2nd D.l.i. kohima
Rebuilding for the Far East
The fine pre-war regular battalion was gone,virtually wiped out during the BEF campaign in 1940,in its place were a new breed of men both young and old ready to take up the traditions of a fine Regiment.
In the summer of 1940 new men ,new equipment began to arrive to replace that lost on the coast of France a period of intense training which would last until 12th April 1942 when a new 2nd Battalion boarded `The Empress of Canada` bound for Bombay in India in preparation for a planned offensive against the Japanese.
On June 2nd 1942 the 2nd Battalion arrived in Bombay, before moving South by rail to Ahmednagar where yet another intense period of jungle training and acclimatisation exercises would begin.Following amphibious landing training on Lake Kharakvasla near Poona 2DLI moved to Thana near Bombay in October 1942 for more jungle warfare training.In November the battalion were at Juhu Beach where every man was taught to swim in full kit however it was during this time that the battalion suffered its first casualties when Captain Hugh Lyster-Todd (the man who had rescued Dick Annand in 1940 )was drowned on the 2nd December 1942 this followed the death of 4458962 Pte Harry Bottomley of Malaria on the 17th November 1942 an illness which seriously affected over 100 of the 2nd battalions personell.
On the 17th of December 1942 the 2nd DLI were once again deemed combat ready and boarded another train this time bound for Chittagong in East Bengal arriving on Christmas Day 1942 to a Christmas meal of Bully Beef ,biscuits and WATER! No Beer!
In the summer of 1940 new men ,new equipment began to arrive to replace that lost on the coast of France a period of intense training which would last until 12th April 1942 when a new 2nd Battalion boarded `The Empress of Canada` bound for Bombay in India in preparation for a planned offensive against the Japanese.
On June 2nd 1942 the 2nd Battalion arrived in Bombay, before moving South by rail to Ahmednagar where yet another intense period of jungle training and acclimatisation exercises would begin.Following amphibious landing training on Lake Kharakvasla near Poona 2DLI moved to Thana near Bombay in October 1942 for more jungle warfare training.In November the battalion were at Juhu Beach where every man was taught to swim in full kit however it was during this time that the battalion suffered its first casualties when Captain Hugh Lyster-Todd (the man who had rescued Dick Annand in 1940 )was drowned on the 2nd December 1942 this followed the death of 4458962 Pte Harry Bottomley of Malaria on the 17th November 1942 an illness which seriously affected over 100 of the 2nd battalions personell.
On the 17th of December 1942 the 2nd DLI were once again deemed combat ready and boarded another train this time bound for Chittagong in East Bengal arriving on Christmas Day 1942 to a Christmas meal of Bully Beef ,biscuits and WATER! No Beer!
4458778 Pte Eddie Gregg 2nd DLI Photograph Album
The following are a group of photographs from the album of 4458778 Pte Eddie Gregg who served with the 2nd DLI in India and Burma.If anyone can put a name to any of the faces then please do get in touch.My thanks to his son Eddie Gregg (Jnr) for permission to use the photographs here on the website
(Below) Group photograph of the Mortar Platoon of 2nd Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, was taken at at Scampson, near Rillington, Yorkshire, May 1941. The officers are Major John Corbett Horton, commanding officer of Headquarters Company. he died at Brancepeth (Son of Henry Beavon Horton and Jean May Horton; husband of Eileen Mary Dowman Horton, of Greenwich, London,) 03/12/1944 and 124251 Lieutenant Thomas Clague,who joined 2 DLI from KOYLI on the 14th May 1941. Top right is Pte Thomas Stanley Pout (Identified by his daughter Gwenda Cullen (nee Pout) )
(Below) Group photograph of the Mortar Platoon of 2nd Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, was taken at at Scampson, near Rillington, Yorkshire, May 1941. The officers are Major John Corbett Horton, commanding officer of Headquarters Company. he died at Brancepeth (Son of Henry Beavon Horton and Jean May Horton; husband of Eileen Mary Dowman Horton, of Greenwich, London,) 03/12/1944 and 124251 Lieutenant Thomas Clague,who joined 2 DLI from KOYLI on the 14th May 1941. Top right is Pte Thomas Stanley Pout (Identified by his daughter Gwenda Cullen (nee Pout) )
(Below) Group photograph of the Mortar Platoon of 2nd Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, India, July 1942
Below men of the 2nd Durham Light Infantry possibly taken in 1942 crowd around a motorcycle and sidecar combination
Below A `DR` of the 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry 1942-44. This Soldier has been identified by his family as Pte Raymond Hall born 30th December 1919 originally from Thornley Village near Tow Law Co Durham and served as part of the Mortar Platoon in the far East
Below A different form of transport this time again in India around 1942 again anyone care to put a name to the faces of the lads gathered around this example of the battalions carriers?
The man himself 4458778 Pte Eddie Gregg 2nd DLI again my thanks to his son Eddie
Military Medal Action 4462230 Pte George Beeley 2nd DLI
4462230 Pte George Beeley 2nd Durham Light Infantry
At Donbaik – Burma 18th March 1943 this soldier advanced with "C" Coy into the attack on the Japanese position. The Coy came under heavy fire at an early stage and casualties were sustained. Several wounded men were known to be lying in an exposed position. Pte Beeley on his own initiative, climbed from his platoon area (in a nullah ) and took up a position from which he successfully harassed the enemy and thus provided cover for a party which brought in the wounded. During this period he was exposed to continuous heavy M.G. and grenade fire. He remained in this position until he was eventually ordered to return to cover in the nullah. His conduct was exemplary and mainly through his action was the safe evacuation of the wounded accomplished.
At Donbaik – Burma 18th March 1943 this soldier advanced with "C" Coy into the attack on the Japanese position. The Coy came under heavy fire at an early stage and casualties were sustained. Several wounded men were known to be lying in an exposed position. Pte Beeley on his own initiative, climbed from his platoon area (in a nullah ) and took up a position from which he successfully harassed the enemy and thus provided cover for a party which brought in the wounded. During this period he was exposed to continuous heavy M.G. and grenade fire. He remained in this position until he was eventually ordered to return to cover in the nullah. His conduct was exemplary and mainly through his action was the safe evacuation of the wounded accomplished.
Military Medal Action 4458216 L/Cpl Joseph Andrew Pennington 2DLI
4458216 L/Cpl Joseph Andrew Pennington 2nd Durham Light Infantry
At Donbaik – Burma 18th March 1943 this N.C.O. went into attack with "C" Coy on to the Japanese positions. The Coy came under considerable enemy fire at an early stage and casualties were sustained. His platoon were held up in a nullah. From this position of comparative safety L/Cpl Pennington climbed repeatedly out of the nullah to bring in casualties which were lying outside. Under considerable automatic and grenade fire this N.C.O. was instrumental in rescuing four of his injured comrades, showing complete disregard for his own safety.He prevented these men from falling into Japanese hands. Recommended for an immediate award
At Donbaik – Burma 18th March 1943 this N.C.O. went into attack with "C" Coy on to the Japanese positions. The Coy came under considerable enemy fire at an early stage and casualties were sustained. His platoon were held up in a nullah. From this position of comparative safety L/Cpl Pennington climbed repeatedly out of the nullah to bring in casualties which were lying outside. Under considerable automatic and grenade fire this N.C.O. was instrumental in rescuing four of his injured comrades, showing complete disregard for his own safety.He prevented these men from falling into Japanese hands. Recommended for an immediate award
Military Medal Action 4458629 Sgt Frederic Turnbull 2 DLI
4458629 Sgt Frederic Turnbull 2nd Durham Light Infantry
At Donbaik – Burma on 18th March 1943 Sgt Turnbull advanced on the Japanese position. His company came under heavy fire and casualties were sustained. It became known to this N.C.O. that several wounded men of his company were lying in an exposed position about 30 yards forward of where he was. Quite regardless of his own safety and advancing into enemy grenade fire Sgt Turnbull at once went forward and successfully brought in three wounded men. His general conduct and example throughout the action on 20th March were consistently of the highest order. Beside saving the lives of these men and preventing them falling into Japanese hands, Sgt Turnbull showed outstanding bravery and devotion to duty throughout the action. Recommended for immediate award
At Donbaik – Burma on 18th March 1943 Sgt Turnbull advanced on the Japanese position. His company came under heavy fire and casualties were sustained. It became known to this N.C.O. that several wounded men of his company were lying in an exposed position about 30 yards forward of where he was. Quite regardless of his own safety and advancing into enemy grenade fire Sgt Turnbull at once went forward and successfully brought in three wounded men. His general conduct and example throughout the action on 20th March were consistently of the highest order. Beside saving the lives of these men and preventing them falling into Japanese hands, Sgt Turnbull showed outstanding bravery and devotion to duty throughout the action. Recommended for immediate award
Early Days
The planned offensive began but without the participation of 2 DLI their role was planned to be an amphibious one with a raid against Akyab to secure the Airfields there but as the DLI waited at Chittagong the order never came on the 6th February the plan was eventually scrapped.Instead it was anticipated that the entire 6th Brigade would land at Donbaik and attack the Japanese positions from the rear.2DLI left Chittagong on the 13th February arriving at Maungdaw in Burma two days later for more intensive Jungle training...except for six platoon of `B` Company who under Lieutenant Terry Bardell were tasked with raiding the Japanese held village of Myebon although the raid was a total success it had little strategical value but did mark the battalions first `enemy` action since Dunkirk.
The seabourne raid on Donbaik was also abandoned instead 2DLI were to attack on land.The 6th March saw 2nd DLI march forty five miles to take their place in the line for the attack on Donbaik,several attacks had already been attempted and the dead bodies were still littered around the Durhams new positions.
The early days in the new positions were spent in patrol activity with several patrols a day conducted as the Durham`s searched for better company positions. The ground was literally littered with the bodies of dead Indian and Japanese soldiers testimony to the ferosity of previous recent battles. The Durham`s were yet to suffer any battle casualties in this Arakan campaign but on 8th March 1943 this was sadly about to change.
Lieutenant John Rolland took out a patrol on the 8th March 1943 and were able to return unscathed despite Japanese mortar and shell fire. Immediately afterwards Lieutenant Burkmar took out a second patrol with orders to recce and if the opportunity arose to ambush any enemy they may encounter. Unfortunately it was the Japanese who hit the Durham`s . From concealed positions they rained hand grenades onto the small DLI party killing two and wounding another two before Buckmar succesfully withdrew them . The men who died were the first the 2nd DLI had suffered in this new campaign . The patrol definately went out on the 8th March 1943 and the deaths were recorded in the 2 DLI war diary (although not named) at 1600hrs on the 8th March 1943 yet the CWGC list the casualties as died on the 9th March 1943? The battalion recorded no fatalities on the 9th March 1943 . 4450107 Pte Ben Stokes and 4443156 Pte Arthur Scott despite being recorded as died on the 9th by the CWGC appear to have been killed the day before?
Both men now lie at Taukkyan but this was not their original burial place .The cemetery opened in 1951. Its occupants were exhumed from four battlefield cemeteries in Akyab, Mandalay, Meiktila, and Sahmaw because those graveyards were too difficult to access and maintain. Benjamin Stokes and Arthur Scott had been buried at Akyab War Cemetery (near modern day Sittwe) Ben`s original grave was Plot 1 Row D Grave 7. 4443156 Pte Arthur Scott was Section 1 Row G Grave 7) Both were exhumed on 5 May 1952 being reinterred at Taukkyan War Cemetery on 3 June 1952. They were to be the first of many casualties the battalion suffered in this theatre of operations.
The seabourne raid on Donbaik was also abandoned instead 2DLI were to attack on land.The 6th March saw 2nd DLI march forty five miles to take their place in the line for the attack on Donbaik,several attacks had already been attempted and the dead bodies were still littered around the Durhams new positions.
The early days in the new positions were spent in patrol activity with several patrols a day conducted as the Durham`s searched for better company positions. The ground was literally littered with the bodies of dead Indian and Japanese soldiers testimony to the ferosity of previous recent battles. The Durham`s were yet to suffer any battle casualties in this Arakan campaign but on 8th March 1943 this was sadly about to change.
Lieutenant John Rolland took out a patrol on the 8th March 1943 and were able to return unscathed despite Japanese mortar and shell fire. Immediately afterwards Lieutenant Burkmar took out a second patrol with orders to recce and if the opportunity arose to ambush any enemy they may encounter. Unfortunately it was the Japanese who hit the Durham`s . From concealed positions they rained hand grenades onto the small DLI party killing two and wounding another two before Buckmar succesfully withdrew them . The men who died were the first the 2nd DLI had suffered in this new campaign . The patrol definately went out on the 8th March 1943 and the deaths were recorded in the 2 DLI war diary (although not named) at 1600hrs on the 8th March 1943 yet the CWGC list the casualties as died on the 9th March 1943? The battalion recorded no fatalities on the 9th March 1943 . 4450107 Pte Ben Stokes and 4443156 Pte Arthur Scott despite being recorded as died on the 9th by the CWGC appear to have been killed the day before?
Both men now lie at Taukkyan but this was not their original burial place .The cemetery opened in 1951. Its occupants were exhumed from four battlefield cemeteries in Akyab, Mandalay, Meiktila, and Sahmaw because those graveyards were too difficult to access and maintain. Benjamin Stokes and Arthur Scott had been buried at Akyab War Cemetery (near modern day Sittwe) Ben`s original grave was Plot 1 Row D Grave 7. 4443156 Pte Arthur Scott was Section 1 Row G Grave 7) Both were exhumed on 5 May 1952 being reinterred at Taukkyan War Cemetery on 3 June 1952. They were to be the first of many casualties the battalion suffered in this theatre of operations.
first casualties of the arakan campaign 8/9 march 1943
4450107 Pte Benjamin Stokes 2nd Durham Light Infantry
Born Middlesborough 1918 the son of Thomas James Stokes and Isabel Stokes (nee Duffy) Enlisted 1936 Died on 8/9 March 1943 during patrol action , buried at Akyab War Cemetery exhumed on 5 May 1952 being reinterred at Taukkyan War Cemetery on 3 June 1952. At rest Section 10. Row J. Grave 21. Myanmar (Burma) Aged 25
REMEMBER ME WHEN I HAVE GONE ,GONE FAR AWAY INTO THE SILENT LAND;
Born Middlesborough 1918 the son of Thomas James Stokes and Isabel Stokes (nee Duffy) Enlisted 1936 Died on 8/9 March 1943 during patrol action , buried at Akyab War Cemetery exhumed on 5 May 1952 being reinterred at Taukkyan War Cemetery on 3 June 1952. At rest Section 10. Row J. Grave 21. Myanmar (Burma) Aged 25
REMEMBER ME WHEN I HAVE GONE ,GONE FAR AWAY INTO THE SILENT LAND;
4443156 Pte Arthur Scott 2nd Durham Light Infantry
Son of Frederick H. Scott and Mary Scott; husband of Janet Scott, of Philadelphia, Co. Durham. Died on 8/9 March 1943 during patrol action , buried at Akyab War Cemetery exhumed on 5 May 1952 being reinterred at Taukkyan War Cemetery on 3 June 1952. At rest Section 11. Row G. Grave 23. Myanmar (Burma) Aged 40.
NOT JUST TODAY BUT EVERY DAY IN SILENCE WE REMEMBER. "THY WILL BE DONE"
Son of Frederick H. Scott and Mary Scott; husband of Janet Scott, of Philadelphia, Co. Durham. Died on 8/9 March 1943 during patrol action , buried at Akyab War Cemetery exhumed on 5 May 1952 being reinterred at Taukkyan War Cemetery on 3 June 1952. At rest Section 11. Row G. Grave 23. Myanmar (Burma) Aged 40.
NOT JUST TODAY BUT EVERY DAY IN SILENCE WE REMEMBER. "THY WILL BE DONE"
The 6th Brigade including 2nd DLI attacked on the 18th March as well as having no ladders to bridge the Chaung and being caught by Japanese machine guns firing from the hills 2 DLI also had to contend with faulty rifle ammunition. The attack was a fiasco the 2nd DLI lost nine men killed (Although CWGC record 12) including;-
the 2nd Durham Light Infantry killed in action 18 March 1943
50242 Captain Phillip Paul Kelly who was shot by a sniper. Captain Kelly was the son of Paul Herrick Kelly and Beatrix Mary Kelly; husband of Mary Haslewood Kelly, of Hartley, Kent .He lies today in Section 11. Row C. Grave 14. TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY. Died 18 March 1943
4464039 Pte Andrew Bates 2nd Durham Light Infantry Son of Mary Ann Bates, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham he lies today in Section 3. Row C. Grave 6. TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY Died 18 March 1943 23 years old
1491340 Corporal Samuel Pattison Nixon Clasper 2nd Durham Light Infantry Son of Robert Henry and Emma Martha Clasper, of Cleadon Park, South Shields, Co. Durham. He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 17 Rangoon Memorial. Died 18 March 1943 27 years old . Originally enlisted into the Royal Artillery in 1938.
4465526 Pte James Errington 2nd Durham Light Infantry Son of James and Minnie Errington; husband of Leonora (Spinks) Errington, of North Shields, Northumberland.He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 17 Rangoon Memorial Died 18 March 1943 29 years old.
Born 15 July 1939 married 1939 Father, James had served in WW1 the family had lived at 15 Hudson Street, North Shields moving to 14 Low Lights North Shields at the end of the war.
Born 15 July 1939 married 1939 Father, James had served in WW1 the family had lived at 15 Hudson Street, North Shields moving to 14 Low Lights North Shields at the end of the war.
4459704 Pte Robert Storrie Graham 2nd Durham Light Infantry Son of Christopher Lindsay Graham and Annie Scott Graham; husband of Jane Graham (nee Procter), of Spital Tongues, Newcastle-on-Tyne.He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 17 Rangoon Memorial. Died 18 March 1943 25 years old
4458290 Pte Henry Crook Lightfoot 2nd Durham Light Infantry Son of Robert Tye Lightfoot and Mary Lightfoot, of Boldon Colliery, Co. Durham.He lies today in Section 12. Row J. Grave 8. TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY Died 18 March 1943 27 years old
4462216 L/Cpl Ernest Mathews 2nd Durham Light Infantry.Son of Albert and Annie Matthews He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 17 Rangoon Memorial. Died 18 March 1943 29 years old
3133728 Pte Andrew McGarry formerly of The Royal Scots Fusiliers now 2nd Durham Light Infantry. Son of Michael and Elizabeth McGarry; husband of Elizabeth McGarry, of Cambuslang, Lanarkshire.He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 17 Rangoon Memorial. Died 18 March 1943
29 years old
29 years old
4463237 Pte Noel Moffat 2nd Durham Light Infantry Son of John James Moffat and Elizabeth Ann Moffat, of Jesmond, Newcastle-on-Tyne.He lies today in Section 4. Row D. Grave 18. TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY. Died 18 March 1943 29 years old
4463278 Pte Reginald Waite Richardson 2nd Durham Light Infantry Son of Reginald Waite Richardson and Martha Richardson(nee Butler); husband of Isabella Richardson, of Cramlington, Northumberland.He lies today in Section 11. Row C. Grave 18. TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY. Died 18 March 1943 29 years old
4461828 Pte John Thomas Ridley 2nd Durham Light Infantry.Son of John Thomas Ridley and Angelina Ridley; husband of Mary Ridley, of Chopwell, Co. Durham.He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 17 Rangoon Memorial. Died 18 March 1943 27 years old
4463307 Lance Sergeant Thomas Percival Stephenson 2nd Durham Light Infantry.Son of Joseph and Elizabeth Ann Stephenson; husband of Elsie Stephenson, of Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia He has no known grave and is commemorated on Face 17 Rangoon Memorial. Died 18 March 1943
29 years old
29 years old
mentioned in dispatches 4458529 pte lawrence walton 2nd Durham light infantry
4458529 Pte Lawrence Walton 2nd Durham Light Infantry
At Donbaik-Burma on 23rd March 1943 at 1000 hrs Pte Walton was sent forward from his Company position as a member of a working party. This party came under fire from a sniper at a Japanese post and one man was wounded and fell/ This casualty was in advance of the remainder of the party. Knowing that he would almost certainly be sniped ,this soldier worked forward towards the wounded man. He was fired on but succeeded in dodging back. Some minutes later Pte Walton again moved forward and was successful in getting the wounded man back to cover. This soldier showed a complete disregard for his personal safety.
Originally recommended for a Military Medal which was downgraded to a Mention in Dispatches.
At Donbaik-Burma on 23rd March 1943 at 1000 hrs Pte Walton was sent forward from his Company position as a member of a working party. This party came under fire from a sniper at a Japanese post and one man was wounded and fell/ This casualty was in advance of the remainder of the party. Knowing that he would almost certainly be sniped ,this soldier worked forward towards the wounded man. He was fired on but succeeded in dodging back. Some minutes later Pte Walton again moved forward and was successful in getting the wounded man back to cover. This soldier showed a complete disregard for his personal safety.
Originally recommended for a Military Medal which was downgraded to a Mention in Dispatches.
By Rail to Dimapur
On the 3rd April 1944 2nd DLI began a six day train journey to Dimapur.On arrival there was great confusion and rumours were rife that the Japanese were closing in on the rail head,`C` Company was dispatched to take up defensive positions overlooking the road to Kohima whilst the rest of the battalion tired,hungry and in desperate need of some rest after their journey ,which had seen then cover some 1200 miles,made camp on the airfield on the outskirts of Dimapur.The next day the 2nd Durham`s marched on to Nichuguard in order to meet up with their transport and carriers which had made the journey by road.On the 12th April the battalion started its advance,the Cameron Highlanders with Artillery and Tank support had destroyed the Japanese roadblock at Milestone 37. The road to Kohima was open...
Military Medal Action Pte John Ward MM 4452804 2nd DLI
4452804 Pte John Ward MM 2nd DLI
Pte John Ward 4452804 was born in Grangetown, Sunderland in 1915, he joined the 2nd Battalion DLI in 1938 and served throughout the Second World War, seeing action with the BEF in 1940 and was one of the lucky few to be evacuated at Dunkirk.He saw service in the far east and Burma where he earned the Military Medal at Garrison Hill during the battle of Kohima on the 24th April 1944. After taking part in a counter attack with `A` Company 2 DLI Pte Ward volunteered along with Pte Wood to man one of two bren gun positions ahead of the main company positions. |
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Pte John Ward brought down a rain of accurate fire onto the Japanese positions spending the entire day alone he was kept supplied with ammunition food and water which had to be thrown to him from the most forward of the Durhams positions such was his isolation from the rest of the battalion he was described by his commanding officer as `an inspiration to all`.
