Mike Hoare, who fought communism in the former Belgian Congo during the 1960s, was wounded serving in 2nd Recce. The unit originated in Lancashire as 6th Loyals (North Lancashire). The fighting on Pulie Badze mountain, above Kohima, during the heavy rains was physically very demanding, and hundreds of tribal Naga civilians were employed to carry supplies up and casualties down the hill.
I’ve read this book several times and it’s always a wonder when I do. Martin Tarmey takes you there and you can almost feel your face getting wet when he describes the monsoon. I’ve also been to Kohima several times and feel that I’m following him. Writing it as a work of fiction gave him licence to pull other stories from around the many battle fields of Kohima and weave them into his own recollections.
Most interesting. My understanding is that the regiment's Padre the reverend Francis Maclauchlan selected Edmond's verse from a number put forward by the IWGC, which the designer James Ferrie used in his design. Ferrie was at the battle of Kohima and his sketches/artwork of the memorial are beautiful and touching esp the reference to his CO Maj. Jimmy Langdon who died there. Working on an essay on his career and hopefully out late this year/early next.
Robert. I wasn't aware of this book. There is very little written about 2nd Recce (led by Lt-Col J.M.K. Bradford) at Kohima other than the chapters in the Recce Regt histories by Taylor 1947 and Doherty 1994. I had a cousin (who I never met) who was awarded the MM with 2nd Recce there (for an action on 28 May, the same day that Tarmey is cited for his MC), and I had a good friend who was a young trooper and who was wounded in the terrible fighting on the outflanking move. Nigel
Nigel, good to hear from you. Tarmey’s book is a visceral, soldier’s view of the battle. There is next to no fiction about Kohima by eyewitnesses, so this is special. Fascinating that you have such a link to 2 Recce
In late 1996, I actually made contact with the son of Lt.-Col. J.M.K. Bradford with a view to seeing what more I could find out about the 2nd Recce at Kohima and their subsequent move into Central Burma in 1945. But sadly I had to spend time on other things and was never able to pursue it further. The War Diary is relatively sparse but does give the map coordinates of their moves at Kohima. My friend Peter Jones who was wounded at Kohima kept a brief diary from 31 December 1943 up until 14 May 1944, when presumably it became impossible to maintain. He was one of four wounded on 27 May. Swinson mentions 2nd Recce briefly in his book, more to say that their story hadn't been given the full coverage it deserved.
Mike Hoare, who fought communism in the former Belgian Congo during the 1960s, was wounded serving in 2nd Recce. The unit originated in Lancashire as 6th Loyals (North Lancashire). The fighting on Pulie Badze mountain, above Kohima, during the heavy rains was physically very demanding, and hundreds of tribal Naga civilians were employed to carry supplies up and casualties down the hill.
Very moving on a Thursday morning. I have not read much SWW fiction but I will be getting this book.
Fascinating, thank you Robert. I’ve stood with Chindits and Burma veterans as they have spoken it, always utterly moved.
Thanks Robert. Certainly the most moving of remembrance phrases. It leaves no interpretation of the sacrifice.
I’ve read this book several times and it’s always a wonder when I do. Martin Tarmey takes you there and you can almost feel your face getting wet when he describes the monsoon. I’ve also been to Kohima several times and feel that I’m following him. Writing it as a work of fiction gave him licence to pull other stories from around the many battle fields of Kohima and weave them into his own recollections.
Most interesting. My understanding is that the regiment's Padre the reverend Francis Maclauchlan selected Edmond's verse from a number put forward by the IWGC, which the designer James Ferrie used in his design. Ferrie was at the battle of Kohima and his sketches/artwork of the memorial are beautiful and touching esp the reference to his CO Maj. Jimmy Langdon who died there. Working on an essay on his career and hopefully out late this year/early next.
Great! I look forward to reading it.
Robert. I wasn't aware of this book. There is very little written about 2nd Recce (led by Lt-Col J.M.K. Bradford) at Kohima other than the chapters in the Recce Regt histories by Taylor 1947 and Doherty 1994. I had a cousin (who I never met) who was awarded the MM with 2nd Recce there (for an action on 28 May, the same day that Tarmey is cited for his MC), and I had a good friend who was a young trooper and who was wounded in the terrible fighting on the outflanking move. Nigel
Nigel, good to hear from you. Tarmey’s book is a visceral, soldier’s view of the battle. There is next to no fiction about Kohima by eyewitnesses, so this is special. Fascinating that you have such a link to 2 Recce
In late 1996, I actually made contact with the son of Lt.-Col. J.M.K. Bradford with a view to seeing what more I could find out about the 2nd Recce at Kohima and their subsequent move into Central Burma in 1945. But sadly I had to spend time on other things and was never able to pursue it further. The War Diary is relatively sparse but does give the map coordinates of their moves at Kohima. My friend Peter Jones who was wounded at Kohima kept a brief diary from 31 December 1943 up until 14 May 1944, when presumably it became impossible to maintain. He was one of four wounded on 27 May. Swinson mentions 2nd Recce briefly in his book, more to say that their story hadn't been given the full coverage it deserved.