the scene of L/Cpl. Hunt's request to leave the main body of 7 Column and move west towards the Irrawaddy.
Rank: Private
Service No: 5335617
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2514707/knight,-peter-edwin/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Pte. Peter Edwin Knight originally enlisted into the Royal Berkshire Regiment at the outset of WW2. He was transferred to the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment in the autumn of 1942 and was posted to the 142 Commando section of the King's based at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India. After safely negotiating commando training, he became part of the commando platoon allocated to No. 7 Column under the command of Lt. John Hubert Trigg of the Royal Engineers.
Unlike some of the other commando platoons on the first Chindit expedition, Trigg's men had no definite objective or pre-arranged target. They were used to lay booby-traps at locations judged to be frequented by the enemy and often scouted ahead of the main body of the column. When the order to return to India was given by Brigadier Wingate in late March 1943, Major Gilkes, the commander of 7 Column, ordered Lt. Trigg to lead one of the main dispersal parties. This group was made up of Trigg's commando platoon, plus some members of 5 Column who had become separated from their own unit after a battle with the Japanese at a place called Hintha and had met up with 7 Column at the Shweli River.
Major Gilkes had always had it in his mind, that if the Chindit Brigade ventured across the Irrawaddy River during the operation in 1943, that he and his column would exit Burma on dispersal via the Kachin Hills and into the Yunnan Province of China. Lt. Trigg and his dispersal party accompanied Gilkes for the vast majority of this journey. Once again, Trigg and his men were asked to blaze a trail and move ahead of the column, often reaching villages and arranging local guides and much needed food supplies for the ailing and exhausted soldiers behind.
Lt. Trigg was successful in getting the majority of his men out of Burma in 1943, eventually leading his party to safety via Yunnan Province and then having the luxury of being flown back to India in United States Air Force Dakotas on the 7th June. There was however, one incident that took place on the 8th April, which must have played on his mind as he began his well-earned period of rest and recuperation.
From a witness statement given by Lt. Trigg after Operation Longcloth:
On the 8th April 1943, L/Cpl. S. Hunt requested that with a compass and a full set of maps, he be allowed to take the following men westwards to cross the Irrawaddy. L/Cpl. Desmond (5 Col. Commando), Pte. Samuel Craig (7 Col. Commando), Pte. William Pearce (7 Col. Commando), Pte. Peter Knight (7 Col. Commando) and Pte. Stephen O’Connor (5 Col. Commando). The request was granted by the Officer commanding the Column. No news has since been heard of these British Other Ranks.
The group had all been wounded to one extent or another and were also suffering badly from the monotonous diet of rice. They felt that the longer route out via Yunnan Province was now beyond them and their only hope was to turn west and head back towards the Chindwin. Sadly, none of these six men made it back to India in 1943. All six were captured by the Japanese over the coming days and weeks. Peter Knight died at the temporary POW Camp at Kalaw, Sidney Hunt and William Pearce survived a little longer, but eventually perished inside Rangoon Jail. Only Gerald Desmond, Samuel Craig and Stephen O'Connor survived their ordeal as prisoners of war and were liberated on the 29th April 1945.
Seen below is a map of the area around the village of Pinlon, located on the western banks of the Shweli River and close to the Nanhlaing Chaung, the scene of L/Cpl. Hunt's request to leave the main body of 7 Column and move west towards the Irrawaddy.
The family of Peter Knight, known to his Chindit comrades as Rocky, had to wait until after the war was over before they learned of his fate in Burma whilst in the hands of the Japanese. It was from a witness statement given by fellow commando Gerald Desmond in August 1946, that awful truth became known.
While in the Kalaw Camp, Gerald witnessed the Japanese conduct horrendous atrocities upon several POW’s, including medical experiments on both himself and his fellow prisoners. The Japanese administered injections to all the prisoners during their time at Kalaw; these injections were most likely different strains of malaria and dengue fever which they were testing. Gerald told his son, that they would stab him in the chest with the needle when giving the injection and when taking blood samples they would squirt some blood in his face from the syringe, which the Japanese found very amusing.
In relation to Rocky Knight, Gerald Desmond remembered:
As regards Pte. Knight, I only saw him during his last two days, as he was in a hut of his own. The Japanese told me I would have to look after Pte. Knight as he was very weak. They were continually giving him injections during the night on which he died. When we came to bury him I noticed that his stomach was all cut open, and when one of the Japanese rolled his body into the grave I saw that the back of his head was also battered open.
On rare occasions back home in Ireland, Gerald Desmond would recount how he had done everything he could to care for Pte. Knight during his last few days of life and also mentioned that similar experiments were probably taken out on Lance Corporal Sidney Hunt, who died a few months later in Rangoon Jail. To read more about Gerald Desmond and his time on Operation Longcloth and as a prisoner or war, please click on the following link: Lance Corporal Gerald Desmond
After the war, the Army Graves Registration Unit could not locate the remains of any of the Chindit POW's held at Kalaw, and for this reason Pte. Peter Edwin Knight is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, alongside all the other casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave. Seen in the gallery below are some more images in relation this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
While in the Kalaw Camp, Gerald witnessed the Japanese conduct horrendous atrocities upon several POW’s, including medical experiments on both himself and his fellow prisoners. The Japanese administered injections to all the prisoners during their time at Kalaw; these injections were most likely different strains of malaria and dengue fever which they were testing. Gerald told his son, that they would stab him in the chest with the needle when giving the injection and when taking blood samples they would squirt some blood in his face from the syringe, which the Japanese found very amusing.
In relation to Rocky Knight, Gerald Desmond remembered:
As regards Pte. Knight, I only saw him during his last two days, as he was in a hut of his own. The Japanese told me I would have to look after Pte. Knight as he was very weak. They were continually giving him injections during the night on which he died. When we came to bury him I noticed that his stomach was all cut open, and when one of the Japanese rolled his body into the grave I saw that the back of his head was also battered open.
On rare occasions back home in Ireland, Gerald Desmond would recount how he had done everything he could to care for Pte. Knight during his last few days of life and also mentioned that similar experiments were probably taken out on Lance Corporal Sidney Hunt, who died a few months later in Rangoon Jail. To read more about Gerald Desmond and his time on Operation Longcloth and as a prisoner or war, please click on the following link: Lance Corporal Gerald Desmond
After the war, the Army Graves Registration Unit could not locate the remains of any of the Chindit POW's held at Kalaw, and for this reason Pte. Peter Edwin Knight is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, alongside all the other casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave. Seen in the gallery below are some more images in relation this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Pte. Herbert Lagar.
LAGAR, HERBERT
Rank: Private
Service No: 3862018
Date of Death: 25/02/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2515387/LAGAR,%20HERBERT
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Herbert Lagar was the son of William and Mary Jane Lagar and husband of Elsie Lagar from Battersby Lane in Warrington, Lancashire. Originally a soldier with the Loyal Regiment, Herbert was posted to the King's Regiment and commenced Chindit training at the Saugor Camp on the 30th September 1942. Pte. Lagar was allocated to 7 Column under the command of Major Kenneth Gilkes and anecdotal evidence suggests that he became the column Bugler.
Herbert Lagar became one of the very first casualties on Operation Longcloth, when he went missing from his column on the morning of the 25th February 1943. Around this time, 7 Column along with Wingate's Brigade HQ were preparing to push deeper into Burma after taking a large supply dropping at a village called Tonmakeng on the 24th February. According to one set of the official missing in action listings for 77th Brigade, Pte. Lagar was: last seen making for the village of Didauk on the morning of the 25th February 1943.
Another soldier with 7 Column, Corporal John Kennedy, who had been taken prisoner on Operation Longcloth, gave a one line witness report in relation to Herbert Lagar, after his own liberation from Rangoon Jail in April 1945. He simply stated that: Herbert Lagar, fell out from the line of march in late February 1943.
Perhaps the most conclusive evidence regarding the fate of Herbert Lagar, came from another returning POW, Pte. Thomas Worthington. In a letter addressed to the Army Investigation Bureau dated November 1945, he stated that:
Pte. Lagar was the bugler with No. 7 Column. His home was in Lancashire and he had been a boy soldier with the Loyal Regiment. He was sent out on an errand during the march along the Pinlebu Road early in the campaign and did not return.
Sadly, we will probably never know what actually happened to Herbert on the 25th February 1943, it seems likely that he became lost in the first instance and may have been wandering alone for a time before either being taken prisoner, or killed trying to evade the same fate. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. To read more from the letter written by Thomas Worthington, please click on the following link: Tom Worthington's Letter
Rank: Private
Service No: 3862018
Date of Death: 25/02/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2515387/LAGAR,%20HERBERT
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Herbert Lagar was the son of William and Mary Jane Lagar and husband of Elsie Lagar from Battersby Lane in Warrington, Lancashire. Originally a soldier with the Loyal Regiment, Herbert was posted to the King's Regiment and commenced Chindit training at the Saugor Camp on the 30th September 1942. Pte. Lagar was allocated to 7 Column under the command of Major Kenneth Gilkes and anecdotal evidence suggests that he became the column Bugler.
Herbert Lagar became one of the very first casualties on Operation Longcloth, when he went missing from his column on the morning of the 25th February 1943. Around this time, 7 Column along with Wingate's Brigade HQ were preparing to push deeper into Burma after taking a large supply dropping at a village called Tonmakeng on the 24th February. According to one set of the official missing in action listings for 77th Brigade, Pte. Lagar was: last seen making for the village of Didauk on the morning of the 25th February 1943.
Another soldier with 7 Column, Corporal John Kennedy, who had been taken prisoner on Operation Longcloth, gave a one line witness report in relation to Herbert Lagar, after his own liberation from Rangoon Jail in April 1945. He simply stated that: Herbert Lagar, fell out from the line of march in late February 1943.
Perhaps the most conclusive evidence regarding the fate of Herbert Lagar, came from another returning POW, Pte. Thomas Worthington. In a letter addressed to the Army Investigation Bureau dated November 1945, he stated that:
Pte. Lagar was the bugler with No. 7 Column. His home was in Lancashire and he had been a boy soldier with the Loyal Regiment. He was sent out on an errand during the march along the Pinlebu Road early in the campaign and did not return.
Sadly, we will probably never know what actually happened to Herbert on the 25th February 1943, it seems likely that he became lost in the first instance and may have been wandering alone for a time before either being taken prisoner, or killed trying to evade the same fate. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. To read more from the letter written by Thomas Worthington, please click on the following link: Tom Worthington's Letter
LANGRIDGE, FREDERICK
Rank: Private
Service No: 3967309
Date of Death: 08/05/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Taukkyan War Cemetery Grave 17.B.8
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2086859/langridge,-frederick/
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Frederick Langridge was born on the 11th May 1917 in Croydon, Surrey. He was educated at the Whitehorse Manor School in Thornton Heath and from there went into business as a painter and decorator. Frederick enlisted into the British Army and was originally posted into the Welch Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's in 1942. After joining the King's at their Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India, Pte. Langridge was allocated to No. 5 Column, then under the command of Major Bernard Fergusson.
Very little is known about Frederick's pathway on Operation Longcloth and he is not mentioned in any books, diaries or memoirs. We do know that he was officially listed as missing in action on the 11th April 1943, but no other information is available. It is likely that he was one of the men from No. 5 Column that became separated from the main body of the column on the 28/29th March 1943 after the unit had been ambushed for a second time whilst marching away from a Burmese village called Hintha.
The men cut adrift, numbering nearly 100, were extremely fortunate to bump into No. 7 Column at the Shweli River a few days later on the 3rd April. Major Gilkes of No. 7 Column allocated the new arrivals to his already arranged dispersal parties and then proceeded to exit Burma via the Kachin Hills. It is not known which dispersal party Frederick was attached to, but it would appear that he did not get very far on the march out judging by his missing in action date.
I discovered by chance, after checking Fred's details on line, that he became a prisoner of war in April 1943, although he does not feature on any of the POW listings that I have seen in regards to the Chindits. This information came from the WW2 Memorial Book for the town of Croydon, where it was noted that Fred had died in a POW Camp on the 8th May 1943, suffering from exhaustion and malnutrition. From my research into the 250 or so men from Operation Longcloth that fell into Japanese hands in 1943, it seems very likely that the camp in question was located at Maymyo, the British hill station town situated 60 miles east of Mandalay.
Over 200 Chindit POWs were held at the Maymyo Camp during April/May 1943 and to my knowledge around 20 men perished there and were buried in the first instance at the Cantonment Cemetery on the outskirts of the town. It could be that Pte. Langridge was one of these casualties. Eventually, the Japanese decided to send all of the captured Chindits down to Rangoon Jail, where they were to spend the rest of the war as coolie labour. Some prisoners did not survive the journey to Rangoon and died in the over-crowded cattle trucks in which they were being transported. I know that several men were removed from the cattle trucks at the Ava Bridge on the Irrawaddy River and were then buried at the British Military Cemetery in Mandalay.
From Frederick's details on the CWGC website, we know that he was eventually buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon. However, contained within the CWGC documents held for him is a concentration report, showing that he was in fact originally buried at the Mandalay War Cemetery alongside several other Longcloth Chindits including Pte. Harold Evans of the 13th King's. The graves from Mandalay War Cemetery were moved over to Taukkyan during the 1950's in an effort to bring together all WW2 casualties from the outlying cemeteries into one place.
It is possible that during the intervening years, the burials at Maymyo could well have been moved across to Mandalay as part of a concentration of British casualties. It seems more likely however, that Frederick perished on the way down to Rangoon in early May 1943 and was buried at Mandalay as the nearest convenient location. The fact that he was buried alongside Harold Evans could be a clue to his dispersal group at the Shweli River on the 3rd April 1943. To read more about Pte. Evans, his dispersal group and some of the other men originally buried at Mandalay Military Cemetery, please click on the following link: Lt. John Musgrave-Wood
Shown below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including Fred Langridge's entry in the Croydon WW2 Memorial Book. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3967309
Date of Death: 08/05/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Taukkyan War Cemetery Grave 17.B.8
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2086859/langridge,-frederick/
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Frederick Langridge was born on the 11th May 1917 in Croydon, Surrey. He was educated at the Whitehorse Manor School in Thornton Heath and from there went into business as a painter and decorator. Frederick enlisted into the British Army and was originally posted into the Welch Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's in 1942. After joining the King's at their Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India, Pte. Langridge was allocated to No. 5 Column, then under the command of Major Bernard Fergusson.
Very little is known about Frederick's pathway on Operation Longcloth and he is not mentioned in any books, diaries or memoirs. We do know that he was officially listed as missing in action on the 11th April 1943, but no other information is available. It is likely that he was one of the men from No. 5 Column that became separated from the main body of the column on the 28/29th March 1943 after the unit had been ambushed for a second time whilst marching away from a Burmese village called Hintha.
The men cut adrift, numbering nearly 100, were extremely fortunate to bump into No. 7 Column at the Shweli River a few days later on the 3rd April. Major Gilkes of No. 7 Column allocated the new arrivals to his already arranged dispersal parties and then proceeded to exit Burma via the Kachin Hills. It is not known which dispersal party Frederick was attached to, but it would appear that he did not get very far on the march out judging by his missing in action date.
I discovered by chance, after checking Fred's details on line, that he became a prisoner of war in April 1943, although he does not feature on any of the POW listings that I have seen in regards to the Chindits. This information came from the WW2 Memorial Book for the town of Croydon, where it was noted that Fred had died in a POW Camp on the 8th May 1943, suffering from exhaustion and malnutrition. From my research into the 250 or so men from Operation Longcloth that fell into Japanese hands in 1943, it seems very likely that the camp in question was located at Maymyo, the British hill station town situated 60 miles east of Mandalay.
Over 200 Chindit POWs were held at the Maymyo Camp during April/May 1943 and to my knowledge around 20 men perished there and were buried in the first instance at the Cantonment Cemetery on the outskirts of the town. It could be that Pte. Langridge was one of these casualties. Eventually, the Japanese decided to send all of the captured Chindits down to Rangoon Jail, where they were to spend the rest of the war as coolie labour. Some prisoners did not survive the journey to Rangoon and died in the over-crowded cattle trucks in which they were being transported. I know that several men were removed from the cattle trucks at the Ava Bridge on the Irrawaddy River and were then buried at the British Military Cemetery in Mandalay.
From Frederick's details on the CWGC website, we know that he was eventually buried at Taukkyan War Cemetery, located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon. However, contained within the CWGC documents held for him is a concentration report, showing that he was in fact originally buried at the Mandalay War Cemetery alongside several other Longcloth Chindits including Pte. Harold Evans of the 13th King's. The graves from Mandalay War Cemetery were moved over to Taukkyan during the 1950's in an effort to bring together all WW2 casualties from the outlying cemeteries into one place.
It is possible that during the intervening years, the burials at Maymyo could well have been moved across to Mandalay as part of a concentration of British casualties. It seems more likely however, that Frederick perished on the way down to Rangoon in early May 1943 and was buried at Mandalay as the nearest convenient location. The fact that he was buried alongside Harold Evans could be a clue to his dispersal group at the Shweli River on the 3rd April 1943. To read more about Pte. Evans, his dispersal group and some of the other men originally buried at Mandalay Military Cemetery, please click on the following link: Lt. John Musgrave-Wood
Shown below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including Fred Langridge's entry in the Croydon WW2 Memorial Book. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Army Chaplains cap badge.
LAWRENCE, NEVILLE ANTHONY HENRY
Rank: Chaplain
Service No: Not known
Regiment/Service: Army Chaplain Corps attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Rear Training Camp at Saugor.
Other details:
This Chaplain was present at the Saugor Camp and church facility during the training period for the first Wingate expedition. Neville Lawrence was involved in the funeral services for many of the men who died at Saugor during the months July-October 1942, including officiating at the funerals for Pte. George Parker and 2nd Lt. Edmund P.R. Read. Chaplain Lawrence was also responsible for keeping the death and burial records at Saugor, as shown and confirmed in the document displayed below. Please click on the image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Chaplain
Service No: Not known
Regiment/Service: Army Chaplain Corps attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Rear Training Camp at Saugor.
Other details:
This Chaplain was present at the Saugor Camp and church facility during the training period for the first Wingate expedition. Neville Lawrence was involved in the funeral services for many of the men who died at Saugor during the months July-October 1942, including officiating at the funerals for Pte. George Parker and 2nd Lt. Edmund P.R. Read. Chaplain Lawrence was also responsible for keeping the death and burial records at Saugor, as shown and confirmed in the document displayed below. Please click on the image to bring it forward on the page.
Burial record sheet for the Saugor area, July-September 1942.
CWGC certificate for Albert Leach.
LEACH, ALBERT
Rank: Private
Service No: 3656810
Date of Death: 16/10/1943
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery, Joint Grave 9.B.7.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260827/leach,-albert/#&gid=null&pid=1
Chindit Column: Northern Group Head Quarters.
Other details:
Albert Leach enlisted into the British Army during the early years of WW2 and was posted originally to the South Lancashire Regiment. At some point during the first half of 1942 he was ordered for overseas duty and sent to India. On the 31st July 1942, Albert was transferred to the 13th King's, who were already undergoing Chindit training at Patharia in the Central Provinces of the country.
Pte. Leach was allocated to the King's Battalion Head Quarters under the command of Colonel S. A. Cooke. This unit would eventually become the command centre for the King's on Operation Longcloth and were designated, Northern Group HQ. This unit remained for the vast majority of the expedition in the company of No. 8 Column, then under the command of Major Walter Purcell Scott, also of the King's Regiment.
When Brigadier Wingate decided to call a halt to the operation in late March 1943, the Northern Group HQ were on the eastern banks of the Irrawaddy River alongside Columns 7 & 8 and Brigade Head Quarters. This large amalgamation of soldiers failed to cross the Irrawaddy at a place called Inywa on the 29th March and it was decided to break the Brigade down into dispersal groups and split up. Colonel Cooke and Major Scott agreed to remain together and set off in an attempt to cross the Shweli River some thirty miles to the east.
According to official documents, Albert Leach was reported as missing in action on the 11th April 1943, some eight days after the successful crossing of the Shweli. The 8 Column War diary has this entry for the 11th April:
Rained early morning making further movement impossible. Marched at 0700 hours. Column lost direction going southwest instead of northeast. Recce parties sent out and column moved on to map point 2210 and found the forest boundary. Day was wasted by inaccurate map reading. Progress was slow due to carrying of a wounded Burma Rifleman. Stretcher party moving along way behind rear of column.
Arranged with Rear Base a supply drop for the 20th or 22nd April in the area around Arunpum east of Bhamo. 7 Column reported the location of a ration dump at Shwetaung, but this message was not received due to wireless set failure. Ticks and leeches are a particular pest in this area and many of the men are infested with lice.
As you can see, there seems to be nothing of note happening on the day Albert went missing, although the column were clearly not in good spirits. It might have been the case that he was lost a day or two before, or that he simply dropped out of line during the arduous marching experienced at that time. We will probably never know.
It is not known where or when Pte. Leach fell into Japanese hands. However, from the lists of deaths for Block 6 of Rangoon Jail (held at the Imperial War Museum in London), we do know that he was given the POW number 529 at the prison and that he died on the 16th October 1943. He was buried at the English Cantonment Cemetery, the burial ground which had been used for many years as the final resting place for military men and European civilians who had died in or around the city of Rangoon. The deceased POW received as decent a Christian burial as the other POW's could provide, hymns were sung and simple prayers were spoken, usually by an officer.
From new information released by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 2015, it has now come to light that the re-internment of all burials at the current Rangoon War Cemetery from the English Cantonment Cemetery, took place on the 14th June 1946. The remains for Albert Leach could not be accurately identified at this point and for this reason his grave plaque contains the epitaph buried near this spot. This is the case for 67 re-burials at Rangoon, including that of my own grandfather, Arthur Howney.
Albert Leach is allocated the plot 9.B.7. at Rangoon War Cemetery, which he shares with fellow Chindit, L/Cpl. George Lee. I fear that the connection between the two soldiers is merely the alphabetical correlation between their surnames. To read more about Rangoon and the English Cantonment Cemeteries, please click on the following link and scroll down to the appropriate section: Memorials and Cemeteries
To conclude this short story, seen below is a gallery of images in relation to Pte. Albert Leach. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3656810
Date of Death: 16/10/1943
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery, Joint Grave 9.B.7.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260827/leach,-albert/#&gid=null&pid=1
Chindit Column: Northern Group Head Quarters.
Other details:
Albert Leach enlisted into the British Army during the early years of WW2 and was posted originally to the South Lancashire Regiment. At some point during the first half of 1942 he was ordered for overseas duty and sent to India. On the 31st July 1942, Albert was transferred to the 13th King's, who were already undergoing Chindit training at Patharia in the Central Provinces of the country.
Pte. Leach was allocated to the King's Battalion Head Quarters under the command of Colonel S. A. Cooke. This unit would eventually become the command centre for the King's on Operation Longcloth and were designated, Northern Group HQ. This unit remained for the vast majority of the expedition in the company of No. 8 Column, then under the command of Major Walter Purcell Scott, also of the King's Regiment.
When Brigadier Wingate decided to call a halt to the operation in late March 1943, the Northern Group HQ were on the eastern banks of the Irrawaddy River alongside Columns 7 & 8 and Brigade Head Quarters. This large amalgamation of soldiers failed to cross the Irrawaddy at a place called Inywa on the 29th March and it was decided to break the Brigade down into dispersal groups and split up. Colonel Cooke and Major Scott agreed to remain together and set off in an attempt to cross the Shweli River some thirty miles to the east.
According to official documents, Albert Leach was reported as missing in action on the 11th April 1943, some eight days after the successful crossing of the Shweli. The 8 Column War diary has this entry for the 11th April:
Rained early morning making further movement impossible. Marched at 0700 hours. Column lost direction going southwest instead of northeast. Recce parties sent out and column moved on to map point 2210 and found the forest boundary. Day was wasted by inaccurate map reading. Progress was slow due to carrying of a wounded Burma Rifleman. Stretcher party moving along way behind rear of column.
Arranged with Rear Base a supply drop for the 20th or 22nd April in the area around Arunpum east of Bhamo. 7 Column reported the location of a ration dump at Shwetaung, but this message was not received due to wireless set failure. Ticks and leeches are a particular pest in this area and many of the men are infested with lice.
As you can see, there seems to be nothing of note happening on the day Albert went missing, although the column were clearly not in good spirits. It might have been the case that he was lost a day or two before, or that he simply dropped out of line during the arduous marching experienced at that time. We will probably never know.
It is not known where or when Pte. Leach fell into Japanese hands. However, from the lists of deaths for Block 6 of Rangoon Jail (held at the Imperial War Museum in London), we do know that he was given the POW number 529 at the prison and that he died on the 16th October 1943. He was buried at the English Cantonment Cemetery, the burial ground which had been used for many years as the final resting place for military men and European civilians who had died in or around the city of Rangoon. The deceased POW received as decent a Christian burial as the other POW's could provide, hymns were sung and simple prayers were spoken, usually by an officer.
From new information released by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in 2015, it has now come to light that the re-internment of all burials at the current Rangoon War Cemetery from the English Cantonment Cemetery, took place on the 14th June 1946. The remains for Albert Leach could not be accurately identified at this point and for this reason his grave plaque contains the epitaph buried near this spot. This is the case for 67 re-burials at Rangoon, including that of my own grandfather, Arthur Howney.
Albert Leach is allocated the plot 9.B.7. at Rangoon War Cemetery, which he shares with fellow Chindit, L/Cpl. George Lee. I fear that the connection between the two soldiers is merely the alphabetical correlation between their surnames. To read more about Rangoon and the English Cantonment Cemeteries, please click on the following link and scroll down to the appropriate section: Memorials and Cemeteries
To conclude this short story, seen below is a gallery of images in relation to Pte. Albert Leach. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Ernest Leigh.
LEIGH, ERNEST
Rank: Private
Service No: 3861737
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
In November 2023, the Chindit Society was pleased to receive the following email from Catherine Simensky:
Hello there, I am hoping that you can help me find information on my father’s war record, or alternatively point me in the right direction to some other organsation who can. My late father was a Chindit, he was Pte. Ernest Leigh, Army No. 3861737 and he served with the 13th Bn The King’s Regiment. I found this information from a document I have that certifies that he was with the battalion on active service during the 1st Wingate Expedition into Burma.
Like many others, he didn’t talk much about his time in the war. I do know that he was one of the youngest in his group, the bugler, and had to sound reveille and lights out in the middle of the jungle when he could hear Japanese soldiers not far away. He ended up throwing the bugle away and was put on a charge for this, but this didn’t bother him in the least as he didn’t really expect to get out alive anyway! He suffered an insect bite on the expedition which infected his knee and he was unable to keep up with the other men from his column. He was told to remain behind and help would be sent to get him to safety later on. He didn’t risk it and walked night and day to keep up.
I have recently been reading about the campaigns in Burma and would love to find out more about my fathers involvement. I do remember him once mentioning "Mad Mike" and that he had witnessed some terrible things whilst in Burma, including the Japanese torture of prisoners. He did not attend any reunions after the war as far as I can see, although there was a programme for a Chindit Rally at Liverpool in 1948 amongst his papers. There was no PTSD in those days, but it does explain something about my fathers character, a young painter and decorator sent from Stalybridge, a small cotton town in the north of England to fight in the jungles of Burma and then expected to come back after the war and return to live life as before.
Thank you for your time, I hope you can help.
Regards, Catherine Simensky
From the certificate (shown in the gallery below) mentioned by Catherine in her email, it is most likely that Ernest was a member of No. 8 Column on Operation Longcloth, or Northern Group Head Quarters, led by Lieutenant-Colonel S.A. Cooke. On their return to India in mid-1943, the 13th King's were posted to Karachi and spent the rest of the war performing internal security and garrison duties in India. The vast majority of the survivors from the first Wingate expedition did not serve again against the Japanese, as they were no longer in a fit state to do so, either physically of mentally. However, from a newspaper cutting also supplied by Catherine, it seems clear that Ernest went on to train for further Chindit expeditions, before the two Atom bombs brought a speedy end to the war against the Japanese.
Here is a transcription of the newspaper article written about Ernest. From the Stalybridge Reporter newspaper (date unknown):
With Wingate in Burma, a Stalybridge Man’s Experience
Home on leave last week, Private Ernest Leigh, of the King’s Regiment and whose civilian address is 30 Brushes Road, Stalybridge, described some of his experiences in Burma in 1943, when he was a member of Wingate’s first expedition. Before he joined the Army, Private Leigh was a painter on the Corporation Highways Department. Joining the Army in June 1940, he landed in India in July 1942, and along with other selected men went in to training for the expedition. The training was carried out under the supervision of Brigadier Wingate himself and consisted mainly of long marches with mules. Most of the men were well into their 30’s. In February 1943, accompanied by Gurkha and Burmese troops, they started off into Burma and worked their way through the Japanese lines.
They had some skirmishes with the enemy, but most casualties were due to illness or exhaustion. Apart from rice, which they sometimes obtained from native villages, they had to rely on air-borne supplies for their food and often these did not arrive, or were insufficient. The mules could also be supplied with suitable food, but eventually they all died.
Heat Very Trying
When the mules were no longer available for transport, the heavy equipment had to be abandoned adding more weight to the men’s already heavy packs. The heat was very trying and when they should have been resting, mosquitos and other pests attacked them, for they had no nets. There was practically no open ground, they had to make their way through dense forests of great teak trees and thick undergrowth or hack a path though bamboo. Japanese snipers took full advantage of these conditions and inflicted a number of casualties.
Suffering From Exhaustion
When they had been in Burma for some time, the expedition split into parties of about 70 men in each. Pte. Leigh’s party got back to India in July 1943 and he went straight into hospital. Pte. Leigh was found to be suffering from exhaustion and after a rest in hospital got five weeks leave in Bombay. When he returned to duty, he was sent with the battalion to barracks in Karachi where he spent a year and was then selected to go on what would have been Wingate’s third expedition. When preparations for this had ben completed, the 14th Army had advanced so far in regaining Burma, that the expedition would have served no real purpose and it was abandoned. Pte. Leigh has finished his overseas service and is now with Release Group No. 31.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this narrative, including a photograph of Ernest Leigh's Longcloth participation certificate. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. I would like to thank Catherine for allowing me to use these images on my website and for bringing her father's Longcloth credentials to my attention.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3861737
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
In November 2023, the Chindit Society was pleased to receive the following email from Catherine Simensky:
Hello there, I am hoping that you can help me find information on my father’s war record, or alternatively point me in the right direction to some other organsation who can. My late father was a Chindit, he was Pte. Ernest Leigh, Army No. 3861737 and he served with the 13th Bn The King’s Regiment. I found this information from a document I have that certifies that he was with the battalion on active service during the 1st Wingate Expedition into Burma.
Like many others, he didn’t talk much about his time in the war. I do know that he was one of the youngest in his group, the bugler, and had to sound reveille and lights out in the middle of the jungle when he could hear Japanese soldiers not far away. He ended up throwing the bugle away and was put on a charge for this, but this didn’t bother him in the least as he didn’t really expect to get out alive anyway! He suffered an insect bite on the expedition which infected his knee and he was unable to keep up with the other men from his column. He was told to remain behind and help would be sent to get him to safety later on. He didn’t risk it and walked night and day to keep up.
I have recently been reading about the campaigns in Burma and would love to find out more about my fathers involvement. I do remember him once mentioning "Mad Mike" and that he had witnessed some terrible things whilst in Burma, including the Japanese torture of prisoners. He did not attend any reunions after the war as far as I can see, although there was a programme for a Chindit Rally at Liverpool in 1948 amongst his papers. There was no PTSD in those days, but it does explain something about my fathers character, a young painter and decorator sent from Stalybridge, a small cotton town in the north of England to fight in the jungles of Burma and then expected to come back after the war and return to live life as before.
Thank you for your time, I hope you can help.
Regards, Catherine Simensky
From the certificate (shown in the gallery below) mentioned by Catherine in her email, it is most likely that Ernest was a member of No. 8 Column on Operation Longcloth, or Northern Group Head Quarters, led by Lieutenant-Colonel S.A. Cooke. On their return to India in mid-1943, the 13th King's were posted to Karachi and spent the rest of the war performing internal security and garrison duties in India. The vast majority of the survivors from the first Wingate expedition did not serve again against the Japanese, as they were no longer in a fit state to do so, either physically of mentally. However, from a newspaper cutting also supplied by Catherine, it seems clear that Ernest went on to train for further Chindit expeditions, before the two Atom bombs brought a speedy end to the war against the Japanese.
Here is a transcription of the newspaper article written about Ernest. From the Stalybridge Reporter newspaper (date unknown):
With Wingate in Burma, a Stalybridge Man’s Experience
Home on leave last week, Private Ernest Leigh, of the King’s Regiment and whose civilian address is 30 Brushes Road, Stalybridge, described some of his experiences in Burma in 1943, when he was a member of Wingate’s first expedition. Before he joined the Army, Private Leigh was a painter on the Corporation Highways Department. Joining the Army in June 1940, he landed in India in July 1942, and along with other selected men went in to training for the expedition. The training was carried out under the supervision of Brigadier Wingate himself and consisted mainly of long marches with mules. Most of the men were well into their 30’s. In February 1943, accompanied by Gurkha and Burmese troops, they started off into Burma and worked their way through the Japanese lines.
They had some skirmishes with the enemy, but most casualties were due to illness or exhaustion. Apart from rice, which they sometimes obtained from native villages, they had to rely on air-borne supplies for their food and often these did not arrive, or were insufficient. The mules could also be supplied with suitable food, but eventually they all died.
Heat Very Trying
When the mules were no longer available for transport, the heavy equipment had to be abandoned adding more weight to the men’s already heavy packs. The heat was very trying and when they should have been resting, mosquitos and other pests attacked them, for they had no nets. There was practically no open ground, they had to make their way through dense forests of great teak trees and thick undergrowth or hack a path though bamboo. Japanese snipers took full advantage of these conditions and inflicted a number of casualties.
Suffering From Exhaustion
When they had been in Burma for some time, the expedition split into parties of about 70 men in each. Pte. Leigh’s party got back to India in July 1943 and he went straight into hospital. Pte. Leigh was found to be suffering from exhaustion and after a rest in hospital got five weeks leave in Bombay. When he returned to duty, he was sent with the battalion to barracks in Karachi where he spent a year and was then selected to go on what would have been Wingate’s third expedition. When preparations for this had ben completed, the 14th Army had advanced so far in regaining Burma, that the expedition would have served no real purpose and it was abandoned. Pte. Leigh has finished his overseas service and is now with Release Group No. 31.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this narrative, including a photograph of Ernest Leigh's Longcloth participation certificate. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. I would like to thank Catherine for allowing me to use these images on my website and for bringing her father's Longcloth credentials to my attention.
CWGC certificate for Jack Lenton.
LENTON, JACK
Rank: Private
Service No: 5833036
Date of Death: 29/04/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2515854/lenton,-jack/
Chindit Column: 1
Other details:
Jack Lenton was born on the 7th April 1915 and was the son of Frank and Martha Lenton from Farcet in Huntingdonshire. According to the 1939 Register, Jack was living with his parents at No. 10 Council Houses, Broadway, Norman Cross Road, Farcet and was employed as a Heavy Labourer at the time. He enlisted into the British Army during the early years of WW2 and was originally posted to the Suffolk Regiment before being sent overseas to serve in India, possibly with the Regiment's 2nd Battalion.
Pte. Lenton, alongside a small draft of men from the Suffolk Regiment, transferred to the 13th King's in July 1942 and were allocated to 142 Commando at their training centre at Saugor.
Jack was posted to No. 1 Column's commando platoon, led at that time by Lt. John Lindsay Watson formerly of the Black Watch. Here he was joined by three other men from the Suffolk's: L/Cpl. John William Brock, Pte. William McMurran and Pte. Ernest Sutcliff. To read more about commando training and the experiences of No. 1 Column on Operation Longcloth, please click on the following link: John William Brock
According to official records, Jack Lenton was killed on the 29th April 1943. The remnants of No. 1 Column, alongside some soldiers from Southern Group Head Quarters and No. 2 Column were trapped in the area between the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers around this time. Sadly, nothing is known of Pte. Lenton's demise and he is not mentioned in any witness statements or reports given by surviving members of the first Wingate expedition. He has no known grave in Burma and for this reason is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, situated in the grounds of Taukkyan War Cemetery, located on the northern outskirts of Yangon.
Jack is not remembered upon his home town war memorial at Farcet, although two men with his surname are: Guardsman 2623073 Albert Edward Lenton, 6th Battalion, Grenadier Guards and Aircraftman 1st Class 988052 Frank Lenton who was also killed in the Far East in 1944. There must be a strong possiblity that all three of these men are related in one way or another.
Seen below is gallery of images in relation to this short story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 5833036
Date of Death: 29/04/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2515854/lenton,-jack/
Chindit Column: 1
Other details:
Jack Lenton was born on the 7th April 1915 and was the son of Frank and Martha Lenton from Farcet in Huntingdonshire. According to the 1939 Register, Jack was living with his parents at No. 10 Council Houses, Broadway, Norman Cross Road, Farcet and was employed as a Heavy Labourer at the time. He enlisted into the British Army during the early years of WW2 and was originally posted to the Suffolk Regiment before being sent overseas to serve in India, possibly with the Regiment's 2nd Battalion.
Pte. Lenton, alongside a small draft of men from the Suffolk Regiment, transferred to the 13th King's in July 1942 and were allocated to 142 Commando at their training centre at Saugor.
Jack was posted to No. 1 Column's commando platoon, led at that time by Lt. John Lindsay Watson formerly of the Black Watch. Here he was joined by three other men from the Suffolk's: L/Cpl. John William Brock, Pte. William McMurran and Pte. Ernest Sutcliff. To read more about commando training and the experiences of No. 1 Column on Operation Longcloth, please click on the following link: John William Brock
According to official records, Jack Lenton was killed on the 29th April 1943. The remnants of No. 1 Column, alongside some soldiers from Southern Group Head Quarters and No. 2 Column were trapped in the area between the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers around this time. Sadly, nothing is known of Pte. Lenton's demise and he is not mentioned in any witness statements or reports given by surviving members of the first Wingate expedition. He has no known grave in Burma and for this reason is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, situated in the grounds of Taukkyan War Cemetery, located on the northern outskirts of Yangon.
Jack is not remembered upon his home town war memorial at Farcet, although two men with his surname are: Guardsman 2623073 Albert Edward Lenton, 6th Battalion, Grenadier Guards and Aircraftman 1st Class 988052 Frank Lenton who was also killed in the Far East in 1944. There must be a strong possiblity that all three of these men are related in one way or another.
Seen below is gallery of images in relation to this short story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Lieut-Colonel Stuart Lockhart.
LOCKHART, STUART
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 21548
Date of Death: 11/02/1944
Age: 46
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) Commanding 13th Bn.
Awards: Military Cross and Territorial Decoration.
Memorial: Madras War Cemetery, Grave Reference 4.E.10.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2172869/LOCKHART,%20STUART
Chindit Column: Unknown.
Other details:
Stuart Lockhart was the son of William James and Fanny Stevens Lockhart and the husband of Florence Mary Lockhart, of Heswall, Cheshire. He had grown up in Toxteth Park in Liverpool, with his mother as head of the house by the 1911 census records. Stuart had been commissioned into the King's Liverpool Regiment in 1917 from the local Territorial Force cadets, at some point during WW1 he had been awarded a Military Cross.
He had become second in command of the 13th Battalion from late 1941, including aboard the troopship 'Oronsay' from where the photograph seen above was taken. When the battalion reached India Stuart was integral in organising their first temporary accommodation at the Gough Barracks at Secunderabad.
As second in command, Stuart was also given the duty of closing the battalion's affairs at Secunderabad, as the men moved up to their first Chindit training camp at Patharia in the Central Provinces of India. In the 1942 War diary for the 13th King's it mentions that on 5th July, Major Lockhart was to close all battalion business at Secunderabad and bring up the rear party to Patharia. I am not sure of Stuart's participation when it comes to Chindit training or his role during this period.
In late October 1942 at the training camp near Saugor, Stuart was ordered, with the help of Lieutenant F.V. Summerfield to move all surplus baggage and personal affects from the camp and escort it back down to Secunderabad, where it was to be stored until after the operation. Major Lockhart is not mentioned again in any of the 13th King's diaries or papers. My own guess is that he did not remain with the battalion after this point and therefore did not participate on Operation Longcloth.
The commander of the 13th King's at this time, Lieutenant-Colonel W.M. Robinson was present for most of the training period and indeed had brought the battalion over to India in December 1941. However, Brigadier Wingate did not feel that Robinson, or the senior Warrant Officer, RSM Kelly were physically fit enough for the trip and deemed them too old to take part in the expedition. Robinson was heart-broken and I wonder if Stuart Lockhart, aged 45 at that time was placed into the same category by Wingate.
The last time I can confirm Major Lockhart's presence with the 13th King's battalion is on the officer monthly returns list for 31st October 1942, he does not appear with them again after this point. Stuart Lockhart died on the 11th February 1944, at the time of his death he was working at the General Staff Embarkation Offices in Madras, he was buried at a place called Waltair in the Wellington area of the city. According to the India Offices register for deaths, Stuart died from pyaemia, a form of septicaemia that was almost always fatal before the use of antibiotics.
Update 29/07/2015.
On re-reading the handwritten 1942 War diary for the 13th King's, I came across this short entry for the 21st October:
Malthone Training Camp, Major Lockhart left today for a course in Movement Control duties. It is thought that he may not return to this unit again. This information is consistent with Stuart's new role at the General Staff Embarkation Offices at Madras.
Update 12/05/2017.
From the pages of the Liverpool Echo dated Monday 21st February 1944 under the headline, In Memoriam:
Lockhart, died 11th February in India aged 46 years. Lt-Colonel Stuart Lockhart MC, TD, dear husband of Florence M. Lockhart of Paddock House, The Paddock, Heswall Hills.
From the pages of the Liverpool Daily Post dated Tuesday 17th July 1945:
In relation to Lt-Colonel Stuart Lockhart deceased. Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, Section 27: Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claims against the estate of the above-named, late of Paddock House, The Paddock, Heswall Hills, Wirral; who died on the eleventh day of Febraury 1944 and probate of whose was granted on the first day of January 1945, are hereby required to send particulars in writing of their claims to the undersigned on or before the twenty-sixth day of September 1945; after which date the Executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto; having regard only to the claims and demands of which they shall have had notice and will not be liable for the assets of the deceased so distributed to any persons of whose claims they shall not then have had notice. Dated this thirteenth day of July 1945: Hill Dickinson & Co. Solicitors to the Executors, 10 Water Street, Liverpool 2.
Seen below are two images in relation to this story, please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Service No: 21548
Date of Death: 11/02/1944
Age: 46
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) Commanding 13th Bn.
Awards: Military Cross and Territorial Decoration.
Memorial: Madras War Cemetery, Grave Reference 4.E.10.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2172869/LOCKHART,%20STUART
Chindit Column: Unknown.
Other details:
Stuart Lockhart was the son of William James and Fanny Stevens Lockhart and the husband of Florence Mary Lockhart, of Heswall, Cheshire. He had grown up in Toxteth Park in Liverpool, with his mother as head of the house by the 1911 census records. Stuart had been commissioned into the King's Liverpool Regiment in 1917 from the local Territorial Force cadets, at some point during WW1 he had been awarded a Military Cross.
He had become second in command of the 13th Battalion from late 1941, including aboard the troopship 'Oronsay' from where the photograph seen above was taken. When the battalion reached India Stuart was integral in organising their first temporary accommodation at the Gough Barracks at Secunderabad.
As second in command, Stuart was also given the duty of closing the battalion's affairs at Secunderabad, as the men moved up to their first Chindit training camp at Patharia in the Central Provinces of India. In the 1942 War diary for the 13th King's it mentions that on 5th July, Major Lockhart was to close all battalion business at Secunderabad and bring up the rear party to Patharia. I am not sure of Stuart's participation when it comes to Chindit training or his role during this period.
In late October 1942 at the training camp near Saugor, Stuart was ordered, with the help of Lieutenant F.V. Summerfield to move all surplus baggage and personal affects from the camp and escort it back down to Secunderabad, where it was to be stored until after the operation. Major Lockhart is not mentioned again in any of the 13th King's diaries or papers. My own guess is that he did not remain with the battalion after this point and therefore did not participate on Operation Longcloth.
The commander of the 13th King's at this time, Lieutenant-Colonel W.M. Robinson was present for most of the training period and indeed had brought the battalion over to India in December 1941. However, Brigadier Wingate did not feel that Robinson, or the senior Warrant Officer, RSM Kelly were physically fit enough for the trip and deemed them too old to take part in the expedition. Robinson was heart-broken and I wonder if Stuart Lockhart, aged 45 at that time was placed into the same category by Wingate.
The last time I can confirm Major Lockhart's presence with the 13th King's battalion is on the officer monthly returns list for 31st October 1942, he does not appear with them again after this point. Stuart Lockhart died on the 11th February 1944, at the time of his death he was working at the General Staff Embarkation Offices in Madras, he was buried at a place called Waltair in the Wellington area of the city. According to the India Offices register for deaths, Stuart died from pyaemia, a form of septicaemia that was almost always fatal before the use of antibiotics.
Update 29/07/2015.
On re-reading the handwritten 1942 War diary for the 13th King's, I came across this short entry for the 21st October:
Malthone Training Camp, Major Lockhart left today for a course in Movement Control duties. It is thought that he may not return to this unit again. This information is consistent with Stuart's new role at the General Staff Embarkation Offices at Madras.
Update 12/05/2017.
From the pages of the Liverpool Echo dated Monday 21st February 1944 under the headline, In Memoriam:
Lockhart, died 11th February in India aged 46 years. Lt-Colonel Stuart Lockhart MC, TD, dear husband of Florence M. Lockhart of Paddock House, The Paddock, Heswall Hills.
From the pages of the Liverpool Daily Post dated Tuesday 17th July 1945:
In relation to Lt-Colonel Stuart Lockhart deceased. Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925, Section 27: Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claims against the estate of the above-named, late of Paddock House, The Paddock, Heswall Hills, Wirral; who died on the eleventh day of Febraury 1944 and probate of whose was granted on the first day of January 1945, are hereby required to send particulars in writing of their claims to the undersigned on or before the twenty-sixth day of September 1945; after which date the Executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto; having regard only to the claims and demands of which they shall have had notice and will not be liable for the assets of the deceased so distributed to any persons of whose claims they shall not then have had notice. Dated this thirteenth day of July 1945: Hill Dickinson & Co. Solicitors to the Executors, 10 Water Street, Liverpool 2.
Seen below are two images in relation to this story, please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
Cap badge of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry.
LONG, JOHN C.
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Shropshire Light Infantry, att. 3/2 Gurkha Rifles.
Chindit Column: 4 and Brigade HQ.
Other details:
On Christmas morning 1942, all the Sergeants shaved off their moustaches, as was the tradition and put up a notice to the effect that all moustached officers would have to do the same, before being allowed access to the Sergeants Mess for Christmas lunch. One officer, Lt. John Long, a Commando who had boxed for Oxford and rowed for his college, sported a large brown moustache of which he was excessively proud.
He decided to fight for the honour of his beloved whiskers and battled furiously against heavy odds, that he be spared the sergeants' razor. Next day whilst demonstrating to his section the correct way of handling explosives, Long blew himself up. When the smoke finally cleared, there he stood relatively unhurt, but with no eyebrows and much to the merriment of his men, no moustache.
The essence of the above quote gives us, I think, a sense of the character and make up of this somewhat unorthodox soldier. During the earlier years of WW2, Lt. Long had trained and fought with No. 6 Commando under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy Featherstonehaugh, formerly of the King’s Royal Rifles. According to the War diary of No. 6 Commando, on the 11th March 1942, Lt. Long and a draft of men left their base at Dumbarton in Scotland and travelled to London in preparation for a move overseas.
Eventually, Lt. Long, by now an expert in the field of explosives and demolition, would re-join his former commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Featherstonehaugh in India and become one of an original band of officers in the newly raised 142 Commando, the commando unit of the first Wingate expedition. John's training accident is mentioned in the War diary for 142 Commando, but is recorded as having happened some ten days later on the 5th January 1943, whilst the Chindits were based at the Indian town of Jhansi. The entry simply reads:
At approximately 15.00 hours, whilst demonstrating with a charge, Lt. J.C. Long met with an accident. He was admitted to the British Military Hospital at Jhansi immediately.
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Shropshire Light Infantry, att. 3/2 Gurkha Rifles.
Chindit Column: 4 and Brigade HQ.
Other details:
On Christmas morning 1942, all the Sergeants shaved off their moustaches, as was the tradition and put up a notice to the effect that all moustached officers would have to do the same, before being allowed access to the Sergeants Mess for Christmas lunch. One officer, Lt. John Long, a Commando who had boxed for Oxford and rowed for his college, sported a large brown moustache of which he was excessively proud.
He decided to fight for the honour of his beloved whiskers and battled furiously against heavy odds, that he be spared the sergeants' razor. Next day whilst demonstrating to his section the correct way of handling explosives, Long blew himself up. When the smoke finally cleared, there he stood relatively unhurt, but with no eyebrows and much to the merriment of his men, no moustache.
The essence of the above quote gives us, I think, a sense of the character and make up of this somewhat unorthodox soldier. During the earlier years of WW2, Lt. Long had trained and fought with No. 6 Commando under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy Featherstonehaugh, formerly of the King’s Royal Rifles. According to the War diary of No. 6 Commando, on the 11th March 1942, Lt. Long and a draft of men left their base at Dumbarton in Scotland and travelled to London in preparation for a move overseas.
