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SGT 5506096 JAMES ANDREW McCAUGHAN - No. 3 COMMANDO/HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT: Sue McCaughan writes "Please can you help me? I am trying to trace my grandfathers family tree. His name was Andrew McCaughan and he is buried in Rangoon cemetery in Burma. He was in the Royal Hampshire Regiment and number 3 Commando. He also had a brother in the war but I'm not sure if he was in Burma too. I know my grandfather came from County Antrim, but he was living in Headley Down nr Bordon Camp in Hampshire at the time.
My Grandfather died on Tuesday 22nd February 1944 aged 29. How can I contact Rangoon to check his details etc? Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated" Sue is on suevalentine@cwcom.net

GNR 909319 ERIC FRANK HEAL 118th FIELD REGT RA
GNR 908659 BRIAN HEAL 118th FIELD REGT RA:- The Heal family are trying to find information about these two brothers who are now buried in Chungkai War Cemetary in Thailand. If you can help, could you please contact Anthony.Heal@wanadoo.fr

CHARLES D. PEARCE - MERRILL'S MARAUDERS.475th MARS TASK FORCE: I'm Looking for old pals and members of Merrill's Marauders and Later 475th, Mars Task Force E-mail : hplandingstoons@aol.co Please contact me. I'm nesalgic and a healthy 77. God Bless

BASIL ARNOLD NEALE - CHINDITS /POONA WINGATE'S CLERICAL STAFF/GREEN HOWARDS RASC/RAOC:- Basil Neale's son writes "I'm just making preliminary contact, regarding my late father BASIL ARNOLD NEALE who served as a Chindit. He was born 30/06/1917 and enlisted in Poona on 9th Feb 1934, Army number S/4388376.

I believe he was on Wingate's clerical staff, and have in my possession a typewritten report which I have not yet read. However, I believe each Company Commander of the Columns had to submit final reports. Although these have been published, I believe I hold an original draft of one. If this is of any interest, I can furnish further details. Dad was not a Burma Star Association member, but I feel that this information can only serve to help others of his comrades-in-arms. I have not only the full document (public domain, though blacked by censor in parts) of "Copy No. 11; Report on Ops of 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, Feb- June 1943", but also Wingate's marked-up, original version.

I have Dad's campaign medals and pay-book. Joining as a boy soldier in India, he was initially in the Green Howards, later transferring to the RASC and later the RAOC, retiring as a Major although when he was in the Chindits, he was one of the 'other ranks'. Dad left India in 1947, when I was aged 1 year!

Please contact me if any of the above is of interest. I shall try to read the documents to glean some of their content. Regards, Colin Neale colin.neale@ntlworld.com

CAPTAIN JAMES DOUGLAS HAMILTON - Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers/Queen's Royal Regiment/POW:- James' stepson Nicholas writes "My step father was commissioned in the Inneskilling Fusiliers just before the last war. He served in Burma and I have located a reference letter written by Major General Loftus Tottenham, 7th Division The Queens Royal Regiment, confirming that James served under him as a Lieutenant in Burma during 1943-44.

James, very rarely spoke of his war experience. Only once when he recounted having to surrender his platoon following an ambush this had a profound effect upon him as many of his charges subsequently perished as a result of his decision. Another letter confirms his regret at being "forced" to resign his commission dated 1947. He was a career officer from a military family, the son of Major General Percy Douglas Hamilton, Royal Artillery, it is not clear what happened to prompt such a drastic decision although his experience as a POW may explain this..

I would be delighted to speak with anyone who knew James either during or after the war. I am available through Nicholas.Baxter@stpaul.com

RONALD TAYLOR - 5727589 - THE DORSET REGIMENT:- Ron's son Alan is seeking information about his father who died in 1957. We have one or two wartime photographs and would be interested to find anybody who was in them ( one is crossing the Irriwaddy and there one with two comrades in shorts/tropical gear). Alan can be contacted at his email address alantaylor.kendal@libertysurf.co.uk

JOSEPH BLACKMAN - 2 DIV (ROYAL ARTILLERY): Joseph's son John on Jblackman@telus.net is seeking information on his father. If you can help, could you please contact him on the above e-mail address

CHARLES (JACK) BEECHAM - OXFORD AND BUCKS LIGHT INFANTRY - Jack's relatives are seeking information and believe that he may have died in Burma, possibly on the railway. If you can help, could you please contact chris.bradley@chris-bradley.co.uk

