The Battle of Kohima April/May 1944 - 70 Years On

**ap1** · 18-04-2014, 16:26

Originally Posted by Drew5233

I've just checked the 5 Commando War Diary for April and annoyingly it's missing !

Thanks Drew, much appreciated.

**ap1** · 18-04-2014, 16:26

Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 18 Apr 1944 - 1445hrs.

Large enemy force reported to be approaching from the Khonoma Village area. 1RWF stands to!

**ap1** · 18-04-2014, 17:26

Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 18 Apr 1944 - 1515hrs.

A strong enemy attack launched against A Company's positions at Lone Tree Hill, the crest which they share with the enemy. During the assault 9 Platoon are overrun. The RWF survivors are quickly taken away by the Japanese. (They will almost certainly be killed later).

The Pl Commander Lt TG Callaghan assisted by the CSM, immediately launches a counter attack using the surviving members of his platoon. By utilising a covered approach on the left flank, he catches the enemy by complete surprise. Lt Callaghan and his small group of men manage to kill eighteen of the enemy and rescue their captured men!

Lt Callaghan received the Military Cross, (I urge you to read his citation. Outstanding leadership).

Cpl William Burton received the Military Medal for supporting his Platoon Commander. He personally killed five of the enemy. Sadly he was mortally wounded by a sniper during the action and died in a military hospital a week or so later.

Fusilier Sidney Vickers was one of the first men to rally to his Platoon Commander, snatching a Bren Gun from a dead comrade, he personally accounted for seven of the enemy dead. For his gallantry he was awarded the Military Medal.

This attack by the Japanese cost the battalion at least 5 x KIA(including Cpl Burton), with approximately a further 6 x WIA.

The enemy lost between 18-25 men in the failed attack.

Lt TG Callaghan.jpg Cpl William Burton.jpg Fus Sidney Vickers.jpg Fus Sidney Vickers.jpg

**ap1** · 18-04-2014, 19:54

Battle of Kohima:

1RWF Regimental fatalities 17/18 April 1944.

Lt Douglas Lawrence, aged 31 from Tottenham. Married to Doris Lawrence.

Fus James Madden, aged 36. A former Commando, from Handsworth, Birmingham. Married to Florence Madden. He had joined the battalion in 1930.

Fus Robert Jones, aged 31. Enlisted in June 1940. Son of Robert & Jane Jones of Penygroes, Caernarfon.

Fus Richard Thomas, aged 25. Enlisted in November 1939. Son of Richard & Jane Thomas of Llangoed, Anglesey.

Fus Eric White, aged 27. Enlisted in January 1940. Son of Edward & Jane White of Caernarfon.

Fus Richard Williams, aged 24. Son of Morris & Elizabeth Williams of Holyhead.

(Belated Death Entry: Fusilier Benjamin Rees Davies, aged 25. Son of John and Martha Davies of Saron, Carmarthen).

Cpl William Burton MM, aged 30. Enlisted in June 1940. William died on the 9th May 1944 at Delhi Military Hospital.

We will remember them.

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**ap1** · 19-04-2014, 10:22

Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 19 Apr 1944 - 0900hrs.

All company's reported a fairly quiet night. An enemy patrol approached Deltas, but were fought off. No casualties.

Heavy British Artillery & Mortar barrage in progress, prior to the Punjab & Rajput battalions attempt to open the road into Kohima.

The battalion also receives a visit from their Brigade Commander Brig JD Shapland MC

**ap1** · 19-04-2014, 17:02

Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 19 Apr 1944 - 1300hrs

The road into Kohima was finally open, although still subject to enemy fire and patrol activity. Over the next few hours the wounded of the heroic 4th Royal West Kents(RWK) were evacuated by ambulance escorted by tanks. The RWK remain in position, they will not be relived for a further 36hrs. They had been under contestant enemy attack at close quarters for the last 12 days.

The road is open during the daytime, but then deemed "Closed" at nightfall. Each day over the next week, a team of infantry and tanks go forward to open the road, then close it at night.

1RWF Remain at Jotsama. This afternoon, Alpha's came under enemy LMG fire. The en position was quickly engaged by the battalions 3 inch mortar and taken out by a direct hit.