I have been studying the time period in November 1944 when the 26th Indian Infantry Division was withdrawn from the Arakan operations to rest and train for operations against Akyab and Ramree. The various regimental histories mention locations along the Bengal and Arakan coast and, as is usual, there are a number of spellings for these places. I can't seem to locate "Colabar" beach near Bawli that is mentioned in the 1/8th Gurkha Rifles history. Some of the other spellings are: 2/7th Rajput Regiment - Kolawar 2nd Green Howards - Colaba 2/13th Frontier Force Rifles - Colaba beach 8/13th Frontier Force Rifles - sandy beach on Arakan coast Also mentioned is Reju Khal beach in the 12th Frontier Force Regiment M-G history as well as in the 1/18th Royal Garhwal Rifles history. I guess what I am asking is two-fold. Where is "Colabar" beach and is it distinct from Reju Khal, which I can locate? Any help with the geography lesson would be appreciated.
I have found a possible match but it is much nearer to Cox's Bazaar, not Bawli Bazaar. Could it be Kalarpara? It's not on the beach but not far away, on the road south of Ramu.
Ah - also .... there is a "Kala Pahar" near the coast to the west of Bawli Bazaar, not far from Nhila.
Thanks, Steve. I have looked over these same maps as well. Being a beach, it possibly was not marked whereas a village or town was. The other reference, Reju Khal, was a canal and a bridge. I assume a nearby beach also carried the name. Regimental histories are so vague during periods of rest as opposed to period of action. Reju Khal was not too far from Cox's Bazaar.
Pickford, who was a company commander in the 1/8th Gurkha Rifles in his book, "Destination Rangoon", talk about their time on the beach while preparing for Ramree invasion. Unfortunately he does not mention name of the beach or any near village so I'm not even sure if it was even the same beach. Only name mentioned is that when he was injured during football match he was ... put into a truck and sent a few miles to the military hospital at Rumcapalong.
Sol: That location seems to fit in very nicely with Reju Khal, which is located on your map at Manglapara.
