大象传媒

POTSANGBAM or as the British soldiers of 17 Ind Div said "Pots and Pans"
This is a short account from the Sgt, Commando plt, 9 Border.

I was given the order to advance with the platoon of 22 men along a wide track, with a monsoon ditch on either side, then jungle.
We had not got far when a mortar bomb (from our own mortars)fell behind us with disasterous results.
I regrouped with 17 men. We continued the advance with a bunker well hidden by the enemy.
I was orded to withdraw and let a tank to go forward. This attack failed, the tank could not depress his gun low enough to hit the target.The attack was continued with grenades with 7 second fuses.
I began to count the time when one of the platoon at the count of two threw his grenade which was thrown back causing more confusion.
L/Cpl Jacky Fairhurst was called to platoon HQ. I was standing on the track with Danny Lynch when Jack returned with the words that he had been told to take command of 2 section. A rifle cracked, Danny Lynch dived into a monsoon ditch I hit the deck. AS I did so I saw Jack sag at the kness and falling forward onto his face.
I shouted to Danny "he`s got Jack," I noticed him shudder.
With Dannys help we got Jack of the track and on to a stetcher. From then on all is a mystery.
I was on "stag duty" during the night. Behind a Brengun. The knife rest in front of me,
Advancing towards me the enemy.
If he is advancing hold your fire. The form got to the fence. This was a machine gunners dream, I will wait and then open fire. The form turned, and I saw the luckiest mule in BURMA. I congratulated myself in holding my fire.
Sgt Tommy Wren 3603714(Deceased)9 Border.

This was composed by Sgt Wren and Sgt Heaton in the Sgts Mess in Penwegon 1945.

Tune (SOUTH OF THE BORDER)

South of Meiktila down Pyawbe Way
That`s where the J.O.R. thought that they had come to stay
But the Borders surprised them one sunny day,
South of Meiktila down Pyawbe Way.

First in was B Coy led by Long John
Then Bobbie Patch MC took his "A" Coy along
"C" Coy waited with "Tommo" in charge
"D" was right forward neath the barrage

Then th Japs stared shouting and screaming
As the Mortar Platoon got weaving,but the lads
Didnt need any screening
They had the Japs on the run.

Tikhaiall says......Tommy Wren was very respected in the battalion. People have said they felt safe if they were on a patrole with Tommy Wren. They sad he was "good and he could stalk like a game keeper"

But Tommy lived a life full of remorse. He being deeply religious found not only was he good at stalking and killing but he enjoyed it.
This was all against Tommy`s true Christian values of life.

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