The Kohima Epitaph: Britain's Forgotten Battle That Changed WW2
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- General Bill Slim and Britain's Forgotten WW2 Battle
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What is the Kohima Epitaph and what has it got to do with Britain’s forgotten battle that changed the Second World War?
Well, those of you living in the UK and who attend Remembrance Sunday services will probably know the words even if you don’t know the story behind them:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrow, We gave our today.”
The memorial which bears those powerful words, stands in a cemetery containing the graves over over 1,400 British servicemen and memorials to over 900 Indian troops who died alongside them.
They died in one of the bloodiest, toughest, grimmest battles of the Second World War.
A battle sometimes called the “Stalingrad of the East.”
Outnumbered 6:1 and half of whom were from non-combat units, the multi-national British garrison stood their ground in bloody hand-to-hand fighting, refusing to retreat or surrender for two weeks until relieved. And even then the battle continued for another vicious month.
That stand stopped the Japanese invasion of India in its tracks and turned the tide of the war in South East Asia.
Both for its ferocity and its turning point in the war, it has been called: “Britain’s greatest battle.”
The Japanese lost 53,000 men from their army of 85,000.
The British (14th Army) lost 4,000 men killed and wounded.
This forgotten victory was made possible by General William (Bill) Slim commanding the 14th Army.
Rather like the battle and the 14th Army, General Slim has not received the recognition that he is due.
And yet, it is almost completely forgotten.
Rather like the army that fought against the Japanese in Burma.
So, as we near Remembrance Sunday, I think it is time to reveal the story of the Battle of Kohima in 1944.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:29 The Rising Sun
2:04 General Slim & the 14th Army
3:16 Japanese Invasion
5:50 Kohima
8:22 Siege of Kohima
9:21 Battle of the Tennis Court
10:10 John Harman VC
11:08 Holding Out
12:10 Relief & Battle
13:18 John Randle VC
14:29 Victory
16:08 Bill Slim's Springboard
17:20 The Kohima Epitaph
#kohimaepitaph #remembrancesunday #battleogkohima
Regiments who fought at the battle of Kohima include:
2nd Royal Norfolk Reg.
1st Royal Scots
1/8th Lancashire Fusiliers
7th Worcestershire Reg.
1st Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders,
2nd Dorset Reg.
1st Royal Welch Fusiliers
1st Royal Berkshire Reg.
2nd Durham Light Infantry
4th Queen's Own Royal West Kent Reg.
1st Somerset Light Infantry
1st Queen's Royal Regiment
2nd Duke of Wellington's
4th Border Reg.
1st Essex Regiment
Royal Artillery
Royal Signals
Royal Engineers
2nd Manchester Regiment
1st Punjab Reg
4/7 Rajput Reg.
4/15 Punjab Reg.
4/1st Gurkha Rifles
4/14th Punjab Regt
4/5th Royal Gurkha Rifles
1st Burma Reg.
1st AssamReg.
1st Chamar Reg.
Shere Regiment (Nepal)
Mahindra Dal Reg. (Nepal)
2/4th Bombay grenadiers
5/4th Bombay Grenadiers
17/7th Rajput Reg.
Ist Royal Jat Regt
7/14th PunjabReg.
8/13th Frontier Rifles
1st Bihar Reg.
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My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or TH-cam animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
As a crude rule of thumb, most people with a grandfather born in the UK will have a military story in the family. This is why the significance of Remembrance continues to resonate today despite the mass immigration of recent years. I have led, like most of my generation, a charmed life of peace thanks to the sacrifice of those who came before. My father flew Lancasters, his brother Spitfires, one grandfather a career soldier in the Boer war and India, another fought on the western front, a great uncle won the VC at Gallipoli, another uncle torpedoed twice on Russian convoys, his brother blown over a cliff by a mine after D day. I am sure that many of your subscribers could reel off a similar list. Than you for bringing all of their exploits alive for a new generation.
That was like me here in the States. Growing up, it seemed like every adult male was either a WW1, WW2, Korean War or Vietnam vet. As a kid in the 60s, all of us boys played war with the actual backpacks and webbed belts brought home by the adult men in our families.
I had one grandfather that fought the Japanese on all those islands, and my other grandfather fought in North Africa. My Dad was in Nam, and that's not even including my uncles.
I totally get what you're saying! 👍💪
Indeed .... Lest we forget!
Descendents of immigrants will feel connected to their ancestors in other countries instead of Brits living before mass immigration began. Especially since most immigrants come from places those Brits colonized, looted, and oppressed.
@@HammerDownUnder
The best way we can honour their sacrifice, is to Stop the Mass, Indiscriminate, Illegal Immigration, that is destroying British Culture.
@@blockmasterscottAnd in Australia. And, I imagine, in Canada, NZ and for European South Africans. And millions of Indians fought against the Japanese. Let’s not forget the Malays who fought against Communists in the 50s and 60s. I am worried that before too long we all throughout the English speaking countries will be joined again, this time with Japan, against the CCP.
I remember being in a RSL in Brisbane in 1980 and talking to a man that fought there. His words I remember well. "We had dysentery, yellow fever and malaria, everyone had a wound from some kind. I don't know what those buggers at Rorkes Drift did in 2 days to get all those medals, but I suppose at Impal, they would have come with the rations. "
Great comment!
A pity you did not listen to the Austra,ian veterans from Papua New Guinea who, very much earler than Imphal, faced the same conditions, and worse, beating the Japanese hollow in major and minor battles, became the best Allied army in Jungle Warfare and halted the Pacific tbrust of Japan, on land, in the Pacific War, the main battle ground, years before 14 Army even crossed the srart line.
