By W. H. Jones from Welshpool
"My name is William Harold Jones. I'm a native of Welshpool, born and bred. I joined the territorial army in 1937 - the 7th Batallion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. On the outbreak of war we were called up to the colours and I served with the 7th Batallion for two years. I was then transferred to the 10th Batallion because we were too young to be sent abroad at the time.
The 7th Batallion went on to Northern Ireland and we went to Beaumaris in Anglesey. I was with the 10th Batallion for approximately another two years and then I was transferred to the 1st Batallion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. They had been more or less decimated at the battle of Dunkirk and they came back with depleted numbers and so they called on the other battalions of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers to make numbers up for the 1st battalion.
In 1942, we sailed for the Far East but of course, we didn't know that at the time, we thought we were going to the Middle East. We called at Cape Town, North Africa. We were there for about four days to get rid of our sea legs a bit and then we went on to India.
We arrived in India in the May or early June of 1942 to take part in quelling the uprising of the Ghandi followers who wished to see the British get out of India at the time. They wanted home rule. We were then employed in that capacity for about two or three months before going into assault training - training in boats for a landing on Akyab, as we thought.
We went then to a place called Chittergong and from there to a village near Maungdaw (that's on the Mayu peninsula in Burma) to make a landing on the island of Akyab. Owing to the time of the year and the tides and the winds or something, conditions were against a landing so they decided to send us overland."
Harold witnesses first action against the Japanese...
your comments
Joe Bailey, Ashford, Kent
Are their any remaining survivors or family/friends who knew of my father Lance Corporal Joe 'Bill' Bailey of the Royal Norfolk Regiment 2nd Battalion, killed in action at Charles Hill, Aradura, Kohima on the 28th May 1944? Any info will be gratefully received.
Elwin Jones N/Ireland
My grandfather William Jones 4th Bn Royal Welch Fusiliers son of Edward and Mary Jones of Cefn Mawr Wrexham Killed 20/9/1944 in Holland . Did anyone know him or what happend him .Thank you
Diana Armstrong from Glasgow
My father Raymond Armstrong was in Kohima with the 2nd DLI. Does anyone have any more information about him?Thank you.
Ravinder Malhotra from New Delhi
Subedar Goverdhan Das Malhotra's name heads the list of those brave soldiers in the battle fo Kohima, whose mortal remains were consigned to the flames.I am seeking information about the regiment he belonged to ? Should anyone have any information to contribute, I shall be obliged
Rajeshwor Yumnam from Imphal
There is no written document or research work here at Imphal, though the longest expedition of world war 2 was held in this area. I am compiling some materials of the world war 2 here at Imphal. I would be very thankful if any contributers can mail me with information. I can help any interested person who wants the present scenerios and pictures of the battlefield and the locations as i am presently staying in Imphal
sukhdev singh(london)
I was born in the small oil town of digboi now in assam (india).I had the pleasure of travelling to most of the war cemetries of north east india i.e.kohima,imphal,margherita,ledo,digboi etc.The difficult terrain in which our soldiers fought the japanese soldiers cant be described until you once visit the place of battlefield yourself.Those hills and small zigzag roads are a nightmare.The place where the battle of Moriang was fought on the hill top is worth seeing.Mostly british troops and allied soldiers laid there lives there,among them were mostly british,canadian,us,sikhs and gurkhas.I proudly salute to all those ! soldiers who laid there lives for us.
walling, Kohima
I am searching for Lieutenant Colonel W F Brown's family(daughter). Please contact me.I have some information about him.
Ian Ferguson, London
The Battle of Kohima War Museum at Kisama,near Kohima, Nagaland, opened on December 1st 2008.The museum houses artefacts and visuals that illustrate the battle and context in which it was fought. There are also two short films showing, one on the battle itself and a second, subtitled, of recollections of Naga veterans of the conflict. A second phase of the museum is planned by the Nagaland Dept of Art and Culture and we would welcome any contributions that could be incorporated into the further development of the museum,
Bob Cook from York
If anyone wishes to contact me about the Kohima Museum or indeed for anything on the Battle of Kohima I would be happy to do my best to assist them. I am very interested in the stories above and would welcome any contribution to the museum either in stories, photos or copies of photos etc. everything would be properly accounted for under the commo rules for museums. Contact is www.kohimamuseum.comThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
john leggett clacton england
my brother S/Major Maurice Leggett faught at kohima the seige after being mangled on the tiddm road and remustered to 4th west kentsin time for the fight at Kohima we do not give enoough credit to the mountain artillery unit on JOTSUMA who supported our lads through the seige and 31 sqn raf who did the air drops,
Bernard Hope
My father (Tom Hope of the 2nd DLI) was at the Battle of Kohima. You can read about him on the website www.freewebs.com/masonictalksThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Ilu Meru from Kohima Nagaland
Can anyone help me how I'll be able to contact Mr.W. H. Jones from Welshpool. I'm a Naga and presently working on a project - the WW-II at Kohima Nagaland and its neighbouring States that were affected during the War.Thank you.
