I was extremely sad to read about the recent passing of CQMS. Duncan Bett, formerly of the 13th King's (Liverpool) Regiment and a veteran survivor of Operation Longcloth. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bett, but was well aware of his outstanding performance as a soldier during the first Wingate expedition from books, such as 'March or Die' by Phil Chinnery. Here is a short article from my website about Duncan Bett and his time on Operation Longcloth: http://www.chinditslongcloth1943.com/company-quartermaster-sergeant-duncan-bett.html His passing was announced in the recent edition of the Burma Star Association magazine, Dekho. He was one of last surviving members of the Longcloth Club and possibly the last living soldier from Major Scott's 8 Column. Attached is the only photograph I possess of CQMS. Bett, taken in India pre-Chindit 1.
'Chindits never actually die, they just go to heaven and regroup'. May you rest in peace Duncan; you will not be forgotten.
Thanks to everyone for their kind replies and condolences. To my knowledge there are now only three Longcloth veterans still with us.
... And then there was three... It was the look some of them had post that "closure" of COCA that had a sort of finality, Steve... sort of a "Well Gents, we've fought the good fight, given as good as we could give; now it's time to re-join our units for the final leg of the march..." I only know of a single Cameronian from '44 ...
