Award Military Cross Capt. Reginald James ADAMS, 1st Bn. 11th Sikh Regiment (Far East): 26/07/1944

brithm · Feb 9, 2023

Award Military Cross Capt. Reginald James ADAMS, Dorsetshire Regiment attached 1st Bn. 11th Sikh Regiment (ECO 172272)

On night 14th-15th May 1944 (Capt (T/Major R.J. ADAMS) was commanding a company which was ordered to carry out a night march through the enemy lines and take up a position on the enemy L of C EAST of KANGLATONGBI.

Major ADAMS, with great skill, led his company through very thick jungle in spite of rain and pitch darkness gained his objective. The occupation of the objective was of great importance since it exposed the whole of the rear of the enemy positions and cut the main L of C on his right flank. The company was however completely isolated since the troops making a frontal attack had not been able to gain their objectives.

During the afternoon of 15th May 1944 the enemy launched a determined attack with a company supported by several MMGs, 3" mortar sand an infantry gun. After an LMG and 2" Mortar had been out the enemy gained a footing of the objective. Major ADAMS, displaying great courage and leadership, launched a determined counter attack which threw the enemy back out of the position and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

In spite of running short of ammunition, rations and water in face of continued attacks Major ADAMS held on to his position until the arrival of the remainder of the battalion during the afternoon of 16th May 1944.

During the night 17th-18th May 1944 Major ADAMS position was again attacked. This time the enemy attacked in great strength, launching three companies supported by MMGs and 3" Mortars. The enemy commenced his attack at 20.45 hrs and threw wave after wave against the position under cover of almost continuous covering fire. In spite of having no barbed wire all attacks were repulsed until about 02.30 hrs 17th May 1944 when the enemy were able to creep in close to the position under cover of a down pour of rain and kill or wound ever man in a section post. The enemy quickly consolidated his success and brought an MMG and LMG on to the position. Major ADAMS immediately launched a counter attack, but after fierce hand to hand fighting he only succeed in pushing the enemy back a short way. By this time the company was reduced to about forty strong.

Nevertheless Major ADAMS held on to his position which was then swept by fire from very close range until reinforced by two additional platoons. He then with great dash and determination launched a counter attack and three the enemy off the position at the point of the bayonet, inflicting very heavy casualties and capturing a great deal of enemy small arms and equipment.

But for Major ADAMS great bravery, leadership, determination and coolness throughout this fierce and prolonged battle lasting nine hours it is likely that the enemy would have captured the position and forced the battalion to withdraw from its important position. The success of this action forced the enemy to withdraw from his strong forward positions and thereby accelerated the progress of operations.
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WO 373/33/247

After falling ill with typhus on 18th July 1944 he died 26th July 1944 aged 24 buried Imphal War Cemetery

lionboxer · Feb 9, 2023

This was part of the five day action to clear the Japanese off the Kanglatongbi Ridge and Point 3183 by the KOSB and Gurkhas. It was a fine piece of soldiering by the Sikh's to pass through a narrow strip of jungle and river between the western end of the Ridge and the main Imphal to Kohima road (both held by the Japanese) unseen to form up at Ekban Ekwan on the northern side of the Ridge while KOSB and Gukhas attacked the south side. There are posts on here about this battle.
A cruel stroke of fate that this brave man Major Adams should succumb to disease after surviving such an intense and vital action.
Lionboxer

brithm · Feb 9, 2023

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Award Military Cross Capt. Reginald James ADAMS, 1st Bn. 11th Sikh Regiment (Far East): 26/07/1944

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Award Military Cross Capt. Reginald James ADAMS, 1st Bn. 11th Sikh Regiment (Far East): 26/07/1944

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