Irrawaddy Burma 13th BN, The Kings Liverpool Reg.

Owen · Jan 24, 2010

Top first post bamboo!

sandra clemmet · Jan 25, 2010

Hi, What a great bunch of helpful people you all are in giving me much information regarding my post, thank you so much, it's nice to know that I can call upon you all for advice, I am really glad I joined this site.

sandra clemmet · Jan 25, 2010

bamboo43 said:

Hi Sandra,

I was browsing the web, when I came across your post about CSM Fraser.
I have been researching the Longcloth Chindits for over two years now. The reason being my Grandfather was in the 13th Kings in 1943. He sadly died in Rangoon Jail in June that same year.

Basically I have a lot of paperwork on the unit and your Great Uncle John was with Wingate's own Brigade HQ on the operation. This I am afraid is the only piece of confirmed info I have about him, other than he was reported Missing in Action on 30/04/43, the same day as his given date of death. The MIA would be the last time he was seen by the most senior officer with him at the time. With this operation many men are basically lost to the jungle and their last movements are not known. He could easily have been alive for a few more days passed that date.

Having read the War diaries very closely I would say that when Wingate decided to break the HQ into smaller dispersal units in late March or very early April, your G. Uncle would have been in a group led by either an officer called Hosegood or one called Wilding. It will be impossible to ever be sure. But this group became caught between the Irrawaddy and Shweli Rivers during April. Then were run to ground by Japanese forces and eventually engaged by them on 30/04/43. Some were killed others taken POW.

Of the list put on the posts by Wessex W. the following men were also in Brigade HQ: Arries, Boyce, Cooke, Taylor and an Indian Army Officer Pat Gordon, all are lost in late April, just like John.
I have some of the diaries on digital image, If you want to PM me, we can discuss how I can get this all to you?
A very good book to read to get an understanding of what they all went through is 'March or Die' by Phil Chinnery. It has some first hand accounts of Brigade HQ, by some veterans who were there.

Sorry the post has got so long.

Bamboo 43.
Click to expand...

sandra clemmet · Jan 25, 2010

Hi Bamboo 43, Thank you so much for your reply, I would really love it if you could send to me what you have on the above. I will pay for any copies/postage.
Your information along with other members has been great.
Kindest Regards
Sandra

bamboo43 · Jan 25, 2010

Hi Sandra,

Always great to meet another Chindit family, anything I have I will send over. Research is for sharing otherwise what is the point? I have made contact with several 13th King's families over the last two years, it has been very rewarding to help them in some way understand what these men went through. You owe me nothing whatsoever.

Bamboo.

Owen · Jan 25, 2010

Just looking at his Army number, 3186646.
That is in the Block allocated to the KOSB.
The King's Own Scottish Borderers 3178001 - 3233000 .
That means he originally enlisted into that Regiment, transferring to The King's at a later date.
Is there a surviving relative of his still alive who could apply for his Service Records?

sandra clemmet · Jan 26, 2010

Hi, I am really glad you responded to my request for information, you have been very helpful, thank God there are people llike you out there to turn too .
Thank you.

Owen · Jan 26, 2010

Next-of-kin can apply for his Service record, see this link.
Army Personnel Centre - British Army Website
It'll take several months to get them & maybe confusing to understand but if you do get them & need help come back here & ask.

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Irrawaddy Burma 13th BN, The Kings Liverpool Reg.

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