"Gert and Daisy" - the Sunderlands in Burma

Thanks HC. I'll send you an email soon.

 

Shame it's not as far as the Highlands and a distillery tour just does not float your boat... :biggrin:

 

Just watched a video online about the WW2 memoirs of Peter Homfray who worked in deception in Burma. He organised a dummy paratroop attack close to the Burmese town of Bhamo to distract the Japanese garrison while the Chindits landed at Broadway. He stayed with 77 Brigade for a while, but ended up a casualty evacuee via Indawgyi.

 

Rifleman Donald "Donnie" MacKenzie - 1924/12/23 to 2021/06/06, 26 Column, 1st Cameronians, from Ullapool...
With a heavy heart, I must report that the last known living survivor of Op River, the Sunderland rescue operation from behind the lines in Burma, passed away last Sunday...
A family member has passed on this photo to share...

 

Service details...

 

H.C.,

that is sad news.

I am not sure how I have managed to miss this excellent thread but have just read from the beginning . Some superb work there and some excellent photographs. Well done, Sir.

Simon.

 

It's been both a curse and a blessing, Simon, but the finished work is getting closer to fruition... back on the desk and presently with my "opposite number" at 33 Sqn (coincidentally another "Stewart"; we greet ourselves as Morning Cuz...!) , and doing some proofing for me...
I spoke to Donnie dozens of times (as well as the late Stanley Rothney, 90's Saddler) and his material was quite beneficial to me... met him a few times and even my wife and daughter visited him with me one time... he was a wonderful Gent...
One by one, they're all going home...

 

Sad to hear this news HC. I will inform the Chindit Society and ensure that Donnie is mentioned in the next newsletter etc. Would the family be happy for me to include the image you have posted, do you think?

 

24/12/1923 - 6/6/2021 Always loved this picture

 

I am happy to give you permission. (Sharon,Grand Daughter. I took the picture. My Mother is the eldest of Donnie's family)

 

Thank you, that is very kind. Please accept the Society's condolences at this sad time.

 

Your very welcome. Might it be possible to receive a copy of the newsletter?

 

Yes, of course. The next edition is due out in the late summer. The Society is hoping to hold it's summer event on the 10th July, we are just waiting for the latest news from the government re: coronavirus, to see if we can go ahead with our plans. I'll make sure you receive a note when the digital newsletter is available.

 

Very sad news indeed. My most sincere condolences to Donnie’s family and friends.

Like Simon, I hadn’t previously seen this thread, which I am now putting right.

 

Thank you so much

 

I think Sharon has just done it...

 

Thanks mate.

 

Hi MacKenzie14,

Because the Chindit Society annual reunion did not take place this month in the end, I have brought forward the release of the newsletter and its is now available to download from the Society website here: The Chindit Column - The Chindit Society

It is the Summer 2021 edition and includes a short piece about your grandfather and his photograph. Just click on the Summer 2021 link and the newsletter pdf will download on to your computer.

Best wishes

Steve (bamboo43).

 

Thank you so much. This means a great deal to me.
Sharon

 

Hi Sharon,

It is our honour to include Donnie amongst his Chindit comrades in the newsletter.