Kohima (Terrace Hill) April 1944
Kohima despite being a village is the capital of the Naga Hills district of Assam situated some 5000 miles up in the mountains of Manipur.The road from Dimapur winds up through the village. Since the 5th April 1944 Kohima had been under siege by strong Japanese forces and at this moment in time the 4th Royal West Kents held only the feature known as Summerhouse Hill (named like so many of the small hills after a part of the pre-war district commissioners bungalow which was situated nearby) It was now 2 DLI ,who as part of 2 Div ,who would face a vicious and bloody struggle to prise open the Japanese hold on the region .
The 2nd Durham Light Infantry first made contact with the Japanese on the 17th April 1944 at this time they were a mere two miles away from the besieged village and the following night when men of 161st Bde passed through the Durhams positions they were able to meet up with the be-leagued men in Kohima itself and although this marked the breaking of the siege the worst and bloodiest fighting for the 2nd DLI was just about to begin.
On the 19th April 1944 `B` Company were ordered to take and secure the feature known as Terrace Hill which overlooked the main Dimapur Road..The company advanced with great speed and overran the Japanese positions using bayonets and grenades they killed fifty or so Japanese soldiers unfortunately this was not without cost with six Durham Light Infantrymen killed including ;-
The 2nd Durham Light Infantry first made contact with the Japanese on the 17th April 1944 at this time they were a mere two miles away from the besieged village and the following night when men of 161st Bde passed through the Durhams positions they were able to meet up with the be-leagued men in Kohima itself and although this marked the breaking of the siege the worst and bloodiest fighting for the 2nd DLI was just about to begin.
On the 19th April 1944 `B` Company were ordered to take and secure the feature known as Terrace Hill which overlooked the main Dimapur Road..The company advanced with great speed and overran the Japanese positions using bayonets and grenades they killed fifty or so Japanese soldiers unfortunately this was not without cost with six Durham Light Infantrymen killed including ;-
the 2nd durham light infantry durham light infantry ,killed in action
`B` Company Commander 64637 Major Robert Allen (Right) who was caught by a burst of Japanese machine gun fire near the end of the action was the son of Basil Robert and Dorothy Eliston Allen; nephew of Miss M. Allen, of Kensington, London he lies at rest in Kohima War Cemetery Section 4 RowF Grave 4. Roberts probate gave his home address as 95 Earls Court Road . Killed in action 19 April 1944.
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4468336 Pte Charles David Allan 2nd Durham Light Infantry was the Son of Charles and Martha Allan, of Tow Law, Co. Durham he was aged 21 he too lies at peace in Kohima War Cemetery Section 4 Row F grave 7
4463506 Pte John Hastie Buchanan 2nd Durham Light Infantry was the son of John Hastie Buchanan and the late Dorothy Ann Buchanan, of 72 Queens Street, North Shields, Northumberland; husband of Jane Ann Buchanan, of North Shields he was aged 26 he too lies at peace in Kohima War Cemetery Section 4 Row F grave 8. John married Jane Hodgson on the 2nd August 1941 at Christ Church ,North Shields the service was conducted by Canon C Milner. Educated at Eastern Board School, North Shields. Prior to joining the army he worked at North Shields Fish Quay. The couple lived at 23 Coronation Street,North Shields .
Shields Daily News 10 May 1944 (Right) Click on Image to open in full size. |
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4450999 Pte Thomas Embleton 2nd Durham Light Infantry was the of Thomas and Agnes Embleton; husband of Enid Amy Embleton, of Leeds, Yorkshire he was aged 25 he too lies at peace in Kohima War Cemetery Section 4 Row F grave 6
4463195 Pte Harry Humphrey 2nd Durham Light Infantry was the son of James and Emily Humphrey; husband of Jean Humphrey, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham he was aged 31 he too lies at peace in Kohima War Cemetery Section 4 Row F grave 8
4463290 Pte Albert Sergison 2nd Durham Light Infantry Albert was the son of Joseph and Mary Sergison of high street Gateshead , he was one of six children .Albert worked in Alfie Carrs butchers shop on Gateshead high street . He was 24 years old when he was killed . he rests in peace in Kohima war cemetery Section 5 Row C Grave 19.
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4463290 Pte Albert Sergison
Photograph by kind permission of Dave Sergison
Photograph by kind permission of Dave Sergison
Kohima(Summerhouse/Garrison Hill)
Many of the positions around Kohima were based as previously stated on land formerly occupied by the Commissioners bungalow. Summer House Hill now named Garrison Hill was one such position the Summerhouse of course had long since disappeared and the ruins of the bungalow were occupied by the Japanese as were the warren of tunnels and trenches where in peace time had been sited the Commissioners tennis courts. The area bore no resemblance to its pre-war splendour instead above this Japanese fortress lay the debris of war and the constant stench of death and decay which hung over the area was unmistakable, slightly to the South lay Kukis Picquet also held by the Japanese.
On Friday 21st April 1944 both `B` and `D` Company of 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry were ordered, alongside The Royal Berkshires, to take up positions on the feature known now as Garrison Hill (formerly Summerhouse Hill).The Durham’s busied themselves with equipping their new positions with weapons and stores and despite being in full view of Kukis Picquet which was barley 50 yards away the Japanese did not interfere.
Saturday 22nd April 1944 continued in much the same way the Japanese inactivity enabled both `A` and `C` Companies to move up onto Garrison Hill to join `B` and `D`. The companies were organised as follows `C` Company were directly facing the Japanese positions at Kukis Picquet `D` Company positioned just behind `C` with both `A` and `B` Companies in reserve on the small plateau some 100 or so feet below the forward two companies. During the day the DLI`s first airdrop of fresh food and water was airdropped by the RAF…everyone landing beyond the Japanese held positions such was the close proximity of friend and foe. Lured into a false sense of security many Durham Light Infantrymen were caught out in the open and completely by surprise by a Japanese bombardment later that day (22nd April) three men were killed and many more seriously injured in the bombardment which was both brief and deadly. This was but a taste of what was to come at approx 02;30hrs on the 23rd April all hell seemed to be let loose on `C` Companies positions as grenades and mortars rained down from the direction of Kukis Picquet,above the sound of the exploding shells came the cry of `Banzai` as men of the Japanese 124th Infantry stormed forward the leading ranks wore gas masks and threw phosphorous grenades amongst the startled Durham’s ,more infantry behind followed up behind the grenade throwers with bayonets fixed. The Durham’s responded by pouring a steady stream of accurate Bren gun fire into the oncoming ranks of Japanese soldiers but with sheer weight of numbers `C` Company was overrun, the Japanese now had a foot hold on Garrison Hill.
Lieutenant Pat Rome rallied the men of `B` Company his sergeant Alfred Brannigan grabbed a sten gun and grenades but got less than twenty yards before he was cut down and killed. Major `Tank` Waterhouse attempted to form `D` Company into a cohesive defensive line but was unable to call down artillery support for both the radios and telephones were now unoperational and the battalions artillery officer was dead.
On Friday 21st April 1944 both `B` and `D` Company of 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry were ordered, alongside The Royal Berkshires, to take up positions on the feature known now as Garrison Hill (formerly Summerhouse Hill).The Durham’s busied themselves with equipping their new positions with weapons and stores and despite being in full view of Kukis Picquet which was barley 50 yards away the Japanese did not interfere.
Saturday 22nd April 1944 continued in much the same way the Japanese inactivity enabled both `A` and `C` Companies to move up onto Garrison Hill to join `B` and `D`. The companies were organised as follows `C` Company were directly facing the Japanese positions at Kukis Picquet `D` Company positioned just behind `C` with both `A` and `B` Companies in reserve on the small plateau some 100 or so feet below the forward two companies. During the day the DLI`s first airdrop of fresh food and water was airdropped by the RAF…everyone landing beyond the Japanese held positions such was the close proximity of friend and foe. Lured into a false sense of security many Durham Light Infantrymen were caught out in the open and completely by surprise by a Japanese bombardment later that day (22nd April) three men were killed and many more seriously injured in the bombardment which was both brief and deadly. This was but a taste of what was to come at approx 02;30hrs on the 23rd April all hell seemed to be let loose on `C` Companies positions as grenades and mortars rained down from the direction of Kukis Picquet,above the sound of the exploding shells came the cry of `Banzai` as men of the Japanese 124th Infantry stormed forward the leading ranks wore gas masks and threw phosphorous grenades amongst the startled Durham’s ,more infantry behind followed up behind the grenade throwers with bayonets fixed. The Durham’s responded by pouring a steady stream of accurate Bren gun fire into the oncoming ranks of Japanese soldiers but with sheer weight of numbers `C` Company was overrun, the Japanese now had a foot hold on Garrison Hill.
Lieutenant Pat Rome rallied the men of `B` Company his sergeant Alfred Brannigan grabbed a sten gun and grenades but got less than twenty yards before he was cut down and killed. Major `Tank` Waterhouse attempted to form `D` Company into a cohesive defensive line but was unable to call down artillery support for both the radios and telephones were now unoperational and the battalions artillery officer was dead.
Stretcher bearers of the 2nd Durham Light Infantry at the Regimental aid post photograph taken around June 1944 Tom Spencer who was recommended for the VC (but got nothing) is second row behind the soldier in the cape.Pte Tom Hope from Sunderland stands second left (Hands on Hips)
The Japanese had to be stopped at 0400hrs `D` Company put in a counterattack despite vicious hand to hand combat in which Lieutenant Bill Watson of `D` Company was killed the attack failed.
At 05;00hrs `A` Company under Captain Sean Kelly were ordered into the attack with bayonets fixed they crawled forward over the bodies of friend and foe alike. 4467671 Cpl Arthur Breden took his section forward and throwing grenades with extreme accuracy cleared the Japanese held trenches, despite being wounded in both legs he continued to lead his men when hit a third time he still managed to pull himself upright before a mortar bomb exploded nearby killing the valiant corporal. Lieutenant Peter Stockton led a second platoon of `A` Company into the Japanese trenches the waiting Japanese decimated the Durham’s those few who managed to make it back out were easy targets for the Japanese machine gunners who firing by the light of the breaking dawn wrecked havoc amongst the survivors. Throughout the night the stretcher bearers in particular performed heroics time and again ,two of them Cpl Tom Spencer and Corporal Ward were recommended for the Victoria Cross but much to the battalions disbelief got nothing, not even a mention in dispatches.
At 08;00hrs the hand to hand fighting had ceased but the mortaring and shelling continued. The DLI companies were reorganised `D` and `C` Companies were amalgamated to form a composite company supporting `A` Company who were now the forward company and occupying `D` Companies original positions. Shells landing on `D` Company cookhouse caused more casualties to add to the ever mounting list. Twenty nine members of 2nd Durham Light Infantry were dead from the nights fighting including four missing a further seventy seven were wounded. The Japanese although holding out were still not in control of Garrison Hill but without a doubt they would be back…soon.
On the 28th April 1944 the birthday of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito the Japanese put in a strong two company attack on `A` Company positions once again the Japanese put their grenades to good use and this time by shear weight of numbers broke through `A ` Company positions before digging in on the top of Garrison Hill.
At 05;00hrs `A` Company under Captain Sean Kelly were ordered into the attack with bayonets fixed they crawled forward over the bodies of friend and foe alike. 4467671 Cpl Arthur Breden took his section forward and throwing grenades with extreme accuracy cleared the Japanese held trenches, despite being wounded in both legs he continued to lead his men when hit a third time he still managed to pull himself upright before a mortar bomb exploded nearby killing the valiant corporal. Lieutenant Peter Stockton led a second platoon of `A` Company into the Japanese trenches the waiting Japanese decimated the Durham’s those few who managed to make it back out were easy targets for the Japanese machine gunners who firing by the light of the breaking dawn wrecked havoc amongst the survivors. Throughout the night the stretcher bearers in particular performed heroics time and again ,two of them Cpl Tom Spencer and Corporal Ward were recommended for the Victoria Cross but much to the battalions disbelief got nothing, not even a mention in dispatches.
At 08;00hrs the hand to hand fighting had ceased but the mortaring and shelling continued. The DLI companies were reorganised `D` and `C` Companies were amalgamated to form a composite company supporting `A` Company who were now the forward company and occupying `D` Companies original positions. Shells landing on `D` Company cookhouse caused more casualties to add to the ever mounting list. Twenty nine members of 2nd Durham Light Infantry were dead from the nights fighting including four missing a further seventy seven were wounded. The Japanese although holding out were still not in control of Garrison Hill but without a doubt they would be back…soon.
On the 28th April 1944 the birthday of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito the Japanese put in a strong two company attack on `A` Company positions once again the Japanese put their grenades to good use and this time by shear weight of numbers broke through `A ` Company positions before digging in on the top of Garrison Hill.
4386669 Pte G Matthews 2nd Durham Light Infantry formerly of The Green Howards who died on the 28th April 1944 Aged 31 yrs Son of Walter and Ellen Matthews; husband of Edna May Matthews, of Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire Section 4 Row D Grave 3 Kohima War Cemetery.
4462449 Pte Jack Handley (photographed above )enlisted into the Durham Light Infantry in 1940
Jack died on Garrison Hill during the fighting in Kohima on 28th April 1944 He was wounded and although successfully evacuated died soon afterwards . He was a painter and decorator prior to enlistment and lived with his parents Herbert Ernest Handley, and of Margaret Ann Handley, 7 Front Street, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham.Born 30th September 1915 . He was originally buried in a field cemetery,often located at road junctions, Jack Handley prior to his reburial at Kohima War Cemetery, Section 4 Row G Grave 3 lay at Paternoster Row ,Field Cemetery, (below) Jhotsoma. The Newcastle Chronicle announced his death in May 1944.
Jack died on Garrison Hill during the fighting in Kohima on 28th April 1944 He was wounded and although successfully evacuated died soon afterwards . He was a painter and decorator prior to enlistment and lived with his parents Herbert Ernest Handley, and of Margaret Ann Handley, 7 Front Street, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham.Born 30th September 1915 . He was originally buried in a field cemetery,often located at road junctions, Jack Handley prior to his reburial at Kohima War Cemetery, Section 4 Row G Grave 3 lay at Paternoster Row ,Field Cemetery, (below) Jhotsoma. The Newcastle Chronicle announced his death in May 1944.
Throughout the night the British bombarded the Japanese in their new positions the 2nd DLI launched more than 1300 mortar rounds. At first light The DLI counter-attacked using both of the flanks they moved up to the Japanese positions,after a bloody confrontation the Japanese fled using the smoke and confusion of the battle to retreat back to their positions on Kukis Picquet,the action although completely successful had once again been costly for the DLI with another nineteen dead and scores more wounded.On the 29th April the 2nd DLI were withdrawn to Dimapur to rest at Milestone 42..briefly.
Military Cross Action 189305 Lieut Patrick Leslie Rome 2nd Durham .L.I
189305 Lieutenant Patrick Leslie Rome
The 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry At Garrison Hill, Kohima on the 23rd/24th April 1944 Lieutenant Rome was commanding a platoon of `D` Company 2nd DLI which counter attacked the battalions forward positions after they had been overun by a heavy Japanese attack during the night he personally led counter atack after counter attack and although he himself was wounded early on he refused to leave but fought on until the position had been restored this example and courage stopped a very dangerous situation. After the battle he refused to have his wounds dressed until all the other men in his platoon had been attended to. |
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One Man`s View :- a report by Lieutenant P. L. Rome M.C.
189305 Lt. P. L. Rome M.C., platoon commander in "D" Company 2nd D.L.I., wrote the following report whilst recovering from his wounds in hospital after the battle it refers to the actions on the nights of 23rd/24th April 1944
Everything was quiet - I expect it will be like last night. At about 8 o'clock we settled down to get some sleep.
The shells and mortar bombs woke me up at about 2 o'clock. They were coming down pretty thick and fast. Sgt. Brannigan and Wilson were already awake and speculating as to what was going on. They weren't ours, it was obvious. The Japs seemed to be cooking up a bit of nonsense. I stuck my head out of the hole and found the area thick with smoke and smelling of cordite and the whole area lit by fires. An ammo dump on the hill was blazing away merrily, a dump of food and stores was also burning. Some of the pine trees had caught fire and were adding their quota to the crackling of ammo going up and the dull thud of bully beef tins bursting!
They were still dropping stuff into the perimeter so we kept our heads well down, our eyes skinned and our tongues busy cursing the Japs for spoiling our sleep. Suddenly we heard them yelling and a high pitched scream "charge - charge" So they were attacking. Brens opened up on the perimeter and all hell was let loose. The rapid stuttering crackle of the Jap L.M.G.'s, the heavier thudding of the Brens, grenades, sten, mortars, the Banzai-yelling Japs - and above all the area illuminated by fires and heavy with smoke with figures dashing hither and thither.
Sgt. Brannigan and I got out of our hole and with a Sten each and a pocket full of mags. and grenades and started routing out members of the Platoon who were nearby. We then went over towards Coy H.Q. to find out what could be done. We hadn't gone twenty yards when Sgt. Brannigan was hit and crumpled up with just a groan. He was dead so I left him and found Bill Watson looking wild and huge clasping a Bren gun in his hand, having just clubbed a Jap with it. We stuck together and discussed the situation. Everything was very confused but it seemed that some of the Japs had broken through and, to judge by the screaming, the remainder were massing for another go. It was a question of grenades and still more grenades and shooting when you saw something. Shortly after Bill Watson was hit and crumpled up I shifted my position.
The remainder of the night was a confused memory set against a background of fires, smoke and noise. Isolated incidents spring to mind. Willie Lockhart killed lying beside me - Edwards hit in the stomach cursing and screaming - Cpl. Worthy lying out in front and shouting "Mr. Rome come and fetch me, I'm blind" - dragging him back - Snowball, James' ex-batman shouting both legs broken. All I could do was drag him along the ground - poor chap he was in hell. Standing up, lying down, walking and crawling, throw-ing grenades - more grenades - more grenades - keep the bastard`s at .a distance. Watching their grenades coming over - a little blue light sailing through the air - then down and bang.
I stood up and smack I was knocked round and found my arm hanging limp and useless and numb. I believe I said " - it hit again". I thought it was broken but it didn't hurt which was fortunate. I crawled round with it hanging for a bit and then got a rifle sling and hung it in that round my neck. After that I couldn't do much except with my left hand. We were lining the backs of trench-roofs and keeping our eyes skinned. "Hold it" was the cry as soon as the screaming died down, as it signified another attempt to break through.
A little Jap was found in the middle of us lying on the ground saying Tojo - Tojo - a Sten gun tried - but it wouldn't work - a rifle finished him. It made one think of shooting rats. The fires spread to a dump of 37 ammo just where we were lying - we had to forget the Japs and shift it otherwise there wouldn't have been any hill left to fight on! Just made it!!
I can't remember daylight coming. I remember talking to Roger Stock and hearing 5 minutes later that he was dead. But the night was nearly over thank God. We could see Kuki Picquet and they too could see us. Their light machine guns (L.M.G`s) opened up and we were in the open on a forward slope. We couldn't spot them. I went forward with a Bren Gunner to try but he got us first and the Gunner had his hair parted by a burst. All he said was "My God, I've got a bloody headache"! We shifted and I found a good billet behind a dead Jap. Not a bad little chap - but he stared at me. Anyway he was useful. I never thought of looking in his pockets for papers or loot, it only struck me afterwards. He kept me company for some time.
"A" Coy were preparing for a counter attack and Peter Stockton came up and had a chat to find out what the situation was. They went in in fine style, Peter leading with his Kukri. They got in to the trenches and fought their way along a bit but the Japs were too strong. Peter was killed almost immediately. The wounded started straggling back and the bastard`s opened up on them with their L.M.G.'s. The stretcher bearers were beyond all praise and I've never seen such superb and inspiring courage. They knelt in the open and patched the chaps up and carried them back and came back for more. They were unstintingly and without thought for themselves. Cpl. Spencer and Ward were put in for the V.C. They got NOTHING - not even a mention from Delhi. Sean took another counter-attack in but without success.
I remember shifting around with my pockets full of mags. for the Brens, they were running out. I remember a Jap who jumped out of a forward trench and ran towards us screaming and waving his arms. He bought it in a big way. He had no arms. Perhaps he'd had too much. I remember regretting that I wasn't on the Bren.
Everything was quiet - I expect it will be like last night. At about 8 o'clock we settled down to get some sleep.
The shells and mortar bombs woke me up at about 2 o'clock. They were coming down pretty thick and fast. Sgt. Brannigan and Wilson were already awake and speculating as to what was going on. They weren't ours, it was obvious. The Japs seemed to be cooking up a bit of nonsense. I stuck my head out of the hole and found the area thick with smoke and smelling of cordite and the whole area lit by fires. An ammo dump on the hill was blazing away merrily, a dump of food and stores was also burning. Some of the pine trees had caught fire and were adding their quota to the crackling of ammo going up and the dull thud of bully beef tins bursting!
They were still dropping stuff into the perimeter so we kept our heads well down, our eyes skinned and our tongues busy cursing the Japs for spoiling our sleep. Suddenly we heard them yelling and a high pitched scream "charge - charge" So they were attacking. Brens opened up on the perimeter and all hell was let loose. The rapid stuttering crackle of the Jap L.M.G.'s, the heavier thudding of the Brens, grenades, sten, mortars, the Banzai-yelling Japs - and above all the area illuminated by fires and heavy with smoke with figures dashing hither and thither.
Sgt. Brannigan and I got out of our hole and with a Sten each and a pocket full of mags. and grenades and started routing out members of the Platoon who were nearby. We then went over towards Coy H.Q. to find out what could be done. We hadn't gone twenty yards when Sgt. Brannigan was hit and crumpled up with just a groan. He was dead so I left him and found Bill Watson looking wild and huge clasping a Bren gun in his hand, having just clubbed a Jap with it. We stuck together and discussed the situation. Everything was very confused but it seemed that some of the Japs had broken through and, to judge by the screaming, the remainder were massing for another go. It was a question of grenades and still more grenades and shooting when you saw something. Shortly after Bill Watson was hit and crumpled up I shifted my position.
