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Hi
I'm currently researching my family tree and have discovered that Leslie Burton was killed in action in 04/05/1944. His service number was 4860324, and was in the first Btn. I know he was buried at Kohima War Cemetery. I was wondering where I could get further information on him and if possible a photograph? Any help with be appreciated.
thanks
Liz
"When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"
Hi Liz,
Welcome to the forum.
Its almost certain Leslie was killed at Kohima. Hence the quote of the Kohima Epitaph above which is engraved on the Kohima Memorial. This was the scene of bloody fighting between the British and Japanese during April and May 1944. It's centre of the fighting concentrated on the area of the District Commissioners bungalow, the Garrison Hill, Kukis Piquet and FSD(Forward Supply Depot). On the 29th April the battalion relieved the Durham Light Infantry. The Japs and the 1RWF held different parts of the ground. The separation between them was measured in tens of yards. The whole feature was littered with bodies from both sides, the stench was commonly described by all who fought there. C Company's fire positions included the rotting corpses of Japanese soldiers, which were used to form the protective parapets in their fire positions. Its sounds like it was a living hell.
On the afternoon of the 4th May. C Company and B Company launched attacks on Kukis Piquet and FSD. They suffered heavy losses from snipers and close range Japanese machine gun fire until nightfall, at which point they received heavy shelling. During the night they were unable to bring in their wounded men who were lying in No Mans land. This info is gleaned from The Red Dragon by PK Kemp & John Graves.
Because you have Leslie's service details you can apply for his service records. Visit the following link:
http://www.veterans-uk.info/service_...e_records.html
Keep us posted on your progress Liz.
Good Luck
Al
Wow, it really brings it home when you read it like that...thank you for responding Al, I'll look into gaining his service records... thanks for the link. This chap is a cousin a couple of generations back and I never knew who he was until now so will endeavor to ensure he wont be forgotten.
regards
Liz