Eventually, Lt. Long, by now an expert in the field of explosives and demolition, would re-join his former commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Featherstonehaugh in India and become one of an original band of officers in the newly raised 142 Commando, the commando unit of the first Wingate expedition. John's training accident is mentioned in the War diary for 142 Commando, but is recorded as having happened some ten days later on the 5th January 1943, whilst the Chindits were based at the Indian town of Jhansi. The entry simply reads:
At approximately 15.00 hours, whilst demonstrating with a charge, Lt. J.C. Long met with an accident. He was admitted to the British Military Hospital at Jhansi immediately.
142 Commando War diary, showing the entry for January 5th 1943 and John Long's hospitalisation.
John managed to recover quickly enough from this incident, to be able to join the full Chindit Brigade as it journeyed to the official starting point for Operation Longcloth, at Imphal in Assam. His actual placement within 77th Brigade is not clear, however, he is mentioned in the pages of the diary for No. 4 Column, recounting this units passage to the Burmese border:
Having left Jhansi on January 13th 1943, the train journey to Manipur Road was without event. The night of January 19/20th was spent in a freshly ploughed field just by Manipur Station. The 20th saw the beginning of our march up to the road to Imphal and then onwards to Tamu, which lies just over the Burma Frontier. During the march there was no excitement, but many entertaining moments. Most of the marching was done by night so as not to interfere with the daily motor transport convoys. We were four hundred strong plus one hundred mules, fifteen unschooled chargers and twenty-five pack bullocks with eleven lumbering bullock-carts.
The whole column moved in single file or 'column snake', so there was over a mile or more between the Column Commander at the front and the unfortunate 2 i/c who had the delightful job of bringing up the rear. One night during an exceptionally arduous march, Lt. Long fell asleep and walked over a precipice. Fortunately he was seen disappearing over the edge by the doctor, who collected a few people and formed a human chain to get him back up. As it happens Lt. Long managed to scramble up without assistance and to the amazement of everybody was not even scratched. This was the last time he went to sleep on the march.
Nothing more has been written about John Long and his contribution to the first Wingate expedition, although we do know that he served again in 1944, this time with the 1st Battalion of the King's Regiment under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Scott. In 1980, John wrote the following appreciation of Major-General Wingate for the Chindit Old Comrades Association:
I was privileged to take part in both of General Wingate's campaigns, though I need not have participated in either. That I did so does not presuppose any undue hankering after adventure on my part, nor was I too witless to find an easier job. It was simply that I was convinced, as I remain convinced today, of the integrity and ability of that great man Orde Wingate.
Due to a quirk in military postings, myself, together with other officers in my particular draft, found ourselves unemployed in India during the spring of 1942. Our host unit, a regular British battalion (2nd Green Howard's), was kindness itself, but not unnaturally looked forward to a return to their normal regimental life on our departure. They were, therefore, not displeased to announce, one day, that there was an odd character called Wingate in the jungle near Saugor who might find jobs for some of us. Accordingly, we repaired to Patharia, near Saugor, where we disturbed Brigadier (as he then was) Wingate addressing an audience seated in a four-sided amphitheatre formed by steps leading down to a disused well.
Clearly annoyed at the interruption, he bade us be seated, and continued with his exposition on long-range penetration groups. It was then that I, and indeed the majority of our particular draft, decided that Orde Wingate was the man for us, as I still feel thirty-eight years later. Why? It was certainly not any kind of charisma on his part, for even on further acquaintance I found him a prickly, rather than an easy individual. It was not purely his eloquence, for oratory alone, albeit helpful, does not win over the wide cross-section of people who believed so implicitly in Wingate. It was, I am convinced, the way his undoubted ability came over, and the feeling he gave that here was an honest man whom one could trust, and who would not let one down if one threw one's lot in with him. Such proved to be the case.
The word leadership, or lack of it, is in the 1980’s a much overused word, whether applied to the Church, the State, industry, the Armed Forces, the police or other facets of national life. It seems almost trite to say that Orde Wingate was a great and natural leader, but such he was. His leadership, or power of communication was not confined to any particular group of followers. He came across to officers and soldiers alike, no matter how diverse their backgrounds, or whether their skins were coloured black, white, brown or yellow.
Each of us felt that any communication from Orde Wingate, whether verbal or written, was addressed to us personally. He behaved as senior officers, i.e. leaders, are meant to behave, but sometimes don't. As the senior officer present, he took the rap from higher authority when something went wrong, even though the fault was that of a subordinate (the subordinate would not of course, escape unscathed). He never asked anybody to do something he couldn't do himself, or have a damned good try at doing himself. This in many cases, involved tremendous mental guts on his part, for his physique, per se, was certainly not robust enough to match the immense physical demands he made upon it.
His physical presence in any given situation, even a brief visit, was always an inspiration to all ranks present, any language barrier notwithstanding. To revert to that overused word leadership. In a lifetime, one is lucky to meet but one or two great leaders of men, and Orde Wingate was one such. Of those who served with him in Burma, of whatever rank, race, colour or creed, there can be few who would not follow him again. I certainly would, either on or off the battlefield.
Having left Jhansi on January 13th 1943, the train journey to Manipur Road was without event. The night of January 19/20th was spent in a freshly ploughed field just by Manipur Station. The 20th saw the beginning of our march up to the road to Imphal and then onwards to Tamu, which lies just over the Burma Frontier. During the march there was no excitement, but many entertaining moments. Most of the marching was done by night so as not to interfere with the daily motor transport convoys. We were four hundred strong plus one hundred mules, fifteen unschooled chargers and twenty-five pack bullocks with eleven lumbering bullock-carts.
The whole column moved in single file or 'column snake', so there was over a mile or more between the Column Commander at the front and the unfortunate 2 i/c who had the delightful job of bringing up the rear. One night during an exceptionally arduous march, Lt. Long fell asleep and walked over a precipice. Fortunately he was seen disappearing over the edge by the doctor, who collected a few people and formed a human chain to get him back up. As it happens Lt. Long managed to scramble up without assistance and to the amazement of everybody was not even scratched. This was the last time he went to sleep on the march.
Nothing more has been written about John Long and his contribution to the first Wingate expedition, although we do know that he served again in 1944, this time with the 1st Battalion of the King's Regiment under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Scott. In 1980, John wrote the following appreciation of Major-General Wingate for the Chindit Old Comrades Association:
I was privileged to take part in both of General Wingate's campaigns, though I need not have participated in either. That I did so does not presuppose any undue hankering after adventure on my part, nor was I too witless to find an easier job. It was simply that I was convinced, as I remain convinced today, of the integrity and ability of that great man Orde Wingate.
Due to a quirk in military postings, myself, together with other officers in my particular draft, found ourselves unemployed in India during the spring of 1942. Our host unit, a regular British battalion (2nd Green Howard's), was kindness itself, but not unnaturally looked forward to a return to their normal regimental life on our departure. They were, therefore, not displeased to announce, one day, that there was an odd character called Wingate in the jungle near Saugor who might find jobs for some of us. Accordingly, we repaired to Patharia, near Saugor, where we disturbed Brigadier (as he then was) Wingate addressing an audience seated in a four-sided amphitheatre formed by steps leading down to a disused well.
Clearly annoyed at the interruption, he bade us be seated, and continued with his exposition on long-range penetration groups. It was then that I, and indeed the majority of our particular draft, decided that Orde Wingate was the man for us, as I still feel thirty-eight years later. Why? It was certainly not any kind of charisma on his part, for even on further acquaintance I found him a prickly, rather than an easy individual. It was not purely his eloquence, for oratory alone, albeit helpful, does not win over the wide cross-section of people who believed so implicitly in Wingate. It was, I am convinced, the way his undoubted ability came over, and the feeling he gave that here was an honest man whom one could trust, and who would not let one down if one threw one's lot in with him. Such proved to be the case.
The word leadership, or lack of it, is in the 1980’s a much overused word, whether applied to the Church, the State, industry, the Armed Forces, the police or other facets of national life. It seems almost trite to say that Orde Wingate was a great and natural leader, but such he was. His leadership, or power of communication was not confined to any particular group of followers. He came across to officers and soldiers alike, no matter how diverse their backgrounds, or whether their skins were coloured black, white, brown or yellow.
Each of us felt that any communication from Orde Wingate, whether verbal or written, was addressed to us personally. He behaved as senior officers, i.e. leaders, are meant to behave, but sometimes don't. As the senior officer present, he took the rap from higher authority when something went wrong, even though the fault was that of a subordinate (the subordinate would not of course, escape unscathed). He never asked anybody to do something he couldn't do himself, or have a damned good try at doing himself. This in many cases, involved tremendous mental guts on his part, for his physique, per se, was certainly not robust enough to match the immense physical demands he made upon it.
His physical presence in any given situation, even a brief visit, was always an inspiration to all ranks present, any language barrier notwithstanding. To revert to that overused word leadership. In a lifetime, one is lucky to meet but one or two great leaders of men, and Orde Wingate was one such. Of those who served with him in Burma, of whatever rank, race, colour or creed, there can be few who would not follow him again. I certainly would, either on or off the battlefield.
Update 03/07/2024.
It would seem that Lt. Long served later in the war with the 23rd British Infantry Brigade Head Quarters. This unit had been one of the six brigades that trained for the second Wingate expedition in 1944, Operation Thursday. In the end, 23 Brigade was held back from entering Burma proper in 1944, using its Chindit skills and techniques against the invading Japanese on the outskirts of Imphal and Kohima instead. We already know that Lt. Long was fighting with the 1st King's columns on Operation Thursday, so it seems likely that he was posted across to 23 Brigade after the second Chindt expedition was over and as part of the re-organising of the Chindit brigades in late 1944. The photograph below shows the officers of 23 Brigade HQ (commanded by Brigadier Perowne) in India. The image was published in the Tatler & Bystander magazine, dated 21st March 1945. John Long, by now enjoying the rank of Major can be seen seated in the second row, second from the right, please click on the photograph to bring it forward on the page.
It would seem that Lt. Long served later in the war with the 23rd British Infantry Brigade Head Quarters. This unit had been one of the six brigades that trained for the second Wingate expedition in 1944, Operation Thursday. In the end, 23 Brigade was held back from entering Burma proper in 1944, using its Chindit skills and techniques against the invading Japanese on the outskirts of Imphal and Kohima instead. We already know that Lt. Long was fighting with the 1st King's columns on Operation Thursday, so it seems likely that he was posted across to 23 Brigade after the second Chindt expedition was over and as part of the re-organising of the Chindit brigades in late 1944. The photograph below shows the officers of 23 Brigade HQ (commanded by Brigadier Perowne) in India. The image was published in the Tatler & Bystander magazine, dated 21st March 1945. John Long, by now enjoying the rank of Major can be seen seated in the second row, second from the right, please click on the photograph to bring it forward on the page.
Officers of 23 Brigade Head Quarters.
David Samuel Anthony Lord.
LORD, DAVID SAMUEL ANTHONY
Rank: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)
Service No: 49149
Date of Death: 19/09/1944
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: 271 Squadron RAF
Memorial: Grave 4.B.5. Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Netherlands.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2661167/lord,-david-samuel-anthony/
Chindit Column: Honorary 8
Other details:
David Lord was born on the 18th October 1913 at Cork in the Republic of Ireland and was the son of Samuel Beswick and Mary Ellen Lord, from Wrexham in North Wales. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (posthumous) for his bravery in action on the 19th September 1944 in the skies over Arnhem in Holland.
London Gazette citation
Flight Lieutenant David Samuel Anthony Lord was pilot and captain of a Dakota aircraft detailed to drop supplies at Arnhem on the afternoon of the 19th September, 1944. Our airborne troops had been surrounded and were being pressed into a small area defended by a large number of anti-aircraft guns. Air crews were warned that intense opposition would be met over the dropping zone. To ensure accuracy they were ordered to fly at 900 feet when dropping their containers.
While flying at 1,500 feet near Arnhem the starboard wing of Flight Lieutenant Lord’s aircraft was twice hit by anti-aircraft fire. The starboard engine was set on fire. He would have been justified in leaving the main stream of supply aircraft and continuing at the same height or even abandoning his aircraft. But on learning that his crew were uninjured and that the dropping zone would be reached in three minutes he said he would complete his mission, as the troops were in dire need of supplies.
By now the starboard engine was burning furiously. Flight Lieutenant Lord came down to 900 feet, where he was singled out for the concentrated fire of all the anti- aircraft guns. On reaching the dropping zone he kept the aircraft on a straight and level course while supplies were dropped. At the end of the run, he was told that two containers remained. Although he must have known that the collapse of the starboard wing could not be long delayed, Flight Lieutenant Lord circled, rejoined the stream of aircraft and made a second run to drop the remaining supplies.
These manoeuvres took eight minutes in all, the aircraft being continuously under heavy anti-aircraft fire. His task completed, Flight Lieutenant Lord ordered his crew to abandon the Dakota, making no attempt himself to leave the aircraft, which was down to 500 feet. A few seconds later, the starboard wing collapsed and the aircraft fell in flames. There was only one survivor (Pilot Officer Harry King), who was flung out while assisting other members of the crew to put on their parachutes.
By continuing his mission in a damaged and burning aircraft, descending to drop the supplies accurately, returning to the dropping zone a second time and, finally, remaining at the controls to give his crew a chance of escape, Flight Lieutenant Lord displayed supreme valour and self-sacrifice.
To read the full London Gazette entry, please click on the following link: Gazette entry.
Other decorations include: DFC (India/Burma). David is also remembered at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Wrexham, Down Ampney Church in Gloucestershire and the RAF Memorial, St. Clement Danes Church, London. His Victoria Cross and other medals were purchased by Lord Ashcroft at the Spink Auction in 1997 and are currently displayed on rotation in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum.
Previous to his service with 271 Squadron in the European theatre of war, Flight Lieutenant David Lord, known to his RAF comrades as Lummie, had been with 31 Squadron RAF in India. It was whilst in India that David was commissioned from Flight Sergeant to Flight Lieutenant in late December 1942. During his time with 31 Squadron in 1943, he flew supply drop missions to the Chindits of Operation Longcloth, including in late April that year, attempting to land his Dakota on a jungle clearing in the hope of collecting up a group of sick and wounded men and returning with them safely to India. Being unsure of the condition of the ground below them, David Lord and Co-Pilot Flight Officer Bary's attempt to land was unsuccessful.
To read more about this episode in April 1943, please click on the following link: The Piccadilly Incident
Seen below is the gravestone epitaph chosen by David Lord's family for his final resting place at Oosterbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands. Below this is a gallery of images in relation to his story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. In 2018, author James Hynes published a biography for David Lord entitled Flight Lieutenant David Lord Victoria Cross, an Arnhem Hero.
Rank: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot)
Service No: 49149
Date of Death: 19/09/1944
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: 271 Squadron RAF
Memorial: Grave 4.B.5. Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Netherlands.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2661167/lord,-david-samuel-anthony/
Chindit Column: Honorary 8
Other details:
David Lord was born on the 18th October 1913 at Cork in the Republic of Ireland and was the son of Samuel Beswick and Mary Ellen Lord, from Wrexham in North Wales. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (posthumous) for his bravery in action on the 19th September 1944 in the skies over Arnhem in Holland.
London Gazette citation
Flight Lieutenant David Samuel Anthony Lord was pilot and captain of a Dakota aircraft detailed to drop supplies at Arnhem on the afternoon of the 19th September, 1944. Our airborne troops had been surrounded and were being pressed into a small area defended by a large number of anti-aircraft guns. Air crews were warned that intense opposition would be met over the dropping zone. To ensure accuracy they were ordered to fly at 900 feet when dropping their containers.
While flying at 1,500 feet near Arnhem the starboard wing of Flight Lieutenant Lord’s aircraft was twice hit by anti-aircraft fire. The starboard engine was set on fire. He would have been justified in leaving the main stream of supply aircraft and continuing at the same height or even abandoning his aircraft. But on learning that his crew were uninjured and that the dropping zone would be reached in three minutes he said he would complete his mission, as the troops were in dire need of supplies.
By now the starboard engine was burning furiously. Flight Lieutenant Lord came down to 900 feet, where he was singled out for the concentrated fire of all the anti- aircraft guns. On reaching the dropping zone he kept the aircraft on a straight and level course while supplies were dropped. At the end of the run, he was told that two containers remained. Although he must have known that the collapse of the starboard wing could not be long delayed, Flight Lieutenant Lord circled, rejoined the stream of aircraft and made a second run to drop the remaining supplies.
These manoeuvres took eight minutes in all, the aircraft being continuously under heavy anti-aircraft fire. His task completed, Flight Lieutenant Lord ordered his crew to abandon the Dakota, making no attempt himself to leave the aircraft, which was down to 500 feet. A few seconds later, the starboard wing collapsed and the aircraft fell in flames. There was only one survivor (Pilot Officer Harry King), who was flung out while assisting other members of the crew to put on their parachutes.
By continuing his mission in a damaged and burning aircraft, descending to drop the supplies accurately, returning to the dropping zone a second time and, finally, remaining at the controls to give his crew a chance of escape, Flight Lieutenant Lord displayed supreme valour and self-sacrifice.
To read the full London Gazette entry, please click on the following link: Gazette entry.
Other decorations include: DFC (India/Burma). David is also remembered at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Wrexham, Down Ampney Church in Gloucestershire and the RAF Memorial, St. Clement Danes Church, London. His Victoria Cross and other medals were purchased by Lord Ashcroft at the Spink Auction in 1997 and are currently displayed on rotation in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum.
Previous to his service with 271 Squadron in the European theatre of war, Flight Lieutenant David Lord, known to his RAF comrades as Lummie, had been with 31 Squadron RAF in India. It was whilst in India that David was commissioned from Flight Sergeant to Flight Lieutenant in late December 1942. During his time with 31 Squadron in 1943, he flew supply drop missions to the Chindits of Operation Longcloth, including in late April that year, attempting to land his Dakota on a jungle clearing in the hope of collecting up a group of sick and wounded men and returning with them safely to India. Being unsure of the condition of the ground below them, David Lord and Co-Pilot Flight Officer Bary's attempt to land was unsuccessful.
To read more about this episode in April 1943, please click on the following link: The Piccadilly Incident
Seen below is the gravestone epitaph chosen by David Lord's family for his final resting place at Oosterbeek War Cemetery in the Netherlands. Below this is a gallery of images in relation to his story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. In 2018, author James Hynes published a biography for David Lord entitled Flight Lieutenant David Lord Victoria Cross, an Arnhem Hero.
GREATER LOVE THAN THIS NO MAN HATH, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS.
Cap badge of the Border Regiment.
LORD, HORACE JAMES
Rank: Staff Captain
Service No: 27226
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Rear Base, Agartala.
Other details:
The credit for building up the supply dropping system must go to Horace Peter Lord, a retired officer of the Border Regiment who was appointed Staff Captain to Wingate's original Brigade at the end of 1942, and who eventually became King of the huge Air Base system that nurtured us in 1943 and 1944. (Bernard Fergusson).
By the second month in we were absolutely fed up with biscuits and wirelessed to Peter Lord back at rear base and signalled: "O' Lord, give us bread." Back came a message from base saying, "The Lord hath heard thy prayer." The planes flew over next day, March 14th, and, lo and behold, down from the heavens tumbled a sack containing sixty loaves of bread. We also got bully beef, bacon, beans, onions, rice and rum, enough to last us six days. (Major John Jefferies).
Horace James Lord, known to his Army comrades as Peter, was posted across to the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade on the 16th September 1942, joining Wingate's fledgling Chindits at their Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India. He had come from a recent role with the Royal Indian Army Service Corps and had been placed on the officers General List before being assigned to Wingate and 77 Brigade. He began his Chindit service working with Mike Calvert and 142 Commando in an administrative role and then assumed command of the training area at Jhansi in January 1943, shortly before the Brigade moved off into Burma.
It is not clear how old Captain Lord was in January 1943, but I am presuming it was his age that prevented him from taking part in the eventual operations in Burma. In any case, he was given the job of running the Rear Base supply depot at Agartala and was the coordinator for all air supply drops to the Chindits on Operation Longcloth. This also included the vital task of delivering mail to the men on the ground and for sending their families a standard airgraph notice, explaining that the men would be unable to write back to them for the time being. An example of this airgraph notice, penned by Horace Lord, can be viewed in the gallery below.
At the Agartala Air Base, located today in the Indian State of Tripura, Captain Lord liaised with 31 Squadron RAF and developed a strong relationship with Wing Commander William Burbery and his men in the delivery of supplies to the Chindits in the field. For communications between Rear Base, the Chindit columns and 31 Squadron in the air, the codename Vicki was used during all operations in 1943. Each Chindit column had their own administrative team at Agartala, with a Sergeant running and arranging the sourcing and packing of supplies. Every Chindit soldier had given his particulars to the supply team coordinator, including any special dietary requirements, medications, spectacle prescriptions and uniform and boot sizes.
Each Chindit column had their own column cipher signals and codes, designating their particular requirements at each supply drop. All communications were double-banked through 4 Corps HQ, so that missed calls from the field would be picked up and relayed again to Agartala. In the end under Captain Lord's eagle-eyed leadership, Rear Base became expert in delivering the necessary supplies to the awaiting Chindits in 1943, with the last drops not taking place until well into June that year.
Captain Lord more than succeeded in delivering his role at Rear Base during the first Wingate expedition and for his efforts was awarded the MBE, which was Gazetted in December 1943:
Throughout the operations of 77 Indian Infantry Brigade in Burma, from February to April 1943, Captain Lord as Staff Officer for the Brigade was responsible for the collection and despatch of all rations and supplies to be dropped on the force from the air. The promptitude with which all requests were met, many of them for items for which the need had not been foreseen, reflects the greatest credit on Captain Lord and the organisation he built up and commanded.
Delays, which in ordinary operations would have been of little moment, would have been disastrous in these; but by his foresight and devotion to the interests of his comrades in the Brigade, such delays were entirely lacking. To his unselfish and loyal work over a long and exacting period, not only in the success of the operations, but also the lives and early recovery to health of many officers and men, are very largely due.
Signed: Brigadier O.C. Wingate. Commander, 77 Indian Infantry Brigade.
After operations in Burma ceased, Captain Lord was asked to compile an in-depth report covering his role in setting up Rear Base and his liaison with 31 Squadron RAF. This ten-page paper then formed one section of the overall debrief document for Operation Longcloth, published by Wingate in July 1943. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including some of the codes used by 77 Brigade on Operation Longcloth. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Staff Captain
Service No: 27226
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Rear Base, Agartala.
Other details:
The credit for building up the supply dropping system must go to Horace Peter Lord, a retired officer of the Border Regiment who was appointed Staff Captain to Wingate's original Brigade at the end of 1942, and who eventually became King of the huge Air Base system that nurtured us in 1943 and 1944. (Bernard Fergusson).
By the second month in we were absolutely fed up with biscuits and wirelessed to Peter Lord back at rear base and signalled: "O' Lord, give us bread." Back came a message from base saying, "The Lord hath heard thy prayer." The planes flew over next day, March 14th, and, lo and behold, down from the heavens tumbled a sack containing sixty loaves of bread. We also got bully beef, bacon, beans, onions, rice and rum, enough to last us six days. (Major John Jefferies).
Horace James Lord, known to his Army comrades as Peter, was posted across to the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade on the 16th September 1942, joining Wingate's fledgling Chindits at their Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India. He had come from a recent role with the Royal Indian Army Service Corps and had been placed on the officers General List before being assigned to Wingate and 77 Brigade. He began his Chindit service working with Mike Calvert and 142 Commando in an administrative role and then assumed command of the training area at Jhansi in January 1943, shortly before the Brigade moved off into Burma.
It is not clear how old Captain Lord was in January 1943, but I am presuming it was his age that prevented him from taking part in the eventual operations in Burma. In any case, he was given the job of running the Rear Base supply depot at Agartala and was the coordinator for all air supply drops to the Chindits on Operation Longcloth. This also included the vital task of delivering mail to the men on the ground and for sending their families a standard airgraph notice, explaining that the men would be unable to write back to them for the time being. An example of this airgraph notice, penned by Horace Lord, can be viewed in the gallery below.
At the Agartala Air Base, located today in the Indian State of Tripura, Captain Lord liaised with 31 Squadron RAF and developed a strong relationship with Wing Commander William Burbery and his men in the delivery of supplies to the Chindits in the field. For communications between Rear Base, the Chindit columns and 31 Squadron in the air, the codename Vicki was used during all operations in 1943. Each Chindit column had their own administrative team at Agartala, with a Sergeant running and arranging the sourcing and packing of supplies. Every Chindit soldier had given his particulars to the supply team coordinator, including any special dietary requirements, medications, spectacle prescriptions and uniform and boot sizes.
Each Chindit column had their own column cipher signals and codes, designating their particular requirements at each supply drop. All communications were double-banked through 4 Corps HQ, so that missed calls from the field would be picked up and relayed again to Agartala. In the end under Captain Lord's eagle-eyed leadership, Rear Base became expert in delivering the necessary supplies to the awaiting Chindits in 1943, with the last drops not taking place until well into June that year.
Captain Lord more than succeeded in delivering his role at Rear Base during the first Wingate expedition and for his efforts was awarded the MBE, which was Gazetted in December 1943:
Throughout the operations of 77 Indian Infantry Brigade in Burma, from February to April 1943, Captain Lord as Staff Officer for the Brigade was responsible for the collection and despatch of all rations and supplies to be dropped on the force from the air. The promptitude with which all requests were met, many of them for items for which the need had not been foreseen, reflects the greatest credit on Captain Lord and the organisation he built up and commanded.
Delays, which in ordinary operations would have been of little moment, would have been disastrous in these; but by his foresight and devotion to the interests of his comrades in the Brigade, such delays were entirely lacking. To his unselfish and loyal work over a long and exacting period, not only in the success of the operations, but also the lives and early recovery to health of many officers and men, are very largely due.
Signed: Brigadier O.C. Wingate. Commander, 77 Indian Infantry Brigade.
After operations in Burma ceased, Captain Lord was asked to compile an in-depth report covering his role in setting up Rear Base and his liaison with 31 Squadron RAF. This ten-page paper then formed one section of the overall debrief document for Operation Longcloth, published by Wingate in July 1943. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including some of the codes used by 77 Brigade on Operation Longcloth. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Horace Lord continued his good work during the second Chindit expedition in 1944, codenamed Operation Thursday. On this occasion he worked alongside 1st Air Commando, USAAF and 194 Squadron RAF and was based at Sylhet, which is now located in modern-day Bangladesh. General Wingate's Brigadier-Major on Operation Thursday was Derek Tulloch, his longtime friend from their days as young Subalterns in the Royal Artillery. In his book, Wingate in Peace and War, Tulloch recalled Horace Lord and his good work in 1944:
Finally, after concluding the set up of the six brigades, we gave a good deal of thought and experiment to the organisation of the supply base. Spread over a wide area, the Chindit Brigades and columns would have individual requirements and, when on the move, only a limited time for signalling their demands. So a system was devised whereby every possible requirement was given a short codename consisting of a few letters of the alphabet. These codenames were to be used throughout operations, and they saved an immense amount of time. Fortunately, when I came on the scene, a great many of the teething troubles of running an air supply base for columns in the field had been ironed out through lessons learned on Chindit 1. In fact the basis for the huge air supply system on which the 14th Army was later to depend, was laid down in 1943 by Captain Peter Lord and Squadron-Leader William Burberry, of No.1 Air Supply Company RIASC, and 31st Squadron RAF respectively. Now promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, Peter Lord was in charge of the main supply base for Chindit 2 at Sylhet, while Burberry went to the RAF Directorate at Delhi as a Wing Commander.
For his efforts during Operation Thursday, Lt-Colonel Horace Lord was awarded an OBE. It is also stated that he received a Mention in Despatches, which was Gazetted on the 26th April 1945. His recommendation for the OBE reads:
Before operations this officer was responsible for the detailed planning and organisation of the complete Air Base set up for Special Force. In spite of a sudden change in plan which necessitated the move of the base from Agartala to Sylhet, through the energy and experience of this officer, this Air Base was established in its new position and was ready to meet all commitments by the time the operation had been launched in February 1944.
Signed: Major-General W.D.A. Lentaigne, commander of Special Force.
London Gazette 13th September 1945.
In May 2013, I was delighted to receive the following email contact from Simon Lord, the grandson of Horace James Lord:
Steve,
Congratulations on a terrific website. I came across it while researching my grandfather, Staff Captain H.J. Lord. He appears to have been a major player in the air supply of the troops on the Chindit operations but I have found out little about him. My father remembers being present at Dehra Dun as a small child, but cannot recall why they were based there. Your work has now inspired me to find out more and I will make a visit to the Public Records Office to seek out some relevant documents. We do believe that his air supply experiences in India were put to use after the war, during the Berlin airlift in 1948-49. I will try and get hold of some photographs of him and put something together for you.
Many thanks, Simon.
Finally, after concluding the set up of the six brigades, we gave a good deal of thought and experiment to the organisation of the supply base. Spread over a wide area, the Chindit Brigades and columns would have individual requirements and, when on the move, only a limited time for signalling their demands. So a system was devised whereby every possible requirement was given a short codename consisting of a few letters of the alphabet. These codenames were to be used throughout operations, and they saved an immense amount of time. Fortunately, when I came on the scene, a great many of the teething troubles of running an air supply base for columns in the field had been ironed out through lessons learned on Chindit 1. In fact the basis for the huge air supply system on which the 14th Army was later to depend, was laid down in 1943 by Captain Peter Lord and Squadron-Leader William Burberry, of No.1 Air Supply Company RIASC, and 31st Squadron RAF respectively. Now promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, Peter Lord was in charge of the main supply base for Chindit 2 at Sylhet, while Burberry went to the RAF Directorate at Delhi as a Wing Commander.
For his efforts during Operation Thursday, Lt-Colonel Horace Lord was awarded an OBE. It is also stated that he received a Mention in Despatches, which was Gazetted on the 26th April 1945. His recommendation for the OBE reads:
Before operations this officer was responsible for the detailed planning and organisation of the complete Air Base set up for Special Force. In spite of a sudden change in plan which necessitated the move of the base from Agartala to Sylhet, through the energy and experience of this officer, this Air Base was established in its new position and was ready to meet all commitments by the time the operation had been launched in February 1944.
Signed: Major-General W.D.A. Lentaigne, commander of Special Force.
London Gazette 13th September 1945.
In May 2013, I was delighted to receive the following email contact from Simon Lord, the grandson of Horace James Lord:
Steve,
Congratulations on a terrific website. I came across it while researching my grandfather, Staff Captain H.J. Lord. He appears to have been a major player in the air supply of the troops on the Chindit operations but I have found out little about him. My father remembers being present at Dehra Dun as a small child, but cannot recall why they were based there. Your work has now inspired me to find out more and I will make a visit to the Public Records Office to seek out some relevant documents. We do believe that his air supply experiences in India were put to use after the war, during the Berlin airlift in 1948-49. I will try and get hold of some photographs of him and put something together for you.
Many thanks, Simon.
Supplies are flown into Berlin by the American Airforce in late 1948.
Update 14/12/2020.
In 1952, a full history and debrief of Operation Longcloth was undertaken by Lieutenant-Colonel J.E.B. Barton. He collated many of the individual reports from the first Wingate expedition and also interviewed several of the major participants. This work now rests at the National Archives under the file reference, CAB44/182. In 1951, whilst serving at Q' Branch Head Quarters, British Army of the Rhine, Horace Lord contributed his unique viewpoint to the Barton report in regards the supplying of the Chindits from the air:
It strikes me now after reading the narrative that there was too much wasted effort and insufficient concentration of forces. It is also rather surprising that no one conceived the idea, as was adopted in 1944 (on Operation Thursday), of using light aircraft for evacuation of casualties or for flying in essential key reinforcements or specialist equipment, e.g. wireless transmitter sets. The knowledge that casualties must necessarily be abandoned must have been very bad for morale and fighting organisation in 1943. It was a pure accident that George Bromhead, the Brigade-Major and I evolved a method of demanding commodities by which long signals were cut to a minimum.
There never was a real planning staff and the ordinary Brigade staff were more than fully occupied with day to day problems including initial equipping of units. A proper planning staff could almost have worked out exact routes, dropping points, dates for drops, etc. before the Brigade even started into Burma. Headquarters at IV Corps could have assisted in this but the whole operation plan was kept at too high a level and suffered from overmuch censor and security. The latter was eventually negated by the columns themselves by leaving litter etc. on their route from Imphal onwards.
The failure of particular columns to receive a supply drop was basically their own fault. Either the column had lost its W/T equipment or had allowed the batteries to run down. Drops were staggered as far as possible and in many cases aircraft were despatched on the due date to a particular column, hoping to pick up recognition signals within a radius from the previous drop. Few sitreps were received showing column positions daily and little or no attempt was made by Brigade Headquarters in the field to co-ordinate drops and if necessary lay down priorities. Some columns 'cheated' in that they displayed signals on hearing aircraft, even though the column did not necessarily require a drop until a further day or so. This was understandable and unavoidable after some columns had dispersed on their return to India.
In 1952, a full history and debrief of Operation Longcloth was undertaken by Lieutenant-Colonel J.E.B. Barton. He collated many of the individual reports from the first Wingate expedition and also interviewed several of the major participants. This work now rests at the National Archives under the file reference, CAB44/182. In 1951, whilst serving at Q' Branch Head Quarters, British Army of the Rhine, Horace Lord contributed his unique viewpoint to the Barton report in regards the supplying of the Chindits from the air:
It strikes me now after reading the narrative that there was too much wasted effort and insufficient concentration of forces. It is also rather surprising that no one conceived the idea, as was adopted in 1944 (on Operation Thursday), of using light aircraft for evacuation of casualties or for flying in essential key reinforcements or specialist equipment, e.g. wireless transmitter sets. The knowledge that casualties must necessarily be abandoned must have been very bad for morale and fighting organisation in 1943. It was a pure accident that George Bromhead, the Brigade-Major and I evolved a method of demanding commodities by which long signals were cut to a minimum.
There never was a real planning staff and the ordinary Brigade staff were more than fully occupied with day to day problems including initial equipping of units. A proper planning staff could almost have worked out exact routes, dropping points, dates for drops, etc. before the Brigade even started into Burma. Headquarters at IV Corps could have assisted in this but the whole operation plan was kept at too high a level and suffered from overmuch censor and security. The latter was eventually negated by the columns themselves by leaving litter etc. on their route from Imphal onwards.
The failure of particular columns to receive a supply drop was basically their own fault. Either the column had lost its W/T equipment or had allowed the batteries to run down. Drops were staggered as far as possible and in many cases aircraft were despatched on the due date to a particular column, hoping to pick up recognition signals within a radius from the previous drop. Few sitreps were received showing column positions daily and little or no attempt was made by Brigade Headquarters in the field to co-ordinate drops and if necessary lay down priorities. Some columns 'cheated' in that they displayed signals on hearing aircraft, even though the column did not necessarily require a drop until a further day or so. This was understandable and unavoidable after some columns had dispersed on their return to India.
Kenneth Love.
LOVE, KENNETH EDWARD
Rank: Private
Service No: 5116591
Date of Death: 17/05/1943
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2515999/love,-kenneth-edward/
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Kenneth was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Love from St. Margaret's Avenue, Birmingham 8 and was posted to No. 5 Column on Operation Longcloth, having previously served in the 1/7th Warwickhire Regiment. He was reported as missing in action on the 17th May 1943, close to the village of Woolgar (Walung Ga) on the road to Fort Hertz in northern Burma. This would suggest that he was one of the men separated from the main body of 5 Column on the 28/29th March after the battle at Hintha.
One hundred or so men from 5 Column were cut adrift when a large Japanese patrol ambushed the column during their dispersal from Hintha village and some of these men found their way to the Shweli River, where they were picked up by No. 7 Column. Kenneth was reported as last seen at the village of Walung Ga on the Burma/China borders, although it is not clear what had happened to him, or why he had dropped out of the march north towards Fort Hertz. His body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery.
To read more about Kenneth's experiences on Operation Longcloth, please click on he following link: Pte. Norman John Fowler
Kenneth Love is also remembered within the City of Birmingham Book of Remembrance, which contains the names of local casualties lost during WW2. From the Birmingham Evening Despatch newspaper dated 21st February 1945 and under the headline, Missing for Two Years:
Private Kenneth Love was reported missing in Burma two years ago. Any news of him would be welcomed by his fiancee, Miss D. Mammatt of 93 Lime Tree Road, Ward End, Birmingham 8, and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Love of 124 St. Margaret's Avenue, Birmingham 8. Today is his 25th birthday.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 5116591
Date of Death: 17/05/1943
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2515999/love,-kenneth-edward/
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Kenneth was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Love from St. Margaret's Avenue, Birmingham 8 and was posted to No. 5 Column on Operation Longcloth, having previously served in the 1/7th Warwickhire Regiment. He was reported as missing in action on the 17th May 1943, close to the village of Woolgar (Walung Ga) on the road to Fort Hertz in northern Burma. This would suggest that he was one of the men separated from the main body of 5 Column on the 28/29th March after the battle at Hintha.
One hundred or so men from 5 Column were cut adrift when a large Japanese patrol ambushed the column during their dispersal from Hintha village and some of these men found their way to the Shweli River, where they were picked up by No. 7 Column. Kenneth was reported as last seen at the village of Walung Ga on the Burma/China borders, although it is not clear what had happened to him, or why he had dropped out of the march north towards Fort Hertz. His body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery.
To read more about Kenneth's experiences on Operation Longcloth, please click on he following link: Pte. Norman John Fowler
Kenneth Love is also remembered within the City of Birmingham Book of Remembrance, which contains the names of local casualties lost during WW2. From the Birmingham Evening Despatch newspaper dated 21st February 1945 and under the headline, Missing for Two Years:
Private Kenneth Love was reported missing in Burma two years ago. Any news of him would be welcomed by his fiancee, Miss D. Mammatt of 93 Lime Tree Road, Ward End, Birmingham 8, and his parents Mr. and Mrs. Love of 124 St. Margaret's Avenue, Birmingham 8. Today is his 25th birthday.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
LUMSDEN, N.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3655293
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Pte. Lumsden was mentioned in the book Wingate's Phantom Army, by Wilfred Burchett in relation to receiving some unexpected mail on a supply drop to No. 5 Column during the early weeks of Operation Longcloth. Major Fergusson's column had a very poor run of missing supply drops during those early days and the men were becoming quite disconsolate and not a little hungry:
Unfortunately, none of the column had any means of contacting planes direct. All signals had to go either through headquarters or right back to air base. Two days later, however, Fergusson's men were in the right place at the right time. Their hearts were gladdened by the sight of approaching planes and within a few seconds they zoomed down and parcels began flying through the open door and floating down to earth. Troops detailed for the job eagerly collected the canvas containers and loaded them on to waiting mules, who also had an interest in this dropping. In addition to 5 days supplies for each man there were 5 days fodder for the animals. After being cut off from the outside world for two months it was something of a miracle to open up newspapers from Calcutta and Delhi only two days old, and above all to get letters from home, some of them posted after the expedition had left India.
Major Fergusson received a letter from his regiment asking him to reply by return of post as to whether or not he could come back immediately to takeover the job of second in command. Of course return of post was a little difficult. It was one thing to receive letters dropped from the air but another thing to get replies back on the plane. Private Lumsden, one of Fergusson's men had a letter from a firm of solicitors in Calcutta informing him of the death of his aunt who had left him Rs.11,000/-. He was asked to fill in the enclosed form and return it immediately to the above address!
Interestingly enough, there is only one other mention of Pte. Lumsden from within the papers and documents related to the men of the first Wingate expedition. This comes in the form of a note of soldiers away from the brigade on special duties. On the 18th November 1942, Lumsden was recorded in the 142 Commando diary as being away from Saugor and in Calcutta. I wonder now whether this was also in relation to his late Aunt? We will probably never know.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3655293
Age: Unknown
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Pte. Lumsden was mentioned in the book Wingate's Phantom Army, by Wilfred Burchett in relation to receiving some unexpected mail on a supply drop to No. 5 Column during the early weeks of Operation Longcloth. Major Fergusson's column had a very poor run of missing supply drops during those early days and the men were becoming quite disconsolate and not a little hungry:
Unfortunately, none of the column had any means of contacting planes direct. All signals had to go either through headquarters or right back to air base. Two days later, however, Fergusson's men were in the right place at the right time. Their hearts were gladdened by the sight of approaching planes and within a few seconds they zoomed down and parcels began flying through the open door and floating down to earth. Troops detailed for the job eagerly collected the canvas containers and loaded them on to waiting mules, who also had an interest in this dropping. In addition to 5 days supplies for each man there were 5 days fodder for the animals. After being cut off from the outside world for two months it was something of a miracle to open up newspapers from Calcutta and Delhi only two days old, and above all to get letters from home, some of them posted after the expedition had left India.
Major Fergusson received a letter from his regiment asking him to reply by return of post as to whether or not he could come back immediately to takeover the job of second in command. Of course return of post was a little difficult. It was one thing to receive letters dropped from the air but another thing to get replies back on the plane. Private Lumsden, one of Fergusson's men had a letter from a firm of solicitors in Calcutta informing him of the death of his aunt who had left him Rs.11,000/-. He was asked to fill in the enclosed form and return it immediately to the above address!
Interestingly enough, there is only one other mention of Pte. Lumsden from within the papers and documents related to the men of the first Wingate expedition. This comes in the form of a note of soldiers away from the brigade on special duties. On the 18th November 1942, Lumsden was recorded in the 142 Commando diary as being away from Saugor and in Calcutta. I wonder now whether this was also in relation to his late Aunt? We will probably never know.
An example of a slouch hat, with King's Regiment insignia.
MAIN, GEORGE
Trawling through the internet recently, I discovered the obituary of a Burma campaign veteran called George Main. It would seem from reading his obituary in the Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News, dated 28th March 2013, that George may well have been a survivor from the first Chindit Operation.
In any respect, I have decided to place the short news article on these pages in honour of the man in question:
The funeral has taken place of a Hale veteran who was probably the last living member of the elite Chindits jungle fighting force. The service for George Main, aged 90, was held at St Mary’s Church in the village on Monday. NB. Hale is a village on one of the meanders of the River Mersey, close to the town of Widnes.
British Legion Standard Bearers from across the region attended following a request from the Hale branch. Dignitaries including Halton MP, Derek Twigg and Hale Councillor, Mike Wharton were also among the congregation. Following the main service, the funeral moved to Allerton Cemetery for George's cremation, where the Lord Mayor Of Liverpool, Sharon Sullivan attended and expressed her respect for Mr. Main.
George Main died a week last Thursday. (14th March 2013). In the Second World War he took part in five months of sabotage missions against Japanese forces in the Burmese jungle. For five months he endured military combat against the enemy’s elite Imperial Guard as well as the harsh subtropical conditions that killed many of his comrades and nearly claimed his life too.
He wore the same set of clothes for the duration and suffered malaria three times, even asking for his colleagues to go on without him on one occasion, only for them to pull him to his feet and persuade him to press on. Of the 960 Chindits (from the King's Regiment) who entered the jungle, only 470 came out.
He had left school at the age of 14 and in 1941 he was the only surviving member of a German air raid blast that hit Mill Street, in his home district of Toxteth in Liverpool. Mr. Main suffered shrapnel wounds, but recovered and joined the South Lancashire Regiment, and transferred to the newly-formed Chindits in 1943. They earned the nickname the ‘Forgotten Army’ because they continued to fight in the east after the war in the west was won. There was no fanfare or parade upon their return.
A blacksmith by trade, he spent much of his post-war career at the Dunlop Works in Speke and then as a caretaker at Fairfield High School. His beloved wife Frances, with whom he shared the same birthday, died 10 years ago. They are survived by five children and numerous grandchildren.
Jim Ross, of Hale Royal British Legion, said: “Hand on heart that was the best funeral I have been to. Even the military people present commented that they had been to some veterans’ funerals but never anything like this. It was unbelievable. People donated £170 to give to Whiston Hospital and Hale Royal British Legion. With his background as a caretaker he was always very friendly with kids and told them to behave themselves, he’d tell them to ‘keep it right lads, don’t get into trouble’. As a neighbour he was absolutely brilliant. Everybody loved him.”
Rest in peace George and thank you.
Trawling through the internet recently, I discovered the obituary of a Burma campaign veteran called George Main. It would seem from reading his obituary in the Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News, dated 28th March 2013, that George may well have been a survivor from the first Chindit Operation.
In any respect, I have decided to place the short news article on these pages in honour of the man in question:
The funeral has taken place of a Hale veteran who was probably the last living member of the elite Chindits jungle fighting force. The service for George Main, aged 90, was held at St Mary’s Church in the village on Monday. NB. Hale is a village on one of the meanders of the River Mersey, close to the town of Widnes.
British Legion Standard Bearers from across the region attended following a request from the Hale branch. Dignitaries including Halton MP, Derek Twigg and Hale Councillor, Mike Wharton were also among the congregation. Following the main service, the funeral moved to Allerton Cemetery for George's cremation, where the Lord Mayor Of Liverpool, Sharon Sullivan attended and expressed her respect for Mr. Main.
George Main died a week last Thursday. (14th March 2013). In the Second World War he took part in five months of sabotage missions against Japanese forces in the Burmese jungle. For five months he endured military combat against the enemy’s elite Imperial Guard as well as the harsh subtropical conditions that killed many of his comrades and nearly claimed his life too.
He wore the same set of clothes for the duration and suffered malaria three times, even asking for his colleagues to go on without him on one occasion, only for them to pull him to his feet and persuade him to press on. Of the 960 Chindits (from the King's Regiment) who entered the jungle, only 470 came out.
He had left school at the age of 14 and in 1941 he was the only surviving member of a German air raid blast that hit Mill Street, in his home district of Toxteth in Liverpool. Mr. Main suffered shrapnel wounds, but recovered and joined the South Lancashire Regiment, and transferred to the newly-formed Chindits in 1943. They earned the nickname the ‘Forgotten Army’ because they continued to fight in the east after the war in the west was won. There was no fanfare or parade upon their return.
A blacksmith by trade, he spent much of his post-war career at the Dunlop Works in Speke and then as a caretaker at Fairfield High School. His beloved wife Frances, with whom he shared the same birthday, died 10 years ago. They are survived by five children and numerous grandchildren.
Jim Ross, of Hale Royal British Legion, said: “Hand on heart that was the best funeral I have been to. Even the military people present commented that they had been to some veterans’ funerals but never anything like this. It was unbelievable. People donated £170 to give to Whiston Hospital and Hale Royal British Legion. With his background as a caretaker he was always very friendly with kids and told them to behave themselves, he’d tell them to ‘keep it right lads, don’t get into trouble’. As a neighbour he was absolutely brilliant. Everybody loved him.”
Rest in peace George and thank you.
Cap badge 3rd Gurkha Rifles.
MARKS, ROBERT NEVILLE FALKNER
Rank: Brigadier
Service No: Not known
Date of Death: 25/05/1944
Age: 42
Regiment/Service: 1/3 Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles.
Memorial: Collective Grave 103. New Albany National Cemetery, USA.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2719739/robert-neville-falkner-marks/
Chindit Column: Rear HQ (Operations Director).
Other details:
Brigadier Marks was the Senior Administrative Assistant to Orde Wingate and Special Force in 1944, but had also worked as an Operations Director for the planning period leading up to Operation Longcloth. He was born in 1901 and educated at St. George's School, Harpenden and then attend the Royal Military College at Sandhurst and commissioned into the 3rd Gurkha Rifle Regiment in 1923. After a period with the Royal West African Frontier Force, in 1939 he became a Staff Officer (Training Directorate) at General HQ India Command. He then spent a year as an instructor at the Staff College in Quetta and then as a Brigade-Major, for the Nowshera Brigade based on the North West Frontier.
In 1942, he took an appointment with the Operations Directorate, India Command and it was at this point that he met and began his association with Wingate and the Chindits. In the book, Wingate, In Peace and War, author Derek Tulloch remembers Brigadier Marks and his involvement with the second Chindit expedition, Operation Thursday:
While Wingate was recovering from his illness (typhoid) in hospital, the six Chindit Brigades moved into their training areas and were organised, equipped and armed according to Wingate's design. The head quarters took shape under Brigadier Neville (Robert) Marks and his no. 2, Colonel DG. MacDonald, who between them handled everything with efficiency and tact.
During the immediate build-up for the second show, Neville Marks took on the burden for much of the organising for the administrative side of Special Force. He had taken on this role against the better judgement and advice of his former colleagues at GHQ, India Command. Tragically, he met the same fate as Wingate; being killed in an air crash in bad weather whilst on his way to visit Chindit troops in the field. His death was a great loss to the Army, where he was assured of a brilliant career had he survived.
As mentioned above, Neville Marks perished on the 25th May 1944, in an air crash whilst visiting Chindits behind Japanese lines. I have been unable to find out exactly the details of this tragic accident, but Neville Marks ended up buried at the New Albany National Cemetery in Indiana, alongside twelve other casualties, mostly from the United States. Much like General Wingate, it must be presumed that Brigadier Marks was travelling in a plane of the USSAF (1st Air Commando) and that he, his fellow passengers and the crew were originally buried in a temporary grave in Burma, until such time as events allowed this grave to be exhumed and the remains repatriated to the United States. According to the information on the CWGC website, there were two other British Army personnel with Brigadier Marks in the stricken aircraft: Major Gordon Egerton Hodgson, 2nd Burma Riles and Signalman 2346172 Gilbert Eustace Higham, RCOS.