The remainder of the night was a confused memory set against a background of fires, smoke and noise. Isolated incidents spring to mind. Willie Lockhart killed lying beside me - Edwards hit in the stomach cursing and screaming - Cpl. Worthy lying out in front and shouting "Mr. Rome come and fetch me, I'm blind" - dragging him back - Snowball, James' ex-batman shouting both legs broken. All I could do was drag him along the ground - poor chap he was in hell. Standing up, lying down, walking and crawling, throw-ing grenades - more grenades - more grenades - keep the bastard`s at .a distance. Watching their grenades coming over - a little blue light sailing through the air - then down and bang.
I stood up and smack I was knocked round and found my arm hanging limp and useless and numb. I believe I said " - it hit again". I thought it was broken but it didn't hurt which was fortunate. I crawled round with it hanging for a bit and then got a rifle sling and hung it in that round my neck. After that I couldn't do much except with my left hand. We were lining the backs of trench-roofs and keeping our eyes skinned. "Hold it" was the cry as soon as the screaming died down, as it signified another attempt to break through.
A little Jap was found in the middle of us lying on the ground saying Tojo - Tojo - a Sten gun tried - but it wouldn't work - a rifle finished him. It made one think of shooting rats. The fires spread to a dump of 37 ammo just where we were lying - we had to forget the Japs and shift it otherwise there wouldn't have been any hill left to fight on! Just made it!!
I can't remember daylight coming. I remember talking to Roger Stock and hearing 5 minutes later that he was dead. But the night was nearly over thank God. We could see Kuki Picquet and they too could see us. Their light machine guns (L.M.G`s) opened up and we were in the open on a forward slope. We couldn't spot them. I went forward with a Bren Gunner to try but he got us first and the Gunner had his hair parted by a burst. All he said was "My God, I've got a bloody headache"! We shifted and I found a good billet behind a dead Jap. Not a bad little chap - but he stared at me. Anyway he was useful. I never thought of looking in his pockets for papers or loot, it only struck me afterwards. He kept me company for some time.
"A" Coy were preparing for a counter attack and Peter Stockton came up and had a chat to find out what the situation was. They went in in fine style, Peter leading with his Kukri. They got in to the trenches and fought their way along a bit but the Japs were too strong. Peter was killed almost immediately. The wounded started straggling back and the bastard`s opened up on them with their L.M.G.'s. The stretcher bearers were beyond all praise and I've never seen such superb and inspiring courage. They knelt in the open and patched the chaps up and carried them back and came back for more. They were unstintingly and without thought for themselves. Cpl. Spencer and Ward were put in for the V.C. They got NOTHING - not even a mention from Delhi. Sean took another counter-attack in but without success.
I remember shifting around with my pockets full of mags. for the Brens, they were running out. I remember a Jap who jumped out of a forward trench and ran towards us screaming and waving his arms. He bought it in a big way. He had no arms. Perhaps he'd had too much. I remember regretting that I wasn't on the Bren.
About eight things died down a bit and I sat and chatted to Sean. I asked him what the form was and he said "A" Coy were digging in on the line we had held and were going to reverse the trench roofs to fire the right way. I didn't reckon I could do much good so I toddled back to Coy H.Q. where I found Tank. He had done marvels that night .... He told me to go into his hole, sit quiet. I was very grateful. I sat there and dozed until at about twelve when the R.A.P. was a little less pushed and then made my way over there. Teddy and Dick were doing marvels in a shambles. I had a pot of tea which was like nectar and sat around. The rumour was that we were not being evacuated that day. I didn't tell anyone.
But soon we got the word and made our way down the back of the hill through the hospital. They had run some ambulances up and though the Japs mortared the road and put a bit of fire down they didn't interfere. So like the wind we dashed down the road to safety. Ronnie Johnson met us at the A.D.S. and we transferred to another ambulance and away down the road towards Dimapur. I had left Garrison Hill.
(Photo ;-Major `Sean` Kelley and Lt Pat Rome Kohima 1944)
The fires were still burning when it disappeared from sight. The mediums and 25's were knocking hell out of the town and G.P.T. ridge. The noise made my arm hurt.
But soon we got the word and made our way down the back of the hill through the hospital. They had run some ambulances up and though the Japs mortared the road and put a bit of fire down they didn't interfere. So like the wind we dashed down the road to safety. Ronnie Johnson met us at the A.D.S. and we transferred to another ambulance and away down the road towards Dimapur. I had left Garrison Hill.
(Photo ;-Major `Sean` Kelley and Lt Pat Rome Kohima 1944)
The fires were still burning when it disappeared from sight. The mediums and 25's were knocking hell out of the town and G.P.T. ridge. The noise made my arm hurt.
kohima ridge april-may 1944
a personal account by
132494 major j.w, `sean` kelley 2 dli.
In February 1944 a Japanese Army of Invasion advanced across the Hills of Manipur and Assam proclaiming its mission -The Conquest of India- By April it had infiltrated Kohima and was approaching Dimapur.
To meet this threat the 2nd Division was called from India. By Land Sea and air the Division moved to Dimapur........
To meet this threat the 2nd Division was called from India. By Land Sea and air the Division moved to Dimapur........
We pulled into Dimapur about 15;00 hours. It was pretty hot and the bare mud and shining rails of the siding seemed to magnify the glare of the sun. We waited for the detrain signal to blow. Company commanders were called to meet the C.O. Beside him I saw an Argyll Badge glinting--the Brigade Major complete with maps. He put us in the picture pretty quickly. The japs had cut the road this side of Kohima with 2 blocks -- at the 39-32 mile stones. A force of 1500 were said to be pushing through the hills to cut the line between Dimapur and Slichen, and had been reported (by.local nagas) lying up in a nala there (this was about 7 miles from Dimapur as far as we could make out) 1000 more were pushing down N.W. beyond Zubya, evidently making for the railway just north of us, [and] The vital line to Ledo and the forces under General Stillwell. We were to proceed to the Rest Camp area 2 miles away immediately; less one company which would go to the F;S.D. [ Field Supply Depot ] as garrison-- mustn't let the Japs get at big food stores by a surprise stroke. The Brigade were deployed (less one battalion in the Nichuguard Gorge, area,) but had made no contact,
It came as rather a shock to us, ,after leaving the West of India some 5 days previously, and travelling through as,. peaceful 1,500 miles,you could imagine to de-train with "bayonets ready for action", and the general feeling was" My God, someone must have been sleeping to let this happen. We marched out through the empty streets of the railhead —a dismal looking place. Vehicles of all kinds were streaming past mostly in to the town. The camp had been a hospital, straw bashas, and very clean.
We got in quickly and made a recce of the area -- wet jungle and mud -- and began to dig in. Another conference was called at 2100 hours. We huddled. round the C.O's bamboo table, note books ready, the hurricane lamp casting great shadows on the bamboo walls. Two companies, mine[`a` Company] and `C`, were to move out at 06.30. in M.T. [motor transport] with full arms, tools and water, to the Pass of Nichuguard. I was to take over from a company of Camerons and an Assam Reg unit, on the hills on the left of the Gorge. Defensive fire by a battery of 25 lb guns had been laid on. Wire would be brought up by mules and so on, -- these positions must be held. Hooray for the Highlanders thought I 'Here we go!
We left about 07;00hrs, after a fairly quiet night's sleep, and embussed on the muddy camp road. I had to exercise a lot of self restraint in geting the native drivers to marshall the trucks correctly. The road runs practically dead straight for the 7 miles to Nichuguard, flanked on either side by dumps and camps of all kinds -- Petrol ,Rations, Ammo, R.E.Stores, the rear-parties of various units H.Qs, and who knows what. These have all been hacked out of the jungle which presses in closely. A vast conglomerate cabbage patch, open to any enemy attack from the jungle.
We passed the F.S.D. Robert Allan was near the road. So 'B' Coy., had had an uneventful night also. The hills of the pass, steep and thickly wooded, closed in ahead of us. We debussed and cleared off the road, sending the transport back a few hundred yards. Next came a change of orders 'C` were to.proceed up the hill, but I had to wait for orders from the Brigadier -- they soon came. "The Japs have a road block about 32 M. I want you to stand by there, with transport, I'm giving you two troops of tanks, and you'll get a section of your battalion mortars. Be ready to burn up the road and clear that block. Don't move except by direct order from me. An “Okay ? Right !” and he was off!
It was now 10;00hrs. I was flabbergasted at first. It seemed a bit much to be committed to fighting 20 hours after completing a journey across India ,however there it was.
The Tank C.O. and I had a chat and agreed that one could use only 2 tanks at the most up on such a precipitous jungle flanked road, it all seemed damned silly. We smoked, ate hard biscuit and cheese and waited and waited. At 16;00 hours I was told that another Brigade was taking.over the job, so at last we were pushed up a hill (not the original one of course) and managed to get an all round defence organised and meal prepared as darkness fell. We'd had a sweaty time humping Ammunition, water, food and kits up the hill and were all. pretty fagged when we eventually lay down for the night.
Next day we continued to dig in. There was talk of moving us up to occupy some peak dominating Dimapur Ridge. We recced it ,22 miles away and 1500 feet higher up, it promised to be a big administrive problem and a big sweat. The more so as the nearest water was down below our present position.
There was a Naga village on the peak the first I had seen. Several huts clustered together with others here and there. A bunch of skulls for decoration and a smell of smoked meat and fermenting rice hung about the place. Hairy black pigs, with under slung bellies trailing on the ground scuttled about on short legs grunting irritably. In the distance caught by the sunlight against the green hills, were other villages, cautiously perched on the seemingly inaccessible summits. With a good store of water, ammo, and food, I reckoned we could hold that hill against any attack and we returned back down the ridge past `C`. and B' companies down the mule track to supper.
But that night orders came for me to be on the road at 6am. My sleep was interupted twice more by fatuous phone calls. We breakfasted in the dark and filed down the hill to the road. The job was to escort 2 troops of tanks and a big convoy destined for our 5th Bde, at the 32½ mile stone. Reports of enemy patrols between the 15 th and 29th MS had been received and we were to deal with any attempt to ambush the column. There were some 40 3 x tourers and they were spaced at 50 yards plus 7 tanks and 9x15.cwts this made a pretty long column, at least 1½ miles. It was difficult to decide how to protect it.
I finally decided to split the force in two, and lead with one Platoon and a troop of tanks, with the balance behind the column. The road led through the great gorge of Nichuguard, 3½ miles of pretty level ground and then it ran for 3 miles through flat country, where we could at least get off the road to fight if it became necessary.
But from there it climbed steadily, cut into zig zags into the steep hill side, with always a 50 to 100 foot drop on the left --ideal country for ambush, miles of it!
We reached the tiny village of Piphima, set on a narrow ledge 3100 feet high and pushed forward on to a more level road. Miraculously all the transport made the grade, though hardly as orderly a convoy as one would have wished. The tank commanders and I heaved a sigh of relief and turned back. It was pleasure to return to road patrolling with a small party, capable of offensive action. We could not, I feel sure, have done much to project that long column had something actually happened. The rest of the day passed quietly. We established a patrol base at the nala crossing called Jarnapine and patrolled uneventfully in the hills and along the road with the tanks.
Our task finished on the ground at 18;00hrs, and we returned through the gorge just as the sun was setting, I could see shoals of mahsur lying in the long rocky pools below us. We staggered wearily up the hill and suppered in the dark --all of us had headaches through eye-strain and drank heartily but couldn't eat. It rained all night. This went on for five days. breakfast in the dark, supper in the dark. The CO kept promising to relieve us when 'D' Coy, who were bringing the transport across India should arrive, but they kept on being delayed. On the afternoon of the 6th day `D` came into Jarmupani and relieved us. The only bright incident for the men was when I fell off the back of a carrier moving at 20 mph., and bounced on the road grand fun for all !
It came as rather a shock to us, ,after leaving the West of India some 5 days previously, and travelling through as,. peaceful 1,500 miles,you could imagine to de-train with "bayonets ready for action", and the general feeling was" My God, someone must have been sleeping to let this happen. We marched out through the empty streets of the railhead —a dismal looking place. Vehicles of all kinds were streaming past mostly in to the town. The camp had been a hospital, straw bashas, and very clean.
We got in quickly and made a recce of the area -- wet jungle and mud -- and began to dig in. Another conference was called at 2100 hours. We huddled. round the C.O's bamboo table, note books ready, the hurricane lamp casting great shadows on the bamboo walls. Two companies, mine[`a` Company] and `C`, were to move out at 06.30. in M.T. [motor transport] with full arms, tools and water, to the Pass of Nichuguard. I was to take over from a company of Camerons and an Assam Reg unit, on the hills on the left of the Gorge. Defensive fire by a battery of 25 lb guns had been laid on. Wire would be brought up by mules and so on, -- these positions must be held. Hooray for the Highlanders thought I 'Here we go!
We left about 07;00hrs, after a fairly quiet night's sleep, and embussed on the muddy camp road. I had to exercise a lot of self restraint in geting the native drivers to marshall the trucks correctly. The road runs practically dead straight for the 7 miles to Nichuguard, flanked on either side by dumps and camps of all kinds -- Petrol ,Rations, Ammo, R.E.Stores, the rear-parties of various units H.Qs, and who knows what. These have all been hacked out of the jungle which presses in closely. A vast conglomerate cabbage patch, open to any enemy attack from the jungle.
We passed the F.S.D. Robert Allan was near the road. So 'B' Coy., had had an uneventful night also. The hills of the pass, steep and thickly wooded, closed in ahead of us. We debussed and cleared off the road, sending the transport back a few hundred yards. Next came a change of orders 'C` were to.proceed up the hill, but I had to wait for orders from the Brigadier -- they soon came. "The Japs have a road block about 32 M. I want you to stand by there, with transport, I'm giving you two troops of tanks, and you'll get a section of your battalion mortars. Be ready to burn up the road and clear that block. Don't move except by direct order from me. An “Okay ? Right !” and he was off!
It was now 10;00hrs. I was flabbergasted at first. It seemed a bit much to be committed to fighting 20 hours after completing a journey across India ,however there it was.
The Tank C.O. and I had a chat and agreed that one could use only 2 tanks at the most up on such a precipitous jungle flanked road, it all seemed damned silly. We smoked, ate hard biscuit and cheese and waited and waited. At 16;00 hours I was told that another Brigade was taking.over the job, so at last we were pushed up a hill (not the original one of course) and managed to get an all round defence organised and meal prepared as darkness fell. We'd had a sweaty time humping Ammunition, water, food and kits up the hill and were all. pretty fagged when we eventually lay down for the night.
Next day we continued to dig in. There was talk of moving us up to occupy some peak dominating Dimapur Ridge. We recced it ,22 miles away and 1500 feet higher up, it promised to be a big administrive problem and a big sweat. The more so as the nearest water was down below our present position.
There was a Naga village on the peak the first I had seen. Several huts clustered together with others here and there. A bunch of skulls for decoration and a smell of smoked meat and fermenting rice hung about the place. Hairy black pigs, with under slung bellies trailing on the ground scuttled about on short legs grunting irritably. In the distance caught by the sunlight against the green hills, were other villages, cautiously perched on the seemingly inaccessible summits. With a good store of water, ammo, and food, I reckoned we could hold that hill against any attack and we returned back down the ridge past `C`. and B' companies down the mule track to supper.
But that night orders came for me to be on the road at 6am. My sleep was interupted twice more by fatuous phone calls. We breakfasted in the dark and filed down the hill to the road. The job was to escort 2 troops of tanks and a big convoy destined for our 5th Bde, at the 32½ mile stone. Reports of enemy patrols between the 15 th and 29th MS had been received and we were to deal with any attempt to ambush the column. There were some 40 3 x tourers and they were spaced at 50 yards plus 7 tanks and 9x15.cwts this made a pretty long column, at least 1½ miles. It was difficult to decide how to protect it.
I finally decided to split the force in two, and lead with one Platoon and a troop of tanks, with the balance behind the column. The road led through the great gorge of Nichuguard, 3½ miles of pretty level ground and then it ran for 3 miles through flat country, where we could at least get off the road to fight if it became necessary.
But from there it climbed steadily, cut into zig zags into the steep hill side, with always a 50 to 100 foot drop on the left --ideal country for ambush, miles of it!
We reached the tiny village of Piphima, set on a narrow ledge 3100 feet high and pushed forward on to a more level road. Miraculously all the transport made the grade, though hardly as orderly a convoy as one would have wished. The tank commanders and I heaved a sigh of relief and turned back. It was pleasure to return to road patrolling with a small party, capable of offensive action. We could not, I feel sure, have done much to project that long column had something actually happened. The rest of the day passed quietly. We established a patrol base at the nala crossing called Jarnapine and patrolled uneventfully in the hills and along the road with the tanks.
Our task finished on the ground at 18;00hrs, and we returned through the gorge just as the sun was setting, I could see shoals of mahsur lying in the long rocky pools below us. We staggered wearily up the hill and suppered in the dark --all of us had headaches through eye-strain and drank heartily but couldn't eat. It rained all night. This went on for five days. breakfast in the dark, supper in the dark. The CO kept promising to relieve us when 'D' Coy, who were bringing the transport across India should arrive, but they kept on being delayed. On the afternoon of the 6th day `D` came into Jarmupani and relieved us. The only bright incident for the men was when I fell off the back of a carrier moving at 20 mph., and bounced on the road grand fun for all !
Now that the relief had taken place we were to have a full day's rest before going off up the hills, for we were all very tired. We had been up at 03;00 hrs. each day and on the go all day till 20;00hrs and at night the brief 7 hours rest was interupted by 2 hours of sentry duty. At 22;00 hours I was called to B.H.Q. and briefed for a move of the Battalion to Ganchipani, 11 miles up the road leaving at O7;30 hours! Bang went our rest day. We had a swift pack up , and left a party to help the C/Sgt to bring on the food and ammo etc and pushed off again. I knew the place well enough after the week's patrols and we soon took up our part of the Battalion defensive perimeter and dug in.
The unit we relieved were the Lancs Fusiliers,they had reported Jap patrols probing in from the South-west -- but we spent a quiet night.
The Special Service company of the division under Alistair McGeorge was going off next day to patrol through the semi-circle of mountain villages based on Pungloma -- a 15 mile trek through the jungle and mountain, which was to take 6 days of hard going -- better them than us!
An 'O'Group left in advance of the Batt. the C.O.[ Lt Colonel J H Brown ] with [ Teach ] Robinson , [ Robert ] Allan , Roger Stock, Tank Waterhouse and myself [ Sean Kelley ]-- plus our runners.
We passed through the 4th Bde and pushed up to the 40th M.S. The road blocks and bunkers smashed by the big tanks and cleared by the Camerons, were the only signs of battle except the odd wrecked truck and burned down bridge and the constant sound of guns. We waited at the road junction while the CO. went forward to meet the Brigadier.
Beyond the milestone part of Kohima could be seen. All the ridge across the valley on our left was occupied by Japs, even behind us but to all appearances the jungle appeared deserted. A few lean cows the property of some poor Nagas,who doubtless had fled from their villages, wandered disconsoledely about. We sat by the roadside and blathered discussing future probabilities -- a pointless pastime.
After 2 hours we were called forward and drove up the steep earthen road which cut high into the hills above the main road, raw and red. Where it flatened out, about 4,000 ft. up, it still followed the contours of the hill, the road was packed with transport of every kind.Then we were back to the jungle near Bde H.Q.
It was pretty hot and the mud path up through the mule lines to the Royal Welsh H.Q. was long and steep. We were puffed by the time we made it. They had just had some casualties through 75 mm shelling and one of their companies had been attacked, so they hadn't a lot of time for us. Norman the adjutant, was shouting down the telephone for ammunition, water and food -- in that order and quickly we went on again through the Welsh `D` & `B` Coy. who were relieving some Rajputs on the narrow ridge, later called the 'Pimples'. Everybody was busy digging in, and bringing up ammunition and so on.
I was relieved when I bumped into Chas Hilditch, [RWF] the O.C. 'B' Coy, who knew the hill I was wanted on. It led on the left near Bde. H.Q. and 'B' B.H.Q.
Soon I was told "Jack" you're reserve here, but you may have to hold that hill -- I'll let you know as soon as I can
"That hill" was a good 900 feet higher up through stiff jungle. I groaned in spirit, After all my company had done twice as much as any other, however, there it was.
Peter goes and I tramped off for a mile or so up the road, to 161 Bde H.Q. (they were in defensive ahead of us) to find out if my hill had to be occupied. 50 yards short of H.Q. we met our own Brigadier, who learning our mission, told us to, turn back. We tramped back down again.
At last it was decided that up I must go, so `Stumpy Varley`, my No.1. runner and I set off to reconoitre; I left orders for the company to wait in the jungle near Bde H.Q. I made a quick recce., learned the situation on the flanks and went back to H.Q. by a longer but easier route as I had decided we would have to come up another way.
I told the C.O. I couldn't link up with their right and the nearest troops on the left, but I would hold the high—ground in between them and patrol the rest, he eventually agreed.
Varley was dispatched minus equipment to bring the company up. I asked my C.O. through the Welsh wireless set to send my 'A' echelon along to the Welsh Echelon., if he could get along through the mass of transport -- I told him that we couldn't possibly get a meal up that day and that I wanted 12 compo ration packs etc.
What a scene, wheels 3 feet from the edge of a steep drop, noses to the road -- jeeps 15cwt, 30 cwts, 3 tonners, Bren 6. carriers, light and heavy tanks, gun limbers and guard staff-cars, break-down lorries, bull dozzers -- all the panoply of mechanized warfare bound to this narrow earthen road.
I thought "God what a target for aircraft thank the Lord they can't have much of that against us". We've been lucky in twice meeting the Jap where he could not bring his medium or heavy guns and where we have had a preponderance of field and light artillery. Against the Germans that road would have been untenable.
The unit we relieved were the Lancs Fusiliers,they had reported Jap patrols probing in from the South-west -- but we spent a quiet night.
The Special Service company of the division under Alistair McGeorge was going off next day to patrol through the semi-circle of mountain villages based on Pungloma -- a 15 mile trek through the jungle and mountain, which was to take 6 days of hard going -- better them than us!
An 'O'Group left in advance of the Batt. the C.O.[ Lt Colonel J H Brown ] with [ Teach ] Robinson , [ Robert ] Allan , Roger Stock, Tank Waterhouse and myself [ Sean Kelley ]-- plus our runners.
