Burma Star Veteran

Hi this is my first time on any forum but I am trying to help my father who turns 90 next month to make contact with or find out about his old comrades. His name is Harry James Fraser and he served in 178 Assault Field Regiment,.516 Battery. We all live overseas and I have emailed the Burma Star Association a few times but have had no reply.
We would like to attend the Rememberance Day Parade at the cenotaph this year as he would like to march with old comrades so if anyone has any ideas how we go about this I would be most grateful. Harry is hale and hearty but not internet savvy!
Regards
Jacqui

 

Wow what a lovely comment to read . I hope you get the help you need to give your dad his wishes .i too am new on here and like you a novice trying to trace my dads war footsteps. My dad too was in Burma from 1942 to 1945 he was in the British army in the 14th Army so I have been told His name was William Freeman he was from Rotherham South Yorkshire England he was at the battles of the admin box Assam Kohima and many more .At some point he got blown up and his back remained black and blue and his skin was like cling film Sadly dad died 30yrs ago and it would have been great if our fathers did know each but I should imagine even if they did not they would be kindred spirits through sharing the same horrendous war of Burma . May I take this moment to Thank your dad for fighting for all our freedom I salute him and wish him well Elsie x

 

Hi Elsie thank you for replying, Dad is very excited to hear from anyone who has served in Burma or their families. I am going to phone the Burma Star Association tomorrow so I will let you know how I get on. Regards Jacqui

 

Hi Jacqui,

I hope the people at the BSA can help. They have always been very good at replying to my enquiries over the years. I would imagine they would be keen to have Harry come along, as their numbers marching have dropped away significantly in recent times. Be prepared for an early start and a long day, as I think that the marchers are marshalled into their respective positions a good while before the ceremony.

Best wishes.

Steve

 

Good to hear they still want to keep marching. My father did his bit for years and hardly missed any of the BSA reunions and parades. Go for it Harry!!
Lionboxer

 

Jacqi

Your Dad and I share a similar age and I therefore share his wish to keep on marching while he can.

You might be able to pick up a few tips here:
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/25143-remembrance-sunday/

The latest report is Comment No.159 which gives a timetable of last year's ceremony but please post any queries that may occur to you,

The main thing to know is that it is a long slog but the British Legion have been doing it for a long time and they do try to make it as easy as possible.

Good luck and please send my regards.

Ron

 

Harry, Good luck with your plans. I am sure you will never regret what you are trying to arrange. Find a nice place to stay in Central London to make life easy for your Dad. My father served in Burma but is sadly no more. Please pass on my best wishes to your father . You will find a warm welcome in November I am sure.
Sylvia

 

Jacqui,

I did not serve in Burma but have the highest regard for the lads who faced such fierce opposition and did such valiant service in the defeat of the Japanese, and as another Veteran who served from 1939 to 1946 send very kind regards to your Father.

Joe Brown.

 

DanMed / Steve

This should be on its own thread really, getting a bit confusing otherwise.

Steve - the info Danielle gives is from his arrival at Migaladon, but as I recall the troops training at Maymyo included Middle East Commandos after their units were defunct - I'm wondering (from his name, dont shoot me as racist if Ive wrong guessed!!) if he was originally a Middle East commando - is there anything on his record prior to Mingaladon.

Thoughts?

Pete

 

Thanks Owen and Pete for suggesting the move.

 

Pete:

As far as I know my dad was never a Middle East Commando. Prior to Mingaladon, it is my understanding he was in the U.K. His Military History sheet shows Home, Burma and India only.

Danielle