Only two weeks ago I was in a meeting discussing a commemoration event to be held in June. Great emphasis was put on talking of D Day and Normandy. I pointed out that the RAF Regiment we were concerned with had deployed similar numbers to Imphal as in Normandy (and from December 1943 to late 1944, and under far less salubrious conditions!). The comment that came back was that "we can't recognise every 'small' battle that we were involved in during 1944." There is still a lot of work to be done in explaining the significance of the Kohima-Imphal battles, and indeed the consequences of failure by 14th Army for the position in India. I was surprised this view still exists, but then again, I suppose I wasn't. This has faced Burma veterans and those studying the campaign since 1944.
A most enjoyable read. I think its sometimes overlooked the critcal role played by the 24th Indian Mountain regiment during the battle. Major Richard Yeo DSO and the other FOO were instrumental during the defence of Kohima.
Just as good a read as it was a listen back when you presented the case at the NAM
Thanks Bob!
Only two weeks ago I was in a meeting discussing a commemoration event to be held in June. Great emphasis was put on talking of D Day and Normandy. I pointed out that the RAF Regiment we were concerned with had deployed similar numbers to Imphal as in Normandy (and from December 1943 to late 1944, and under far less salubrious conditions!). The comment that came back was that "we can't recognise every 'small' battle that we were involved in during 1944." There is still a lot of work to be done in explaining the significance of the Kohima-Imphal battles, and indeed the consequences of failure by 14th Army for the position in India. I was surprised this view still exists, but then again, I suppose I wasn't. This has faced Burma veterans and those studying the campaign since 1944.
Exactly right Nigel
A most enjoyable read. I think its sometimes overlooked the critcal role played by the 24th Indian Mountain regiment during the battle. Major Richard Yeo DSO and the other FOO were instrumental during the defence of Kohima.
I have Lt Col Humphrey Hill’s account of the battle, which I’ll post here in due course