Does anyone out there have access to the WD for 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers for the end of March 1944? I'm trying to find out what action would have lead to the death of Pte Ronald Mugglestone on the 27th. Cheers Vic
Does anyone out there have access to the WD for 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers for the end of March 1944? I'm trying to find out what action would have lead to the death of Pte Ronald Mugglestone on the 27th. Cheers Vic They were part of 77th Indian Infantry Brigade under Mike Calvert. At the tail end of March they were patrolling and skirmishing with the Japanese around the village of Mawlu. Calvert was setting up his new stronghold named 'White City' and the Lancashire Fusilier columns 20 and 50 were moving around the outskirts acting as floating defence and sometimes attack. Will have a dig around for more detail Vic.
Hi Vic, I've been digging and a detachment of 20 Column were ordered into the 'White City' block on the 19th March. The block was continually attacked by the Japanese for many days. Lacking imagination the Japanese came at the same place at the same time day after day, they only truly breached the defences once. My guess is he was possibly amongst this group? I'll keep digging. Steve
Vic, I've found this in the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade diary for 1944. This is a monster file in terms of size, but I think this one page tells us Ronald was in 20 Column and died either inside or protecting the outside of White City in March that year. I have some other general information, but this is the only page that mentions him as far as I can see. apologies for the page appearing in landscape this is how it was originally photographed and my old Apple Mac won't change it for me. Steve
Many thanks Steve. It looks like there was another Mugglestone as my man was a Fusilier but the other detail will be put to good use. Cheers
Many thanks Steve. It looks like there was another Mugglestone as my man was a Fusilier but the other detail will be put to good use. Cheers More than one Mugglestone, crikey!
I had a quick check on the CWGC website. The number given for Mugglestone on that list actually belongs to Fus. WP Towers. Towers features on the list toward the bottom and he has the service number for Fus. Currie. So obviously the Adjutant who collated this listing must have been very tired or very drunk, either way it may mean that this is still possibly your man.
Have only just seen this post.I have just ordered the war diary from Drew and expecting it soon so I will have a look for you. I went off on a wild goose chase for 1/8 th Battalion hence not realising this was relevant till now .Don't know if you are still around Vicinibstock but my Father was a junior officer in 20 detachment. The diary in my blog on this site tells of their first days in Burma. Pm me if you are still here and looking for more info. There are also several audio accounts of the White City action by 20column at the IWM which are pretty horrifying.