We passed through the 4th Bde and pushed up to the 40th M.S. The road blocks and bunkers smashed by the big tanks and cleared by the Camerons, were the only signs of battle except the odd wrecked truck and burned down bridge and the constant sound of guns. We waited at the road junction while the CO. went forward to meet the Brigadier.
Beyond the milestone part of Kohima could be seen. All the ridge across the valley on our left was occupied by Japs, even behind us but to all appearances the jungle appeared deserted. A few lean cows the property of some poor Nagas,who doubtless had fled from their villages, wandered disconsoledely about. We sat by the roadside and blathered discussing future probabilities -- a pointless pastime.
After 2 hours we were called forward and drove up the steep earthen road which cut high into the hills above the main road, raw and red. Where it flatened out, about 4,000 ft. up, it still followed the contours of the hill, the road was packed with transport of every kind.Then we were back to the jungle near Bde H.Q.
It was pretty hot and the mud path up through the mule lines to the Royal Welsh H.Q. was long and steep. We were puffed by the time we made it. They had just had some casualties through 75 mm shelling and one of their companies had been attacked, so they hadn't a lot of time for us. Norman the adjutant, was shouting down the telephone for ammunition, water and food -- in that order and quickly we went on again through the Welsh `D` & `B` Coy. who were relieving some Rajputs on the narrow ridge, later called the 'Pimples'. Everybody was busy digging in, and bringing up ammunition and so on.
I was relieved when I bumped into Chas Hilditch, [RWF] the O.C. 'B' Coy, who knew the hill I was wanted on. It led on the left near Bde. H.Q. and 'B' B.H.Q.
Soon I was told "Jack" you're reserve here, but you may have to hold that hill -- I'll let you know as soon as I can
"That hill" was a good 900 feet higher up through stiff jungle. I groaned in spirit, After all my company had done twice as much as any other, however, there it was.
Peter goes and I tramped off for a mile or so up the road, to 161 Bde H.Q. (they were in defensive ahead of us) to find out if my hill had to be occupied. 50 yards short of H.Q. we met our own Brigadier, who learning our mission, told us to, turn back. We tramped back down again.
At last it was decided that up I must go, so `Stumpy Varley`, my No.1. runner and I set off to reconoitre; I left orders for the company to wait in the jungle near Bde H.Q. I made a quick recce., learned the situation on the flanks and went back to H.Q. by a longer but easier route as I had decided we would have to come up another way.
I told the C.O. I couldn't link up with their right and the nearest troops on the left, but I would hold the high—ground in between them and patrol the rest, he eventually agreed.
Varley was dispatched minus equipment to bring the company up. I asked my C.O. through the Welsh wireless set to send my 'A' echelon along to the Welsh Echelon., if he could get along through the mass of transport -- I told him that we couldn't possibly get a meal up that day and that I wanted 12 compo ration packs etc.
What a scene, wheels 3 feet from the edge of a steep drop, noses to the road -- jeeps 15cwt, 30 cwts, 3 tonners, Bren 6. carriers, light and heavy tanks, gun limbers and guard staff-cars, break-down lorries, bull dozzers -- all the panoply of mechanized warfare bound to this narrow earthen road.
I thought "God what a target for aircraft thank the Lord they can't have much of that against us". We've been lucky in twice meeting the Jap where he could not bring his medium or heavy guns and where we have had a preponderance of field and light artillery. Against the Germans that road would have been untenable.
I told the Welsh what reserve ammo I required -- that I could fix my own water (I'd spotted a spring as I came down from my hill) that I'd like 10 coils of wire. They said 'Yes, okay`.'"Then I waited and thought. Had I.missed anything? I had ordered the tools to be carried, in the trucks,loose, when we left Gaspari. So that was okay, if only the company would arrive in time to get dug in before - dark. Everything seemed to be as good as it could be. The company had a few sandbags of biscuits to go on with, so what was troubling me?
Eventually they [my Company] hove in sight, sweating up the narrow path, cursing the mules that were trying to turn and go back down. I was thankful to get them safely through H.Q. area and have them under my own command, another 1000 yards then 500 feet of a climb and we were there. I pushed the platoons into allotted areas, Sentry groups posted out and we soon addressed the defence problem, and got cracking with picks and shovels.
It was now 17.00 hours -- a bit late. Water parties from each platoon were sent off with an escort and we dug steadily, Ammunition arrived and I began to feel happier. But no compo packs? By 18;00hrs it was very cold, the sun was going down fast and our sweat was cooling -- after all we were over 5,000 feet. The water got back about dark and patrol activity by the Japs was reported, we knocked off digging and prepared for the night, and whatever else might come. The biscuits were pooled and equally divided, one and a half per man, we were a bit hungry, as our breakfast had been our last meal. With the dark the shooting started mostly Jap patrols trying to get us pin-pointed, and we weren't going to be caught by that trick
The Welsh were firing and throwing grenades some of which fell a bit too near my left-hand platoon. The Indian troops in the village below appeared to be having a busy time — lots of firing, but I doubted any real attack had came in.
The night was bitter, we had no pull overs and no gas-capes. Happy Hamson my trusty batman and I, when we were not on 'stag' cuddled together in a hole. It only rained lightly thank God and we shivered away and waited for the sun-rise —it was a long time coming. Apart from the noise of all the bangs we'd had a fairly peaceful night as soon as it was light we continued to dig in, (it warmed us up) and sent for more water. Breakfast was 1 biscuit for each man, but about 11;00 hours, the compo rations arrived and we were okay for another 24 hours at least.
At 12;30 (glad sight) my splendid C/Sgt appeared with a hot meal the mules had had a bloody hard time getting up the hill and they were all stressed. But even if half the tea had spilt and was gone, the remainder was hot and we wolfed bacon and potatoes and drank tea. I put the C/Sgt in the picture he had done a good job in getting to us and the cooks had worked like slaves to prepare the meal and escort the mules up. We worked hard, putting splinter-proof covering on our pits, wiring and camoflaging were added and we were fairly secure by that evening. Small packs had finally arrived and the night was more comfortable. Again plenty shooting but no casualties.
Next morning we made tea on the reverse slopes where the smoke wouldn't show, and had sardines, biscuit and jam to go with it. No.1. Platoon reported the locating of 2 Jap bunkers on the ridge 200 yards away. I went up to observe them with glasses and saw them crawling from bunker to their O.P. Their ridge was higher than ours and I didn't want our gun positions disclosed, so I sent out snipers to positions away from the Coy perimeter with orders to' get them' and lay and observed among the bushes. I could see their O.P. man quite clearly -- a big Jap, wearing the usual yellowish uniform and soft cap. they got him alright and that stopped their morning fun. We patrolled the valley between, to see if they were trying to infiltrate, but saw no signs.
Intelligence reports said that a force of several thousand Japs was reported by locals to be moving around our right in the mountains, which would bring them out near to us or behind us- I wondered.
Eventually they [my Company] hove in sight, sweating up the narrow path, cursing the mules that were trying to turn and go back down. I was thankful to get them safely through H.Q. area and have them under my own command, another 1000 yards then 500 feet of a climb and we were there. I pushed the platoons into allotted areas, Sentry groups posted out and we soon addressed the defence problem, and got cracking with picks and shovels.
It was now 17.00 hours -- a bit late. Water parties from each platoon were sent off with an escort and we dug steadily, Ammunition arrived and I began to feel happier. But no compo packs? By 18;00hrs it was very cold, the sun was going down fast and our sweat was cooling -- after all we were over 5,000 feet. The water got back about dark and patrol activity by the Japs was reported, we knocked off digging and prepared for the night, and whatever else might come. The biscuits were pooled and equally divided, one and a half per man, we were a bit hungry, as our breakfast had been our last meal. With the dark the shooting started mostly Jap patrols trying to get us pin-pointed, and we weren't going to be caught by that trick
The Welsh were firing and throwing grenades some of which fell a bit too near my left-hand platoon. The Indian troops in the village below appeared to be having a busy time — lots of firing, but I doubted any real attack had came in.
The night was bitter, we had no pull overs and no gas-capes. Happy Hamson my trusty batman and I, when we were not on 'stag' cuddled together in a hole. It only rained lightly thank God and we shivered away and waited for the sun-rise —it was a long time coming. Apart from the noise of all the bangs we'd had a fairly peaceful night as soon as it was light we continued to dig in, (it warmed us up) and sent for more water. Breakfast was 1 biscuit for each man, but about 11;00 hours, the compo rations arrived and we were okay for another 24 hours at least.
At 12;30 (glad sight) my splendid C/Sgt appeared with a hot meal the mules had had a bloody hard time getting up the hill and they were all stressed. But even if half the tea had spilt and was gone, the remainder was hot and we wolfed bacon and potatoes and drank tea. I put the C/Sgt in the picture he had done a good job in getting to us and the cooks had worked like slaves to prepare the meal and escort the mules up. We worked hard, putting splinter-proof covering on our pits, wiring and camoflaging were added and we were fairly secure by that evening. Small packs had finally arrived and the night was more comfortable. Again plenty shooting but no casualties.
Next morning we made tea on the reverse slopes where the smoke wouldn't show, and had sardines, biscuit and jam to go with it. No.1. Platoon reported the locating of 2 Jap bunkers on the ridge 200 yards away. I went up to observe them with glasses and saw them crawling from bunker to their O.P. Their ridge was higher than ours and I didn't want our gun positions disclosed, so I sent out snipers to positions away from the Coy perimeter with orders to' get them' and lay and observed among the bushes. I could see their O.P. man quite clearly -- a big Jap, wearing the usual yellowish uniform and soft cap. they got him alright and that stopped their morning fun. We patrolled the valley between, to see if they were trying to infiltrate, but saw no signs.
Intelligence reports said that a force of several thousand Japs was reported by locals to be moving around our right in the mountains, which would bring them out near to us or behind us- I wondered.
April 22nd.
We had a good breakfast and went on digging. I was told that Roger (Stock `C`.Coy) and I would be there for 2/ 5 days and the chaps worked hard building up dumps of ammo and rations -- a sweaty 300 ft. carry from the road.
At 12.30 hours we were told to pack up and get ready to move up on to Garrision Hill, Kohima -- 1 mile by road, but just S. E. and above us by about 900 yards. We were a bit peeved but got cracking and got everything down to the road. The cooks were to return to Lancaster Gate and we took some diries and spare rations with us.
We pushed off at 14,00 hours. It was very hot and the tar on the road was melting. The Jap was strafing the Hospital area and the road was said to be under sniping L.M.G fire. We moved well spaced out, round,Picquet and towards the Mortuary, where the smells began –but no troubles.
There a guide met us and took us up a steep nala -- the only aporoach that wasnt under fire. It was terribly steep, and the blokes had a bit of a scramble. This led out on to the plateau above the hospital – which was completely devasted. We then rested and doubled across a few at a time, to the trees and into cover —with no casualtlies.
I was to take over the holes of Jim Sawyer's Coy (Royal Berks) who had gone into attack the D.C's Bungalow. The attack was a failure and they quickly came back, so I had a busy time getting the Coy into other positions there with `B` Coy. I went up to Bn Hq on the hill-tops and reported to the C.O. He told me that `D` Coy were going to attack Kuki Piquet next morning and go on to F.S.D. and that I was in reserve and would. pass through 'D` later.
'C' Coy took over `D's- forward positions with 2 casualties. Frank (Francis Greenwood) and I didn't reckon much to this airy order to skip over Kuki to F.S.D. and Jail Hill, and thought the Japs might have something to say-however.
I went back to the Coy. It was now about 08;00 hours and the light was failing. We had had tea prepared by 'B' Coy, but Mortar and Grenade stuff kept coming over and we couldn't move much. Eventually we got it and even crawled round a bit. I had to do orderly as I wanted to be certain where my boys were and things were a bit higgledy-piggiddy. We got the tea round and I crawled beside my batman and had a cup of tea and a biscuit with honey which we found. It was quite dark by now and a fair amount of Jap bangs were coming down, but we felt pretty safe in our dug-out. I did an early turn of duty, wrapped myself in a coat left by some of the West Kent Garrison and went to sleep.
April 23rd.
I woke at 14;00 hours. Hell was let loose, in no small way. Phosphorus mortar bombs and H.E. of all kinds were fairly whizzing around. I remember looking at my hands and seeing a few tiny flecks of phosphorus on them which I rubbed off hurriedly. It was hard to tell what was going on. I crawled around a bit, everyone seemed to be O.K. and I shot back into my dugout. The din went on.
At 16;00hrs my phone went dead and soon after that the C.O., came down -- he didn't seem worried by all the stuff going on. The Japs had attacked in force and knocked in 'C' Coy's lines and had over-run Bn H.Q. and part of 'D' Company. I was wanted to counter-attack on a narrow front with 1 Platoon. I got the nearest Platoon out -- 1 PL. less one section which was already on standing patrol, so I made up the numbers with[4467671] Cpl Breden's section from number 2 PL., and we crawled off up to Bn. H.Q. area. The top of Garrison Hill was an amazing sight. The ammo dump on top left by the peace time garrison (of all the idiotic places) was blazing, Jap phosphorus bombs were bursting in mushrooms of white light and a certain amount of Jap screams and howls were going on.
We fixed bayonets and crawled on to a rough start line —2 sections up -- Baker, the PL Commander with the left section , me with the right and when everyone seemed happy, we got up and in we went.
The top of the hill was flat and bare with pines on either side as it sloped downwards. Lying heaped up on top of each other all over the hill-top were the bodies of our chaps and the Japs all mixed up -- more Japs than us. About half of the bodies had been set on fire by the increasing spread of the burning dump. It was 16;40 hours or so and pitch dark really -- we saw by the light of the blaze. The bangs and cracks went on as we crossed the top but we seemed to be doing alright. The hill started to slope down. I hadn't seen any live Japs until then . Cpl Breden, who was next me, said ( shouted I suppose) "There they are!"
I looked right and saw 3 yellow clothed figure in fox-holes about 15 yards away. I was rather in front of Breden's Section who had then just spotted some more Japs who had lain dogo and were now behind us. They engage them. These three were ( didn't think of it at the time) Grenade throwers the Japs attacked closed up and have these chaps who carry a large bag of grenades only -- they are lighter than ours -- and these are chucked 19 to the dozen, if possible into the slits of our positions. Anyway I saw these 3 moving and saw their grenades rolling along the ground towards us, the fuses sparking with a tiny blueish flame. They looked damned silly.
I raised my Sten and pressed the trigger -- it was at safe! I I adjusted that in world's record time and squeezed again I had a mag of 30 on and it was easy shooting these blokes at that range --their holes were quite close together and I killed the lot. I remember that they groaned and screamed a bit. All this must have happened in a few seconds— it didn't strike me that we were actually fighting -- it was more like an incredible dream.
Wee McSellen the Bren-gunner was stuck fast, bottom first in a fox-hole, head and feet to the sky swearing horribly. "Gie's a hand out Major Kelley he was roaring. I pulled him out and he said he was O.K. and got his gun cracking. The chaps on his left seemed a bit thin on the ground but we got them into holes. Breden took his boys forward again and we got some into 'C' Company holes after a bit of bother.
We were going to leap into a long covered post on the right, when a hand popped out and more grenades rolled at us. We pulled the pins out of 36 grenades and Breden and I.put in 2 each -- pretty underarm bowling at about 8 yards into the entrance. They made a good muffle° bang and from the groans inside, I don't think Jappy liked it the burst in that confined space must have been deadly. We also put the odd burst in and Breden then started forward to get his boys in.
The light was growing a bit ,probably from the fire. Jap M.M.G. and L.M.G. was coming across from Kuki and a gun opened up very near on our right. We had no more available men so I went back and found the C.O. and told him what was what and that I thought another platoon attack would clean the right flank.
Baker was lyng there covered in blood, but concious -- he had been hit before we crossed the hill-top so had Sgt. Dunlop, his Plt. Sgt., and they said that from behind us they had seen us getting hell. We honestly hadn't known about it.
I knew that I had seen some 15 of 1 Platoon back into those captured positions, but where the other 21 were I couldn't say -- it was so dark. I was now aware of a warm liquid feeling down my back and found my shoulder bleeding heavily, I had felt a knock about the Shoulder-blade as we went over the top but nothing more. However the C.O. put a hurried dressing on it and I tracked back to get the 2nd platoon up ready to attack.
On getting there I found that Connelly 2nd. Plat. Comdr, had been badly wounded by mortar fire, so decided to do it with No 7 Platoon-, Peter Stockton's. When I got to his positions-I found him very busy getting out his casualties from grenades etc., which had landed in his pits.. Wee Murie, [4459803 Pte W Murray] our best mortar man was dead and 5 others badly hit up. We got out and led 3 Platoon back to attack.
I wasn't going to be rushed again and pointed the ground out to Peter [Stockton]and his N.C.O's. We laid on a wee fire plan and went in. We were greeted with a furious hail of stuff from the area of 'C' companys old cook-house position and M.M.G. from Kuki Piquet -- the entire slope was now being enfiladed and things were not too good. I pulled back the section I was with and got those left down as well as I possibly could. Peter wasn't to be seen. It was hopeless going forward as we couldn't have moved, even if we had even got these. positions. The light was stronger now and the Jap bunkers on Kuki could now see to shoot and were doing so. I told the C.O. that we would do better to hold on a line nearer the hill-top as the forward slope was untenable. He agreed. I pulled back` the remnant of 7 Platoon. We got Cpl Beverley out-- badly wounded -- his Sten had jammed and he had chucked it in a Japs face and used grenades. Peter [Stockton] was dead. So was Matthews(4386669 Pte G Matthews) his batman, his Sgt and the 2 other Sections Commanders. The right hand section was wiped out, barring two men, and I wasn't sure what had happened to the others. I decided that we must also pull No1 Platoon out as we'd never get down to them in full day-light as their positions were being swept with heavy fire.
We got them out and started to dig in, on the crest where a rough line of pits existed -- not fire-post but ordinary dug-outs with small entrances and no firing slits.
Ward and Wood of no 3 Platoon volunteered to lie out in an open hollow 30 yards in front of us to keep accurate fire away from us while we dug. Two others also volunteered, of whom I had never thought much up till then. Its queer but you can never really know a chap till you've seen him in action.
The Company slaved like heros turning these trenches round and several chaps who'd never shown an 'nous' before were-doing a great job.
It was quite light and the sniping started all round. Every now and then there would be a crack and nearly always a groan or cry for help and the Stretcher-bearers would rush up and kneel there where the chap had been hit, dress him and carry him off. L/Cpl Spencer and L/Cpl Stokell, my two best, worked without ceasing -- they'd been at it non-stop since 04;15 hours. If ever there have been heros here they were. Dear God, what cold-blooded. courage! Its nothing to charge in hot-blood, but to kneel and do your job there where a man has fallen and where you too must surely be hit if another shot comes, is the bravest thing I know.
I was told then that Martin was dead -- oh Martin -- he had been badly wounded when he went forward about 03;30hrs to restore the break through but made the S.B's take the others back before him. He died. in Teddy's R.A.P. I just couldn't believe it was true -- it stunned me. "Oh Martin! Roger [Stockton] too, was dead; Gibbs-Kemet (GK) our 2nd I/C was dead, Bill Lockhart, Tanks [Waterhouse] 2nd. I/C was dead; Peter Watson was killed while clubbing Japs with an L.M.G, John Airley, of C. Coy badly wounded and. God knows how many men killed and wounded -- the R.A.P. were full.
All my officers were gone and 2 Platoon Sgts. I got the other 2 Sections of 2 'Platoon up and crawled forward, with.Sgt. Jimmy Dykes, to show him where he would have to try and dig in, [4449273] Sgt. [Charles] Andrews our quiet Pioneer Sgt, popped his head up as we crawled level and said the area was being sniped. Rather browned off, I said I knew but couldn't help it. 3 yards further on there was a crack and Dykes leapt and rolled over like a trout just hooked. I thought they'd got him, but it was a clean wound and Spencer pulled him out. I told Sgt. Andrews that he was quite correct!
The trenches were taking shape and the runners crawled round with tea and biscuits and tins of odd food. There were no platoons or sections in 'A' any more -- it was just, *Take this to Lancaster's trench or Davies or Gallies".
They were grand all of them. The greatest attribute any N.C.O., can have is to keep cheerful and set that example in bad conditions, to hell with practical knowledge.
The two L.M.G. teams were still lying out in the open, in most exposed places, but still unscathed. I crawled forward to see how they were and Wood shouted "We're O.K. but we need more Mags" We chucked him tea in a water-bottle and sent the Mags up. They stayed out there till 2 o'clock and when the trenches were pretty well on I ordered them back. They volunteered to dig in on the left side by Sgt. Andrews, the worst part of all. The Pioneer Platoon had now been placed under my 'command to make up numbers-I formed a composite section including Wood and Ward and gave them to Sgt.-Andrews. They couldn't hope to dig in properly there as you couldn't raise your head, so we crawled along the ditch by the D.C's Summer House and lay there and scraped away. We managed by doing that to link up with the Royal Berks right, where Mike Barton was holding his Coy line where his cook-house had been before, but it was appallingly weak.
We built up ammo supplies from stuff lying around and stocked each post with ammo and food. The C.S.M. and I between times checked up on casualties. We had gone in that morning 136 strong but could only account for 60; one or two chaps drifted back to us when daylight came.
One of the causes of the break-through at night had been the killing of the Sikh battery Commander and knocking out of his wireless set which prevented the guns putting down defensive fire along our front. Just in front of is was the ammo dump still burning two yards in front of us were 150 boxes of 3.7 inch shells If the fire got there or if Jappy hit a charge we would have had it, so we nipped forward took each box out one at a time. We got 10 out then had a man killed. Sniped clean through the neck. We waited then got another 10 under cover of our own fire and then with another man shot, we gave it up. The day was speeding past. The sun had risen at 6 or before and we all knew that darkness would soon rush at us. So much was there to be done.
Then the planes came over.
We had a good breakfast and went on digging. I was told that Roger (Stock `C`.Coy) and I would be there for 2/ 5 days and the chaps worked hard building up dumps of ammo and rations -- a sweaty 300 ft. carry from the road.
At 12.30 hours we were told to pack up and get ready to move up on to Garrision Hill, Kohima -- 1 mile by road, but just S. E. and above us by about 900 yards. We were a bit peeved but got cracking and got everything down to the road. The cooks were to return to Lancaster Gate and we took some diries and spare rations with us.
