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3390047 Private John Rawes - EAST LANCASHIRE REGIMENT:- Daughter Margaret writes "

He was in the Middle East Land Force 26/05/42 until 07/01/43 and then went to Burma and awarded The Burma Star and others

I was wondering if I could find out where he was in Burma and what Battles he would have been in, I do now he was Injured and had Malaria very bad........

I do know he was injured, remember someone saying he had a snake bite also got shot in the leg and he had very bad malaria and nearly died they said he had a 50 50 chance of pulling through and he did pull through.

If anyone can help, could they contact me on mj&m@dogmeg.freeserve.co.uk

My father was a Captain in the Burma Rifles. His name is
Eric Henry Dunsford, son of Bertie and Mary Dunsford.

His ABRO NO is ABRO 1252.
He was born on 06 November 1912.
He was enlisted in India from Burma in 1944 and discharged on 1/08/1947.

Franklin A Dunsford (son of Eric Henry Dunsford) on aceribbs@bigpond.net.au with a copy to andy@lightstorm.com.au

ALFRED 'SON' STRUDWICK - CHANGI POW:- Rebecca writes "Does anyone remember Alfred Strudwick. He was a POW in Changi, Singapore and was then moved to work on the Burma Railway.. He returned to England via America on the Queen Elizabeth. He may also have answered to the name 'Son'... If anyone even remotely remembers him could you please get in touch.. Thanks londonbecca@aol.com

We are writing to you in hopes that you maybe able to point us in the right direction. My wife and I are trying to obtain some genealogy information on Patricia's father. We have contacted the British Army for his Service Record but they were not able to find any information on her father.

His name was Patrick "Red" Maddox and at the time he left the British Army he was a Lieutenant Colonel. He was seconded to the U.S. Army and was part of the Office of Strategic Services Detachment 101. We know that he was awarded the Military Cross from the British and the Legion of Merit from the U.S. on March 18th, 1946.

We have found some information in the following two books where he is mentioned a number of times:

In this second book there is a picture of Patrick who at the time the picture was taken was the Deputy Group Leader of Group "A" which was lead by a Captain Bernard. At the end of this book it indicated, how I interpreted it anyway, that Patrick was in charge of the 3rd Battalion who headed North to Pangtara where the battalion was disbanded. There was actually quite a bit of information in the above two books and in some cases went into detail about some of the experiences that the individuals within the OSS went through.

We are wondering if you have any idea who we may be able to contact in regards to obtaining information about Patrick's service record. We also have a number of Patrick's badges, yet we do not know what they stand for. Do you know of anyone we can contact who would be able to identify badges.

My father died 19th January 2002 after a long illness and I'm trying to put together a sort of biography for the family. I'd really would like to contact any of his old comrades and try to get a clearer picture of Dad as he was during the war. I have his Certificate of Service book which is only of limited help.

Does anyone remember Harry Seers he served in the Chindits in Burma. When he first arrived in Burma he was with the Royal Artillery. He was then sent to train in the Central Provinces with the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Wellington's Regiment. After training he travelled to the Marianna railhead crossing the Bhrama Putra river on the way. He then marched behind Japanese lines where they disrupted the Japanese supply lines to Kohima. He was a Muleteer carrying a machine gun and mortar. He was a good sportsman and played football for the Army at Everton's ground he was also an excellent swimmer. Melvyn Seers on MelvynSeers@aol.com

topper smith (Sidney john smith) - SomERSET LIGHT INFANTRY:- Daughter Liz writes "

My dad, was in the 1st Btn Somerset Light Infantry 1936-40 Poona and Multan. He's now 85 and very ill, suffering from emphysema and heart failure. above everything else, he'd love to hear from anyone who knew him back then, and it would be lovely for me to be able to surprise him with a message from someone. he's housebound and virtually immobile, so please, if anyone is out there who knew my dad, contact me and I'll pass on the message. Thank you, from Elizabeth. liz.starburst@btopenworld.com

CPL HAROLD TURNER - ROYAL SIGNALS WITH 82nd WEST AFRICAN DIVISION:- Son Michael writes "