The personal papers and documents for Robert Neville Falkner Marks are currently held at the Liddell Hart Centre, King's College London. Please click on the link for more details: archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/54b5f0b9-26b5-3b59-bd1d-4194aa908605
Rank: Brigadier
Service No: Not known
Date of Death: 25/05/1944
Age: 42
Regiment/Service: 1/3 Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles.
Memorial: Collective Grave 103. New Albany National Cemetery, USA.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2719739/robert-neville-falkner-marks/
Chindit Column: Rear HQ (Operations Director).
Other details:
Brigadier Marks was the Senior Administrative Assistant to Orde Wingate and Special Force in 1944, but had also worked as an Operations Director for the planning period leading up to Operation Longcloth. He was born in 1901 and educated at St. George's School, Harpenden and then attend the Royal Military College at Sandhurst and commissioned into the 3rd Gurkha Rifle Regiment in 1923. After a period with the Royal West African Frontier Force, in 1939 he became a Staff Officer (Training Directorate) at General HQ India Command. He then spent a year as an instructor at the Staff College in Quetta and then as a Brigade-Major, for the Nowshera Brigade based on the North West Frontier.
In 1942, he took an appointment with the Operations Directorate, India Command and it was at this point that he met and began his association with Wingate and the Chindits. In the book, Wingate, In Peace and War, author Derek Tulloch remembers Brigadier Marks and his involvement with the second Chindit expedition, Operation Thursday:
While Wingate was recovering from his illness (typhoid) in hospital, the six Chindit Brigades moved into their training areas and were organised, equipped and armed according to Wingate's design. The head quarters took shape under Brigadier Neville (Robert) Marks and his no. 2, Colonel DG. MacDonald, who between them handled everything with efficiency and tact.
During the immediate build-up for the second show, Neville Marks took on the burden for much of the organising for the administrative side of Special Force. He had taken on this role against the better judgement and advice of his former colleagues at GHQ, India Command. Tragically, he met the same fate as Wingate; being killed in an air crash in bad weather whilst on his way to visit Chindit troops in the field. His death was a great loss to the Army, where he was assured of a brilliant career had he survived.
As mentioned above, Neville Marks perished on the 25th May 1944, in an air crash whilst visiting Chindits behind Japanese lines. I have been unable to find out exactly the details of this tragic accident, but Neville Marks ended up buried at the New Albany National Cemetery in Indiana, alongside twelve other casualties, mostly from the United States. Much like General Wingate, it must be presumed that Brigadier Marks was travelling in a plane of the USSAF (1st Air Commando) and that he, his fellow passengers and the crew were originally buried in a temporary grave in Burma, until such time as events allowed this grave to be exhumed and the remains repatriated to the United States. According to the information on the CWGC website, there were two other British Army personnel with Brigadier Marks in the stricken aircraft: Major Gordon Egerton Hodgson, 2nd Burma Riles and Signalman 2346172 Gilbert Eustace Higham, RCOS.
The personal papers and documents for Robert Neville Falkner Marks are currently held at the Liddell Hart Centre, King's College London. Please click on the link for more details: archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/archives/54b5f0b9-26b5-3b59-bd1d-4194aa908605
The Collective Grave at New Albany National Cemetery in Indiana, USA.
Obituary in Dekho magazine.
MARSH, LEONARD
Rank: Private
Service No: 3781585
Date of Death: 02/08/1967
Age: 55
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Leonard Marsh was a textile clerk from Manchester and lived at 16 London Street in Whitefield at the time of his death. He was a soldier with No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth commanded by Major Kenneth Gilkes. He is an unusual addition to this Roll of honour, in that he survived his Chindit experience in 1943 and returned safely home to Manchester in late 1945. His contribution to the story of the 13th King's in Burma was his witness statement in relation to the fate of Corporal Harold Hodgkinson and Ptes. Christmas Roberts and Reginald Hooper:
I was with No. 7 Column, 77th Indian Infantry Brigade during the Wingate expedition into Burma. On our way back to India, the column was crossing the Irrawaddy River from east to west. The above mentioned men were machine gunners and started to cross the river in a boat when they were fired upon from the west bank. This was the last occasion on which I saw these men.
To read more about Corporal Harold Hodgkinson and his sad demise in Burma on the 29th March 1943, please click on the following link:
Captain David Hastings
Leonard Marsh sadly passed away on the 2nd August 1967 at his home in Whitefield, near the town of Bury in Lancashire. His death was recorded in the Burma Star Association's magazine, Dekho in the December 1967 issue:
It is with sorrow that we report the sudden death of Leonard Marsh, a sincere friend and well known member of the committee of our branch (Manchester & Salford District). Len's deep sense of loyalty and genuine sincerity was always apparant and his friendliness and companionship will be sadly missed by many. The sincere condolences of us all go out to Mrs. Dorothy Marsh and family in their sad loss.
Seen below is a small gallery of images in relation to this story, including Leonard's witness statement from Operation Longcloth in regards the fare of Harold Hodgkinson, Reginald Hooper and Christmas Roberts. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3781585
Date of Death: 02/08/1967
Age: 55
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Leonard Marsh was a textile clerk from Manchester and lived at 16 London Street in Whitefield at the time of his death. He was a soldier with No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth commanded by Major Kenneth Gilkes. He is an unusual addition to this Roll of honour, in that he survived his Chindit experience in 1943 and returned safely home to Manchester in late 1945. His contribution to the story of the 13th King's in Burma was his witness statement in relation to the fate of Corporal Harold Hodgkinson and Ptes. Christmas Roberts and Reginald Hooper:
I was with No. 7 Column, 77th Indian Infantry Brigade during the Wingate expedition into Burma. On our way back to India, the column was crossing the Irrawaddy River from east to west. The above mentioned men were machine gunners and started to cross the river in a boat when they were fired upon from the west bank. This was the last occasion on which I saw these men.
To read more about Corporal Harold Hodgkinson and his sad demise in Burma on the 29th March 1943, please click on the following link:
Captain David Hastings
Leonard Marsh sadly passed away on the 2nd August 1967 at his home in Whitefield, near the town of Bury in Lancashire. His death was recorded in the Burma Star Association's magazine, Dekho in the December 1967 issue:
It is with sorrow that we report the sudden death of Leonard Marsh, a sincere friend and well known member of the committee of our branch (Manchester & Salford District). Len's deep sense of loyalty and genuine sincerity was always apparant and his friendliness and companionship will be sadly missed by many. The sincere condolences of us all go out to Mrs. Dorothy Marsh and family in their sad loss.
Seen below is a small gallery of images in relation to this story, including Leonard's witness statement from Operation Longcloth in regards the fare of Harold Hodgkinson, Reginald Hooper and Christmas Roberts. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
MARTIN, JAMES
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 3713983
Date of Death: 30/04/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2517242/james-martin/
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
James Martin was the husband of Jane Martin from Adlington in Lancashire. He had been posted to the King's Own Royal Regiment on enlistment and had been transferred to the 13th King's Liverpool on his arrival in India. James was allocated to No. 8 Column under command of Major Walter Purcell Scott and served with this unit during Operation Longcloth. Not much is known about Pte. Martin and his time with the first Chindit expedition in 1943. We do know that he was reported missing on the 30th April that year and that No. 8 Column were on their way back to India after the dispersal order had been given.
According to the official missing reports for Operation Longcloth, James was last seen on the banks of the Kaukkwe Chaung near the Burmese village of Okthaik. This is the location of a Japanese ambush against part of Major Scott's column and where sadly many men were wounded and killed. After the operation was closed in mid-July, many of the surviving soldiers from 77 Brigade gave witness statements recording the last known sitings and whereabouts of other men who had not returned. One such statement (dated 13th January 1944) was given by Pte. 3602971 J. Morris of the 13th King's, in relation to Corporal James Martin:
At Okthaik on the 30th April 1943, I was in a dispersal group with Cpl. Martin and we were ordered to disperse. I slid down the river bank to cover, and looking back I saw Cpl. Martin standing on top of the river bank. The group continued to fight its way out of the ambush and I have not seen Cpl. Martin since that day. As far as I know, no special search for Cpl. Martin was made at Okthaik.
On the 19th January 1944, another clarification statement was recorded by the Army Clerk collating these types of witness statements:
The delay in replying to your letter is regretted. In the type of operations in which this unit was engaged with the Wingate Expedition, there were times when whole groups of men dispersed and reformed at a given rendezvous. The ambush at Okthaik was one of these occasions and Cpl. Martin's absence was not definitely established until some distance from the scene of the ambush.
To read more about the ambush at Okthaik and No. 8 Column's experiences at the Kaukkwe Chaung, please click on the following link:
Frank Lea, Ellis Grundy and the Kaukkwe Chaung
Sadly, Corporal Martin's body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, located at Tauukyan War Cemetery. The memorial is the centre piece of the cemetery and displays over 26,000 names of casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave. James Martin is also remembered on his home town memorial at Adlington situated slightly north-west of Bolton in Lancashire.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including photographs of James' inscriptions on both the Rangoon and Adlington Memorials. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 3713983
Date of Death: 30/04/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2517242/james-martin/
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
James Martin was the husband of Jane Martin from Adlington in Lancashire. He had been posted to the King's Own Royal Regiment on enlistment and had been transferred to the 13th King's Liverpool on his arrival in India. James was allocated to No. 8 Column under command of Major Walter Purcell Scott and served with this unit during Operation Longcloth. Not much is known about Pte. Martin and his time with the first Chindit expedition in 1943. We do know that he was reported missing on the 30th April that year and that No. 8 Column were on their way back to India after the dispersal order had been given.
According to the official missing reports for Operation Longcloth, James was last seen on the banks of the Kaukkwe Chaung near the Burmese village of Okthaik. This is the location of a Japanese ambush against part of Major Scott's column and where sadly many men were wounded and killed. After the operation was closed in mid-July, many of the surviving soldiers from 77 Brigade gave witness statements recording the last known sitings and whereabouts of other men who had not returned. One such statement (dated 13th January 1944) was given by Pte. 3602971 J. Morris of the 13th King's, in relation to Corporal James Martin:
At Okthaik on the 30th April 1943, I was in a dispersal group with Cpl. Martin and we were ordered to disperse. I slid down the river bank to cover, and looking back I saw Cpl. Martin standing on top of the river bank. The group continued to fight its way out of the ambush and I have not seen Cpl. Martin since that day. As far as I know, no special search for Cpl. Martin was made at Okthaik.
On the 19th January 1944, another clarification statement was recorded by the Army Clerk collating these types of witness statements:
The delay in replying to your letter is regretted. In the type of operations in which this unit was engaged with the Wingate Expedition, there were times when whole groups of men dispersed and reformed at a given rendezvous. The ambush at Okthaik was one of these occasions and Cpl. Martin's absence was not definitely established until some distance from the scene of the ambush.
To read more about the ambush at Okthaik and No. 8 Column's experiences at the Kaukkwe Chaung, please click on the following link:
Frank Lea, Ellis Grundy and the Kaukkwe Chaung
Sadly, Corporal Martin's body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, located at Tauukyan War Cemetery. The memorial is the centre piece of the cemetery and displays over 26,000 names of casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave. James Martin is also remembered on his home town memorial at Adlington situated slightly north-west of Bolton in Lancashire.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including photographs of James' inscriptions on both the Rangoon and Adlington Memorials. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
MARTIN, JOHN FRANCIS
Rank: Pte.
Service No: 3770155
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit column: 8
Other details:
John Francis Martin is mentioned in the personal diary of Sgt. Dennis Brown, an NCO with No. 8 Column on Operation Longcloth. The entry, concerning the latter days of the first Wingate expedition obviously places Pte. Martin with Major Walter Purcell Scott's column, but it was a family enquiry to the Burma Star Association website back in January 2011, that gave us the following details of his service:
3770155 JOHN FRANCIS MARTIN, AN EX CHINDIT
Frank was born in Liverpool on the 17th of May 1915 and passed away on 15th July 2009. His cremation took place at Southport Crematorium on Thursday 23rd July 2009 at 10.45hrs.
Frank wanted join the Army and he joined up as soon as he could in 1931. He enlisted into the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment. Frank would box for his regiment and was undefeated for 18 years. He was a machine gunner, a back-up machine gunner to be exact. It was his job to be the rearguard of a unit if they had to retreat. A dangerous and brave post. He saw active service in the second world war in Burma. Frank was even shot in the shoulder during his time in Burma. It wasn't the Japanese though but malaria that did for Frank. He was returned to England and a stint of recovery at the school for tropical medicine in his home town of Liverpool. This was something that Frank felt very guilt about, for he had returned home and many of his mates had not. He felt he had somehow let them down, but Frank let nobody down.
Frank will be remembered as a popular man. When Frank went out he'd be drinking with you, but then you didn't see him for half an hour. That was because he had four pints dotted around the pub with different groups and Frank was an important part of each of them. So remember Frank Martin, who always had that twinkle in his eye and loved his bit of devilment. Frank the proud soldier who always remembered his old comrades, especially so towards the end.
Rank: Pte.
Service No: 3770155
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit column: 8
Other details:
John Francis Martin is mentioned in the personal diary of Sgt. Dennis Brown, an NCO with No. 8 Column on Operation Longcloth. The entry, concerning the latter days of the first Wingate expedition obviously places Pte. Martin with Major Walter Purcell Scott's column, but it was a family enquiry to the Burma Star Association website back in January 2011, that gave us the following details of his service:
3770155 JOHN FRANCIS MARTIN, AN EX CHINDIT
Frank was born in Liverpool on the 17th of May 1915 and passed away on 15th July 2009. His cremation took place at Southport Crematorium on Thursday 23rd July 2009 at 10.45hrs.
Frank wanted join the Army and he joined up as soon as he could in 1931. He enlisted into the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment. Frank would box for his regiment and was undefeated for 18 years. He was a machine gunner, a back-up machine gunner to be exact. It was his job to be the rearguard of a unit if they had to retreat. A dangerous and brave post. He saw active service in the second world war in Burma. Frank was even shot in the shoulder during his time in Burma. It wasn't the Japanese though but malaria that did for Frank. He was returned to England and a stint of recovery at the school for tropical medicine in his home town of Liverpool. This was something that Frank felt very guilt about, for he had returned home and many of his mates had not. He felt he had somehow let them down, but Frank let nobody down.
Frank will be remembered as a popular man. When Frank went out he'd be drinking with you, but then you didn't see him for half an hour. That was because he had four pints dotted around the pub with different groups and Frank was an important part of each of them. So remember Frank Martin, who always had that twinkle in his eye and loved his bit of devilment. Frank the proud soldier who always remembered his old comrades, especially so towards the end.
CWGC certificate for Leslie Martin.
MARTIN, LESLIE CHARLES
Rank: Captain
Service No: EC/6412
Date of Death: 10/06/1944
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: 3/5 Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force).
Memorial: Grave 5.E.17. Imphal War Cemetery
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2034780/martin,-leslie-charles/#&gid=null&pid=1
Chindit Column: Honorary 3
Other details:
Leslie Martin was the son of Charles James and Annie Martin from Tunbridge Wells in Kent and was an officer with the 3/5 Gurkha Rifles during the time of the first Chindit expedition. His unit had been patrolling the area around Tamu, close to the Chindwin River for several weeks prior to Operation Longcloth, keeping an eye on enemy movements on the eastern banks.
From the book, Across The Threshold of Battle, by Harold James:
By late February 1943, there were five Chindit columns within a few miles radius of each other, and it seemed incredible that after so many days, and some thirty miles inside Burma, we could camp in this way, undiscovered by the enemy. At our bivouac we were joined by Lieutenant Leslie Martin and a platoon from 3/5th Gurkha Rifles. Their C/O had asked if they could accompany us for a short spell in order to gain some experience in jungle terrain.
His Gurkhas looked remarkably clean, smart and efficient, as a front line battalion of well-trained men should. Our own Gurkhas, under the eagle eye of Subedar Kumba Sing Gurung, had tried to keep up appearances, which was no easy matter as their clothes were already beginning to show signs of wear and dirt. But their weapons were spotless, and morale was still high in spite of the shortage of rations. Instead of these Gurkhas from the 5th looking at our men of the 2nd with scorn, they were envious at being unable to accompany us the whole way.
Lt. Martin was a most likeable young man, and he, Alec Gibson and myself soon struck up a friendship. To Martin's delight he was offered the chance to take part in an attack on a Japanese position. An attack force was at once organised, including a group from No. 3 Column: two of our platoons, the 5th Gurkha platoon, and our support group with a Vickers machine-gun and 3-inch mortar led by Major Calvert. This time it really looked as though we would be in action.
When we were in the vicinity of Sinlamaung, the Karen scouts were sent forward, returning to tell Calvert that the Japs had a new, large bamboo basha built on the bank of a chaung and on the fringe of the village. They had not seen any of the enemy, but had not dallied, knowing that Calvert was anxious to learn the layout of the enemy positions. We approached the village, and from the cover of some bamboo jungle Calvert examined the situation. The large bamboo basha was clearly visible beyond a fordable chaung. He made up his mind in an instant: the machine-gun to the right to give covering fire, myself and a platoon and Martin's platoon to wade through the chaung with Calvert and attack the hut.
There was no time to blink an eyelid. As the Vickers was unloaded from the mule and carried into position, Calvert stormed forward, with myself on his heels. The chaung came up quickly, and then we were wading through knee-deep water, the platoons spread out, Martin staying near me, all of us trying to keep up with Calvert as he thrust his powerful body onward with determined strides. I was almost holding my breath, waiting for the first burst of enemy fire to tear us apart before our own machine-guns had the chance to open fire. But there was complete silence as we scrambled up the far bank and around and into the basha which smelt of freshly cut bamboo. The Japanese were not at home. Looking back across the chaung, I could see how we would have appeared in the sights of an enemy machine-gunner and I have to admit that I heaved a very deep sigh of relief.
From the village headman we learned that the Japs had moved out the previous day. But they had left behind a pony and an elephant with its oozie. At the time it was not certain whether the Japs had made a temporary move on some previous orders, or if they had decided not to face an attack. Knowing the enemy, it seemed most likely that it was the former. In fact, from interrogation reports after the war, the two companies which had been at Naungkan and Sinlamaung had apparently been ordered out of the area before news of Wingate's penetration into Burma. Because of the pending supply drop and our commitment to attack the railway, we could not lay an ambush, but at least returned to the column bivouac with some booty in the shape of the elephant and pony.
The Brigade supply drop took place during daylight on 24th and 25th of February, the aircraft escorted by fighters, and we were able to replenish our rapidly dwindling rations. The following day, Wingate gave the order to move out, the columns advancing towards the Mu River on the next stage of our approach to the railway. Lt. Martin and his platoon said goodbye to us. We were sorry to see them go. He took several letters from us, all of which reached their destinations in due course.
Sadly, we were never to meet again. On 15th March 1944, Martin was in command of B Company, 3/5th Gurkha Rifles, on the Tiddim Road, when ordered to attack a Jap position. His leading platoon crept forward under covering fire, but when this lifted, a hail of enemy automatic fire and grenades brought the platoon's charge to a halt with about half the men becoming casualties. Above all the noise of battle, Captain Martin's voice could be heard, loud and clear, as he rallied his men, brought up his reserve, and attacked fiercely. This time the enemy fled in disorder, leaving fifteen bodies and equipment behind. Martin was slightly wounded.
Two days later, Martin was again in the thick of the action, retrieving a dangerous situation by leading the remnants of his company to drive the Japs back clear of their position. For his conspicuous gallantry, Martin was awarded the DSO: a very high award for his rank of Captain. About two months later his B Coy was sent to assist another battalion on Scraggy, a hill feature during the great lmphal battles. Martin put in a platoon counter-attack which was stopped with casualties by heavy fire and showers of grenades. A more deliberate counter-attack was planned for the afternoon, but the Jap artillery opened fire with a counter-bombardment. One shell burst in the middle of B Company HQ, killing amongst others Captain Martin. It was a great loss to his battalion and to his Gurkhas who adored him.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Captain
Service No: EC/6412
Date of Death: 10/06/1944
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: 3/5 Royal Gurkha Rifles (Frontier Force).
Memorial: Grave 5.E.17. Imphal War Cemetery
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2034780/martin,-leslie-charles/#&gid=null&pid=1
Chindit Column: Honorary 3
Other details:
Leslie Martin was the son of Charles James and Annie Martin from Tunbridge Wells in Kent and was an officer with the 3/5 Gurkha Rifles during the time of the first Chindit expedition. His unit had been patrolling the area around Tamu, close to the Chindwin River for several weeks prior to Operation Longcloth, keeping an eye on enemy movements on the eastern banks.
From the book, Across The Threshold of Battle, by Harold James:
By late February 1943, there were five Chindit columns within a few miles radius of each other, and it seemed incredible that after so many days, and some thirty miles inside Burma, we could camp in this way, undiscovered by the enemy. At our bivouac we were joined by Lieutenant Leslie Martin and a platoon from 3/5th Gurkha Rifles. Their C/O had asked if they could accompany us for a short spell in order to gain some experience in jungle terrain.
His Gurkhas looked remarkably clean, smart and efficient, as a front line battalion of well-trained men should. Our own Gurkhas, under the eagle eye of Subedar Kumba Sing Gurung, had tried to keep up appearances, which was no easy matter as their clothes were already beginning to show signs of wear and dirt. But their weapons were spotless, and morale was still high in spite of the shortage of rations. Instead of these Gurkhas from the 5th looking at our men of the 2nd with scorn, they were envious at being unable to accompany us the whole way.
Lt. Martin was a most likeable young man, and he, Alec Gibson and myself soon struck up a friendship. To Martin's delight he was offered the chance to take part in an attack on a Japanese position. An attack force was at once organised, including a group from No. 3 Column: two of our platoons, the 5th Gurkha platoon, and our support group with a Vickers machine-gun and 3-inch mortar led by Major Calvert. This time it really looked as though we would be in action.
When we were in the vicinity of Sinlamaung, the Karen scouts were sent forward, returning to tell Calvert that the Japs had a new, large bamboo basha built on the bank of a chaung and on the fringe of the village. They had not seen any of the enemy, but had not dallied, knowing that Calvert was anxious to learn the layout of the enemy positions. We approached the village, and from the cover of some bamboo jungle Calvert examined the situation. The large bamboo basha was clearly visible beyond a fordable chaung. He made up his mind in an instant: the machine-gun to the right to give covering fire, myself and a platoon and Martin's platoon to wade through the chaung with Calvert and attack the hut.
There was no time to blink an eyelid. As the Vickers was unloaded from the mule and carried into position, Calvert stormed forward, with myself on his heels. The chaung came up quickly, and then we were wading through knee-deep water, the platoons spread out, Martin staying near me, all of us trying to keep up with Calvert as he thrust his powerful body onward with determined strides. I was almost holding my breath, waiting for the first burst of enemy fire to tear us apart before our own machine-guns had the chance to open fire. But there was complete silence as we scrambled up the far bank and around and into the basha which smelt of freshly cut bamboo. The Japanese were not at home. Looking back across the chaung, I could see how we would have appeared in the sights of an enemy machine-gunner and I have to admit that I heaved a very deep sigh of relief.
From the village headman we learned that the Japs had moved out the previous day. But they had left behind a pony and an elephant with its oozie. At the time it was not certain whether the Japs had made a temporary move on some previous orders, or if they had decided not to face an attack. Knowing the enemy, it seemed most likely that it was the former. In fact, from interrogation reports after the war, the two companies which had been at Naungkan and Sinlamaung had apparently been ordered out of the area before news of Wingate's penetration into Burma. Because of the pending supply drop and our commitment to attack the railway, we could not lay an ambush, but at least returned to the column bivouac with some booty in the shape of the elephant and pony.
The Brigade supply drop took place during daylight on 24th and 25th of February, the aircraft escorted by fighters, and we were able to replenish our rapidly dwindling rations. The following day, Wingate gave the order to move out, the columns advancing towards the Mu River on the next stage of our approach to the railway. Lt. Martin and his platoon said goodbye to us. We were sorry to see them go. He took several letters from us, all of which reached their destinations in due course.
Sadly, we were never to meet again. On 15th March 1944, Martin was in command of B Company, 3/5th Gurkha Rifles, on the Tiddim Road, when ordered to attack a Jap position. His leading platoon crept forward under covering fire, but when this lifted, a hail of enemy automatic fire and grenades brought the platoon's charge to a halt with about half the men becoming casualties. Above all the noise of battle, Captain Martin's voice could be heard, loud and clear, as he rallied his men, brought up his reserve, and attacked fiercely. This time the enemy fled in disorder, leaving fifteen bodies and equipment behind. Martin was slightly wounded.
Two days later, Martin was again in the thick of the action, retrieving a dangerous situation by leading the remnants of his company to drive the Japs back clear of their position. For his conspicuous gallantry, Martin was awarded the DSO: a very high award for his rank of Captain. About two months later his B Coy was sent to assist another battalion on Scraggy, a hill feature during the great lmphal battles. Martin put in a platoon counter-attack which was stopped with casualties by heavy fire and showers of grenades. A more deliberate counter-attack was planned for the afternoon, but the Jap artillery opened fire with a counter-bombardment. One shell burst in the middle of B Company HQ, killing amongst others Captain Martin. It was a great loss to his battalion and to his Gurkhas who adored him.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
As Lt. Harold James mentioned previously, Leslie Martin's award of the Distinguished Service Order (Immediate), was an unusual decoration to be bestowed upon the rank of Captain. The award was recommended by General Slim and reads as follows:
3/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles, 37th Indian Infantry Brigade, 23rd Indian Division. Dated 21/03/1944.
On the 15th March 1944 at MS 100 in the Chin Hills, it was essential to put in an immediate attack in order to restore our positions. There was only a short time to recce the attack against unknown enemy opposition. The first assault was checked by intense machine gun and mortar fire.
Captain Martin although embarrassed by wounds in the face and shoulder, led a second assault which drove the enemy from their trenches. The enemy who had quickly fled, left behind fifteen dead and arms and ammunition of all descriptions. It was undoubtedly the utter fearlessness and complete disregard to personal danger displayed by their Commander, which inspired the men to make an immediate second assault in the face of intense fire and thus restore the position, which was so essential to do before dark.
On the 17th March, Captain Martin, who in spite of his wounds remained in command of his Company, led two counter attacks against the enemy, who had themselves gained a foothold on our position. The result of these attacks were to inflict such losses on the enemy that he became pinned down and could be dealt with at our leisure.
Captain Martin only desisted in his efforts when he was wounded severely for the second time. The outstanding gallantry, skill and leadership displayed by this officer in the face of intense enemy fire and hand to hand fighting, resulted in our forces capturing and retaining positions the loss of which would have led to very difficult circumstances going forward.
3/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles, 37th Indian Infantry Brigade, 23rd Indian Division. Dated 21/03/1944.
On the 15th March 1944 at MS 100 in the Chin Hills, it was essential to put in an immediate attack in order to restore our positions. There was only a short time to recce the attack against unknown enemy opposition. The first assault was checked by intense machine gun and mortar fire.
Captain Martin although embarrassed by wounds in the face and shoulder, led a second assault which drove the enemy from their trenches. The enemy who had quickly fled, left behind fifteen dead and arms and ammunition of all descriptions. It was undoubtedly the utter fearlessness and complete disregard to personal danger displayed by their Commander, which inspired the men to make an immediate second assault in the face of intense fire and thus restore the position, which was so essential to do before dark.
On the 17th March, Captain Martin, who in spite of his wounds remained in command of his Company, led two counter attacks against the enemy, who had themselves gained a foothold on our position. The result of these attacks were to inflict such losses on the enemy that he became pinned down and could be dealt with at our leisure.
Captain Martin only desisted in his efforts when he was wounded severely for the second time. The outstanding gallantry, skill and leadership displayed by this officer in the face of intense enemy fire and hand to hand fighting, resulted in our forces capturing and retaining positions the loss of which would have led to very difficult circumstances going forward.
CWGC certificate for John Masland.
MASLAND, JOHN
Rank: Private
Service No: 4468945
Date of Death: Between 20/07/1943 and 23/07/1943
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2517294/MASLAND,%20JOHN
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Pte. John Masland was the son of Joseph and Ann Masland, from Blyth in Northumberland and a former student of Bedlington Grammar School. He transferred from the Durham Light Infantry to the 13th King's in September 1942 and was sent to the Chindit training camp at Saugor, where he was placed into the commando platoon for No. 7 Column. According to a witness statement given by Lt. Musgrave-Wood after his return to India in June 1943, John Masalnd had developed a sceptic foot on the march out via the Chinese Borders and was left behind in the village of Sima on the 6th May. He died sometime in late July, probably in some form of Chinese Hospital. Sadly, his grave was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial.
From the witness statement reference, 1016/35A, given by Lt. Musgrave-Wood on his return to Allied held territory in 1943:
Ptes. L. Peace, H. Evans and J. Masland of the 13th Battalion, King's Regiment, were members of a party being led by me from Burma back to India, during the months of April and May 1943. Pte. Masland sustained an injury to the heel of his right foot (not due to enemy action), which owing to lack of medical stores eventually turned septic. On the 6th May, Masland, during a halt at the village of Sima, reported to me that he did not think he was capable of marching any further. After a nights rest however, he said he would continue.
After marching for six hours, upon checking the personnel in the column, the above mentioned three men were missing. It was reported to me that, Pte. Masland had fallen out because of his foot and Peace and Evans were looking after him. They all intended to return to Sima, where my whole party had been well treated by the villagers. I waited on the the track for one hour and sent a party back to try and locate these men, this failed and I continued my march.
On closer examination of the CWGC documentation for Pte. Leslie Peace, it has transpired that before his internment at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Leslie had previously been laid to rest at Mandalay Military Cemetery. From the very same document (shown in the gallery below), I made another intriguing discovery. Buried alongside Pte. Peace at Mandalay, were two other men from the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment, who for one reason or another could not be identified when their remains were re-interred at Taukkyan in 1951. Could it be, that one of these men was John Masland? Frustratingly, we shall probably never know for sure.
NB. The fact that these men were buried initially at Mandalay would suggest that they were held as prisoners of war at the time and were being transported from the concentration camp at Maymyo (situated a few miles from Mandalay) to the final destination for Chindit POW's in 1943, Rangoon Jail.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
John Masland is remembered upon both the Blyth Ridley Park and Bedlington Grammar School War Memorials.
Rank: Private
Service No: 4468945
Date of Death: Between 20/07/1943 and 23/07/1943
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2517294/MASLAND,%20JOHN
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Pte. John Masland was the son of Joseph and Ann Masland, from Blyth in Northumberland and a former student of Bedlington Grammar School. He transferred from the Durham Light Infantry to the 13th King's in September 1942 and was sent to the Chindit training camp at Saugor, where he was placed into the commando platoon for No. 7 Column. According to a witness statement given by Lt. Musgrave-Wood after his return to India in June 1943, John Masalnd had developed a sceptic foot on the march out via the Chinese Borders and was left behind in the village of Sima on the 6th May. He died sometime in late July, probably in some form of Chinese Hospital. Sadly, his grave was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial.
From the witness statement reference, 1016/35A, given by Lt. Musgrave-Wood on his return to Allied held territory in 1943:
Ptes. L. Peace, H. Evans and J. Masland of the 13th Battalion, King's Regiment, were members of a party being led by me from Burma back to India, during the months of April and May 1943. Pte. Masland sustained an injury to the heel of his right foot (not due to enemy action), which owing to lack of medical stores eventually turned septic. On the 6th May, Masland, during a halt at the village of Sima, reported to me that he did not think he was capable of marching any further. After a nights rest however, he said he would continue.
After marching for six hours, upon checking the personnel in the column, the above mentioned three men were missing. It was reported to me that, Pte. Masland had fallen out because of his foot and Peace and Evans were looking after him. They all intended to return to Sima, where my whole party had been well treated by the villagers. I waited on the the track for one hour and sent a party back to try and locate these men, this failed and I continued my march.
On closer examination of the CWGC documentation for Pte. Leslie Peace, it has transpired that before his internment at Taukkyan War Cemetery, Leslie had previously been laid to rest at Mandalay Military Cemetery. From the very same document (shown in the gallery below), I made another intriguing discovery. Buried alongside Pte. Peace at Mandalay, were two other men from the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment, who for one reason or another could not be identified when their remains were re-interred at Taukkyan in 1951. Could it be, that one of these men was John Masland? Frustratingly, we shall probably never know for sure.
NB. The fact that these men were buried initially at Mandalay would suggest that they were held as prisoners of war at the time and were being transported from the concentration camp at Maymyo (situated a few miles from Mandalay) to the final destination for Chindit POW's in 1943, Rangoon Jail.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
John Masland is remembered upon both the Blyth Ridley Park and Bedlington Grammar School War Memorials.
MAYS, GEORGE
Rank: Sapper
Service No: 1877808
Date of Death: 25/05/1944
Age: 27
Regiment/Service: 142 Commando, The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 3 Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2517405/george-mays/
Chindit Column: Unknown
Other details:
George Mays was the son of Walter John and Cecily Mary Mays and enlisted into the Royal Engineers at the beginning of the war on the 6th September 1939. His work during the early part of the war involved training with several Special Service battalions (commandos), including the 5th Special Service Battalion from the 10th November 1940 until the 5th March 1941. After a brief time with the 238 Field Company RE, Sapper Mays was posted to No. 6 Commando on the 20th May 1941 and operated with this unit in the Middle East theatre.
After moving across to India, George Mays took part in the 204 Military Mission into the Yunnan Province of China, supporting Chinese guerrilla actions against the Japanese. By the 30th September 1942, he was back in India as part of draft RZGHA and had joined 142 Commando at Saugor and undertook training for the first Chindit expedition. It is not known which column George served with on Operation Longcloth, but he did survive the expedition and returned safely to India.
After a period of rest and recuperation during the summer months of 1943, on the 27th September he was transferred to No. 80 Column (1st South Staffordshire Battalion) and began training for the second Wingate expedition into Burma, codenamed Operation Thursday. He served with Royal Engineers Head Quarters, as part of 77th Indian Infantry Brigade in Burma and was sadly reported missing on the 25th May 1944 and this later changed to his official date of death when his body was not found. With this date, 25th May 1944, it seems highly likely that George was killed during the evacuation of the Blackpool Stronghold.
After the war, many of the bodies of the men lost during the fighting at Blackpool were never found. For this reason they are remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial, the centre piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery, which was built to honour those who died during the Burma campaign, but who have no known grave. George Mays' inscription can be found on Face 3 of the memorial. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of George Mays' inscription on the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Sapper
Service No: 1877808
Date of Death: 25/05/1944
Age: 27
Regiment/Service: 142 Commando, The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 3 Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2517405/george-mays/
Chindit Column: Unknown
Other details:
George Mays was the son of Walter John and Cecily Mary Mays and enlisted into the Royal Engineers at the beginning of the war on the 6th September 1939. His work during the early part of the war involved training with several Special Service battalions (commandos), including the 5th Special Service Battalion from the 10th November 1940 until the 5th March 1941. After a brief time with the 238 Field Company RE, Sapper Mays was posted to No. 6 Commando on the 20th May 1941 and operated with this unit in the Middle East theatre.
After moving across to India, George Mays took part in the 204 Military Mission into the Yunnan Province of China, supporting Chinese guerrilla actions against the Japanese. By the 30th September 1942, he was back in India as part of draft RZGHA and had joined 142 Commando at Saugor and undertook training for the first Chindit expedition. It is not known which column George served with on Operation Longcloth, but he did survive the expedition and returned safely to India.
After a period of rest and recuperation during the summer months of 1943, on the 27th September he was transferred to No. 80 Column (1st South Staffordshire Battalion) and began training for the second Wingate expedition into Burma, codenamed Operation Thursday. He served with Royal Engineers Head Quarters, as part of 77th Indian Infantry Brigade in Burma and was sadly reported missing on the 25th May 1944 and this later changed to his official date of death when his body was not found. With this date, 25th May 1944, it seems highly likely that George was killed during the evacuation of the Blackpool Stronghold.
After the war, many of the bodies of the men lost during the fighting at Blackpool were never found. For this reason they are remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial, the centre piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery, which was built to honour those who died during the Burma campaign, but who have no known grave. George Mays' inscription can be found on Face 3 of the memorial. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of George Mays' inscription on the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
McALLISTER, JOHN
Rank: Private
Service No: 3780187
Date of Death: 28/03/1943
Age: 32
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2516103/john-mcallister/
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
John McAllister was the son of Henry and Mary Anne McAllister from Liverpool. He was allocated to No. 5 Column on Operation Longcloth, commanded by Major Bernard Fergusson formerly of the Black Watch. Very little is known about John's time in Burma, except that he was lost on the 28th March 1943, approximately 12 miles from the village of Hintha. The village of Hintha looms large in the story of No. 5 Column in 1943 and was where the unit had their largest single engagement with the Japanese that year. To understand more about what happened on the 28th March at Hintha, please click on the following link: Pte. John Henry Cobb
After moving away from the village, the remnants of No. 5 Column were ambushed by the enemy for a second time a few miles to the northeast and a large number of men became separated from the main body of the column. It is very likely that this was the moment that John McAllister was lost, either being killed outright at the ambush, or some short time later in the jungle. Either way his body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. The memorial is the centre piece at Taukkyan War Cemetery and displays over 26,000 names of casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave.
Seen below is a gallery of images showing the Rangoon War Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery, including the inscription for John McAllister upon Face Panel No. 5. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3780187
Date of Death: 28/03/1943
Age: 32
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2516103/john-mcallister/
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
John McAllister was the son of Henry and Mary Anne McAllister from Liverpool. He was allocated to No. 5 Column on Operation Longcloth, commanded by Major Bernard Fergusson formerly of the Black Watch. Very little is known about John's time in Burma, except that he was lost on the 28th March 1943, approximately 12 miles from the village of Hintha. The village of Hintha looms large in the story of No. 5 Column in 1943 and was where the unit had their largest single engagement with the Japanese that year. To understand more about what happened on the 28th March at Hintha, please click on the following link: Pte. John Henry Cobb
After moving away from the village, the remnants of No. 5 Column were ambushed by the enemy for a second time a few miles to the northeast and a large number of men became separated from the main body of the column. It is very likely that this was the moment that John McAllister was lost, either being killed outright at the ambush, or some short time later in the jungle. Either way his body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. The memorial is the centre piece at Taukkyan War Cemetery and displays over 26,000 names of casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave.
Seen below is a gallery of images showing the Rangoon War Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery, including the inscription for John McAllister upon Face Panel No. 5. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Chittagong War Cemetery.
McDERMOTT, SIDNEY K. B.
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 3769043
Date of Death: 16/11/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Chittagong War Cemetery, Grave Reference 5.C.8.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2180893/McDERMOTT,%20SIDNEY%20K%20B
Chindit Column: Not known.
Other details:
Sergeant Sidney McDermott was born in 1915 and was originally from Manchester, but was residing in Cheshire at the outbreak of WW2. Sidney was also an original member of the 13th King's Battalion that left British shores aboard the troopship 'Oronsay' on the 8th December 1941. With his date of death being 16th November 1943, it is likely that Sergeant McDermott did not actually serve on Operation Longcloth, or enter Burma that year.
Then again, it is of course possible that he was in Burma and had taken much longer to get back to India than his Chindit comrades, perhaps he had been separated from his dispersal group and become lost. Sidney McDermott is the only 13th Kingsman to be buried in Chittagong War Cemetery. This cemetery is associated much more with casualties from the various Arakan campaigns against the Japanese during WW2 and perhaps this fact offers up a more accurate explanation for Sergeant McDermott's demise and his presence at Chittagong.
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 3769043
Date of Death: 16/11/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Chittagong War Cemetery, Grave Reference 5.C.8.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2180893/McDERMOTT,%20SIDNEY%20K%20B
Chindit Column: Not known.
Other details:
Sergeant Sidney McDermott was born in 1915 and was originally from Manchester, but was residing in Cheshire at the outbreak of WW2. Sidney was also an original member of the 13th King's Battalion that left British shores aboard the troopship 'Oronsay' on the 8th December 1941. With his date of death being 16th November 1943, it is likely that Sergeant McDermott did not actually serve on Operation Longcloth, or enter Burma that year.
Then again, it is of course possible that he was in Burma and had taken much longer to get back to India than his Chindit comrades, perhaps he had been separated from his dispersal group and become lost. Sidney McDermott is the only 13th Kingsman to be buried in Chittagong War Cemetery. This cemetery is associated much more with casualties from the various Arakan campaigns against the Japanese during WW2 and perhaps this fact offers up a more accurate explanation for Sergeant McDermott's demise and his presence at Chittagong.
Sergeant Sidney McDermott's grave plaque at Chittagong War Cemetery.
Cap badge of the Middlesex Regiment.
McELHATTON, MICHAEL
Rank: Private
Service No: 6141906
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Not known
Other details:
Michael McElhatton was born on the 6th July 1918 and was the son of Michael (senior) and Ann McElhatton from Hebburn-on-Tyne in the North East of England. From his Army service number we can be certain that this soldier began his WW2 duties with the Middlesex Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's on the 18th November 1942 in India. In the war diary for 142 Commando dated 18/11/1942, there is an order notice sent to the Officer commanding the 1st Gloucestershire Regiment, stating that Pte. McElhatton should be sent as a reinforcement to the HQ 77 Brigade at Saugor.
Pte. McElhatton's column placement on Operation Longcloth is unclear, although some evidence does point to him being present with Wingate's own Head Quarters section. The confusion continues in the form of his official missing date, 15th July 1943, a date beyond the closure of the expedition. It would seem likely that no information or witness statements were ever given about his disappearance or missing status. Eventually, on the 7th January 1944, some information had filtered through and it was believed that he was a prisoner of war. This information turned out to be correct.
From POW records we know that Michael McElhatton was captured on the 6th May 1943 and held in Block 6 of Rangoon Jail for just under two years. He was one of the few Other Ranks from the first Wingate expedition to survive his time as a prisoner of war. At the prison Michael was given the POW number, 376 and he would have to answer to the Japanese guards with this number at every morning and evening roll call. All prisoners at Rangoon were sent out on working parties, often serving as slave labour at the city docks, loading and unloading cargo from Japanese ships. Michael Elhatton was part of a group of 400 prisoners from Rangoon Jail that were liberated by Allied troops on the 29th April 1945. This group had been taken out of the prison by the Japanese guards and were heading for the Burma/Thailand border, when they were unexpectedly released by their captors on the Pegu Road close to a village called Waw. Most of the men liberated on the Pegu Road were flown back to India in USAAF aircraft and treated in the first instance at hospitals in Calcutta. To read more generally about the Chindit POW experience, please click on the following link: Chindit POW's
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including the POW index card for Pte. McElhatton. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 6141906
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Not known
Other details:
Michael McElhatton was born on the 6th July 1918 and was the son of Michael (senior) and Ann McElhatton from Hebburn-on-Tyne in the North East of England. From his Army service number we can be certain that this soldier began his WW2 duties with the Middlesex Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's on the 18th November 1942 in India. In the war diary for 142 Commando dated 18/11/1942, there is an order notice sent to the Officer commanding the 1st Gloucestershire Regiment, stating that Pte. McElhatton should be sent as a reinforcement to the HQ 77 Brigade at Saugor.
Pte. McElhatton's column placement on Operation Longcloth is unclear, although some evidence does point to him being present with Wingate's own Head Quarters section. The confusion continues in the form of his official missing date, 15th July 1943, a date beyond the closure of the expedition. It would seem likely that no information or witness statements were ever given about his disappearance or missing status. Eventually, on the 7th January 1944, some information had filtered through and it was believed that he was a prisoner of war. This information turned out to be correct.
From POW records we know that Michael McElhatton was captured on the 6th May 1943 and held in Block 6 of Rangoon Jail for just under two years. He was one of the few Other Ranks from the first Wingate expedition to survive his time as a prisoner of war. At the prison Michael was given the POW number, 376 and he would have to answer to the Japanese guards with this number at every morning and evening roll call. All prisoners at Rangoon were sent out on working parties, often serving as slave labour at the city docks, loading and unloading cargo from Japanese ships. Michael Elhatton was part of a group of 400 prisoners from Rangoon Jail that were liberated by Allied troops on the 29th April 1945. This group had been taken out of the prison by the Japanese guards and were heading for the Burma/Thailand border, when they were unexpectedly released by their captors on the Pegu Road close to a village called Waw. Most of the men liberated on the Pegu Road were flown back to India in USAAF aircraft and treated in the first instance at hospitals in Calcutta. To read more generally about the Chindit POW experience, please click on the following link: Chindit POW's
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including the POW index card for Pte. McElhatton. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
The Military Medal.
McGEE, WILLIAM
Rank: Corporal (Sergeant as POW).
Service No: 3186149
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
William McGee was born on the 2nd October 1913 in Ayrshire, Scotland and was the son of Elizabeth McGee. Corporal McGee served as a muleteer in the Support Platoon of Chindit Column No. 5 which was commanded by Captain Tommy Roberts of the King's Regiment. In early March 1943, during the column's journey to the railway line at Bonchaung village, Captain Roberts' platoon encountered an enemy patrol and a firefight ensued which resulted in several Chindit casualties.
Major Bernard Fergusson, 5 Column's commanding officer, needed to make arrangements for the wounded men to be left in a friendly village in order to tend their immediate medical needs and to keep the men from falling into Japanese hands. In his book about the second Chindit expedition in 1944, Wild Green Earth, Fergusson recounts this moment and the willingness of William McGee to assist in his aim:
I had several men wounded (at Kyaik-in) whom I had to leave, and I wanted to get hold of some Burma Riflemen to travel back to the spot where I had left them, here to induce the local villagers to take them into their care. It was getting dark, and I knew that five miles along a certain track there should be a section of Burrifs (Burma Riflemen). I asked for a volunteer to get on a horse, ride out along the track, which none of us knew, and try and locate this section. We were just about to blow a bridge on the railway; we had already been in action that day in the neighbourhood; another column (Calvert) was making trouble a few miles to the south; and all the Japs in the area were on the qui vive.
It was a job I would have hated myself; but Corporal McGee volunteered to go, mounted a horse and rode off into the darkness. He found the Burrif section at Htantabin, and returned with Lance-Naik Ba U and two Riflemen, who had been back to the scene of our fight, only to find the Japs in possession. I remember thinking as McGee rode off, that I was witnessing a brave act, undertaken in cold blood and loneliness. Later in the campaign both McGee and Ba U became missing; Ba U escaped from Japanese hands in 1944, McGee was found in Rangoon in 1945. I submitted both names for the Military Medal, I know McGee got his and I hope Ba U was also lucky.
Rank: Corporal (Sergeant as POW).
Service No: 3186149
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
William McGee was born on the 2nd October 1913 in Ayrshire, Scotland and was the son of Elizabeth McGee. Corporal McGee served as a muleteer in the Support Platoon of Chindit Column No. 5 which was commanded by Captain Tommy Roberts of the King's Regiment. In early March 1943, during the column's journey to the railway line at Bonchaung village, Captain Roberts' platoon encountered an enemy patrol and a firefight ensued which resulted in several Chindit casualties.
Major Bernard Fergusson, 5 Column's commanding officer, needed to make arrangements for the wounded men to be left in a friendly village in order to tend their immediate medical needs and to keep the men from falling into Japanese hands. In his book about the second Chindit expedition in 1944, Wild Green Earth, Fergusson recounts this moment and the willingness of William McGee to assist in his aim:
I had several men wounded (at Kyaik-in) whom I had to leave, and I wanted to get hold of some Burma Riflemen to travel back to the spot where I had left them, here to induce the local villagers to take them into their care. It was getting dark, and I knew that five miles along a certain track there should be a section of Burrifs (Burma Riflemen). I asked for a volunteer to get on a horse, ride out along the track, which none of us knew, and try and locate this section. We were just about to blow a bridge on the railway; we had already been in action that day in the neighbourhood; another column (Calvert) was making trouble a few miles to the south; and all the Japs in the area were on the qui vive.
It was a job I would have hated myself; but Corporal McGee volunteered to go, mounted a horse and rode off into the darkness. He found the Burrif section at Htantabin, and returned with Lance-Naik Ba U and two Riflemen, who had been back to the scene of our fight, only to find the Japs in possession. I remember thinking as McGee rode off, that I was witnessing a brave act, undertaken in cold blood and loneliness. Later in the campaign both McGee and Ba U became missing; Ba U escaped from Japanese hands in 1944, McGee was found in Rangoon in 1945. I submitted both names for the Military Medal, I know McGee got his and I hope Ba U was also lucky.
Map of the area around Bonchaung and Htantabin, the location of Corporal McGee's odyssey.
After completing the demolition of the railway line and gorge at Bonchaung, 5 Column pushed further east towards the Irrawaddy River, crossing at a place named Tigyaing. At this time Corporal McGee would have still been with Captain Roberts' unit, however, just a few weeks later on the 28th March, 5 Column were engaged in a fierce battle with the enemy at a village called Hintha. After the withdrawal from Hintha, the column were again ambushed by the Japanese and it was at this juncture that William became separated from the main body of the column and his commanding officer, Tommy Roberts.
