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13th November 2001 - Death
of Brigadier David Wilson - Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders - Click
Here for details
FEPOW
Newsletter - Jan, Feb, Mar 2001 - CLICK HERE
26th
February 2001 - (CLICK HERE) God's army and the oppression of the Karen people
26th
November 2000
"The Stars" is an anthology of
poems which were collected and selected for the Boston and North Cambridgeshire
branch of the Burma Star Association by H E ("Sandy") Williams. The
collection of 118 poems is a very moving testament to those who fought,
sometimes died and were often forgotten in the Burmese jungles. Includes an
address given by Rev J F Titus Oates in St Dominic's Church, Washington on 18th
October 1981 on the occasion of the dedication of the Standard of the first
American branch of the Burma Star Association. The book has 144 pages, costs
£11.95 including postage and can be obtained from Richard Kay Publications, 80
Sleaford Road, Boston, Lincolnshire PE21 8EU, tel: 01205 353231. This is
soldiers writing poetry, not poets writing about soldiers.
23rd
November 2000
P.O.W.
Compensation - Please CLICK HERE for details
6th
November 2000
A Fascinating New Book
Tales
by Japanese Soldiers
CLICK HERE for
more details
ALSO
NEW
CHINDIT BOOK AVAILABLE
CHINDIT, SPECIAL FORCE, BURMA 1944
CLICK HERE
for details
11th
October 2000
Obituary
- General Sir Antony Read
- CLICK HERE
18th
September 2000
It is with great regret that I inform
members of your Association, that Mr Harry Judson MM,of Vine Street, Norton,
North Yorkshire, who served in Burma with the West Yorkshire Regiment, and being
awarded the Military Medal for his service there, died on Thursday 14 September
2000.
Geoff Buxton.
Secretary of Malton, Norton and District Royal British Legion Branch
Royal Army Services
Division 106 Petrol Division
Can anyone help me identify this unusual
set of Rosary beads for a friend of mine.
Known history: This Rosary was awarded to Private
P/OW Illingsworth Serial Number S/124714
he served with the 14th Army South East Asia Command Royal Army Services
Division 106 Petrol Division by Parsees followers of the Persian religion of
Zoroastrianism in India around 1943/44, just before the push into Burma.
His war record seems to be shrouded in mystery, he was one of the first
servicemen to be awarded the Burma Star, at Ranchie near the Bay of Bengal.
Has any Burma war veteran seen anything like this or remembers been given such a
gift during the Burma Campaign. We believe the Jewel could be a pink diamond.
Are there any Burma Veterans who served with the 14th Army SE Asia Command RASD
106th Petrol Division we would be interested in hearing from you.
Please reply to WoodheadR@stocksheff.freeserve.co.uk
13th September 2000
It is with regret that we
announce the death of Sidney David Lloyd Thomas who passed away at the age of 86
on the 31st August 2000 at the QEII hospital, Welwyn Garden City.
Sidney's number was 6028068
and he served in the British Army between 1940 and 1945, mainly in Burma
The cremation took place on
the 11th September 2000. Anyone requiring any information, please e-mail
Syd's son Dave on dave@dominosafety.freeserve.co.uk
8th
September 2000
It is
with much regret that we announce the passing of Ken Ward of the Wigston &
District Branch of the Burma Star Association, on September 6th 2000. He
had a large circle of friends who will miss him. Ken's funeral will be
held at Gilroes Crematorium on Tuesday 12th September 2000 at 11.30am.
Only family flowers only please but if you wish, you may give a donation to the
Burma Star Association. Cheques made payable to Abbey Funeral Services and
sent to 209, Uppingham Road, Leicester Tel: 0116-2743414
7th
September 2000 - Letter received by webmaster
I am writing with regards to a
publication I am completing with the assistance of an archivist at the
National Archives
of Canada. Our book , for now
is entitled , The History , Uniforms and Insignia of Canada's Airborne Forces
in WW 2.
We are searching for veterans ,
Canadian , British , Indian
Ghurka of Parachute qualified
Chindits and personnel of the
50th Indian Parachute Brigade .
We know that their were several Canadians involved in both these organizations
. We are in need to contact veterans , or institutions in order to acquire
images of original insignia / uniforms worn by these personnel. I have
contacted a few veterans here in Canada with little success.
Please if you know of any
veterans who can be of some help , or if you know of any museums ,
institutions who have in their collections original uniforms , insignia from
these groups , we would very much appreciate the help.
Thank you
Ken Joyce
30 McEwen Ave. Apt 409
Ottawa ON
K2B 5K8
(613) 596-4769
4th
September 2000
Greetings
to all members and Friends from the Treasurer of the Lincoln Branch of the BSA.
I hope to pass on my late husband's story fairly soon.
29th
August 2000
Read
the report on the unveiling of the Remembrance Memorial by the New Zealand
Branch of the Burma Star Association. CLICK
HERE TO READ REPORT
25th
August 2000
Can you
help with the following e-mail:
Dear Sir,
I am a Karen descend and would
like to establish a list of all Karen people who joined hands with British
Army during WW I, and WW II in Burma. I would be very appreciated if you
could give me some information how to get the names of those Karens.
