Hi All, Does anyone have access to the War Diary for the 2nd Bn. South Lancs Regiment for March 1944 please? I am researching 3657965 Cpl. John Clarke who was killed on the 17th March 1944, along with 4 others during the attack on Point 1301 in Burma. I know that it was A and D companies that took part in the attack, and wondered if the war diary mentions which Company Cpl. Clarke served in? I have the regimental history published by the Lancashire Infantry Museum, the casualty lists and a little more information about him. I will send off for his records when there isn't so much of a backlog! Grateful for any help received, Thanks, Steve
I don't have the Battalion diary, but these pages from other units of 36 Division might be of interest and add a little to what you already know about the attack on Point 1301. Here's the Brigade HQ Diary (29th Independent Brigade Group, 36th Indian Infantry Division): The supporting MMGs mentioned by Bde HQ were from 14 Platoon, 'D' Company, 2nd Bn Manchester Regiment (36 Div's MG company): 36 Division's Commander Royal Artillery on the artillery support for the attack: The 3.7-inch howitzer mentioned came from 494 Light Battery, 130th Assault Field Regiment, which was hauled up to a neighbouring peak to fire on Point 1301 over open sights:
Hi, thank you very much for posting these pages which are of great interest. They add more detail about the attack during which Cpl. Clarke was killed, and will help when I write up the event. Regards, Steve