Quartermaster Sergeant Ernest Henderson described this incident in a witness statement given in February 1944, as part of the investigation into the fate of those missing from the first Wingate expedition. He stated that a group of some twenty soldiers including Cpl. McGee were part of his dispersal party after the battle at Hintha:
I was with No. 5 Column of the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, during operations in Burma in 1943. The above named British Other Ranks were in my dispersal group all the way through the campaign until we made contact with the enemy in a village called Hintha. After the action in that village was over, the above mentioned BOR's were still in my dispersal group, which was commanded by Flight Lieutenant Sharp RAF, who halted us and unsaddled what mules we could to allow us to go ahead quicker. After starting off from that halt which was approximately 2 miles from Hintha, we were marching up a steep hill, when the end of the column snake was opened fire on from the rear. This caused a gap in the Column of about 100 yards which left the above mentioned BOR's behind. We kept marching for another 4 miles and halted and waited for these people to re-join, but they must have gone the wrong way, because they did not join us again. I saw all the above mentioned for last time approximately two and a half miles N.E. of Hintha. They were all alive, and last seen on the 28th March.
To read more about 5 Column's engagement with the Japanese at Hintha, please click on the following link: Pte. John Henry Cobb
One hundred men from 5 Column were separated at the second ambush on the outskirts of Hintha and the majority of these were fortunate to bump into 7 Column three days later, as Major Gilkes' men prepared to cross the Shweli River. Major Gilkes took the stragglers from 5 Column under his wing. He allocated these men into his already pre-arranged dispersal groups and the men headed towards the Yunnan Borders of China in order to exit Burma. Willam McGee was allocated to the group led by Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson formerly of the Royal Scots.
After successfully crossing the fast flowing Shweli River on the 14th April near the Burmese village of Nayok, Campbell-Paterson's group were caught for a period in an area of hills which were being heavily patrolled by the Japanese. Having made little progress for the best part of a week, some of the British NCO's lost confidence in the original plan to exit Burma via the Yunnan Borders and asked if they might be allowed to break away from the dispersal group and return westwards to India.
A witness statement given after the operation by a Pte. J. Harvey (shown below), explains how four men led by CSM Robert McIntyre chose this option and separated from Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson's group in late April 1943. Pte. J. Harvey's short report confirms CSM McIntyre and three other men, Joseph Fitzpatrick, William McGee and Francis Fairhurst (all former members of 5 Column) decided to leave the dispersal party when the group were in the vicinity of Mong Mit. Pte. Harvey states that McIntyre's party were last seen on the 24th April and that they had a little food with them, but no weapons. Over the next few days, Robert McIntyre, William McGee and the other members of the break-away party were captured by the Japanese. To read more about CSM McIntyre and his eventual fate on Operation Longcloth, please see the next story on this page.
Corporal McGee was reported as missing in action on the 25th April 1943. According to his POW index card he was captured on the 7th May and would suffer just under two years in Japanese hands, with most of this time being spent inside Block 6 of Rangoon Central Jail. During his incarceration inside the jail, William survived on a diet of low grade rice and was forced to work at the dockyards loading and unloading cargo for the Japanese. I am pleased to say that William was one of the very few Chindit Other Ranks to survive his time as a prisoner of war and was liberated on the 28th April 1945, close to the Burmese town of Pegu.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Quartermaster Sergeant Ernest Henderson described this incident in a witness statement given in February 1944, as part of the investigation into the fate of those missing from the first Wingate expedition. He stated that a group of some twenty soldiers including Cpl. McGee were part of his dispersal party after the battle at Hintha:
I was with No. 5 Column of the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, during operations in Burma in 1943. The above named British Other Ranks were in my dispersal group all the way through the campaign until we made contact with the enemy in a village called Hintha. After the action in that village was over, the above mentioned BOR's were still in my dispersal group, which was commanded by Flight Lieutenant Sharp RAF, who halted us and unsaddled what mules we could to allow us to go ahead quicker. After starting off from that halt which was approximately 2 miles from Hintha, we were marching up a steep hill, when the end of the column snake was opened fire on from the rear. This caused a gap in the Column of about 100 yards which left the above mentioned BOR's behind. We kept marching for another 4 miles and halted and waited for these people to re-join, but they must have gone the wrong way, because they did not join us again. I saw all the above mentioned for last time approximately two and a half miles N.E. of Hintha. They were all alive, and last seen on the 28th March.
To read more about 5 Column's engagement with the Japanese at Hintha, please click on the following link: Pte. John Henry Cobb
One hundred men from 5 Column were separated at the second ambush on the outskirts of Hintha and the majority of these were fortunate to bump into 7 Column three days later, as Major Gilkes' men prepared to cross the Shweli River. Major Gilkes took the stragglers from 5 Column under his wing. He allocated these men into his already pre-arranged dispersal groups and the men headed towards the Yunnan Borders of China in order to exit Burma. Willam McGee was allocated to the group led by Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson formerly of the Royal Scots.
After successfully crossing the fast flowing Shweli River on the 14th April near the Burmese village of Nayok, Campbell-Paterson's group were caught for a period in an area of hills which were being heavily patrolled by the Japanese. Having made little progress for the best part of a week, some of the British NCO's lost confidence in the original plan to exit Burma via the Yunnan Borders and asked if they might be allowed to break away from the dispersal group and return westwards to India.
A witness statement given after the operation by a Pte. J. Harvey (shown below), explains how four men led by CSM Robert McIntyre chose this option and separated from Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson's group in late April 1943. Pte. J. Harvey's short report confirms CSM McIntyre and three other men, Joseph Fitzpatrick, William McGee and Francis Fairhurst (all former members of 5 Column) decided to leave the dispersal party when the group were in the vicinity of Mong Mit. Pte. Harvey states that McIntyre's party were last seen on the 24th April and that they had a little food with them, but no weapons. Over the next few days, Robert McIntyre, William McGee and the other members of the break-away party were captured by the Japanese. To read more about CSM McIntyre and his eventual fate on Operation Longcloth, please see the next story on this page.
Corporal McGee was reported as missing in action on the 25th April 1943. According to his POW index card he was captured on the 7th May and would suffer just under two years in Japanese hands, with most of this time being spent inside Block 6 of Rangoon Central Jail. During his incarceration inside the jail, William survived on a diet of low grade rice and was forced to work at the dockyards loading and unloading cargo for the Japanese. I am pleased to say that William was one of the very few Chindit Other Ranks to survive his time as a prisoner of war and was liberated on the 28th April 1945, close to the Burmese town of Pegu.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
McGUFFIE, ROBERT
Rank: Private
Service No: 3775073
Date of Death: 15/04/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2516186/robert-mcguffie/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Robert McGuffie was allocated to No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth under the overall command of Major Kenneth Gilkes. Sadly, very little is known about his disappearance on the 15th April 1943 and no witness statements seem to exist in relation to his time in Burma. We do know that he was reported missing at the village of Lewein on the east side of the Shweli River on or around the 15th April and that he was in the process of exiting Burma via the Kachin Hills and ultimately the Chinese borders.
Major Gilkes had decided to head in this direction after the order to disperse had come from both Brigadier Wingate and India Command on the 29th March 1943. The vast majority of his column made their way across the fast flowing Shweli River in small dispersal groups and then turned directly northeast in the hope of reaching the Chinese border province of Yunnan. The idea being, that although this journey would take far longer than heading back the way they had come into Burma some 8 weeks earlier, they would be less likely to meet the Japanese en route.
In the case of Pte. McGuffie, there are two clues from amongst the rather scant details of his last known whereabouts, that may give us some idea of what happened to him in Burma. Firstly, the date, 15th April 1943 and then the location of the village of Lewein (sometimes written as Lwewein). Two dispersal groups in particular had taken a path across the Shweli River at a place called Nayok and had then marched on towards a cluster of villages including Lewein on the 14th April.
These were the groups led by Lt. Musgrave-Wood of the Burma Rifles and Lt. Campbell-Paterson, formerly of the Royal Scots. Soon after the two dispersal parties had crossed the River Shweli at Nayok, they ran into enemy patrols and had to lie low in the surrounding scrub-jungle for several days. Finding food and water was becoming an issue for the now exhausted and desperate Chindits, the two groups realised that they would be better off apart and separated not long after. Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson's group did not fair well, with most of the men, including their leader, being captured by the Japanese within a few short days. The party led by Musgrave-Wood was slightly more fortunate and after a long march northeast, many, but not all of these men did reach the safety of Allied held territory.
It would seem likely that Robert McGuffie was a member of one of the two dispersal parties mentioned above and that he had become lost or separated from his group on the 15th April during the many skirmishes with the Japanese around Lewein. After the war, no grave was ever found for Robert and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, the centre-piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon. The memorial was constructed to remember the 26,000 plus casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to the story of Robert McGuffie, including a map of the area around Lewein and his inscription upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3775073
Date of Death: 15/04/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2516186/robert-mcguffie/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Robert McGuffie was allocated to No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth under the overall command of Major Kenneth Gilkes. Sadly, very little is known about his disappearance on the 15th April 1943 and no witness statements seem to exist in relation to his time in Burma. We do know that he was reported missing at the village of Lewein on the east side of the Shweli River on or around the 15th April and that he was in the process of exiting Burma via the Kachin Hills and ultimately the Chinese borders.
Major Gilkes had decided to head in this direction after the order to disperse had come from both Brigadier Wingate and India Command on the 29th March 1943. The vast majority of his column made their way across the fast flowing Shweli River in small dispersal groups and then turned directly northeast in the hope of reaching the Chinese border province of Yunnan. The idea being, that although this journey would take far longer than heading back the way they had come into Burma some 8 weeks earlier, they would be less likely to meet the Japanese en route.
In the case of Pte. McGuffie, there are two clues from amongst the rather scant details of his last known whereabouts, that may give us some idea of what happened to him in Burma. Firstly, the date, 15th April 1943 and then the location of the village of Lewein (sometimes written as Lwewein). Two dispersal groups in particular had taken a path across the Shweli River at a place called Nayok and had then marched on towards a cluster of villages including Lewein on the 14th April.
These were the groups led by Lt. Musgrave-Wood of the Burma Rifles and Lt. Campbell-Paterson, formerly of the Royal Scots. Soon after the two dispersal parties had crossed the River Shweli at Nayok, they ran into enemy patrols and had to lie low in the surrounding scrub-jungle for several days. Finding food and water was becoming an issue for the now exhausted and desperate Chindits, the two groups realised that they would be better off apart and separated not long after. Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson's group did not fair well, with most of the men, including their leader, being captured by the Japanese within a few short days. The party led by Musgrave-Wood was slightly more fortunate and after a long march northeast, many, but not all of these men did reach the safety of Allied held territory.
It would seem likely that Robert McGuffie was a member of one of the two dispersal parties mentioned above and that he had become lost or separated from his group on the 15th April during the many skirmishes with the Japanese around Lewein. After the war, no grave was ever found for Robert and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, the centre-piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon. The memorial was constructed to remember the 26,000 plus casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to the story of Robert McGuffie, including a map of the area around Lewein and his inscription upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
The cap badge of the Royal Scots.
McINTYRE, ROBERT
Rank: Warrant Officer Class II
Trade: C.S.M.
Service No: 3055003
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2516200/McINTYRE,%20ROBERT
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Robert was born in September 1917 and was the son of James and Jeannie Campbell McIntyre and the husband of Winifred McIntyre, of New Wortley near Leeds in the county of Yorkshire. His Army service number suggests that Robert had originally enlisted into the Royal Scots Regiment, before joining the 13th King's at Glasgow, when the newly formed battalion were looking to recruit experienced and battle hardened NCO's. It is likely that Robert was with the 13th Battalion when it voyaged to India aboard the troopship 'Oronsay' in December 1941.
Once in India the 13th King's took up residence at the Gough Barracks in Secunderabad and were employed in performing security and garrison duties. In June 1942 the 13th King's were given over to Orde Wingate as the British Infantry element for his newly formed 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, based at Saugor in the Central Provinces of the country. Robert was posted to Chindit Column number 6, commanded by Major Gilmour Menzies Anderson, formerly of the Highland Light Infantry Regiment.
Column 6 suffered a succession of ill fortune during the months of Chindit training and was disbanded in late December, with any available personnel distributed amongst the remaining British columns. Robert was posted across to 5 Column and entered Burma under the command of Major Bernard Fergusson. Once inside Burma, Column 5 was chosen by Wingate to perform the task of demolishing the railway bridge at the town of Bonchaung. This was successfully achieved on the 6th March 1943.
Moving quickly on and having crossed the Irrawaddy River at a place called Tigyaing, the column were involved in a fierce action with the Japanese at a place called Hintha. This was where things began to unravel for Column 5, who by then had only received half the rations asked for from their air supply drops. After a short engagement dispersal was called and the men withdrew from Hintha, meeting up at an agreed point on the track a few miles further northwest. After taking stock and re-grouping they then moved away in the direction of the Irrawaddy River once more, however, around one hundred men became separated from the main body of the unit when the Japanese ambushed the rear of the column snake, cutting off this section of weary Chindits.
This group, now split up into penny packets, headed almost directly north and rather fortuitously met up with Column 7 at the Shweli River. Major Gilkes took the stragglers from Column 5 under his wing. He allocated these men into his already pre-arranged dispersal groups and the men headed towards the Yunnan Borders of China in order to exit Burma. Robert McIntyre was allocated to the group led by Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson, previously of the Royal Scots.
After successfully crossing the fast flowing Shweli River on the 14th April near the Burmese village of Nayok, Campbell-Paterson's group were caught for a period in an area of hills which were being heavily patrolled by the Japanese. Having made little progress for the best part of a week, some of the British NCO's lost confidence in the original plan to exit Burma via the Yunnan Borders and asked if they might be allowed to break away from the dispersal group and return westwards to India.
A witness statement report given after the operation by a Pte. J. Harvey, explains how four men including Robert McIntyre chose this option and separated from Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson's group in late April 1943. This report can be seen below, along with a map showing the general area in which the dispersal group was operating at the time. Please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Warrant Officer Class II
Trade: C.S.M.
Service No: 3055003
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2516200/McINTYRE,%20ROBERT
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Robert was born in September 1917 and was the son of James and Jeannie Campbell McIntyre and the husband of Winifred McIntyre, of New Wortley near Leeds in the county of Yorkshire. His Army service number suggests that Robert had originally enlisted into the Royal Scots Regiment, before joining the 13th King's at Glasgow, when the newly formed battalion were looking to recruit experienced and battle hardened NCO's. It is likely that Robert was with the 13th Battalion when it voyaged to India aboard the troopship 'Oronsay' in December 1941.
Once in India the 13th King's took up residence at the Gough Barracks in Secunderabad and were employed in performing security and garrison duties. In June 1942 the 13th King's were given over to Orde Wingate as the British Infantry element for his newly formed 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, based at Saugor in the Central Provinces of the country. Robert was posted to Chindit Column number 6, commanded by Major Gilmour Menzies Anderson, formerly of the Highland Light Infantry Regiment.
Column 6 suffered a succession of ill fortune during the months of Chindit training and was disbanded in late December, with any available personnel distributed amongst the remaining British columns. Robert was posted across to 5 Column and entered Burma under the command of Major Bernard Fergusson. Once inside Burma, Column 5 was chosen by Wingate to perform the task of demolishing the railway bridge at the town of Bonchaung. This was successfully achieved on the 6th March 1943.
Moving quickly on and having crossed the Irrawaddy River at a place called Tigyaing, the column were involved in a fierce action with the Japanese at a place called Hintha. This was where things began to unravel for Column 5, who by then had only received half the rations asked for from their air supply drops. After a short engagement dispersal was called and the men withdrew from Hintha, meeting up at an agreed point on the track a few miles further northwest. After taking stock and re-grouping they then moved away in the direction of the Irrawaddy River once more, however, around one hundred men became separated from the main body of the unit when the Japanese ambushed the rear of the column snake, cutting off this section of weary Chindits.
This group, now split up into penny packets, headed almost directly north and rather fortuitously met up with Column 7 at the Shweli River. Major Gilkes took the stragglers from Column 5 under his wing. He allocated these men into his already pre-arranged dispersal groups and the men headed towards the Yunnan Borders of China in order to exit Burma. Robert McIntyre was allocated to the group led by Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson, previously of the Royal Scots.
After successfully crossing the fast flowing Shweli River on the 14th April near the Burmese village of Nayok, Campbell-Paterson's group were caught for a period in an area of hills which were being heavily patrolled by the Japanese. Having made little progress for the best part of a week, some of the British NCO's lost confidence in the original plan to exit Burma via the Yunnan Borders and asked if they might be allowed to break away from the dispersal group and return westwards to India.
A witness statement report given after the operation by a Pte. J. Harvey, explains how four men including Robert McIntyre chose this option and separated from Lieutenant Campbell-Paterson's group in late April 1943. This report can be seen below, along with a map showing the general area in which the dispersal group was operating at the time. Please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
Pte. J. Harvey's short report confirms CSM McIntyre as being part of the dispersal group led by Lieutenant Campbell-Patterson, one of the group leaders from Column 7. It simply states that Robert and three other men (all former members of 5 Column), Joseph Fitzpatrick, Corporal William McGee and Francis Fairhurst decided to leave the dispersal party when the group were in the vicinity of Mong Mit. This town is located in the area of Burma where the ruby mines are to be found.
On several occasions after the main dispersal from the banks of the Shweli River, small splinter groups formed, often led by NCO's who respectfully disagreed with the order to march north-east towards the Chinese borders. In my experience this was mainly due to the lack of British rations available to the men at that time and their dislike of surviving on a diet of rice obtained from local villages en route. Pte. Harvey states that McIntyre's party were last seen on the 24th April and that they had a little food with them, but no weapons. For the record, the majority of Alan Campbell-Patterson's dispersal group were captured by the Japanese in late April 1943 including the Lieutenant himself.
Over the next few days, Robert McIntyre and all the members of his break-away party were captured by the Japanese.
Pte. 4198452 Joseph Fitzpatrick was captured on the 26th April 1943 and sadly died inside Rangoon Jail from the effects of beri beri and dysentery on 21st October 1944, he had been Captain Tommy Roberts groom during his time in Column 5. He lived at 62 Bread Riding Lane, Appley Bridge in Wigan. To read more about Joseph please click on the following link and scroll down alphabetically: Roll Call F-J
Corporal 3186149 William McGee was captured on the 7th May 1943, but survived his time as a prisoner of war in Rangoon Jail and returned home to Berwick-on-Tweed. After liberation he was awarded the Military Medal for his efforts on Operation Longcloth and as a POW, this award being recommended by Major Bernard Fergusson.
Pte. 3523186 Francis Cyril Fairhurst perished as a POW in Rangoon on the 19th May 1943. He was buried in the grounds of St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral located in the Botahtaung district of the city. To read more about Francis and the other men mentioned above, please click on the following link to his full story, which can be found towards the foot of the page: Family 3
The fate of CSM Robert McIntyre is shrouded in mystery and it seems likely that he met a more sinister end than that of his three comrades. Two other men from Operation Longcloth who were liberated from Rangoon Jail in April 1945, gave witness to information that they had heard whilst being held captive in Japanese hands.
Corporal Harold Sole, a member of 8 Column in 1943 stated:
CSM McIntyre was 5'9" tall and of good build, he was a regular soldier from Glasgow. He was apparently beaten and bayonetted to death by the Japanese for interfering with a food store. This information was related to me by Pte. Fitzpatrick of 5 Column whilst inside Rangoon Jail.
The second statement was given by Pte. Leon Frank, a member of 7 Column on Operation Longcloth in 1943:
CSM R. McIntyre was from 5 Column and of average height, dark featured with a wiry build. He was originally from Scotland. He was killed by the Japanese after his capture, when they learned that he had been responsible for holding up one of their elephant convoys earlier in the campaign. This was told to me by Sgt. McGee an ex-POW who was captured with him.
Whichever witness statement holds the greater truth we will probably never know, it would seem that either way, Robert was trying to secure food for himself and his Chindit comrades and that this basic aim was the reason for his murder at the hands of the Japanese in May 1943. CSM McIntyre was killed in one of the outlying POW Camps (possibly the Bhamo Camp) used by the Japanese to hold the Chindits captured on Operation Longcloth, before they sent the entire group on to Rangoon Jail. His grave was never located after the war and so he is remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial, the centre piece monument in Taukkyan War Cemetery, located on the northern outskirts of the capital city. This memorial records the names of all the casualties from the Burma campaign who possess no known grave.
To conclude this story, seen below are some more images in relation to Robert McIntyre's service in WW2. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
On several occasions after the main dispersal from the banks of the Shweli River, small splinter groups formed, often led by NCO's who respectfully disagreed with the order to march north-east towards the Chinese borders. In my experience this was mainly due to the lack of British rations available to the men at that time and their dislike of surviving on a diet of rice obtained from local villages en route. Pte. Harvey states that McIntyre's party were last seen on the 24th April and that they had a little food with them, but no weapons. For the record, the majority of Alan Campbell-Patterson's dispersal group were captured by the Japanese in late April 1943 including the Lieutenant himself.
Over the next few days, Robert McIntyre and all the members of his break-away party were captured by the Japanese.
Pte. 4198452 Joseph Fitzpatrick was captured on the 26th April 1943 and sadly died inside Rangoon Jail from the effects of beri beri and dysentery on 21st October 1944, he had been Captain Tommy Roberts groom during his time in Column 5. He lived at 62 Bread Riding Lane, Appley Bridge in Wigan. To read more about Joseph please click on the following link and scroll down alphabetically: Roll Call F-J
Corporal 3186149 William McGee was captured on the 7th May 1943, but survived his time as a prisoner of war in Rangoon Jail and returned home to Berwick-on-Tweed. After liberation he was awarded the Military Medal for his efforts on Operation Longcloth and as a POW, this award being recommended by Major Bernard Fergusson.
Pte. 3523186 Francis Cyril Fairhurst perished as a POW in Rangoon on the 19th May 1943. He was buried in the grounds of St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral located in the Botahtaung district of the city. To read more about Francis and the other men mentioned above, please click on the following link to his full story, which can be found towards the foot of the page: Family 3
The fate of CSM Robert McIntyre is shrouded in mystery and it seems likely that he met a more sinister end than that of his three comrades. Two other men from Operation Longcloth who were liberated from Rangoon Jail in April 1945, gave witness to information that they had heard whilst being held captive in Japanese hands.
Corporal Harold Sole, a member of 8 Column in 1943 stated:
CSM McIntyre was 5'9" tall and of good build, he was a regular soldier from Glasgow. He was apparently beaten and bayonetted to death by the Japanese for interfering with a food store. This information was related to me by Pte. Fitzpatrick of 5 Column whilst inside Rangoon Jail.
The second statement was given by Pte. Leon Frank, a member of 7 Column on Operation Longcloth in 1943:
CSM R. McIntyre was from 5 Column and of average height, dark featured with a wiry build. He was originally from Scotland. He was killed by the Japanese after his capture, when they learned that he had been responsible for holding up one of their elephant convoys earlier in the campaign. This was told to me by Sgt. McGee an ex-POW who was captured with him.
Whichever witness statement holds the greater truth we will probably never know, it would seem that either way, Robert was trying to secure food for himself and his Chindit comrades and that this basic aim was the reason for his murder at the hands of the Japanese in May 1943. CSM McIntyre was killed in one of the outlying POW Camps (possibly the Bhamo Camp) used by the Japanese to hold the Chindits captured on Operation Longcloth, before they sent the entire group on to Rangoon Jail. His grave was never located after the war and so he is remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial, the centre piece monument in Taukkyan War Cemetery, located on the northern outskirts of the capital city. This memorial records the names of all the casualties from the Burma campaign who possess no known grave.
To conclude this story, seen below are some more images in relation to Robert McIntyre's service in WW2. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
McINTYRE, WILLIAM E.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3865851
Age: Not known
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 2
Other details:
William E. McIntyre had begun his WW2 service with the Loyal (North Lancashire) Regiment before being transferred to the 13th King's in India. He was placed with 142 Commando at the Saugor camp and allocated to No. 2 Column during training under the command of Lt. William Nimmo. He would enter Burma with this column on the 15th February 1943, as part of Southern Section, 77 Brigade.
Prior to entering Burma on the first Wingate expedition, William had trained alongside another soldier from the Loyal Regiment, Ronald Braithwaite from Walton in Liverpool. Sadly, Ronald was killed on the 2nd October 1942 as a result of an accident whilst handling explosives. It is quite possible that William and Ronald were friends from before their time with the Chindits, as William McIntyre was a witness for Ronald's Army Will, drawn up on the 16th March 1942. To read more about the sad death of Pte. Braithwaite, please click on the following link and scroll down to the foot of the page: Men Who Died During Training
To read more about the experiences of No. 2 Column on Operation Longcloth, please click on the following link and then scroll down to the section for Major Arthur A. J. Emmett, their column commander: Wingate and his Column Commanders
William McIntyre survived his time on the first Chindit expedition and returned safely to India in 1943. He then gave a witness statement in July that year in relation to, Lance Corporal James Davidson another commando with 77 Brigade from South Shields in County Durham:
In the case of 912018 L/ Cpl. J. Davidson.
I was a member of 142 Coy. attached to No. 2 Column during the Burma expedition in the early part of 1943. About the middle of April, I was with a party which was being led out of Burma by the late Major-General Wingate. About the 14th April, in the region of the Mu Valley, the above mentioned soldier fell out of the line of march. He was very weak and suffering from a sprained ankle. He has not been seen since. This happened around two weeks march east of the Chindwin River. Signed: Pte. W. McIntyre, King's Regiment.
It would seem from William's witness statement, that he had somehow met up with Brigadier Wingate's Head Quarters during the expedition in Burma and travelled with this unit on the dispersal journey back to India in April 1943. This is more than possible, as after the Brigade's meeting en masse at the Irrawaddy River (outward crossing) around the 10th March, many men from the remnants of Southern Section were taken up by whichever column they encountered first. At this late stage in proceedings, it is unlikely that we will ever know exactly how William came to be with Brigadier Wingate and his Head Quarters by the middle of April 1943.
Seen below is a gallery of image in relation not this story, including a photograph of William McIntyre's witness statement for Lance Corporal James Davidson. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. To read more about L/Cpl. Davidson, please click on the following link and scroll down the page alphabetically: Roll Call A-E
Rank: Private
Service No: 3865851
Age: Not known
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 2
Other details:
William E. McIntyre had begun his WW2 service with the Loyal (North Lancashire) Regiment before being transferred to the 13th King's in India. He was placed with 142 Commando at the Saugor camp and allocated to No. 2 Column during training under the command of Lt. William Nimmo. He would enter Burma with this column on the 15th February 1943, as part of Southern Section, 77 Brigade.
Prior to entering Burma on the first Wingate expedition, William had trained alongside another soldier from the Loyal Regiment, Ronald Braithwaite from Walton in Liverpool. Sadly, Ronald was killed on the 2nd October 1942 as a result of an accident whilst handling explosives. It is quite possible that William and Ronald were friends from before their time with the Chindits, as William McIntyre was a witness for Ronald's Army Will, drawn up on the 16th March 1942. To read more about the sad death of Pte. Braithwaite, please click on the following link and scroll down to the foot of the page: Men Who Died During Training
To read more about the experiences of No. 2 Column on Operation Longcloth, please click on the following link and then scroll down to the section for Major Arthur A. J. Emmett, their column commander: Wingate and his Column Commanders
William McIntyre survived his time on the first Chindit expedition and returned safely to India in 1943. He then gave a witness statement in July that year in relation to, Lance Corporal James Davidson another commando with 77 Brigade from South Shields in County Durham:
In the case of 912018 L/ Cpl. J. Davidson.
I was a member of 142 Coy. attached to No. 2 Column during the Burma expedition in the early part of 1943. About the middle of April, I was with a party which was being led out of Burma by the late Major-General Wingate. About the 14th April, in the region of the Mu Valley, the above mentioned soldier fell out of the line of march. He was very weak and suffering from a sprained ankle. He has not been seen since. This happened around two weeks march east of the Chindwin River. Signed: Pte. W. McIntyre, King's Regiment.
It would seem from William's witness statement, that he had somehow met up with Brigadier Wingate's Head Quarters during the expedition in Burma and travelled with this unit on the dispersal journey back to India in April 1943. This is more than possible, as after the Brigade's meeting en masse at the Irrawaddy River (outward crossing) around the 10th March, many men from the remnants of Southern Section were taken up by whichever column they encountered first. At this late stage in proceedings, it is unlikely that we will ever know exactly how William came to be with Brigadier Wingate and his Head Quarters by the middle of April 1943.
Seen below is a gallery of image in relation not this story, including a photograph of William McIntyre's witness statement for Lance Corporal James Davidson. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page. To read more about L/Cpl. Davidson, please click on the following link and scroll down the page alphabetically: Roll Call A-E
The cap badge of the King's Regiment.
McKEE, HERBERT
I first became aware of Corporal Herbert McKee back in March 2009, when I made contact with his grandson Alan Williams via the Burma Star discussion forum. Alan had made an enquiry on the forum, asking for information about his grandfather and the 13th King's involvement in the Chindit operation of 1943. I was able to supply him with most of the basic details of the battalion's pathway to India and how they became Wingate's British Infantry element on Operation Longcloth.
Herbert, or 'Herbie' as he was known to his friends and family had not been mentioned in any of he books or war diaries I had read back then. This is very common for the men who survived their time as a Chindit and were fortunate enough to return home after their experiences in Burma in 1943 and beyond.
Like so many of his comrades, Corporal McKee rarely spoke of his time in Burma and only relayed the briefest of details to his family. Alan remembered that Herbert had said that he was originally on his way to Singapore, but that when the fortress fell to the Japanese in February 1942 the ship he was travelling on was diverted to India. This small piece of information, if accurate, would suggest that he was not with the original battalion who had sailed to India in December 1941, arriving at Bombay just before the fall of Singapore.
Here are Alan's other thoughts in regard to his grandfather:
My granddad was Cpl. 2779296 Herbert McKee. I'm not sure what column he was in and I couldn't see him in the Headquarters staff picture or in the roll of honour on your website. I know my Uncle has a picture of him with his Army Company somewhere, as I passed it to him back in 1995 or 1996. Grandfather was known as Herbie or Bert Mckee and amongst his things I found when he died in 1987 there was a set of Sergeant stripes, so he may have held an acting rank at some point, or may have been a Sergeant on discharge. We just don't know as he talked very little of his experiences from back then.
I believe the 13th King's (Liverpool) were made up of older men, who had mainly served in England in a Home Defence capacity. From his time in Burma I have a certificate which was presented to Herbert in 1944. It reads:
13th Bn. The King's Regiment.
This is to certify that No. 2779296 Corporal McKee H. served with the battalion on active service with the 1st Wingate Expedition 1943, in Burma.
Presented on the 16th day of September 1944.
Signed by JC or G. Cooke.
Lieut-Colonel, commanding the 13th Bn. The King's Regiment.
This certificate may help identify which column he was part of in 1943?
Alan was quite correct in his assumption as these certificates, in my experience, have only been given to those men who formed part of Column 8, or Northern Group Head Quarters in 1943. I have only seen 4 or 5 examples during my research and all have belonged to men from this group which Lieutenant-Colonel Sidney Arthur Cooke led for much of the time inside Burma.
Interestingly, on all the other certificates the first digit of the soldier's Army number has been a 3, but the way it has been written in freehand and presumably by Lieutenant-Colonel Cooke, the number looks very much like a 2 or a lower case letter a. I wonder now if Alan has read his grandfather's service number as 2779296 incorrectly. This Army number falls within the range given over to the Black Watch Regiment during the period leading up to and including the early years of WW2. However, if you change the first 2 for a 3, Herbert's number becomes one from the King's Regiment.
Seen below are some images in relation to this story, these include an example of the certificate awarded to Longcloth survivors which I have edited to show Herbert's details. I would like to thank Alan Williams for bringing his grandfather's story to these pages.
I first became aware of Corporal Herbert McKee back in March 2009, when I made contact with his grandson Alan Williams via the Burma Star discussion forum. Alan had made an enquiry on the forum, asking for information about his grandfather and the 13th King's involvement in the Chindit operation of 1943. I was able to supply him with most of the basic details of the battalion's pathway to India and how they became Wingate's British Infantry element on Operation Longcloth.
Herbert, or 'Herbie' as he was known to his friends and family had not been mentioned in any of he books or war diaries I had read back then. This is very common for the men who survived their time as a Chindit and were fortunate enough to return home after their experiences in Burma in 1943 and beyond.
Like so many of his comrades, Corporal McKee rarely spoke of his time in Burma and only relayed the briefest of details to his family. Alan remembered that Herbert had said that he was originally on his way to Singapore, but that when the fortress fell to the Japanese in February 1942 the ship he was travelling on was diverted to India. This small piece of information, if accurate, would suggest that he was not with the original battalion who had sailed to India in December 1941, arriving at Bombay just before the fall of Singapore.
Here are Alan's other thoughts in regard to his grandfather:
My granddad was Cpl. 2779296 Herbert McKee. I'm not sure what column he was in and I couldn't see him in the Headquarters staff picture or in the roll of honour on your website. I know my Uncle has a picture of him with his Army Company somewhere, as I passed it to him back in 1995 or 1996. Grandfather was known as Herbie or Bert Mckee and amongst his things I found when he died in 1987 there was a set of Sergeant stripes, so he may have held an acting rank at some point, or may have been a Sergeant on discharge. We just don't know as he talked very little of his experiences from back then.
I believe the 13th King's (Liverpool) were made up of older men, who had mainly served in England in a Home Defence capacity. From his time in Burma I have a certificate which was presented to Herbert in 1944. It reads:
13th Bn. The King's Regiment.
This is to certify that No. 2779296 Corporal McKee H. served with the battalion on active service with the 1st Wingate Expedition 1943, in Burma.
Presented on the 16th day of September 1944.
Signed by JC or G. Cooke.
Lieut-Colonel, commanding the 13th Bn. The King's Regiment.
This certificate may help identify which column he was part of in 1943?
Alan was quite correct in his assumption as these certificates, in my experience, have only been given to those men who formed part of Column 8, or Northern Group Head Quarters in 1943. I have only seen 4 or 5 examples during my research and all have belonged to men from this group which Lieutenant-Colonel Sidney Arthur Cooke led for much of the time inside Burma.
Interestingly, on all the other certificates the first digit of the soldier's Army number has been a 3, but the way it has been written in freehand and presumably by Lieutenant-Colonel Cooke, the number looks very much like a 2 or a lower case letter a. I wonder now if Alan has read his grandfather's service number as 2779296 incorrectly. This Army number falls within the range given over to the Black Watch Regiment during the period leading up to and including the early years of WW2. However, if you change the first 2 for a 3, Herbert's number becomes one from the King's Regiment.
Seen below are some images in relation to this story, these include an example of the certificate awarded to Longcloth survivors which I have edited to show Herbert's details. I would like to thank Alan Williams for bringing his grandfather's story to these pages.
McLAREN, J.
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: Not known
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Very little is known about L/Cpl. McLaren and his time with the Chindits in 1943. He is mentioned only once in all the papers and documents I have seen in relation to Operation Longcloth and this was to do with the information gathering for another soldier missing on the expedition in 1943, a Pte. P. Morgan. As you can see from the extremely short report below, there was some confusion as to which soldier this referred to as there was no man called Morgan, with the initial P. on Operation Longcloth. However, it was determined eventually that the report actually referred to Pte. Philip Joseph Moogan, who had served with Northern Group Head Quarters and the Army Investigation Bureau noted that L/Cpl. McLaren might be able to shed some more light on the case. To learn more about Pte. Philip Moogan, scroll further down this page alphabetically to find his story.
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: Not known
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Very little is known about L/Cpl. McLaren and his time with the Chindits in 1943. He is mentioned only once in all the papers and documents I have seen in relation to Operation Longcloth and this was to do with the information gathering for another soldier missing on the expedition in 1943, a Pte. P. Morgan. As you can see from the extremely short report below, there was some confusion as to which soldier this referred to as there was no man called Morgan, with the initial P. on Operation Longcloth. However, it was determined eventually that the report actually referred to Pte. Philip Joseph Moogan, who had served with Northern Group Head Quarters and the Army Investigation Bureau noted that L/Cpl. McLaren might be able to shed some more light on the case. To learn more about Pte. Philip Moogan, scroll further down this page alphabetically to find his story.
Pte. James McManus.
McMANUS, JAMES
Rank: Private
Service No: 3776379
Date of Death: 28/04/1943
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2516242/McMANUS,%20JAMES
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
James McManus was the son of Joseph and Mary Elizebeth McManus and nephew of Mrs. H. Jones, from Edge Hill in Liverpool. His service number suggests that James was one of the original members of the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment that voyaged to India aboard the troopship Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. Pte. McManus was posted to 8 Column during Chindit training under the command of Major Walter Purcell Scott, also of the King's Regiment. He was reported missing on the 28th April 1943, having dropped out of the line march crossing a dry river bed. This happened directly after 8 Column had passed through a place called Sonpu, and where several sick and wounded soldiers from the column had been fortuitously rescued by a Dakota aircraft that had managed to land in a large meadow to pick them up.
To read more about this incident and 8 Column's journey leading up to the 28th April 1943, please click on the following link: The Piccadilly Incident
From the pages of the Liverpool Echo dated 23rd July 1943:
Mrs. H. Jones of 7 Wordsworth Street in Liverpool, has been officially informed that her nephew, Private JamesMcManus has been posted a missing in the Indian theatre of war. He is 26 years old and an old boy of St. Edward's Orphanage in Broadgreen. He volunteered for the Army four years ago.
Sadly, James' body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3776379
Date of Death: 28/04/1943
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2516242/McMANUS,%20JAMES
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
James McManus was the son of Joseph and Mary Elizebeth McManus and nephew of Mrs. H. Jones, from Edge Hill in Liverpool. His service number suggests that James was one of the original members of the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment that voyaged to India aboard the troopship Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. Pte. McManus was posted to 8 Column during Chindit training under the command of Major Walter Purcell Scott, also of the King's Regiment. He was reported missing on the 28th April 1943, having dropped out of the line march crossing a dry river bed. This happened directly after 8 Column had passed through a place called Sonpu, and where several sick and wounded soldiers from the column had been fortuitously rescued by a Dakota aircraft that had managed to land in a large meadow to pick them up.
To read more about this incident and 8 Column's journey leading up to the 28th April 1943, please click on the following link: The Piccadilly Incident
From the pages of the Liverpool Echo dated 23rd July 1943:
Mrs. H. Jones of 7 Wordsworth Street in Liverpool, has been officially informed that her nephew, Private JamesMcManus has been posted a missing in the Indian theatre of war. He is 26 years old and an old boy of St. Edward's Orphanage in Broadgreen. He volunteered for the Army four years ago.
Sadly, James' body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
McMURRAN, WILLIAM GEORGE
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: (5)878620
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: 142 Commando attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 1
Other details:
William McMurran was born on the 13th November 1920 and was the son of William (senior) and Elsie McMurran from Shoreham-on-Sea in Sussex. From his Army service number it can be deduced that William began his WW2 service with the Suffolk Regiment before his transfer to the 13th King's in India. He was then posted to the ranks of 142 Commando and allocated to the Commando Platoon for No. 1 Column at the Saugor training camp.
On the 26th December 1942, William was called as a witness to an unfortunate training accident at Saugor, where L/Cpl. Percy Finch, also previously of the Suffolk Regiment had been killed whilst handling explosives. Here is what William had to say when questioned about the incident:
Second Witness. Pte. 878620 W.G. McMurran, 142 Company.
I was sitting in my tent with Lance Cpl. Finch having a drink of beer. Sometime later, I cannot give the exact time, Lance Cpl. Brock came in. We had some rum, then Lance Cpl. Finch went out. Shortly afterwards he lit an M.L. flare, and then returned to the tent. We each had another beer and then Lance Cpl. Finch went away for about 20 minutes. On his return we drank more beer and then Finch announced that, "we would have a bang." By this he meant an explosion.
He again went out and returned with three sticks of 808 explosive and 6 inches of safety fuse and a detonator. He tied the sticks of 808 together, assembled the fuse and detonator, and put the latter into the explosive. He then put the end of the safety fuse into a candle flame after which he stepped outside. Very soon afterwards I heard the charge explode, and then moaning. Lance Cpl. Brock and I rushed outside and found Lance Cpl. Finch huddled up by the corner of the next tent. I fetched blankets and field dressings, which were applied by Pte. Maley who had come to the scene of the accident. Lance Corporal Brock had gone to get a doctor.
Questions by the court.
Question No.1. Was Lance Cpl. Finch under the influence of drink?
Answer. Yes, but he knew he was doing.
Question No. 2. Do you think that anything might have happened to prevent Lance Cpl. Finch from throwing the charge.
Answer. Yes, judging from his position when we found him he might have tripped over a guy-rope.
Question No. 3. Did you hear or see anything of Lance Cpl. Finch after he left the tent?
Answer. No, not till after the explosion.
Question No. 4. Did you notice if the fuse was burning correctly as Lance Cpl. Finch left the tent?
Answer. Although the fuse was smouldering, the normal hissing sound which accompanies proper ignition of a safety fuse could not be heard.
To read more about the above incident and the unfortunate death of Percy Finch, please click on the following link: Lance Corporal Percy Finch
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: (5)878620
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: 142 Commando attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 1
Other details:
William McMurran was born on the 13th November 1920 and was the son of William (senior) and Elsie McMurran from Shoreham-on-Sea in Sussex. From his Army service number it can be deduced that William began his WW2 service with the Suffolk Regiment before his transfer to the 13th King's in India. He was then posted to the ranks of 142 Commando and allocated to the Commando Platoon for No. 1 Column at the Saugor training camp.
On the 26th December 1942, William was called as a witness to an unfortunate training accident at Saugor, where L/Cpl. Percy Finch, also previously of the Suffolk Regiment had been killed whilst handling explosives. Here is what William had to say when questioned about the incident:
Second Witness. Pte. 878620 W.G. McMurran, 142 Company.
I was sitting in my tent with Lance Cpl. Finch having a drink of beer. Sometime later, I cannot give the exact time, Lance Cpl. Brock came in. We had some rum, then Lance Cpl. Finch went out. Shortly afterwards he lit an M.L. flare, and then returned to the tent. We each had another beer and then Lance Cpl. Finch went away for about 20 minutes. On his return we drank more beer and then Finch announced that, "we would have a bang." By this he meant an explosion.
He again went out and returned with three sticks of 808 explosive and 6 inches of safety fuse and a detonator. He tied the sticks of 808 together, assembled the fuse and detonator, and put the latter into the explosive. He then put the end of the safety fuse into a candle flame after which he stepped outside. Very soon afterwards I heard the charge explode, and then moaning. Lance Cpl. Brock and I rushed outside and found Lance Cpl. Finch huddled up by the corner of the next tent. I fetched blankets and field dressings, which were applied by Pte. Maley who had come to the scene of the accident. Lance Corporal Brock had gone to get a doctor.
Questions by the court.
Question No.1. Was Lance Cpl. Finch under the influence of drink?
Answer. Yes, but he knew he was doing.
Question No. 2. Do you think that anything might have happened to prevent Lance Cpl. Finch from throwing the charge.
Answer. Yes, judging from his position when we found him he might have tripped over a guy-rope.
Question No. 3. Did you hear or see anything of Lance Cpl. Finch after he left the tent?
Answer. No, not till after the explosion.
Question No. 4. Did you notice if the fuse was burning correctly as Lance Cpl. Finch left the tent?
Answer. Although the fuse was smouldering, the normal hissing sound which accompanies proper ignition of a safety fuse could not be heard.
To read more about the above incident and the unfortunate death of Percy Finch, please click on the following link: Lance Corporal Percy Finch
Nominal Roll of the soldiers that made up No. 1 Column Commando on operation Longcloth.
Lance Corporal McMurran entered Burma on the 15th February 1943 alongside the other men from No. 1 Column Commando and the rest of Southern Group, made up almost entirely by Gurkha Riflemen. Southern Group was used by Wingate as a decoy on the operation, the intention being for them to draw attention away from the main Chindit columns of Northern Group whilst they crossed the Chindwin River and moved quickly east toward their targets along the Mandalay-Myitkhina railway.
Southern Group had a difficult time during the early weeks of Operation Longcloth and after a particularly violent clash with the enemy at a place named Kyaikthin, the Gurkha units were separated and dispersed in penny-packets towards a pre-arranged rendezvous at the Irrawaddy River. It seems likely at this juncture that William McMurran and the majority of the commandos for No. 1 Column had remained with their unit led by Major George Dunlop MC formerly of the Royal Scots. William is not mentioned again during the expedition, until several weeks later on the 8th May and after the order to return to India had been given by India Command and Brigadier Wingate.
He was still in the company of his commander, Major Dunlop, but by now No. 1 Column had been severely depleted after eleven weeks behind enemy lines. The remnants of the column were now close to regaining the banks of the Chindwin River, but were in an exhausted and malnourished condition. From the pages of Major Dunlop's own operational diary:
That evening (8th May) Lt. Nealon (by this time the commander of the Commando Platoon) asked if he might try his luck at getting food at Ywatha, as his British troops could not go on without it. The remnants of my command being somewhat pathetic, I said yes, thinking that they might at least have a chance. He set off with his party and an hour later we heard a fight at the village, very short and sharp.
There followed more days of hunger and climbing those infernal hills. One night all the mule Jemadar's party disappeared, leaving me with the doctor Captain Stocks, Lts. Clarke, Fowler, MacHorton, the No. 2 Guerrilla Platoon Officer, two Signallers and three or four Gurkhas, including my clerk who could speak both English and Burmese. Eventually we killed a buffalo on the Katun Chaung. While cutting it up we were approached by a party of Burmans armed with rifles and war dahs. They told us that no Japanese were about, but, as we heard mortar fire earlier on from the direction of the Chindwin, I did not believe them. We disarmed them and they fled up a spur. The clerk wanted to go with them but we stopped him. Much shouting followed and I guessed that their Japanese masters were up there. I gave the order to scatter from the open paddy.
William McMurran was one of the men with Major Dunlop at the Katun Chaung. A witness statement made by Lieutenant P.W. MacLagan, an officer previously with the Commando Platoon from No. 2 Column, stated that:
In regard to Ptes. Belcher, Checkley, Roden, Barnes and Williams and Lance Corporal W. McMurran.
On the 8th May 1943 at mid-day, the party under Major Dunlop was attacked on the Katun Chaung about 3 miles from the Chindwin River. Major Dunlop led the party up a dry nullah into the surrounding hills. The above mentioned men were in a group led by Lance Corporal McMurran which went on with Major Dunlop.
The report then goes on to recommend that a statement is obtained from Major Dunlop in order to further clarify what happened to these men. In Dunlop's own debrief documents for 1943 he mentions that in the area close to the east banks of the Chindwin there were many Japanese and Burmese fighting patrols, all on the lookout for the Chindits attempting to escape back to India. Of the men mentioned in Lt. MacLagan's witness statement, both Pte. Roden and Pte. Williams were killed on or shortly after the 8th May. The rest of the party were all taken prisoner by the Japanese around that time with William losing his liberty on the 10th May after two days attempting to evade capture.
To read more about this group of soldiers and to understand more about the previous weeks in Burma with Major Dunlop's column, please click on the following link: 'Young Ernie' Belcher
Eventually, Lance Corporal McMurran was taken to Block 6 of Rangoon Jail and he would spend just under two years at the prison alongside many other Chindit soldiers. He was one of the few Other Ranks from the first Wingate expedition to survive his time as a prisoner of war. At the jail William was given the POW number, 367 and he would have to answer to the Japanese guards with this number at every morning and evening roll call.
All prisoners at Rangoon were sent out on working parties, often serving as slave labour at the city docks, loading and unloading cargo from Japanese ships. William McMurran was part of a group of 400 prisoners from Rangoon Jail that were liberated by Allied troops on the 29th April 1945. This group had been taken out of the prison by the Japanese guards and were heading for the Burma/Thailand border, when they were unexpectedly released by their captors on the Pegu Road close to a village called Waw. However, before the Japanese had decided to release the prisoners, some men had already decided to abscond from the march.
From the book, Quiet Jungle, Angry Sea, by Denis Gavin:
I (Gavin) decided I was not going to go past Pegu, even if this meant leaving the column on my own. I spoke with my mate, Titch Hudson and suggested my plan. We recruited, Len Coffin from the King's, Dinger Bell and Bill McMurran. The column had suffered from air-raids from our own planes the previous day, mistaking us for the enemy, after the another raid that night (28th April 1945) we made a break for it.
Denis Gavin, William McMurran and the rest of the escapees broke away into the night. They travelled several miles in the dark and then decided to settle down for the night and rest. In the morning they successfully made contact with Allied troops and were safe at last. Most of the men liberated on the Pegu Road including William were flown back to India in USAAF aircraft and treated in the first instance at hospitals in Calcutta. To read more generally about the Chindit POW experience, please click on the following link: Chindit POW's
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including the POW index card for William McMurran and a photograph of Denis Gavin who had served previously with the East Surrey Regiment in Malaya before the Japanese invasion. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Cap badge of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
MEADOWS, M.
Rank: Private
Service No: 5119098
Age: Not known.
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. M. Meadows (christian name unknown) began his WW2 service with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's in India on the 26th September 1942. During the Chindit training period at Saugor he was allocated to No. 8 Column, commanded by Major Walter Purcell Scott.
Apart from his service in Burma with No. 8 Column, Pte. Meadows also gave two witness statements for men lost during the first Wingate expedition after his return to India. The first was for Lance Corporal 2027853 Joseph Crompton White:
The above mentioned NCO was suffering from malaria and dysentery at the time the column crossed the railway on the journey eastwards through Burma in April 1943 (exact date not known). At roll call the morning after the crossing, the NCO was missing and was presumed to have fallen out during the night.