Ilu Meru
Dear Linda Bourne Guilsfield, Keith Nurse and Bob Cook of York, Hello to all, I’m from Kohima Nagaland and presently working on a project which is alittle over a year now, based on the IInd World War. Although, the War was all over the world my main interest and study/research is carried out aroundKohima at Nagaland, Imphal at Manipur were the areas affected in the North-East of India and Burma during the IInd World War etc... I have read your articles posted earlier and is of great interest to me and humbly seek your kind help for any information/data you can provide me out with. I assure you that! full courtesy will be given to you for any info/data etc. Looking forward to hear from you. Thanking you.
Avril Roberts, Oxford
My husband was in 4th corps rasc. and was posted Kohima in 1941/2. although not in the firing line they were helping to keep the road open. I would be interested in any photos of that time. He was in hospital with his twin brother who died as a result of spru,e a tropical disease.
Jayne O'Sullivan - Ireland
Has anyone got information on Elfed Ellis from Wrexham (Moss) who served in army during WW2. He was a prisoner of war in China. He was given life saving operation by one of the soldiers guarding him. Thank you.
Linda Bourne Guilsfield formerly s-o-t
To Kevi Naleo.
My father was in Burma at Kohima and Imphal. He passed away on 23rd July 2005 aged 85 We know very little of his time in Burma but we have just found 100 negatives that were taken in Burma that we have had developed and they are fascinating. I would very much like to share these with you and perhaps you could tell me your views etc.
Kevi Naleo Kohima Nagaland
I am from Kohima (born and brought up) I have a lot of interest in war stories and have a huge collection of pictures too. If anyone would like to have more information on the Kohima Battle please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mike Chapman from Sussex
Can anyone tell me if J. H. Maull fought in the battle of Kohima
Keith Nurse, Orpington, formerly Wrexham, N Wale
I am undertaking research on the service of my late uncle, R W 'Bill' Cartwright, from Denbigh (the family managed the Plough Inn, Bridge St, who served with the Ist Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers in India and Burma 1943-45. Fortunately a group fo brief air mail letters he sent during his period of service with the 'forgotten army' to his sister, my late mother, in Wrexham, have survived, as well as a photo of a group from his unit in India in 1943. Alas, I do not have the names of his collegues. He returned with his unit by troopship to Liverpool in '45 and I recall visiting him in the tropical diseases hospital there, where he was suffering from malaria. He died in 1961.aged 47. Any info or inquiries welcome...
Ness Swannick from Knockin
Mr Jones 'my granddad ' What a man ,a true hero .Thankyou x
Laura Watkins, Rhos
My Gt Uncle Leslie Edwards from Corwen was in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and I think he went to India and then was captured by the Japanese and worked on the railway. Can anyone help me with any further information? In remembrance of all who fought and fell
Bob Cook of York
Hi I have just taken over as the Voluntary Curator of the Kohima Museum within the Imphal Barracks in York. The Museum is open every Thursday from 0900 - 1200 hrs or by prior arrangement. Presentations can be given to groups/ clubs up to 25 in number.
Syed Asghar Raza
I spent a few weeks visiting my brother Brig.S.B.Raza in Kohima a few years ago. He was Deputy Inspector General in the Central Reserve Police Force posted in Kohima at the time. I was prompted to ask him why he chose to serve in such a remote place as Kohima. He took me to see the War Cemetery and said. "This is where a lot of my friends are." My brother was in the 7/2 Punjab Rejiment during the war. I was very moved to see all those graves and the memorial. I took lots of photographs and sent them to the Secretary of the Burma Kohima Lodge of Freemasons, but I doubt if they have any meaning to the members now. All this was a long time ago and I doubt if they have any sentimental associations with Kohima. For me it will always remain a very special place because of my brother who has since sadly passed away.I am grateful to the people who have written about this little corner of the world. I thank them profusely.S.A.Raza
A Cole Aberdare
My late father served with the regiment in Madagascar and Burma. I can't find any information on the regiment's part in the defeat of a very determined foe. Truly they were a forgotten battalion in a forgotten army. His name was Douglas Cole, he served with a few mates from Briton Ferry Neath. Any info would be great. I also served but to his disapointment I was a Cavalry man.
Thomas Elmer Jones
In Burma with Royal Signals 1944-1947anyone remember him?
Saket SM Behl, Kohima, Mumbai, INDIA
Dear Mr Jones, I am a movie producer in India,its my dream to make a film on the events which occured during the Battle Of Kohima---- Since I am from that region, I want to show the world the historic importance of those events. Please let me know how to get in touch with you and I will surely come and meet you.I salute you and your commrades in arms who fought so bravely far away from your home lands.
