My father was in the 9th battalion in Burma in 1944 to 1945 and then in India during partition. Any information on the battalion in these times would be of great interest. I have a few photos and will aim to scan them in to share. Visited the museum in Rotherham a couple of weeks ago, but no one was about to allow me to look at the regimental archive, aim to arrange a date and go back.
Hi and welcome... really good to "meet" you. My father was also with 9Y&L 1942-45 in India and Burma, but stayed on in Malaya after the end of the war. I've been researching 9Y&L off and on for a couple of years now, so I can tell you a pretty comprehensive story about what they got up to and where in Burma and India before that. I've sent you a Private Message through this forum with some contact information for me and a small group of us that follow and research 9Y&L. If you don't get the message, just reply to this and I'll try again.
I've just spent the last few hours reading this through. Thank you for posting this. My father was the 25th Indian Division and I have learned so much from this account. What happened next? What did they do once they were given their month off in February? There are a few months unaccounted for before the war ended.
I have number of photos which I have uploaded in another forum. If you are interested, I can post some of them here also.
25Div withdrew from the Arakan after Tamandu battles and went back to India via Ru-Ywa, Akyab and Madras to concentrate in the Nilgiri Hills for a month's leave before beginning training for Operation Zipper, the proposed invasion of Malaya. 25Div became part of XXXIV Corps and was earmarked to assault the Morib beaches south of Port Swettenham, Malaya, in order to secure the port and move on to capture Kuala Lumpur. The Japanese surrendered in August 1945, and so 25 Div's arrival in Malaya was largely unopposed. 25Div based itself near Klang and sent regular patrols into Kuala Lumpur on the 12th September to restore law and order, in particular to prevent looting. With order restored, a full ceremonial entry into the capital took place the next day, along with days of Japanese surrender. At the end of September, 25Div extended its area of control across the southern part of Malaya to the boundary of Jahore, but had no real operational role. Dispersal began in February 1946, and about a month later 25Div formally disbanded. What was your father's unit in 25Div?
Yes. My father, Captain A A Skinner, wrote an account of the campaign to retake “York” and “Lancaster” islands in those amazing boats which I only read this Summer. He was in the 95th. He never talked about it and I am finding all this information and videos so helpful in understanding what they all went through.
Hello all. My Father, James L Doherty served with the 9th battalion from India through to the end of hostilities, whereupon he was seconded to an engineer company (1089 Port Operating Company) for a short period, working in a dockyard (He said he was put on the docks as he was a scouser!). I've been trying to research the reason he was awarded a mention in despatches, but without success, his citation does quote him as being with the RE & not with the 9th Y & L. I would appreciate any information anyone has on the battalion history, thanks in advance, Paul.
Hi Paul I've looked at the MID list for all of 25th Indian Division in their Burma campaign, and there is no mention of your father as being MID - either as part of 9Y&L or any attached RE or Indian Engineer unit. I guess the best route for you is to chase via the RE records?
Cpl JL Doherty, 3771741, Royal Engineers, was mentioned in despatches LG 10/01/46, for Burma. The citation does not survive.
Just in case you are unaware, with the Army number Jitter Party has provided for Cpl JL Doherty and his MID award, it is likely that he was first enlisted into The King's Regiment (Liverpool).
Thanks for that bit of information. I have a copy of the Gazette & a certificate. Unfortunately his original medal ribbon, carrying the oak leaf has long gone missing.
Yes, he joined the TA in 1938/9. I have his discharge papers and a list of his army history. At one time he was in the Independent Company (Commando) before being sent to join the 9th Y & L.