HARRY CLEGG - CHINDITS:- Harry's son Peter writes "My later father Harry Clegg served with the Chindits in Burma. He saw active service in Rangoon, White City etc. He was with: Wingate, Slim, Ferguson. We have a home page (Family Tree Maker under the name LEWRY (Bessy Florence)). Dad found out that he was adopted and that his real name was LEWRY. Peter is on fatherpeter@clegg35.freeserveco.uk

GEORGE COLLINGE - KINGS OWN LANCASHIRE REGIMENT:- Can you help George's granddaughter with information about him and where he was in Burma. The contact e-mail address is bsth1@tinyworld.co.uk

DONALD WILES - RAF: Donald's granddaughter writes "I am looking for information about my grandfather. His name was DONALD WILES and he was in the RAF and was based all around the place. The only thing I know of his story since sadly he died before I was born, is that he made a miraculous escape from a Jap POW camp at Java. This escape I believe was the same one that is mentioned in an obituary for Col A W Kiggell (20/09/00) where they acquired a Chinese River Boat and were travelling to Ceylon in 1942? relying on the stars for navigation only to be fired at by a Jap torpedo which amazingly passed straight under the luckily flat bottomed boat! He subsequently survived the war and went on to be awarded the Burma Star. this story was told to me by my father and my Great grandmother so I believe that my grandfather was on this boat and so if anyone was also on the boat or is aware of the story please email me at fraggle00behave@aol.com and let me know any facts and stories. Please help me because I want to be able to tell my children in the future so that they wont forget the courage of all the men and women who gave up so much for us."

THOMAS VINCENT PAYNE - SOUTH STAFFS REGT/CHINDITS:- Tom's son Stephen writes "I was very pleased to find your site ! I'm looking for any information or any advise on how to find anything at all about my father Thomas Vincent Payne from Lichfied Staffordshire.

My father died in 1957 when my mother was expecting me, when she remarried my step-father burnt everything to do with my father in the garden so when I tell you I have limited information I'm not joking.

All I know is that he was conscripted and was in the South Staffs, I have been told he served in Arnhem and was then sent out to Burma to serve with the Chindits. Unfortunatly I do'nt know any dates or his number every time I try to find out anything I keep coming up against a deadend. I would greatful for any information what so ever.

JOHN SKILTON - ROYAL ENGINEERS:- John's daughter Eileen writes "My late father John Skilton of the Royal Engineers was in Changi and then later Camp No.1 in Thailand. He told me of all the suffering and cruelty that went on, (he was tortured for not bowing to a Japanese Officer). I remember as a child that we went to Christmas parties/reunions in London (just off the Strand). I would be very pleased to hear from anyone that can remember those events or even better anyone that can remember my father, he was born in Godmanchester. Eileen's e-mail address is Keithturness@Supanet.com

SGT MAJ. BILL MORTIMER - ROYAL ARTILLERY: - Bill's son Barry writes "My Dad served in Burma and India until 1947, but said very little about his army experiences. If anyone can tell me how to find out what he got up to, I'd be very much obliged. Amongst his service medals is a Burma Star." Barry is available on barriemortimer@x-stream.co.uk

RSM ARTHUR JAMES HARDING - ROYAL ARTILLERY: Arthur's son Colin writes "I am trying to trace details of my fathers war service. His name was Arthur James Harding, I believe he was an RSM in the Royal Artillery He served in Burma during the war and received a number of Burma Stars though I am not sure which years. Please can you tell me where I can find details of his war records or of anyone who knew him during the period of 1940-1945. Colin Harding colin@facemac.demon.co.uk Also my mother served in the army during the war. I think maybe she was also in the Royal Artillery. Her name was Margaret Rosemay Hall."

MAJOR C.H. JOHNSON (known as John) Service No: 590079 - 7/5 MAHRATTA LIGHT INFANTRY/19 DIV - 20th INDIAN MOUNTAIN REGT - 44th ARMOURED DIV: - John's Grandson writes "In the last 8 months, I have been questioning my Grandad about his role in WW2. He is still alive at the age of 90, but is in a frail condition. In the past all he ever said was that he was “based in India”, and had to do a bit of fighting”. In recent conversations it has come to light that he fought in Burma, during nearly all of WW2.

His name is Major C.H. Johnson (Charles Henry), service no. 590079. He was known to many as John. He was born in Yorkshire, and returned there after the war for a short time before moving to Bradwell in Essex.