@oweneather1435 I was in the Australian army mate l know our history. If you think one up man ship is appropriate, you go for it. I take it you weren't there for either event? Only 1 VC was handed out for Kokoda, but that's another story. I was at Blamey Barracks, and I hated Blamey. Dose that takeaway what happened at Impal? No.
Until the VC medals were only given to [senior] officers. Other ranks (junior officers) at best could be "Mentioned in Dispatches." The Victoria Cross was the first British medal awarded to any rank. As the only option initially many VCs were awarded, 67 at the 1st investiture after Crimean War 1857. Rorkes Drift was 1879.
@@prof_kaos9341 that's true, so was what the old bloke said.
The Indian army does remember the battle of kohima,& as a child I remember the grave yard epitaph " FOR YOUR TOMORROW, WE GAVE OUR TODAY.
Only regretable factor our political leaderships have either been careless or have a disdain attitude towards any military activities pre 1947.
It is often forgotten just how many Indians served in the Second World War. The largest volunteer army in the world
Thank you for this video. I am from nagaland (Kohima is the capital of our state). The battle of kohima is still talked about a lot here.
I would like to visit one day
Everyone in Burma who wrote a war diary - British troops, Indians, the airmen of the RAF and Chenault's USAAF, the RAMC doctors and surgeons, the Chindits, the Marauders, 'Vinegar Joe' Stilwell and so on, they ALL attest to the remarkable courage, endurance and steadfastness of the Naga people. Without these wonderful allies, matters in Burma would have turned out differently.
My Dad was there in the 14th army
My dad was in the Royal Indian Airforce for raids in burma. When my sister landed for a sports event at kohima about 25 years back, they narrated the war story to her, even today we recall those moments.
Both my grandfathers were born in the UK and had memories of our war of independence against the Brits.
Thanks for this great video, Chris. I knew a lovely old Anglican priest who served at Kohima. It was only when he died and I read his full half-page obit in the Daily Telegraph that I realised that he had won the Military Cross at Kohima for tending the wounded and carrying rations to the front line during the Battle of the Tennis Court. What a man! He also made reference in sermons of celebrating the Eucharist in a mess tin on the beach at Dunkirk in 1940. Truly the greatest generation. Lest we forget.
What an amazing story and an amazing man. Thank you for sharing.
What an exceptional gentleman, I think it’s more courageous being unarmed. Although he had his faith.
Thank you my father was a Chindit who survived battles against nature in the jungle nearly died from illness recovered and sent to Kohima was there from the beginning until the end. Came home with bad PTSD and depression for years died in 2003.
@@theoldgreymare703 they went through what I imagine is the most trying circumstances of any allied soldiers, I read a book called “The wild green earth” really informing. I have the highest respect for them. Miles from home in a totally different and sweltering climate, undersupplied, and often outnumbered. Extraordinary. I think I am right in saying a large number were from northern English regiments, was that true of your father?
Raymond Ramsey was in the Chindits
"They just thought they could overwhelm us by sheer numbers. They hadn't recogn' on the courage of the ordinary British soldier who said: 'The hell with you, you're not gonna chuck me out of here'".
Donald Easton, Major in the Royal West Kents during the siege, in 2005.
Great quote. Thanks for sharing.
@@TheHistoryChapthe film Merrill's Maurauders ,gave the West Kent's an appearance...E...
Sounds like the British army Second to none!
Whee was that courage at Singapore? Britain’s biggest ever defeat.
You have to give credit to the Japanese army for their speed and surprise for that And at least unlike the United States it seems we do admit we lost a few Albeit far less over the centuries than we won
I served in 2nd Division in the early 90's we celebrated Kohima day every year at Imphal Barracks in York, it was incredible to see the veterans every year enjoying themselves with their old comrades. Very happy memories.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share those memories.
Served myself in Bunde and later York and like you assisted the Kohima Day Parties in both places. Always a pleasure to wait on to these veterans. Our Bunde ones (organised by the Sgts Mess 2 Div Sigs) had up to 500 guests and held in a large pavilion in the town. There is also a Kohima museum in Imphal Barracks York.i
I'm a veteran of the Falklands Campaign and will never forget the sacrifice of my forebears who fought against overwhelming odds. As today is Rememberance Day. God save our King.
Thanks for taking the time to show your poignant thought
Forgotten battle of forgotten army. Heroes of 14th Army...
Hope you enjoy it.
@@TheHistoryChap Of course.
The 14th British/Indian Army inflicted on the Japanese their greatest land defeat.
A fitting tribute to
'The Forgotten Army ' 🇬🇧 💐
Thank you.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
"You are not forgotten. They did not know you existed in the first place!"
The Assam Rifles gave good account of themselves in this battle. They stood shoulder to shoulder with the British.
I thought they deserved a very brief mention, because it wasn’t just British soldiers fighting there
My father-in-law's regiment 149 RTR with Grant tanks helped relieve Kohima.
The squadron my father-in-law served in was equipped with water-proofed Shermans and was held in reserve for the seaborne landing on the Arakan cost of Burma. This seaborne landing didn't happen as most landing craft were diverted to Europe for D-Day.
One of the 149th's Grants is still on the side of the road up to Kohima.
Eventually one of the tanks was driven/dragged up to the tennis courts and destroyed bunkers at point-blank range.
