Hi there, I am a bit of a Far East fanatic with interests in the Burma campaign, Far East POW's, Casualties and the seige of Kohima - The defining battle against Japanese expansion. I also have an interest in Photograghing War Graves in the Far East & have so far ticked of kuala Lumpur & Jakarta with a visit to Burma planned for later in the Year, so if anyone needs grave photos from these areas please let me know. My avtar is this Military Cross won by Mjr Albert Calistan who along with his company from the Assam Regiment defended the Tennis Court at Kohima, repelling 25 Banzai charges, grenade fghts at point blank range & then lead an attack against the enemy capturing their position inside the compound. My signature speaks for itself glad to be here, to learn & impart Regards simon
Welcome Kohima. My interest is the air war over Burma and eastern India. Look forward to some good discussions..
A warm welcome to the forum Simon. You should enjoy it here with some like minded members. I collect grave/memorial photographs of all Australians who were killed whilst in the RAAF/AFC/RNAS/RFC/RAF from both wars. (11,300+). I only commenced this project in July last year so I have a long way to go. There is a big gap in my collection for the Far East and do not have anything for Labuan or Ambon so I would be interested in any photos you are willing to pass on. As for Burma, there are RAAF lads in Rangoon, Taukkyan and Thanbyuzayat cemeteries that I would be glad to add to my collection. Cheers Geoff
Hi guys & thanks to all for the warm welcome. Spidge, there are a large number of RAF & RAFVR graves in Jakarta (I have them all) let me know if you need any. this is 1 of my favorites, I placed his medals on the grave when I visited for the Rememberence day service last year regards
Kohima, Great photo. Is there a personal relationship with this burial? I have 6 at 2 Jakarta Cemeteries. (Listed below) Did you get to Ambon as it is listed as a dangerous area to visit? I have 335 listed on both with 180 at Ambon Cemetery and 155 on the memorial. BROWN, JAMES SYDNEY Sergeant 36814 42sq 6/02/1945 24 Royal Australian Air Force Australian III. 17-18. JAKARTA (ANCOL) NETHERLANDS FIELD OF HONOUR RYAN, DAVID PATRICK Sergeant 78439 42sq 6/02/1945 29 Royal Australian Air Force Australian II. 113-114. JAKARTA (ANCOL) NETHERLANDS FIELD OF HONOUR VETTER, JOHN IRWIN Flight Sergeant 16954 42sq 6/02/1945 24 Royal Australian Air Force Australian II. 106-107. JAKARTA (ANCOL) NETHERLANDS FIELD OF HONOUR CHISHOLM, WALLACE Flying Officer 407410 100sq RAF 1/03/1942 31 Royal Australian Air Force Australian 5. F. 12. JAKARTA WAR CEMETERY FORBY, JACK Aircraftman 1st Class 39764 1sq PALEMBANG 1/03/1942 24 Royal Australian Air Force Australian 3. M. 7. JAKARTA WAR CEMETERY PROCTOR, ALAN JAMES Flight Lieutenant 418174 452sq 2/07/1945 23 Royal Australian Air Force Australian 5. F. 14. JAKARTA WAR CEMETERY
Thanks John & Hugh, I am sure I will enjoy, the problem is finding the extra time lol Spidge, no personel relationship with Punchers grave, his medals form part of my collection as I collect to casualties (predominently) of the Far East & Pacific. At present, collecting by cemetary until I have a group representative of all CWGC in the theatre. I have most of the tough ones (low numbers buried) but the easy ones are not around at present. Regards simon
G'day Kohima, welcome aboard. LIke Kyt, I have more than a passing interest in the Burma and Singapore air war but haven't been active in that area for a while. Some of my reading is leading to that arena so it'll be good to know where I can find some experts!
kohima .Hi Simon. I am new too,and share your interest in India/Burma campaign.If you're ever in Kohima,would be good if you could post any pics.Never really able to gain a good picture of the battlefield.Have never seen a good picture of the tennis court area,other than the usual ones. Kohima must have been one of the toughest of the war,have read 'not ordinary men' title says it all. Mikky
Hi Mikky, I hope to over in kohima next April for the 65th anniversary of the battel, there are big plans afoot to commemorate it so I am told. In relation to any photos of the Tennis court, i am led to believe that the site of the CWGC is on the Tennis court, so apart from the topography you are looking at the cemetary. Hopefully, I will get to Dimapur, Imphal Kirkee & the Chittagong among other places as well & will keep you posted. My avtar is the MC won By albert calistan at the Tennis Court. You will find a number of references to him in John Colvins book. I can tell you that another book will be cxomming out in the not too distant future on the battle. I have been in touch with the author & knowing his reputation, it should be a cracker. REgards simon
Can't wait to read his new book.That's some medal to have well done.Amazing men.Yes the cross is in one corner of the tennis court.It's more the lie of the land i am unsure of.I saw one photo somewhere that really showed how steep the land really is. Have not seen many photos of the battleground,as it was just after it finished.It would also be very interesting to see photo's of the bungalow and tennis courts before the war. Regards Mikky