Pte. Meadows second witness statement was for Sergeant 5183080 Walter Gordon Paginton:
Sgt. Paginton crossed the Shweli River, swimming with a rope in April 1943 (exact date not known), as part of an advance party. Soon after crossing, the Advance Party of 36 was in an engagement with the Japanese and none of them made the appointed RV. No. 3781695 Cpl. A. McCann was a member of the same party, and as far as I know, is the sole survivor.
To read more about the 36 men lost after the Shweli River crossing on the 1st April 1943, please click on the following link: Captain Williams and Platoon 18
Rank: Private
Service No: 5119098
Age: Not known.
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. M. Meadows (christian name unknown) began his WW2 service with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's in India on the 26th September 1942. During the Chindit training period at Saugor he was allocated to No. 8 Column, commanded by Major Walter Purcell Scott.
Apart from his service in Burma with No. 8 Column, Pte. Meadows also gave two witness statements for men lost during the first Wingate expedition after his return to India. The first was for Lance Corporal 2027853 Joseph Crompton White:
The above mentioned NCO was suffering from malaria and dysentery at the time the column crossed the railway on the journey eastwards through Burma in April 1943 (exact date not known). At roll call the morning after the crossing, the NCO was missing and was presumed to have fallen out during the night.
Pte. Meadows second witness statement was for Sergeant 5183080 Walter Gordon Paginton:
Sgt. Paginton crossed the Shweli River, swimming with a rope in April 1943 (exact date not known), as part of an advance party. Soon after crossing, the Advance Party of 36 was in an engagement with the Japanese and none of them made the appointed RV. No. 3781695 Cpl. A. McCann was a member of the same party, and as far as I know, is the sole survivor.
To read more about the 36 men lost after the Shweli River crossing on the 1st April 1943, please click on the following link: Captain Williams and Platoon 18
The two witness statements made by Pte. M. Meadows.
Cap badge of the RAF.
MEARS, A.F.
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Service No: 553466
Age: Not known
Regiment/Service: RAF attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Brigade HQ
Other details:
From a notification in the 142 Commando war diary, dated 28th October 1942:
Admin Branch Orders No. 89: Attachments -RAF. The undermentioned personnel are attached to Brigade Head Quarters (Malthone Camp) and are attached to the 13th King's Regiment for rations with effect from:
553466 Acting Sergeant A. Mears RAF- no date
1039307 Acting Sergeant M. Holmes RAF- 16th October
570840 Acting Sergeant K. Wise RAF- 17th October
The above report is the only mention of Sgt. A.F. Mears in the writings and records for men who served on the first Wingate expedition in Burma. It is possible that he remained with Brigade Head Quarters for the remainder of his Chindit service in 1943. The two other men mentioned on the same order sheet certainly did take part on Operation Longcloth, with Sgt. Kenneth Wyse serving with Southern Group HQ and Maurice Holmes almost certainly with Wingate's Brigade HQ.
There is no British casualty record for a RAF Sergeant by the name of Mears on the CWGC website, and so it is to be presumed that Sgt. Mears survived the war. Seen below is the order notification from the 142 Commando war diary recording the arrival of the three RAF Sergeants in October 1942. Please click on the image to bring it forward the page.
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Service No: 553466
Age: Not known
Regiment/Service: RAF attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Brigade HQ
Other details:
From a notification in the 142 Commando war diary, dated 28th October 1942:
Admin Branch Orders No. 89: Attachments -RAF. The undermentioned personnel are attached to Brigade Head Quarters (Malthone Camp) and are attached to the 13th King's Regiment for rations with effect from:
553466 Acting Sergeant A. Mears RAF- no date
1039307 Acting Sergeant M. Holmes RAF- 16th October
570840 Acting Sergeant K. Wise RAF- 17th October
The above report is the only mention of Sgt. A.F. Mears in the writings and records for men who served on the first Wingate expedition in Burma. It is possible that he remained with Brigade Head Quarters for the remainder of his Chindit service in 1943. The two other men mentioned on the same order sheet certainly did take part on Operation Longcloth, with Sgt. Kenneth Wyse serving with Southern Group HQ and Maurice Holmes almost certainly with Wingate's Brigade HQ.
There is no British casualty record for a RAF Sergeant by the name of Mears on the CWGC website, and so it is to be presumed that Sgt. Mears survived the war. Seen below is the order notification from the 142 Commando war diary recording the arrival of the three RAF Sergeants in October 1942. Please click on the image to bring it forward the page.
Michael Melody.
MELODY, MICHAEL
Rank: Private
Service No: 6031490
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment att. The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Unknown
Other details:
I was delighted to receive the following email contact in April 2017 from Jim Melody:
I have tried to track my fathers service in Burma and have been amazed on discovering your site. I don't know if you can help me but, he served as Pte. Michael Melody and took part in the first of Wingate's operations behind Japanese lines. He volunteered with a friend named George Hull to look after mules and that's about all I know. I have a picture of him and some friends taken somewhere in India I believe. I also have many anecdotal stories but few hard facts.
My father, who was from Liverpool was an apprentice bricklayer at the time of WW2 and at first was not allowed to join up. In the end I think he tried to join up in another area, lying about his age and occupation. He and his mate George Hull (from Preston) travelled to India on a large troopship and then by train to the Chindit training ground. He was then put in charge of some of the mules. He used to tell us hair-raising tales of marching, pushing and pulling his mule called Sally, all over Burma. He suffered with malaria quite early on, but had to keep going nevertheless. I have a couple of photographs of him with some mates in India and a copy of a letter sent to his mother telling her that he would not be able to contact her, but that she was to keep on writing to him as usual. I believe that this was a standard letter sent out to all Chindit families.
In a later email, Jim told me:
I have managed to find my father's Army number, 6031490 and this number indicates that he served with the Essex Regiment. The 1st Battalion Essex Regiment served with the Chindits in 1944 I believe and formed 44 and 56 columns in the 23rd Brigade. This information I obtained from Mr. Ian Hook who in 1995 was the keeper of the Essex Regiment Museum. I'm not sure how this fits in with what I thought I knew previously, but I will continue to dig around with my family to glean as much information as I can.
I replied:
Hello Jim,
Thank you for the photos, they are very interesting. There were some men from the Essex Regiment who served on Operation Longcloth in 1943. It could be that your father served on both expeditions, although very few men were able to achieve this mostly because of health reasons. 23rd Brigade were kept back by General Slim in 1944 and were sent to operate around the Indian towns of Imphal and Kohima, moving through the jungle and attacking the Japanese rear and lines of communications. Sadly, not much has been written about the 23rd Brigade generally. One book, Column 76, by W.A. Wilcox does cover this Brigade, but sadly, not from the Essex columns perspective. It might be an idea to send off for Michael's full Army service records which should at least clarify the units he was with and when. Please keep in touch as you learn more.
Rank: Private
Service No: 6031490
Age: 21
Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment att. The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: Unknown
Other details:
I was delighted to receive the following email contact in April 2017 from Jim Melody:
I have tried to track my fathers service in Burma and have been amazed on discovering your site. I don't know if you can help me but, he served as Pte. Michael Melody and took part in the first of Wingate's operations behind Japanese lines. He volunteered with a friend named George Hull to look after mules and that's about all I know. I have a picture of him and some friends taken somewhere in India I believe. I also have many anecdotal stories but few hard facts.
My father, who was from Liverpool was an apprentice bricklayer at the time of WW2 and at first was not allowed to join up. In the end I think he tried to join up in another area, lying about his age and occupation. He and his mate George Hull (from Preston) travelled to India on a large troopship and then by train to the Chindit training ground. He was then put in charge of some of the mules. He used to tell us hair-raising tales of marching, pushing and pulling his mule called Sally, all over Burma. He suffered with malaria quite early on, but had to keep going nevertheless. I have a couple of photographs of him with some mates in India and a copy of a letter sent to his mother telling her that he would not be able to contact her, but that she was to keep on writing to him as usual. I believe that this was a standard letter sent out to all Chindit families.
In a later email, Jim told me:
I have managed to find my father's Army number, 6031490 and this number indicates that he served with the Essex Regiment. The 1st Battalion Essex Regiment served with the Chindits in 1944 I believe and formed 44 and 56 columns in the 23rd Brigade. This information I obtained from Mr. Ian Hook who in 1995 was the keeper of the Essex Regiment Museum. I'm not sure how this fits in with what I thought I knew previously, but I will continue to dig around with my family to glean as much information as I can.
I replied:
Hello Jim,
Thank you for the photos, they are very interesting. There were some men from the Essex Regiment who served on Operation Longcloth in 1943. It could be that your father served on both expeditions, although very few men were able to achieve this mostly because of health reasons. 23rd Brigade were kept back by General Slim in 1944 and were sent to operate around the Indian towns of Imphal and Kohima, moving through the jungle and attacking the Japanese rear and lines of communications. Sadly, not much has been written about the 23rd Brigade generally. One book, Column 76, by W.A. Wilcox does cover this Brigade, but sadly, not from the Essex columns perspective. It might be an idea to send off for Michael's full Army service records which should at least clarify the units he was with and when. Please keep in touch as you learn more.
Cap badge of the Royal Engineers.
MILLAR, WILLIAM
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Service No: 266335
Date of Death: 29/03/1943
Age: 32
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 3 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2517640/william-millar/
Chindit Column: Brigade Head Quarters
Other details:
William Millar was the son of Daniel and Isabella Millar and the husband of Jessie Millar from Brighton in Sussex. He was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Engineers and arrived at the Chindit training camp at Saugor in October 1942. He was posted to 142 Commando and allocated to the Brigade Head Quarters section of this unit. The war diary for 142 Commando records that on the 17th October, whilst the unit were training at Gona Lake, William was injured when he was thrown from his horse and was taken to Saugor Hospital. It is not known how long he remained in hospital, but this could not have been for too long as he was put forward for an Emergency Commission to the the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in November.
His commission, alongside a similar promotion for another former RSM, John Nealon was granted by GHQ, New Delhi on the 4th January 1943, with both men featuring in the officers returns for 142 Commando on the 16th January. William Millar crossed the Chindwin River with Wingate's Brigade HQ on the 15th February 1943 and began his service behind Japanese lines. Sadly, very little is known about his own personal experience on Operation Longcloth, apart from one mention in the book, Beyond the Chindwin written by Bernard Fergusson. Major Fergusson was the commander of No. 5 Column in 1943 and on March 23rd he recalls meeting William in the company of Major John Jeffries and Captain Vivian Earle at a commanders conference close to a village named Baw.
Soon after this meeting, the call to return to India was given by GHQ, (Delhi) and Wingate ordered his Chindits to break up into small dispersal parties and begin their journey back to the Chindwin River. It was after this order was given that William was lost to his unit. The Commonwealth Graves records give his date of death as being between the 29th March and the 6th May 1943. The 29th March is a significant date on the first Wingate expedition, as this was the day that the majority of the Brigade made its first attempt to re-cross the Irrawaddy at a place called Inywa. The crossing was subsequently abandoned after a large group of Japanese appeared on the western banks and opened fire on the leading Chindit boats.
It is likely that William would have dispersed with his commander, Captain Vivian Earle and some of the other men from the Brigade Head Quarters section. To read more about Vivian Earle and his experiences on Operation Longcloth, please click on the following link: Albert Vivian Earle
William Millar was never seen or heard of again and his grave was never discovered after the war. For this reason he is remembered upon Face 3 of the Rangoon Memorial, the centre-piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial contains the names of over 26,000 casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave. William is also remembered at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh and the Millar family grave at Troon Cemetery in Aryshire, Scotland. To view his details on the Scottish National War Memorial, please click on the following link:
www.snwm.org/roll-search/?id=655428&searchid=45c9e1fa0efb51799effac61443f84e8&page=1
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including photographs of William Millar's inscription upon the Rangoon Memorial and the family grave at Troon Cemetery. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Service No: 266335
Date of Death: 29/03/1943
Age: 32
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 3 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2517640/william-millar/
Chindit Column: Brigade Head Quarters
Other details:
William Millar was the son of Daniel and Isabella Millar and the husband of Jessie Millar from Brighton in Sussex. He was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Engineers and arrived at the Chindit training camp at Saugor in October 1942. He was posted to 142 Commando and allocated to the Brigade Head Quarters section of this unit. The war diary for 142 Commando records that on the 17th October, whilst the unit were training at Gona Lake, William was injured when he was thrown from his horse and was taken to Saugor Hospital. It is not known how long he remained in hospital, but this could not have been for too long as he was put forward for an Emergency Commission to the the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in November.
His commission, alongside a similar promotion for another former RSM, John Nealon was granted by GHQ, New Delhi on the 4th January 1943, with both men featuring in the officers returns for 142 Commando on the 16th January. William Millar crossed the Chindwin River with Wingate's Brigade HQ on the 15th February 1943 and began his service behind Japanese lines. Sadly, very little is known about his own personal experience on Operation Longcloth, apart from one mention in the book, Beyond the Chindwin written by Bernard Fergusson. Major Fergusson was the commander of No. 5 Column in 1943 and on March 23rd he recalls meeting William in the company of Major John Jeffries and Captain Vivian Earle at a commanders conference close to a village named Baw.
Soon after this meeting, the call to return to India was given by GHQ, (Delhi) and Wingate ordered his Chindits to break up into small dispersal parties and begin their journey back to the Chindwin River. It was after this order was given that William was lost to his unit. The Commonwealth Graves records give his date of death as being between the 29th March and the 6th May 1943. The 29th March is a significant date on the first Wingate expedition, as this was the day that the majority of the Brigade made its first attempt to re-cross the Irrawaddy at a place called Inywa. The crossing was subsequently abandoned after a large group of Japanese appeared on the western banks and opened fire on the leading Chindit boats.
It is likely that William would have dispersed with his commander, Captain Vivian Earle and some of the other men from the Brigade Head Quarters section. To read more about Vivian Earle and his experiences on Operation Longcloth, please click on the following link: Albert Vivian Earle
William Millar was never seen or heard of again and his grave was never discovered after the war. For this reason he is remembered upon Face 3 of the Rangoon Memorial, the centre-piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial contains the names of over 26,000 casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave. William is also remembered at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh and the Millar family grave at Troon Cemetery in Aryshire, Scotland. To view his details on the Scottish National War Memorial, please click on the following link:
www.snwm.org/roll-search/?id=655428&searchid=45c9e1fa0efb51799effac61443f84e8&page=1
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including photographs of William Millar's inscription upon the Rangoon Memorial and the family grave at Troon Cemetery. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Pte. James William Mitchell.
MITCHELL, JAMES WILLIAM
Rank: Private
Service No: 1111673
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 29
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2517789/mitchell,-james-william/
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
On the 8th May 2018, I was delighted to receive the following email from Ellen Stuart, the great niece of Pte. James William Mitchell, known to his family and friends as Billy:
Dear Steve
Thank you so much for this website. I have always known that my great-uncle Billy Mitchell died in Burma and that his family were devastated by this. It is only recently that I have started looking at my family history in any detail. I know that he was a Private in 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment and his service no. was 1111673 and his name appears on Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. He is said to have died on May 1st 1943. After reading your website I assume he was in the first Chindit expedition and taken as a POW. Would you have any further information you could share with me?
Billy was born on the 15th June 1913 and was the son of James William Mitchell, a carman from Chiswick and Lucy Mitchell, nee Hearne. The Hearne's were a big Romany Gypsy family and Lucy worked as a flower-seller. Billy has three older sisters, Amy born in 1906, Eliza born in 1908 and Councilette born in 1911. Another sister Eunice, was born in 1915 and his younger brother Daniel, was born in 1917. Billy married Ivy Dorothy Harrup on the 15th January 1938 at Mitcham in South-West London. He had been living with his family at 94 Alexandra Gardens, Chiswick at the time.
On the 1939 Register, Billy and Ivy are back living with his parents, sisters Eliza and Eunice and brother Daniel, as well as his nephew Robert Dennis Taylor (my dad) and baby niece, Brenda (my aunt). They are now a little further west from Chiswick on a council estate on the borders of Brentford and Isleworth, at 17 Hawthorn Hatch. He is listed as a storekeeper at the Boot Polish Works and I'm guessing this must be the same Chiswick works where his father worked and his sister Eunice. I believe his wife Ivy, was in Queen Charlotte's Hospital in Marylebone, with their baby, Terry born around September.
I do hope some of this information will be useful to you. When I look at photos of Billy I see such a strong likeness to my sister and also to my cousin Simon, it's quite spooky, and a little sad too.
Pte. James Mitchell was a member of 8 Column on Operation Longcloth, under the command of Major Walter Purcell Scott of the King's Regiment. On the official missing in action listing for 8 Column, Billy is recorded as missing on the 1st May 1943, having not been seen since the battle at Okthaik village. This refers to a major engagement with the Japanese on the 30th April, as 8 Column were attempting to cross a fast flowing river called the Kaukkwe Chaung.
Major Scott gave a witness statement in relation to the incident at the Kaukkwe Chaung, where he mentions some of the men he lost during the ferocious battle with the Japanese. In a short report given on the 24th July 1943 he explained:
L/Cpl. 3779372 Frederick Nuttall
Pte. 1111673 James Mitchell
Pte. 5110034 Henry George Brooker
Pte. 4199350 Gwilym Davies
Pte. 3780130 Thomas James Hazeldine
The above mentioned men were with me during the battle at Okthaik, near the Kaukkwe Chaung on April 30th. After the battle was broken off, and forces were re-collected it was found that they were missing. No further information is available, as they have not been heard of since.
First hand witness reports for that day tell how the experienced NCO's from the column attempted to hold off the enemy while the other men got across the chaung, this unfortunately took quite a time due to the large amount of non-swimmers in the unit.
Below are some pages from the Column 8 War diary, recorded whilst on active duty in Burma during the early months of 1943. The diary explains what the Column was up to just prior to the engagement at the Kaukkwe Chaung. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 1111673
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 29
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2517789/mitchell,-james-william/
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
On the 8th May 2018, I was delighted to receive the following email from Ellen Stuart, the great niece of Pte. James William Mitchell, known to his family and friends as Billy:
Dear Steve
Thank you so much for this website. I have always known that my great-uncle Billy Mitchell died in Burma and that his family were devastated by this. It is only recently that I have started looking at my family history in any detail. I know that he was a Private in 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment and his service no. was 1111673 and his name appears on Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. He is said to have died on May 1st 1943. After reading your website I assume he was in the first Chindit expedition and taken as a POW. Would you have any further information you could share with me?
Billy was born on the 15th June 1913 and was the son of James William Mitchell, a carman from Chiswick and Lucy Mitchell, nee Hearne. The Hearne's were a big Romany Gypsy family and Lucy worked as a flower-seller. Billy has three older sisters, Amy born in 1906, Eliza born in 1908 and Councilette born in 1911. Another sister Eunice, was born in 1915 and his younger brother Daniel, was born in 1917. Billy married Ivy Dorothy Harrup on the 15th January 1938 at Mitcham in South-West London. He had been living with his family at 94 Alexandra Gardens, Chiswick at the time.
On the 1939 Register, Billy and Ivy are back living with his parents, sisters Eliza and Eunice and brother Daniel, as well as his nephew Robert Dennis Taylor (my dad) and baby niece, Brenda (my aunt). They are now a little further west from Chiswick on a council estate on the borders of Brentford and Isleworth, at 17 Hawthorn Hatch. He is listed as a storekeeper at the Boot Polish Works and I'm guessing this must be the same Chiswick works where his father worked and his sister Eunice. I believe his wife Ivy, was in Queen Charlotte's Hospital in Marylebone, with their baby, Terry born around September.
I do hope some of this information will be useful to you. When I look at photos of Billy I see such a strong likeness to my sister and also to my cousin Simon, it's quite spooky, and a little sad too.
Pte. James Mitchell was a member of 8 Column on Operation Longcloth, under the command of Major Walter Purcell Scott of the King's Regiment. On the official missing in action listing for 8 Column, Billy is recorded as missing on the 1st May 1943, having not been seen since the battle at Okthaik village. This refers to a major engagement with the Japanese on the 30th April, as 8 Column were attempting to cross a fast flowing river called the Kaukkwe Chaung.
Major Scott gave a witness statement in relation to the incident at the Kaukkwe Chaung, where he mentions some of the men he lost during the ferocious battle with the Japanese. In a short report given on the 24th July 1943 he explained:
L/Cpl. 3779372 Frederick Nuttall
Pte. 1111673 James Mitchell
Pte. 5110034 Henry George Brooker
Pte. 4199350 Gwilym Davies
Pte. 3780130 Thomas James Hazeldine
The above mentioned men were with me during the battle at Okthaik, near the Kaukkwe Chaung on April 30th. After the battle was broken off, and forces were re-collected it was found that they were missing. No further information is available, as they have not been heard of since.
First hand witness reports for that day tell how the experienced NCO's from the column attempted to hold off the enemy while the other men got across the chaung, this unfortunately took quite a time due to the large amount of non-swimmers in the unit.
Below are some pages from the Column 8 War diary, recorded whilst on active duty in Burma during the early months of 1943. The diary explains what the Column was up to just prior to the engagement at the Kaukkwe Chaung. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
A number of books written about the first Chindit Operation have recounted the incident at the Kaukkwe Chaung.
From Wingate's Lost Brigade, written by Phil Chinnery:
The next day, 30th April, was a fateful day for 8 Column. They reached the Kaukkwe Chaung, halting a mile south-east of the village of Okthaik. The men began crossing on two rafts that had been constructed out of lifebelts. The Burma Riflemen were across first and Havildar Lan Val went into Okthaik and arranged for the headman to guide them on to Pumhpyu. The bridgehead expanded as more men crossed the river and a heavy thunderstorm began as the column started to form up.
Unknown to the drenched Chindits, a strong enemy force had crept up under cover of the storm and heavy firing suddenly broke out around them. CQMS Duncan Bett was one of the men who retired to the cover of the river bank:
"On reaching the river bank, which was very high and steep, I sank over my knees in the mud with the weight of my pack, which weighed about seventy pounds. I was forced to slip it off and it rolled down the bank and disappeared in the muddy water with all my newly acquired food and gear. I was left with what I stood up in, a rifle and a bandolier of .303 ammunition."
Company Sergeant Major Cheevers reported to Major Scott that he had knocked out two Japanese machine-gun positions on the west side of the perimeter and the RSM, William Livingstone, was ordered to lead the dispersal groups off in that direction, keeping to the lower banks of the chaung. While this was taking place the Japanese put in a bayonet charge from the south, but they were driven back by 17 Platoon's Bren gun.
Lieutenant Rowland was hit in the chest and was last seen crawling towards the river bank. As Major Scott collected up the stragglers in the area he came across Colour Sergeant Glasgow who had had his knee shattered. He refused all offers of help and asked Scott and others in the area to shoot him as he knew the Japanese would not bother to take him prisoner if he was unable to walk.
Scott told him to lie low until darkness but Glasgow told the Column Commander not to bother coming back for him as he intended finishing himself off. He was never seen again. At this point the Burma Rifles were seen in the chaung, trying to swim back to the far bank. Two Japanese then appeared on the top of the bank and began dropping grenades into the water. These two were shot by Sergeant Delaney before he joined the Major and the column melting away into the jungle.
The firing died away but flared up again fifteen minutes later from the direction Okthaik village where some of the scattered Chindits had made contact with the Japs again. In the meantime Major Scott and his party put 5 miles of jungle between themselves and the chaung and bivouacked for the night.
They discovered that out of the fifty-seven men in the party, only seven had kept their packs. The bulk of the supplies dropped to the column a day or two earlier had been lost during the fighting. Without the Burrifs (Burma Riflemen) it would be difficult obtaining food from the villages en-route, but one or two of the men knew a few words of Burmese which enabled them to buy rice and obtain guides to help them on their way.
As they neared the railway a group of twenty-one at the rear of the column lost contact and continued on their way alone, leaving Major Scott with thirty-five others. They finally crossed the railway at 0245 hours on 3rd May, not far from Kadu railway station where a train was unloading Japanese reinforcements. Nine days later on 12th May, they reached the Chindwin and crossed over. The missing party of twenty-one, led by Sergeants Puckett and Saxton, arrived ten days later and by early June the majority of the 100 men missing after the Okthaik battle reached the Chindwin.
From Wingate's Lost Brigade, written by Phil Chinnery:
The next day, 30th April, was a fateful day for 8 Column. They reached the Kaukkwe Chaung, halting a mile south-east of the village of Okthaik. The men began crossing on two rafts that had been constructed out of lifebelts. The Burma Riflemen were across first and Havildar Lan Val went into Okthaik and arranged for the headman to guide them on to Pumhpyu. The bridgehead expanded as more men crossed the river and a heavy thunderstorm began as the column started to form up.
Unknown to the drenched Chindits, a strong enemy force had crept up under cover of the storm and heavy firing suddenly broke out around them. CQMS Duncan Bett was one of the men who retired to the cover of the river bank:
"On reaching the river bank, which was very high and steep, I sank over my knees in the mud with the weight of my pack, which weighed about seventy pounds. I was forced to slip it off and it rolled down the bank and disappeared in the muddy water with all my newly acquired food and gear. I was left with what I stood up in, a rifle and a bandolier of .303 ammunition."
Company Sergeant Major Cheevers reported to Major Scott that he had knocked out two Japanese machine-gun positions on the west side of the perimeter and the RSM, William Livingstone, was ordered to lead the dispersal groups off in that direction, keeping to the lower banks of the chaung. While this was taking place the Japanese put in a bayonet charge from the south, but they were driven back by 17 Platoon's Bren gun.
Lieutenant Rowland was hit in the chest and was last seen crawling towards the river bank. As Major Scott collected up the stragglers in the area he came across Colour Sergeant Glasgow who had had his knee shattered. He refused all offers of help and asked Scott and others in the area to shoot him as he knew the Japanese would not bother to take him prisoner if he was unable to walk.
Scott told him to lie low until darkness but Glasgow told the Column Commander not to bother coming back for him as he intended finishing himself off. He was never seen again. At this point the Burma Rifles were seen in the chaung, trying to swim back to the far bank. Two Japanese then appeared on the top of the bank and began dropping grenades into the water. These two were shot by Sergeant Delaney before he joined the Major and the column melting away into the jungle.
The firing died away but flared up again fifteen minutes later from the direction Okthaik village where some of the scattered Chindits had made contact with the Japs again. In the meantime Major Scott and his party put 5 miles of jungle between themselves and the chaung and bivouacked for the night.
They discovered that out of the fifty-seven men in the party, only seven had kept their packs. The bulk of the supplies dropped to the column a day or two earlier had been lost during the fighting. Without the Burrifs (Burma Riflemen) it would be difficult obtaining food from the villages en-route, but one or two of the men knew a few words of Burmese which enabled them to buy rice and obtain guides to help them on their way.
As they neared the railway a group of twenty-one at the rear of the column lost contact and continued on their way alone, leaving Major Scott with thirty-five others. They finally crossed the railway at 0245 hours on 3rd May, not far from Kadu railway station where a train was unloading Japanese reinforcements. Nine days later on 12th May, they reached the Chindwin and crossed over. The missing party of twenty-one, led by Sergeants Puckett and Saxton, arrived ten days later and by early June the majority of the 100 men missing after the Okthaik battle reached the Chindwin.
Map showing the village of Okthaik and the Kaukkwe Chaung.
From Wilfred Burchett's book Wingate's Phantom Army, comes another description of the 30th April at the Kaukkwe Chaung:
Scott's men had continued all night arriving at the Kaukkwe Chaung, a fast flowing deep river, early next morning. This was an unexpected obstacle. They tried wading, but soon got out of their depth. The chaung was about 80 yards wide and they had left their rope and rubber dinghies at the Shweli. They started to inflate their lifebelts, lash them together and make rafts. With lengths of bamboo, top and bottom and a dozen lifebelts in between, they made rafts capable of taking half a dozen men and their packs.
Parachute cord was lashed together and when the swimmers in the party had crossed, they pulled the others over on the rafts. Patrols were sent out and reported no Japs, but just as the last man got across, firing broke out all round them. The river made a right angle bend at the point they had crossed, and the Japs were strung out in a semi-circle joining both arms of the right angle, and completely barring the way.
Most of Scott's men were still at the water's edge, collecting their packs, and they flattened themselves against the high bank as the Japs hurled hand-grenades at them. Fortunately most of the latter cleared their heads and exploded harmlessly in the water, causing casualties among the fish only.
Two Irish Sergeants, Cheevers and Delaney, had sections amongst the bridgeheads established in the jungle, and they began fighting back desperately. A subaltern alongside Cheevers dropped dead, and a Jap poked his head through the undergrowth to make sure of his kill. Cheevers stitched him to a tree with his Tommy-gun, shouting "Take that, ye black-hearted bastard."
Seven Japs rushed to drag back the body, and Cheevers swearing profusely cut four of them down; the rest ran back. Scott ordered the men to try and break through to the left, but the Japs were strongly entrenched there with heavy machine-guns, and there was no chance that way. The Japs formed up for a bayonet charge—as far as I know the only one during the whole of the Wingate expedition—to wipe out Delaney's section on the left flank. Delaney quickly shoved a Bren gun into position. The Japs rushed them, howling and screaming, but stopped after 5 yards as suddenly as if they had hit a brick wall when the Bren opened up. Those who survived yelled even louder as they turned tail and dashed for cover.
Scott tried edging round to the right flank, and found it was unguarded so word was passed back and the dispersal signal given. While Cheevers and Delaney held the Japs at bay, the rest at the water's edge hugged the bank and with their heads well down, worked around to the right. Scott found a company sergeant major wounded by the bank, and started to lift him on to his back, but the C.S.M. (Robert Glasgow) begged not to be moved.
"I'll be back for you with a stretcher after dark," whispered Scott, but the wounded man shook his head. "It's no guid sir. Ye'd not carry me a half mile in this country. Ma knee's shot right away and that's a fact. It's best to put a bullet in me right now and finish it."
Scott gave him some morphia and left to get the rest of the men away. Delaney who commanded one of the dispersal groups dropped down from the bank later, and tried to shift the wounded man, but was it impossible, and he fiercely ordered Delaney to leave him. "Man, 'tis your job tae get the lads away tae safety. As many as mebbe of them. There's nothing tae be done for me." He took out a compass and map, and gave Delaney exact instructions for the route to the rendezvous, and when he was still loathed to go, said : 'Delaney, I'm your superior officer. I order you tae march your men awa. But gie me anaether shot a that morphia before ye go."
Delaney stayed with him till nearly daylight, then picked up his other wounded and marched his 50 men away. The battle at Kaukkwe Chaung was the end of Scott's column as one unit. Their rendezvous existed on the map only, and none of the parties found it. Delaney took one party out to India, the regimental sergeant major, William Livingstone another, and Scott a third. Most of the men had lost their packs at the river. By the time they had divided up what was left, instead of 14 days' good rations, they only had 2 days' per man, and no possibility of further droppings.
Scott believed the Japs would soon be after them when the Kaukkwe battle was reported to headquarters, so they marched almost non-stop for the next few days. Over very mountainous country, marching night and day, through the jungle or along unused paths, carrying wounded with them, they covered 70 miles in 60 hours with a total of about 6 hours sleep.
For more information about 8 Column's journey both during and after the incident at Okthaik, please click on the two links below:
CSM JF. Wilson. Third story on the page.
Frank Lea and the Kaukkwe Chaung
Judging from his date of death, the 1st May 1943 and the witness statement given by Major Scott, it seems certain that Billy Mitchell lost his life during the fighting at the Kaukkwe Chaung. Sadly, after the war was over, the Army Graves Unit could not find the remains of any of the casualties lost during the battle on the 30th April. For this reason, all of these men are remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial located at Taukkyan War Cemetery on the northern outskirts of the capital city.
I would like to thank Ellen Stuart for all the information she has sent in regards to her great uncle and for the wonderful photographs, some of which feature in the gallery below. As always, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Scott's men had continued all night arriving at the Kaukkwe Chaung, a fast flowing deep river, early next morning. This was an unexpected obstacle. They tried wading, but soon got out of their depth. The chaung was about 80 yards wide and they had left their rope and rubber dinghies at the Shweli. They started to inflate their lifebelts, lash them together and make rafts. With lengths of bamboo, top and bottom and a dozen lifebelts in between, they made rafts capable of taking half a dozen men and their packs.
Parachute cord was lashed together and when the swimmers in the party had crossed, they pulled the others over on the rafts. Patrols were sent out and reported no Japs, but just as the last man got across, firing broke out all round them. The river made a right angle bend at the point they had crossed, and the Japs were strung out in a semi-circle joining both arms of the right angle, and completely barring the way.
Most of Scott's men were still at the water's edge, collecting their packs, and they flattened themselves against the high bank as the Japs hurled hand-grenades at them. Fortunately most of the latter cleared their heads and exploded harmlessly in the water, causing casualties among the fish only.
Two Irish Sergeants, Cheevers and Delaney, had sections amongst the bridgeheads established in the jungle, and they began fighting back desperately. A subaltern alongside Cheevers dropped dead, and a Jap poked his head through the undergrowth to make sure of his kill. Cheevers stitched him to a tree with his Tommy-gun, shouting "Take that, ye black-hearted bastard."
Seven Japs rushed to drag back the body, and Cheevers swearing profusely cut four of them down; the rest ran back. Scott ordered the men to try and break through to the left, but the Japs were strongly entrenched there with heavy machine-guns, and there was no chance that way. The Japs formed up for a bayonet charge—as far as I know the only one during the whole of the Wingate expedition—to wipe out Delaney's section on the left flank. Delaney quickly shoved a Bren gun into position. The Japs rushed them, howling and screaming, but stopped after 5 yards as suddenly as if they had hit a brick wall when the Bren opened up. Those who survived yelled even louder as they turned tail and dashed for cover.
Scott tried edging round to the right flank, and found it was unguarded so word was passed back and the dispersal signal given. While Cheevers and Delaney held the Japs at bay, the rest at the water's edge hugged the bank and with their heads well down, worked around to the right. Scott found a company sergeant major wounded by the bank, and started to lift him on to his back, but the C.S.M. (Robert Glasgow) begged not to be moved.
"I'll be back for you with a stretcher after dark," whispered Scott, but the wounded man shook his head. "It's no guid sir. Ye'd not carry me a half mile in this country. Ma knee's shot right away and that's a fact. It's best to put a bullet in me right now and finish it."
Scott gave him some morphia and left to get the rest of the men away. Delaney who commanded one of the dispersal groups dropped down from the bank later, and tried to shift the wounded man, but was it impossible, and he fiercely ordered Delaney to leave him. "Man, 'tis your job tae get the lads away tae safety. As many as mebbe of them. There's nothing tae be done for me." He took out a compass and map, and gave Delaney exact instructions for the route to the rendezvous, and when he was still loathed to go, said : 'Delaney, I'm your superior officer. I order you tae march your men awa. But gie me anaether shot a that morphia before ye go."
Delaney stayed with him till nearly daylight, then picked up his other wounded and marched his 50 men away. The battle at Kaukkwe Chaung was the end of Scott's column as one unit. Their rendezvous existed on the map only, and none of the parties found it. Delaney took one party out to India, the regimental sergeant major, William Livingstone another, and Scott a third. Most of the men had lost their packs at the river. By the time they had divided up what was left, instead of 14 days' good rations, they only had 2 days' per man, and no possibility of further droppings.
Scott believed the Japs would soon be after them when the Kaukkwe battle was reported to headquarters, so they marched almost non-stop for the next few days. Over very mountainous country, marching night and day, through the jungle or along unused paths, carrying wounded with them, they covered 70 miles in 60 hours with a total of about 6 hours sleep.
For more information about 8 Column's journey both during and after the incident at Okthaik, please click on the two links below:
CSM JF. Wilson. Third story on the page.
Frank Lea and the Kaukkwe Chaung
Judging from his date of death, the 1st May 1943 and the witness statement given by Major Scott, it seems certain that Billy Mitchell lost his life during the fighting at the Kaukkwe Chaung. Sadly, after the war was over, the Army Graves Unit could not find the remains of any of the casualties lost during the battle on the 30th April. For this reason, all of these men are remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial located at Taukkyan War Cemetery on the northern outskirts of the capital city.
I would like to thank Ellen Stuart for all the information she has sent in regards to her great uncle and for the wonderful photographs, some of which feature in the gallery below. As always, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
MONRO, DOUGLAS CRAIG LOWSON
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 1872541
Date of Death: 26/04/1943
Age: 24
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Grave 4.A.4. Delhi War Cemetery
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2177520/douglas-craig-lowson-monro/
Chindit Column: Not known.
Other details:
Douglas Monro was the son of George and Winifred Monro from Bombay in India. According to the war diary of 142 Commando, Douglas was posted across to 77 Brigade alongside Captain FW. Libby also of the Royal Engineers, on the 21st October 1942. Both men were taken on strength at the Chindit training camp at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India.
Sgt. Monro's story has always been steeped in mystery, with the general consensus being that he did take part on the first Wingate expedition in 1943 and that he was taken prisoner by the Japanese sometime in April that year. However, no documentation exists to confirm this fact and that his date of death (26 April 1943) and burial at Delhi War Cemetery make it unlikely that he was ever held at a long-term POW camp in Burma. It is possible that his grave or remains were found close to the Chindwin area of Burma in late April and were brought back across to Allied held territory and later buried at Delhi. It is possible that his parents being resident in India (Bombay) were able to facilitate this removal of his remains in 1943, in stark contrast to the families of other Chindit casualties living in the United Kingdom. It is unlikely that we will ever know the answer to this conundrum.
On the 26th June 2012, Douglas Monro's medal entitlement came up for sale at the Dix Noonan Webb auction house in London. The group hammered for just £160, but did turn up again at a later date on eBay. The Lot description at Dix Noonan Webb was as follows:
A Second World War, Prisoner of War Burma casualty group to Sergeant D.C.L. Monro, Royal Engineers, who having served in Palestine during the Arab Rebellion, went on to serve in Burma fighting the Japanese and was captured by them, dying whilst a prisoner on 26th April 1943.
Group of 5: General Service Medal 1918-62, 1 Clasp: Palestine; (1872541 SPR. D.C.L. MONRO. R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal. Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine.
Douglas Craig Lowson Monro served as a Sapper and later Sergeant (No.1872541) with the Royal Engineers. He served during the Arab Rebellion in Palestine during the late 1930's and during the Second World War was present on operations in Burma being taken prisoner of war by the Japanese. The Times newspaper for 9th July 1943 reported that he having been previously reported a prisoner of war, was now reported as having died whilst a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. Aged 24 at the time of his death on 26th April 1943, Monro was buried in Delhi War Cemetery, having presumably been reinterred there after the war. He was the son of George Lowson Monro and Winifred Maud Monro, of Bombay, India.
Douglas' family chose the following epitaph for his grave at Delhi War Cemetery:
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 1872541
Date of Death: 26/04/1943
Age: 24
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Grave 4.A.4. Delhi War Cemetery
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2177520/douglas-craig-lowson-monro/
Chindit Column: Not known.
Other details:
Douglas Monro was the son of George and Winifred Monro from Bombay in India. According to the war diary of 142 Commando, Douglas was posted across to 77 Brigade alongside Captain FW. Libby also of the Royal Engineers, on the 21st October 1942. Both men were taken on strength at the Chindit training camp at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India.
Sgt. Monro's story has always been steeped in mystery, with the general consensus being that he did take part on the first Wingate expedition in 1943 and that he was taken prisoner by the Japanese sometime in April that year. However, no documentation exists to confirm this fact and that his date of death (26 April 1943) and burial at Delhi War Cemetery make it unlikely that he was ever held at a long-term POW camp in Burma. It is possible that his grave or remains were found close to the Chindwin area of Burma in late April and were brought back across to Allied held territory and later buried at Delhi. It is possible that his parents being resident in India (Bombay) were able to facilitate this removal of his remains in 1943, in stark contrast to the families of other Chindit casualties living in the United Kingdom. It is unlikely that we will ever know the answer to this conundrum.
On the 26th June 2012, Douglas Monro's medal entitlement came up for sale at the Dix Noonan Webb auction house in London. The group hammered for just £160, but did turn up again at a later date on eBay. The Lot description at Dix Noonan Webb was as follows:
A Second World War, Prisoner of War Burma casualty group to Sergeant D.C.L. Monro, Royal Engineers, who having served in Palestine during the Arab Rebellion, went on to serve in Burma fighting the Japanese and was captured by them, dying whilst a prisoner on 26th April 1943.
Group of 5: General Service Medal 1918-62, 1 Clasp: Palestine; (1872541 SPR. D.C.L. MONRO. R.E.); 1939-45 Star; Burma Star; Defence Medal; War Medal. Condition: Nearly Extremely Fine.
Douglas Craig Lowson Monro served as a Sapper and later Sergeant (No.1872541) with the Royal Engineers. He served during the Arab Rebellion in Palestine during the late 1930's and during the Second World War was present on operations in Burma being taken prisoner of war by the Japanese. The Times newspaper for 9th July 1943 reported that he having been previously reported a prisoner of war, was now reported as having died whilst a prisoner of war in Japanese hands. Aged 24 at the time of his death on 26th April 1943, Monro was buried in Delhi War Cemetery, having presumably been reinterred there after the war. He was the son of George Lowson Monro and Winifred Maud Monro, of Bombay, India.
Douglas' family chose the following epitaph for his grave at Delhi War Cemetery:
And so he bringeth them unto the haven, where they would be. Rest in Peace.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of Douglas Monro's medal entitlement. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
MOOGAN, PHILIP JOSEPH
Rank: Private
Service No: 3779449
Date of Death: 13/031943
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2517988/moogan,-phillip-joseph/
Chindit Column: 2 Group Head Quarters
Other details:
Philip Moogan was born on the 1st May 1912 and was the son of John and Annie Moogan from Liverpool. According to the 1939 Register, Philip was one of seven children and living at home with his mother (father John Moogan having died in 1934) at 10 Lace Street, Liverpool and was working as a Book Clerk. He enlisted into the Army and was posted to the 13th King's Regiment early in the war and was one of the original members of the battalion that travelled overseas to India aboard the troopship Oronsay in December 1941.
Philip was allocated to the King's Head Quarters of what became known as 2 Group, or Northern Group on Operation Longcloth. This group comprised, the above mentioned Head Quarters, plus Chindit columns 4, 5, 7 and 8 and Wingate's own Brigade HQ. He worked within the HQ as the Brigade Clerk, travelling inside Burma alongside the senior King's officer, Colonel S.A. Cooke and the Brigade Intelligence Officer. 2 Group HQ moved in close proximity to No. 8 Column during the early weeks of Operation Longcloth and were involved during the early engagements with the Japanese at places such Pinlebu.
Sadly, Philip Moogan's time on the first Wingate expedition was very short-lived and he was killed in action on the 13th March 1943 at a place called Kyunbin. His commander, Colonel Cooke had been placed in charge of organising all of Northern Group's air supply drops during the expedition. On the 13th March, he had chosen the area around Kyunbin as the location of the next intended drop and was busy arranging the ground signals in readiness for the soon to be expected Dakota aircraft. Unfortunately, a large Japanese patrol had been alerted to the Chindits position and attacked the location with their mortars and light machine guns.
A witness report given after the operation was over stated that Pte. Moogan had been killed at Kyunbin, having been shot in the head by a Japanese machine gun during the supply drop and was unable to be picked up after the engagement. Two years later, a soldier called Tom Worthington, who had been taken prisoner on Operation Longcloth and had spent the remainder of the war inside Rangoon Jail, stated in a letter to the Army Investigation Bureau dated November 1945, that:
In regards to 3779449-Pte. P. Moogan
Phil Moogan was a clerk in B.H.Q. (Brigade Head Quarters). Hometown, Liverpool. Religion-Roman Catholic. Was said to have been killed whilst on a reconnaissance with a Sergeant and Captain Hastings, the Battalion Adjutant. This was a matter of two or three days before crossing the Irrawaddy going east.
Although the two statements differ considerably in content, both accounts do occupy the same time frame as the Brigade did cross the Irrawaddy around two to three days after the engagement at Kyunbin. However, in the official missing in action listings for the 13th King's on Operation Longcloth, Philip Moogan's entry does confirm he was last seen at the village of Kyunbin on the 13th March 1943.
After the war was over, no grave was ever found for Pte. Moogan and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial was built in honour of the 26,000 plus casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave and is the centre-piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon City.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a map of the area around the Burmese village of Kyunbin and Pte. Moogan's inscription upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3779449
Date of Death: 13/031943
Age: 30
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2517988/moogan,-phillip-joseph/
Chindit Column: 2 Group Head Quarters
Other details:
Philip Moogan was born on the 1st May 1912 and was the son of John and Annie Moogan from Liverpool. According to the 1939 Register, Philip was one of seven children and living at home with his mother (father John Moogan having died in 1934) at 10 Lace Street, Liverpool and was working as a Book Clerk. He enlisted into the Army and was posted to the 13th King's Regiment early in the war and was one of the original members of the battalion that travelled overseas to India aboard the troopship Oronsay in December 1941.
Philip was allocated to the King's Head Quarters of what became known as 2 Group, or Northern Group on Operation Longcloth. This group comprised, the above mentioned Head Quarters, plus Chindit columns 4, 5, 7 and 8 and Wingate's own Brigade HQ. He worked within the HQ as the Brigade Clerk, travelling inside Burma alongside the senior King's officer, Colonel S.A. Cooke and the Brigade Intelligence Officer. 2 Group HQ moved in close proximity to No. 8 Column during the early weeks of Operation Longcloth and were involved during the early engagements with the Japanese at places such Pinlebu.
Sadly, Philip Moogan's time on the first Wingate expedition was very short-lived and he was killed in action on the 13th March 1943 at a place called Kyunbin. His commander, Colonel Cooke had been placed in charge of organising all of Northern Group's air supply drops during the expedition. On the 13th March, he had chosen the area around Kyunbin as the location of the next intended drop and was busy arranging the ground signals in readiness for the soon to be expected Dakota aircraft. Unfortunately, a large Japanese patrol had been alerted to the Chindits position and attacked the location with their mortars and light machine guns.
A witness report given after the operation was over stated that Pte. Moogan had been killed at Kyunbin, having been shot in the head by a Japanese machine gun during the supply drop and was unable to be picked up after the engagement. Two years later, a soldier called Tom Worthington, who had been taken prisoner on Operation Longcloth and had spent the remainder of the war inside Rangoon Jail, stated in a letter to the Army Investigation Bureau dated November 1945, that:
In regards to 3779449-Pte. P. Moogan
Phil Moogan was a clerk in B.H.Q. (Brigade Head Quarters). Hometown, Liverpool. Religion-Roman Catholic. Was said to have been killed whilst on a reconnaissance with a Sergeant and Captain Hastings, the Battalion Adjutant. This was a matter of two or three days before crossing the Irrawaddy going east.
Although the two statements differ considerably in content, both accounts do occupy the same time frame as the Brigade did cross the Irrawaddy around two to three days after the engagement at Kyunbin. However, in the official missing in action listings for the 13th King's on Operation Longcloth, Philip Moogan's entry does confirm he was last seen at the village of Kyunbin on the 13th March 1943.
After the war was over, no grave was ever found for Pte. Moogan and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial at Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial was built in honour of the 26,000 plus casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave and is the centre-piece structure at Taukkyan War Cemetery located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon City.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a map of the area around the Burmese village of Kyunbin and Pte. Moogan's inscription upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Lawrence Mooney.
MOONEY, LAWRENCE
Rank: Private
Service No: 3657218
Date of Death: 17/10/1943
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Grave Reference 9. B. 9. Rangoon War Cemetery.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260935/MOONEY,%20LAWRENCE
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. Lawrence "Lol" Mooney was born on the 29th January 1917 in Salford, Manchester. He was the son of Helen Mooney who lived in Goodwin Street, Pendleton, Manchester. He attended St. James's the local Roman Catholic School in Pendleton. Lawrence was part of a large family and had many siblings, his mother, Helen, often found it difficult to make ends meet during those tough times between the two wars. However, this did not seem to prevent any of her boys from growing tall and strong, with all of them reaching 6 feet plus by the time they went to work.
Lawrence, according to his Army Service records was 6 feet and 2 inches tall, with dark hair and blue eyes. He worked as a 'presser', presumably in one of the many launderette businesses in the Pendleton area. Two of his brothers, Albert and Joseph William were also over 6 feet tall and served with the Coldstream and Irish Guards respectively during WW2.
Pte. Mooney enlisted into the South Lancashire Regiment on the 15th February 1940 and was posted to the 1st Battalion in early June. He was eventually transferred to the King's Regiment on the 12th August 1942, joining the 13th Battalion at their jungle training camp in the Central Provinces of India. According to the War diary of the 13th King's, the draft of reinforcements which included the men from the South Lancashire's actually arrived at Saugor on the last day of July 1942.
Lawrence Mooney was a member of Column 8 on Operation Longcloth under the overall command of Major Walter Purcell Scott and was part of Captain Raymond Williams Platoon 18, Williams was the second officer in Column 8. This platoon had successfully crossed the Shweli River on 1st April 1943, but had then become separated from the rest of the column after a unfortunate incident when the boats they were using to cross the river were swept away.