Thanks for sharing
I've read that the Grant was more popular in Burma than in most theatres where it served. It could climb hills. It's height - usually a problem - meant it's commander could see and use the 37mm over undergrowth and terrain. Obsolete elsewhere, the 37mm did well against the few tanks the Japanese had. It's hull mounted 75mm was mainly used for bunker busting, where it's limited traverse was not a problem.
Imphal/Kohima is considered the finest battle of WW2 for the British in terms of tactics and strategy all done with minimal air support led by General Bill Slim. PS and there wasn’t an Aussie in sight.
There is still a Lee Grant tank at kohima which is kept as a ww2 memorial!
Slim’s book, ‘Defeat into Victory’ was required reading when I was at Sandhurst. I wish I’d managed to keep my copy but it was one of those things that got lost on the way…
A fantastic general - a soldiers soldier.
I've got a copy. I used it for research for my novel White Rose about an officer who serves in Slim's army during the Burma Campaign.
@@christopherhahn6728 :)
In similar fashion, Slim's book was recommended at Portsea. I would refer to page 187 and Slim' s unstinting praise that,"...Australian troops had, at Milne Bay in New Guinea (in Augjst and September 1o42), INFLICTED ON THE JAPANESE THEIR FIRST UNDLUBTED DEFEAT ON LAND..." This two years before Imphal!
Slim pointed out, of the Australian triumph, "...as a morale raissr, I made great use." Did this slip your mind.?
I found a copy in a used bookshop 3 years ago. Excellent reading. Slim is underrated.
My father in law went ashore on the canal with Vandergrift...his fighting the Japanese forever altered his life.He never discussed the Canal with me just the wonderful treatment of the Aussies upon being relieved and getting R and R ..RIP Sal
Thanks for sharing
Bill Slim was the best of the British generals and Kohima shows how he fought a battle. So glad you told 14th Army's story for this battle. And all this was going on during Operation Thursday, Wingate's airborne invasion of northern Burma, also supported by the US 10th Air Force. Of course, the US Army in the Pacific faced the same problem of being overshadowed.
PS Maybe you could tell the story of the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd West African Division, one of the half dozed Chindit brigades of 1944.
Thanks for your suggestion about the west African regiment
The most important battle that broke Japan's imperial supremacy. Slim a remarkable personality. A unique example of the perfect commander who was the icon of the soldiers. Never in the history of the world have I heard of a similar boss. Honor be to his memory and great to the fighting soldiers for the herculean effort. It is always a pleasure to experience one of your lectures Chris👍👍👍
What a wonderful comment, thanks for taking the time to write it.
Leslie Morshead
@@koalastralia
Not to disparage Leslie Morshead, who was the Corps Commander; but William Slim was an army commander. There are so many good and brave officers who should be honored that the list would be too long, on the other hand, there is fogrexample Mc Arthur = “A huge asshole in a pair of military trousers, with an embroidered cap as a cover!👍
Shit the bravey of British troops it was the Pacific front that stooped the advance not the British.
Boo hoo
Listening to this on Veterans Day in the US. A fitting reminder about the importance of the military. Freedom isn’t free. Thanks very much for the video. This is the first I had heard of the battle.
In terms of numerical losses their failed offensive in Burma resulted in the Japanese Army's biggest casualty rate of the war - some 80,000 men.
Not forgetting the massive contribution of India - the Indian Army of that period was the largest volunteer army in history, around 1.5 million men.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to write a comment
Thanks for Tomorrow, chaps ! From a Dutch guy. I knew about this forgotten battle. It’s worthy for a great movie to get it less forgotten. 🇳🇱 🇬🇧 🇮🇳
Thanks for watching my video and for taking the time to comment
Those two Indian soldiers at 7:30...as you narrated and I looked st the photo...I found myself really hoping that they survived the war. Its rare to see wartime photos of smiling men, but they both look so pleased. That pic really touched me.
Very nice comment, thank you for taking the time to write
Yep. The real human face of those who are put between us (all of us) and the danger. I noted that the young man on the right of the frame seems to have a Reising gun M-50. Note the cocking lever under the fore-guard. Odd to see that in UK service instead of early-war USMC, but ...
I always wondered why my Father had the Burma Star in his Medals as I knew he was an escapee from Singapore. He was an official escapee - 20 men from the East Surreys and 20 from the Leicesters - he turned up in Colombo several months later to be posted up to Kohima - 'Can't afford to waste your experience in Jungle Fighting and being a Machine Gunner' was what he was told.
A great story, thanks for sharing
Your father was really a racist dog would have killed many innocent civilians in India and Myanmar
Thanks Chris. My father was a Lancaster pilot, and so I tend to remember his service. When my grandsons asked me what did great-granddad did during the war, I spent some time telling them about my father. You have reminded me of their other great-granddad, my father-in-law and my best friend, who fought in Burma with the Royal Engineers. He had Slim's book on his bookcase and that is where I learned of this great battle. I will tell my grandsons this, for they, too, will remember all of them.
What a lovely comment, thank you for taking the time to respond
Kohima (& Imphal) the British showed they learned to fight the locust Japanese Army tactics. Japanese met a combination of Indian, Gurkha and British troops, a nightmare to even consider assaulting. The air resupply at this time and technology was superb and battle winning. The tennis court battles was exactly like you said brutal hand to hand.
Thanks for taking the time both to watch and also to write your comment. Appreciated.
@@TheHistoryChap Chris an awesome telling of a little known and massively important part of history unfortunately not taught. The part of the Indian Army and Gurkha Army is vastly underplayed in our joint history
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
👍
Thank you for this moving video, Chris, as a former soldier, I knew many former 15th Army veterans but only now am I begining to appreciate just what they went through, Also, I have a personal conection with the Slim family: I'm from Bilston and Bill Slim's sister-in-law was my doctor when I was very young in the early 'fifties. I have always known about the Field Marshall as he was a local hero when I was growing up.
