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

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At this stage they are currently working closely with 1 R. Berks….Indeed a month later they take a bashing at "Burma Box"

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Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 20 Apr 1944 - 0930hrs.

Overnight Deltas suffer four casualties. Two by enemy grenades, two by own artillery dropping short.

1 x OR KIA. Fusilier George Coombes aged 33. Married to Mary Coombes of Canton, Cardiff.

At first light this morning the battalion mortars opened up on "Shrewsbury" area, at Japanese shaking blankets. Believed at least 6 x enemy casualties.

Coombes 20:4:44.jpg

[davidhuntley]

I agree with Lucky, Al a very interesting and great read, I find myself waiting for the next part, keep it up ( the story, that is ) brill

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Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 21 Apr 1944 - 0700hrs.

A quiet night. This morning 4th R.West Kents will finally be relieved by 1 R. Berks on Kohima Ridge. Their nightmare is nearly over.

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Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 22 Apr 1944 - 1100hrs.

Earlier this morning D Company, led by Capt John Rostron DSO were ordered to move forward and take up a position on the ridge line at Gr 471667. They are now under enemy fire. 2 x enemy reported killed.

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Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 22 Apr 1944 - 1130hrs.

Capt John Rostron DSO killed by sniper. Lt NEH John assumes command Deltas.

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Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 22 Apr 1944 - 1140hrs.

Deltas position under heavy mortar & grenade discharger fire. Lt NEH John and Lt ECV Wells wounded. Company ordered to withdraw.

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Battle of Kohima: Sitrep 1RWF 22 Apr 1944 - 1200hrs.

D Company commence the withdrawal from the crest. They have to leave the body of Capt Rostron DSO on the battle site. It's never recovered.

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The Battle of Kohima: 1RWF 22 April 1944.

Capt John Norfolk Rostron DSO, aged 24yrs. He was born at Bucklow in 1920. The son of Norman & Constance Rostron, he resided at Hale, Manchester.

As a young platoon commander with 1RWF in 1943, he had been awarded the DSO at the Battle of Donbaik. Originally he was recommended for the Military Cross, however the brigade commander Brig Cavendish, upgraded it to the DSO. Cavendish himself was killed five days after he signed off Rostrons recommendation. John Rostrons body was never recovered and so he is commemorated on the Rangoon Memorial.

Lt Rostron DSO Donbaik Killed 22 Apr 44.jpg

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The Battle of Kohima: 1RWF 23 April 1944 - 0700hrs.

Durham Light Infantry(DLI) report that the Japanese have overrun their forward positions on Garrison Hill at Kohima. The enemy has now withdrawn leaving snipers. DLI have counted 100 enemy dead. The DLI have suffered 100 killed, wounded or missing!

1RWF remain dug in at Jotsama.