WHY WE MUST NOT FORGET
THE FORGOTTEN ARMY - BURMA 1941 to 1945
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Gloucester boy Ron Harding, now
102 years old.
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The 14th Army in Burma was known as the
“Forgotten Army” because all attention in the UK was on the war in Europe
following D Day . Even when the war was
over in Europe troops in Burma had to continue the fight until what was known
as “VJ” Day (Victory over Japan) on 15th August 1945.
We should not forget this awful struggle in the jungles and
plains of Burma and there is certainly one amongst us who will surely not. Ron Harding who is 102 was one of those great
men who fought there and he is very much alive living in a care home in
Gloucester. His story is remarkable as
he narrowly escaped death and capture several times as a gunner in 24 th Anti
Aircraft/Anti Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery.
On one occasion his position was overrun by the Japanese and he was
compelled to hide in a jungle hole for
nigh on 3 weeks until he was rescued
suffering from dehydration and malnutrition.
Another remarkable story is how he was forced to find his
own way home after VJ Day. Such was the
chaos as the war ended administration faltered. This he did by hitch hiking on
military aircraft and ships to get himself home to Leckhampton.
The ABF The Soldiers Charity are holding a fundraising talk
and supper at the Royal Agricultural University on Friday July 20th
at 6.30 pm to highlight the “Forgotten Army”.
The talk given by a renowned military tour guide Piers Storie Pugh will
focus on another remarkable story, the Chindits, a group of soldiers who fought
behind the lines in Burma. Ron will not
be attending but his son Andrew will be.
And we hope others will too. To
attend please get in touch with Suzanne Hollis on 01980 672337 shollis@soldierscharity.org. Tickets
are £25 including a fork supper with wine included.
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