I would like to establish to
commemorate those who had fallen in action and would like to have a memorial
service in Australia.
Thanks
Alex
24th
August 2000
Anne
Kelly has written a poem centred around a Japanese flag that her father Dan
Cuthbert had from the war. CLICK
HERE to read that poem
7th August 2000
It is with deep regret that we
announce the sudden but peaceful passing away of Mac Debney on the 4th August
2000 at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The funeral service will be held at the Oadby Trinity Methodist Church,
Leicester at 2.45pm on Thursday August 10th 2000. Flowers or donations if
desired to LOROS c/o A.J. Adkinson & Son, Funeral Directors of 12, London
Road, Oadby, Leicester - tel: 0116-2712340.
27th
July 2000
Page added showing VC awards in Burma
and deeds which were the reason for the awards
14th
July -
IN LATE JULY JOHN TEMPLE HOPES TO BE VISITING KOHIMA (SUBJECT TO VISA).
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE PHOTOS OF GRAVES, MONUMENTS ETC. PLEASE E.MAIL
JOHN at JAT@TEMPLES.FREESERVE.CO.UK
WITH DETAILS
Request
For Help From Tarak Barkawi of the University of Wales:
Message
from Aung
San Suu Kyi, Burma’s democratically elected leader
Loss
of CSM/RSM Jack Holt MM
22nd
June 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.
Tarak Barkawi
School of Politics and Sociology
Birkbeck College
University of London
Malet Street
London WC1E 7HX
fax: 0207 631 6787
ph: 01474 326 187
WISH
YOU WEREN’T HERE
“I hope you can come
back to this country one day and see the people when they are not frightened.
Burma will be here for many years, so tell your friends to visit us later.
Visiting now is tantamount to condoning the regime.”
Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s democratically elected leader
Where do you fancy going for
your hols this year? What about Burma? This country offers the unique holiday
experience of supporting one of the world‘s most brutal, military
dictatorships. In the run up to ‘Visit Myanmar* Year’ in 1996, up to 10
million people experienced forced labour and nearly 300 lives were lost so that
the infrastructure (roads, railways, hotels) could meet the standard tourists
expect. Still, what’s a few dead foreigners when you can sell a few books.
Step forward the ultra-cool essential backpackers guide to the universe, the
Lonely Planet. They have just brought out its new guide, and it’s all about
visiting Burma, despite the democratically elected opposition asking tourists to
give their country a miss until democracy is restored.
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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:
Just a note to
let you all know what is happening with the "Book".
Things are beginning to look interesting, to say the least! To cut
a rather long story short, I have been requested to send a copy to the
Black Watch Regimental museum at Balhousie Castle, Perth, for their
archives. I had a good chat with Dad's old 2nd in Command, Colonel
Rose (he's 87 years young), and will be posting off a copy ASAP.
I can't begin
to describe how I feel at the moment, but it is a great honour for me
and boosts my conviction that the Chindits should not be forgotten
anymore.
This one is for
you Dad!
Best wishes to
you all
Stewart
Lest We
Forget -Sarah Theophilus is the designer of a new web site dedicated to
"Lest We Forget: The Railroad of Death", a powerful book
containing paintings and stories by Fred Seiker of his memories as a POW
building the Thai-Burma Railroad.
Please visit
the new site, at http://www.beverevivis.u-net.com/books/lestweforget/
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.
Tarak Barkawi
School of Politics and Sociology
Birkbeck College
University of London
Malet Street
London WC1E 7HX
fax: 0207 631 6787
ph: 01474 326 187
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.
.............................................................................................................................................................
I thought
that maybe members of the Burma Star Association, and visitors to your
site may be interested in my web site: The Black Watch RHR "Chindits"
The site
primarily revolves around my Father's biography of his time spent in the
2nd Batt. The Black Watch RHR, 14 Brigade L.R.P, Special Force "The
Chindits".
There are
extensive photographs and documents on the site. If any of Dad's
old muckers are still about, he would love to hear from them. His
details are:
Pte. William
"Cocky" Cochrane, No.1 Section, No.1 Platoon, "A
Coy", 2nd Batt The Black Watch, 73 Column, 14 Brigade (Brodie)
Many thanks and
happy new year to you all
Regards,
Stewart
Cochrane
San Mateo
Cal, USA
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
...................................................
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. |
My uncle, Jack Holt MM, has just died in New Zealand. His son and myself are
trying to find information about him, especially his heroism during the Burma
Campaign about which he spoke very little. He served in Burma, initially in the
Lancashire Fusiliers and then in the 17th or 19th Indian Brigade , as a CSM or
RSM. Can anyone provide any information?
By the way his funeral is next Tuesday,4th July, in Woolston,Christchurch,
New Zealand.
Many thanks,
Adrian Lord |