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2nd Manchesters

Started by pete th, May 12, 2012, 04:42:27 PM

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pete th

Does anyone know of a book about the 2nd Manchesters in Burma? I've just been to see one of our WW2 veterans who served with the 2nd Manchesters. He is a member of the Burma Star Association and is an avid reader. He has looked for books on the subject but couldn't find any.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Pete
Remembering

Pte Sidney Lee (36719), 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regt - dow 18.02.17
Sgt Charles Roberts (13668), 11th Bn, Manchester Regiment - kia 18.05.18
Bombardier John Hesford (70065), 147th Heavy Battery, RGA dow - 04.09.18
Pte Sidney Lee (4131324), 8th Bn, Cheshire Regiment -  kia 12.03.41

george.theshed197

#1
Hi Pete,
The only one that comes to my mind is the one by Rex King-Clark who was commanding the 2nd Bn at  that time  called The Battle for Kohima 1944 - it was called - The Narrative of The 2nd Bn The Manchester Regiment - The Machine-Gun Battalion of the British 2nd Division.
Whether or not they still have copies at the Museum I do not know, if you try to get a copy from the local library the reference number is
ISBN 1 873907 01  X

Cheers,.
George.

PS. What is his name, I will check out the Index of Names.

Robert Bonner

That particuar book, is now out of print but the follow-up by Colonel King-Clark is - Forward From Kohima - A Burma Diary November 1944 - May 1945. and is available from the museum book shop.  It is a fascinating read and essential reading for anyone interested in the 2nd Manchesters in WWII. Highly recommended.
Robert
Robert

pete th

Thanks George and Robert, I'll search Ebay for one and get down to the museum for the other (I've been meaning to get there anyway). Tom was a machine gunner and was at Kohima and Imphal.

Regards
Pete
Remembering

Pte Sidney Lee (36719), 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regt - dow 18.02.17
Sgt Charles Roberts (13668), 11th Bn, Manchester Regiment - kia 18.05.18
Bombardier John Hesford (70065), 147th Heavy Battery, RGA dow - 04.09.18
Pte Sidney Lee (4131324), 8th Bn, Cheshire Regiment -  kia 12.03.41

timberman

#4
Pete

found this

http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20060102200854/http://www.mod.uk/aboutus/history/kohima60/index.html

there are several files to download.

Neil

george.theshed197

I went looking for my copy of Rex's second book but cannot find it ?? Now I will check around the house but am having a stupid idea that I have loaned it to some one in the past - but WHO ?.

When we are up in Manchester week after next  I will have a chat around my old contacts to see who admits to it ?? What do you reckon my chances are ?

Hey ho,
George.

Dave1212

I've attached a couple of photos that were kindly shared by the family of Sgt. Clarence Hook (2nd Manchesters 1939-1946). Taken in India 1942/1943 they were sent home in a photo album in August 1943.

2nd Manchesters India 1942/1943.jpg - The top shot featuring the men wearing headgear indicates not all are Manchesters but the grouping is pretty much the same in both shots. Only man I can ID is Clary seated second from the left, middle row.

25 Manchesters India 1942/1943.jpg - Another group shot. Clary is standing far right, back row.

I wish they were of better clarity but I was hoping perhaps Pete that your friend might be included in one of them.

Cheers,

Dave

pete th

Neil, I've only just spotted your post about the Kohima brochure. Thank you very much. I'll print off a copy and take it to him.

Dave, thanks for posting the photos.

Cheers
Pete
Remembering

Pte Sidney Lee (36719), 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regt - dow 18.02.17
Sgt Charles Roberts (13668), 11th Bn, Manchester Regiment - kia 18.05.18
Bombardier John Hesford (70065), 147th Heavy Battery, RGA dow - 04.09.18
Pte Sidney Lee (4131324), 8th Bn, Cheshire Regiment -  kia 12.03.41

andersonic

Dave, Many many thanks for all of the information you have made available here. It's really appreciated.