Williams decided reluctantly to march his group away from the banks of the Shweli and in to the surrounding scrub jungle and to try and reach India under their own steam. Nothing more is really known until 18th April, when the group attempted to form a bridgehead over the Irrawaddy River at a place called Zinbon. The crossing was compromised and most of the party came under fire, from this point on Lawrence Mooney was not seen again until he turned up at Rangoon Jail. For more information about Captain Williams and his platoon, please follow the link below:
Captain Williams and Platoon 18
Lawrence was captured on or shortly after the 23rd April 1943. He was taken to Rangoon Jail and given the POW number 440. Pte. Mooney died in Block 6 of the prison on 17th October 1943 and was buried in the English Cantonment Cemetery, near the Royal Lakes in the eastern part of the city. There are no details available in regard to his demise and there is no POW index card to his name at the National Archives.
Lawrence's POW details have been somewhat confused with another man's, Pte. Frederick Ruffel of the 1st Battalion the Berkshire Regiment, Frederick was also a POW in Rangoon Jail. Pte. Ruffel is listed amongst those men who sadly perished in Block 6 of the jail, but against his name on these lists are Pte. Mooney's Army Service and POW numbers. It seems likely to me that the two men were incorrectly identified after their respective deaths and the mix up with their particulars has remained undiscovered until now.
After the war was over, all the graves from the Cantonment Cemetery were moved to the newly built Rangoon War Cemetery. Lawrence was given the grave reference of 9.B.9 at Rangoon War Cemetery, his grave is nominated 'Special Memorial C' which is a reference given to a number of the men exhumed from the English Cantonment Cemetery including my grandfather. This simply signifies that the remains of these men could not be separately identified and they are commemorated in one section, as lying near their grave plaques, but not necessarily under them.
I have been exceedingly fortunate to have been contacted by two members of the wider Mooney family. In February 2014 I received an email contact via my website from Nicholas Mooney, a great nephew of Lawrence and he has provided me with some of the family information recalled in the above story.
In March 2010, whilst reading an old issue of the Burma Star magazine, Dekho, I stumbled across a post from a nephew of Lawrence Mooney, asking for help and information regarding his uncle and his time in Burma. Although the post was from 2004 my subsequent letter did manage to reach Mr. Jim Brennan and we exchanged information and details about Lawrence. Jim had been busy researching his uncle for around 8 years and had contacted the King's Regimental Centre, the Chindit Old Comrades Associaiton, Fepow and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, all in an attempt to find out more. It is due to Jim's dedicated work that I can present the photographs and other documents seen below.
At the end of one of Jim's letters he poignantly remarked that "of all the Mooney men who had gone to war in 1940, only his poor Uncle 'Lol' had failed to return home."
Seen below are images that relate to the heart-rending story of Pte. Lawrence Mooney, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page, or the side arrows to move to the next photograph. I would like to thank both Nicholas and Jim for all their help in bringing Lawrence Mooney's story to these website pages.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3657218
Date of Death: 17/10/1943
Age: 26
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Grave Reference 9. B. 9. Rangoon War Cemetery.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260935/MOONEY,%20LAWRENCE
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. Lawrence "Lol" Mooney was born on the 29th January 1917 in Salford, Manchester. He was the son of Helen Mooney who lived in Goodwin Street, Pendleton, Manchester. He attended St. James's the local Roman Catholic School in Pendleton. Lawrence was part of a large family and had many siblings, his mother, Helen, often found it difficult to make ends meet during those tough times between the two wars. However, this did not seem to prevent any of her boys from growing tall and strong, with all of them reaching 6 feet plus by the time they went to work.
Lawrence, according to his Army Service records was 6 feet and 2 inches tall, with dark hair and blue eyes. He worked as a 'presser', presumably in one of the many launderette businesses in the Pendleton area. Two of his brothers, Albert and Joseph William were also over 6 feet tall and served with the Coldstream and Irish Guards respectively during WW2.
Pte. Mooney enlisted into the South Lancashire Regiment on the 15th February 1940 and was posted to the 1st Battalion in early June. He was eventually transferred to the King's Regiment on the 12th August 1942, joining the 13th Battalion at their jungle training camp in the Central Provinces of India. According to the War diary of the 13th King's, the draft of reinforcements which included the men from the South Lancashire's actually arrived at Saugor on the last day of July 1942.
Lawrence Mooney was a member of Column 8 on Operation Longcloth under the overall command of Major Walter Purcell Scott and was part of Captain Raymond Williams Platoon 18, Williams was the second officer in Column 8. This platoon had successfully crossed the Shweli River on 1st April 1943, but had then become separated from the rest of the column after a unfortunate incident when the boats they were using to cross the river were swept away.
Williams decided reluctantly to march his group away from the banks of the Shweli and in to the surrounding scrub jungle and to try and reach India under their own steam. Nothing more is really known until 18th April, when the group attempted to form a bridgehead over the Irrawaddy River at a place called Zinbon. The crossing was compromised and most of the party came under fire, from this point on Lawrence Mooney was not seen again until he turned up at Rangoon Jail. For more information about Captain Williams and his platoon, please follow the link below:
Captain Williams and Platoon 18
Lawrence was captured on or shortly after the 23rd April 1943. He was taken to Rangoon Jail and given the POW number 440. Pte. Mooney died in Block 6 of the prison on 17th October 1943 and was buried in the English Cantonment Cemetery, near the Royal Lakes in the eastern part of the city. There are no details available in regard to his demise and there is no POW index card to his name at the National Archives.
Lawrence's POW details have been somewhat confused with another man's, Pte. Frederick Ruffel of the 1st Battalion the Berkshire Regiment, Frederick was also a POW in Rangoon Jail. Pte. Ruffel is listed amongst those men who sadly perished in Block 6 of the jail, but against his name on these lists are Pte. Mooney's Army Service and POW numbers. It seems likely to me that the two men were incorrectly identified after their respective deaths and the mix up with their particulars has remained undiscovered until now.
After the war was over, all the graves from the Cantonment Cemetery were moved to the newly built Rangoon War Cemetery. Lawrence was given the grave reference of 9.B.9 at Rangoon War Cemetery, his grave is nominated 'Special Memorial C' which is a reference given to a number of the men exhumed from the English Cantonment Cemetery including my grandfather. This simply signifies that the remains of these men could not be separately identified and they are commemorated in one section, as lying near their grave plaques, but not necessarily under them.
I have been exceedingly fortunate to have been contacted by two members of the wider Mooney family. In February 2014 I received an email contact via my website from Nicholas Mooney, a great nephew of Lawrence and he has provided me with some of the family information recalled in the above story.
In March 2010, whilst reading an old issue of the Burma Star magazine, Dekho, I stumbled across a post from a nephew of Lawrence Mooney, asking for help and information regarding his uncle and his time in Burma. Although the post was from 2004 my subsequent letter did manage to reach Mr. Jim Brennan and we exchanged information and details about Lawrence. Jim had been busy researching his uncle for around 8 years and had contacted the King's Regimental Centre, the Chindit Old Comrades Associaiton, Fepow and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, all in an attempt to find out more. It is due to Jim's dedicated work that I can present the photographs and other documents seen below.
At the end of one of Jim's letters he poignantly remarked that "of all the Mooney men who had gone to war in 1940, only his poor Uncle 'Lol' had failed to return home."
Seen below are images that relate to the heart-rending story of Pte. Lawrence Mooney, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page, or the side arrows to move to the next photograph. I would like to thank both Nicholas and Jim for all their help in bringing Lawrence Mooney's story to these website pages.
The Colne Times, June 17th 1943.
MOORE, J.
Rank: Lance Sergeant
Service No. Unknown
Chindit Column: 7
Other details: From the newspaper, The Colne Times, dated 17th June 1943, and under the headline, With the Burma Expedition:
A photograph in a recent issue of a national newspaper, showing Brigadier Orde Wingate, the leader of the famous Chindit expedition, which penetrated more than 200 miles behind Japanese lines in northern Burma, has reminded the Town Clerk of Colne, Mr. L.A. Venables of a letter received from the wife of a Colne (Lancashire) soldier, who was with this expedition. He is Lance-Sergeant J. Moore, whose wife lives at 26 Windsor Street and Mr. Venables has forwarded her letter to me, and it is certainly very interesting:
My husband has asked me to convey to you and the Colne Comforts Fund, his sincere thanks for the gift of 10 shillings, which he had received whilst serving in India. The addressed card was lost with all his possessions during the recent operation that he has taken part in. He was a member of Wingate’s expedition into Burma. I don’t know whether any other Colne men took part in this or not, but I thought you might be interested in his experiences.
In his letter, the first I have had since February, he says: The last mail I received was some time in March, and was dropped by plane to us in the heart of the jungle. Among this mail was a letter and 10 shillings from the Colne Comforts Fund. Of course I was unable to reply at the time and the enclosed card was lost with all my other things, but I am grateful nonetheless for the money. This will be useful to me when I get a few weeks leave after I come out of hospital.
I have had many experiences, having covered nearly 2000 miles and at times climbed mountains which were 11000 and 12000 feet high. When I came out of it, all I had were the clothes I stood up in and these were given to me by the Chinese. I must have cut a pretty figure in them too, as they were intended for a much smaller man than I. The trousers were at half-mast and the shirt was a queer fit, but they were a Godsend.
It was grand to get into clean clothes, as my own were just lousy. My footwear was a pair of sandals made from a rubber tyre. They (Chinese) treated us very well indeed. The most enjoyable part was the aeroplane trip back from ……(Yunnan). Here the word is cut out of his letter, but I think it would be in China, as one party (7 Column) had to go that way. I hope you don’t mind my writing to you, but he wanted you to know that he had received your gift and to thank you for it.
It is probable that of all the many thousands of letters sent out from the office of the Colne Mayor’s Fund, none was delivered in such an unusual and one might say, romantic circumstances, as that which dropped from the skies to link up Lance-Sergeant Moore’s home town with the Burmese jungle.
Rank: Lance Sergeant
Service No. Unknown
Chindit Column: 7
Other details: From the newspaper, The Colne Times, dated 17th June 1943, and under the headline, With the Burma Expedition:
A photograph in a recent issue of a national newspaper, showing Brigadier Orde Wingate, the leader of the famous Chindit expedition, which penetrated more than 200 miles behind Japanese lines in northern Burma, has reminded the Town Clerk of Colne, Mr. L.A. Venables of a letter received from the wife of a Colne (Lancashire) soldier, who was with this expedition. He is Lance-Sergeant J. Moore, whose wife lives at 26 Windsor Street and Mr. Venables has forwarded her letter to me, and it is certainly very interesting:
My husband has asked me to convey to you and the Colne Comforts Fund, his sincere thanks for the gift of 10 shillings, which he had received whilst serving in India. The addressed card was lost with all his possessions during the recent operation that he has taken part in. He was a member of Wingate’s expedition into Burma. I don’t know whether any other Colne men took part in this or not, but I thought you might be interested in his experiences.
In his letter, the first I have had since February, he says: The last mail I received was some time in March, and was dropped by plane to us in the heart of the jungle. Among this mail was a letter and 10 shillings from the Colne Comforts Fund. Of course I was unable to reply at the time and the enclosed card was lost with all my other things, but I am grateful nonetheless for the money. This will be useful to me when I get a few weeks leave after I come out of hospital.
I have had many experiences, having covered nearly 2000 miles and at times climbed mountains which were 11000 and 12000 feet high. When I came out of it, all I had were the clothes I stood up in and these were given to me by the Chinese. I must have cut a pretty figure in them too, as they were intended for a much smaller man than I. The trousers were at half-mast and the shirt was a queer fit, but they were a Godsend.
It was grand to get into clean clothes, as my own were just lousy. My footwear was a pair of sandals made from a rubber tyre. They (Chinese) treated us very well indeed. The most enjoyable part was the aeroplane trip back from ……(Yunnan). Here the word is cut out of his letter, but I think it would be in China, as one party (7 Column) had to go that way. I hope you don’t mind my writing to you, but he wanted you to know that he had received your gift and to thank you for it.
It is probable that of all the many thousands of letters sent out from the office of the Colne Mayor’s Fund, none was delivered in such an unusual and one might say, romantic circumstances, as that which dropped from the skies to link up Lance-Sergeant Moore’s home town with the Burmese jungle.
Pte. Moore's grave plaque at Rangoon War Cemetery.
MOORE, TOM GEORGE
Rank: Private
Service No: 5629590
Date of Death: 17/06/1943
Age: 35
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery, grave reference 9. B. 10.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260937/MOORE,%20TOM%20GEORGE
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. Tom Moore, known to his family as 'George' was the son of Sidney and Elizabeth Moore from Paddington in north west London. He was married to Madeline Lucy Moore of 133 Kilburn Park Road, London N.W.6. According to his CWGC details, Tom Moore died on the 17th June 1943, this is in fact incorrect, as he actually died two days later on the 19th.
My own grandfather has exactly the same date of death recorded by the CWGC, but he too perished two days later on the 19th of June. Both men came from north west London and yet were posted to the 9th Devonshire Regiment upon their enlistment into the British Army in late 1940. Both men travelled to India in the same small draft of Devonshire's and although they were to serve in different Chindit Columns, both ended up as prisoners of war in 1943.
To read more about the men from the Devonshire Regiment and their Chindit experiences, please click on the following link:
The Devonshire's Journey
I have often wondered if Tom Moore and my grandfather were friends? It always seemed likely to me judging by their almost identical pathways in WW2 and their time together in India and Burma. As mentioned earlier, they were parted and placed into different columns after arriving at the Chindit training camp at Saugor on the 26th September 1942.
Pte. Moore was posted to Column 8 under the overall command of Major Walter Purcell Scott. Once inside Burma this column shadowed Wingate's own Head Quarters Brigade for the vast majority of the expedition, performing several ambushes and assaults on various Japanese garrisons and positions. Many of these actions, Pinlebu for example, have already been described in the pages of this website. Please use the search panel in the top right corner of the page to read more about Column 8 and the unit's adventures during Operation Longcloth.
Tom Moore went missing from Column 8 on the 29th April 1943, (see the missing in action list below). The column were approaching the Burmese village of Okthaik at this time, after struggling over the Shweli and Irrawaddy Rivers during the preceding two weeks. The men were in a state of exhaustion and some were suffering from diseases such as malaria and dysentery.
It is impossible to say exactly how Tom might have become separated from his unit, but many soldiers were dropping out of the line of march by this stage and were simply never able to re-join their comrades. The day after Pte. Moore was reported missing, Column 8 were ambushed by a Japanese patrol at the fast flowing Kaukkwe Chaung. The column suffered many casualties that day as the men scrambled to cross the turbulent waters of the river.
As mentioned earlier, Tom was to fall in to Japanese hands after losing contact with Column 8 in late April and ended up a prisoner of war in Block 6 of Rangoon Jail. Sadly, this is where he died. He was originally buried, along with most of the Chindit casualties from the jail, at the English Cantonment Cemetery, located near the Royal Lakes in the north east sector of the city. According to his prisoner of war records, Tom's cause of death was a combination of the disease beri beri and malnutrition. His POW number in Rangoon Jail was 466.
After the war the Imperial War Graves Commission moved all the men buried at the Cantonment Cemetery over to the newly constructed Rangoon War Cemetery. Tom's remains, along with many other Chindit casualties could not be accurately identified after exhumation and so these men have the inscription 'Buried near this spot' written upon their commemorative plaques at Rangoon War Cemetery.
Tom Moore had made an Army Will before he went in to Burma and had left all his belongings and monies to his wife Madeline. His will was witnessed by another man originally from the 9th Devon's, Company Sergeant-Major W. Brown.
Seen below are some images illustrating the story of Pte. Tom Moore, known simply to his friends and family as 'George'. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 5629590
Date of Death: 17/06/1943
Age: 35
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery, grave reference 9. B. 10.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260937/MOORE,%20TOM%20GEORGE
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. Tom Moore, known to his family as 'George' was the son of Sidney and Elizabeth Moore from Paddington in north west London. He was married to Madeline Lucy Moore of 133 Kilburn Park Road, London N.W.6. According to his CWGC details, Tom Moore died on the 17th June 1943, this is in fact incorrect, as he actually died two days later on the 19th.
My own grandfather has exactly the same date of death recorded by the CWGC, but he too perished two days later on the 19th of June. Both men came from north west London and yet were posted to the 9th Devonshire Regiment upon their enlistment into the British Army in late 1940. Both men travelled to India in the same small draft of Devonshire's and although they were to serve in different Chindit Columns, both ended up as prisoners of war in 1943.
To read more about the men from the Devonshire Regiment and their Chindit experiences, please click on the following link:
The Devonshire's Journey
I have often wondered if Tom Moore and my grandfather were friends? It always seemed likely to me judging by their almost identical pathways in WW2 and their time together in India and Burma. As mentioned earlier, they were parted and placed into different columns after arriving at the Chindit training camp at Saugor on the 26th September 1942.
Pte. Moore was posted to Column 8 under the overall command of Major Walter Purcell Scott. Once inside Burma this column shadowed Wingate's own Head Quarters Brigade for the vast majority of the expedition, performing several ambushes and assaults on various Japanese garrisons and positions. Many of these actions, Pinlebu for example, have already been described in the pages of this website. Please use the search panel in the top right corner of the page to read more about Column 8 and the unit's adventures during Operation Longcloth.
Tom Moore went missing from Column 8 on the 29th April 1943, (see the missing in action list below). The column were approaching the Burmese village of Okthaik at this time, after struggling over the Shweli and Irrawaddy Rivers during the preceding two weeks. The men were in a state of exhaustion and some were suffering from diseases such as malaria and dysentery.
It is impossible to say exactly how Tom might have become separated from his unit, but many soldiers were dropping out of the line of march by this stage and were simply never able to re-join their comrades. The day after Pte. Moore was reported missing, Column 8 were ambushed by a Japanese patrol at the fast flowing Kaukkwe Chaung. The column suffered many casualties that day as the men scrambled to cross the turbulent waters of the river.
As mentioned earlier, Tom was to fall in to Japanese hands after losing contact with Column 8 in late April and ended up a prisoner of war in Block 6 of Rangoon Jail. Sadly, this is where he died. He was originally buried, along with most of the Chindit casualties from the jail, at the English Cantonment Cemetery, located near the Royal Lakes in the north east sector of the city. According to his prisoner of war records, Tom's cause of death was a combination of the disease beri beri and malnutrition. His POW number in Rangoon Jail was 466.
After the war the Imperial War Graves Commission moved all the men buried at the Cantonment Cemetery over to the newly constructed Rangoon War Cemetery. Tom's remains, along with many other Chindit casualties could not be accurately identified after exhumation and so these men have the inscription 'Buried near this spot' written upon their commemorative plaques at Rangoon War Cemetery.
Tom Moore had made an Army Will before he went in to Burma and had left all his belongings and monies to his wife Madeline. His will was witnessed by another man originally from the 9th Devon's, Company Sergeant-Major W. Brown.
Seen below are some images illustrating the story of Pte. Tom Moore, known simply to his friends and family as 'George'. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Cap badge of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.
MORGAN, LIONEL FRANCIS
Rank: Private
Service No: 4192462
Age: 24
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 6
Other details:
Lionel Francis Morgan was born on the 8th February 1919 and was the son of Gwladys Morgan from Glamorgan in South Wales. He began his WW2 service with the Royal Welch Fusiliers before transferring to the 13th King's in India on the 30th September 1942. Lionel was originally allocated to No. 6 Column at the Chindit training centre in Saugor. This unit was commanded by Major Gilmour Menzies-Anderson during training, but due to misfortune and sickness the column was disbanded in December 1942 and the remaining fit personnel distributed amongst the other King's columns.
Sadly, nothing much is known about Pte. Morgan's time in Burma on Operation Longcloth, not even which one of the other King's columns he joined after No. 6 Column was disbanded. According to the official missing lists for the first Wingate expedition, Lionel Morgan was reported missing on the 10th July 1943. We now know this to be a generic date given to all those men lost to their units in 1943, but who have no other information against their name in the form of eye-witness statements in relation to their fate or last known whereabouts.
However, from POW records held at the British National Archives we do know that Lionel Morgan was captured by the Japanese on the 11th May 1943 and spent just under two years as a prisoner of war in Block 6 of Rangoon Jail. He was one of the few Other Ranks from the first Wingate expedition to survive his time as a prisoner of war. At the jail Lionel was given the POW number, 375 and he would have to answer to the Japanese guards with this number at every morning and evening roll call.
All prisoners at Rangoon were sent out on working parties, often serving as slave labour at the city docks, loading and unloading cargo from Japanese ships. Lionel Morgan was part of a group of 400 prisoners from Rangoon Jail that were liberated by Allied troops on the 29th April 1945. This group had been taken out of the prison by the Japanese guards and were heading for the Burma/Thailand border, when they were unexpectedly released by their captors on the Pegu Road close to a village called Waw. To read more about the Chindit POW experience please click on the following link: Chindit POW's
Seen below are two images in relation to Lionel Morgan. Firstly, his POW index card confirming his next of kin details, date of birth and POW number, the other document is the only piece of paperwork in relation to Lionel's missing status on Operation Longcloth. Please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 4192462
Age: 24
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 6
Other details:
Lionel Francis Morgan was born on the 8th February 1919 and was the son of Gwladys Morgan from Glamorgan in South Wales. He began his WW2 service with the Royal Welch Fusiliers before transferring to the 13th King's in India on the 30th September 1942. Lionel was originally allocated to No. 6 Column at the Chindit training centre in Saugor. This unit was commanded by Major Gilmour Menzies-Anderson during training, but due to misfortune and sickness the column was disbanded in December 1942 and the remaining fit personnel distributed amongst the other King's columns.
Sadly, nothing much is known about Pte. Morgan's time in Burma on Operation Longcloth, not even which one of the other King's columns he joined after No. 6 Column was disbanded. According to the official missing lists for the first Wingate expedition, Lionel Morgan was reported missing on the 10th July 1943. We now know this to be a generic date given to all those men lost to their units in 1943, but who have no other information against their name in the form of eye-witness statements in relation to their fate or last known whereabouts.
However, from POW records held at the British National Archives we do know that Lionel Morgan was captured by the Japanese on the 11th May 1943 and spent just under two years as a prisoner of war in Block 6 of Rangoon Jail. He was one of the few Other Ranks from the first Wingate expedition to survive his time as a prisoner of war. At the jail Lionel was given the POW number, 375 and he would have to answer to the Japanese guards with this number at every morning and evening roll call.
All prisoners at Rangoon were sent out on working parties, often serving as slave labour at the city docks, loading and unloading cargo from Japanese ships. Lionel Morgan was part of a group of 400 prisoners from Rangoon Jail that were liberated by Allied troops on the 29th April 1945. This group had been taken out of the prison by the Japanese guards and were heading for the Burma/Thailand border, when they were unexpectedly released by their captors on the Pegu Road close to a village called Waw. To read more about the Chindit POW experience please click on the following link: Chindit POW's
Seen below are two images in relation to Lionel Morgan. Firstly, his POW index card confirming his next of kin details, date of birth and POW number, the other document is the only piece of paperwork in relation to Lionel's missing status on Operation Longcloth. Please click on either image to bring it forward on the page.
Cap badge of the RAF.
MORRIS, GEORGE
Rank: Sergeant/Wireless Operator Mechanic.
Service No: Unknown
Regiment/Service: RAF attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 3
Other details:
George Morris was the RAF Wireless Operator for 3 Column on Operation Longcloth, working under the command of Flight-Lieutenant Robert Thompson, the columns Air Liaison officer. In his book, Make for the Hills, Thompson describes Sgt. Morris as:
A quiet and stolid countryman who never complained and got on with the job. Because our column had to be mobile and self-supporting, mules were required to carry our wireless sets, batteries and charging engines. Our largest mule, reportedly from Missouri in the United States, we named Yankee and he carried the wireless set. Sgt. Morris and I were allocated to No. 3 Column under Mike Calvert; this was a Gurkha unit and Morris and I were kindly given a Gurkha Orderly, whose sole job it seemed, was simply to produce hot sweet tea.
Both Thompson and Morris had previously been chosen to take part in a pre-operational reconnaissance of the area around the Chindwin River in January 1943. It would have been George Morris' job to set up his wireless equipment in the jungle and make contact with rear base, sending back messages and most importantly of all, information for the preparation of supply drops to the awaiting Chindits. From the pages of the book, Wingate's Raiders, by Charles J. Rolo:
When they got back from their days reconnaissance, Colonel Wheeler's party found Thompson's RAF Sergeant, George Morris (a brick-layer in civilian life) had mounted his wireless set on a teak log, stringing the aerial to the top of a tree and was already in contact with base. Thompson then put through a message describing the exact location of the dropping site. Wheeler then loaded up his mules and pushed on eastward for further reconnaissance, while Thompson and his small unit marched directly to the area selected for the supply-dropping.
Rank: Sergeant/Wireless Operator Mechanic.
Service No: Unknown
Regiment/Service: RAF attached The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 3
Other details:
George Morris was the RAF Wireless Operator for 3 Column on Operation Longcloth, working under the command of Flight-Lieutenant Robert Thompson, the columns Air Liaison officer. In his book, Make for the Hills, Thompson describes Sgt. Morris as:
A quiet and stolid countryman who never complained and got on with the job. Because our column had to be mobile and self-supporting, mules were required to carry our wireless sets, batteries and charging engines. Our largest mule, reportedly from Missouri in the United States, we named Yankee and he carried the wireless set. Sgt. Morris and I were allocated to No. 3 Column under Mike Calvert; this was a Gurkha unit and Morris and I were kindly given a Gurkha Orderly, whose sole job it seemed, was simply to produce hot sweet tea.
Both Thompson and Morris had previously been chosen to take part in a pre-operational reconnaissance of the area around the Chindwin River in January 1943. It would have been George Morris' job to set up his wireless equipment in the jungle and make contact with rear base, sending back messages and most importantly of all, information for the preparation of supply drops to the awaiting Chindits. From the pages of the book, Wingate's Raiders, by Charles J. Rolo:
When they got back from their days reconnaissance, Colonel Wheeler's party found Thompson's RAF Sergeant, George Morris (a brick-layer in civilian life) had mounted his wireless set on a teak log, stringing the aerial to the top of a tree and was already in contact with base. Thompson then put through a message describing the exact location of the dropping site. Wheeler then loaded up his mules and pushed on eastward for further reconnaissance, while Thompson and his small unit marched directly to the area selected for the supply-dropping.
A RAF Wireless Operator sets up his equipment in the Burmese jungle.
On Operation Longcloth, 3 Column's demolition squad were tasked with attacking the Mandalay-Myitknina railway line at a place called Nankan. Sgt. Morris would have been a vital component during this time, liaising with both rear base and the other Chindit columns, including Wingate's Brigade HQ. Once dispersal was called in late March 1943, Flight-Lieutenant Thompson successfully led his own party of around thirty men back to the Chindwin River and the safety of Allied held territory. Thompson's was the first group back on the 14th April and included not just George Morris and the other men from the columns wireless section, but Yankee the mule too.
Although Robert Thompson certainly took part in the second Chindit expedition in 1944, once again joining up with Brigadier Mike Calvert in 77th Brigade, it is unclear whether Sgt. Morris served alongside him on Operation Thursday.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short Chindit story, including some documents from Robert Thompson's debrief report for Operation Longcloth. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Although Robert Thompson certainly took part in the second Chindit expedition in 1944, once again joining up with Brigadier Mike Calvert in 77th Brigade, it is unclear whether Sgt. Morris served alongside him on Operation Thursday.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this short Chindit story, including some documents from Robert Thompson's debrief report for Operation Longcloth. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Pte. Robert Newton.
NEWTON, ROBERT
Rank: Private
Service No: 4199398
Date of Death: Between 1st and 30th June 1943
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520194/newton,-robert/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Robert Newton was the son of Richard and Alice Newton from Cefn in Denbighshire a county of North Wales. He was originally enlisted into the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's in late September 1942. After being placed into No. 7 Column under the command of Major Kenneth Gilkes, Robert completed his jungle training at the Saugor Camp located in the Central Provinces of India. Very little is known about his time and sad demise in Burma during the first Wingate expedition. From the information given on the CWGC website in regards to his death (sometime between the 1st and 30th June 1943), it would seem likely that Robert was held as a prisoner of war for a period, as these dates match up with a group of men held at the Maymyo Concentration Camp that year.
The only documentation on which Robert appears, from the files for the 13th King's on Operation Longcloth, is a witness statement given by the Adjutant for No. 7 Column in 1943:
Statement of evidence 24th of July 1943.
Witness. 138760 Capt. L.R. Cottrell.
"I was Staff Officer of number seven Column, during Brigadier Wingate's Burma expedition. On April 10th 1943, the Column Commander decided for various tactical and administrative reasons to split his column. This was midway between the Mongmit and the Myitson Road.
Lieutenant Walker was ordered to take charge of a party which consisted of three other officers and 25 British Other Ranks (listing below). His orders were to march approximately westward re-cross the Irrawaddy and return to Assam by the most direct route. The British Other Ranks were not considered by the Column Commander or by the Medical Officer as physically capable of marching the long way out via China, as the main body intended to do.
They were all equipped with arms and ammunition and had two days hard scale rations each, the officers had maps and compasses. An Air Supply drop was arranged for them just west of the Irrawaddy, but, the party failed to make the rendezvous and the aircraft concerned did not locate them. The Japanese were fairly active in this area. Nothing has been heard of any of these Officers or men since."
Signed Leslie Cottrell, Captain 13th KLR.
Counter-signed H. Cotton, Captain 13 KLR.
For more details about the dispersal group led by Lieutenant Rex Walker, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Pte. Newton was officially recorded as missing in action as of the 10th April 1943, his remains or grave location were never discovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial, located in Taukkyan War Cemetery on the northern outskirts of the capital city. He is also remembered in his home town, upon the Cefn Mawr War Memorial.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to the first part of this short narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 4199398
Date of Death: Between 1st and 30th June 1943
Age: 23
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520194/newton,-robert/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Robert Newton was the son of Richard and Alice Newton from Cefn in Denbighshire a county of North Wales. He was originally enlisted into the Royal Welch Fusiliers Regiment, before being transferred to the 13th King's in late September 1942. After being placed into No. 7 Column under the command of Major Kenneth Gilkes, Robert completed his jungle training at the Saugor Camp located in the Central Provinces of India. Very little is known about his time and sad demise in Burma during the first Wingate expedition. From the information given on the CWGC website in regards to his death (sometime between the 1st and 30th June 1943), it would seem likely that Robert was held as a prisoner of war for a period, as these dates match up with a group of men held at the Maymyo Concentration Camp that year.
The only documentation on which Robert appears, from the files for the 13th King's on Operation Longcloth, is a witness statement given by the Adjutant for No. 7 Column in 1943:
Statement of evidence 24th of July 1943.
Witness. 138760 Capt. L.R. Cottrell.
"I was Staff Officer of number seven Column, during Brigadier Wingate's Burma expedition. On April 10th 1943, the Column Commander decided for various tactical and administrative reasons to split his column. This was midway between the Mongmit and the Myitson Road.
Lieutenant Walker was ordered to take charge of a party which consisted of three other officers and 25 British Other Ranks (listing below). His orders were to march approximately westward re-cross the Irrawaddy and return to Assam by the most direct route. The British Other Ranks were not considered by the Column Commander or by the Medical Officer as physically capable of marching the long way out via China, as the main body intended to do.
They were all equipped with arms and ammunition and had two days hard scale rations each, the officers had maps and compasses. An Air Supply drop was arranged for them just west of the Irrawaddy, but, the party failed to make the rendezvous and the aircraft concerned did not locate them. The Japanese were fairly active in this area. Nothing has been heard of any of these Officers or men since."
Signed Leslie Cottrell, Captain 13th KLR.
Counter-signed H. Cotton, Captain 13 KLR.
For more details about the dispersal group led by Lieutenant Rex Walker, please click on the following link: Rex Walker's Dispersal Group 4
Pte. Newton was officially recorded as missing in action as of the 10th April 1943, his remains or grave location were never discovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial, located in Taukkyan War Cemetery on the northern outskirts of the capital city. He is also remembered in his home town, upon the Cefn Mawr War Memorial.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to the first part of this short narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
In October this year (2018), I was pleased to receive the following email contact from Jean Newton:
My uncle Robert Newton lost his life during Operation Longcloth. He was the youngest brother of my father, Hubert Newton and in the Kings Liverpool Regiment. My cousin Robert and I have tried to find information about him but with little success. Unlike many of the soldiers in his Regiment he was very young at just 23 years old.
His father, Richard Posthumous Newton settled in Cefn Mawr, which was a thriving industrial town at that time, eventually running his own shoemaking and shoe repair business. Richard married Alice and had four children: my father Hubert, who took on the family business, Donald who became a chemist, their only daughter Joan and Robert. Now young Robert, or Robbie as he was known in the family wanted to go into the Ministry, but his father was dead against this. All the children were bright and intelligent, with the boys being educated at Ruabon Grammar School.
My father told me that Robbie was over six foot tall and had an enormous appetite. He shared his eldest brother's blue eyes and was said to have blonde hair. This seems somewhat strange as all the rest of the children had black hair and from looking at the photographs, Robbie's hair comes across as being dark too. They all lived at the family home Bryn Teg in Railway Road.
Cefn Mawr is about eight miles from Wrexham, but is closer to Chirk and Llangollen with the Froncysyllte Aqueduct just a short distance away. You may have seen the Fron Aqueduct in programmes about canals on television. My dad said that when they were children they used to play at trying to throw a cricket ball from the valley over the aqueduct which was quite a height. The family house was built in the red Ruabon brick and was several storeys high as it was on the edge of an embankment above what became the Monsanto Chemical works. That will explain the steps in the photograph of Robbie and possibly his sister Joan. The smell from the sulphur in that part of Cefn was terrible and is a smell I will always remember from my time as a young girl working in my father's shop.
My cousin Robert, who is named after Robbie is the eldest son of Donald Newton and still lives near Cefn Mawr. He has visited the local war memorial which features Robert's name and has some of his old war documents including an exercise book containing radio operatives instructions, which could well give us a clue as to his Army occupation. There was also a memorial tablet in one of the chapels at Cefn which has been now been sold for conversion to a private house, but before the sale was completed my cousin retrieved the plaque which he now has.
The only information on your site about Robbie, is a brief mention under the dispersal party of Rex Walker and that he is believed to have died at the Maymyo POW camp. I would like him to be remembered properly and would dearly love to learn more about his time in Burma, as I never met him or my grandmother. His death had a very bad impact on the family and especially on my grandmother. I have some information about my own father's war record, where he wounded at Dunkirk, then served in the desert campaign and at El Alamein and about my uncle Donald who was in the Royal Engineers, but very little about Robert. If you can help at all, then please do contact me.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jean Newton for her email contact and the photographs and information she has added to this story. Seen below is another gallery of images in relation to this short narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
My uncle Robert Newton lost his life during Operation Longcloth. He was the youngest brother of my father, Hubert Newton and in the Kings Liverpool Regiment. My cousin Robert and I have tried to find information about him but with little success. Unlike many of the soldiers in his Regiment he was very young at just 23 years old.
His father, Richard Posthumous Newton settled in Cefn Mawr, which was a thriving industrial town at that time, eventually running his own shoemaking and shoe repair business. Richard married Alice and had four children: my father Hubert, who took on the family business, Donald who became a chemist, their only daughter Joan and Robert. Now young Robert, or Robbie as he was known in the family wanted to go into the Ministry, but his father was dead against this. All the children were bright and intelligent, with the boys being educated at Ruabon Grammar School.
My father told me that Robbie was over six foot tall and had an enormous appetite. He shared his eldest brother's blue eyes and was said to have blonde hair. This seems somewhat strange as all the rest of the children had black hair and from looking at the photographs, Robbie's hair comes across as being dark too. They all lived at the family home Bryn Teg in Railway Road.
Cefn Mawr is about eight miles from Wrexham, but is closer to Chirk and Llangollen with the Froncysyllte Aqueduct just a short distance away. You may have seen the Fron Aqueduct in programmes about canals on television. My dad said that when they were children they used to play at trying to throw a cricket ball from the valley over the aqueduct which was quite a height. The family house was built in the red Ruabon brick and was several storeys high as it was on the edge of an embankment above what became the Monsanto Chemical works. That will explain the steps in the photograph of Robbie and possibly his sister Joan. The smell from the sulphur in that part of Cefn was terrible and is a smell I will always remember from my time as a young girl working in my father's shop.
My cousin Robert, who is named after Robbie is the eldest son of Donald Newton and still lives near Cefn Mawr. He has visited the local war memorial which features Robert's name and has some of his old war documents including an exercise book containing radio operatives instructions, which could well give us a clue as to his Army occupation. There was also a memorial tablet in one of the chapels at Cefn which has been now been sold for conversion to a private house, but before the sale was completed my cousin retrieved the plaque which he now has.
The only information on your site about Robbie, is a brief mention under the dispersal party of Rex Walker and that he is believed to have died at the Maymyo POW camp. I would like him to be remembered properly and would dearly love to learn more about his time in Burma, as I never met him or my grandmother. His death had a very bad impact on the family and especially on my grandmother. I have some information about my own father's war record, where he wounded at Dunkirk, then served in the desert campaign and at El Alamein and about my uncle Donald who was in the Royal Engineers, but very little about Robert. If you can help at all, then please do contact me.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jean Newton for her email contact and the photographs and information she has added to this story. Seen below is another gallery of images in relation to this short narrative. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Gunner Thomas Henry James Nice.
NICE, THOMAS HENRY JAMES
Back in January 2017, I received an email contact from WW2 researcher Guy Hudson in reference to the wartime service of Gunner T.H.J. Nice:
Steve,
I am in contact with a relative of Gnr. 1566459 Thomas James Henry Nice, he briefly served with 3 Commando before transferring to the King's Regiment and then 142 Commando on 22/12/1942.
Do you have a record of him being involved in Operation Longcloth please?
Many thanks in advance, Guy Hudson.
I replied:
Dear Guy,
Thank you for your very interesting email. I have Gunner Nice coming on strength with the King's at the Chindit training centre at Saugor on the 30th September 1942. He was one of many men with commando experience that were collected together at Saugor from various previous postings; Burma, China and the Middle East mostly. I see from the only piece of documentation I have with his details, that he was Maritime RA. This is a nominal roll of some 30 men all listed as potential candidates for 142 Commando. This paper comes from the 142 Coy War Diary 1942. File reference at TNA-WO172/611.
Sadly, I have no written evidence that Thomas took part on Operation Longcloth, however, 19 of the men on the attached listing did indeed take part and there must be a strong chance that the other ten men listed did too. Obviously, I would be very keen to learn more about Thomas and his life both during and after WW2. The fact that he was present at Saugor makes his story of great value to me.
From further emails, sent firstly by Guy and then Gunner Nice's daughter-in-law, Ann; this is what we know of Thomas's service during WW2:
Steve,
Many thanks for the interesting reply. I tracked Thomas’ family down because of his connection with 3 Commando and my ongoing research. When I learnt of his transfer to the King's and 142 Commando I thought it would be of interest to you. I will contact his family and see if they would be willing to contribute any stories.
Regards, Guy
I then received the following contact from Ann Nice:
Hello Steve,
Guy Hudson contacted you about Gunner 1566459 Thomas James Henry Nice who was my husband's father and it was interesting to read his name on the subsequent documents. We have some information about his service from the Ministry of Defence, but have not been able to go to the record office ourselves. From the records we have, we know his various training places and postings and also the transport ships or depots he joined but nothing more specific. He was born on the 6th April 1917. Memories of conversations with Dad by his children have given us very little, it is such a shame we didn't all ask much more when he was alive. Here are a few snippets for your records:
He really always wanted to join the Navy, but this was not to be, so he joined the Royal Artillery and was placed on board ships as a DEMS Gunner. He was torpedoed twice, once in The Wash by a German U-Boat and the second time in the Indian Ocean. He was three weeks adrift, then picked up and taken to Durban in South Africa. He then went back to Liverpool and couldn't get into port because of the fog. Then he joined the Commandoes and trained at Spean Bridge near Fort William. He was then sent into Burma with the Chindits and Major Wingate. This is all we have to go on.
Amongst the information from the Ministry of Defence documents, it shows him travelling from Freetown to Liverpool on the Saydia from the 31st October until the 2nd December 1941. His movements in 1942 are not stated and in 1943 he was on the vessel called the Ascanius and joined the ship in Bombay on the 21st March 1943. On the 30th July 1943 he was on the Manela which was in Bombay and he was discharged from the Army at Port Said on the 7th January 1945. I hope some of this means something to you and that you may be able to shed more light on Dad's war service.
Regards Ann Nice
I replied:
Dear Ann,
Thank you for your email today. I was pleased to hear about your father-in-law, Thomas Nice via Guy Hudson's contact. I'm afraid that the information Guy sent you, in the form of the war diary page is the only detail I possess about Thomas. He does not appear in any other document, book or diary I have read.
I can tell you that 142 Commando were raised on the 15th June 1942 at Jubbulpore in the Central Provinces of India. Many of the men present in the first draft were Commandos who had previously served in the European and the Middle Eastern theatres. 142 Commando was originally commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel T. Featherstonehaugh of the King's Royal Rifles. Featherstonehaugh had led No. 6 Commando earlier in the war, taking part in various raids against German forces in places such as Norway. I think I recall Guy telling me that Thomas served with 3 Commando in Europe.
On the 13th July 1942, command of 142 Commando was given over to Major Mike Calvert of the Royal Engineers. Calvert went on to lead Chindit columns in both operations. The unit was then supplemented by soldiers from the Bush Warfare School based at Maymyo and the 204 Chinese Military Mission. Both these units had experience in Special Forces operations behind enemy lines and had only recently returned from expeditions in Burma and the Yunnan Provinces of China. It was around this time that 142 Commando moved to their new Chindit training camp at Saugor, also in the Central Provinces of India, which is where we first pick up Thomas' presence.
Each Chindit column, normally around 400 men had one platoon of Commandos, made up of:
1 Commanding Officer, usually a Lieutenant promoted to Acting/Captain.
1 2nd Lieutenant
1 Sergeant
1 Corporal
2 Lance Corporals
1 Sapper from the Royal Engineers
12-14 Privates
These men were involved mostly in demolition work with the Chindits, blowing up the railways, bridges etc. From the war diary page, it records Thomas as a Gunner (Maritime), which matches up with what you know of his early WW2 service and his misfortune to have been torpedoed twice before posted to commando training in Scotland. In regards to the ships and voyages you mention, it is difficult to pin point any specific connection with reaching India or joining the Chindits, other than to say the the date of 30th July 1943, is the date that the first Chindit operation was officially closed. So this matches up too somewhat.
There was a ship named the Scythia, and this ship is mentioned by some of the other Chindits I have spoken to during my research. Is it possible that the ship you mention as the Saydia, might be this vessel? I know how difficult it is to read and decipher soldier's Army records, especially as they are mostly written in free-hand rather than typed. There is a website called Convoy Web, which records many of the voyages made by convoys during the years of WW2. It might be worth checking this site for the movements of the ships mentioned on Thomas' records and seeing if these match up with his dates. Here is a link: http://www.convoyweb.org.uk/hague/index.html
I have attached another page from the 142 Commando War diary. This just shows an entry for the date 30th September 1942, which was the date that Thomas joined the 142 Commando unit at the Chindit training centre at Saugor, located in the Central Provinces of India. As you may notice from the text, there was a continuous movement of men back and forth to 142 Commando during this period.
This is all I can really tell you. I would very much like to add a photograph of Thomas to one of my website Galleries. If you have one to share with me, then I would be extremely pleased to place it on-line. I intend in time to write about the 142 Commando unit as a whole at some point in the future and at this point would look to use any other information you can provide about Thomas, for instance his life before WW2 and then afterwards, work etc.
_______________________________________________________________
Shown below are some images in relation to this story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Back in January 2017, I received an email contact from WW2 researcher Guy Hudson in reference to the wartime service of Gunner T.H.J. Nice:
Steve,
I am in contact with a relative of Gnr. 1566459 Thomas James Henry Nice, he briefly served with 3 Commando before transferring to the King's Regiment and then 142 Commando on 22/12/1942.
Do you have a record of him being involved in Operation Longcloth please?
Many thanks in advance, Guy Hudson.
I replied:
Dear Guy,
Thank you for your very interesting email. I have Gunner Nice coming on strength with the King's at the Chindit training centre at Saugor on the 30th September 1942. He was one of many men with commando experience that were collected together at Saugor from various previous postings; Burma, China and the Middle East mostly. I see from the only piece of documentation I have with his details, that he was Maritime RA. This is a nominal roll of some 30 men all listed as potential candidates for 142 Commando. This paper comes from the 142 Coy War Diary 1942. File reference at TNA-WO172/611.
Sadly, I have no written evidence that Thomas took part on Operation Longcloth, however, 19 of the men on the attached listing did indeed take part and there must be a strong chance that the other ten men listed did too. Obviously, I would be very keen to learn more about Thomas and his life both during and after WW2. The fact that he was present at Saugor makes his story of great value to me.
From further emails, sent firstly by Guy and then Gunner Nice's daughter-in-law, Ann; this is what we know of Thomas's service during WW2:
Steve,
Many thanks for the interesting reply. I tracked Thomas’ family down because of his connection with 3 Commando and my ongoing research. When I learnt of his transfer to the King's and 142 Commando I thought it would be of interest to you. I will contact his family and see if they would be willing to contribute any stories.
Regards, Guy
I then received the following contact from Ann Nice:
Hello Steve,
Guy Hudson contacted you about Gunner 1566459 Thomas James Henry Nice who was my husband's father and it was interesting to read his name on the subsequent documents. We have some information about his service from the Ministry of Defence, but have not been able to go to the record office ourselves. From the records we have, we know his various training places and postings and also the transport ships or depots he joined but nothing more specific. He was born on the 6th April 1917. Memories of conversations with Dad by his children have given us very little, it is such a shame we didn't all ask much more when he was alive. Here are a few snippets for your records:
He really always wanted to join the Navy, but this was not to be, so he joined the Royal Artillery and was placed on board ships as a DEMS Gunner. He was torpedoed twice, once in The Wash by a German U-Boat and the second time in the Indian Ocean. He was three weeks adrift, then picked up and taken to Durban in South Africa. He then went back to Liverpool and couldn't get into port because of the fog. Then he joined the Commandoes and trained at Spean Bridge near Fort William. He was then sent into Burma with the Chindits and Major Wingate. This is all we have to go on.
Amongst the information from the Ministry of Defence documents, it shows him travelling from Freetown to Liverpool on the Saydia from the 31st October until the 2nd December 1941. His movements in 1942 are not stated and in 1943 he was on the vessel called the Ascanius and joined the ship in Bombay on the 21st March 1943. On the 30th July 1943 he was on the Manela which was in Bombay and he was discharged from the Army at Port Said on the 7th January 1945. I hope some of this means something to you and that you may be able to shed more light on Dad's war service.
Regards Ann Nice
I replied:
Dear Ann,
Thank you for your email today. I was pleased to hear about your father-in-law, Thomas Nice via Guy Hudson's contact. I'm afraid that the information Guy sent you, in the form of the war diary page is the only detail I possess about Thomas. He does not appear in any other document, book or diary I have read.
I can tell you that 142 Commando were raised on the 15th June 1942 at Jubbulpore in the Central Provinces of India. Many of the men present in the first draft were Commandos who had previously served in the European and the Middle Eastern theatres. 142 Commando was originally commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel T. Featherstonehaugh of the King's Royal Rifles. Featherstonehaugh had led No. 6 Commando earlier in the war, taking part in various raids against German forces in places such as Norway. I think I recall Guy telling me that Thomas served with 3 Commando in Europe.
On the 13th July 1942, command of 142 Commando was given over to Major Mike Calvert of the Royal Engineers. Calvert went on to lead Chindit columns in both operations. The unit was then supplemented by soldiers from the Bush Warfare School based at Maymyo and the 204 Chinese Military Mission. Both these units had experience in Special Forces operations behind enemy lines and had only recently returned from expeditions in Burma and the Yunnan Provinces of China. It was around this time that 142 Commando moved to their new Chindit training camp at Saugor, also in the Central Provinces of India, which is where we first pick up Thomas' presence.
Each Chindit column, normally around 400 men had one platoon of Commandos, made up of:
1 Commanding Officer, usually a Lieutenant promoted to Acting/Captain.
1 2nd Lieutenant
1 Sergeant
1 Corporal
2 Lance Corporals
1 Sapper from the Royal Engineers
12-14 Privates
These men were involved mostly in demolition work with the Chindits, blowing up the railways, bridges etc. From the war diary page, it records Thomas as a Gunner (Maritime), which matches up with what you know of his early WW2 service and his misfortune to have been torpedoed twice before posted to commando training in Scotland. In regards to the ships and voyages you mention, it is difficult to pin point any specific connection with reaching India or joining the Chindits, other than to say the the date of 30th July 1943, is the date that the first Chindit operation was officially closed. So this matches up too somewhat.
There was a ship named the Scythia, and this ship is mentioned by some of the other Chindits I have spoken to during my research. Is it possible that the ship you mention as the Saydia, might be this vessel? I know how difficult it is to read and decipher soldier's Army records, especially as they are mostly written in free-hand rather than typed. There is a website called Convoy Web, which records many of the voyages made by convoys during the years of WW2. It might be worth checking this site for the movements of the ships mentioned on Thomas' records and seeing if these match up with his dates. Here is a link: http://www.convoyweb.org.uk/hague/index.html
I have attached another page from the 142 Commando War diary. This just shows an entry for the date 30th September 1942, which was the date that Thomas joined the 142 Commando unit at the Chindit training centre at Saugor, located in the Central Provinces of India. As you may notice from the text, there was a continuous movement of men back and forth to 142 Commando during this period.