We pushed off at 14,00 hours. It was very hot and the tar on the road was melting. The Jap was strafing the Hospital area and the road was said to be under sniping L.M.G fire. We moved well spaced out, round,Picquet and towards the Mortuary, where the smells began –but no troubles.
There a guide met us and took us up a steep nala -- the only aporoach that wasnt under fire. It was terribly steep, and the blokes had a bit of a scramble. This led out on to the plateau above the hospital – which was completely devasted. We then rested and doubled across a few at a time, to the trees and into cover —with no casualtlies.
I was to take over the holes of Jim Sawyer's Coy (Royal Berks) who had gone into attack the D.C's Bungalow. The attack was a failure and they quickly came back, so I had a busy time getting the Coy into other positions there with `B` Coy. I went up to Bn Hq on the hill-tops and reported to the C.O. He told me that `D` Coy were going to attack Kuki Piquet next morning and go on to F.S.D. and that I was in reserve and would. pass through 'D` later.
'C' Coy took over `D's- forward positions with 2 casualties. Frank (Francis Greenwood) and I didn't reckon much to this airy order to skip over Kuki to F.S.D. and Jail Hill, and thought the Japs might have something to say-however.
I went back to the Coy. It was now about 08;00 hours and the light was failing. We had had tea prepared by 'B' Coy, but Mortar and Grenade stuff kept coming over and we couldn't move much. Eventually we got it and even crawled round a bit. I had to do orderly as I wanted to be certain where my boys were and things were a bit higgledy-piggiddy. We got the tea round and I crawled beside my batman and had a cup of tea and a biscuit with honey which we found. It was quite dark by now and a fair amount of Jap bangs were coming down, but we felt pretty safe in our dug-out. I did an early turn of duty, wrapped myself in a coat left by some of the West Kent Garrison and went to sleep.
April 23rd.
I woke at 14;00 hours. Hell was let loose, in no small way. Phosphorus mortar bombs and H.E. of all kinds were fairly whizzing around. I remember looking at my hands and seeing a few tiny flecks of phosphorus on them which I rubbed off hurriedly. It was hard to tell what was going on. I crawled around a bit, everyone seemed to be O.K. and I shot back into my dugout. The din went on.
At 16;00hrs my phone went dead and soon after that the C.O., came down -- he didn't seem worried by all the stuff going on. The Japs had attacked in force and knocked in 'C' Coy's lines and had over-run Bn H.Q. and part of 'D' Company. I was wanted to counter-attack on a narrow front with 1 Platoon. I got the nearest Platoon out -- 1 PL. less one section which was already on standing patrol, so I made up the numbers with[4467671] Cpl Breden's section from number 2 PL., and we crawled off up to Bn. H.Q. area. The top of Garrison Hill was an amazing sight. The ammo dump on top left by the peace time garrison (of all the idiotic places) was blazing, Jap phosphorus bombs were bursting in mushrooms of white light and a certain amount of Jap screams and howls were going on.
We fixed bayonets and crawled on to a rough start line —2 sections up -- Baker, the PL Commander with the left section , me with the right and when everyone seemed happy, we got up and in we went.
The top of the hill was flat and bare with pines on either side as it sloped downwards. Lying heaped up on top of each other all over the hill-top were the bodies of our chaps and the Japs all mixed up -- more Japs than us. About half of the bodies had been set on fire by the increasing spread of the burning dump. It was 16;40 hours or so and pitch dark really -- we saw by the light of the blaze. The bangs and cracks went on as we crossed the top but we seemed to be doing alright. The hill started to slope down. I hadn't seen any live Japs until then . Cpl Breden, who was next me, said ( shouted I suppose) "There they are!"
I looked right and saw 3 yellow clothed figure in fox-holes about 15 yards away. I was rather in front of Breden's Section who had then just spotted some more Japs who had lain dogo and were now behind us. They engage them. These three were ( didn't think of it at the time) Grenade throwers the Japs attacked closed up and have these chaps who carry a large bag of grenades only -- they are lighter than ours -- and these are chucked 19 to the dozen, if possible into the slits of our positions. Anyway I saw these 3 moving and saw their grenades rolling along the ground towards us, the fuses sparking with a tiny blueish flame. They looked damned silly.
I raised my Sten and pressed the trigger -- it was at safe! I I adjusted that in world's record time and squeezed again I had a mag of 30 on and it was easy shooting these blokes at that range --their holes were quite close together and I killed the lot. I remember that they groaned and screamed a bit. All this must have happened in a few seconds— it didn't strike me that we were actually fighting -- it was more like an incredible dream.
Wee McSellen the Bren-gunner was stuck fast, bottom first in a fox-hole, head and feet to the sky swearing horribly. "Gie's a hand out Major Kelley he was roaring. I pulled him out and he said he was O.K. and got his gun cracking. The chaps on his left seemed a bit thin on the ground but we got them into holes. Breden took his boys forward again and we got some into 'C' Company holes after a bit of bother.
We were going to leap into a long covered post on the right, when a hand popped out and more grenades rolled at us. We pulled the pins out of 36 grenades and Breden and I.put in 2 each -- pretty underarm bowling at about 8 yards into the entrance. They made a good muffle° bang and from the groans inside, I don't think Jappy liked it the burst in that confined space must have been deadly. We also put the odd burst in and Breden then started forward to get his boys in.
The light was growing a bit ,probably from the fire. Jap M.M.G. and L.M.G. was coming across from Kuki and a gun opened up very near on our right. We had no more available men so I went back and found the C.O. and told him what was what and that I thought another platoon attack would clean the right flank.
Baker was lyng there covered in blood, but concious -- he had been hit before we crossed the hill-top so had Sgt. Dunlop, his Plt. Sgt., and they said that from behind us they had seen us getting hell. We honestly hadn't known about it.
I knew that I had seen some 15 of 1 Platoon back into those captured positions, but where the other 21 were I couldn't say -- it was so dark. I was now aware of a warm liquid feeling down my back and found my shoulder bleeding heavily, I had felt a knock about the Shoulder-blade as we went over the top but nothing more. However the C.O. put a hurried dressing on it and I tracked back to get the 2nd platoon up ready to attack.
On getting there I found that Connelly 2nd. Plat. Comdr, had been badly wounded by mortar fire, so decided to do it with No 7 Platoon-, Peter Stockton's. When I got to his positions-I found him very busy getting out his casualties from grenades etc., which had landed in his pits.. Wee Murie, [4459803 Pte W Murray] our best mortar man was dead and 5 others badly hit up. We got out and led 3 Platoon back to attack.
I wasn't going to be rushed again and pointed the ground out to Peter [Stockton]and his N.C.O's. We laid on a wee fire plan and went in. We were greeted with a furious hail of stuff from the area of 'C' companys old cook-house position and M.M.G. from Kuki Piquet -- the entire slope was now being enfiladed and things were not too good. I pulled back the section I was with and got those left down as well as I possibly could. Peter wasn't to be seen. It was hopeless going forward as we couldn't have moved, even if we had even got these. positions. The light was stronger now and the Jap bunkers on Kuki could now see to shoot and were doing so. I told the C.O. that we would do better to hold on a line nearer the hill-top as the forward slope was untenable. He agreed. I pulled back` the remnant of 7 Platoon. We got Cpl Beverley out-- badly wounded -- his Sten had jammed and he had chucked it in a Japs face and used grenades. Peter [Stockton] was dead. So was Matthews(4386669 Pte G Matthews) his batman, his Sgt and the 2 other Sections Commanders. The right hand section was wiped out, barring two men, and I wasn't sure what had happened to the others. I decided that we must also pull No1 Platoon out as we'd never get down to them in full day-light as their positions were being swept with heavy fire.
We got them out and started to dig in, on the crest where a rough line of pits existed -- not fire-post but ordinary dug-outs with small entrances and no firing slits.
Ward and Wood of no 3 Platoon volunteered to lie out in an open hollow 30 yards in front of us to keep accurate fire away from us while we dug. Two others also volunteered, of whom I had never thought much up till then. Its queer but you can never really know a chap till you've seen him in action.
The Company slaved like heros turning these trenches round and several chaps who'd never shown an 'nous' before were-doing a great job.
It was quite light and the sniping started all round. Every now and then there would be a crack and nearly always a groan or cry for help and the Stretcher-bearers would rush up and kneel there where the chap had been hit, dress him and carry him off. L/Cpl Spencer and L/Cpl Stokell, my two best, worked without ceasing -- they'd been at it non-stop since 04;15 hours. If ever there have been heros here they were. Dear God, what cold-blooded. courage! Its nothing to charge in hot-blood, but to kneel and do your job there where a man has fallen and where you too must surely be hit if another shot comes, is the bravest thing I know.
I was told then that Martin was dead -- oh Martin -- he had been badly wounded when he went forward about 03;30hrs to restore the break through but made the S.B's take the others back before him. He died. in Teddy's R.A.P. I just couldn't believe it was true -- it stunned me. "Oh Martin! Roger [Stockton] too, was dead; Gibbs-Kemet (GK) our 2nd I/C was dead, Bill Lockhart, Tanks [Waterhouse] 2nd. I/C was dead; Peter Watson was killed while clubbing Japs with an L.M.G, John Airley, of C. Coy badly wounded and. God knows how many men killed and wounded -- the R.A.P. were full.
All my officers were gone and 2 Platoon Sgts. I got the other 2 Sections of 2 'Platoon up and crawled forward, with.Sgt. Jimmy Dykes, to show him where he would have to try and dig in, [4449273] Sgt. [Charles] Andrews our quiet Pioneer Sgt, popped his head up as we crawled level and said the area was being sniped. Rather browned off, I said I knew but couldn't help it. 3 yards further on there was a crack and Dykes leapt and rolled over like a trout just hooked. I thought they'd got him, but it was a clean wound and Spencer pulled him out. I told Sgt. Andrews that he was quite correct!
The trenches were taking shape and the runners crawled round with tea and biscuits and tins of odd food. There were no platoons or sections in 'A' any more -- it was just, *Take this to Lancaster's trench or Davies or Gallies".
They were grand all of them. The greatest attribute any N.C.O., can have is to keep cheerful and set that example in bad conditions, to hell with practical knowledge.
The two L.M.G. teams were still lying out in the open, in most exposed places, but still unscathed. I crawled forward to see how they were and Wood shouted "We're O.K. but we need more Mags" We chucked him tea in a water-bottle and sent the Mags up. They stayed out there till 2 o'clock and when the trenches were pretty well on I ordered them back. They volunteered to dig in on the left side by Sgt. Andrews, the worst part of all. The Pioneer Platoon had now been placed under my 'command to make up numbers-I formed a composite section including Wood and Ward and gave them to Sgt.-Andrews. They couldn't hope to dig in properly there as you couldn't raise your head, so we crawled along the ditch by the D.C's Summer House and lay there and scraped away. We managed by doing that to link up with the Royal Berks right, where Mike Barton was holding his Coy line where his cook-house had been before, but it was appallingly weak.
We built up ammo supplies from stuff lying around and stocked each post with ammo and food. The C.S.M. and I between times checked up on casualties. We had gone in that morning 136 strong but could only account for 60; one or two chaps drifted back to us when daylight came.
One of the causes of the break-through at night had been the killing of the Sikh battery Commander and knocking out of his wireless set which prevented the guns putting down defensive fire along our front. Just in front of is was the ammo dump still burning two yards in front of us were 150 boxes of 3.7 inch shells If the fire got there or if Jappy hit a charge we would have had it, so we nipped forward took each box out one at a time. We got 10 out then had a man killed. Sniped clean through the neck. We waited then got another 10 under cover of our own fire and then with another man shot, we gave it up. The day was speeding past. The sun had risen at 6 or before and we all knew that darkness would soon rush at us. So much was there to be done.
Then the planes came over.
Afternoon of April 23rd 1944.
I went to the R.A.P. About 16;00 hours and had my shoulder dressed and sling adjusted. The doctors were still frantically busy and both R.A.Ps [regimental Aid Posts]and the A.D.S [Advance Dressing station] were crowded with wounded, lying on stretchers or just on the ground outside. There was an air-drop at 16.15 hours -- more accurate this time. But again many parachutes stuck in the trees, out of reach. some didn't open and narrowly missed the lying stretcher;cases near the Berks R.A.P.
Brian Benson one of the 99th. Field Regt Batt Comd was at Tanks Coy H.Q. when I got back, as tidy and unperturbed as ever. He wanted to 'tie up' defensive fire on my Coy front for the coming night and had ranged his guns. I crawled forward. to an old trench (it was now a latrine apparently) and brought his fire close in by hand signals to the O.P. it was excellent to hear the bark of the guns away back in the valley, the swish of the approaching shell and its crash close in front -- the Japs would have a bit more to get through tonight!
Tank [Waterhouse] was virtually in command of the hill top. Bn Command Post by B Coy was too far away from the remnants of `A`. `C`. `D` Coys. Tank and 1 Platoon Commander from 'D' and 1 Platoon Commander from 'C' and myself were the only officers left out of 15. We had half a mug of tea and some biscuits about 17;00 hours. The posts were well stocked with food and ammo, if only some wire could have been got up we would have been happier. It grew dark about 18;00 hours. Tank and I wished each-other "Goodnight and I hope to see you at breakfast" and crawled back into our respective holes. Mine was a long narrow one shared with my 3 signallers and batman. We arranged our turns of duty. I was second so went to go to sleep. It was rather funny -- as each man did his turn he had. to crawl back across the others into the pitch black earth, 3 ft deep -- the process was a highly complicated one. My arm and shoulder were very painful and sleeping was,I found, out of the question.
I went to the R.A.P. About 16;00 hours and had my shoulder dressed and sling adjusted. The doctors were still frantically busy and both R.A.Ps [regimental Aid Posts]and the A.D.S [Advance Dressing station] were crowded with wounded, lying on stretchers or just on the ground outside. There was an air-drop at 16.15 hours -- more accurate this time. But again many parachutes stuck in the trees, out of reach. some didn't open and narrowly missed the lying stretcher;cases near the Berks R.A.P.
Brian Benson one of the 99th. Field Regt Batt Comd was at Tanks Coy H.Q. when I got back, as tidy and unperturbed as ever. He wanted to 'tie up' defensive fire on my Coy front for the coming night and had ranged his guns. I crawled forward. to an old trench (it was now a latrine apparently) and brought his fire close in by hand signals to the O.P. it was excellent to hear the bark of the guns away back in the valley, the swish of the approaching shell and its crash close in front -- the Japs would have a bit more to get through tonight!
Tank [Waterhouse] was virtually in command of the hill top. Bn Command Post by B Coy was too far away from the remnants of `A`. `C`. `D` Coys. Tank and 1 Platoon Commander from 'D' and 1 Platoon Commander from 'C' and myself were the only officers left out of 15. We had half a mug of tea and some biscuits about 17;00 hours. The posts were well stocked with food and ammo, if only some wire could have been got up we would have been happier. It grew dark about 18;00 hours. Tank and I wished each-other "Goodnight and I hope to see you at breakfast" and crawled back into our respective holes. Mine was a long narrow one shared with my 3 signallers and batman. We arranged our turns of duty. I was second so went to go to sleep. It was rather funny -- as each man did his turn he had. to crawl back across the others into the pitch black earth, 3 ft deep -- the process was a highly complicated one. My arm and shoulder were very painful and sleeping was,I found, out of the question.
April 24th.
I was aroused at 02;00 hours by a phone call from the C.O. telling me to send out a volunteer-listening patrol down towards Kuki Picquet -- "The Brigadier thinks they may be pulling out" I said okay, I had however told my chaps that anything at all seen moving was to be shot (the only safe rule) It was therefore rather risky me crawling round to raise volunteers. Sure enough as I crawled up to Davies post Staines whipped round, at a range of 2 yards and let off his safety catch. I croaked "For God's sake don't shoot!" and was greeted by a volley of oaths about crawling around there like a B-B etc. We warned everyone and some good chaps volunteered and eventually crawled forward over the tangle of dead bodies in front and down the 50 yards to Kuki. They came back in 90 minutes later having covered only 153 yards or less. The Jap was not pulling out by any means. I passed on the news. No attack came,thank God.
Several Jap parties crawled up and pitched grenades and mortaring went on steadily all night but otherwise all was quiet. We were all glad when the light came.
Work on improving trenches went on and we got some smoke. put down in an endeavour to get away the rest of the gun ammo in front – it was no good -- fixed line fire came down from Kuki and we had more casualties, sniping, was bad that day. 'C' Coy on my right had more killed. About 09;30 hours. My S.Bs ran out and dressed them and got them back completely exposed but their work was in vain, they died quickly. We held grimly on. 2 Platoons remain L/Cpl. Duncan , spotted a sniper who had climbed up into a parachute on a tree during the night and brought him crashing down with a burst of L.M.G. fire. 30 seconds later a burst of Jap fire hit Duncan's gun and he was dragged back blinded and badly hit . Sgt. Andrews and I crept around and collected a lot of 4-second grenades plus a discharger and succeeded in getting into Lancaster's trench from which we conducted an anti-sniper campaign, aiming at getting a premature burst in the trees about 4 to 20 feet up it quietened them down a bit. Brian also got some harassing fire put down now and again.
I paid a visit to the R.A.P. and had sulph. Applied to my wound, also went to Bn HQ where Dick Rice (Padre) was burying our dead. As always Dick had been wonderful -- up with the S.Bs., pulling in chaps under fire, and cheering people up, absolutely regardless of himself. He was like that last year in the Arakan fighting, and I'm told in France in 1940.
I couldn't get much news. The planes dropped again in the afternoon and we got a little more water. Some of the wounded were evacuated, but as the only route to the road was under heavy fire it was a slow job. That night was the same no bad raids by the japs, plenty shells coming over but no attack.
I was aroused at 02;00 hours by a phone call from the C.O. telling me to send out a volunteer-listening patrol down towards Kuki Picquet -- "The Brigadier thinks they may be pulling out" I said okay, I had however told my chaps that anything at all seen moving was to be shot (the only safe rule) It was therefore rather risky me crawling round to raise volunteers. Sure enough as I crawled up to Davies post Staines whipped round, at a range of 2 yards and let off his safety catch. I croaked "For God's sake don't shoot!" and was greeted by a volley of oaths about crawling around there like a B-B etc. We warned everyone and some good chaps volunteered and eventually crawled forward over the tangle of dead bodies in front and down the 50 yards to Kuki. They came back in 90 minutes later having covered only 153 yards or less. The Jap was not pulling out by any means. I passed on the news. No attack came,thank God.
Several Jap parties crawled up and pitched grenades and mortaring went on steadily all night but otherwise all was quiet. We were all glad when the light came.
Work on improving trenches went on and we got some smoke. put down in an endeavour to get away the rest of the gun ammo in front – it was no good -- fixed line fire came down from Kuki and we had more casualties, sniping, was bad that day. 'C' Coy on my right had more killed. About 09;30 hours. My S.Bs ran out and dressed them and got them back completely exposed but their work was in vain, they died quickly. We held grimly on. 2 Platoons remain L/Cpl. Duncan , spotted a sniper who had climbed up into a parachute on a tree during the night and brought him crashing down with a burst of L.M.G. fire. 30 seconds later a burst of Jap fire hit Duncan's gun and he was dragged back blinded and badly hit . Sgt. Andrews and I crept around and collected a lot of 4-second grenades plus a discharger and succeeded in getting into Lancaster's trench from which we conducted an anti-sniper campaign, aiming at getting a premature burst in the trees about 4 to 20 feet up it quietened them down a bit. Brian also got some harassing fire put down now and again.
I paid a visit to the R.A.P. and had sulph. Applied to my wound, also went to Bn HQ where Dick Rice (Padre) was burying our dead. As always Dick had been wonderful -- up with the S.Bs., pulling in chaps under fire, and cheering people up, absolutely regardless of himself. He was like that last year in the Arakan fighting, and I'm told in France in 1940.
I couldn't get much news. The planes dropped again in the afternoon and we got a little more water. Some of the wounded were evacuated, but as the only route to the road was under heavy fire it was a slow job. That night was the same no bad raids by the japs, plenty shells coming over but no attack.
April 25th
I spent a very uncomfortable night as my right shoulder and arm were quite useless. A cup of tea and some bacon cheered me up. Sgt. Andrews and I continued our grenade party but it was more difficult now as we could only fire them from 2 places. Red-head Mc Glenn; who was co-operating was lying on his tummy beside the hole giving directions when 2 shots took him right through his ample bottom -- very painfull. We dragged him back and he was carried off on a stretcher face down, with his enormous bandaged bottom very prominent, saying loudly "The baskets"! He was O.K. though.
Old Andrews was one of the coolest blokes I've ever seen. His energy was amazing and he held our left together by his cheerfulness and courage. I`d always thought him rather a soft chap -- its odd.
At 14;00 hours a fire-plan was laid on to try and get the casualties out and the M.O. pushed me off with it. I didn't want to go, but I was becoming pretty useless and in some ways I wasn't sorry to leave. I handed over to H.Q.Coy Commander who had got up at mid-day. We crawled off down the hill at 1430 hours a forlorn little cavalcade and under cover of smoke , across the lower plateau and down to the road by the ruined hospital. The whole place was littered with the dead, mostly japs, smelling to high heaven and turning black. There is surely nothing more futile or pitiful than a dead body --a soul-less run-down machine, and certainly there is nothing in the world like the smell of death, of bodies rotting in the-hot sun — a quite sickly smell.
The carrier drivers and ambulances which were waiting, were soon full and we trundled back to the comparative quiet of the .Dressing Station --2 miles away. It was odd to see men washed and shaved -- we were a disreputable gang. The bad wounded were transferred to ordinary ambulances and pushed off to C.C.S.. I eventually found the D.A.D.M.S. [Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services ] Kelly Smalley, who had been our Bn M.C. and was placed face down on a table frozen a bit and probed. Eventually I believe a few wee bits were removed from under the skin and when I woke, Kelly -Smalley had bandaged me up and told me that the main bit was lodged under a muscle and would need a monster hole made to get it out, so he proposed leaving it and had given me deep injections of sulphonamide to prevent sepsis.
I stayed 2 days there ,as I refused to be evacuated to the heat of Dimapur I rejoined our QM at his `B` Echelon area close by where I could get to know what was happening. I won't try to describe in detail my rest, 3 days, so just give a general impression. My C/Sgt and Cooks gave me a great welcome and made me tremendously comfortable and absolutely filled me with grub. They had been sitting there all the time seeing the wounded being run past day by day, hearing rumours of every kind and not really knowng. what was happening. It must have been very unpleasant.