You knew many Japanese veterans?
None at all, but I did meet some of their former prisoners!@@douglasherron7534
Thank you for sharing your memories and thoughts
@@douglasherron7534 Tos serr
Britain greatest general and a soldier general best Allied general of the Second World War
The war in Burma is lucky in having some of the very best memoirs of WW2. Apart from Slim's own "Defeat into Victory" , there is "Quartered safe out here" by George Macdonald Fraser (Author of the Flashman books) and "The road past Mandalay" by John Masters. All three are wonderfuilly written, informative and moving.
Slim's campaigns are still studied in war colleges as examples of how to do things in a coalition with little resource against a skilled and determined enemy.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share
Macdonald Frasers book is superb
A great tribute to the heroes of Kohima!
Many thanks
Wow what a story beautiful description of it.
Brave men who died for peace in our world that still is In a turbulence.
Blessings
Thank you for taking the time to comment
Few remember Indian troops served with distinction almost everywhere. The suicidal stand of their 18th Brigade (Deir El Shein) on day one of 1st Alamein delayed Rommel 24hrs, giving time to organize a defence certainly saving 8th Army & Egypt after the Gazala rout. Kohima has it's own episode in the tv series GREAT ESCAPES OF WW2.
Thank you for taking the time to comment
Thank you for your stirring account of the grim battle that broke the Japanese advance toward India. The Kohima Epitaph is even more profound than the words of the memorial to the 300 Spartans who fought to their last breaths at Thermopylae in order to deny passage to the Persian horde. May the memory of the valiant defenders live forever.
Lord Mountbatten actually referred to it as being like that ancient battle
Thanks for this excellent video Chris. It's about time the forgotten army are remembered and their bravery recognised and honoured . My grandad was with The West African Frontier Force. His health never recovered properly due to malaria.
Thank you for watching and for sharing about your Grandad
Thank you for posting this fascinating video. My Uncle Dennis was in the 14th army and the experience left with a lifelong hatred of the Japanese and a love for the Gurkhas. He also felt that his army never got the publicity they deserved. The emphasis the news media at the time and therefore history since then has has always been on the Americans in the Pacific.
Have you thought of doing something on the TV series; "It ain't half hot Mum." Many of us enjoyed what you did with "Dad's Army."
I’ve had a lot of requests for “ it ain’t half hot Mum” so let’s see what I can do in the New Year
One of my uncles was also 14th Army - a Captain in 5th Punjabs. Like your uncle Dennis, my Uncle Jack was left with a lifelong hatred of the Japanese [*] and a resentment against the Gurkhas whom he thought pinched honour and glory, unreasonably, from his beloved Punjabis!
[*] "But, they do make damn good cars...." he once said - inadvertently paraphrasing Peter Sellers' line about Japanese cameras in 'Dr Strangelove'.
Great video, all the more moving for me as my Step Father of 43 yrs was there.
Here is an extract I read at his funeral eight years ago.
The Japanese prize was to capture Kohima and cut the supply line to Imphal. They squeezed a small Garrison into a tiny area. The Suffolk’s held a high feature named the Mound a steep and rather bare mountain. They constructed elaborate systems of defenses with communications trenches; fire bays and dug in sleeping quarters.
Rod was amongst those who were outflanked by the enemy and fought a battle at Numshigum that lay between the Second Suffolk’s and Imphal. It was there he witnessed tanks making history by climbing gradients, which had hitherto been considered impractical to achieve. Numshigum was the biggest battle at Kohima and it caused the enemy to retreat. After the battle Rod counted literally hundreds and hundreds of dead bodies, a memory, which again remained with him.
The Battle for Kohima was an ordinary Soldiers Battle which included hand to hand fighting 15000 Japanese troops versus 3500 who were cut off and had to be supplied by Air. After 7 weeks Kohima was relieved, the Japanese myth was destroyed, they were no longer invincible.
An absolutely fantastic contribution. Thank you for taking the time to share it here.
The Australians had also held the Japs up earlier in the war. Though not on the same scale.
Reading a book many years ago about the British war in Southeast Asia a British general said of the Japanese failure to supply their troops with adequate food and medicine as "murder by logistics"! The old adage that "logistics win wars" was never more true in Burma, where even drinking water had to be flown in to the troops fighting there.
Good point, well made
The kohima epitaph never fails to send tingles down my spine
Mine too
Often has made me cry
My father was posted there for 3 1/2 years, and would occasionally speak of those places and battles. Thank you for the doco!
My pleasure, thank you for watching
The 14th army was the single biggest allied army of ww2.
Slim was a die hard,
His men tenacious and incredibly brave, not only facing the better armed enemy, but surviving for months in a leech, rat and spider disease infested hell, which most of the time soaked them to the skin for days and weeks,
Only to boil them in heat and unbearable humidity.
Every man jack of them
Were incredible soldiers.
General slim, you have our respect and gratitude.
Thanks for taking the time to write your in-depth comment
'When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
Thanks, great to get the full story for a largely ignored battle. I once had a conversation with Prince Andrew about the battle of the tennis court, but maybe that is an anecdote I shouldn't readily be admitting to...