This is all I can really tell you. I would very much like to add a photograph of Thomas to one of my website Galleries. If you have one to share with me, then I would be extremely pleased to place it on-line. I intend in time to write about the 142 Commando unit as a whole at some point in the future and at this point would look to use any other information you can provide about Thomas, for instance his life before WW2 and then afterwards, work etc.
_______________________________________________________________
Shown below are some images in relation to this story, please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Ann continues:
Hello Steve,
I am sending over the photo of Thomas in his bush hat. The family may also have some other photos of him with some comrades, which I will send when I get them. I have managed to look up some of the ships he sailed on using the convoy website link you sent and the information I have found seems to broadly match up date wise. There was no ship by the name of Saydia, but the Scythia sailings seem to be right, unfortunately this section from his records has no port or date of embarkation, or being discharged, so I am unsure where he was in 1942. One of the entries has To Mil. Mission as port at which discharged on 17th March 1942, but I'm not sure what or where this refers to. There is also mention of him being in Colombo, Ceylon in 1944.
I replied:
Hi Ann,
Thank you very much for the wonderful photograph of your father-in-law. I will put this up on line if that is ok into one of the Galleries. I will probably write a short piece about him and place this into the Roll Call for the men who served with the Chindits. From the photograph we can see he was with 3 Commando and I found him in the nominal roll for this unit on the Commando Veteran website straight away. Here is the link, he can be found by searching alphabetically on the page: http://www.commandoveterans.org/3CommandoNomRoll
There are several photographs on this site of men who served with 3 Commando, you never know he might be amongst these somewhere. You mentioned an entry of Mil. Mission on his records. This may well refer to the 204 Military Mission to China in early 1942. Commandos were sent from Europe and the Middle East to serve in China, secretly helping the Chinese in their efforts against the Japanese, before the United Kingdom was officially at war with Japan.
The diary where I found mention of Thomas in the first instance (142 Commando), clearly states that many of the men who came from the Bush Warfare school at a place called Maymyo in Burma, had previously served in China. I've attached a two page document from the diary which explains the various comings and goings at that time. Here is a link to wikipedia which refers to the 204 Military Mission:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_204
Basically, Thomas had a very busy war. You should be extremely proud of him.
Ann sent me this reply:
Steve,
Thank you for the information you have sent and for the kind words, I will contact the family with everything we have discovered so far. Hopefully, I will be able to find out more about Thomas and I will let you know if I do.
Regards, Ann.
Update 02/03/2018
I was delighted to receive the following update to this story:
Steve,
I hope you remember that I contacted you last year about my father in law Thomas James Henry Nice. I have been given a photograph from my brother-in-law showing two of dad's comrades. He thinks that they are fellow Chindits, from remembered conversations with his father, but unfortunately we have no names for the two men. Dad was always known as Jim by his family, but may have been called Tom during the war. He worked as a postman before and after the war. His greatest passion was fishing, both sea and fly fishing. In retirement he was a renowned fly dresser and his work was very much sought after; a book containing photographs of the flies he tied was once sent to Prince Charles.
Regards, Ann Nice.
Hello Steve,
I am sending over the photo of Thomas in his bush hat. The family may also have some other photos of him with some comrades, which I will send when I get them. I have managed to look up some of the ships he sailed on using the convoy website link you sent and the information I have found seems to broadly match up date wise. There was no ship by the name of Saydia, but the Scythia sailings seem to be right, unfortunately this section from his records has no port or date of embarkation, or being discharged, so I am unsure where he was in 1942. One of the entries has To Mil. Mission as port at which discharged on 17th March 1942, but I'm not sure what or where this refers to. There is also mention of him being in Colombo, Ceylon in 1944.
I replied:
Hi Ann,
Thank you very much for the wonderful photograph of your father-in-law. I will put this up on line if that is ok into one of the Galleries. I will probably write a short piece about him and place this into the Roll Call for the men who served with the Chindits. From the photograph we can see he was with 3 Commando and I found him in the nominal roll for this unit on the Commando Veteran website straight away. Here is the link, he can be found by searching alphabetically on the page: http://www.commandoveterans.org/3CommandoNomRoll
There are several photographs on this site of men who served with 3 Commando, you never know he might be amongst these somewhere. You mentioned an entry of Mil. Mission on his records. This may well refer to the 204 Military Mission to China in early 1942. Commandos were sent from Europe and the Middle East to serve in China, secretly helping the Chinese in their efforts against the Japanese, before the United Kingdom was officially at war with Japan.
The diary where I found mention of Thomas in the first instance (142 Commando), clearly states that many of the men who came from the Bush Warfare school at a place called Maymyo in Burma, had previously served in China. I've attached a two page document from the diary which explains the various comings and goings at that time. Here is a link to wikipedia which refers to the 204 Military Mission:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_204
Basically, Thomas had a very busy war. You should be extremely proud of him.
Ann sent me this reply:
Steve,
Thank you for the information you have sent and for the kind words, I will contact the family with everything we have discovered so far. Hopefully, I will be able to find out more about Thomas and I will let you know if I do.
Regards, Ann.
Update 02/03/2018
I was delighted to receive the following update to this story:
Steve,
I hope you remember that I contacted you last year about my father in law Thomas James Henry Nice. I have been given a photograph from my brother-in-law showing two of dad's comrades. He thinks that they are fellow Chindits, from remembered conversations with his father, but unfortunately we have no names for the two men. Dad was always known as Jim by his family, but may have been called Tom during the war. He worked as a postman before and after the war. His greatest passion was fishing, both sea and fly fishing. In retirement he was a renowned fly dresser and his work was very much sought after; a book containing photographs of the flies he tied was once sent to Prince Charles.
Regards, Ann Nice.
Two Chindit pals of Thomas Nice.
Cap badge of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders.
NIMMO, WILLIAM
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 101335
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, att. The King's Regiment 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 2
Other details:
William Nimmo was born on the 21st March 1918 and was the son of Alexander Nimmo from Falkirk in Scotland. Alexander and his wife, Eliza had six children. Tragically, three of their sons were killed in action during the Second World War: Major George (Geordie) Nimmo M.C. was killed at the Siege of Imphal in 1944; Major James (Jimmy) Nimmo D.S.O. was killed on Special Forces operations against the Japanese in Karenni region of Burma in 1944; and Captain Patrick Nimmo, who was killed fighting the German Army at Sidi Barani in North Africa (Egypt).
At the outbreak of WW2, William was an undergraduate at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was commissioned almost immediately into the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders on the 2nd September 1939 and trained with 3 Commando in Scotland before being sent overseas to India in 1942. It has been suggested that he took part in clandestine operations in the Yunnan Province of China in 1942, but I have not been able to corroborate this claim. We do know however, that William was posted to 142 Commando in September 1942, joining this unit at the Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India on the 12th September.
Although the 142 Company War diary confirms that William took command of No. 2 Column Commando Platoon on Operation Longcloth, he is not mentioned thereafter in any of the diaries or books recounting the first Wingate expedition. No. 2 Column was predominately a Gurkha unit and was led in 1943 by Major Arthur Emmett, at tea-planter from Darjeeling. The column were ambushed by the Japanese on the 2nd March 1943 at a place called Kyaikthin and over half the column, having extricated itself from this engagement returned to India. It is possible that William led his platoon back to the Chindwin alongside this section of the column and this is why nothing more is written about his exploits.
He also served on the second Chindit expedition in 1944, joining up with Major John Hedley, with whom he would serve later on in 1945 whilst with Force 136. William performed the role of demolitions officer on Operation Thursday and was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts. He then completed two operations with Force 136, the first of which was codenamed Bison where he once again served with Major John Hedley, during the period 22nd January to 3rd April 1945. His second parachute drop into Burma was to join Major Rupert Guy Turrall on Operation Character (team Otter) from 1st May 1945. William received a bar to his Military Cross for his service with Force 136, the recommendation reads:
This officer, shortly after his return from a successful clandestine operation in the neighbourhood of Mandalay, parachuted into the Central Karen area of Burma in April 1945. From then until hostilities ceased, he showed consistent devotion to duty, high qualities of leadership, and, in the many actions in which he took part, courage and a disregard of personal danger, which was an example to all ranks. Although unable to speak Burmese, he handled his Levies with tact and firmness which produced excellent results and I recommend him strongly for the award of the Military Cross.
Signed: Lt-General M.G.N. Stopford.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of William from early in WW2, alongside Captain Vivian Earle, who would join William on Operation Longcloth. Also shown are four men from William's Chindit Commando Platoon in 1943. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 101335
Age: 25
Regiment/Service: Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, att. The King's Regiment 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 2
Other details:
William Nimmo was born on the 21st March 1918 and was the son of Alexander Nimmo from Falkirk in Scotland. Alexander and his wife, Eliza had six children. Tragically, three of their sons were killed in action during the Second World War: Major George (Geordie) Nimmo M.C. was killed at the Siege of Imphal in 1944; Major James (Jimmy) Nimmo D.S.O. was killed on Special Forces operations against the Japanese in Karenni region of Burma in 1944; and Captain Patrick Nimmo, who was killed fighting the German Army at Sidi Barani in North Africa (Egypt).
At the outbreak of WW2, William was an undergraduate at Trinity College, Cambridge. He was commissioned almost immediately into the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders on the 2nd September 1939 and trained with 3 Commando in Scotland before being sent overseas to India in 1942. It has been suggested that he took part in clandestine operations in the Yunnan Province of China in 1942, but I have not been able to corroborate this claim. We do know however, that William was posted to 142 Commando in September 1942, joining this unit at the Saugor training camp in the Central Provinces of India on the 12th September.
Although the 142 Company War diary confirms that William took command of No. 2 Column Commando Platoon on Operation Longcloth, he is not mentioned thereafter in any of the diaries or books recounting the first Wingate expedition. No. 2 Column was predominately a Gurkha unit and was led in 1943 by Major Arthur Emmett, at tea-planter from Darjeeling. The column were ambushed by the Japanese on the 2nd March 1943 at a place called Kyaikthin and over half the column, having extricated itself from this engagement returned to India. It is possible that William led his platoon back to the Chindwin alongside this section of the column and this is why nothing more is written about his exploits.
He also served on the second Chindit expedition in 1944, joining up with Major John Hedley, with whom he would serve later on in 1945 whilst with Force 136. William performed the role of demolitions officer on Operation Thursday and was awarded the Military Cross for his efforts. He then completed two operations with Force 136, the first of which was codenamed Bison where he once again served with Major John Hedley, during the period 22nd January to 3rd April 1945. His second parachute drop into Burma was to join Major Rupert Guy Turrall on Operation Character (team Otter) from 1st May 1945. William received a bar to his Military Cross for his service with Force 136, the recommendation reads:
This officer, shortly after his return from a successful clandestine operation in the neighbourhood of Mandalay, parachuted into the Central Karen area of Burma in April 1945. From then until hostilities ceased, he showed consistent devotion to duty, high qualities of leadership, and, in the many actions in which he took part, courage and a disregard of personal danger, which was an example to all ranks. Although unable to speak Burmese, he handled his Levies with tact and firmness which produced excellent results and I recommend him strongly for the award of the Military Cross.
Signed: Lt-General M.G.N. Stopford.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of William from early in WW2, alongside Captain Vivian Earle, who would join William on Operation Longcloth. Also shown are four men from William's Chindit Commando Platoon in 1943. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Major James Russell Nimmo was born in Falkirk on the 26th June 1912. He had been in the Far East a year previous to his younger brother William and had served on the Oriental Mission in early 1942. James was executed by the Japanese in February 1944, after parachuting into Burma as part of Operation Harrington, in order to contact Major Hugh Seagrim and his Karen Levies. James now lies in Rangoon War Cemetery after his body was transferred from his original grave located at Pawe Doko in Karen State.
To read a letter written by James to his father in November 1942, please click on the following link:
www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/28/a8874228.shtml
After the war William Nimmo completed his educational studies and qualified as a solicitor. He also assisted his two sister's in the running of the family farm (Howkerse) back home in Falkirk. Sadly, William Nimmo died on the 19th April 1997. Here is his obituary, taken from the pages of the Scottish Herald:
Major William Nimmo, MC, BA, LLB, WS, a former Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, who died on April 19th 1997, was awarded an MC for operations behind the Japanese lines in Burma in 1943. He was born on March 21st 1918.
Bill Nimmo was a member of a family which had lived in Falkirk for generations and was one of four brothers, three of whom were killed in the war. He was educated at Fettes and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read Classics, but the war interrupted his studies and he graduated as LLB (Law) at Edinburgh after 1945. After working for a short time in Falkirk he moved to Edinburgh, becoming a partner in Russel and Aitken, Solicitors.
Having joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, (Territorial Army), he was called up in 1939 and after training with the 51st Highland Division was accepted for the commandos. As Chiang Kai-shek was hard-pressed by Japanese invaders and Chinese communist rivals at that time, he had asked Britain for commando assistance, but by the time Nimmo and his companions had learned Chinese on the boat going out to the Far East, the Chinese Generalissimo changed his mind.
Nimmo then volunteered for General Orde Wingate's Chindit expedition into the Burmese jungle in 1943. As Force Demolition Officer, Nimmo commanded many of the combined British and Kachin parties which operated on the Japanese line of communication between Bhamo and Myitkhina, hampering the enemy by road cratering, bridge destruction, mining, booby trapping, and ambushing. The citation for his MC commended his leadership qualities in commanding guerrilla bands in the Burmese hills.
After taking part in the second Chindit operation, which went in mostly by air in 1944, he qualified as a parachutist and then volunteered for the SOE Group Force 136, which was harassing the Japanese who were retreating from the 14th Army and preventing them from regrouping and making counter-attacks. After the war he became a respected solicitor, as well as an authority on the history of Falkirk district. He was also responsible for the management of the family farm at Howkerse and cooperated with the Central Scotland Countryside Trust in the perpetuation of the old pear varieties in his orchard.
An elder of St George's West Church, Edinburgh, he and his wife often helped at church events. He was survived by his wife, Anne, and their two sons.
To read a letter written by James to his father in November 1942, please click on the following link:
www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/28/a8874228.shtml
After the war William Nimmo completed his educational studies and qualified as a solicitor. He also assisted his two sister's in the running of the family farm (Howkerse) back home in Falkirk. Sadly, William Nimmo died on the 19th April 1997. Here is his obituary, taken from the pages of the Scottish Herald:
Major William Nimmo, MC, BA, LLB, WS, a former Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, who died on April 19th 1997, was awarded an MC for operations behind the Japanese lines in Burma in 1943. He was born on March 21st 1918.
Bill Nimmo was a member of a family which had lived in Falkirk for generations and was one of four brothers, three of whom were killed in the war. He was educated at Fettes and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he read Classics, but the war interrupted his studies and he graduated as LLB (Law) at Edinburgh after 1945. After working for a short time in Falkirk he moved to Edinburgh, becoming a partner in Russel and Aitken, Solicitors.
Having joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, (Territorial Army), he was called up in 1939 and after training with the 51st Highland Division was accepted for the commandos. As Chiang Kai-shek was hard-pressed by Japanese invaders and Chinese communist rivals at that time, he had asked Britain for commando assistance, but by the time Nimmo and his companions had learned Chinese on the boat going out to the Far East, the Chinese Generalissimo changed his mind.
Nimmo then volunteered for General Orde Wingate's Chindit expedition into the Burmese jungle in 1943. As Force Demolition Officer, Nimmo commanded many of the combined British and Kachin parties which operated on the Japanese line of communication between Bhamo and Myitkhina, hampering the enemy by road cratering, bridge destruction, mining, booby trapping, and ambushing. The citation for his MC commended his leadership qualities in commanding guerrilla bands in the Burmese hills.
After taking part in the second Chindit operation, which went in mostly by air in 1944, he qualified as a parachutist and then volunteered for the SOE Group Force 136, which was harassing the Japanese who were retreating from the 14th Army and preventing them from regrouping and making counter-attacks. After the war he became a respected solicitor, as well as an authority on the history of Falkirk district. He was also responsible for the management of the family farm at Howkerse and cooperated with the Central Scotland Countryside Trust in the perpetuation of the old pear varieties in his orchard.
An elder of St George's West Church, Edinburgh, he and his wife often helped at church events. He was survived by his wife, Anne, and their two sons.
NUNN, ALAN
Rank: Private
Service No: 3779393
Date of Death: 31/07/1943
Age: 31
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery Grave reference, Special Memorial Joint grave 9. B. 11.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2261025/NUNN,%20ALAN
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Alan Nunn was born in the second quarter of 1912 and was the son of William and Sarah Jane Nunn and the husband of Jessie Nunn from Bacup in Lancashire. Alan and Jessie (nee Schofield) had married in the last quarter of 1940, just before Alan joined the Army. After reaching India, he was posted to Chindit Column No. 5 under the command of Major Bernard Fegusson, formerly of the Black Watch.
Not much is known about Pte. Nunn's time in Burma, but it seems likely that he had become separated from the main body of 5 Column, after they had been ambushed by the Japanese on the 28/29th March 1943, after a prolonged battle with the enemy at a village called Hintha. As the column marched away from the village, the Japanese got in between the marching Chindits for a second time and a group of around 100 men were cut-off from the column. Alan Nunn was last seen on the 7th April, making for a chaung (stream), situated to the east of the group's last supply drop. He had become part of the dispersal group led by Lt. George Henry Astell of the Burma Rifles and this party were preparing to cross the Irrawaddy and head north towards Fort Hertz.
It would appear from the information recorded as part of a missing in action report; that Alan had insisted on remaining behind with another soldier, Pte. Donald Jenkinson, also of the King's Regiment, who had become very weak and sick with fever. From a report written by Sgt. B. W. Whitehead (Support Platoon) dated 24th July 1943:
I was with the dispersal group commanded by Lt. Astell. After receiving fifteen days rations, which we had dropped to us on the 5th April 1943, we proceeded east for about two days. On the second day, Pte. Jenkinson was sick; apparently with fever. At the time we were in some rocky terrain, which was causing some strain on the men. Jenkinson fainted and Pte. Nunn attended to him and brought him along to where the remainder of the group were resting.
At this period of time we were very short of water and were making for a chaung, due east of the dropping area. About mid-day, Pte. Jenkinson was again taken ill and dropped behind with Pte. Nunn in attendance. We waited for approximately one and a half hours for the above-mentioned to rejoin us, but they did not return. Lt. Astell decided to move off without them. I have not seen or heard of them since. They each had a rifle and some ammunition. They were last seen on the 7th April 1943.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3779393
Date of Death: 31/07/1943
Age: 31
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Rangoon War Cemetery Grave reference, Special Memorial Joint grave 9. B. 11.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2261025/NUNN,%20ALAN
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Alan Nunn was born in the second quarter of 1912 and was the son of William and Sarah Jane Nunn and the husband of Jessie Nunn from Bacup in Lancashire. Alan and Jessie (nee Schofield) had married in the last quarter of 1940, just before Alan joined the Army. After reaching India, he was posted to Chindit Column No. 5 under the command of Major Bernard Fegusson, formerly of the Black Watch.
Not much is known about Pte. Nunn's time in Burma, but it seems likely that he had become separated from the main body of 5 Column, after they had been ambushed by the Japanese on the 28/29th March 1943, after a prolonged battle with the enemy at a village called Hintha. As the column marched away from the village, the Japanese got in between the marching Chindits for a second time and a group of around 100 men were cut-off from the column. Alan Nunn was last seen on the 7th April, making for a chaung (stream), situated to the east of the group's last supply drop. He had become part of the dispersal group led by Lt. George Henry Astell of the Burma Rifles and this party were preparing to cross the Irrawaddy and head north towards Fort Hertz.
It would appear from the information recorded as part of a missing in action report; that Alan had insisted on remaining behind with another soldier, Pte. Donald Jenkinson, also of the King's Regiment, who had become very weak and sick with fever. From a report written by Sgt. B. W. Whitehead (Support Platoon) dated 24th July 1943:
I was with the dispersal group commanded by Lt. Astell. After receiving fifteen days rations, which we had dropped to us on the 5th April 1943, we proceeded east for about two days. On the second day, Pte. Jenkinson was sick; apparently with fever. At the time we were in some rocky terrain, which was causing some strain on the men. Jenkinson fainted and Pte. Nunn attended to him and brought him along to where the remainder of the group were resting.
At this period of time we were very short of water and were making for a chaung, due east of the dropping area. About mid-day, Pte. Jenkinson was again taken ill and dropped behind with Pte. Nunn in attendance. We waited for approximately one and a half hours for the above-mentioned to rejoin us, but they did not return. Lt. Astell decided to move off without them. I have not seen or heard of them since. They each had a rifle and some ammunition. They were last seen on the 7th April 1943.
Pte. Nunn was captured by the Japanese not long after his disappearance with Donald Jenkinson on the 7th April. According to the scant information recorded on his POW index card, Alan died from the exhaustive nature of Operation Longcloth, with the added complications of enteritis and chronic diarrhoea. He perished inside Block 6 of Rangoon Central Jail, where he had been given the POW number of 567. Alan Nunn was originally buried at the Cantonment Cemetery, located in the eastern sector of the city, close to the Royal Lakes. Later, after the war was over, he was re-interred along with many of his Chindit comrades at the newly constructed Rangoon War Cemetery.
On Alan's grave plaque at Rangoon War Cemetery, there are the words, Buried Near This Spot; this refers to some 60 graves at Rangoon where the soldier's remains could not be precisely identified on exhumation from the Cantonment Cemetery. There is also some discrepancy over Pte. Nunn's correct date of death, with one document, his POW index card recording this as the 21st July 1943, whilst another source, the official listing of deaths for Block 6 of the jail, stating the 31st July 1943.
Back home in Lancashire, the Nunn family had anxiously awaited news of Alan for over two years, since the day he was first reported as missing in action on the 7th April 1943. Sadly, on the 14th June 1945, the Manchester Evening News carried the following announcement, under the headline, Local Men Roll of Honour:
Pte. Alan Nunn aged 31 years of Cooper Street in Bacup, who was previously reported as missing in Burma, has now been officially reported as having died whilst in Japanese hands.
Back in 2009, there was an appeal for information from the family of Alan Nunn on the Burma Star Association website, but unfortunately the email supplied was no longer contactable. Sadly, since then the Association have upgraded their website and the family contact pages are no longer available. However, this is what I remember of their message:
We are searching for information about Pte. Alan Nunn, who we think was part of the Chindits. We have been told that he was helping a wounded comrade when he was captured. His son Barry was only two years old when his father died and so has no memory of him. All we possessed were his Dad's four War Medals, but these were stolen two years ago. We know he was captured when administering first aid to a wounded soldier, and that's all we have.
Alan Nunn is remembered upon the Bacup War Memorial for those who fell during WW2. This memorial is located in the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Centre, 10 Burnley Road, Bacup OL13 8EU.
Pte. 3775012 Donald Jenkinson was the son of Thomas and Annabella Jenkinson from Rock Ferry, near Birkenhead in Liverpool. He also served with 5 Column on Operation Longcloth and presumably he and Alan Nunn had become friends at some stage during their time in India and Burma. Pte. Jenkinson was also taken prisoner by the Japanese in April 1943 and he too perished inside Block 6 of Rangoon Jail on the 17th August that same year. Ironically, although we know from Sgt. Whitehead's witness statement, that Jenkinson was already ill when he was captured, he survived three weeks longer in the jail than his comrade and carer Alan Nunn. Pte. Jenkinson was also originally buried at the Cantonment Cemetery and had been allocated the POW number 542 inside Rangoon Jail.
To view Donald Jenkinson's CWGC details, please click on the following link:
www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260156/JENKINSON,%20DONALD
Seen in the Gallery below are some images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
On Alan's grave plaque at Rangoon War Cemetery, there are the words, Buried Near This Spot; this refers to some 60 graves at Rangoon where the soldier's remains could not be precisely identified on exhumation from the Cantonment Cemetery. There is also some discrepancy over Pte. Nunn's correct date of death, with one document, his POW index card recording this as the 21st July 1943, whilst another source, the official listing of deaths for Block 6 of the jail, stating the 31st July 1943.
Back home in Lancashire, the Nunn family had anxiously awaited news of Alan for over two years, since the day he was first reported as missing in action on the 7th April 1943. Sadly, on the 14th June 1945, the Manchester Evening News carried the following announcement, under the headline, Local Men Roll of Honour:
Pte. Alan Nunn aged 31 years of Cooper Street in Bacup, who was previously reported as missing in Burma, has now been officially reported as having died whilst in Japanese hands.
Back in 2009, there was an appeal for information from the family of Alan Nunn on the Burma Star Association website, but unfortunately the email supplied was no longer contactable. Sadly, since then the Association have upgraded their website and the family contact pages are no longer available. However, this is what I remember of their message:
We are searching for information about Pte. Alan Nunn, who we think was part of the Chindits. We have been told that he was helping a wounded comrade when he was captured. His son Barry was only two years old when his father died and so has no memory of him. All we possessed were his Dad's four War Medals, but these were stolen two years ago. We know he was captured when administering first aid to a wounded soldier, and that's all we have.
Alan Nunn is remembered upon the Bacup War Memorial for those who fell during WW2. This memorial is located in the Aged, Blind, and Disabled Centre, 10 Burnley Road, Bacup OL13 8EU.
Pte. 3775012 Donald Jenkinson was the son of Thomas and Annabella Jenkinson from Rock Ferry, near Birkenhead in Liverpool. He also served with 5 Column on Operation Longcloth and presumably he and Alan Nunn had become friends at some stage during their time in India and Burma. Pte. Jenkinson was also taken prisoner by the Japanese in April 1943 and he too perished inside Block 6 of Rangoon Jail on the 17th August that same year. Ironically, although we know from Sgt. Whitehead's witness statement, that Jenkinson was already ill when he was captured, he survived three weeks longer in the jail than his comrade and carer Alan Nunn. Pte. Jenkinson was also originally buried at the Cantonment Cemetery and had been allocated the POW number 542 inside Rangoon Jail.
To view Donald Jenkinson's CWGC details, please click on the following link:
www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2260156/JENKINSON,%20DONALD
Seen in the Gallery below are some images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Update 05/10/2020.
Back in July this year (2020), I was delighted to receive the following email contact from Wendy Watters:
Hi Steve,
I found your website whilst researching a man from my home town of Bacup. He is Alan Nunn and is listed in your Roll of Honour. Back in 2014, I wrote a book detailing all the men from WW1 who were buried or commemorated in my local cemetery and I am now doing the same for those from WW2. On your Roll of Honour, you show Alan as being in column 5 and you also give some details of what happened to some of the other men from the same column. I would like to ask your permission to include the information in my book, I would of course, give you full credit. The books I write are used to raise funds for my local museum who I work for as a volunteer.
There were no new names added to the main war memorial in Bacup town centre, but Alan’s name is included on the roll of honour which is now housed in the Aged Blind and Disabled Centre. The Roll of Honour was originally commissioned in January 1931 by the Bacup Borough Council and the bronze memorial tablets framed in oak were the design of Messrs. Atwell, Wilfred & Co Ltd and contained the names of the men from the Borough who fell during the Great War. The memorial tablets were placed under the east windows on the first-floor landing of Stubbylee Hall, which was the town hall at that time and the windows above the tablets were replaced with stained glass incorporating the Borough Arms and Crest.
In June 1947, the Bacup Branch of the British Legion suggested that the names of the men and woman who had paid the ultimate sacrifice during WW2 be added to the memorial and be inscribed in a book of vellum and some form of appropriate wording be inscribed on the main Cenotaph in Burnley Road. An appeal was launched asking relatives to send in the names of any men from the Borough (regardless of whether they still lived in Bacup) who had paid the ultimate sacrifice. The work of creating the Memorial Book was carried out by Master of Calligraphy Messrs. Alan Tabor Ltd, who completed the book in April 1949 at a cost of £57.15s. At the same time, Messrs. J.B Brentnall & Company from Manchester were given the work of creating a bronze memorial at a cost of £120.00 to be added to the one already present in Stubbylee Hall, with the additional plaque on the Cenotaph being unveiled on November 12th 1950.
I'm not sure if Alan's name is on the smaller war memorial which is across the road in the grounds of what was St John’s Church, but I will find out and certainly send you a photograph if so. I have attached a newspaper clipping which is taken from our local paper from that time called the Bacup Times. I will, of course, send anything over to you that I come across going forward. Thanks for reading .. Wendy.
Back in July this year (2020), I was delighted to receive the following email contact from Wendy Watters:
Hi Steve,
I found your website whilst researching a man from my home town of Bacup. He is Alan Nunn and is listed in your Roll of Honour. Back in 2014, I wrote a book detailing all the men from WW1 who were buried or commemorated in my local cemetery and I am now doing the same for those from WW2. On your Roll of Honour, you show Alan as being in column 5 and you also give some details of what happened to some of the other men from the same column. I would like to ask your permission to include the information in my book, I would of course, give you full credit. The books I write are used to raise funds for my local museum who I work for as a volunteer.
There were no new names added to the main war memorial in Bacup town centre, but Alan’s name is included on the roll of honour which is now housed in the Aged Blind and Disabled Centre. The Roll of Honour was originally commissioned in January 1931 by the Bacup Borough Council and the bronze memorial tablets framed in oak were the design of Messrs. Atwell, Wilfred & Co Ltd and contained the names of the men from the Borough who fell during the Great War. The memorial tablets were placed under the east windows on the first-floor landing of Stubbylee Hall, which was the town hall at that time and the windows above the tablets were replaced with stained glass incorporating the Borough Arms and Crest.
In June 1947, the Bacup Branch of the British Legion suggested that the names of the men and woman who had paid the ultimate sacrifice during WW2 be added to the memorial and be inscribed in a book of vellum and some form of appropriate wording be inscribed on the main Cenotaph in Burnley Road. An appeal was launched asking relatives to send in the names of any men from the Borough (regardless of whether they still lived in Bacup) who had paid the ultimate sacrifice. The work of creating the Memorial Book was carried out by Master of Calligraphy Messrs. Alan Tabor Ltd, who completed the book in April 1949 at a cost of £57.15s. At the same time, Messrs. J.B Brentnall & Company from Manchester were given the work of creating a bronze memorial at a cost of £120.00 to be added to the one already present in Stubbylee Hall, with the additional plaque on the Cenotaph being unveiled on November 12th 1950.
I'm not sure if Alan's name is on the smaller war memorial which is across the road in the grounds of what was St John’s Church, but I will find out and certainly send you a photograph if so. I have attached a newspaper clipping which is taken from our local paper from that time called the Bacup Times. I will, of course, send anything over to you that I come across going forward. Thanks for reading .. Wendy.
The Bacup memorial panels in their original location inside Stubbylee Hall.Â
The Bacup Times newspaper, possibly dated July 1943:
Posted Missing-Bacup Soldier Serving in the Indian Theatre of War
Mrs. Jessie Nunn, who resides with her mother, Mrs. Scofield, of 2 Cooper Street Bacup, has been officially notified that her husband, Pte. Allan Nunn, the King's Regiment, was posted missing on a date not yet known in the Indian theatre of war. The elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Nunn of 1 Inkerman Street Bacup, Pte. Nunn has served in the Army for about three years, having been abroad for about two years. In civilian life he was employed at Messrs. J & J McLerie's New Hey Mill and was actively associated with the Bacup Labour Party. He has a baby son who will be two years old next month.
Taken from a second email contact from Wendy Watters:
Hi Steve,
I have managed to make contact with some of Alan's family. The granddaughter of his cousin has gone through a family box she had been left by her grandma and her brother (also named Steven) has just sent some photographs. He is off work at the moment, but will scan them properly as soon as he can, at least you and I can now see the man we have written about. I have attached his message to me below, which I have to admit brought tears to my eyes. I explained that without your fabulous research I would never have been able to fill in so many of the blanks and passed on your website details.
Hello Wendy, further to your post about Alan Nunn, my sister has found some photographs of him in my Grans old box of family things which she left for us after she passed away. I'm off work at the moment but will scan them properly and send them to you next week. In the meantime I'll just forward you what my sister sent me so you can put a face to Alan. I'd also like to say thank you for letting us know where Alan is buried today. My Grandmother and Auntie Min (also Alan's cousin) always spoke very fondly of him and made no bone's about telling me that the Japanese had killed him.
Alan's brother Albert or Uncle Bert as we knew him used to tell me tales of his own exploits in the desert during the war, but never mentioned Alan. I guess it was just to close to home for him and he did not want to go over it all again. I know they did try to find out where he was lost but never got any answers. Being an ex-soldier myself and a Bacup lad it's always left me with a horrible empty feeling, thinking that Alan is buried out there somewhere all alone and thousands of miles away from his home. So thanks again for showing us where he lies, it's just a shame that my Gran has passed away as I'm sure it would have given her some closure.
Also we're trying to find the last letter that Alan sent from the POW camp to my Gran. I remember her reading it out to me year's ago. It was quite an upbeat letter assuring her that he was ok. It just shows the calibre of the man, not wanting his family to worry about him when in reality he was going through the worst kind of hell. Hopefully we will find it and I'll send it over to you. Regards, Steven
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this update, including a recent photograph of Alan Nunn's grave at Rangoon War Cemetery. I would like to thank Wendy Watters for all her amazing help in adding to the story of Pte. Alan Nunn and to his family for sending over the photographs and other personal details. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Posted Missing-Bacup Soldier Serving in the Indian Theatre of War
Mrs. Jessie Nunn, who resides with her mother, Mrs. Scofield, of 2 Cooper Street Bacup, has been officially notified that her husband, Pte. Allan Nunn, the King's Regiment, was posted missing on a date not yet known in the Indian theatre of war. The elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Nunn of 1 Inkerman Street Bacup, Pte. Nunn has served in the Army for about three years, having been abroad for about two years. In civilian life he was employed at Messrs. J & J McLerie's New Hey Mill and was actively associated with the Bacup Labour Party. He has a baby son who will be two years old next month.
Taken from a second email contact from Wendy Watters:
Hi Steve,
I have managed to make contact with some of Alan's family. The granddaughter of his cousin has gone through a family box she had been left by her grandma and her brother (also named Steven) has just sent some photographs. He is off work at the moment, but will scan them properly as soon as he can, at least you and I can now see the man we have written about. I have attached his message to me below, which I have to admit brought tears to my eyes. I explained that without your fabulous research I would never have been able to fill in so many of the blanks and passed on your website details.
Hello Wendy, further to your post about Alan Nunn, my sister has found some photographs of him in my Grans old box of family things which she left for us after she passed away. I'm off work at the moment but will scan them properly and send them to you next week. In the meantime I'll just forward you what my sister sent me so you can put a face to Alan. I'd also like to say thank you for letting us know where Alan is buried today. My Grandmother and Auntie Min (also Alan's cousin) always spoke very fondly of him and made no bone's about telling me that the Japanese had killed him.
Alan's brother Albert or Uncle Bert as we knew him used to tell me tales of his own exploits in the desert during the war, but never mentioned Alan. I guess it was just to close to home for him and he did not want to go over it all again. I know they did try to find out where he was lost but never got any answers. Being an ex-soldier myself and a Bacup lad it's always left me with a horrible empty feeling, thinking that Alan is buried out there somewhere all alone and thousands of miles away from his home. So thanks again for showing us where he lies, it's just a shame that my Gran has passed away as I'm sure it would have given her some closure.
Also we're trying to find the last letter that Alan sent from the POW camp to my Gran. I remember her reading it out to me year's ago. It was quite an upbeat letter assuring her that he was ok. It just shows the calibre of the man, not wanting his family to worry about him when in reality he was going through the worst kind of hell. Hopefully we will find it and I'll send it over to you. Regards, Steven
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this update, including a recent photograph of Alan Nunn's grave at Rangoon War Cemetery. I would like to thank Wendy Watters for all her amazing help in adding to the story of Pte. Alan Nunn and to his family for sending over the photographs and other personal details. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Bury Free Press & Post, 07/09/1945.
NUNN, D. 'PETER'
Rank: Private
Service No: 3968874
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. D. Nunn, seemingly always known as Peter, was a surviving member of 8 Column from the first Wingate expedition in 1943. After returning to India, Pte. Nunn gave at least one witness statement to the Army Investigation Bureau, who were collecting information in relation to the lost and missing from Operation Longcloth. This particular statement was in reference to the soldiers, L/Cpl. 7664627 F. Cleaver and L/Cpl. 3781682 R. Clarke:
About the 6th March 1943, after an action at Kame, Cleaver and Clarke, myself and others made a dash to cross a river. Whilst so doing we were under heavy fire. I reached the far bank safely and I saw Cleaver and Clarke reach the bank, but they could not climb the bank to cover. All the enemy fire seemed directed against them. I heard L/Cpl. Clarke say, "It is no good, I can't carry on, they got me in the leg."
This is all Pte. Nunn had to say in relation to the incident at the small river or chaung as they are called in Burma. Robert Clarke, originally from West Gorton in Manchester, was recorded as last seen at the river on the 6th March 1943, but sadly was not heard of again. He is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. It is possible that Frank Cleaver managed to keep moving forward directly after crossing the chaung, but was killed sometime later by enemy mortar fire. This anecdotal information came from another witness statement, this time delivered by Pte. 3779560 Thomas Worthington who was a member of 7 Column on Operation Longcloth. L/Cpl. Cleaver is recorded as having died on the 7th March 1943, and is also remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, located within the grounds of Taukkyan War Cemetery.
From the pages of the Bury Free Press & Post dated 7th September 1945 and under the headline, One of Wingate's Daredevils:
One of the most prized possessions which has come to Pte. Peter D. Nunn, of Bury St. Edmunds, during his service in the Far East, with the 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment, is the certificate presented to him by his Commanding Officer, showing that he was with the 1st Wingate Expedition in 1943 in Burma. Pte. D. Nunn is the son of Mrs. and the late Mr. E. Nunn of 3 Perry Road, Bury St. Edmunds. Peter has four brothers in the services.
Shown below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including an example of the participation certificate issued to the surviving members of 8 Column by Lt-Colonel S.A. Cooke in September 1944. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3968874
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Pte. D. Nunn, seemingly always known as Peter, was a surviving member of 8 Column from the first Wingate expedition in 1943. After returning to India, Pte. Nunn gave at least one witness statement to the Army Investigation Bureau, who were collecting information in relation to the lost and missing from Operation Longcloth. This particular statement was in reference to the soldiers, L/Cpl. 7664627 F. Cleaver and L/Cpl. 3781682 R. Clarke:
About the 6th March 1943, after an action at Kame, Cleaver and Clarke, myself and others made a dash to cross a river. Whilst so doing we were under heavy fire. I reached the far bank safely and I saw Cleaver and Clarke reach the bank, but they could not climb the bank to cover. All the enemy fire seemed directed against them. I heard L/Cpl. Clarke say, "It is no good, I can't carry on, they got me in the leg."
This is all Pte. Nunn had to say in relation to the incident at the small river or chaung as they are called in Burma. Robert Clarke, originally from West Gorton in Manchester, was recorded as last seen at the river on the 6th March 1943, but sadly was not heard of again. He is remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial. It is possible that Frank Cleaver managed to keep moving forward directly after crossing the chaung, but was killed sometime later by enemy mortar fire. This anecdotal information came from another witness statement, this time delivered by Pte. 3779560 Thomas Worthington who was a member of 7 Column on Operation Longcloth. L/Cpl. Cleaver is recorded as having died on the 7th March 1943, and is also remembered upon Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, located within the grounds of Taukkyan War Cemetery.
From the pages of the Bury Free Press & Post dated 7th September 1945 and under the headline, One of Wingate's Daredevils:
One of the most prized possessions which has come to Pte. Peter D. Nunn, of Bury St. Edmunds, during his service in the Far East, with the 13th Battalion, the King's Regiment, is the certificate presented to him by his Commanding Officer, showing that he was with the 1st Wingate Expedition in 1943 in Burma. Pte. D. Nunn is the son of Mrs. and the late Mr. E. Nunn of 3 Perry Road, Bury St. Edmunds. Peter has four brothers in the services.
Shown below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including an example of the participation certificate issued to the surviving members of 8 Column by Lt-Colonel S.A. Cooke in September 1944. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial.
NUTTALL, FRED
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 3779372
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520497/NUTTALL,%20FRED
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Lance Corporal Fred Nutall was born in 1920 in Preston, Lancashire, he was the only son of Isaac and Ada Nuttall of Chapel Lane, Longton. Fred was an original member of the 13th King's battalion which boarded the troopship 'Oronsay' on the 8th December 1941, and which took the unsuspecting men across to India and eventually in to the arms of Brigadier Wingate.
Fred Nuttall was part of D Company in the original battalion and was posted to Chindit Column 8 in 1942 under the command of another original Kingsman and Officer, Major Walter Purcell Scott. Column 8 were given various duties once inside Burma in 1943, these included attacking small Japanese garrison towns at places such as Pinlebu and often flanking and protecting Brigadier Wingate's own Brigade Head Quarters.
It was on the journey back out of Burma in late April 1943 that Fred Nuttall was to sadly lose his life, when a Japanese patrol finally caught up with the dispersing Chindits at a place called the Kaukkwe Chaung. In fact it was Major Scott who gave evidence to the casualty investigation bureau in regard to Lance Corporal Nuttall and his last known whereabouts that year. In a short report given on the 24th July 1943 he explained:
Lance Corporal F. Nuttall
Pte. J. Mitchell
Pte. H. Brooker
Pte. G. Davies
Pte. T. Hazeldine
"The above mentioned men were with me during the battle at Okthaik, near the Kaukkwe Chaung on April 30th. After the battle was broken off, and forces were re-collected it was found that they were missing. No further information is available, as they have not been heard of since."
First hand witness reports for that day tell how the experienced NCO's from the column attempted to hold off the enemy while the other men got across the chaung, this unfortunately took quite a time due to the large amount of non-swimmers in the unit.
Below are some pages from the Column 8 War diary recorded whilst on active duty in Burma during the early months of 1943. The diary explains what the Column was up to leading up to the engagement at the Kaukkwe Chaung. Please click on any image to enlarge.
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 3779372
Date of Death: 01/05/1943
Age: 22
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520497/NUTTALL,%20FRED
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Lance Corporal Fred Nutall was born in 1920 in Preston, Lancashire, he was the only son of Isaac and Ada Nuttall of Chapel Lane, Longton. Fred was an original member of the 13th King's battalion which boarded the troopship 'Oronsay' on the 8th December 1941, and which took the unsuspecting men across to India and eventually in to the arms of Brigadier Wingate.
Fred Nuttall was part of D Company in the original battalion and was posted to Chindit Column 8 in 1942 under the command of another original Kingsman and Officer, Major Walter Purcell Scott. Column 8 were given various duties once inside Burma in 1943, these included attacking small Japanese garrison towns at places such as Pinlebu and often flanking and protecting Brigadier Wingate's own Brigade Head Quarters.
It was on the journey back out of Burma in late April 1943 that Fred Nuttall was to sadly lose his life, when a Japanese patrol finally caught up with the dispersing Chindits at a place called the Kaukkwe Chaung. In fact it was Major Scott who gave evidence to the casualty investigation bureau in regard to Lance Corporal Nuttall and his last known whereabouts that year. In a short report given on the 24th July 1943 he explained:
Lance Corporal F. Nuttall
Pte. J. Mitchell
Pte. H. Brooker
Pte. G. Davies
Pte. T. Hazeldine
"The above mentioned men were with me during the battle at Okthaik, near the Kaukkwe Chaung on April 30th. After the battle was broken off, and forces were re-collected it was found that they were missing. No further information is available, as they have not been heard of since."
First hand witness reports for that day tell how the experienced NCO's from the column attempted to hold off the enemy while the other men got across the chaung, this unfortunately took quite a time due to the large amount of non-swimmers in the unit.
Below are some pages from the Column 8 War diary recorded whilst on active duty in Burma during the early months of 1943. The diary explains what the Column was up to leading up to the engagement at the Kaukkwe Chaung. Please click on any image to enlarge.
Many books written about the first Chindit Operation have recounted the incident at the Kaukkwe Chaung. From 'Wingate's Lost Brigade', written by Phil Chinnery:
The next day, 30th April, was a fateful day for 8 Column. They reached the Kaukkwe Chaung, halting a mile south-east of the village of Okthaik. The men began crossing on two rafts that had been constructed out of lifebelts. The Burma Riflemen were across first and Havildar Lan Val went into Okthaik and arranged for the headman to guide them on to Pumhpyu. The bridgehead expanded as more men crossed the river and a heavy thunderstorm began as the column started to form up.
Unknown to the drenched Chindits, a strong enemy force had crept up under cover of the storm and heavy firing suddenly broke out around them. CQMS Duncan Bett was one of the men who retired to the cover of the river bank:
"On reaching the river bank, which was very high and steep, I sank over my knees in the mud with the weight of my pack, which weighed about seventy pounds. I was forced to slip it off and it rolled down the bank and disappeared in the muddy water with all my newly acquired food and gear. I was left with what I stood up in, a rifle and a bandolier of .303 ammunition."
Company Sergeant Major Cheevers reported to Major Scott that he had knocked out two Japanese machine-gun positions on the west side of the perimeter and the RSM was ordered to lead the dispersal groups off in that direction, keeping to the lower banks of the chaung. While this was taking place the Japanese put in a bayonet charge from the south, but they were driven back by 17 Platoon's Bren gun.
Lieutenant Rowland was hit in the chest and was last seen crawling towards the river bank. As Major Scott collected up the stragglers in the area he came across Colour Sergeant Glasgow who had had his knee shattered. He refused all offers of help and asked Scott and others in the area to shoot him as he knew the Japanese would not bother to take him prisoner if he was unable to walk.
Scott told him to lie low until darkness but Glasgow told the Column Commander not to bother coming back for him as he intended finishing himself off. He was never seen again. At this point the Burma Rifles were seen in the chaung, trying to swim back to the far bank. Two Japanese then appeared on the top of the bank and began dropping grenades into the water. These two were shot by Sergeant Delaney before he joined the Major and the column melting away into the jungle.
The firing died away but flared up again fifteen minutes later from the direction Okthaik village where some of the scattered Chindits had made contact with the Japs again. In the meantime Major Scott and his party put 5 miles of jungle between themselves and the chaung and bivouacked for the night.
They discovered that out of the fifty-seven men in the party, only seven had kept their packs. The bulk of the supplies dropped to the column a day or two earlier had been lost during the fighting.
Without the Burrifs it would be difficult obtaining food from the villages en-route, but one or two of the men knew a few words of Burmese which enabled them to buy rice and obtain guides to help them on their way.
As they neared the railway a group of twenty-one at the rear of the column lost contact and continued on their way alone, leaving Major Scott with thirty-five others. They finally crossed the railway at 0245 hours on 3rd May, not far from Kadu railway station where a train was unloading Japanese reinforcements.
Nine days later on 12th May, they reached the Chindwin and crossed over. The missing party of twenty-one, led by Sergeants Puckett and Saxton, arrived ten days later and by early June the majority of the 100 men missing after the Okthaik battle reached the Chindwin.
The next day, 30th April, was a fateful day for 8 Column. They reached the Kaukkwe Chaung, halting a mile south-east of the village of Okthaik. The men began crossing on two rafts that had been constructed out of lifebelts. The Burma Riflemen were across first and Havildar Lan Val went into Okthaik and arranged for the headman to guide them on to Pumhpyu. The bridgehead expanded as more men crossed the river and a heavy thunderstorm began as the column started to form up.
Unknown to the drenched Chindits, a strong enemy force had crept up under cover of the storm and heavy firing suddenly broke out around them. CQMS Duncan Bett was one of the men who retired to the cover of the river bank:
"On reaching the river bank, which was very high and steep, I sank over my knees in the mud with the weight of my pack, which weighed about seventy pounds. I was forced to slip it off and it rolled down the bank and disappeared in the muddy water with all my newly acquired food and gear. I was left with what I stood up in, a rifle and a bandolier of .303 ammunition."
Company Sergeant Major Cheevers reported to Major Scott that he had knocked out two Japanese machine-gun positions on the west side of the perimeter and the RSM was ordered to lead the dispersal groups off in that direction, keeping to the lower banks of the chaung. While this was taking place the Japanese put in a bayonet charge from the south, but they were driven back by 17 Platoon's Bren gun.
Lieutenant Rowland was hit in the chest and was last seen crawling towards the river bank. As Major Scott collected up the stragglers in the area he came across Colour Sergeant Glasgow who had had his knee shattered. He refused all offers of help and asked Scott and others in the area to shoot him as he knew the Japanese would not bother to take him prisoner if he was unable to walk.
Scott told him to lie low until darkness but Glasgow told the Column Commander not to bother coming back for him as he intended finishing himself off. He was never seen again. At this point the Burma Rifles were seen in the chaung, trying to swim back to the far bank. Two Japanese then appeared on the top of the bank and began dropping grenades into the water. These two were shot by Sergeant Delaney before he joined the Major and the column melting away into the jungle.
The firing died away but flared up again fifteen minutes later from the direction Okthaik village where some of the scattered Chindits had made contact with the Japs again. In the meantime Major Scott and his party put 5 miles of jungle between themselves and the chaung and bivouacked for the night.
They discovered that out of the fifty-seven men in the party, only seven had kept their packs. The bulk of the supplies dropped to the column a day or two earlier had been lost during the fighting.
Without the Burrifs it would be difficult obtaining food from the villages en-route, but one or two of the men knew a few words of Burmese which enabled them to buy rice and obtain guides to help them on their way.
