Hi David I had the pleasure of meeting your father at two of the re-unions held in Eastbourne, what a wonderful man and I'm very sorry to learn of his passing. On the note of the book, I have re-discovered my copy of it and if I can help anyone out I will try. I believe the Redoubt museum is due to open next month, here's the link The Redoubt Fortress & Military Museum - Eastbourne's Hidden Treasure Andy
That book.I can confirm that copies of The Shiny 9th are available now at the Museum above.They now take credit and debit cards if you give them a ring Sylvia
9 R Sussex were in 72 Inf Bde, the bde stated flying in to N Burma in Jul 1944. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/36th_Infantry_Division_(United_Kingdom). Festing the div comd was a class act, probably one of the best Brit div comds in WW2, again see his Wikipedia entry which is accurate.
I f you want to read more about what the 9th Battalion,Royal Sussex did, then my new book Not Forgetting The 9th is now available. Published by TimeBox Press It is the published diaries of Sgt Cyril Grimes for the whole of 1944 and 45 with an entry for every day. There are also photos and a Roll of Honour. Cost is £8.99 inc p &p Sylvia (Shiny 9th) Here is a link www.timeboxpress.com
Dear wtid45, If you send me a cheque for £8.99 I am more than happy to send you a signed copy. Can you let me have your email so I can pass address to you.If you would rather go via Time Box Press they will have to get me to sign one for you so it might take a little longer. I have put some more details re this book on other sections of this website-the SAEC part of the Book section. I will also attempt to attach the flyer to this email. Sorry this failed-file to big.Best Wishes Sylvia (Shiny 9th )
Sorry forgot to say wtid45 that I tried to send you a PM re this but got the reply that you cannot receive any more.Sounds like you inbox on this site might be full up!
Hello there all of you who are interested in the 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Rgt. My long awaited book, " Not Forgetting The 9th" has finally been published. It is the War Diaries of one Sgt. Cyril Grimes for the whole of 1944/45 while he served in India,Burma and Malaya. I have added notes,photos and some maps-though not as detailed as the one on this thread. Also a Roll of Honour for those killed in 44 and 45. Publishers are Time Box Press. www.timeboxpress.com -cost £8.99 includin p& p. There is an entry for every day,even when they are in action and all entries were written in secret as diaries were not allowed! The book also covers the story of how I knew about them and found them years and years after first being told about them.
Hello all, My great uncle briefly served with the 9th Royal Sussex before transferring to the 1st Queens. He served with the 9th from 14th November 1944 to the 26th February 1945, can anyone tell me what the battalion were up to during this time? Don
Donnie, Yes, I can tell you what the 9th were up to,actually day by day. On 14th November 1944 the Battalion were chasing and fighting the Japanese down the Railway corridor in Northern Burma. They took part in the Battle of Pinwe, had Christmas at a place called Katha and carried on until relieved -some going to Mandalay. After this they had some leave returned to India,in May 45, trained and got ready for Operation Zipper.The Bomb was dropped on Japanese Cities, who after some time,surrendered. Operation Zipper took place.The 9th Battalion sailed in a convoy from Cochin,across to Malaya to make sure the Japanese really were going to give up. They ended up in Fort Butterworth and took part in a formal surrender of arms at a place called Sungei Patani. Your great uncle would have been involved in Pinwe but for whatever reason, not the drive on Mongmit and the later actions. I have published diaries which give one NCos story for all the period your uncle served with the 9th,details below. Have you also read Murray Gillings excellent account called The Shiny 9th? By the way, would like to know the name of your relative as I am attempting to build up a list of soldiers who served with the Btn.
Hopefully everyone who has an interest in Murray Gilling's book , "The Shiny 9th "is aware where to get copies now-ie The Redoubt Military Museum, Eastbourne. Sylvia
An update on another book which includes descriptions of the 9th Battalion's efforts in Burma. This is Roger Annett's" Drop Zone Burma." Adventures in Allied Air Supply 1942-45. published by Pen & Sword Books in 2008. The author interviewed Henry Stock who served with the 9th and he describes events in the Arakan, Northern Burma and Pinwe. His story has been well woven into those of others who made a contribution to this theatre of war, including the pilots who kept the ground forces supplied. A good read which gives an excellent overview of the coordinated approach which lead to the expulsion of the Japanese from Burma.
There is also a book '130th Field Regt RA & its Burma Campaign'. 130 was one of the two field regts in 36 Div. 36 Div also published their own history of their campaign in Burma.
Thanks for that Mapshooter.I have managed to find a copy of Major Geoffrey Foster's "36th Division" and see that 130th Field Artillery RA is listed in the Order of Battle, so will look out for their book too.
Some years ago some kind soul suggested I contact another member here for photos of the 9ths memorials at Taukkyan. I did so but sadly for his own reasons, he was not happy to let me have any. I respect his decision - he did not want me putting them on my 9th Battalion Royal Sussex Rgt Facebook Page. Since then other kind folk have been sending me some. I do not have them all, currently about 50% . If anyone wishes me to search my collection, please pm me. I will be making all that I have so far on my page as given above in due course.
Pte. G. Parris Christmas Aerograph: WW2 1944 ORIGINAL XMAS AEROGRAMME B COY 9th ROYAL SUSSEX REGT G PARRIS BURMA | eBay