At the beginning of the war, he served in the 7/5 Mahratta Light Infantry and was promoted to Major in approx. 1942 and subsequently converted to the 19th Indian Division (Dagger Division) where he served in the 20th Indian Mountain Regiment, Indian Artillery, where he commanded approx. 150 men, 8 officers and 12 guns (either 57mm or 20 pounders).

He finished the end of the war in the 7/5 Mahratta Light Infantry. He was involved in the victory parade in Belgaum (headquarters of the Mahratta Light Infantry).

I would love to reunite him with any other comrades who are still alive and remember him or if you could send me a list of personnel in either of these two divisions that I could show him to see if he remembers any of them. He did initially keep in touch with his battle captain “Duggie” who went to live in Scotland after the war.

Marcel Gowers ~ P.S. Do you know where I can get copies of my Grandad’s service records?

SIDNEY GEORGE WALTERS - GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGT/ROYAL WELCH FUSILIERS/WELCH REGIMENT:- Sidney's son David writes "

I have been trying to trace his World War 11 history for approx.3 years with a view to obtaining either duplicate service medals or a war certificate of some sort,but too no avail ( It's just recently I''ve found out about your website).

I would be so grateful and very pleased and proud if you could assist me in my enquiries as regards my late father. I,am a retired Police officer.

David is available on dwsw@waltersdw.freeserve.co.uk

PTE THOMAS M. MILLER US ARMY - COASTAL ARTILLERY:- Tom's nephew Don, writes "My name is Don Miller, I am looking for anyone who provide we with any information on my uncle, Private Thomas M Miller who served in the U.S. Army during the Burma campaign. He was killed in action some where along the Burma Road.. I was a very young boy when he was killed and I know very little about him. Our family has drifted apart over the years and I cant find anyone who has any information on Tom. The only information that is available is on his headstone, which reads: thomas M Miller penna, (Pensylvania) pvt Coastal Artillery Corps WWII Philadelphia July-7-1918 January-16-1945 I hope some one out there can help me..thank you..Donald A Miller SMSGT USAF {ret}. Don can be contacted on dam1092@aol.com

My grandfather has recently passed away and i have found out that he was a member of Chindits. although he didn't talk about his time in the army, before he died he was having dreams about being back in the jungle it affected him greatly like so many other ex-service men. his name was Mr George Arthur Harrison his number was 853599 his rank was private, he went into the army on the 15.04.34 and left on the 29.07.46. if you have any information please email me at slharrison69@hotmail.com

BATT SGT STEPHEN McNICHOLL - ARTILLERY UNIT NOT KNOWN: Peter is after details of his uncle's exploits in Palestine and Burma. He is available on peter.hodgson2@ntlworld.com

Cliffy from Attleborough Norfolk served in Polebrook, Snaith, Ridgewell 1st Bomb wing, Stradishall, Lindholme, Lundford Magna,ACSEA Base Singapore 1946. He sadly died in 1982.

Tony's son would like to speak with anyone who knew his dad: he is available on ttccrockers@freezone.co.uk

MAJOR R. DOUGLAS MUTCH - R.E.M.E./2 DIV: the Major's son William writes "I would be most interested in hearing from anyone who served with my late father, Maj. R.Douglas MUTCH. Dad was an officer in REME and was attached to the 2nd Division, 14th Army. I believe he was at the Battle of Kohima although he never spoke much about it. I have a handwritten copy of the pipe tune "Heroes of Kohima" which was composed after the battle. Although his modesty would not admit of it I think he either wrote it or collaborated in the writing of it. Dad was a very enthusiastic piper and I know he had some piping friends in the Royal Scots. He passed away in Niagara Falls, Ontario in July of 1988.

My uncle, Lt. William MUTCH, was killed in action in Burma in 1942. He was in an armoured regiment (RTR?) and was lost in the retreat into India. He has no known grave although his name is on the memorial at Taukkyan. If any of his comrades are still alive and read this I would be delighted to hear from them. I can be contacted at billmutch@yahoo.com. Thank you in advance.