My father, Cpl Harold Turner was with Royal Signals attached to 82nd West African Division. He was (and remained after the war) a GPO Telephones engineer and being a reserved occupation was not called up until 1942. I know he trained at Catterick, sailed to Freetown and moved into Ghana. I have photos of him and friends in and around Akra, Kumasi etc. I can still sing snatches of songs in an African language with which he used to put us to bed, one of which he never translated, even up to his death in 1984. He had Ashantis and Ibos with him so was with one of the Nigerian divisions. From Africa he went to India and I have a photo of him with his cousin, taken after his mother and aunt realised from letters that the two boys were in the same place. He travelled on leave up into the high tea growing mountains. Finally he moved into Burma. He talked little of his experiences but often told the story of "The Bloody Battle of Letmauk". His version of this (or part of this) was of a friendly fire situation where two fairly large units opened fire on one another across a river or a wadi. Ring any bells? Michael Turner on moturner@btinternet.com

CSM HERBERT BURNESS - KING'S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY:- Grandson Karl is seeking information about Sgt Major Burness. He writes "I am researching my Grandfathers, service History.
His name was Herbert Burness,
He served with 6th Infantry - Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
His Rank on demob was - Company Sergeant Major,
Do you know of him? And is there any information you can pass onto me.
Thank you for your sacrifice during the war, I have thanked my grandfather, but I only learnt of his service after he had died,
Yours truly, Karl Duvall on karl.duvall@btinternet.com

GEORGE (BLANKO) GREEN - GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT:- Son Michael writes "My father has just recently passed away. I have always Known that he was a Chindit, though he didn't talk much about his exploits in Burma. Going through his belongings I have found a few memories of his previous life, but I would dearly like to Know more about him.
It is also so important that his grandson and great-grandson should know what men like my father and many more like himself contributed to his country.
I sometimes wonder, if we of today generation would have sacrificed ourselves as our fathers did. I've always been proud of my father. I would like to know more about him.
His name was George Green he was known as BLANKO and he served with the Glousters .

Any information would be gratefully accepted
Many thanks Michael Green on m.green@lcp.linst.ac.uk

Granddaughter Deborah writes "I am the Grand Daughter of the above name who serviced in the 20th Division Army Royal Signals. He was presented with an officers sword at the surrendering of Japan. I would like to know if anyone could assist my mother in helping her find a home for this sword also a Gurkha knife. We would like it to go to a safe place somewhere like a museum. Also if anyone serviced with my Grandfather in India I would also like to hear from you. deborah.stewart@arvalphh.co.uk

HARRY (PAT) PATTERSON/SGT LEN HOWE - 2 DIV - R.E.M.E. - RECCE REGT L.A.D.:- Harry is trying to contact Len. If you have any information, can you contact Harry on kenhpat@hotmail.com

JOSEPH McKEOWNS/ARCHIE McElheren - H.M.S. AMEER:- Can we help re-unite a couple of old comrades. If you know Joe or were on the Ameer, could you contact Archie on mad&mac@telus.net

SGT BILLIE QUATE - CHINDITS/8th HEAVY AA ROYAL ARTILLERY:- Grandson Gary is trying to find out more about his Grandfather who fought with the Chindits. If you can help Gary, could you contact him on GryFrgsn1@aol.com

Niece Anne writes " I live near Khanchanraburi (Bridge over the River Kwai) in Thailand. I'd be happy to take a photo of a grave or the bridge. The Cemetery is very well maintained and is quite a haunting place.

My uncle was in the 'Chindits'. His name was Leonard Bickmore, unfortunately he died about 2 years ago, just as I was starting to trace my family history. Does anyone remember him? Anne Bickmore on anne_bickmore@hotmail.com

FRANK GOULD - SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE REGT - CHINDITS:- Daughter Pam writes "I am trying to trace my dads history with the south staffs regiment, he was born 10th Feb. 1903 in Derbyshire , Sawpit Farm in Matlock. His name being Frank Gould and stories I remember him telling us were that he was in Burma at a very young age also stories about Lawrence of Arabia also I think he was in Ireland in the 20's and something about a place called Bear Island I would like to know where I can find information as to his whereabouts and the countries he would have been in with his regiment at that time. I presume he would have joined up in about 1919. I did have his rucksacks brass badge of the South Staffs knot with his number on but cannot lay my hands on it at the moment or I would have had his number. I have just got this computer and would love to find out where and when he was with his regiment. I would be so grateful if you have the time to help me with my quest. Its all a long time ago, but I remember listening to his stories, mainly after a scotch! which had my sisters and I enthralled regards Pam Harding on Pamie50@aol.com