I learned that Sgt. Andrews was dead killed only minutes after I left -- a great loss to the Battalion. Ian Menzies of the Royal Scots came in to see me. They, as part of the 4th Bde, were about to go off on an enormous right hook which would take them. round the 8,003 foot peak of Pulebadze and on to the Kohima Imphal road 2 miles behind Garrison Hill -- a tremendous job. Old gab Ian was not looking forward to this sweat!
The next night the Japs had put in another attack, smaller this time but just as mad. They again broke through and my Coy suffered again, some 10 killed, 5 missing and several wounded. but the Battaion held fast and the Japs pulled back next dawn with heavy losses.
Next day the Bn was relieved by the Royal Wessex Regt and came down filthy and dog- tired to the low road. After two days rest there where we reformed a bit . 'B' and 'C' went up the Nala between FSD and DIS hills while the tanks went round the back and linked up.
All day the tanks crawled forward up the shattered hills and for hours smashed at the Jap bunkers which riddled the entire ridge -- the slaughter, was horrendous they killed hundreds, and buried many alive in their smashed strong points. Yet when they left at dark to rearm and refuel, the Japs still left alive in undetected bunkers opened up on 'B' & 'C' Companys as they dug in. They have got guts. I think normal human's would not have stood up to it, but they are not normal.
Dear old drunken Tony Shuttle Commanding 'B' was buried by phosphous but stayed on and held the ridge for 48 hours until relieved. Peter Smith and two new officers who had been with us only 48 hours were killed.
The C.O. who had gone with 'A' up on to Garrison and was killed, CSM Marr who was wounded the first time on Garrison was again wounded. but refused to be evacuated and was killed that morning. But Kohimas key defences had been both held and the Japs smashed and the Bn was eventually relieved. It came back out a very different Bn to that which went up Garrison on April 22nd,
I spent a very uncomfortable night as my right shoulder and arm were quite useless. A cup of tea and some bacon cheered me up. Sgt. Andrews and I continued our grenade party but it was more difficult now as we could only fire them from 2 places. Red-head Mc Glenn; who was co-operating was lying on his tummy beside the hole giving directions when 2 shots took him right through his ample bottom -- very painfull. We dragged him back and he was carried off on a stretcher face down, with his enormous bandaged bottom very prominent, saying loudly "The baskets"! He was O.K. though.
Old Andrews was one of the coolest blokes I've ever seen. His energy was amazing and he held our left together by his cheerfulness and courage. I`d always thought him rather a soft chap -- its odd.
At 14;00 hours a fire-plan was laid on to try and get the casualties out and the M.O. pushed me off with it. I didn't want to go, but I was becoming pretty useless and in some ways I wasn't sorry to leave. I handed over to H.Q.Coy Commander who had got up at mid-day. We crawled off down the hill at 1430 hours a forlorn little cavalcade and under cover of smoke , across the lower plateau and down to the road by the ruined hospital. The whole place was littered with the dead, mostly japs, smelling to high heaven and turning black. There is surely nothing more futile or pitiful than a dead body --a soul-less run-down machine, and certainly there is nothing in the world like the smell of death, of bodies rotting in the-hot sun — a quite sickly smell.
The carrier drivers and ambulances which were waiting, were soon full and we trundled back to the comparative quiet of the .Dressing Station --2 miles away. It was odd to see men washed and shaved -- we were a disreputable gang. The bad wounded were transferred to ordinary ambulances and pushed off to C.C.S.. I eventually found the D.A.D.M.S. [Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services ] Kelly Smalley, who had been our Bn M.C. and was placed face down on a table frozen a bit and probed. Eventually I believe a few wee bits were removed from under the skin and when I woke, Kelly -Smalley had bandaged me up and told me that the main bit was lodged under a muscle and would need a monster hole made to get it out, so he proposed leaving it and had given me deep injections of sulphonamide to prevent sepsis.
I stayed 2 days there ,as I refused to be evacuated to the heat of Dimapur I rejoined our QM at his `B` Echelon area close by where I could get to know what was happening. I won't try to describe in detail my rest, 3 days, so just give a general impression. My C/Sgt and Cooks gave me a great welcome and made me tremendously comfortable and absolutely filled me with grub. They had been sitting there all the time seeing the wounded being run past day by day, hearing rumours of every kind and not really knowng. what was happening. It must have been very unpleasant.
I learned that Sgt. Andrews was dead killed only minutes after I left -- a great loss to the Battalion. Ian Menzies of the Royal Scots came in to see me. They, as part of the 4th Bde, were about to go off on an enormous right hook which would take them. round the 8,003 foot peak of Pulebadze and on to the Kohima Imphal road 2 miles behind Garrison Hill -- a tremendous job. Old gab Ian was not looking forward to this sweat!
The next night the Japs had put in another attack, smaller this time but just as mad. They again broke through and my Coy suffered again, some 10 killed, 5 missing and several wounded. but the Battaion held fast and the Japs pulled back next dawn with heavy losses.
Next day the Bn was relieved by the Royal Wessex Regt and came down filthy and dog- tired to the low road. After two days rest there where we reformed a bit . 'B' and 'C' went up the Nala between FSD and DIS hills while the tanks went round the back and linked up.
All day the tanks crawled forward up the shattered hills and for hours smashed at the Jap bunkers which riddled the entire ridge -- the slaughter, was horrendous they killed hundreds, and buried many alive in their smashed strong points. Yet when they left at dark to rearm and refuel, the Japs still left alive in undetected bunkers opened up on 'B' & 'C' Companys as they dug in. They have got guts. I think normal human's would not have stood up to it, but they are not normal.
Dear old drunken Tony Shuttle Commanding 'B' was buried by phosphous but stayed on and held the ridge for 48 hours until relieved. Peter Smith and two new officers who had been with us only 48 hours were killed.
The C.O. who had gone with 'A' up on to Garrison and was killed, CSM Marr who was wounded the first time on Garrison was again wounded. but refused to be evacuated and was killed that morning. But Kohimas key defences had been both held and the Japs smashed and the Bn was eventually relieved. It came back out a very different Bn to that which went up Garrison on April 22nd,
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Killed in Action 23rd April 1944 .L to R, Sean Kelley`s fellow officers;- 132497 Captain M M W Wilson ;- 126189 W W Lockhart ;- 78616 Roger Stock
May 5th - May 12th.
After we had been sorted out, we were pulled back down to Dinapur for a weeks rest, the rain had started, heavy storms every few days. Dimapur was frightfully depressing very clammy, very dirty, no amenities to speak of etc. Still we had a beer issue, Plenty washing facilities , clean clothes and sleep.
Dennis Hurgate (Left) had rejoined the Bn and I was given 'D' Coy -'B' & `C` were amalgamated into one Coy, we did .a-lot of-work reforming the Coys getting deficiencies of every kind made up and writing to the next of kin of casualties. In between we had two visits from the mobile cinema which everyone enjoyed.
There wasnt much news from the front, 4th Bds right hook got them out over to GPT Ridge which leads down to the Kohima Ridge. They met many bunker positions on the way down and the Norfolk's had pretty heavy casualties. The Divisional Commander ran tanks to them and also the 5th Bde on the left, who were having a tough fight on the Merema Ridge.
After we had been sorted out, we were pulled back down to Dinapur for a weeks rest, the rain had started, heavy storms every few days. Dimapur was frightfully depressing very clammy, very dirty, no amenities to speak of etc. Still we had a beer issue, Plenty washing facilities , clean clothes and sleep.
Dennis Hurgate (Left) had rejoined the Bn and I was given 'D' Coy -'B' & `C` were amalgamated into one Coy, we did .a-lot of-work reforming the Coys getting deficiencies of every kind made up and writing to the next of kin of casualties. In between we had two visits from the mobile cinema which everyone enjoyed.
There wasnt much news from the front, 4th Bds right hook got them out over to GPT Ridge which leads down to the Kohima Ridge. They met many bunker positions on the way down and the Norfolk's had pretty heavy casualties. The Divisional Commander ran tanks to them and also the 5th Bde on the left, who were having a tough fight on the Merema Ridge.
May 15th.
We went back up the road it was delightfully cool at 4,000ft and I wished we had had our rest up there. At MS 40 we were met by Murray Peettit, GSO of 4th IB, with orders to send one company up to Jobsoma, a Naga village on the ridge leading up to Kohima on the right. I fell for the job, while Bn concentrated on the 42nd MS on the roadside.
We had a very sweaty climb up to the village which is perched on the highest part of the ridge and a bad take-over from the Rajputs there.
A Defence perimeter was soon fixed up and we felt pretty secure. The Villagers were very friendly and very interested in the 48 set was a great attraction and the telephone too! These Nagas are the best built people I have seen, really wonderfully developed -- and no wonder. people sow, tend, reap and thrash their crops in the valleys and fields 2000 and 3000 feet below and carry everything up and down on the backs. They are a proud and clannish people and I liked them immensley. Acting as S.Bs, they carried out the wounded, 1,500 feet down into the Zubya Valley and 2,000 feet up to the M;D.S. on the road, with only one rest -- a task that took our chaps about eight times as long and also left them exhausted for days........(end of Sean Kelley account )
We went back up the road it was delightfully cool at 4,000ft and I wished we had had our rest up there. At MS 40 we were met by Murray Peettit, GSO of 4th IB, with orders to send one company up to Jobsoma, a Naga village on the ridge leading up to Kohima on the right. I fell for the job, while Bn concentrated on the 42nd MS on the roadside.
We had a very sweaty climb up to the village which is perched on the highest part of the ridge and a bad take-over from the Rajputs there.
A Defence perimeter was soon fixed up and we felt pretty secure. The Villagers were very friendly and very interested in the 48 set was a great attraction and the telephone too! These Nagas are the best built people I have seen, really wonderfully developed -- and no wonder. people sow, tend, reap and thrash their crops in the valleys and fields 2000 and 3000 feet below and carry everything up and down on the backs. They are a proud and clannish people and I liked them immensley. Acting as S.Bs, they carried out the wounded, 1,500 feet down into the Zubya Valley and 2,000 feet up to the M;D.S. on the road, with only one rest -- a task that took our chaps about eight times as long and also left them exhausted for days........(end of Sean Kelley account )
military cross action 99312 Captain Richard Edmund Rice R.A.cH.d
padre Attached 2nd Durham Light Infantry
Captain Richard Edmund Rice RAcHd Attached 2nd Durham Light Infantry
At Garrison Hill , Kohima on the night 22/23 April 1944 . Captain Rice was the padre attached to 2/DLI. The battalion positions were heavily attacked by the Japanese who penetrated part of the perimiter. Under intense and continuous mortar,grenade and small arms fire Captain Rice organised stretcher parties and led them forward in the open throughout the action which lasted 4 hours .With complete disregard to his own safety largely due to his efforts over 80 wounded men were brought in during and immediately after the action. Throughout the next day without any rest he undertook to act as stretcher bearer himself,carrying the wounded down a difficult path from the hill 500ft above the road with untiring energy and cheerfulness. On the night 27/28 April 1944 the battalion was again heavily attacked in the same positions for 5 ½ hours. Captain Rice again displayed the same high qualities. This conduct was an inspiration and example to all. |
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After the war Reverand David Edmund Rice returned to the parish of Wadhurst which he had left in 1938 after a two year stay. During his time at Wadhurst he married Elizabeth New of Court Lodge Farm, Wadhurst . He had left Wadhurst to become the incumbant at Kinsham with Byton in the diocese of Hereford . Leaving in 1939 to become chaplain to the forces joining the 2nd Durham Light Infantry . David Edmund Rice remained at Wadhurst until 1951 . He died suddenly in August 1978 on a fishing trip shortly after his retirement from his post of Rector of St John Lee in Hexham . A family man he left a widow two sons three daughters and eight grand children . Davids funeral was held at St John Lee .
military cross action 132191 A/Major William Stewart `Tank` Waterhouse
2nd Durham Light Infantry
132191 A/Major William Stewart `Tank` Waterhouse 2nd Durham Light Infantry
On the night 22/23 April 1944 Major Waterhouse was in command of a company of 2 DLI holding a sector of the perimeter of the Kohima garrison . The Japanesemade a very strong attack and succeeded in overunning our forward positions. Major Waterhouse rallied his company under heavy and accurate fire , counterattacked and succeeded in recapturing all positions with the exception of one post . Throughout the action which lasted 4 hours Major Waterhouse showed complete disregard for his personal safety and it was through his fine leadership that the position was restored. |
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Military Medal Action 4458608 L/Cpl Edward Wharton 2 DLI
4458608 Lance Corporal
Edward Wharton 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry At Garrison Hill Kohima on the night of the 27th/28th April 1944.L/Cpl Wharton was a section commander in the GR Platoon 2/D.L.I.The platoon perimeter was heavily attacked during the night and some forward positions were over-run.The GR Platoon counter-attacked and L/Cpl Wharton leading his section with great dash and determination drove the Japanese from his sector of the objective,personally putting out of action a Japanese Light Machine Gun as soon as it opened up.He then consolidated and hung on under heavy and prolonged machine gun fire until relieved later in the day.His outstanding courage,determination and leadership was largely responsible for the success of the action. |
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Offensive Operations
On May 1st The Durhams learnt of their role in the forthcoming attack on the Japanese surrounding Kohima . Japanese mortar fire proved especially effective in countering this attack, as did the series of inter locking trenches that the Japanese had dug around Kohima. The hilly terrain was also taking its toll, as was the weather. Rain became a major problem affecting the use of transport. Men fell ill with dysentery and sleep was a luxury yet `B`and `C` Company with the support of three Lifebuoy flame throwing tanks joined other armour for the attack on the feature known as FSD .The ridge was cleared by mid afternoon on the 4th May 1944 yet the weather had made conditions almost impossible for transport to move and combined with the Japanese intense defending fire this prevented the heavy armoured ambulances from reaching the many wounded and the battalions stretcher bearers were once again called on to perform miracles under heavy and accurate fire
New Gateshead Cemetery Kohima Temp Graves of the men of 2nd DLI
Meanwhile Colonel Jack Brown had taken the rest of the battalion by carrier incase they were needed to assist in the FSD attack unfortunately as they drove on the road by the ruined commissioner's bungalow they once again came under Japanese bombardment from a 75mm mountain gun the Colonel ordered his men out of their carriers and into cover,he was then ordered to withdraw the battalion on foot to Garrison Hill unfortunately Colonel Brown was killed whilst doing so his place as commanding officer was taken over by Major Robinson of The Royal Berkshire Regiment. In the next few days up until the 6th May the Durhams lost a further thirty Five men killed and many more wounded,2nd DLI had been in action since the 19th April and had lost in that time over one hundred men killed and hundreds more wounded in some of the fiercest, bloodiest fighting in some of the worst conditions ever faced by soldiers of the British Army .On May 6th 1944 the battalion were withdrawn but they would be back
28288 Temp Lieutenant Colonel Jack Howel Brown `Sunray down!`
28288 Temp Lieutenant Colonel Jack Howel Brown was born on 30th June 1903 . He was the son of Lieutenant Commander George Halliday Brown and his wife Constance Du Terreau Bogle . Young `Jack` was educated at Cheltenham and Sandhurst where he was a prize cadet.
Jack Howel Brown was commisioned from the Royal Military College into the Durham Light Infantry effective from the 31st January 1924. His appointment was announced in The London Gazette 1st February 1924 (Issue:32903, Page:959) Commisioned into the DLI alongside Jack were 28308 Thomas Stallard. 28282 Eustace Vaughan Lang.
A further promotion,to Lieutenant , from the 31st January 1926 was announced in The London Gazette, 2nd February 1926 (Issue:33129 Page:790) Lieutenant Brown travelled with the 1st DLI to Belfast, Northern Ireland returning back to the UK and taking up the appointment of Adjutant of the 9th battalion The Durham Light Infantry TA on the 1st February 1931. Granted the temporary rank of Captain he remained with this battalion until 1st October 1934. A year or so prior to his departure he had married Ethel Claudine Mercie Sprot on 17th March 1933 in Fife,Scotland.
Captain Jack Howel Brown whilst retaining his DLI associations joined The Hong Kong Infantry Brigade on 16th October 1938 until July 1940 with this appointment came the first of a number rapid promotions (Acting Major 27 July 1940 to 26 October 1940, Temp Major 27th October 1940 to 30 January 1941,Acting Lieutenant Colonel 27 November 1941 to 26 February 1942 Temp Lieutenant Colonel 27 February 1942)
Jack was now serving with the 2nd Durham Light Infantry in India and Burma following his attachment to the General Staff. Posted missing 15th February 1942 he returned and the lists were amended to reflect this. He commanded 2nd Durham Light Infantry from the 9th July 1943 . On 4th May 1944 he was confirmed Killed in Action near to the Commisioners Bungalow at Kohima. Whilst leading his men he was caught by a Japanese artillery bombardment his young son was aged just three years at the time.
28288 Jack Howel Brown was initially buried on Hospital Hill Kohima but was reinterred at Summer Hill Cemetery on August 4th 1944 Section 4 Row A Grave No 4 . He was reburied again on the 27th May 1945 at Kohima War Cemetery,Kohima, Nagaland, India Section 4 Row H Grave 4 where he rests today.
There were two announcements in the London Gazette on July 19th 1945 and 1st August 1946 with the award of two seperate `mentions in despatches` for services in the Far East.
A brass plaque (Above) was placed in St Brandons Church in Brancepeth, Fire tore through the Church on September 16th 1998 destroying the whole building including priceless regimental colours and severely damaging the memorial plaques placed there. The Church was rebuilt in 1998 and reconsecrated in 2005 . The plaques placed on the wall of the north transept near the DLI window and can be seen there today.
Jack Howel Brown was commisioned from the Royal Military College into the Durham Light Infantry effective from the 31st January 1924. His appointment was announced in The London Gazette 1st February 1924 (Issue:32903, Page:959) Commisioned into the DLI alongside Jack were 28308 Thomas Stallard. 28282 Eustace Vaughan Lang.
A further promotion,to Lieutenant , from the 31st January 1926 was announced in The London Gazette, 2nd February 1926 (Issue:33129 Page:790) Lieutenant Brown travelled with the 1st DLI to Belfast, Northern Ireland returning back to the UK and taking up the appointment of Adjutant of the 9th battalion The Durham Light Infantry TA on the 1st February 1931. Granted the temporary rank of Captain he remained with this battalion until 1st October 1934. A year or so prior to his departure he had married Ethel Claudine Mercie Sprot on 17th March 1933 in Fife,Scotland.
Captain Jack Howel Brown whilst retaining his DLI associations joined The Hong Kong Infantry Brigade on 16th October 1938 until July 1940 with this appointment came the first of a number rapid promotions (Acting Major 27 July 1940 to 26 October 1940, Temp Major 27th October 1940 to 30 January 1941,Acting Lieutenant Colonel 27 November 1941 to 26 February 1942 Temp Lieutenant Colonel 27 February 1942)
Jack was now serving with the 2nd Durham Light Infantry in India and Burma following his attachment to the General Staff. Posted missing 15th February 1942 he returned and the lists were amended to reflect this. He commanded 2nd Durham Light Infantry from the 9th July 1943 . On 4th May 1944 he was confirmed Killed in Action near to the Commisioners Bungalow at Kohima. Whilst leading his men he was caught by a Japanese artillery bombardment his young son was aged just three years at the time.
28288 Jack Howel Brown was initially buried on Hospital Hill Kohima but was reinterred at Summer Hill Cemetery on August 4th 1944 Section 4 Row A Grave No 4 . He was reburied again on the 27th May 1945 at Kohima War Cemetery,Kohima, Nagaland, India Section 4 Row H Grave 4 where he rests today.
There were two announcements in the London Gazette on July 19th 1945 and 1st August 1946 with the award of two seperate `mentions in despatches` for services in the Far East.
A brass plaque (Above) was placed in St Brandons Church in Brancepeth, Fire tore through the Church on September 16th 1998 destroying the whole building including priceless regimental colours and severely damaging the memorial plaques placed there. The Church was rebuilt in 1998 and reconsecrated in 2005 . The plaques placed on the wall of the north transept near the DLI window and can be seen there today.
A canny lad from Sunderland! Killed in Action May 4th 1944
4467987 Pte Hugh McKee 2nd Durham Light Infantry
During the fighting on May 4th 1944 there were many casualties amongst the 2nd Durham Light Infantry including a young soldier from Sunderland Private Hugh McKee. Hugh Mckee was born in 1922 in Sunderland,, the son of James and Mary Isabel McKee (nee Evans). He had four brothers, Wilfred ,John, Matthew , Gordon and sisters Violet,Minnie, Ivy and Florence . He enlisted in 1940 and joined 2nd DLI on their return from Dunkirk he died on May 4, 1944, during the battalions operations on the Manipur Road (Kohima) He was aged 21. Never forgotten and remembered always. Memoriam published 3rd May 1947 - Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette . Hugh McKee has no known grave and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial Face 17
During the fighting on May 4th 1944 there were many casualties amongst the 2nd Durham Light Infantry including a young soldier from Sunderland Private Hugh McKee. Hugh Mckee was born in 1922 in Sunderland,, the son of James and Mary Isabel McKee (nee Evans). He had four brothers, Wilfred ,John, Matthew , Gordon and sisters Violet,Minnie, Ivy and Florence . He enlisted in 1940 and joined 2nd DLI on their return from Dunkirk he died on May 4, 1944, during the battalions operations on the Manipur Road (Kohima) He was aged 21. Never forgotten and remembered always. Memoriam published 3rd May 1947 - Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette . Hugh McKee has no known grave and is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial Face 17
4463232 Pte Edwin Milburn 2nd Durham Light Infantry
Edwin Milburn was born on the 14th January 1916 , He was the son of John Milburn (who sadly died in 1933) and Eliza Milburn (nee Duxfield ) . Edwin enlisted into the Army and joined 2nd battalion The Durham Light Infantry then preparing for service in the Far East and Burma .
4463232 Pte Edwin Milburn was reported to have been Killed in Action on May 5th 1944 just a day later the battalion were withdrawn from the front line.
The body of Pte Milburn was either never recovered or if it was never identified as a result he was added to The Rangoon Memorial Face 17. The memorial commemorates all those who fell in the Far East who have no known graves.
