Looking at my dad's records,he entered CONCESSIONAL AREA. in Burma 7/4/44 and next entry 24/8/44 Admitted Hosp Bmh Bangalore To X(ii)list then repatriation to UK.This is the only reference to his service in Burma,he was awarded the Burma star,does he have any connection with the Chindits,him being in the 60Regt.R/A.I've heard him mention the name,but around 70yrs ago not long after the war and I've only recently acquired his records.He was also awarded the Africa star after being wounded in Syria.
Peter, The dates given do match 60 Field Regiment RA and there involvement with the 23rd British Infantry Brigade in 1944. This Brigade were designated and trained as Chindits, but did not enter or fight in Burma. Instead they were used against the Japanese in Assam, during the enemy's invasion of India. On the 6-7th April, 60 FR RA were moved by river and then train to the Manipur Road, an area under great threat by the Japanese at that time. After 4 months on active service against the enemy, the Regiment was moved out during the third week of August to Bangalore, taking up residence at the Ibalur Camp. Seen below are two pages of the war diary confirming the above information. The Burma Star was awarded to service personnel who fought the Japanese in Assam, at places such as Imphal and Kohima and the surrounding areas.
Thanks for your reply,l've aquired a copy of the book ALL THE KINGS ENEMIES and everything in it relates to my dad's records,have just read upto chapter 22 at present,boarding the Ile de France at Port Tewfik bound for the Far East,a very comprehensive record of 60F RA answering a lot questions. Thanks again for your information In
Glad to have helped out. The book sounds interesting, is this the one about the 'Lincolnshire Gunners?
It is yes,don't know how dad got in the Lincolnshire Gunners him being from Sheffield,almost everyone else is from Lincolnshire area obviously,very proud of him though never spoke of what he did.Records say he had 3 spells in hospital each time reverting to lower rank then reinstated after discharge to A/P/L/Sgt. normal practice??
You have probably already seen this, but this short narrative is on the Burma Star Website: Burma Star Association - 60 and 80 Column Chindits 1944