SGT ALAN WALTER HAWKINS - RAF WIRELESS OPERATOR/ALSO DRUMMER IN THE 'SWING PATROL' (or 'SWING BRIGADE'): Alan's grandson writes "Can anyone help. I am trying to find out about my late grandfather...Sgt Alan Walter Hawkins, an RAF wireless operator....I know he was a drummer in a swing band called swing brigade or swing patrol...does anyone know of him or know any stories about him, as i am keen to find out about him. many thanks"
Stephen is on sarw78@hotmail.com

ERIC THOMAS EGAN - ROYAL BERKSHIRE REGIMENT:

I have been trying to trace and track down information on my Father, Eric Thomas Egan. He served under Field Marshall Slim in Burma during the war and was captured by the Japanese. He escaped from the POW camp and spent time hiding in the jungle until he gave himself up to the Americans. I understand that he was in the Royal Berks regiment. He never received his Burma star. I have his 1939 - 1945 star his Pacific star and his 1939 - 1945 George VI medal. He died back in 1970 aged 72 and was born in Ireland in County Cork. I also understand that he was on the Repulse or the Prince of Wales. He saved a man called Williams when the ship was sunk. That's about all I know.

I found some notes that my Mother left me before she died. They are a bit vague, She writes:- Eric Thomas Egan P.O.W. re C.Q.M.S escape from Japs.

My husband was taken prisoner in Singapore, he was put to work on the Siam Railway. He was under Field Marshall Slim and another General whose name I can't remember, I know it began with A.G. While he was captive he made it known to two officers his intentions to escape. They helped collect a few things to help him on his way. He got away with another soldier who was later recaptured and beheaded. My husband was long gone. He hid in the Burma jungle where he met up with a German, a Mr Freelander, who gave him food and some clothes. He walked from Singapore to the Burma border.

He disguised himself as a Turk, fez and all and got by the Jap guards and crossed the Meni Bridge only to be sent back by the guards on the other side. He made his way back to Singapore. My husband said it was 900 miles each way. He was in the jungle for three and a half years. He got information that the Americans were in Singapore, so he gave himself up and was put in Chanhi Prison and was interrogated. The grade was Black, Grey, and white. As he was white he was kitted out and arrived back in Singapore at the time the Repulse and the Prince of Wales were sunk. My husband helped to get the Sailors off safely and he was the last man off before the Prince of Wales sank. He came home in February 1948. but never got his Burma star medal. He had to sign papers to the effect that he would not reveal how he made his escape. He was awarded the Loyalty Medal. This is as much as I remember. He was 15 stone when he enlisted and was less than eight stone when he got home. He died in May 1970. He also served in the Kings own Royal regiment 1st Lancaster 1914 - 1918 war, he enlisted under age.

So you see Paul, the above is all I have to work with. As my mother was 84 years of age, I am not sure if she got a few bits wrong or if everything is correct. She also wrote some numbers on the bottom of her notes, these are:- 534974PARA and KR1940/39XX1XA class. I have not got a clue what these are. Maybe if I add these to my message someone will recognise them, what do you think? Anyway thanks again for you help if I get any ware I will drop you a line and let you know. By the way my Fathers Pacific Star does not have a clasp with Burma on it. It is possible that it was lost over the years. Thanks again.

Can anyone out there help me?? Maybe one of you remembers my Father or you may even be Mr Williams.

My father was Sidney George Cottiss his regiment was RASC his army number was T168361. Dad was captured in Singapore while he was in hospital. He survived his time as a POW and was discharged on 28/04/1946. He was a POW from 19 March 1941 to 4 Nov 1945.

Dad never spoke about his experiences and sadly died when I was 17. I would like to find out as much as possible about his whereabouts after his capture or talk to anyone who remembers him"

STANLEY (SUNNY) LEVIN - 101st AIRBORNE: Sunny's Granddaughter Jennifer writes "

My grandfather's brother Stanley Levin, nickname-"Sunny". He served in WWII for the Army Aircorp. He did his training at Langley Airforce Base, Virginia. He was born March 6 1923. I want to find any information about Stanley. The story that was told to me was- Stanley was away and his division (101st Airborne, I think!) was going on a top secret mission to set up radar stations in Burma. He told his family that they would receive a letter in the mail that the flight crashed and everyone had died, but not to worry that 2 weeks after receiving the letter he would be returning home for a visit. The letter came, but he never returned. His family thoroughly searced for any information of what happened but the Army couldn't find anyone on the flight. They got in touch with other families that had relatives (possibly) on that flight, they all got the same answer- they were all presumed dead. No one has received any further information on what happened. If you have ANY information on Stanley Levin(born in Phila. Pennsylvania), or about this flight PLEASE contact me- turkjll@prodigy.net.