CREWE TO BURMA 5,349 miles/8,608km"Often referred to as the Forgotten Army, but those who fought in the campaign would never forget...as they gave their today...
The Far East Burma campaign was the longest land campaign and the bloodiest of the entire 2nd World War commencing in December 1941, simultaneously with the bombing of Pearl Harbour. The 14th Army, with over one million men under arms, was the largest Commonwealth army ever assembled, troops were thousands of miles from home and from the battles happening in Western Europe. As forces were driven back into India our military fought with breath taking bravery, over jungles, mountains, with no home comforts, getting soaked at night with jungle life, living in the most atrocious conditions.
The British and Allies vastly underestimated their enemy with no understanding of the culture they were up against. Japanese soldiers had a fanatical self-belief, considering themselves invincible, known as seishan or 'strength of will'.
Essential Air-line communications airlifted troops to and from the front line, parachuting in supplies and evacuating casualties. Towards the end of the War, RAF Liberator aircraft flew to the Pacific for some of the longest mine dropping operations ever flown.
Finally, the Japanese surrendered in 1945, four long years after the campaign began and Britain finally regained control. At the cost of thousands of lives who died in appalling circumstances, plus more than 50,000 British military were captured and placed in prisoner of war camps, 30,000 of these worked on the Thai-Burma railway where more than one in five died.
The Burma Star Island is a place to reflect, contemplate and enjoy - the Island was first dedicated in 1968, new bridges spanning the lake waters were installed in 2010 and the Island renovated and rededicated in 2016.
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.
We will remember them.
When You Go Home,
Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow,
We Gave Our Today.Kohima Epitaph attributed to - John Maxwell Edmonds 1875-1958
Our appreciation goes to partners;
The National Lottery heritage lottery fund, ansa, Friends of Queens Park, Bags of Help Tesco, Cheshire East Council"
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