I am sorry though that having mentioned Abdul Hafiz, you didn't go on to cover his story in the same way that you did the other two VCs. Here is the script from his citation:
In Burma, in the early hours of the 6th April, 1944, in the hills 10 miles North of Imphal, the enemy had attacked a standing patrol of 4 men and occupied a prominent feature overlooking a Company position. At first light a patrol was sent out and contacted the enemy, reporting that they thought approximately 40 enemy were in position. It was not known if they had dug in during the hours of darkness.
The Company Commander ordered Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan to attack the enemy, with two sections from his platoon, at 0930 hours. An artillery concentration was put down on the feature and Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan led the attack. The attack was up a completely bare slope with no cover, and was very steep near the crest. Prior to the attack, Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan assembled his sections and told them that they were invincible, and all the enemy on the hill would be killed or put to flight. He so inspired his men that from the start the attack proceeded with great dash. When a few yards below the crest the enemy opened fire with machine-guns and threw grenades. Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan sustained several casualties, but immediatetly [sic] ordered an assault, which he personally led, at the same time shouting the Mohammedan battle-cry. The assault went in without hesitation and with great dash up the last few yards of the hill, which was very steep. On reaching the crest Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan was wounded in the leg, but seeing a machine-gun firing from a flank, which had already caused several casualties, he immediately went towards it and seizing the barrel pushed it upwards, whilst another man killed the gunner. Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan then took a Bren gun from a wounded man and advanced against the enemy, firing as he advanced, and killing several of the enemy. So fierce was the attack, and all his men so inspired by the determination of Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan to kill all enemy in sight at whatever cost, that the enemy, who were still in considerable numbers on the position, ran away down the opposite slope of the hill. Regardless of machine-gun fire which was now being fired at him from another feature a few hundred yards away, he pursued the enemy, firing at them as they retired. Naib Subedar Abdul Hafiz Khan was badly wounded in the chest from this machine-gun fire and collapsed holding the Bren gun and attempting to fire at the retreating enemy, and shouting at the same time "Re-organise on the position and I will give covering fire." He died shortly afterwards.
Thanks for sharing his story. The reason I didn’t cover it in detail was that he owned his Victoria Cross at Imphal and if you had been listening, closely earlier on, I said I wasn’t going to cover that battle in detail
. @TheHistoryChap The winning of a VC deserves detail - even if briefly. The whole documentary was well done. The brevity of the first sentence in this reply sounds as abrupt as your reply to @markbennett4100. I couldn't think of a diplomatic reply and perhaps you couldn't either.
Thank you for this information. The incredible bravery of Indian soldiers is just one of the many underrated contributions and selfless sacrifices leading to the ultimate victory of the allies over pure evil.
I had never heard of this battle, surely one of the pivotal stands of that war. Hats off to the gallant men of Kohima. From Dallas.
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.
I think it was Lyndy Beige that made reference that by the end of the war the British had worked out how to persuade Japanese to surrender by saying words to the effect "we are now the rulers of this particular patch of ground and you are ordered to lay down your arms and come to us." or somthing like that
Interesting, thanks for sharing
The Battle of Milne Bay was fought in August/September 1942 at Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. Facing the Japanese invaders was a force of Australian Militia (Territorials) together with elements of the 2nd AIF, veterans of the Western Desert, together with some American Troops. The Japanese were forced to withdraw.. This was probably one of the earliest times they had faced battle hardened troops. They remarked they had been facing mad men!
Thank you for sharing
And, from memory, the news of this Japanese defeat was seen by Slim as a great boost to his chances of victory. The 18 th brigade which achieved this in Milne Bay was also part of the Rats of Tobruk who were the first allied forces to turn back the Axis forces. They too saw themselves as forgotten.
@@gregmcgrath4859 Battle of Changsha (1939). The Chinese turned back the Japs in 1939. I have no intention of joining Australian blogs to self promote the British achievements in any Australian run doco.
Thank you for this video. . It brings back the memory of my father fighting in Burma out of India, Thankfully my dad survived the war and was able to relate his experience to me and my siblings.
It’s good that he told some of his stories, because so many of those veterans didn’t
I (now) live in Montreal, as a former Royal Welch Fusilier, I am well aware of this battle. but more important...in my local Legion, we have a member of the Queens Own Cameron highlanders, who actually fought at the battle.
Awesome, thanks so much for sharing
The Kings African Rifles had British Officers, My Father, a lieutenant from the Welch Regiment, was in his 20's. He seldom spoke of what happened but hated Japanese well into the 1960's and did say that neither side took prisoners. Suffering from Dengue, he was wounded by grenade fragments during a jungle patrol when they ambushed a Japanese patrol near Mandalay and was evacuated to India to recuperate.
Thank you for sharing the story about your father
I was unaware of this battle, or its' significance. This Sunday, I will have the honour to recite the Kohima Epitaph at my local Cenotaph. I shall perform it with a much deeper understanding.
Thanks for watching
Feargal Keane’s book Road of Bones on the battle is excellent. Am sure you’ve read George MacDonald Fraser’s Quartered Safely Out Here which is an excellent personal account of his experiences in the later Burma campaign. Great video btw. Exactly the right balance of detail and succinct. Giving the topic the attention it deserves.
Thank you for sharing those two books for my viewers. And also thanks for your kind comment.
In Chester there is an estate built on an old army camp and all the roads are named after anything to do with the army. One of those is Kohima Crescent.
Likewise, there is a road at Norton barracks, formally the home of the Worcestershire regiment
Fantastic video.. Brought back memories and stories from uncles who served in the far east... Undying respect to all that served in the far east
Lovely words, thank you for taking the time to comment
A deserved video for those who fell at Kohima. Thank you Chris.
My Uncle George was in 1st BN Lancashire Fusiliers, they were stationed in India. In 1943 they became part of the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade, or more famously known as The Chindits.
