Brigadier James Ronald (Jumbo) MORRIS, DSO*, Gurkha Rifles

Hi Andrew Thanks for joining in and bringing a different perspective. When I started the thread it was because I was surprised at the strength of Painter's criticism which is unusual. And then I saw it supported by others. But then I was surprised by the two DSOs and the content of the recommendations. I guess we have all met people who are a square peg in a round hole - I've also met a number of successful senior leaders who were not easy to work for! At least you now know the basis for his two DSOs....

All the best
Tony

 

Thank you, Tony.

I spoke to my mother about it last night, (my father, like my grandmother, has dementia and is now in a home). I found out that my grandfather was a renegade and pissed a few people off by being unconventional. Something that my father definitely inherited!

She even suggested that a few orders my grandfather received resulted from his reputation. That is secondhand information so I would take it as an opinion rather than a fact. When we were in Varanasi, there were 9 other people whose fathers had reported to my grandfather, including Virginia McKenna from Born Free. I had no idea who she was but my dad's tongue was out the whole trip!

Maybe it is a biased view, but their feedback was that my grandfather was strict, determined and fearless. There was an example of an intercamp dispute between the Indian soldiers, and they started shooting at each other. He got in an open-top Land Rover and drove into the middle of the camp with bullets flying around and told them all to stop. Which they did!

I did History and Politics at University, so I am fascinated by how this discussion has unfolded. I am glad I had the opportunity to hopefully provide additional information that provides a more rounded understanding of an individual. It is also so important we have all the information, especially in this modern day of 'fake news' and creating your own narrative to suit you.

I don't know if you listen to Dan Snow's podcast, but I have asked if they could do a pod on the Chindits as part of the lead-up to VJ day. If/when they respond, I will definitely let this forum know because it would be great to remember those who sacrificed so much in Burma.

Andrew

 

Hello Andrew,

In post no. 12 on this thread you will see the recommendation for your grandfather's second award of the DSO. If you do not have it already, attached is the copy of this recommendation from the National Archives:

 

Here is a picture of my grandfather with his wife, my father and uncle.

 

Thank you. I didn't have this

 

And a picture of his kukri that was used in Burma

 

I believe that this is a picture of my Grandfather in Tunisia.

 

Thanks for posting these photographs Andrew, they are much appreciated.

 

I have just finished O'Brien's book and agree that he is very critical of Morris - almost constantly throughout the book. He even mentions a time around 21 May 1944 when Morris ordered a full advance on Kazu without any reconnaissance against the strong opposition of his commanders, including Peter Cane, when he "heard from another officer, a suggestion that the Brigadier should be 'accidentally' shot! Fortunately, on that occasion, Morris backed down.

 

Hi Andrew, I have a trophy that I believe may belong to you grandfather. Can we talk. Cheers T

 

does anyone know how to get in touch with Andrew M Morris

 

Tee Ess,

Andrew has not logged since mid-May 2025. I will send him a PM next. You get PM access after creating x5 posts, but can read and reply to them. Standby.

 

Yes. that'd be amazing.

 

Andrew,

If you PM Tee Ess she can read and reply.