Edwin Milburn was born on the 14th January 1916 , He was the son of John Milburn (who sadly died in 1933) and Eliza Milburn (nee Duxfield ) . Edwin enlisted into the Army and joined 2nd battalion The Durham Light Infantry then preparing for service in the Far East and Burma .
4463232 Pte Edwin Milburn was reported to have been Killed in Action on May 5th 1944 just a day later the battalion were withdrawn from the front line.
The body of Pte Milburn was either never recovered or if it was never identified as a result he was added to The Rangoon Memorial Face 17. The memorial commemorates all those who fell in the Far East who have no known graves.
Witness to History 4461820 Cpl Thomas Stanley Pout 2DLI
4461820 Cpl Thomas Stanley Pout served with the 2nd Durham Light Infantry in India and during the Battles for Kohima the image below is taken at that time taken under battlefield conditions it is a relic of an historic battle... to those who were there it was just another day they were happy to survive..another day nearer returning home to their loved ones.Cpl Pout did return married at the age of 36 he is survived by his loving family whom I thank for permission to use these photographs from Stans collection
Men of the 2nd DLI rest by the roadside whilst in the background the battle for Kohima rages on
(Above) Photograph taken in India Titled `Stan in India 18th July 1942` Stan is bottom far right
(Above) `Stan` in a more relaxed mood taken in India Cpl `Stan`Pout is far right
Letters played a big part in the lives of our servicemen and their families above is an example of one of Stans letters back home.His reference to Mills and Harvey relates to a Boxing bout in 1942 held at White Hart Lane football ground Freddie Mills and Len Harvey fought before a huge crowd of 30,000 spectators.In war Sport is still a major part of this soldiers life.My thanks again to Gwenda Cullen (nee Pout)
4461820 Cpl Thomas Stanley Pout 2DLI and...........whom?
The photograph below shows a group of Durhams from the 2nd Battalion just prior to their move to the Far East 2nd from the left is 4461820 Cpl Thomas Stanley Pout but who are his comrades? if you recognise any of them please get in touch either through my Email shown at the foot of my home page
Once again my thanks to Gwenda for supplying the image and giving me the permission to display it here.
A `Real` War Diary carried during the battle of Kohima by Stan Pout 2DLI
Below are a few pages from a small diary carried throughout the campaign in Burma by Cpl Stan Pout of the 2nd Durham Light Infantry.The entries,now faded,show hastily scribbled notes made throughout 1944 documenting the day to day life and in some cases deaths of the 2nd Durham Light Infantrymen fighting in the Far East .My thanks once again to Gwenda for her permission to show these images here.
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Terrace Hill,Garrison Hill.Piquets Point, all mentioned by someone who was there.Poignant reminders of those days long gone and which for at least two Durham`s recorded within Stans diary there would be no tomorrow ...Thursday 27th April ...Beeden missing after attack..4462050 Pte Kenneth Wallace Beeden killed in action 27th April 1944 no known grave commemorated on Face 17 of The Rangoon Memorial..(See Profile in Those Who Proudly Served section)..Saturday 29th April 1944 Tomlinson killed by sniper (Garrison Hill)..listed by the CWGC as having been killed on the 25th April 1944..3130752 Pte Percy Tomlinson formerly of The Royal Scots Fusiliers,Son of Percy and Sarah Emily Tomlinson, of Sheffield aged 23 no known grave also commemorated on Face 17 of The Rangoon Memorial.
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Sergeant George Marshman 2nd Durham Light Infantry Kohima
The following were kindly supplied by George Marshman who was a Veteran of the Kohima Campaign having served with the 2nd Durham Light Infantry . Sadly I have just learnt that GEORGE MARSHMAN died on July 26 2016, peacefully in Springfield Lodge Care Home, George was aged 97 years. the husband of the late Ena Marshman, loving dad of Anne and the late George, also a special father-in-law to Kim. Rest in peace George.
(Above) This is a photo of a section of drivers from the 2nd Battalion DLI taken at Milestone 86 on the Kohima to Imphal road in 1944.
Standing on the LHS of the picture is MT Sergeant George Marshman, standing third from the left is driver E Longland and kneeling at the front LHS is driver Corporal Rennick. Unfortunatly George could not recall any other names however most of the lads in this picture he recalled were from the south of England and one was the driver of the Water Truck (Pa-a-nee wallah).
Standing on the LHS of the picture is MT Sergeant George Marshman, standing third from the left is driver E Longland and kneeling at the front LHS is driver Corporal Rennick. Unfortunatly George could not recall any other names however most of the lads in this picture he recalled were from the south of England and one was the driver of the Water Truck (Pa-a-nee wallah).
The photograph above was taken in Ahmednagar. George is standing on the far right however, George cannot recall the names of the men in the photograph (He puts it down to a sign of old age! ) ,These are from D Company. George states "We had just arrived from Bombay by train in June 1942. Ahmednagar was then a large pre-war military camp where we started to get acclimatised. Training was night and day and we had our first lessons in jungle warfare".
The picture above which George and his daughter Anne kindly sent me was again taken at Ahmednagar barracks early June 1942. George stated at the time " I am standing on the left hand side, centre is driver Private Dalkin from Butter Knowle near Bishop Auckland and sitting centre, guess who? the Char Wallah selling tea and 'wads' (cakes)? Sorry, can't remember the name of the lad on the right hand side."
Military Medal Action 4463241 W /Sub Sgt James Murray 2nd Durh.L.Inf
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4463241 W /Sub Sgt James Murray 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry
At MALEGYIN on the 12th March 1945 Sgt J Murray 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry was commanding 11Platoon `C` Coy 2 DLI. The Company was ordered to capture the Village of MALEGYIN and the high ground overlooking it. 11 Platoon was the leading platoon in the attack which started at 10;00 hrs |
Soon after they crossed the start line they came under heavy LMG fire.Sgt Murray ordered covering fire and himself led the other two sections to liquidate the enemy.During the later stages of the attack he led his platoon through accurate shellfire to attack a party of 30 Japanese who were trying to make their escape from the burning village.By skillful leadership he manoevered the enemy into an unfavourable position and put in a quick attack which killed 10 of the enemy besides wounding many others.The platoon captured its objective and large quantities of equipment and ammunition.
Through the engagement he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to move his section into the most favourable position.The success of the platoon action was due to Sgt Murray`s determination and outstanding leadership.
Through the engagement he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to move his section into the most favourable position.The success of the platoon action was due to Sgt Murray`s determination and outstanding leadership.
I was there an account by Pte Raymond Hall Mortar Platoon 2nd DLI
Pte Raymond Hall was born 30th December 1919 he originated from Thornley near to Tow Law in Co Durham as a member of the Mortar Platoon he served in the far east with the 2nd Durham Light Infantry .
The words below are Raymond`s as he told it to his family I have changed nothing it is spoken by a brave man who was there. My thanks to Raymond Hall and Annie Waters for allowing me to use their fathers account here and in identifying Ray as a proud member of the 2nd Durham Light Infantrys Mortar Platoon.
2nd Battalion Durham L.I
Mortar Platoon
The words below are Raymond`s as he told it to his family I have changed nothing it is spoken by a brave man who was there. My thanks to Raymond Hall and Annie Waters for allowing me to use their fathers account here and in identifying Ray as a proud member of the 2nd Durham Light Infantrys Mortar Platoon.
2nd Battalion Durham L.I
Mortar Platoon
Our Battalion 2nd DLI went out to India in 1942 and were disembarked at Bombay. From there to a place called AHMEDNAGAR where we settled in ready for whatever was to happen and of course, many more places, one of which was BELGAUM, spelling may not be accurate as regards places. But if I remember correctly it was from this latter place it all started. We were in the British 2nd Division, the only all white division in India and Burma. The other Division, I think it was the 36th, were white, but their RMSC were coloured troops.
Well, it came about that they decided that they would form a 4th Battalion Brigade which consisted of Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Royal Berkshire Regiment, Royal Scots and a 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. By the way Louis Mountbatten, Allied Commander S.E.A.C. had told us that we were going to train for Combine Operations. So went to a place called CHITTAGONG in Bengal.
From then on training was hectic and we found out later, that our target was to attack AKYAB an island off the ARAKAN coast. In my case I was in the Mortar Platoon and to give you some idea what we had to achieve, besides getting off the landing craft and fight – Each mortar man was allotted his load, which consisted of :-
1 Carried the base plate 37 ½ lb and sights plus personal ammo
2 Barrel 44lbs - (we all had revolvers)
3 Tripod 56lbs –
The rest of the crew carried mortar bombs.
We had what you call Everest Equipment – we called it Neverest! When you got down, it took some time to get up. We were told that it was the minimum load we could take for the assault. However were we going to do it? We could hardly walk with the load never mind run.
By what I understand, it was found out that Akyab was too heavily defended and the assault was called off, much to our relief. The outcome of this, we were near the Arakan, so we were sent into action in the Arakan, to join other troops fighting. There was a lot of bitter fighting in there and we nearly got boxed in by the Japs and were lucky, I think, to get out. In fact, when I got back home I saw a cutting out of a paper, which my dad had kept, and it stated that Japs had annihilated the 6th Infantry Brigade, which I explained was our Brigade.
I must relate an incident that happened there. A mate of mine in one of our Mortar Squads was in the trench when a Jap mortar shell came over and wounded every member bar him and yet he was nearest to where it went off. His name was George Burns, nicknamed ‘SMASH’ Burns. He was a real character – he was small with a good physique - it was only his legs that were small. He was a good morale booster. He lived at Hebburn, Jarrow. There was once an O.P. party, that means going forward, to direct our mortars on enemy positions – hence O.P. observation post.
Anyway, he was lying down and naturally got uneasy and moved his behind up – and there was a rattle of enemy machine gun fire, which nearly ripped his pants off. He replied, so unconcernedly, ‘have they no union rules over there about break times?’ While we are on the subject, Smash’s real mate was a chap called Danny Sherwin(??), who belonged SEAHAM HARBOUR and whenever any beer was allotted, they always got my ration, as I never drank. They were a good duo, but the laugh was – Danny was a big lad and he sang the high notes and little Smash sang low, but were two grand singers. ‘Sweet and low’ - one of my favourites – was one of their songs.
Anyway, we came from the Arakan and went to Belgaum for our rest, so we had been six months approx. in action before our Division had moved, so they had been okay.
Needless to say what happened next, the Japs were getting near the Indian Border and the 2nd Division were ordered to DIMAPUR, which included us, as we were now back with our Div again. Some were flown in – others by rail. We got into Dimapur and made our way up the road to KOHIMA and I think it was only a few miles up that road we hit the first Jap roadblock. At Kohima the Japs had the Royal West Kents trapped and they were in real bad shape. The battle for Kohima was one of the worst battles of this sphere of the war, with hills changing hands numerous times. One instance I remember here, besides the atrocious fighting, was a party of men were detailed to run the gauntlet with rations, as this particular spot was under snipers’ fire. So many yards had to be run until you were round the turn and were clear. This particular time I followed the chap, called NORMAN PURVIS – I think from South or North Shields, and when I got to him he said look – and there was a hole straight from one end to the other of the tin which he’d been carrying – which shows luck plays a part in all things. A lot of fighting ensued, which can’t be explained in every detail.
Another incident that happened, which was bizarre, was as we left here after the Japs were routed and were making our way to IMPHAL, we went round this bend following these old Stewart tanks we had. The first tank was a few yards ahead and a cheeky Jap sprang from the hillside and stuck one of his stick grenade bombs on the tank – by then the other tank was coming round the corner and must have spotted the Jap and opened up. It was a shell the tank fired and when we got to the spot, the Jap had his helmet on and his head was standing on his neck on the track and his body twitching in the gutter, which meant the shell must have severed his head before exploding on the hillside.
Kohima was on the 46th milestone and we linked up with the troops at Imphal round about the 120th milestone. When things were calmer, although we were still in the operational area, we had baths and clean clothes were doled out. A bath was water in a 40 gall drum halved lengthwise so it made two baths, when laid out and chocked up. Then we had ‘short arm inspection’, in case I suppose somebody had been ‘cohabiting’ with natives. Back to our character again ‘SMASH’ Burns – Our M.O. was quite used to him, and on this occasion said to him ‘now Burns’ – ‘now Sir’ said Smash – ‘why bother with me, that chap over there has more to ‘play with’ than I have to f--- with’. Vulgar perhaps, but laughable and morale boosting in the circumstances. Another time when we were ‘bivouacking’ (2 groundsheets laced together) Smash was our bugler and he used to crawl out and stand in his shirt blowing the bugle, his shirt below his knees. When he went for breakfast he was always last, because he would go back to bed after he blew reveille. His excuse for being late at the cookhouse was ‘I never heard the bugle’ (he only blew it!)
Our Platoon Officer once told him, if you don’t mind Burns, would you play regimental style – you see Smash used to kind of ‘swing it’, because I think he played trumpet in a dance band in civvy street. You must understand this couldn’t have happened in ordinary circumstances.
Another time, while making our way to Mandalay, we were in this jungle, rationed for water etc and Smash came charging through the brush and said ‘ I can see a nasty pint of beer standing on the table in this bar and froth running over’. The lads went after him, because everybody was suffering and he was making it a bit hard to take.
There are numerous things this character has done that I just forget, but as I say a real good chap and a real morale booster.
As you know, the Division went on to Mandalay.
I arrived home in November 1945 after 3 years 7 months in Burma and India with the 14th Army.
Well, it came about that they decided that they would form a 4th Battalion Brigade which consisted of Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Royal Berkshire Regiment, Royal Scots and a 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry. By the way Louis Mountbatten, Allied Commander S.E.A.C. had told us that we were going to train for Combine Operations. So went to a place called CHITTAGONG in Bengal.
From then on training was hectic and we found out later, that our target was to attack AKYAB an island off the ARAKAN coast. In my case I was in the Mortar Platoon and to give you some idea what we had to achieve, besides getting off the landing craft and fight – Each mortar man was allotted his load, which consisted of :-
1 Carried the base plate 37 ½ lb and sights plus personal ammo
2 Barrel 44lbs - (we all had revolvers)
3 Tripod 56lbs –
The rest of the crew carried mortar bombs.
We had what you call Everest Equipment – we called it Neverest! When you got down, it took some time to get up. We were told that it was the minimum load we could take for the assault. However were we going to do it? We could hardly walk with the load never mind run.
By what I understand, it was found out that Akyab was too heavily defended and the assault was called off, much to our relief. The outcome of this, we were near the Arakan, so we were sent into action in the Arakan, to join other troops fighting. There was a lot of bitter fighting in there and we nearly got boxed in by the Japs and were lucky, I think, to get out. In fact, when I got back home I saw a cutting out of a paper, which my dad had kept, and it stated that Japs had annihilated the 6th Infantry Brigade, which I explained was our Brigade.
I must relate an incident that happened there. A mate of mine in one of our Mortar Squads was in the trench when a Jap mortar shell came over and wounded every member bar him and yet he was nearest to where it went off. His name was George Burns, nicknamed ‘SMASH’ Burns. He was a real character – he was small with a good physique - it was only his legs that were small. He was a good morale booster. He lived at Hebburn, Jarrow. There was once an O.P. party, that means going forward, to direct our mortars on enemy positions – hence O.P. observation post.
Anyway, he was lying down and naturally got uneasy and moved his behind up – and there was a rattle of enemy machine gun fire, which nearly ripped his pants off. He replied, so unconcernedly, ‘have they no union rules over there about break times?’ While we are on the subject, Smash’s real mate was a chap called Danny Sherwin(??), who belonged SEAHAM HARBOUR and whenever any beer was allotted, they always got my ration, as I never drank. They were a good duo, but the laugh was – Danny was a big lad and he sang the high notes and little Smash sang low, but were two grand singers. ‘Sweet and low’ - one of my favourites – was one of their songs.
Anyway, we came from the Arakan and went to Belgaum for our rest, so we had been six months approx. in action before our Division had moved, so they had been okay.
Needless to say what happened next, the Japs were getting near the Indian Border and the 2nd Division were ordered to DIMAPUR, which included us, as we were now back with our Div again. Some were flown in – others by rail. We got into Dimapur and made our way up the road to KOHIMA and I think it was only a few miles up that road we hit the first Jap roadblock. At Kohima the Japs had the Royal West Kents trapped and they were in real bad shape. The battle for Kohima was one of the worst battles of this sphere of the war, with hills changing hands numerous times. One instance I remember here, besides the atrocious fighting, was a party of men were detailed to run the gauntlet with rations, as this particular spot was under snipers’ fire. So many yards had to be run until you were round the turn and were clear. This particular time I followed the chap, called NORMAN PURVIS – I think from South or North Shields, and when I got to him he said look – and there was a hole straight from one end to the other of the tin which he’d been carrying – which shows luck plays a part in all things. A lot of fighting ensued, which can’t be explained in every detail.
Another incident that happened, which was bizarre, was as we left here after the Japs were routed and were making our way to IMPHAL, we went round this bend following these old Stewart tanks we had. The first tank was a few yards ahead and a cheeky Jap sprang from the hillside and stuck one of his stick grenade bombs on the tank – by then the other tank was coming round the corner and must have spotted the Jap and opened up. It was a shell the tank fired and when we got to the spot, the Jap had his helmet on and his head was standing on his neck on the track and his body twitching in the gutter, which meant the shell must have severed his head before exploding on the hillside.
Kohima was on the 46th milestone and we linked up with the troops at Imphal round about the 120th milestone. When things were calmer, although we were still in the operational area, we had baths and clean clothes were doled out. A bath was water in a 40 gall drum halved lengthwise so it made two baths, when laid out and chocked up. Then we had ‘short arm inspection’, in case I suppose somebody had been ‘cohabiting’ with natives. Back to our character again ‘SMASH’ Burns – Our M.O. was quite used to him, and on this occasion said to him ‘now Burns’ – ‘now Sir’ said Smash – ‘why bother with me, that chap over there has more to ‘play with’ than I have to f--- with’. Vulgar perhaps, but laughable and morale boosting in the circumstances. Another time when we were ‘bivouacking’ (2 groundsheets laced together) Smash was our bugler and he used to crawl out and stand in his shirt blowing the bugle, his shirt below his knees. When he went for breakfast he was always last, because he would go back to bed after he blew reveille. His excuse for being late at the cookhouse was ‘I never heard the bugle’ (he only blew it!)
Our Platoon Officer once told him, if you don’t mind Burns, would you play regimental style – you see Smash used to kind of ‘swing it’, because I think he played trumpet in a dance band in civvy street. You must understand this couldn’t have happened in ordinary circumstances.
Another time, while making our way to Mandalay, we were in this jungle, rationed for water etc and Smash came charging through the brush and said ‘ I can see a nasty pint of beer standing on the table in this bar and froth running over’. The lads went after him, because everybody was suffering and he was making it a bit hard to take.
There are numerous things this character has done that I just forget, but as I say a real good chap and a real morale booster.
As you know, the Division went on to Mandalay.
I arrived home in November 1945 after 3 years 7 months in Burma and India with the 14th Army.
4452236 Cpl Leslie Rennick 2nd Durham.L.I Photo Memories
4452236 Cpl Leslie Rennick served with the 2nd DLI he saw service throughout the War initially in the BEF`s baptisim of fire and the road to Dunkirk. He was also part of the reformed battalion which formed in England and eventually set sail for the Far East where Cpl Rennick took part in the campaigns against the Japanese most notably those in the Arakan and relief operations at Kohima.The following are his photo memories kindly supplied by his daughter Val Poynton in the hope that someone, somewhere recognises a brother,uncle,father or simply a comrade.Thank you Val for permission to display them here .
The Image above was taken in Yorkshire in 1941 whilst refitting in preparation for their move to the Far East featured here are the names ;- Thomas Chapman Sgt Bulmar (back row right) Hill Storey Squires Mitchell Spoors Rennick (Light Jumper end right)
The photograph above was taken and captioned June 1942 Nagar
Names - ( not certain the order is correct.) Sgt Hill Curtis Shearer Blenkinsop Johnson Hamilton Welburn ? Mackay ? Halford Beard Barraclough Rennick Matthews Miller Spoors Harland Nicholson Hume Guy Macbeth Latham |
Yorkshire 1941
Above Nagar June 1942 Les is second right in the frontrow
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Deer Park Rillington 1941 Les Rennick front left bottom row
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Leslie Rennick inside of the lorry cab with an un-named comrade Yorkshire 1941
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Ahmednagar baths 1943
Above photograph captioned `Ken Gardner`
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Yorkshire 1941
Above Cpl Leslie Rennick
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Above Les Rennick 3rd row far left, Sgt George Marshman second row 2nd left
Above `Nagar` 1942
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Above;-Nagar June 1942
Leslie Rennick (left) Yorkshire 1941
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Leslie Rennick (Right) with an unknown soldier in Ahmednagar in 1945
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‘Mamie’ Oct 1942 Sgt George Marshman can be seen back row second right
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For Your Tomorrow they gave their Today...............................
The below images deal with the unveiling of the Kohima Memorial dedicated to those men who died in this bloody conflict by clicking on the image you will open up a larger version in a new window again I wish to thank Val Poynton for the supply of these images and permission to mount them here. These are from her father Leslie Rennick`s collection of documents/images
...The battle is over the war is yet to be won...
...beyond Kohima ..the road to mandalay...1944-45...
The Battle of Kohima was over, the encircled Allied forces had been relieved, and the battle was to prove to be one of the turning points of the Burma Campaign. The simultaneous victory at Imphal where the Japanese armies had failed to destroy the British and Commonwealth forces there had ultimately stopped any invasion of India .The Japanese were now been driven back into Burma with heavy losses but they were far from beaten.
Lieutenant W A Weightman was born in October 1925 at Middle Herrington in Sunderland, where his father was a farmer. William was at Durham School when the Second World War began. He served in the school’s Junior Training Corps and in 1940 joined the 11th Battalion Durham Home Guard, serving as a Private in the Signals Platoon.
In August 1943, William Albert Weightman, after serving for a short time in the Queens Royal Regiment, applied to join the Indian Army. He attended an Officer Cadet Training Unit in India and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in July 1944. In October 1944, William Weightman joined the 2nd Battalion DLI in Burma.