At 2:34 of your video Chris there is a photo of three British soldiers in slouch hats, the man in the foreground is my Uncle's commander, Brigadier Mike Calvert, he's directing operations at Mogaung in Burma.
This operation was made famous in British military circles because of what Joe Vinegar Stilwell said, he informed the BBC and other news outlets that Chinese and American forces had taken Mogaung, when indeed it was the Chindits who done most of the fighting, suffering heavy casualties in the process.
When Mike Calvert heard the BBC announcement that Mogaung had been taken by Chinese-American forces. Calvert responded with his now famous signal: “The Chinese-American forces having taken Mogaung, 77th Indian Infantry Brigade is proceeding to take umbrage.” This is said to have prompted Stilwell’s staff to search in vain for “Umbrage” on their maps.
My Uncle survived the war, but he was casevac'd out of Mogaung with a broken leg and shrapnel wound from a mortar round. He was flown to Imphal then stopped over for a week at Kohima's casualty station I believe. This was around two weeks before the Japanese encircled the area. By that time Uncle George was in Dimapur his war was over.
I remember him speaking fondly of all the Indian and Gurkha troops, also a special mention to the Nigerian soldiers who he had a very high regard for too!
Again, many thanks for the video Chris detailing this important but forgotten battle.
Thank you for taking the time to share that story. Much appreciated.
My uncle, Harold Kyte must have served with him. He was one of two soldiers killed in the approach to Mogaung in June of 44. He is buried in Rangoon. Terrible waste of the Chindits to be used as regular infantry.
My grandfather served there as a padre with the east african regiment
What a great connection. Thanks for sharing.
This is a splendid recounting of one of WWII's most important battles. All honor and glory to Kohima's noble defenders!
Thank you for taking the time to post your comment
My grandpa was a Rifleman in the 1st Assam Regiment. We have 7 Veterans in our village, one of whom walked all the way from Jessami to Kohima with a bullet in his arm and one in his abdomen. 1 Veteran is still alive, 106 yrs old
Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your family story.
I had read about this battle a couple of years ago. I was amazed and proud of the British military and her allies being so tenacious. It really drives home how ferocious the fighting was with the pictures you have posted. I wish I could visit this battle field and the memorials.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment
can you do a video about the battle of the Arakan or better known as the admin box’s please
To see how hard up they were for material, I think the machine guns at 16:50 are dismounted machine guns from aircraft adapted for ground use.
Thank you for sharing about your knowledge on this one
My grandfather, whom I never met, and who was never mentioned by my father, was a medically discharged soldier, working as a roofer to fix houses for rehabitation during London bombing by the Germans. He was doing a vital job but was recalled for this campaign, even though not fully fit. He was killed and is buried at Kohima. This video has been so helpful to me, as one of his grandsons.
Thank you for sharing your story, and I am pleased that my video has helped you understand the battle a little bit more
There's a bagpipe tune The Heroes of Kohima. One of my favourites, I always asked my dad to play it for me.
You are correct. I only recently came across it. Uplifting and haunting at the same time.
What a horrific battle and thanks for doing this video, Kohima should remembered just like the battle of the Somme, Stalingrad and the like in all our schools so that the men and women who gave their all should never be forgotten! Have a great weekend and stay well.
It is a shame that it is not remembered alongside some of those other battles
Sir I was moved bye the valour of those brave but nearly forgotten soldiers. And I truly appreciate that they gave their today's for my tomorrow's. God bless you and your family Sir. Thank for sharing another brilliant video lecture on The Battle Of Kohima!
Thank you for your kind words of support
My father was in the retreat from Burma in 42 which proceeded the Kohima Battle. The longest fighting retreat of the British army . Holding the Japanese back until till the monsoon. Often forgotten by historians but always remembered by Bill Slim .
I grew up with stories of Kohima, Guandalcanal and Midway. I am glad you made this video because the battle of Kohima is not well known, that is correct. But it is an importent one of reasons you mentioned.
Thanks for watching and also for commenting. Please do subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future productions.
Thank you for the vid. Its the 11/11 here. My mate in england had served with the paras in irland and was in a wheelchair as a result. His father served in burma . He arrived just after the battle of kohima and said the spent the rest of the war chasing the Japanese. As your pictures showed he said it looked like a first world war battle. Thinking of Alan and his dad.
Very poignant comment. Thank you for posting.
The courage and bravery of these men brings tears to my eyes. Lest we forget.
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment
@@TheHistoryChap Thanks very much for making these documentaries. They are superbly researched, written, illustrated and narrated. :)
If I've learned anything from the last 20yrs it the importance of returning to history and see the context for which it happened. This can't be done in one single lesson but a series of presentations from a wide scope of topics and educators. There is a serious gap in presentations on TH-cam and elsewhere that tackles the context of the British history. You go a long way to fill that gap and for that I'm grateful.
Thank you for your kind words of support
Anyone who watched the 'World at War' documentary series, narrated by Laurence Olivier, will remember the 'Battle of the Tennis Court'. I watched the series for the first time back in the 2010’s, and it’s got to be one of the most, if not the most comprehensive Second World War documentary series ever made. Another element of the series which makes it a notch above the rest, is that it includes testimony from so many interviewees who were top players in the war, and who were still living, as it’s production was only 30 years after the war.