Granddaughter Lorraine writes "I am trying to find out more about my Grandfather who served in the Royal Corps of Signals 9th (19th??) Indian Div and was attached to the Ghurkha regiment. He fought in Burma and Malaya and was taken prisoner. He worked on the Bridge over the River Kwai and survived to be sent home and hospitalised at the end of the war.

Unfortunately he spoke very little of his experience until very late in life and is now deceased. I am trying to find out more about him and wonder if there is any information that I can acquire of him, his regiment and his time as a prisoner. I remember talking to him and know that he did not take some medal that was offered and I would like to know what this might have been.

I know that I need more information such as his service number, date of joining and leaving etc to obtain copies of his actual records but do not know where to start finding them.

Lorraine G. Webster (by letter). If you can help, could you please send an e-mail by clicking here

Edwin (Ted) Rueben Parker - ROYAL ENGINEERS - CHINDITS:- Granddaughter Elizabeth writes:

"I am currently trying to piece together a history of my Grandfathers involvement in World War II. His name was Edwin (Ted) Rueben Parker. He was a member of the Royal Engineers under the command of Major General Wingate, and was a Chindit.

We would love to hear from anyone who served with Pop, or anyone who knows a bit more about his history. Sadly, he passed away a few years ago, and he didn't like to talk about his memories, so we do not know much about what he did over there. If you could post his name on the site along with my contact details, it would be much appreciated. My e mail address is lizzy-allan@bigpond.com

ALBERT HARRY DICKENS (BERT) - 2492/2802 SQUADRONS R.A.F.: Granddaughter Joanne Writes "I am siging on behalf of my grandfather ALBERT HARRY DICKENS (BERT) who joined the RAF 802 (then became 2802) Squadron Ground Gunners in 1941. He has told me lots of fascinating stories about his time in Burma and now aged 81 can still recall events in great detail. I told him that I had discovered this site and I thought it would be worth adding his name. He remembers a colleague named Percy Mole or Moul who returned (one of the lucky few) from North Africa and would like to hear from him if he or his family read this. My grandfather should have gone to N Africa too but his father died and he was sent home for a while - he believes this sad event could well have saved his life. He knows a lot of his pals died either in N Africa or on the journey. BERT also remembers Flying Officer Moody being in charge of him in Burma when he was a Corporal and would love to hear of him. If there is anyone who remembers him maybe from 2942 or 2802 Squadrons or perhaps someone who returned from N Africa belonging to 2802 please contact me via jali@farrer.co.uk Many thanks

WILLIAM JARDINE - ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS:- Daughter Jean writes "My late father was an NCO - Sgt William Jardine - in the Royal Signals and served in Burma for four years during WWII, returning to Britain in 1944. I know he was mentioned in despatches and had some medals. His release certificate describes him as OWL Class 1 and, by that time, he was serving in Whitby, Yorkshire, in the 3 Operators Training Branch. He was in the Royal Signals from 1935 to 1945 but, since he rarely spoke about his army career, I know very little about it. If anybody visiting this site knew or knew of my father, I would appreciate hearing from them.
Email: jean@designandcopy.ca

SAPPER 2002291 JOHN HENRY AUSTIN - 287 FIELD CO. ROYAL ENGINEERS:- Richard Barnes writes "

Sapper John Henry Austin was my Grandfathers brother who sadly died in a Japanese POW camp. He was in 287 Field Company Royal Engineers who landed in Singapore shortly before it fell in Feb, 1942. He died in Sept 1943.

Does anyone please have any information on John also known as Harry, so that i can pass it on to my grandfather

Norman died recently and his nephew is looking for anyone who might have known him, Norman was a radio operator and almost certainly a Chindit. Anyone with any information at all please contact Mike Barnes.