´óÏó´«Ã½

Near the End

I was offered leave in India when we were preparing to attack Rangoon by sea from Ramree Isle. I refused. I don’t know why, silly beggar. My officer gave me a chitty saying ‘This NCO has had no leave for 3 years due to the exigencies of the service.’ How I wish I had kept it!

The Japs had abandoned the city, retreating north to Prome and the Sittang River. Our Brigade flew into Rangoon in Dakotas. Our askaris turned grey-faced with fear when flying, although I don’t know what colour I went as my face was a ghastly yellow from Mepacrine anti-malaria tablets. Anyway, I’d had experience doing airdrops over the Irrawaddy with the Canuck Air Force.

We only stayed a short time in Rangoon before we were rushed up to the Sittang where the Japs were trapped. I was driving a big stores wagon overloaded with infantry wallahs cadging a lift. One of them was suffering badly with malaria, and one, a Ghurkha with a Bren, brewed up char when I stopped for a dysentery toilet break.

It was stifling hot, just before the monsoons, hence the big hurry. The road was packed with 14th — or was it 12th? — Army heading for the Sittang. I sat having a fag, exchanging insults with the scruffy PBI, drinking char, when there was a big bang, followed by the rattle of a Bren.

The Ghurkha trotted off with everyone else towards the row. I took my time, started up and followed. I’d only one PBI passenger, sweating and shivering. I picked up all my guests further on, saw nothing but a lot of smoke and the Ghurkha with a big grin on his face.

What I found remarkable was PBI, rushing towards action, probably seeking revenge. When you go home, tell them of us . . . We never said a word, but I will always be proud of being part of the 14th Army.

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Graham Brown of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Shropshire CSV Action Desk on behalf of Alexander Donaldson and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.

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