Geoff Painter has a site about the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiments at: http://www.btinternet.com/~bedsandherts/

Peter Collinson has a site on the Royal Norfolks at: http://www.ean.co.uk/Data/Bygones/History/Article/WW2/Royal_Norfolks_in_Kohima/index.htm You may find this of interest.

The Black Watch Chindits - http://home.earthlink.net/~stewartc1/ A note from Stewart Cochrane, the author:

Request For Help:

11th February 2000:
I am working on a book concerning morale and fighting spirit in the Indian and African formations of XIV Army. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to interview any company and field grade officers who served in combat formations with, or trained, Indian and African troops. There appear to be several veterans who served in the Indian and African divisions in your branch and these could be of great assistance to me.  I am afraid I cannot offer anything more than lunch to interviewees in the way of compensation. But I can promise not to waste anyone's time (I am aware that many are rather tired of being interviewed by every researcher who comes their way) as well as any degree of confidentiality desired, in terms of direct quoting etc.
The details of my current post are in the signature line below, before coming here I was in the War Studies Department, King's College London and worked closely with Professor Brian Bond and Tim Moreman, another historian of the Indian Army. I can supply official bona fides if requested. Any assistance you can offer would be very much appreciated.
 

16th January 2000:

Is anyone able to help with a copy of a photograph of the Cenotaph in Rangoon.  Charles Hayes whose father Bdr Charles Hayes died on the 12th April 1945, is trying to obtain a copy and speak to any personnel that may have known his father.  If you can help, please contact paul@loseby.co.uk 

7th January 2000:

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of the National Chairman, Air Vice Marshall Sir Bernard Chacksfield KBE CB ENG FRAeS.  Sir Bernard passed away peacefully on the 27th December 1999 and his funeral took place today, the 7th January 2000.  Our condolences go out to Lady Chacksfield and the family.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Sir Bernard's life during March 2000.  The date is yet to be fixed, but details may be obtained after 1st February 2000, from the Burma Star Association Headquarters (Tel: 44-171-823-4273  Fax: 44-171-730-7882).

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It is will deep regret that we announce the death of Branch Member G. Willis.  Our condolences go out to his family.

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31st December 1999 - From the Webmaster and all members of the Wigston & District Branch of the Burma Star Association, may we wish you all, a truly Happy New Year/New Millennium.

Kindest regards to you all                      Paul Loseby

26th November 1999

The Lion Box and Kanglatongbi in April 1944.  Chris Johnson is currently writing a book about his father's service in Burma and would appreciate any help possible from anyone who remembers this aspect of the Burma Campaign.  Chris is available on david@southillthorpe.freeserve.co.uk 

Jonathon Moffatt of Coventry has just written a book "Moon Over Malaya" - a tale of Argylls and Marines.  Readers may be interested in this and information is available by sending a fax to 01203-545013

2nd November 1999

The last Remembrance Day service of this Millennium, will be held at All Saints Church, Bushloe End, Wigston on Sunday, the 14th November 1999 commencing with the parade at 10.15am.  The service will be conducted by the vicar of All Saints and the Padre of this Branch of the Burma Star Association, Reverend Ev. Loseby.

A couple of weeks ago, the webmaster received the following e-mail:
The undersigned were friends of Sir Wilfred, recently deceased. We are in Beverly Hills, California and have not been able to find a copy of the Times with the obiturary of Sir Wilfred. We are, however, informed by his son that it was Lady Cockroft's desire that a donation be made in honor of Sir Wilfred's life to your organization. Apparently Sir Wilfred was active in the Burma theater during World War II. Would you be so kind as to direct me as to how we can best make the donation so that it causes the minimum of trouble to you and so that Lady Cockroft will be apprised of our gift.  Respectfully, Gunther H. Schiff,  Beverly Hills, CA

The sender has been given the details of Phil Crawley, the secretary of the Burma Star Association in order that the arrangements can be made for the donation.  If anyone would like to contact Lady Cockroft regarding her late husband's service in Burma, the webmaster does have full address details and will willingly pass on the information.

13th October 1999

I regret to inform you all, that member Roland Bettoney sadly collapsed and died last Saturday, the 9th October 1999.   The funeral will take place at 1.45pm on Friday 15th October 1999 at Leicester Gilroes Cemetary on Groby Road.

3rd October 1999

We have received an e-mail from John Passanisi - Web Master of the Merrill's Marauders Association.   All will remember this fighting force that were so instrumental in the victory in Burma and the Far East.   John has linked our web pages to those of the Marauders and it is a privilege to be associated with them.   

The Merrill's Marauders Association web page is at http://www.marauder.org  You may like to have a look at this page during your 'surfing'

6th August 1999

Don't forget that the 1999 V.J. Day Remembrance Parade is at Lincoln on Sunday, the 15th August at Lincoln.  It is understood that all seats on the coach have been taken but should you wish to enquire into this, or want more details regarding meeting points etc., please contact the Hon. Sec on 0116-2911879

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24th June 1999

It is with great regret, that I have to announce the passing away of a much loved member, MORRIS BRUCE. Morris died on Tuesday the 22nd June 1999 in hospital following a long illness.   The funeral service will be held at the United Reform Church, Long Street, Wigston, on Tuesday 29th June 1999 at 10.45am.  This will be followed by a private burial in Wigston Cemetary.  It is requested that no flowers be sent, but you may send donations to the Wigston Royal British Legion care of A.J. Adkinson, Funeral Directors, 12 London Road, Oadby, Leicester - Tel: 0116-2712340.