330742 Lieutenant William A Weightman joined the newly reformed `C` Company (as a platoon commander) which had been decimated in the Kohima Campaign. The new Commander of `C` Company was 121844 Major A V (Tony) Shuttle who had formerly commanded `B` Company . Shuttle brought with him as his second in command 124743 Lieutenant (Temp Captain) William Howard Smith a Royal Artillery officer attached to 2 DLI.
On the 14th December 1944 the 2nd DLI crossed the Chindwin River via a newly constructed bailey bridge Christmas was celebrated on the move with a single bottle of beer as the advance continued. On December 27th the battalion were engaged by Japanese machine guns . From the hills a Japanese LMG had opened up on No 2 Section led by 217022 Lieutenant Cyril `Kip` Corner of `D` Company another former Royal Artillery officer who had joined the Durhams recently. `Kip` led his section up the reverse slope threw a grenade and shot one of the Japanese with Cpl Harrison killing another.
A four company attack eventually drove the Japanese out . Lieutenant Weightman witnessed this and provided covering fire during the action . He then took over the lead from Corners section with 9 and 11 sections of `C` Company behind him .
There then followed a period where the Durhams came underfire from the Gurkhas who had mistaken them for Japanese , luckily no casualties were suffered during this period. After being ordered back beyond the point at which Lieut Corner had made his succesful attack the DLI after an overnight halt were ordered forwards again.
They then moved forward occupying Wainggyo village and further ground in the Sipadon Chaung which they were ordered to follow for three days. They found themselves advancing along a parallel track to the chaung in an area filled with large clumps of elephant grass towards the village of Paga .
At this time `D` Company was once again leading .295524 Lieutenant Leonard Horace Beadell a Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry officer attached to the Durham`s led the way but as he turned to wave the other sections forward near one of these clumps of grass he was hit in the face by machine gun fire and killed.
A company attack was eventually put in and the village was taken. Smoke was laid down to enable the evacuation of the casualties. Lieutenant Beadell`s body wrapped in an army blanket was solemnly taken away for burial.
`C` Company again led as two sections of 10 platoon entered the village of Taunggyaung led by Lieutenant Weightman . Advancing to a gap in the hedge surrounding the village Weightman observed a Japanese bunker in the village centre . He waved Corporal Lindsay`s section forward , Lindsay had taken over the Bren Gun from Pte Smith and laid down covering fire and Weightman rushed forward into the position but found it unmanned at that time.
Lieutenant Weightman was ordered to clear the right of the village and position a section on the road beyond. As they moved forward two bursts of machine gun fire caught the men in the open and 5190838 Pte (Gnr) G T Hitchins fell forward with a groan whilst 4984391 Cpl Joseph Edward `Ted` Lindsay ,who was to Hitchins right fell backwards ,Weightman dove into the undergrowth and threw a grenade towards where he thought the Japanese positions were situated. He realised immediately that both Hitchins and Lindsay were dead and 14546476 Pte Christopher Pound ( also wounded on 28th April 1944 ) had also been shot through the shoulder. Together with Robert `Bob` Lowes ,Weightman retrieved the fallen soldiers blood soaked weapons. After a period of time the platoon were withdrawn and Weightman reported that the Japanese held at least three quarters of the village and it would take a two Company attack supported by tanks to dislodge them. The advice was ignored .`C` Company were ordered forward once again, the Japanese were waiting and firing was encountered from 10 ,12,and 2 o`clock positions and many men were caught in the open long before they even reached the start line. The attack failed and the Durhams were withdrawn.
After a nervous night in defensive positions the Durhams once again advanced into the village to find no trace of the Japanese who had successfully pulled out during the night.
Lieutenant Weightman organised a burial party whilst the others pushed on in pursuit of the Japanese, in the haste a mine which had been laid by the retreating Japs went undetected and exploded under one of the RA Bren carriers killing the driver 885873 Gnr Edward Thomas Dixey and wounding two other men.
On the 31st December 1944 the Durhams came air underattack . The Japanese dropped a number of bombs and wounded 22 men destroying one vehicle. Francis Greenwell M.C had a miraculous escape when a bomb landed next to him but failed to explode.
New Years eve 1944 the Durhams marched off into the darkness heading to the MU River in the Kabaw region. On the 3rd January 1945 two companies `A` and `C` Companies were sent forward to the MU River to secure a footbridge however the area was held by the Japanese who opened fire killing 14569005 Pte Peter Beaumont and mortally wounding 4463758 Cpl John Kirby Prentice . Prentice was dragged to cover however died in the arms of his would be rescuers a short time afterwards.
The Companys were again pulled back much to the annoyance of those concerned. Major Kelley of `A` Company conducted the burial service for 14569005 Pte Beaumont he said a few brief words as the Sun set in the west. A few days later `C` Company went forward again and at the bridge which the Japanese had now abandoned they found the body of 4463758 Cpl Prentice which they buried near the river bank.
The terrain was mainly flat and the Japanese were retreating towards the Irrawaddy River. The Japanese continued to harrass the battalion and frequent patrols were sent out to combat this, During one such patrol 6026524 Corporal Dudley L `Jimmy` Schrapel was preparing for his turn as guard when a sixth sense led him to grab his sten gun and opened fire on the undergrowth ahead of him killing three Japanese soldiers . One of those soldiers was an officer2nd Lieutenant Yuhashi ,the officers sword was taken by Cpl Schrapel and later presented to the (now closed) DLI museum.
Lieutenant W A Weightman was born in October 1925 at Middle Herrington in Sunderland, where his father was a farmer. William was at Durham School when the Second World War began. He served in the school’s Junior Training Corps and in 1940 joined the 11th Battalion Durham Home Guard, serving as a Private in the Signals Platoon.
In August 1943, William Albert Weightman, after serving for a short time in the Queens Royal Regiment, applied to join the Indian Army. He attended an Officer Cadet Training Unit in India and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in July 1944. In October 1944, William Weightman joined the 2nd Battalion DLI in Burma.
330742 Lieutenant William A Weightman joined the newly reformed `C` Company (as a platoon commander) which had been decimated in the Kohima Campaign. The new Commander of `C` Company was 121844 Major A V (Tony) Shuttle who had formerly commanded `B` Company . Shuttle brought with him as his second in command 124743 Lieutenant (Temp Captain) William Howard Smith a Royal Artillery officer attached to 2 DLI.
On the 14th December 1944 the 2nd DLI crossed the Chindwin River via a newly constructed bailey bridge Christmas was celebrated on the move with a single bottle of beer as the advance continued. On December 27th the battalion were engaged by Japanese machine guns . From the hills a Japanese LMG had opened up on No 2 Section led by 217022 Lieutenant Cyril `Kip` Corner of `D` Company another former Royal Artillery officer who had joined the Durhams recently. `Kip` led his section up the reverse slope threw a grenade and shot one of the Japanese with Cpl Harrison killing another.
A four company attack eventually drove the Japanese out . Lieutenant Weightman witnessed this and provided covering fire during the action . He then took over the lead from Corners section with 9 and 11 sections of `C` Company behind him .
There then followed a period where the Durhams came underfire from the Gurkhas who had mistaken them for Japanese , luckily no casualties were suffered during this period. After being ordered back beyond the point at which Lieut Corner had made his succesful attack the DLI after an overnight halt were ordered forwards again.
They then moved forward occupying Wainggyo village and further ground in the Sipadon Chaung which they were ordered to follow for three days. They found themselves advancing along a parallel track to the chaung in an area filled with large clumps of elephant grass towards the village of Paga .
At this time `D` Company was once again leading .295524 Lieutenant Leonard Horace Beadell a Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry officer attached to the Durham`s led the way but as he turned to wave the other sections forward near one of these clumps of grass he was hit in the face by machine gun fire and killed.
A company attack was eventually put in and the village was taken. Smoke was laid down to enable the evacuation of the casualties. Lieutenant Beadell`s body wrapped in an army blanket was solemnly taken away for burial.
`C` Company again led as two sections of 10 platoon entered the village of Taunggyaung led by Lieutenant Weightman . Advancing to a gap in the hedge surrounding the village Weightman observed a Japanese bunker in the village centre . He waved Corporal Lindsay`s section forward , Lindsay had taken over the Bren Gun from Pte Smith and laid down covering fire and Weightman rushed forward into the position but found it unmanned at that time.
Lieutenant Weightman was ordered to clear the right of the village and position a section on the road beyond. As they moved forward two bursts of machine gun fire caught the men in the open and 5190838 Pte (Gnr) G T Hitchins fell forward with a groan whilst 4984391 Cpl Joseph Edward `Ted` Lindsay ,who was to Hitchins right fell backwards ,Weightman dove into the undergrowth and threw a grenade towards where he thought the Japanese positions were situated. He realised immediately that both Hitchins and Lindsay were dead and 14546476 Pte Christopher Pound ( also wounded on 28th April 1944 ) had also been shot through the shoulder. Together with Robert `Bob` Lowes ,Weightman retrieved the fallen soldiers blood soaked weapons. After a period of time the platoon were withdrawn and Weightman reported that the Japanese held at least three quarters of the village and it would take a two Company attack supported by tanks to dislodge them. The advice was ignored .`C` Company were ordered forward once again, the Japanese were waiting and firing was encountered from 10 ,12,and 2 o`clock positions and many men were caught in the open long before they even reached the start line. The attack failed and the Durhams were withdrawn.
After a nervous night in defensive positions the Durhams once again advanced into the village to find no trace of the Japanese who had successfully pulled out during the night.
Lieutenant Weightman organised a burial party whilst the others pushed on in pursuit of the Japanese, in the haste a mine which had been laid by the retreating Japs went undetected and exploded under one of the RA Bren carriers killing the driver 885873 Gnr Edward Thomas Dixey and wounding two other men.
On the 31st December 1944 the Durhams came air underattack . The Japanese dropped a number of bombs and wounded 22 men destroying one vehicle. Francis Greenwell M.C had a miraculous escape when a bomb landed next to him but failed to explode.
New Years eve 1944 the Durhams marched off into the darkness heading to the MU River in the Kabaw region. On the 3rd January 1945 two companies `A` and `C` Companies were sent forward to the MU River to secure a footbridge however the area was held by the Japanese who opened fire killing 14569005 Pte Peter Beaumont and mortally wounding 4463758 Cpl John Kirby Prentice . Prentice was dragged to cover however died in the arms of his would be rescuers a short time afterwards.
The Companys were again pulled back much to the annoyance of those concerned. Major Kelley of `A` Company conducted the burial service for 14569005 Pte Beaumont he said a few brief words as the Sun set in the west. A few days later `C` Company went forward again and at the bridge which the Japanese had now abandoned they found the body of 4463758 Cpl Prentice which they buried near the river bank.
The terrain was mainly flat and the Japanese were retreating towards the Irrawaddy River. The Japanese continued to harrass the battalion and frequent patrols were sent out to combat this, During one such patrol 6026524 Corporal Dudley L `Jimmy` Schrapel was preparing for his turn as guard when a sixth sense led him to grab his sten gun and opened fire on the undergrowth ahead of him killing three Japanese soldiers . One of those soldiers was an officer2nd Lieutenant Yuhashi ,the officers sword was taken by Cpl Schrapel and later presented to the (now closed) DLI museum.
Across and beyond the irrawaddy..
As the 2nd DLI crossed the river they came under fire from the Japanese . Nakasang vilage was seen to be in flames as the Dorsets put in an attack. The shells were landing in the water alongside the DUKW `s ferrying the Durhams across the river which was some three times wider than the Rhine. The battalion were across by the afternoon of the 26th February and despite being shelled on their first night no casualties were recorded.
Moving out of their cover at the tree line some 200 yards from the bank the Durhams crossed the paddy field line abreast . `D` Company were first into action and the crack of rifle and machine gun fire could be heard. Once across the paddy field came patches of cotton and for the first time Lieutenant Weightman could recall the Japanese could be seen running away. `C` Company were in pursuit with Weightman leading. A grenade exploded just behind him and the soldier who had thrown it disappeared into his foxhole, Cpl Potts of 11 platoon saw the Jap and shot him but another Jap threw another grenade at him ,which thankfully missed, this soldier disappeared into the undergrowth . Up until this point Weightman was not aware of any casualties to his men and was reluctant to risk his men flushing this one man out he sought out a tank and sent it forward in the hope of flushing the Jap out ,the Jap attempted to escape but was shot dead by the Lieutenant.
To the right `B` Company supported by Tanks were advancing steadily but on the left there was no firing only the Royal Berks seen in the far distance. As they emerged onto the top of the ridge a runner to `C` Company delivered the news that 217022 Lieutenant Kip Corner was wounded and his batman 3131440 Pte George Edward Leech had been killed whilst bravely rushing forward to rescue his officer. This left Sjt `Chota` Murray in command of 11 Platoon.
The reverse slope was reached and it was decided to dig in Lieutenant Weightman turned to address his men when a single shot rang out 4466179 L/Cpl John Brarch Jennings legs buckled, his helmet flew off he fell backwards dead ! There was at least one Japanese foxhole which they had been missed . Weightman was given 10 and 11 Platoons and told to flush them out. One Japanese soldier was killed but another shot rang out the bullet ricocheted off the rifle of Pte Charlie Husband , a tank using its 75mm blasted at least eight rounds into the undergrowth, Lieutenant Weightman was suddenly knocked to the ground by a terrific explosion as he rose to his feet he realised a Japanese soldier had thrown explosives towards him but luckily for Weightman the explosion had killed the Jap and he was simply caught in its blast .
Moving forward there was another rifle shot and 4465509 Pte Charlie H Husband slumped to his knees he was not dead but had been wounded . Weightman dragged husband back and said "are you all right Charlie?" to which Husband answered " Aye`s alright I`m hit right between the fucking shoulders!" Pte Husbands best friend Pte Joe Davis (from Wingate) rushed forward and said "You alright Charlie" to which he again replied " Ayes alright Joe " to which Pte Davis replied "You jammy bastard!" Also known to have been wounded during the action were 6026524 Cpl J D Schrapel , 4466825 L/Cpl J D Mason and 4449743 L/Cpl W Jermy.
Satisfied that the Japanese threat was nullified for now they began to dig in ,amongst the dead Japanese one soldier moved and fearing he was preparing to take a DLI soldier with him he was killed when someone threw a grenade into the foxhole. During the night there was Japanese infiltration but the only casualty from that was a Pte Smith who had frozen and been hit by a piece of shrapnel from a grenade.
For the next two days the Durhams busied themselves cleaning up the battlefield burying the dead not a pleasant task. Cpl Bobby Lowes had night terrors and in a terrible dream he saw the deceased Cpl Jennings who said they had buried him alive .
The next attack with air and artillery support on the village of Zalokma enabled `A` and `B` Companies to sieze the objective whilst `C` and `D` Companies consolidated .The 2nd Durham Light Infantry suffered one killed and eleven wounded . The casualties were officially deemed as `light` and enabled the objective to be secured.
Moving out of their cover at the tree line some 200 yards from the bank the Durhams crossed the paddy field line abreast . `D` Company were first into action and the crack of rifle and machine gun fire could be heard. Once across the paddy field came patches of cotton and for the first time Lieutenant Weightman could recall the Japanese could be seen running away. `C` Company were in pursuit with Weightman leading. A grenade exploded just behind him and the soldier who had thrown it disappeared into his foxhole, Cpl Potts of 11 platoon saw the Jap and shot him but another Jap threw another grenade at him ,which thankfully missed, this soldier disappeared into the undergrowth . Up until this point Weightman was not aware of any casualties to his men and was reluctant to risk his men flushing this one man out he sought out a tank and sent it forward in the hope of flushing the Jap out ,the Jap attempted to escape but was shot dead by the Lieutenant.
To the right `B` Company supported by Tanks were advancing steadily but on the left there was no firing only the Royal Berks seen in the far distance. As they emerged onto the top of the ridge a runner to `C` Company delivered the news that 217022 Lieutenant Kip Corner was wounded and his batman 3131440 Pte George Edward Leech had been killed whilst bravely rushing forward to rescue his officer. This left Sjt `Chota` Murray in command of 11 Platoon.
The reverse slope was reached and it was decided to dig in Lieutenant Weightman turned to address his men when a single shot rang out 4466179 L/Cpl John Brarch Jennings legs buckled, his helmet flew off he fell backwards dead ! There was at least one Japanese foxhole which they had been missed . Weightman was given 10 and 11 Platoons and told to flush them out. One Japanese soldier was killed but another shot rang out the bullet ricocheted off the rifle of Pte Charlie Husband , a tank using its 75mm blasted at least eight rounds into the undergrowth, Lieutenant Weightman was suddenly knocked to the ground by a terrific explosion as he rose to his feet he realised a Japanese soldier had thrown explosives towards him but luckily for Weightman the explosion had killed the Jap and he was simply caught in its blast .
Moving forward there was another rifle shot and 4465509 Pte Charlie H Husband slumped to his knees he was not dead but had been wounded . Weightman dragged husband back and said "are you all right Charlie?" to which Husband answered " Aye`s alright I`m hit right between the fucking shoulders!" Pte Husbands best friend Pte Joe Davis (from Wingate) rushed forward and said "You alright Charlie" to which he again replied " Ayes alright Joe " to which Pte Davis replied "You jammy bastard!" Also known to have been wounded during the action were 6026524 Cpl J D Schrapel , 4466825 L/Cpl J D Mason and 4449743 L/Cpl W Jermy.
Satisfied that the Japanese threat was nullified for now they began to dig in ,amongst the dead Japanese one soldier moved and fearing he was preparing to take a DLI soldier with him he was killed when someone threw a grenade into the foxhole. During the night there was Japanese infiltration but the only casualty from that was a Pte Smith who had frozen and been hit by a piece of shrapnel from a grenade.
For the next two days the Durhams busied themselves cleaning up the battlefield burying the dead not a pleasant task. Cpl Bobby Lowes had night terrors and in a terrible dream he saw the deceased Cpl Jennings who said they had buried him alive .
The next attack with air and artillery support on the village of Zalokma enabled `A` and `B` Companies to sieze the objective whilst `C` and `D` Companies consolidated .The 2nd Durham Light Infantry suffered one killed and eleven wounded . The casualties were officially deemed as `light` and enabled the objective to be secured.
The war is over but the casualties continue...........................
Victory over Japan Day is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II, in effect bringing the war to an end, In England VJ day is 15th August 1945 . Long after the celebrations ended the 2nd Durham Light Infantry continued to lose men ,most due to accidents . Only five days before the official War Diary closed there is an entry recording a vehicle collision on April 25th 1946 in which two members of the 2nd DLI were killed . A third soldier died days later on the 28th April 1946 from injuries received in the accident . One officer ,an Australian,350792 Lieutenant Alan Edward Clifton aged 25 (below left) and two nineteen year old private soldiers,14894936 Pte George Leslie Barrett and 14835773 Pte Duncan Roy McGregor (below right) died in this incident.
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In the initial accident 350792 Lieutenant Alan Edward Clifton was killed . Lieutenant Clifton was an Australian who had enlisted into the Australian Army on 23rd July 1941 with the number NX 39480. Alan Edward Clifton was born on May 11th 1920 the son of Arthur Oswald Clifton and Kathleen Adelaide Clifton of Tullamore, New South Wales,Australia. Following the end of the war in Europe Alan was officially discharged on June 14th 1945 and enlisted into the British Army commissioned into The Queens Royal Regiment (East Surreys) on the same day. He was attached to the 2nd Durham Light Infantry and 2 in command of his Company at the time of his death. At rest Kranji Military Cemetery Section 7 Row A Grave No 4.
14894936 Pte George Leslie Barrett was also killed alongside Lieutenant Clifton he was aged 19. The son of George Edward Barrett and Alice Maud Barrett of Bradford Yorkshire. George is buried at Kranji Military Cemetery Section 7 Row A Grave No 2 the family added the following inscription to his stone "Beloved Son ,You did not fail; Eternal Peace be thine.Yours the Glory,Son of mine"
14835773 Pte Duncan Roy McGregor of North Shields died of injuries received in the accident on April 28th 1946. Duncan`s parents Thomas Osman McGregor and Wilhelmina Elizabeth McGregor of 45 Redburn View,North Shields were informed that there son had died in an Indian Hospital following a motor vehicle accident. No other details were known at the time . Shields Daily News 07 May 1946
recorded that Duncan Roy McGregor had been born in North Shields in 1926 and had attended the Jubilee and Linskill Schools it adds that Duncan had been employed as a Baker prior to his enlistment in early 1945 being in India for just over a year. The article bears no reference to a previous news story from 1944 (25 April 1944 - Shields Daily News) in which it was reported that Duncan had appeared in court and was fined 40`s for persistent lateness whilst working at Messrs Smiths Docks,North Shields. The fine did not appear to improve his attendance record with the newspaper recording it had despite an appeal to his parents got worse! Its clear Duncan`s heart was not in Shipyard work and shortly afterwards enlisted in the Army joining The Durham Light Infantry. He was buried with full Military Honours and rests today at Kranji Military Cemetery Section 7 Row A Grave No 8
14894936 Pte George Leslie Barrett was also killed alongside Lieutenant Clifton he was aged 19. The son of George Edward Barrett and Alice Maud Barrett of Bradford Yorkshire. George is buried at Kranji Military Cemetery Section 7 Row A Grave No 2 the family added the following inscription to his stone "Beloved Son ,You did not fail; Eternal Peace be thine.Yours the Glory,Son of mine"
14835773 Pte Duncan Roy McGregor of North Shields died of injuries received in the accident on April 28th 1946. Duncan`s parents Thomas Osman McGregor and Wilhelmina Elizabeth McGregor of 45 Redburn View,North Shields were informed that there son had died in an Indian Hospital following a motor vehicle accident. No other details were known at the time . Shields Daily News 07 May 1946
recorded that Duncan Roy McGregor had been born in North Shields in 1926 and had attended the Jubilee and Linskill Schools it adds that Duncan had been employed as a Baker prior to his enlistment in early 1945 being in India for just over a year. The article bears no reference to a previous news story from 1944 (25 April 1944 - Shields Daily News) in which it was reported that Duncan had appeared in court and was fined 40`s for persistent lateness whilst working at Messrs Smiths Docks,North Shields. The fine did not appear to improve his attendance record with the newspaper recording it had despite an appeal to his parents got worse! Its clear Duncan`s heart was not in Shipyard work and shortly afterwards enlisted in the Army joining The Durham Light Infantry. He was buried with full Military Honours and rests today at Kranji Military Cemetery Section 7 Row A Grave No 8
