2nd Chindit Campaign - 2nd Leicesters

I am searching for any information that I can with regard to the 2nd Chindit campaign but most specifically to the 16th Brigade headed by BE Fergusson

Any help would be most appreicated.

After reading the citation I discovered that there was a war diary for the 2nd Leicesters. By viewing this I have found the names of the men killed on 27th March 1944. Although there are six names, I am have assume that they were all killed in the same battle.

1. Lieutenant Martin Edward Anthony Dallosso 14.A.20
2. Lance Corporal Leslie Alfred Carey 14.A.21
3. Sapper Stanley Blaylock Rangoon Memorial Face 3
4. Gunner George Charles Dorset 14.A.22
5. Private J Fuller 14.A.23
6. Private Aubrey Ernest Hickson 14.A.24

I am at present tracing the families of these men and have managed to find living relatives of 3 of the men.

Lieutenant Martin Edward Anthony Dallosso
Sapper Stanley Blaylock
Private Aubrey Ernest Hickson

Any further information on any names of men in this Battalion would be very much appreciated.

I can be contacted via:
email:
mobile: 07951 768098

[ Delete ]
Eddie Chandler
On: 16 Dec 2009 - 10:14
Forum Posts: 3
Gallery Comments: 0
Roll Comments: 1
Award Comments: 2 Typescript of Citation held at The National Archive Centre (Kew)

Page 1

On 27th March ’44, 71 Column was heavily attacked by the Japanese. In our counter attack 1 Officer and 4 others were killed. Sergeant Chandler Platoon Sergeant 15 Platoon, took a Section to recover the five bodies. Despite very heavy enemy automatic fire and grenades Sergeant Chandler, by cool and
skilful handling of his Section succeeded in recovering all the bodies. Five Japanese were killed, Sergeant Chandler personally accounting for 2. His excellent example and leadership were an encouragement to his whole Column.

Page 2

On 12th April ’44 an ambush party from 17 & 71 Columns were blocking the route NABA-MAWLU mile 602, Sergeant Chandler now commanding 15 Platoon, was heavily attacked by Japanese, first by automatic fire and grenades, then by assault. Sergeant Chandler’s personal leadership in the hand to hand fighting enabled the Platoon to withstand the assault. At least 15 Japanese were killed. During this action Sergeant Chandler was wounded, first by a bullet through his shoulder, but continued to lead his Platoon until again shot, this time through his side. He was then evacuated by pony when the ambush withdrew. Despite his painful journey on mule, he remained cheerful throughout. His leadership and courage throughout the action were magnificent and his cheerful determination once wounded a fine and effective example to all.

 

Hi Eddie welcome to the forum all your casualties can be found on :: CWGC :: so far having had a quick look two are York and Lancs one is R.E one is R.A and two are Liecesters also see Chindits Special Force Burma 1943-1944 regards, Jason

 

Welcome to the forum

Cheers
Paul

 

Welcome to forum

This is from "The Royal Leicestershire Regiment 17th Foot: A History of the Years 1982 to 1956":

On the morning of 27th it was fairly quiet. Two sections of 17 and 71 Commando Platoons (R.E. personnel) went to patrol the ridge to the south and bumped an enemy strongpoint about eight hundred yards away. One sapper was killed and one wounded. Early in the afternoon considerable L.M.G. sniping was directed on to the low ground and on the track connecting the two. Later, the enemy, sensing a soft spot, advanced down the track and lakeside from the north, but were well shot-up by M.M.G., and few of the twenty survived. They then followed this up by attacking 14 Platoon on the lakeside with three M.M.G.s, but suffered many casualties. It was here that the Platoon Commander, Lieut. Martin Dallosso, and four of his men, were killed whilst trying to recover enemy dead and wounded. For his excellent leadership on this occasion, Sgt. J.T. Chandler was awarded the D.C.M.

 

Hi Eddie,

I have emailed you a map of the Indaw Lake area, hope it is of some use?

Bamboo.

 

I have attached a pdf document that has extract from personal accounts of 2 soldiers that were present at the time the Thomas Joseph Chandler was awarded his DCM.

It gives some insight as to the horrors that the men in Burma had to endure with the knowledge that they may not return.

Thank you for taking your time to read these personal recollections

Ed