As they neared the railway a group of twenty-one at the rear of the column lost contact and continued on their way alone, leaving Major Scott with thirty-five others. They finally crossed the railway at 0245 hours on 3rd May, not far from Kadu railway station where a train was unloading Japanese reinforcements.
Nine days later on 12th May, they reached the Chindwin and crossed over. The missing party of twenty-one, led by Sergeants Puckett and Saxton, arrived ten days later and by early June the majority of the 100 men missing after the Okthaik battle reached the Chindwin.
Map showing the village of Okthaik and the Kaukkwe Chaung.
From Wilfred Burchett's book Wingate's Phantom Army, comes another description of the 30th April at the Kaukkwe Chaung:
Scott's men had continued all night arriving at the Kaukkwe Chaung, a fast flowing deep river, early next morning. This was an unexpected obstacle. They tried wading, but soon got out of their depth.
The chaung was about 80 yards wide and they had left their rope and rubber dinghies at the Shweli. They started to inflate their lifebelts, lash them together and make rafts. With lengths of bamboo, top and bottom and a dozen lifebelts in between, they made rafts capable of taking half a dozen men and their packs.
Parachute cord was lashed together and when the swimmers in the party had crossed, they pulled the others over on the rafts. Patrols were sent out and reported no Japs, but just as the last man got across, firing broke out all round them. The river made a right angle bend at the point they had crossed, and the Japs were strung out in a semi-circle joining both arms of the right angle, and completely barring the way.
Most of Scott's men were still at the water's edge, collecting their packs, and they flattened themselves against the high bank as the Japs hurled hand-grenades at them. Fortunately most of the latter cleared their heads and exploded harmlessly in the water, causing casualties among the fish only.
Two Irish Sergeants, Cheevers and Delaney, had sections amongst the bridgeheads established in the jungle, and they began fighting back desperately. A subaltern alongside Cheevers dropped dead, and a Jap poked his head through the undergrowth to make sure of his kill. Cheevers stitched him to a tree with his Tommy-gun, shouting "Take that, ye black-hearted bastard."
Seven Japs rushed to drag back the body, and Cheevers swearing profusely cut four of them down; the rest ran back. Scott ordered the men to try and break through to the left, but the Japs were strongly entrenched there with heavy machine-guns, and there was no chance that way. The Japs formed up for a bayonet charge—as far as I know the only one during the whole of the Wingate expedition—to wipe out Delaney's section on the left flank. Delaney quickly shoved a Bren gun into position. The Japs rushed them, howling and screaming, but stopped after 5 yards as suddenly as if they had hit a brick wall when the Bren opened up. Those who survived yelled even louder as they turned tail and dashed for cover.
Scott tried edging round to the right flank, and found it was unguarded so word was passed back and the dispersal signal given. While Cheevers and Delaney held the Japs at bay, the rest at the water's edge hugged the bank and with their heads well down, worked around to the right. Scott found a company sergeant major wounded by the bank, and started to lift him on to his back, but the C.S.M. (Robert Glasgow) begged not to be moved.
"I'll be back for you with a stretcher after dark," whispered Scott, but the wounded man shook his head. "It's no guid sir. Ye'd not carry me a half mile in this country. Ma knee's shot right away and that's a fact. It's best to put a bullet in me right now and finish it."
Scott gave him some morphia and left to get the rest of the men away. Delaney who commanded one of the dispersal groups dropped down from the bank later, and tried to shift the wounded man, but was it impossible, and he fiercely ordered Delaney to leave him. "Man, 'tis your job tae get the lads away tae safety. As many as mebbe of them. There's nothing tae be done for me." He took out a compass and map, and gave Delaney exact instructions for the route to the rendezvous, and when he was still loathed to go, said : 'Delaney, I'm your superior officer. I order you tae march your men awa. But gie me anaether shot a that morphia before ye go."
Delaney stayed with him till nearly daylight, then picked up his other wounded and marched his 50 men away. The battle at Kaukkwe Chaung was the end of Scott's column as one unit. Their rendezvous existed on the map only, and none of the parties found it.
Delaney took one party out to India, the regimental sergeant major (William Livingstone MC) another, and Scott a third. Most of the men had lost their packs at the river. By the time they had divided up what was left, instead of 14 days' good rations, they only had 2 days' per man, and no possibility of further droppings.
Scott believed the Japs would soon be after them when the Kaukkwe battle was reported to headquarters, so they marched almost non-stop for the next few days. Over very mountainous country, marching night and day, through the jungle or along unused paths, carrying wounded with them, they covered 70 miles in 60 hours with a total of about 6 hours sleep.
It is highly likely in my view that Fred Nutall was one of the brave NCO 's that defended the nearside banks of the Kaukkwe Chaung while the other men scrambled to get over, for this action he paid with his life. For more information about Column 8's journey both during and after the incident at Okthaik, please click on the links below:
CSM JF. Wilson. Third story on the page.
Frank Lea and the Kaukkwe Chaung
In June 2010 I had the good fortune to make contact with Stewart McLoughlin who had been researching the WW2 casualties remembered on the Memorial Window at St. Andrew's Church, Longton. I was able to pass on some information in regard to Fred Nutall's story in the form of the Column War diary and other official documents. Stewart has used some of this detail to produce his own informational story about Fred and the memorial at St. Andrew's Church, Longton. To access his work, please click on the files below. These pdf files are fairly large at 50mb and 15mb respectively:
Scott's men had continued all night arriving at the Kaukkwe Chaung, a fast flowing deep river, early next morning. This was an unexpected obstacle. They tried wading, but soon got out of their depth.
The chaung was about 80 yards wide and they had left their rope and rubber dinghies at the Shweli. They started to inflate their lifebelts, lash them together and make rafts. With lengths of bamboo, top and bottom and a dozen lifebelts in between, they made rafts capable of taking half a dozen men and their packs.
Parachute cord was lashed together and when the swimmers in the party had crossed, they pulled the others over on the rafts. Patrols were sent out and reported no Japs, but just as the last man got across, firing broke out all round them. The river made a right angle bend at the point they had crossed, and the Japs were strung out in a semi-circle joining both arms of the right angle, and completely barring the way.
Most of Scott's men were still at the water's edge, collecting their packs, and they flattened themselves against the high bank as the Japs hurled hand-grenades at them. Fortunately most of the latter cleared their heads and exploded harmlessly in the water, causing casualties among the fish only.
Two Irish Sergeants, Cheevers and Delaney, had sections amongst the bridgeheads established in the jungle, and they began fighting back desperately. A subaltern alongside Cheevers dropped dead, and a Jap poked his head through the undergrowth to make sure of his kill. Cheevers stitched him to a tree with his Tommy-gun, shouting "Take that, ye black-hearted bastard."
Seven Japs rushed to drag back the body, and Cheevers swearing profusely cut four of them down; the rest ran back. Scott ordered the men to try and break through to the left, but the Japs were strongly entrenched there with heavy machine-guns, and there was no chance that way. The Japs formed up for a bayonet charge—as far as I know the only one during the whole of the Wingate expedition—to wipe out Delaney's section on the left flank. Delaney quickly shoved a Bren gun into position. The Japs rushed them, howling and screaming, but stopped after 5 yards as suddenly as if they had hit a brick wall when the Bren opened up. Those who survived yelled even louder as they turned tail and dashed for cover.
Scott tried edging round to the right flank, and found it was unguarded so word was passed back and the dispersal signal given. While Cheevers and Delaney held the Japs at bay, the rest at the water's edge hugged the bank and with their heads well down, worked around to the right. Scott found a company sergeant major wounded by the bank, and started to lift him on to his back, but the C.S.M. (Robert Glasgow) begged not to be moved.
"I'll be back for you with a stretcher after dark," whispered Scott, but the wounded man shook his head. "It's no guid sir. Ye'd not carry me a half mile in this country. Ma knee's shot right away and that's a fact. It's best to put a bullet in me right now and finish it."
Scott gave him some morphia and left to get the rest of the men away. Delaney who commanded one of the dispersal groups dropped down from the bank later, and tried to shift the wounded man, but was it impossible, and he fiercely ordered Delaney to leave him. "Man, 'tis your job tae get the lads away tae safety. As many as mebbe of them. There's nothing tae be done for me." He took out a compass and map, and gave Delaney exact instructions for the route to the rendezvous, and when he was still loathed to go, said : 'Delaney, I'm your superior officer. I order you tae march your men awa. But gie me anaether shot a that morphia before ye go."
Delaney stayed with him till nearly daylight, then picked up his other wounded and marched his 50 men away. The battle at Kaukkwe Chaung was the end of Scott's column as one unit. Their rendezvous existed on the map only, and none of the parties found it.
Delaney took one party out to India, the regimental sergeant major (William Livingstone MC) another, and Scott a third. Most of the men had lost their packs at the river. By the time they had divided up what was left, instead of 14 days' good rations, they only had 2 days' per man, and no possibility of further droppings.
Scott believed the Japs would soon be after them when the Kaukkwe battle was reported to headquarters, so they marched almost non-stop for the next few days. Over very mountainous country, marching night and day, through the jungle or along unused paths, carrying wounded with them, they covered 70 miles in 60 hours with a total of about 6 hours sleep.
It is highly likely in my view that Fred Nutall was one of the brave NCO 's that defended the nearside banks of the Kaukkwe Chaung while the other men scrambled to get over, for this action he paid with his life. For more information about Column 8's journey both during and after the incident at Okthaik, please click on the links below:
CSM JF. Wilson. Third story on the page.
Frank Lea and the Kaukkwe Chaung
In June 2010 I had the good fortune to make contact with Stewart McLoughlin who had been researching the WW2 casualties remembered on the Memorial Window at St. Andrew's Church, Longton. I was able to pass on some information in regard to Fred Nutall's story in the form of the Column War diary and other official documents. Stewart has used some of this detail to produce his own informational story about Fred and the memorial at St. Andrew's Church, Longton. To access his work, please click on the files below. These pdf files are fairly large at 50mb and 15mb respectively:
| nuttall_fred_pdf.pdf |
| longton_memorial_window_copy.pdf |
To complete this page, seen below are some images in regards to Lance Corporal Fred Nuttall and his Chindit story.
L/Cpl. Fred Nuttall.
Update 09/04/2017.
From the pages of the Lancashire Evening Post, dated 22nd June 1946 and under the headline, With the Chindits, and which included the photograph shown to the left, comes this short notice about Fred Nuttall and his ultimate demise in Burma during the weeks of Operation Longcloth.
With the Chindits
L/Cpl. Fred Nuttall, King's Regiment and son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Nuttall of Laburnam Cottage, Chapel Lane, Longton near Preston, is officially presumed to have been killed in action in Burma during May 1943. He was serving with Wingate's Chindits.
Before enlisting in 1940, he was employed by Mr. E. Wiggans, a butcher from Longton. Fred was a member of the choir at St. Andrew's Church in Longton and a Sunday School teacher. He was also treasurer of the local Youth Fellowship.
To read more about another soldier, Thomas Hazeldine, mentioned in Major Scott's witness statement as missing at the same time as Fred, please click on the following link and scroll down alphabetically to the relevant story: Pte. Thomas James Hazeldine.
From the pages of the Lancashire Evening Post, dated 22nd June 1946 and under the headline, With the Chindits, and which included the photograph shown to the left, comes this short notice about Fred Nuttall and his ultimate demise in Burma during the weeks of Operation Longcloth.
With the Chindits
L/Cpl. Fred Nuttall, King's Regiment and son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Nuttall of Laburnam Cottage, Chapel Lane, Longton near Preston, is officially presumed to have been killed in action in Burma during May 1943. He was serving with Wingate's Chindits.
Before enlisting in 1940, he was employed by Mr. E. Wiggans, a butcher from Longton. Fred was a member of the choir at St. Andrew's Church in Longton and a Sunday School teacher. He was also treasurer of the local Youth Fellowship.
To read more about another soldier, Thomas Hazeldine, mentioned in Major Scott's witness statement as missing at the same time as Fred, please click on the following link and scroll down alphabetically to the relevant story: Pte. Thomas James Hazeldine.
Copyright © Steve Fogden and Stewart McLoughlin May 2014.
O'GORMAN, ALFRED CHRISTOPHER
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 3780708
Date of Death: 10/04/1943
Age: 29
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520642/o'gorman,-alfred-christopher/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Alfred Christopher O'Gorman was born on the 24th December 1913 and was the son of Michael and Delia O'Gorman and husband of Susan O'Gorman (nee Betts) from East Acton in London. Alfred had married Susan in July 1936 at Hammersmith, where the couple lived at no. 37 Primula Street.
Sgt. O 'Gorman was a member of No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth, under the overall leadership of Major Kenneth Gilkes. For most of the the journey through the jungles of Burma in 1943, the column had kept close to Wingate's own Brigade Head Quarters, protecting and shadowing their leader wherever he went. By late March 1943, many of the men from No. 7 Column were suffering from severe exhaustion, starvation and numerous other afflictions common to the jungles of Burma at that time. A group of Chindits, already very ill with diseases such as dysentery and malaria were placed under the leadership of Lieutenant Rex Walker, a young officer from the King's Regiment. He was given the task (by Major Gilkes) of taking these men back to India when the Column split up into its dispersal parties around the 9th April.
From reading the column war diary for this period, there is a suggestion that Alfred went with the group led by Lt. Walker and was lost on the 10th April, almost immediately after the dispersal party had moved away from the main body of the column. One witness statement, given by Pte. Leon Frank suggested that Alfred had attempted to swim the Irrawaddy River after being separated and although being a strong swimmer, he had found the current too strong and drowned. Leon's account can be seen in the gallery below, but of course cannot be confirmed at this late stage of events.
There are at least four other accounts of his disappearance in 1943 and these all centre around one single event, that being his failure to cross a motor road on the 10th April. The column war diary (extract shown in the gallery below) states that Sgt. O'Gorman did not rejoin the main body of the column after it crossed the Mongmit-Myitson motor road on the 10th and it was assumed that he had caught up with Lt. Walker's dispersal party.
Another witness statement, given by Pte. Thomas Worthington in the form of a letter written after his liberation as a prisoner of war backs up the motor road version of events:
Alf Gorman. Home, London. Missing whilst crossing a road; the Column was broken up by three Japanese Lorries and there was an incident. All of No. 7 Column were across, except O’Gorman. A patrol went back for him, led by Lt. Woods of 142 Company, No. 7 Column. O’Gorman could not be found. This was sometime in April 1943.
Major Gilkes, No. 7 Column commander listed the fate of several of his men in a statement written in November 1943. He simply states that:
Sgt. O'Gorman went missing from the column after an engagement with the Japanese on the Mongmit-Myitson Road, on about the 8th April. This man to the best of our knowledge was not wounded during the incident.
The next witness account was given by Cpl. John Kennedy, another surviving POW from No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth and a member of Lt. Walker's dispersal party in 1943. He wrote in a similar letter to Tom Worthington's, but having assumed or heard second-hand that:
Sgt. O'Gorman was killed by the Japanese en route to China with 7 Column.
Finally, sometime after the war, Captain Leslie Cottrell, the second officer for No. 7 Column in 1943, wrote this short account in his Chindit memoirs:
7 Column had just finished crossing a main road, or so we thought, when a Japanese motorised patrol came along it. It was then that we noticed that Sgt. O'Gorman had failed to cross and the Japanese could not have failed to see him. It was puzzling why the enemy patrol did not attack us at this point. It is unfortunately to be presumed that the Japanese took Sgt. O'Gorman prisoner.
Alfred O'Gorman's body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial, located in the grounds of Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial was built to honour the memory of all those casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave or resting place.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial showing Alfred's inscription. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 3780708
Date of Death: 10/04/1943
Age: 29
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520642/o'gorman,-alfred-christopher/
Chindit Column: 7
Other details:
Alfred Christopher O'Gorman was born on the 24th December 1913 and was the son of Michael and Delia O'Gorman and husband of Susan O'Gorman (nee Betts) from East Acton in London. Alfred had married Susan in July 1936 at Hammersmith, where the couple lived at no. 37 Primula Street.
Sgt. O 'Gorman was a member of No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth, under the overall leadership of Major Kenneth Gilkes. For most of the the journey through the jungles of Burma in 1943, the column had kept close to Wingate's own Brigade Head Quarters, protecting and shadowing their leader wherever he went. By late March 1943, many of the men from No. 7 Column were suffering from severe exhaustion, starvation and numerous other afflictions common to the jungles of Burma at that time. A group of Chindits, already very ill with diseases such as dysentery and malaria were placed under the leadership of Lieutenant Rex Walker, a young officer from the King's Regiment. He was given the task (by Major Gilkes) of taking these men back to India when the Column split up into its dispersal parties around the 9th April.
From reading the column war diary for this period, there is a suggestion that Alfred went with the group led by Lt. Walker and was lost on the 10th April, almost immediately after the dispersal party had moved away from the main body of the column. One witness statement, given by Pte. Leon Frank suggested that Alfred had attempted to swim the Irrawaddy River after being separated and although being a strong swimmer, he had found the current too strong and drowned. Leon's account can be seen in the gallery below, but of course cannot be confirmed at this late stage of events.
There are at least four other accounts of his disappearance in 1943 and these all centre around one single event, that being his failure to cross a motor road on the 10th April. The column war diary (extract shown in the gallery below) states that Sgt. O'Gorman did not rejoin the main body of the column after it crossed the Mongmit-Myitson motor road on the 10th and it was assumed that he had caught up with Lt. Walker's dispersal party.
Another witness statement, given by Pte. Thomas Worthington in the form of a letter written after his liberation as a prisoner of war backs up the motor road version of events:
Alf Gorman. Home, London. Missing whilst crossing a road; the Column was broken up by three Japanese Lorries and there was an incident. All of No. 7 Column were across, except O’Gorman. A patrol went back for him, led by Lt. Woods of 142 Company, No. 7 Column. O’Gorman could not be found. This was sometime in April 1943.
Major Gilkes, No. 7 Column commander listed the fate of several of his men in a statement written in November 1943. He simply states that:
Sgt. O'Gorman went missing from the column after an engagement with the Japanese on the Mongmit-Myitson Road, on about the 8th April. This man to the best of our knowledge was not wounded during the incident.
The next witness account was given by Cpl. John Kennedy, another surviving POW from No. 7 Column on Operation Longcloth and a member of Lt. Walker's dispersal party in 1943. He wrote in a similar letter to Tom Worthington's, but having assumed or heard second-hand that:
Sgt. O'Gorman was killed by the Japanese en route to China with 7 Column.
Finally, sometime after the war, Captain Leslie Cottrell, the second officer for No. 7 Column in 1943, wrote this short account in his Chindit memoirs:
7 Column had just finished crossing a main road, or so we thought, when a Japanese motorised patrol came along it. It was then that we noticed that Sgt. O'Gorman had failed to cross and the Japanese could not have failed to see him. It was puzzling why the enemy patrol did not attack us at this point. It is unfortunately to be presumed that the Japanese took Sgt. O'Gorman prisoner.
Alfred O'Gorman's body was never recovered after the war and for this reason he is remembered upon the Rangoon Memorial, located in the grounds of Taukkyan War Cemetery. This memorial was built to honour the memory of all those casualties from the Burma campaign that have no known grave or resting place.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of Face 5 of the Rangoon Memorial showing Alfred's inscription. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
O'HARE, HUGH
From the pages of the Liverpool Evening Express, dated 24th November 1943, and the headline:
Liverpool Man in Burma:
Soldiers of Wingate's Follies, although fighting deep in Burma, still got their mail by parachute. One of them, Private Hugh O'Hare, of Leinster Road, Old Swan, has written to his sister, Mrs. Mary Pickering of Campbell Drive, Huyton, giving her his news.
Dealing with his adventures, Private O'Hare who formerly worked for the Liverpool Gas Company, said there were times when they used letters to make cigarettes, and in the later stages, their only food was mule meat and rice. "We are now in hospital recovering from a little weakness. The food is O.K. with double rations of eggs, bacon, chicken, beer, milk and not forgetting rum.
Sadly, this all the information I have managed to find regarding Pte. Hugh O'Hare.
From the pages of the Liverpool Evening Express, dated 24th November 1943, and the headline:
Liverpool Man in Burma:
Soldiers of Wingate's Follies, although fighting deep in Burma, still got their mail by parachute. One of them, Private Hugh O'Hare, of Leinster Road, Old Swan, has written to his sister, Mrs. Mary Pickering of Campbell Drive, Huyton, giving her his news.
Dealing with his adventures, Private O'Hare who formerly worked for the Liverpool Gas Company, said there were times when they used letters to make cigarettes, and in the later stages, their only food was mule meat and rice. "We are now in hospital recovering from a little weakness. The food is O.K. with double rations of eggs, bacon, chicken, beer, milk and not forgetting rum.
Sadly, this all the information I have managed to find regarding Pte. Hugh O'Hare.
OPENSHAW, THOMAS
Rank: Private
Service No: 3778612
Date of Death: 30/04/1943
Age: 24
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520712/openshaw,-thomas/
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Thomas Openshaw was born on the 5th September 1918 and was the son of Thomas Russell and Florence Openshaw from Bolton in Lancashire. According to the 1939 Register, he was one of five children living with their parents at 4 Thicketford Road and worked as an Under Manager in a local provisions store.
Pte. Openshaw was an original member of the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment that voyaged to India aboard the troopship Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. Thomas was part of D' Company and so became a member of Chindit Column No. 8 after the battalion had moved up into the Central Provinces of the country and began their training at Saugor.
Sadly, very little is known about Thomas and his experiences on the first Wingate expedition in 1943. A casualty report comprised on the 9th May 1944 by the Army Investigation Bureau simply states:
Officer commanding 13th King's (Colonel S.A. Cooke) replied that no further information seems to be available for L/Cpl. Curry or Ptes. Openshaw and Webster, all went missing at the same time and place.
On the missing in action listings for Operation Longcloth, Pte. Openshaw is recorded as missing on the 30th April 1943 and last seen on the bank of a river at a place called Okthaik. No. 8 Column had broken up into smaller dispersal groups in mid-April and were heading back to India at the time of this action against the Japanese on the 30th April. Scott's men were crossing a fast flowing river (Kaukkwe Chaung) near the Burmese village of Okthaik when they were ambushed by a large Japanese patrol. As the non-swimmers were being helped across the water, several of the more experienced NCOs attempted to hold off the enemy with their machine guns and grenades. Sadly, many men were killed or wounded at this engagement and it seems likely that Thomas was among them. To read more about the incident at the Kaukkwe Chaung, please click on the following link: Frank Lea, Ellis Grundy and the Kaukkwe Chaung
Nothing more was ever seen or heard of Thomas Openshaw and his grave was never found after the war was over. For this reason he is remembered upon Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial. This memorial is situated at Taukkyan War Cemetery located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon city and contains the names of over 26,000 casualties from the Burma campaign who have no known grave.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of Thomas' name upon Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Rank: Private
Service No: 3778612
Date of Death: 30/04/1943
Age: 24
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial, Taukkyan War Cemetery.
CWGC link: www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2520712/openshaw,-thomas/
Chindit Column: 8
Other details:
Thomas Openshaw was born on the 5th September 1918 and was the son of Thomas Russell and Florence Openshaw from Bolton in Lancashire. According to the 1939 Register, he was one of five children living with their parents at 4 Thicketford Road and worked as an Under Manager in a local provisions store.
Pte. Openshaw was an original member of the 13th Battalion of the King's Regiment that voyaged to India aboard the troopship Oronsay on the 8th December 1941. Thomas was part of D' Company and so became a member of Chindit Column No. 8 after the battalion had moved up into the Central Provinces of the country and began their training at Saugor.
Sadly, very little is known about Thomas and his experiences on the first Wingate expedition in 1943. A casualty report comprised on the 9th May 1944 by the Army Investigation Bureau simply states:
Officer commanding 13th King's (Colonel S.A. Cooke) replied that no further information seems to be available for L/Cpl. Curry or Ptes. Openshaw and Webster, all went missing at the same time and place.
On the missing in action listings for Operation Longcloth, Pte. Openshaw is recorded as missing on the 30th April 1943 and last seen on the bank of a river at a place called Okthaik. No. 8 Column had broken up into smaller dispersal groups in mid-April and were heading back to India at the time of this action against the Japanese on the 30th April. Scott's men were crossing a fast flowing river (Kaukkwe Chaung) near the Burmese village of Okthaik when they were ambushed by a large Japanese patrol. As the non-swimmers were being helped across the water, several of the more experienced NCOs attempted to hold off the enemy with their machine guns and grenades. Sadly, many men were killed or wounded at this engagement and it seems likely that Thomas was among them. To read more about the incident at the Kaukkwe Chaung, please click on the following link: Frank Lea, Ellis Grundy and the Kaukkwe Chaung
Nothing more was ever seen or heard of Thomas Openshaw and his grave was never found after the war was over. For this reason he is remembered upon Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial. This memorial is situated at Taukkyan War Cemetery located on the northern outskirts of Rangoon city and contains the names of over 26,000 casualties from the Burma campaign who have no known grave.
Seen below is a gallery of images in relation to this story, including a photograph of Thomas' name upon Face 6 of the Rangoon Memorial. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Cap badge for the 17/21st Lancers.
ORMANDY, WILLIAM
In early October 1942, Sgt. William Ormandy formerly of the 17/21st Lancers, also known as the Death of Glory boys, was posted to the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade and made his way by train to the Chindit training camp at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India.
The 17/21st Lancers had been in India since 1930 and had finally given up the Lance and horse in favour of mechanisation in 1938, whilst stationed in Meerut. At the outbreak of WW2 the regiment were immediately posted back to England, where they were re-fitted with Valentine and Crusader MK3 tanks and sent to join the 6th Armoured Division with whom they served during the North Africa campaign.
It must be presumed, that William Ormandy chose to remain in India and continue to work with horses, as he was attached as an equestrian expert to the Animal Transport Section of 8 Column, under the command of Lt. Nick Neill of the 3/2 Gurkha Rifles. Lt. Neill remembered:
Our mule lines were at a place called Guna; a beautiful little spot. In the centre of the camp was a small jheel or lake and surrounding this was a perimeter of hills covered in thin scrub jungle. Towards the end of the training period in November 1942, the final Gurkha recruits arrived and were amalgamated into the various Mule Transport Sections. We received some further reinforcements from the 10th Gurkha Regiment who were trained as second-line recruits for the three King's columns. Some days later, many other Gurkhas arrived at Guna from most of the other Regiments from within the Gurkha Brigade. I was concerned that this mixture would not work well as a unit within 8 Column and was surprised that Brigadier Wingate could accept such an arrangement. In the end I had command of 53 Gurkha soldiers from the 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th Regiments.
Almost at the last minute, just a few weeks before the Brigade entered Burma, Lt. Neill was handed 20 more men from the King's Regiment to lead the mortar and machine-gun mules. With them came Sgt. William Ormandy and his own groom, Pte. Hand. Lt. Neill recalled:
Ormandy's knowledge of horses if not mules was complete. In the coming months he was to be of the greatest assistance to me, as he taught me so much about caring for both horses and mules, I was much in his debt during those days. He helped me with my own charger 'Red Wagon', a beautiful dark chestnut stallion with a white blaze across his forehead. In the early days behind the lines in Burma, Major Scott ordered Ormandy and I to ride up and down the column lines during our daily marches, in order to check on the progress and behaviour of the mules, it was during these moments that I learned much about my animals. Goodness knows how many miles Ormandy and I must have trotted up and down, constantly having to dismount and help our muleteers with their charges.
8 Column had a fairly quiet time during this period of the operation, involved in the odd skirmish with the enemy at places such as Sitsawk, Pinlebu and Kame. Most of the time they shadowed Wingate and his Brigade Head Quarters, missing contact with the Japanese by small margins of time on several occasions. Lt. Neill and his men were kept busy with their work, especially around the time of column supply drops, when the mules were used in transporting the new supplies from the drop zone area, back into column harbour. One mule in particular had become very much a column favourite, as Nick Neill recalled:
Our mules had become personalities and friends to my muleteers and we all suffered with them, as only a master can for his animal. One should not have favourites I suppose, but I did have one such mule; she was No. 850. She was a beautiful pale dun coloured, country-bred animal and larger than most of the Indian mules. I called her 'Blondie' and she carried the bedding for Column HQ and was led by 107535 Harkabahadur Rai.
As the early weeks of Operation Longcloth unfolded, the mules began to suffer from severe galls and sores and their health deteriorated quite dramatically. William Ormandy's skill and equine knowledge was to prove crucial in keeping these beleaguered animals on the move. Nick Neill continues:
Soon we were moving across the Zinbon Taungdan Escarpment, through a narrow and little known track. This proved to be a hellish impediment for our poor and heavily-burdened mules, with their loads continuously being wegded tight or snagging on the jungle scrub. This route over the escarpment proved to be the beginning of the end for many of our brave mules, for it was here that well over half developed their first bad galls, mainly on their withers, but also on their flanks and stomachs from the slipping saddles and girth-straps. Despite daily ministrations by the kind and loving Naik Ramphal, my IAVC assistant, these dreadful injuries got worse and worse and the smell of rotting flesh was ever-present.
By early March 1943, the Chindit Brigade were approaching the west banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River. Wingate decided to cross over and within a few short days, the Brigade found themselves in a dry and waterless area, contained on three sides by the Irrawaddy and Shweli Rivers, and to the south, the Myitson-Mong Mit motor road. Around the 24th March and with the Japanese beginning to close in on the various Chindit units, Wingate decided to close the operation and ordered the men to withdraw back to India.
Major Scott confided with Lt. Neill in regards to the timescale for dispersal and ordered the destruction of one of the mules, in order to distribute some much needed meat amongst the men and in particular the British soldiers who were struggling on their recent diet of mostly rice. Within a matter of a few days, Neill was also ordered to release all of his remaining animals close to the east banks of the Irrawaddy in order to free-up his dispersal group to move more quickly on their return journey. To read more about this period of the expedition and especially in relation to the Animal Transport Section from 8 Column, please click on the following link:
Lt. Dominic Neill and his Gurkha Muleteers
Lt. Neill was informed that he would lead one of the dispersal groups from 8 Column:
I asked Lieutenant Tag Sprague, who commanded the column's commando/demolition section from 142 Company, if he and his small band of commandos might like to join my Gurkhas and I for the return journey. Much to my pleasure and relief he agreed readily to my suggestion. He was four years older than me and had fought in Norway with 1 Commando and we have remained friends to this day. I was also touched that morning when Sergeant Ormandy and his groom Pte. Hand came to see me and asked permission to accompany my Gurkhas and me on the way back to the Chindwin.
Scotty gave us the map co-ordinates of a number of pre-planned supply drop zones to the north where the RAF would be dropping supplies and to which we could go if we required further supplies during our withdrawal. He then issued us with maps and compasses, the first time I had been given such navigational aids. Now in the middle of a wilderness, with the same poor knowledge of map reading as before, I was being required to take my small group of ill-trained young Gurkhas over hundreds of miles of inhospitable terrain and through the whole of the Japanese 33rd Division, who were already searching for us with the intention of preventing our escape.
So, in the early part of April, Tag and I, with my fifty-two Gurkhas and his dozen or so commandos, split from 8 Column to begin our long march back to the Chindwin. We crammed ten days' bulky rations into our packs, the only supplies we would have unless we could buy some from villages on the way. We successfully re-crossed the Irrawaddy on the evening of the 11/12th April and continued to march roughly north-west.
In early October 1942, Sgt. William Ormandy formerly of the 17/21st Lancers, also known as the Death of Glory boys, was posted to the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade and made his way by train to the Chindit training camp at Saugor in the Central Provinces of India.
The 17/21st Lancers had been in India since 1930 and had finally given up the Lance and horse in favour of mechanisation in 1938, whilst stationed in Meerut. At the outbreak of WW2 the regiment were immediately posted back to England, where they were re-fitted with Valentine and Crusader MK3 tanks and sent to join the 6th Armoured Division with whom they served during the North Africa campaign.
It must be presumed, that William Ormandy chose to remain in India and continue to work with horses, as he was attached as an equestrian expert to the Animal Transport Section of 8 Column, under the command of Lt. Nick Neill of the 3/2 Gurkha Rifles. Lt. Neill remembered:
Our mule lines were at a place called Guna; a beautiful little spot. In the centre of the camp was a small jheel or lake and surrounding this was a perimeter of hills covered in thin scrub jungle. Towards the end of the training period in November 1942, the final Gurkha recruits arrived and were amalgamated into the various Mule Transport Sections. We received some further reinforcements from the 10th Gurkha Regiment who were trained as second-line recruits for the three King's columns. Some days later, many other Gurkhas arrived at Guna from most of the other Regiments from within the Gurkha Brigade. I was concerned that this mixture would not work well as a unit within 8 Column and was surprised that Brigadier Wingate could accept such an arrangement. In the end I had command of 53 Gurkha soldiers from the 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th Regiments.
Almost at the last minute, just a few weeks before the Brigade entered Burma, Lt. Neill was handed 20 more men from the King's Regiment to lead the mortar and machine-gun mules. With them came Sgt. William Ormandy and his own groom, Pte. Hand. Lt. Neill recalled:
Ormandy's knowledge of horses if not mules was complete. In the coming months he was to be of the greatest assistance to me, as he taught me so much about caring for both horses and mules, I was much in his debt during those days. He helped me with my own charger 'Red Wagon', a beautiful dark chestnut stallion with a white blaze across his forehead. In the early days behind the lines in Burma, Major Scott ordered Ormandy and I to ride up and down the column lines during our daily marches, in order to check on the progress and behaviour of the mules, it was during these moments that I learned much about my animals. Goodness knows how many miles Ormandy and I must have trotted up and down, constantly having to dismount and help our muleteers with their charges.
8 Column had a fairly quiet time during this period of the operation, involved in the odd skirmish with the enemy at places such as Sitsawk, Pinlebu and Kame. Most of the time they shadowed Wingate and his Brigade Head Quarters, missing contact with the Japanese by small margins of time on several occasions. Lt. Neill and his men were kept busy with their work, especially around the time of column supply drops, when the mules were used in transporting the new supplies from the drop zone area, back into column harbour. One mule in particular had become very much a column favourite, as Nick Neill recalled:
Our mules had become personalities and friends to my muleteers and we all suffered with them, as only a master can for his animal. One should not have favourites I suppose, but I did have one such mule; she was No. 850. She was a beautiful pale dun coloured, country-bred animal and larger than most of the Indian mules. I called her 'Blondie' and she carried the bedding for Column HQ and was led by 107535 Harkabahadur Rai.
As the early weeks of Operation Longcloth unfolded, the mules began to suffer from severe galls and sores and their health deteriorated quite dramatically. William Ormandy's skill and equine knowledge was to prove crucial in keeping these beleaguered animals on the move. Nick Neill continues:
Soon we were moving across the Zinbon Taungdan Escarpment, through a narrow and little known track. This proved to be a hellish impediment for our poor and heavily-burdened mules, with their loads continuously being wegded tight or snagging on the jungle scrub. This route over the escarpment proved to be the beginning of the end for many of our brave mules, for it was here that well over half developed their first bad galls, mainly on their withers, but also on their flanks and stomachs from the slipping saddles and girth-straps. Despite daily ministrations by the kind and loving Naik Ramphal, my IAVC assistant, these dreadful injuries got worse and worse and the smell of rotting flesh was ever-present.
By early March 1943, the Chindit Brigade were approaching the west banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River. Wingate decided to cross over and within a few short days, the Brigade found themselves in a dry and waterless area, contained on three sides by the Irrawaddy and Shweli Rivers, and to the south, the Myitson-Mong Mit motor road. Around the 24th March and with the Japanese beginning to close in on the various Chindit units, Wingate decided to close the operation and ordered the men to withdraw back to India.
Major Scott confided with Lt. Neill in regards to the timescale for dispersal and ordered the destruction of one of the mules, in order to distribute some much needed meat amongst the men and in particular the British soldiers who were struggling on their recent diet of mostly rice. Within a matter of a few days, Neill was also ordered to release all of his remaining animals close to the east banks of the Irrawaddy in order to free-up his dispersal group to move more quickly on their return journey. To read more about this period of the expedition and especially in relation to the Animal Transport Section from 8 Column, please click on the following link:
Lt. Dominic Neill and his Gurkha Muleteers
Lt. Neill was informed that he would lead one of the dispersal groups from 8 Column:
I asked Lieutenant Tag Sprague, who commanded the column's commando/demolition section from 142 Company, if he and his small band of commandos might like to join my Gurkhas and I for the return journey. Much to my pleasure and relief he agreed readily to my suggestion. He was four years older than me and had fought in Norway with 1 Commando and we have remained friends to this day. I was also touched that morning when Sergeant Ormandy and his groom Pte. Hand came to see me and asked permission to accompany my Gurkhas and me on the way back to the Chindwin.
Scotty gave us the map co-ordinates of a number of pre-planned supply drop zones to the north where the RAF would be dropping supplies and to which we could go if we required further supplies during our withdrawal. He then issued us with maps and compasses, the first time I had been given such navigational aids. Now in the middle of a wilderness, with the same poor knowledge of map reading as before, I was being required to take my small group of ill-trained young Gurkhas over hundreds of miles of inhospitable terrain and through the whole of the Japanese 33rd Division, who were already searching for us with the intention of preventing our escape.
So, in the early part of April, Tag and I, with my fifty-two Gurkhas and his dozen or so commandos, split from 8 Column to begin our long march back to the Chindwin. We crammed ten days' bulky rations into our packs, the only supplies we would have unless we could buy some from villages on the way. We successfully re-crossed the Irrawaddy on the evening of the 11/12th April and continued to march roughly north-west.
Map showing the journey of Lt. Neill's dispersal group after crossing the Irrawaddy on the 11/12th April 1943.
Lt. Neill continues his story:
We made camp four miles from the Irrawaddy. We had crossed the major river obstacle between us and safety. We still had to cross the Chindwin and other smaller rivers, but they should present us with little difficulty, providing we crossed them before the monsoon rains broke in late May or early June. We had over 200 miles to cover before reaching the Chindwin. By the morning of 14th April we had crossed the Kaukkwe Chaung, a north-south flowing river which joined the Irrawaddy and entered the village of Thayetta. Our Burma Rifles NCO, Tun Tin was arranging the purchase of rice, chicken and vegetables, when totally out of the blue, a Japanese ambush exploded around us. I remember I wasn't actually frightened which surprised me, but I was totally and utterly shocked.
Never, ever, during any of my previous training had I been taught any of the approved contact drills; certainly the counter-ambush drill was unknown to me. I was utterly appalled to realise that I simply did not know what to do to extract myself and my men from our predicament. A Japanese gunner was firing his light machine gun immediately opposite me from the jungle on the far side of the track and another was firing at the men who were behind me. I could see the smoke rising from his gun muzzle and his bursts of fire were hitting the trees and bushes above my head. When the Jap gunner stopped firing to change magazines I roared above the noise of the continuing rifle fire for everybody to get up and follow me.
I leapt to my feet, turned away from the track and crashed through the jungle, calling to my men to follow. I looked around and saw some of my Gurkhas and Tag's men running parallel to me. When we finally halted and took stock of our situation and counted our strength, it was Tag and myself plus eleven Gurkhas, six of Tag's commandos, including Sergeant Sinnett and Corporal White and one of Tun Tin's Riflemen, whose name I think was Maung San. The grand total was just 20 men. All the others, including Sgt. Ormandy and Pte. Hand were missing. I did not believe that many of the others had been killed, but those missing were without maps and compasses. My guilt at not being able to do better for them in the ambush, and being unable to maintain contact with them afterwards, hung very heavy on my conscience and still does to this day.
Thankfully, in regards to the fate of William Ormandy and Pte. Hand there was to be a positive outcome. Whilst recuperating in hospital at Imphal in June 1943, Nick Neill was informed that a number of the soldiers separated from him during the ambush on the outskirts of Thayetta, had passed through station around the last week of April. Sgt. Ormandy and Pte. Hand were amongst this group. Nick Neill recalled:
I bumped into Sergeant Ormandy on the maidan in Dehra Dun later in 1943. He was on leave and I had just returned from Kashmir. He was able to give me good news about my men who were lost at Thayetta. He told me that practically all my men, with the exception of Riflemen Kale Rai and Gambhir Pun, had joined up with him and his groom, Private Hand, together with Tun Tin and the other Burma Riflemen. A short while later, they had met up with John Carroll's group and had come out with him to re-cross the Chindwin. It was with great relief that I heard Ormandy's story.
NB.
1. Captain John R. Carroll was the commander of 8 Column's Support Platoon which contained the units mortars and machine guns.
2. Sadly, Riflemen Kale Rai and Gambhir Pun were never seen of heard of again and it was presumed that they perished at Thayetta or shortly afterwards.
Lt. Neill concludes:
I was to see Ormandy once again, this time with Pte. Hand. I'd gone up from the Arakan in about April of 1944 to attend a three-week intelligence course at Karachi. One afternoon, I was out for a walk and to do some shopping in the bazaar, when I met them both. Ormandy invited me to come for a drink in the Sergeant's Mess that evening as the King's Regiment were stationed in Karachi at the time. I gladly accepted and had a very boozy evening with Ormandy, CSM Cheevers and others that night!
I was pleased to have met up once again with the men of the 13th King's, particularly Billy Ormandy, as they had all been so kind and welcoming to me and my Gurkhas on the first Wingate expedition. They may not have been a ferocious fighting force back then, but they were good men nonetheless.
Seen below is a final Gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
We made camp four miles from the Irrawaddy. We had crossed the major river obstacle between us and safety. We still had to cross the Chindwin and other smaller rivers, but they should present us with little difficulty, providing we crossed them before the monsoon rains broke in late May or early June. We had over 200 miles to cover before reaching the Chindwin. By the morning of 14th April we had crossed the Kaukkwe Chaung, a north-south flowing river which joined the Irrawaddy and entered the village of Thayetta. Our Burma Rifles NCO, Tun Tin was arranging the purchase of rice, chicken and vegetables, when totally out of the blue, a Japanese ambush exploded around us. I remember I wasn't actually frightened which surprised me, but I was totally and utterly shocked.
Never, ever, during any of my previous training had I been taught any of the approved contact drills; certainly the counter-ambush drill was unknown to me. I was utterly appalled to realise that I simply did not know what to do to extract myself and my men from our predicament. A Japanese gunner was firing his light machine gun immediately opposite me from the jungle on the far side of the track and another was firing at the men who were behind me. I could see the smoke rising from his gun muzzle and his bursts of fire were hitting the trees and bushes above my head. When the Jap gunner stopped firing to change magazines I roared above the noise of the continuing rifle fire for everybody to get up and follow me.
I leapt to my feet, turned away from the track and crashed through the jungle, calling to my men to follow. I looked around and saw some of my Gurkhas and Tag's men running parallel to me. When we finally halted and took stock of our situation and counted our strength, it was Tag and myself plus eleven Gurkhas, six of Tag's commandos, including Sergeant Sinnett and Corporal White and one of Tun Tin's Riflemen, whose name I think was Maung San. The grand total was just 20 men. All the others, including Sgt. Ormandy and Pte. Hand were missing. I did not believe that many of the others had been killed, but those missing were without maps and compasses. My guilt at not being able to do better for them in the ambush, and being unable to maintain contact with them afterwards, hung very heavy on my conscience and still does to this day.
Thankfully, in regards to the fate of William Ormandy and Pte. Hand there was to be a positive outcome. Whilst recuperating in hospital at Imphal in June 1943, Nick Neill was informed that a number of the soldiers separated from him during the ambush on the outskirts of Thayetta, had passed through station around the last week of April. Sgt. Ormandy and Pte. Hand were amongst this group. Nick Neill recalled:
I bumped into Sergeant Ormandy on the maidan in Dehra Dun later in 1943. He was on leave and I had just returned from Kashmir. He was able to give me good news about my men who were lost at Thayetta. He told me that practically all my men, with the exception of Riflemen Kale Rai and Gambhir Pun, had joined up with him and his groom, Private Hand, together with Tun Tin and the other Burma Riflemen. A short while later, they had met up with John Carroll's group and had come out with him to re-cross the Chindwin. It was with great relief that I heard Ormandy's story.
NB.
1. Captain John R. Carroll was the commander of 8 Column's Support Platoon which contained the units mortars and machine guns.
2. Sadly, Riflemen Kale Rai and Gambhir Pun were never seen of heard of again and it was presumed that they perished at Thayetta or shortly afterwards.
Lt. Neill concludes:
I was to see Ormandy once again, this time with Pte. Hand. I'd gone up from the Arakan in about April of 1944 to attend a three-week intelligence course at Karachi. One afternoon, I was out for a walk and to do some shopping in the bazaar, when I met them both. Ormandy invited me to come for a drink in the Sergeant's Mess that evening as the King's Regiment were stationed in Karachi at the time. I gladly accepted and had a very boozy evening with Ormandy, CSM Cheevers and others that night!
I was pleased to have met up once again with the men of the 13th King's, particularly Billy Ormandy, as they had all been so kind and welcoming to me and my Gurkhas on the first Wingate expedition. They may not have been a ferocious fighting force back then, but they were good men nonetheless.
Seen below is a final Gallery of images in relation to this story. Please click on any image to bring it forward on the page.
Imphal War Cemetery.
OWEN, ERIC
Rank: Private
Service No: 5054545
Date of Death: 12/05/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Imphal War Cemetery, Grave Reference 9.D.24.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2034896/OWEN,%20ERIC
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Eric was the son of William and Eleanor Owen, of Newcastle, Staffordshire. He is also remembered on his home town War Memorial at Newcastle -under-Lyme.
Pte. Owen was a member of Column 5's 142 Commando Platoon and would have been involved in the unit's demolition work at the Burmese railway town of Bonchaung. These demolitions were the main objective for Column 5 during their time in Burma in 1943 and they succeeded in destroying the railway in several places on the 6th March that year.
After dispersal was called in late March, Eric Owen found himself in the group led by Major Fergusson, as they attempted the long and hazardous journey back to the Chindwin River and the safety of Allied held territory. Fergusson's dispersal party crossed over the Chindwin River near the town of Myene in late April 1943, whereupon the men were treated to their first hot meal for over two months and a welcome change of clothes, bath and shave.
The returning Chindits were sent to the Casualty Clearing Station at Imphal, where they were well looked after and received treatment for a multitude of illnesses, wounds and other complaints. It was here that Pte. Owen was diagnosed as having a severe form of malaria. Sadly, even after receiving treatment for this illness, Eric Owen passed away on the 12th May, barely two weeks after re-crossing the Assam/Burmese border.
This is how Bernard Fergusson remembers Pte. Owen in his book, 'Beyond the Chindwin:'
"Of some of my casualties and missing; John Kerr was announced on the wireless by the Japanese as being a prisoner around the middle of April. David Whitehead is also thought to be a POW, but nothing more has been heard of Tommy Roberts or Bill Aird.
Out of the thirty men from my party, one, Private Owen died of cerebral malaria at Imphal, a week after we crossed the Chindwin."
It has been suggested that some of the Chindits had focussed so intently on reaching the safety of India on the return journey in 1943, that when at last they reached their goal and relaxed in the hospital at Imphal, their poor bodies simply gave out and they perished where they lay. Perhaps this is what happened to the brave and previously resilient Pte. Owen. Eric Owen was buried at Imphal War Cemetery.
Rank: Private
Service No: 5054545
Date of Death: 12/05/1943
Age: 28
Regiment/Service: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) 13th Bn.
Memorial: Imphal War Cemetery, Grave Reference 9.D.24.
CWGC link: http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2034896/OWEN,%20ERIC
Chindit Column: 5
Other details:
Eric was the son of William and Eleanor Owen, of Newcastle, Staffordshire. He is also remembered on his home town War Memorial at Newcastle -under-Lyme.
Pte. Owen was a member of Column 5's 142 Commando Platoon and would have been involved in the unit's demolition work at the Burmese railway town of Bonchaung. These demolitions were the main objective for Column 5 during their time in Burma in 1943 and they succeeded in destroying the railway in several places on the 6th March that year.
After dispersal was called in late March, Eric Owen found himself in the group led by Major Fergusson, as they attempted the long and hazardous journey back to the Chindwin River and the safety of Allied held territory. Fergusson's dispersal party crossed over the Chindwin River near the town of Myene in late April 1943, whereupon the men were treated to their first hot meal for over two months and a welcome change of clothes, bath and shave.
The returning Chindits were sent to the Casualty Clearing Station at Imphal, where they were well looked after and received treatment for a multitude of illnesses, wounds and other complaints. It was here that Pte. Owen was diagnosed as having a severe form of malaria. Sadly, even after receiving treatment for this illness, Eric Owen passed away on the 12th May, barely two weeks after re-crossing the Assam/Burmese border.
This is how Bernard Fergusson remembers Pte. Owen in his book, 'Beyond the Chindwin:'
"Of some of my casualties and missing; John Kerr was announced on the wireless by the Japanese as being a prisoner around the middle of April. David Whitehead is also thought to be a POW, but nothing more has been heard of Tommy Roberts or Bill Aird.
Out of the thirty men from my party, one, Private Owen died of cerebral malaria at Imphal, a week after we crossed the Chindwin."
It has been suggested that some of the Chindits had focussed so intently on reaching the safety of India on the return journey in 1943, that when at last they reached their goal and relaxed in the hospital at Imphal, their poor bodies simply gave out and they perished where they lay. Perhaps this is what happened to the brave and previously resilient Pte. Owen. Eric Owen was buried at Imphal War Cemetery.