16/07/2025
- In May we celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe. However, the war in the Far East would not end until August 1945. It would end with a further 15,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers killed, and two Atomic Bombs dropped! The War in the Far East was brutal and came about when Britain's important territories in South and South-East Asia were invaded by a large Japanese force, which began in December 1941. Precious raw materials including Rubber, Tin and Oil had to be safeguarded in this area. These materials were vital to Britain's war effort across the World. The Japanese soon attacked the important garrison of Singapore. Lt Gen Percival defended it, until it fell on February 15th 1942! Churchill described it as 'the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British History'. Around 80,000 men were forced to surrender! What was left of the Allied troops in the region retreated 1,000 miles to India.The 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment was in India at the start of the war and when Singapore fell were moved to Madras in case the Japanese invaded India across the Bay of Bengal. Meanwhile the 7th Battalion, which had fought in Europe at the start of the war was reformed after Dunkirk and sent to Assam in India to bolster Allied Troops in the Far East in April 1944. The Japanese offensive continued and this led to some Allied units being cut off at Imphal by a large force of the enemy. Further troops were also cut off around Kohima. The 7th Battalion was sent to the Kohima area and fought courageously in Naga Village and Maram. They evicted the enemy in 36 hours, despite the Japanese defenders being ordered to hold it for 10 days! In the engagements a 75mm Mountain Gun was captured, and this now resides at Kidderminster Army Reserve Centre. A beautiful Teak memorial was carved by the Pioneer Platoon to remember the men killed. In 1952, this memorial was moved to Worcester Cathedral. In November 1944 both Battalions left India and were now advancing through Burma to retake lost territory. Bitter fighting, disease, rough jungle terrain and the weather all took its toll. The 7th Battalion crossed the River Chindwin at Kalewa and marched on to Shwebo. The inhabitants of Shwebo presented their liberators with a lacquered bowl. This item, a Japanese Sword and flag were also added to the Regimental collection. Meanwhile the 2nd Battalion carried out the greatest fighting advance of the campaign. 400 miles were covered in just 6 weeks, capturing several Japanese swords! Both Battalions met in Shwebo where they held a celebratory feast on parachute covered tables in the centre of the village. Bully Beef and Vegetables, with tinned Peaches and Cream was enjoyed by all. The advance continued to the River Irrawaddy where they fought across the river in boats and onto Mandalay, their last real battle. This was captured on the 19th March 1945. In the weeks that followed the Japanese then lost Rangoon and were forced to retreat back to the Thai Border by May. The war in Europe came to an end on the 8th May 1945. There was no celebrating in the Far East on VE Day, just a short announcement between units in the Jungle. These two Battalions are often forgotten in a theatre of war that was also seen as forgotten. William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim, Commander of the 14th Army thought this when he noticed all eyes looked at the War in Europe. Louis Mountbatten, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in South East Asia, said to his men, 'I know you think of yourselves as the Forgotten Army. Well, let me tell you, you’re not forgotten.' To those men, we must Remember their deeds, especially on , taking place next month.
