Chindit Pte David Downey Young 2nd Kings Own

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by Matthew Mockford, Aug 31, 2022.

  1. Hi,
    I'm trying to confirm and find out about Pte David Downey Young (5826970)
    Originally Suffolk Regiment, but believed to have transfered to 2nd Bn Kings Own Royal Regiment, which would put him in 111 Chindit Bde.
    I've tried the usual basic web platforms with no luck and hoped someone with more knowledge might be able to add some info.
    No service records yet!
    Thanks' in advance.
    Matt
     
  2. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    Last edited: Sep 1, 2022
    timuk, 4jonboy and CL1 like this.
  3. Thanks' Tony. Very much appreciated.

    Is that the Kings Regiment or King's Own Royal Regiment?

    In terms of the service records; I haven't personally but I believe the individual that asked me to look into David has.
     
  4. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    That's all it says "Trans. The King's R 31.7.42"
     
  5. Looking through the contents the Kings Own have their own section so I'll asume it is the Kings Regt. And wait for confirmation on the service records.

    Thanks' again Tony!
     
  6. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Acting Lance Corporal D. Young was posted alongside 8 other soldiers from the Suffolk Regiment to the 13th Battalion, The King's Regiment in July 1942. This draft were posted to reinforce the 142 Commando section of 77 Brigade at the outset of their training regime for the first Wingate (Chindit) expedition.

    Please see page from the 142 Coy war diary with the above details:

    Young 142 Coy Wd 1942.jpg
     
  7. Bamboo, that is an amazing bit of information and with a supporting document. This is very much appreciated. Thank you.

    I think I can asume he was on Op Longcloth based on 13 Bn Kings Regt and the date.

    Noting David has the IGSM 36-39 and the 2nd Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment was serving in India at the outbreak of the Second World War, spending the early years of the war mainly deployed on internal security duties. I think I can safely asume he was 2nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment.
     
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2022
  8. Bamboo, Having looked at the document with a keener eye I'm slightly confused.

    Would you know whether he remained with 142 Cdo on posting or as per the transfer was subsequently posted to the Kings
     
  9. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi Matthew,

    Thanks for your question. In effect 142 Commando were part of the King's Regiment (13th Battalion) at this time. The 13th King's formed the British section of the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. This was the Brigade that made up the first Chindit expedition and also comprised soldiers from the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Gurkha Rifles Regiment and some men from the 2nd Battalion, the Burma Rifles.

    I have researched Operation Longcloth extensively over the last 15 years or so (my own grandfather was a member of No. 5 Column), and I have not seen any mention of David as taking part on Operation Longcloth although several of the men listed on the Suffolk draft I posted did. I am going to bring down my external hard drive and see if I can find any more mentions of him from the 142 war diary for 1943. I'll get back.
     
  10. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi Matthew,

    I have some more information in relation to David's time with 142 Commando section from the 1943 war diary. I notice that you are looking into this on behalf of another. I'm going to send you a private message with the info I've found, so look out for this.
     
    Matthew Mockford likes this.
  11. Bamboo, Sounds interesting!
     

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