A great series
Great story! Before today I’d never heard of this story. I knew the British were in India and Burma during WW II mostly because of “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum” and the “Bridge Over The River Kwai.” This single episode of “History Chap” has shown a light on how much the British gave and endured in Asia. I look forward to more stories on this time and place in British history. Sadly most Americans are of the belief the U.S. won WW II, and don’t recognize, or worse yet downplay the efforts and sacrifices of the British people during the first years of WW II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. If it hadn’t been for the British taking it on the chin but still holding the line the world be a much worse place than it is.
And to all the British Airmen that I worked, ate, and laughed with during the first days of the first Gulf War in Oman I hope this finds you all well.
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment
In my experience @rjbisbee8567, you are mistaken that 'most Americans' think that the US won WWII. In fact, 'most Americans" that I talk to are aware of the extensive Allied effort across both theaters of war and the difficulties faced by the British when they stood alone against the Nazis. Yes, I'm American and I happen to be in Dimapur, Nagaland right now. Just visited Kohima yesterday to pay respects at the War Memorial. Yes, many Nagas are my friends and they are a hospitable, loyal, steadfast and friendly people.
Thank you for telling this moving story, We should never forget the Powerful Words of the Kohima Epitaph. I remember hearing a veteran of the Tennis court Battle saying we knew how they treated their prisoners so surrender was never an option, he also said then the Japanese attacked they would scream, this at first frightened us but after a while you wanted them to scream so you knew where to fire your guns..
Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your story
And this is why our Cenotaph must be protected at all costs.
Thank you for sharing
Yes. From the right wing, drunken fascist thugs who overran it recently.
As a young soldier I worked with a veteran of the Burmese war, he was always going on about how he was forgotten and how as a Prisoner of war of the Japanese how badly he was treated as I have grown older and myself a veteran in my 7th decade I do feel sorry for not listening to his stories about the hard time he was given. Oh how we dont think when we are young and how more grown up I have become as I have grown older. RIP skilly my old buddy.
Nice words
Thank you Chris! It is sadly forgotten... My grandfather was part of the Essex regiment who fought with the Gurkhas and Chindits in Burma. I'm told it was almost impossible to get him to speak obout the war.
So many of that generation didn’t want to talk about their experiences, and when you listen to some of the stories, you can see why
Yes, I know of one story. And it's not something I could easily repeat. The horror of actually experiencing that...
Great historical presentation.
So sad to see what our country has become after the heroism of these soldiers and the determination solidarity of this generation.
As a child growing up in Northern Ireland my elders hated the Japanese and many refused to buy a Japanese car. There were many discussions about the fall of Singapore and the mistreatment of British prisoners. Yet there was a pride in the British army and empire that in the end the war had been won. My driving instructor was a retired RUC sergeant but proudly used to tell me he was a Chindit during the war. He hated the Japanese but had a great word on the Burmese people.
I shudder to think what these people would say about the state of the uk today. They gave all and the current criminals in power gave all away.
Great narration of a proud past. Thanks.
Couldnt agree More ~ Traitors at the Helm now
I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and also for taking the time to comment.
2nd Division had some veterans of the Dunkirk rearguard. My gt uncle was one. C.S.M John O'Hara 1st bn Royal Berkshires, the bn who relieved the Royal West Kents on Summerhouse hill, later called garrison hill. By the time the Berkshires were pulled out they had spent longer on the front line, 17days, than the bn they replaced, according to the bn war diaries.
Thank you for sharing
My father fought with the second Royal Norfolks at Kohima and, luckily for me, returned home safely to the UK.
Thank you so much for sharing
My father was with Air Transport Command and later, Air Commando. Yes, American. I know that he spent most of the War around Chabua and flew both the Hump and support of the Chindits, Marauders, and later, Slim's Army in Burma. I have heard and read about the siege of Khomina and Imphal.
Thank you so much for sharing
@@TheHistoryChap Mu father never talked about that much until I had joined the service. The theater was brutal on all that served in it. The flyers of Air Transport Command had a higher casualty rate than the US 8th Air Force flying bomber missions over Germany. The Army Air Corp hid those casualty rates all during the war and never officially corrected them. The Administration feared the real rate would bring pressure to end the missions over the Hump and that was about the only thing that was keeping Nationalist China in the War.
DAD WAS THEIR C. B. I. QUARTER MASTER CORP . U.S.ARMY,,,,, YOUR ARE CORRECT!
I knew about the twin battles of Kohima/Imphal, but I learnt a lot more than I knew! Your style of presentation is excellent, fun and respectful, concise and detailed. Well done Sir!
Thank you so much for both watching and taking the time to comment
Thank you for dedicating a whole video to one of the most crucial battles of the Second World War! It was also great seeing the tactful and humble William Slim being recognised for his excellent leadership in this battle and campaign.
Speaking of brilliant commanders and forgotten campaigns, may you please make a documentary on Richard O'Connor and Operation Compass at some stage? It was an astounding feat for the Allies early in the war and led by one of Britain's greatest commanders in the war. Seeing a video on it would be great!
Thank you very much!
Good shout kiwigaming! Compass is one of the most underrated victories of WW2👍
Thanks for watching my video & your feedback & I will add your suggestion to my ever growing list.
Thanks for watching my video & your feedback. I will add your suggestion to my ever growing list.
I am always interested in obscure battles so I did know about this one already, but there still is a lot of information in this video that is new to me. Thanks History Chap!
My pleasure. I'm glad you found it interesting.
Thanks Chris for this precious peace of history, I thougt that I knew some about the Empires wars but in this case it was nothing...And again, it's the stuff for a great movie with all the different people on the place! You grew to my heart, literally translated from german. All the best from Northern Germany Ludwig.
piece of course
Lovely to hear from you Ludwig.
