15th August 1945

Dad with his grandson Stephen

Today has been an emotional day for me. I must admit to shedding several tears this morning as I watched the VJDay 75 broadcast at the National Memorial Arboretum. I am sure dad was looking down and pleased to see the 14th Army finally getting some recognition.  Like so many, he rarely mentioned what he experienced in Burma. After over three years away from home fighting in that ferocious campaign - it was not surprising.

Dad in his slouch hat

This week I have been posting what dad's regiment was doing 75 years ago. They were based at Taunggyi and involved in the Battle of The Breakout. The Japanese were still in the hills in the Namhkok area. The day before, 4th Field Royal Artillery had organised various fire plans (coordinated artillery fire) against the enemy, but two reconnaissance parties had been ambushed. Now, there were no reports of returned fire. At16:00 hours the regiment’s diary records that all guns are to be employed and ‘F Troop’ to stay in position. The remaining three troops organised a new fire plan, including a feint attack to secure Pengsu Bridge. 

But at 17:00 hours everything changed. The 4th Field RA Diary says that all operations for the 16th August 1945 have been canceled following a message from 17 Division that all provocative firing will cease:

“All troops ordered to remain in present locations and to maintain full defensive measures. Harassing Fire on Japs terminated”.

The following two days, 16th and 17th July 1945 were declared holidays. The 4th Field RA Diary has for the 16th of July:


“08:00 hours: Air Op sent on a mission to drop surrender pamphlets on HWETAK, NAMHKOK LM, HKWELU LR, HSI-HSENG LR, SAMKA LR.
10:00 hrs: Capt. E.W. Knight RA appointed Prisoner of War
Commander. Full arrangements being made to accommodate 1500 prisoners of war in TAUNGGYI.

11:00 hours: Regiment Fired ROYAL SALUTE of 21 Guns to mark the conclusion of hostilities in World War II.” 

Dad didn’t get home till November 1946. How this young lad from Tooting in London faced what he did for his country fills me with pride. I have been researching his military career for two years and hope to publish a book soon. He will never be FORGOTTEN.