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| BILL TOWILL Adjutant |
Bill has written a book about his time with the battalion during the 2nd Chindit Expedition. Click Here to read about the book and to contact Bill |
| MAJOR FRANK BLAKER VC MC | CLICK HERE for more information |
| LT JIMMY SWEETMAN | CLICK HERE for more information |
| CHARLES WILLIAM COLES | Seeking information on this man who carried a Ghurka to safety. CLICK HERE |
MAJOR FRANK BLAKER V.C. M.C./LT. JIMMY SWEETMAN -3/9 GHURKA RIFLES:-
Major Blaker's nephew Nigel writes "Major Frank BLAKER VC MC of C Coy 3/9 Ghurka Rifles is my uncle. He was killed in the action that won him the VC. His company officer Lt Jimmy Sweetman who was with him in his last action has sadly since died but I would still love to hear from anyone who may have known my father or Lt Sweetman. Good to see the Burma Star site and campaign info.
Lt Sweetman's account of the VC action is detailed on Mike Chapman's site at http://www.chapter-one.com/vc/award.asp?vc=98
I am available on Nigel.Holmes@env.qld.gov.au
From the London Gazette of September 22nd 1944
"In Burma on 9th July, 1944 a company of the 9th Gurkha Rifles was ordered to carry out a movement across unknown precipitous country, through dense jungle, to attack an enemy strong point on the summit of a hill overlooking Taungni. Major Blaker carried out this movement with the utmost precision, in itself a feat of considerable military skill, and the company took up a position on the extreme right flank of the enemy. At this crucial moment the company's advance was completely stopped by heavy and accurate enemy fire. Major Blaker, although severely wounded in the arm, then advanced ahead of his men, located and charged single-handed, the Japanese machine-guns. When hit by three rounds through the body, he continued to cheer on his men while lying on the ground. His fearless leadership and outstanding courage so inspired his company that they captured the position. Major Blaker died of his wounds. His heroism and self-sacrifice were beyond all praise and contributed in no small way to the defeat of the enemy and the successful outcome of the operations."
THE V.C. ENTRY:-
BLAKER
V.C. M.C., Frank Gerald - 24 years - Scottish
T/Major, The
Highland Light Infantry, British
Army
attd. 3rd Bn., 9th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army
On 9 July 1944 near Taunghi, Burma (now Myanmar), Major Blaker was commanding a company which was held up during an important advance by close-range firing from medium and light machine-guns. The major went ahead of his men through very heavy fire and in spite of being severely wounded in the arm, located the machine-guns and single-handed charged the position. Even when mortally wounded he continued to cheer on his men whilst lying on the ground. His fearless leadership inspired his men to storm and capture the objective.
We are searching for anyone
who may have knowledge of
CHARLES WILLIAM COLES
Charles' son is aware that his Dad served
somewhere in Burma with the 9th Gurkha div that is about all we can find
out. We know he saved a Gurkha who had his legs blown off and Charles
carried him through the jungle and saved his life. We also know he was a
prisoner working on a railway line.
Several years ago somebody who was writing a book wanted to include his story
but my father never replied to him the letter has been thrown away as this would
have been a great help as they knew about Paul Cole's dad's exploits.
Charles was a member of the Scarborough Branch of the Burma Star Association and we know that he was presented with a candelabra by the 'Chandra Group'
Is anyone able to help with information about Charles or the 'Ghandra Group'. If you do have anything, could you let pecbsa@btconnect.com know please.
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MAPS OF BURMA |
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Examples of WWII Japanese propaganda Click Here |
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Read about the A Nurses Story Click here |