I have finally had a book published about my dad’s experiences in Burma during WWII. It has been a labour of love that has taken me over two years to complete.
Like many war veterans dad rarely spoke about his experiences with the ‘forgotten’ 14th Army. Thankfully, I did manage to jot down a few of his memories, until mum warned me that my questions were triggering his nightmares. After he passed away I ordered his military papers. But they contained almost unintelligible military abbreviations.
As a genealogist, we are taught to use prime and secondary sources whenever possible. So I located and researched his regimental diaries, deciphered the abbreviations and studied the Burma Campaign. Gradually it all came together and I found myself following in his footsteps. I can’t contain my pride in his bravery. His experiences in the Arakan attacking Razabil Fortress (along with Captain Tom Moore), the battle of the Admin Box, the Siege of Kohima, Imphal, the Race to Rangoon and so much more.
But to create this book I needed to reproduce old maps and various images. As this is a self-published book the formatting and editing was a major headache. But thanks to the incredible skill and hard work of my fiancee Jules, we were able to overcome this and get the book published. She never met my father but was pleased to contribute to his memory.
Dad fought with a ‘forgotten’ army. But now future generations of his family and friends will learn of his incredible bravery.
If you would like a copy of this book please email me.
