Thomas Arands 3605401

[kewari]

Researching my grandad Thomas Henry Patrick Arands, and from reading a thread here also 'Larry' I showed my mum the picture of his grave for the first time today. So thank you very much to the poster which looks like it was someone from here. Any information or pictures we would be extremely grateful. We plan on taking my mum next year to the grave for the first time. She sadly never met my grandad as he died 2 months before she was born. And I believe she only knows they was ambushed and not the full account, as I have read this evening so again thanks for that information

[Wendi]

Hi Kewari Welcome to our forum.

Have you applied for his service record yet?

Wendi

[kewari]

Thanks Wendi, no we haven't applied for his service record, could you point me in the right direction please? I have emailed the regiment museum for his Elizabeth cross that we are due

[george.theshed197]

Hi there Kewart,
By golly that name brings me many memories and takes me back a few years; I first met up with Tommy as I remembered him, when I was a Cpl at Saighton Camp Chester to which the Battalion were based  on their move back to UK prior to our posting to Malaya in 1951, only later did the link to Larry develop.  Like those of his friends who died with him that day he was a good soldier.
Some where in this section is a fairly detailed account of the Cameron Highland ambush on 19th June 1952. My memory is not what is was but as and when I come across the report I will draw your attention to it. I last visited the Cemetery in 1990 and that was when I took the photographs that you seem to have found already.
I may also have a couple of photos of the group during our time at Chester and again will start looking for them.
By now I assume that Wendy will have sent you details of how to get copies of his records so for the time being I welcome you to the Forum where hopefully by reading through this section you may develop some insight to the activities that involved the Battalion in those days and meanwhile I will start searching myself for that report.
Take care.
George.

[kewari]

Thanks George anything would be brilliant, we have 1 photo of granddad in uniform, the description is here http://themanchesters.org/forum/index.php?topic=5803.0 under the Manchester's fallen section, 59 years ago today

[george.theshed197]

It would appear that Kingo has already made reference to the Detailed Ambush in response to your queries.
That is what we call service.
Thanks Andy,
George

[kewari]

Can I ask how you got to the cemetery George? we are looking at going April next year and taking what we have left of nans ashes

[charlie]

Thanks Wendi, no we haven't applied for his service record, could you point me in the right direction please? I have emailed the regiment museum for his Elizabeth cross that we are due

Hi Kewari,
The correct place to send the application for the Elizabeth Cross is the MoD rather than the Regimental museum.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/request-for-the-elizabeth-cross-and-memorial-scroll

The form to fill in for his service record can be found here

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/requests-for-personal-data-and-service-records

Charlie

[kewari]

Thanks Charlie

[kewari]

I have found the following plaques for the fallen soliders

[Wendi]

Hi Kewari et al

Sorry for the delay in replying and thank you Charlie for providing the information

Wonderful that George remembered him!

Kind regards
Wendi

[Robert Bonner]

In the Regimental Chapel in Manchester Cathedral you will also find the fine new carved stone memorial to those who died in the Malayan Emergency.  This was dedicated during the regimental remembrance service on 11th November three years ago.  Larry's name is there, together with  those of the others killed in the Cameron Highlands ambush.

[artyhughes]

At the time of the Cameron Highlands ambush,my platoon and I where in Tapah,we were immediately dispatched to the scene of the ambush and took part in the follow up operations,Pte Morezek(I think I have his name spelt correctly)was awarded the Military Medal for his action on that tragic day,he was the bren gunner in the scout car leading the fateful patrol when the ambush was sprung,the first burst of terrorist gunfire knocked the bren gun out of action,Pte Morezek returned the terrorist fire from the exposed turret of the scout car with his personal weapon.Tommy Arrands and his his fellow Mancunians were a tragic loss to the regiment and are fondly remembered.

[kewari]

Thanks arty, we got his service records over the weekend, at least I know why I was such a rebel in my younger days I got it from my granddad 

[kewari]

My mum has received a letter from the MOD now saying they would like to present her with the Elizabeth cross and memorial scroll, thanks everyone for your help