I'm trying to find out anything about my dads service in Burma? He joined the British Army in 1935 (The West Yorkshires). He subsequently went on to join the 2nd SAS & I know he saw action in France (Op Wallace) amongst other campaigns. I don't know anything about what he did in Burma & I really would like to. His details are: Sydney Rhodes army no. 4536675 Sadly my father is deceased, he spoke little of his wartime experiences. Two of his brothers were also soldiers & the military naming convention (anyone called rhodes was nicknamed 'dusty') can cause confusion. Could anyone help with advice on where to look, I have no idea! Thanks for reading, Mark
Hi Mark, I would apply for a copy of his service records first from the MoD. These will tell you what units and when he served with them. Once you know that you can view the units war diaries and get an idea on what his unit(s) did on a day to day basis. A quick look at the National Archives website revealed the following file: WO 219/2401 Special Air Service reports: Wallace and Hardy 1944 July - Sept. I suspect there will be more Good luck
Welcome Mark, I take it we are looking......ref Burma& W YORKS prior...... to 1944 When the German War commenced in 1939, both the 1st West Yorkshire and 1st East Yorkshire were in India performing the normal Imperial garrison duties, but 1st West Yorks were moved by sea to Rangoon immediately following the outbreak of the Japanese War. Joining battle at Pegu, the battalion was constantly involved in heavy fighting throughout the terrible retreat from Burma, but gained a formidable reputation which was to remain for the rest of the war. They returned to the Assam front in 1943, and were severely tested the following year in the desperate battles around Imphal, when they were alongside their 2nd Battalion on several occasions, and Sgt. H. V. Turner won a posthumous VC. In March 1945 they spearheaded the assault on Meiktila, where Licut. W. B. Weston won his postXhumous VC, and the battalion experienced more savage fighting.Westyorks
Thanks very much for the info, I've become interested in dads Burma/India stuff since reading the forgotten voices book on Burma. Having said he never spoke very much about his experiences the book has reminded me of some things he did mention - Japanese road blocks etc. I will follow your advice re further info, much appreciated. Mark
... reading the forgotten voices book on Burma... You can now listen to some of those voices online from the IWM website... makes a big difference to hear the words rather than to just read them on the page...
I don't know about your father's war service but may know of him in another context. What year did he die? Bob
We get people that come and go, Bob, but you may get a connection by sending a private message, as that may get directed to his email address... How did you wander into this one...? and welcome, btw...
Hi Mark, I'm late to this site and to your question so presume you are by now familiar with the various documentaries featuring your dad? What a man! Regards Philip Hughes pjh753032@outlook.com
