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Tell Them of Us: Those of the Forest of Dean who served in the 1941-1945 Burma Campaign.
Ian Hendy
The 1941–1945 Burma Campaign was one of the most gruelling military operations of World War Two. It is
notorious for the inventive tactics used by Britain and her allies, as well as for the atrocious conditions that had to be endured by the troops. The challenges of monsoons, food and water shortages, disease, snakes, biting insects, crocodiles, impenetrable jungle, poor transport and lack of supplies meant this became the longest single campaign fought by the British in World War Two; and because of allied preoccupations with the war in Europe, the Burma Campaign was known as the ‘forgotten war.’
This is the story of those of the Forest of Dean who served in Burma, some who came home and some who did not. There are memories and personal accounts of battles, jungle warfare, comradeship, humour and tragedy. There are stories too of lasting friendships that began in Burma where men from the Forest would find joy in greeting ‘ ’ow bist owd’ but’ when encountering a fellow Forester. And when they returned, they set up the Forest of Dean Burma Star Association. Sadly but inevitably, that Association was finally disbanded in 2005, sixty years after Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. This book will serve as a record and play a part in preserving their memories for today’s and future generations. They shall not be forgotten.
60photograps, maps. Published 19 August 2011
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