The Chindit Society

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by bamboo43, Mar 21, 2016.

  1. High Wood

    High Wood Well-Known Member

  2. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    This lot has been around for quite a while now. As HW says, very expensive. Apart from the Longcloth debrief, which would be nice to own (but can be photographed at the National Archive for free), I think more or less I have the same library (if not more), so look out for my archive up for sale in a couple of years!!:D
     
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  3. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

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  4. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of not one, but two Chindit veterans over the recent period:

    Former Major Thomas Mack Hermiston, who assisted in the leadership of No. 34 Column (4th Borders). This column was part of 23rd Brigade, which used its Chindit knowhow in harassing the Japanese lines of communication around the perimeter of Imphal and Kohima in March/April 1944.
    Thomas died on April 3rd and was 103 years old.

    and.....

    Corporal Lester Hudson, who fought with the 1st South Staffs at places such as White City and Mogaung. Lester passed away on 17th April and was 99 years old.

    RIP gentlemen.
     
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  5. JimHerriot

    JimHerriot Ready for Anything

    We will not see their like again and the world will be a poorer place as a result.

    Sadness upon sadness in these dark days.

    Kind regards, always remember, never forget,

    Jim.
     
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  6. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Thanks for those words Jim.
     
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  7. Father Peter Clegg

    Father Peter Clegg Padre Peter D. Clegg

    Bless both their hearts.
    As We cannot do much in this present climate I have had a few moments to remember them.
    My Father, in his War Notes mentions the absolute horror of That Campaign and certainly of White City.
    Pax Vobiscum.
    Padre Peter
     
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  8. Hebridean Chindit

    Hebridean Chindit Lost in review... Patron

    It gets that much closer, me Ol' China...
    rip... :poppy::poppy:
     
  9. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    So sad, but so true HC. Major Hermiston was from Broughty Ferry, near Dundee.
     
  10. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    I'm pleased to report that both Thomas' and Lester's passing have been featured in the national press:

    https://www.scotsman.com/news/obitu...nditions-operating-behind-enemy-lines-2542134

    Jungle fighter who cheated death as WW2 Chindits soldier dies of coronavirus before 100th birthday
     
  11. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Some photographs of two of the Chindits 100th Birthday celebrations. Peter Heppell and John Riggs:

    Bdau.jpg riggs copy.jpg
     
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  12. zahonado

    zahonado Well-Known Member

    Through Japanese eyes was in my father’s collection. I think he helped write some of the material as part of his propaganda work in the IFBU in 45 . I found it fascinating. Also Sunbeams like swords written by a fellow officer about OP Thursday.
     
  13. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    I love the descriptions of the jungle and Burmese terrain in Sunbeams.
     
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  14. S V Roberts

    S V Roberts New Member

    Hi Steve- I've been researching my mother's brother, Richard James Bolton, who I knew little about. Only within the past 6 weeks I found he worked with the Chindits in 1941 at age 18. I think he served in Burma for the duration of WWII, but can't be sure. We found a certificate which placed him with the Second Division and it noted him as a Royal Welsh Fusilier 3662966. I'm wondering if you might be able to help me. I don't know anything else.
     
  15. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi,

    I have not come across Richard in my research I'm afraid, but that does not mean he did not serve with the Chindits. There were in the end over 10,000 personnel involved during the two Wingate expeditions in 1943 and 1944. From the Army number you have, I can say that he probably began his WW2 service with the South Lancashire (Prince of Wales Volunteers) Regiment as that number falls within this regiments allocation.

    The only way you could find out more, would be to apply for his Army service records from the MOD offices at Glasgow. I have attached a link to their website, but need to say that Covid 19 has disrupted the processes in application right now and they are changing over to a more on line application system. It can be a long wait for the records to come back in my recent experience so have a good read of what the current advice might be.

    Veterans UK

    Please come back to me if you do find out more information or details about Richard's WW2 service.

    Best wishes

    Steve
     
  16. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    3662966 Bolton


    Enlisted into South Lancashire Regiment `The Prince of Wales Volunteers` transferred to Royal Welch Fusiliers 1st May 1943 , Joined 1st RWF Wounded 13th March 1945 . Released 26 October 1946.
    S2_GBM_ROYALWELSHFUSILIERS_TRANSFERINREGISTERS1920-1946_BOOK05_0040.jpg

    Kyle
     
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  17. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

  18. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi All,

    Please look out for our surviving veterans who will hopefully appear many times on national TV over the course of next Saturday (VJ Day 75). Coverage starts as early as 7.45am with the laying of wreath at our own memorial on the Victorian Embankment in London, with other events shown on various programs throughout the rest of the day. Enjoy.
     
  19. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Here is one of the projects we have been involved with. You can find this on all the major social media platforms:

    Stories - VJ Day and VE Day 75
     
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  20. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

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