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@@TheHistoryChap I thougt I had...
Excellent presentation, I really appreciate you bringing these forgotten heros to light.
My pleasure!
Truly a great story about a battle long since past but will never be forgotten especially by the multinational force which eventually prevailed. I have been wanting to learn more about this decisive battle and will say a mantra for the dead and the survivors. May your sacrifice of today bring forth a new tomorrow 🙏 en paz descansen.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for sharing your poignant comment.
Have a peek at the Time Ghost Army.
My dear granddad Harold Barrell was at the battle of Kohima. He like many of his brave generation didn't talk very often about the war, but I do know he talked about fighting over tennis courts. Thankyou so much for explaining and giving details of this historic battle, I can't thank you enough it was enlightening and my heart glows with immense pride and gratitude, and also understanding the enormous sacrifice those brave men who never came home, I know granddad said he lost some good pals in those long weeks. X
I’m glad that you enjoyed this video, thanks for watching
Let us hope and pray that we are allowed to remember our special generations peacefully this weekend.
I certainly hope so.
@@TheHistoryChaptotally echo that sentiment...😮
Another great reminder that freedom is not free.A bit like the family jewlels...3 generations to make them and one to lose them.The hardships in these brutal environments.....Thank you Chris for enthusiastically reminding us of how fortunate we are because of these finest of men.
Thanks for watching my video
I have always been very impressed by how the Japanese got that army to India. I am even more impressed by how the scratch force fought them off at Imphal and Kohima. The Admin Box, the dug in slaughter at the tennis court, this is one of the most inspiring episodes of the war. "It's a lovely day tomorrow," so they sometimes sang. We owe them our remembrance, at the very least.
Many thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment
It was possible because of the Indigenous Nagas who supported the Allies during ww2
As a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, I thank you for this program. 👏👏👏
My pleasure. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already
A Great story and even a greater battle, while i thought the British fought their greatest battles in the 19th century Sudan🌍
I have never been in military service, but i do appriciate my freedom with thankfullness from them who gave their lives for it and the service men who did survive🌏
Thank you!
Cornelis, the Netherlands.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Much appreciated.
A very moving video. This coming from a Vietnam veteran.
Thank you for watching
Chris, this is excellent. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your support.
Thanku. Yes, I do remember. I'm from New Zealand. Many died in WW1, Gallipoli, The Somme, Pachendelle. WW2 France, Italy, North Africa & in Asia. NZ's loss was profound. Great Documentary. Very informative......
Thank you very much for watching and for taking the time to remind us about New Zealand’s contribution to freedom
This is 1 battle that I would love to see on the big screen
Someone else has suggested that it should be made into a film
Great Work Chris,
Cheers to the Heroes!
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to post a comment
The Burma campaingn was indeed a ghastly affair, you brought it to life in this video thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching
My Dad was in The West York's fighting in Burma, 13 years in the army 7 before the war, he also served in Palestine twice, he never cared for his medals and as a child I remember playing on the floor with them, I still have the medals and a book he owned about the Burna campaign, the book is called 'Ball of fire', he never really spoke about the war but I know her saw a lot of action and lost close pals, he was a lovely man and a great dad, my mum used to say dont ask him about the war he wants to forget it, he worked all his life and died while still in employment aged 61, he liked to enjoy life after the war and was a happy man but hid the horrors of war quote well.
Thanks for watching my video & also for sharing your family story.
Excellent and very moving video, Chris.
Many thanks!
Again a great story and so well presented! Thank you so mutch..!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Terrific channel Chris, always interesting and very well presented. We need this history of our country more than ever in today’s world, least we forget.
Thank you for your support
Thank you Chris for another great video.
My pleasure!
Great video, my Grandad was in the West Kent's and had the Burma star, I have wondered before if he was at Kohima, my uncle said he had been a machine gunner so that kind of stacks up. Unfortunately I never got to talk with him about it but I don't think he did talk about the war anyway.
I’m glad you found it interesting. My grandad never talked about his wartime experiences in Italy either.
What an amazing account. I love your videos. Would be nice if the pictures had dates/locations and maybe maps that were more detailed, but your account of these brave people is inspiring
Glad you are enjoying them and thanks for your feedback.
Such staggering conditions beyond belief . I'm suprised anyone on either side survived to go home .
Good observation
Brilliant video Chris. Your explanations are always so clear and concise.
Very kind of you, thanks for your support
This is an excellent video on perhaps the most forgotten front of WW II, the CBI. The twin battles of Kohima and Imphal erased the stigma that had become attached to the British (this includes the Indian, Burmese, Nepalese and Assam contingents) forces in Malaya and Burma at the outset of the war. And it cemented the fact that Field Marshal William Viscount Slim was the best battlefield commander for the Allies in WW II. I'm an American and my father fought in Europe in Patton's Third Army and I had two uncles who fought in New Guinea and the retaking of the Philippines. They were especially sickened by the vicious Battle of Manila, which unnecessarily cost the lives of over 100,000 Filipinos. The Kohima Epitaph was repeated in spirit in every courageous fight against the Axis Powers in WW II. They were truly The Greatest Generation, no matter what country they hailed form.
Thank you for watching my video and for taking the time to share your very poignant comment
@@TheHistoryChap You are very welcome my friend. I have been interested in the different conflicts in Asia since I was in high school, from the Boxers all the way down to the dictator military government in Myanmar today.
I'll be looking at more of your videos. The one about the communist action in Malaya seems very interesting. I have always had a lot of respect for Sir Robert Thompson and his handling of the incident.