|
This website is dedicated to the men and ladies of the
BURMA STAR ASSOCIATION
|
|
CAPT. CHARLES (PIP) HAYNES
2nd Chindit Expedition - 7th Bn
Nigeria Regiment
81st West African Div
The subject is my Grandfather, Captain Charles James
Haynes (Better known as Pip). He began his service in the Green Howards,
then in 1943 was posted to the 7th Bn The Nigeria Regt. He saw service
with them in West Africa from Apr to Sept 1943 and then in India/Burma from
Sept 43 to 6th July 1944 when he was KIA. As you all know the Regt
was (along with with the 6th and 12th Nigeria Regiments) part of the 3rd West
African Brigade (Thunder), detached to the Chindit Force ,under the command of
Brigadier Gillmore. The 7th Bn itself was split into the two columns of
35 (Lt Col Peter Vaughan (Welsh Guards)) and 29 (Lt Col Charles Carfrae).
My Grandfather was the Animal Transport Officer in 35 Column for Op THURSDAY
(Mar - Aug 44)
On the 5/6th of July 1944, my Grandfather was
sent forward to replace another officer (Charles Mercer I think) in a forward
position near PAHOK, some 14 miles to the West of MOGAUNG. (MOGAUNG
was already held by the Chinese since Calvert had captured it, but there was
many Japanese still around holding blocking positions. In particular
there was one group holding the main rail track South West of MOGAUNG which it
was hoped to use as an evacuation route.) I think it was while the Columns
were dealing with this, and other positions, that he died. (He was crossing a
track and shot by a Sniper). A Sgt Perkins, of 35 Column Support Platoon,
crawled forward to retrieve him but he had already died. He was buried in
PAHOK by the Revd Hastie-Smith who I presume was the Regt's Padre.
Some time ago I received correspondence from those shown
below. I have not met any of them, nor have I had contact with anyone else
that may have known my Grandfather.
Lt Col Charles Carfrae -
CO 29 Column, 7th Nigeria Regt. I have read his book.
Maj Denis Arnold MC - 35 Column.
He has (very kindly) sent me photographs of the area in which my Grandfather
was killed and also a photograph of his name on the memorial at Rangoon Cemetery.
Capt John King - Support Platoon, 35
Column, 7th Nigeria Regt
If anyone did know him, know of him or indeed know of
the activities West of MOGUANG at that time I would be grateful to enter into
correspondence, or meet in due course. I am also after
pictures/paintings/photos of OP THURSDAY (In any form) They seem to be hard to
get hold of! Please feel free to copy this E-Mail to anyone that my be
interested.
I have attached a photograph of my Grandfather
taken before Burma to "Jog" any memories !
Regards
Giles Hill
Giles can be contacted on Giles.Hill@btinternet.com (e-mail
address not working - GILES PLEASE CONTACT
pecbsa@btconnect.com for
information about your query
|
|