Mike, Abergele
To karen and michael quinn. The 8th & 9th battalions royal welch fusiliers were territorial army units and served in the uk durring ww2.
Rob Owen from Aberdovey
My father served in Dunkirk, 1st battalion Royal Welch, and the far east including the battle of Kohima.His name was Evan Owen originally from Pennal in Mid Wales and lived in Aberdovey.Unfortunately he passed away in 1989 after a long illness.I was wondering if there was anyone who knew him.He only spoke of the fun he had during his time out there and nothing of the hell that they all went through.Thanks to all of them.
Nino Zhasa Cummins, Saddleworth
I'm born and brought up in Kohima now married and settle in the UK and I really amazed by the whole battle of Kohima and how the soldiers fought in a very rough terrain/environment far from their love ones.
Chris Coghlan
Hello, I would love to get hold of Harold jones or anyone else who was at the battle of Imphal or Kohima.. I am a section commander within Imphal Platoon at the Army Training Regiment in Basingbourn (Herts). Later on in the year Feb/Mar time.. We are doing some presentations on the Battles of Kohima and Imphal and would like to invite anyone who is interested to come and speak of their experiences during the presentation.. If you are interested then please contact me and i will make some arangements for you...
Many Thanks and god bless...
Rob Taylor , Wrexham
My father Joe Taylor served with the 1st Bn Royal Welch Fusiliers from 1939 to 1945 I would like to hear from anyone who knew or served with him in France or Burma.Always remembered.
Jeanette Nicoll from Welshpool
Please, can anyone tell me if there were any air-raids in the Welshpool area? In the chuchyard at the top of the town is a gravestone for a woman and her 2 grandchildren who had been killed in an air-raid. They may have been killed somewhere else and their remains brought back here but this seems unlikely during the wartime due to fuel shortages. Would be grateful for any information. Thanks!
Fred Shaw, Birmingham
I would be glad to hear from anyone who shared with 122 light aa and ist 8th battalion lancashire fussiliers at infal kohima and onwards.
Karen and Michael Quinn, Liverpool
I am trying to find out information about the 8th and 9th Batt of royal welch. My father in law appears to have been in this batt I would like to know where did they serve during ww2 it is reported he was in the catering core? Thank you for any information.
Genesta Cope (Nee Owen) Hinckley Leics
I wondered if anyone remembers my Uncle Owen Glyn Owen who served with the 1st Royal Welch Fusiliers in Kohima during the Burma War, He died in 1980 and lived near Buckley in Flint. Also my father James Warren Owen, CQMS who served with the 2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers in Burma, he died in 1998. We lived in Cynwyd near Corwen until 1963, then moved to Towyn, then Hinckley in 1966.
Patsy Jones (formally Redman)
I am currently researching my father's service army history after losing any records and documents held by family members, and hoping that someone may be able to assist myself in this matter. The only information I have is that he served in Burma with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers 2nd Battalion at Arakan. He was injured in battle and spent some time in hospital with shapnel injuries and also maleria. His name was William Redman born 2nd November 1913 and came from Holyhead Anglesey North Wales. I would be very grateful if anyone could assist myself in my efforts to obtain as much information as possible with regards to my father. Can you help?
Rob Howells, Cheltenham
My father served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers and saw action at Dunkirk, Arakan, Kohima.He was born in Bynamman near Ammanford. He died on September 8th 1988. I have his flashes and my elder brother has his medals. I also have many photos from his collection and newspaper cuttings from Burma. It brings a lump to my throat reading these accounts of something I thank God I have not had to experience. God bless them all.
Ambalika, Assam, India
Had the opportunity of visiting the Kohima War Cemetry. Feel real proud of what those men of my age did. Feeling doubly happy to read this recollection. thank you, sir(s).
Thomas Lynch from Llanelli
I watched the program about the forgotten army.
I'm only 19, and only then did I realise what people of my age then were going through.
My grandfather lost 4 brothers in the war and the fact that our generation are forgetting our fellow Welshmen and women, and all other nations, who fought, died and still are living with the scars of the war is upsetting.
Thanks to all the people who served for us!
Kay Roberts, Welshpool
Mr Jones and his comrades were called the forgotten army. Well I for one will never forget what they did. I walk free because of their sacrifices. Thank you.
Sandra Watson from Welshpool
This is so nice to see my dad's story on the web. I am so proud of him and grateful to him and all of the men who gave their today for our tomorrow. Thank you.
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Born and bred in Welshpool, Harold Jones joined the territorial army in 1937 and was called to the colours of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers at the outbreak of war. In 1942, he sailed for the Far East.
