More about Bullocks in Burma

Discussion in 'Burma & India' started by ElaineRM, Sep 10, 2019.

  1. ElaineRM

    ElaineRM Member

    Following on from my previous thread, thanks to help from people on this forum, I have had copied the War Diaries for 81(WA) Div Pack Bullock Coy of which my father, Capt A J MIlls was OC. They were AMAZING to see as they are in his handwriting with his signature so many times. As you can imagine, it was very emotional seeing this and knowing he wrote them whilst in Burma, starting March 1944.
    The Company flew in with their bullocks on Dakotas to MEDAUNG, on the ARAKAN front. I have tracked the route they took over the next few months, coming under enemy fire at PAGODA HILL, crossing various CHAUNG and rivers, being supplied by air. They carried petrol, medical supplies, ammunition, food and pasturage, and linked with various Field Ambulance units and with HUBFORCE. They were at PALETWE and MOWDOK amongst other places before being sent back to CHIRINGA (SPIDERPORE) for the monsoon.
    They seemed to have had trouble with the saddles for the bullocks, as they were always trying to find better adaptations. Many African Other Ranks (AOR's) were sent to hospital and bullocks also for spine gall treatment!
    The whole unit was disbanded in Feb 1945 and my father was sent to join 1781(WA) Comp Platoon, whatever that was. Anyone know?? He remained in India until Feb 1946.
    I have joined the Chindit Society, but now know that he was not one, in spite of having a Chindit Badge in his collection. I do not know why that would be.
    Anyway, thanks for everyone's assistance in helping me find so much about what my father did. I now know more than I ever thought possible. Elaine.
     
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  2. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Composite Platoons: 1781 Pl. | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 172/9693
    Description:
    Composite Platoons: 1781 Pl.
    Date: 1945 Mar.- Dec.
    Held by: The National Archives, Kew
    Legal status: Public Record(s)
    Closure status: Open Document, Open Description
    Access conditions: Closed For 29 years

    TD
     
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  3. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    That is fantastic news Elaine, I'm so pleased that the diaries contained so much information for you.
     
  4. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Elaine,
    It would still be great to see some of the photographs you mentioned in your earlier posts.
     
  5. ElaineRM

    ElaineRM Member

    Thanks again, TD. You are so knowledgeable! Do you know what a Composite Platoon is? Elaine.
     
  6. ElaineRM

    ElaineRM Member

    I will try to learn how to post photographs,Bamboo43 and see what I can do! Elaine.
     
  7. ElaineRM

    ElaineRM Member

     
  8. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Composite Platoons: 1783 Pl. | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 172/9695
    Description:
    Composite Platoons: 1783 Pl.
    Date: 1945 June - Dec.
    Held by: The National Archives, Kew
    Legal status: Public Record(s)
    Closure status: Open Document, Open Description
    Access conditions: Closed For 29 years


    3 West African Brigade: H.Q. | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 172/9573
    Description:
    3 West African Brigade: H.Q.
    Date: 1945 May - Dec.

    Held by: The National Archives, Kew
    Legal status: Public Record(s)
    Closure status: Open Document, Open Description
    Access conditions: Closed For 29 years

    H.Q. 3 Bde. | The National Archives
    Reference: WO 172/11308
    Description:
    H.Q. 3 Bde.
    Date: 1946 Jan.- Apr.

    Held by: The National Archives, Kew
    Legal status: Public Record(s)
    Closure status: Open Document, Open Description
    Access conditions: Closed For 29 years

    TD
     
  9. ElaineRM

    ElaineRM Member

    Honestly, TD, how do you know so much? Perhaps you are permanently resident at the NA? Thank you SO much, I shall ask to have them copied for me. You are wonderful! Elaine.
     
  10. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    If I was permanently resident at the TNA - I could copy all those files and make a fortune - the key to information is knowing where to find out and how to get a copy of it

    TD
     

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