Hi all, Just wondering whether anyone on here could either point me to a website that might have some infomation relating to the Devonshire regiments involvement to the campain against the Japanise at the end of WW 2. My dad was in the Devons (although we are all from London) but never really talked to much about what happened during his time in the srvices. he did tell my once that he was on a troop ship when the Japs surrendered, (not sure where he was going) and I remember him saying how well the Japs had singapour defended and that it would have been a blood bath if they had had to fight them for it. I also believe he was involved just after the war, fighting communist fighters in the jungles of Burma. He related to Burma a few times, but I dont know whether that included fighting the japs as well. He once did tell me of a story relating to one of these incidents, and how they had to track some of these insurgents through the jungle after thay had attacked a village ( I think), the Devons were not being allowed to cook, just eat raw because the fire would give them away. In the end, finally catching up with them and by the sounds of it, taking them all out! As I said, my dad never really wanted to talk about his experiences to much, so some of the info I have is a bit sketchy and I sadly never pushed. I have his medals hanging on the wall and would just like to read some other instances of solders that were in the same area at the time. Hopefully, I have put this in the right Forum. Many thanks in advance.....
Hi JC.Hoops, My grandfather was also in the Devon's, even though he was from Hampstead in London. I have found out a fair bit about his time in India and Burma, including a transfer to another regiment during that time. The first thing I did was apply for his Army service records, these gave me a definite pathway to follow and prevented me from chasing any false trails. I would recommend that you apply for your father's records and then you will be able to trace his WW2 service and read up on the correct material. Here is a link to the Ministry of Defence website and how to apply: https://www.gov.uk/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records#how-to-apply-for-service-personnel-records Good luck.
Have a look at this from the Burma Star Association http://www.burmastar.org.uk/the_devons_i.htm its taken from Jeremy Taylors book "The Devons" or for post war actions try "The Devonshire Regiment 1945 - !958 by Lt.Col,J.L.Windeatt MBE (available from the Keep museum in Dorchester)
