Pte James Arthur Clapton
2nd Battalion Duke of Wellington Regiment
In February 1942 the 2nd Battalion was hastily mobilised as part of a force sent to reinforce Burma. Within a week of landing at Rangoon the battalion found itself defending the bridge across the river Sittang, which was then blown up before the battalion could withdraw across it.
From there the campaign developed into one long retreat until the British force eventually crossed into India in May. After a period for reorganisation the 2nd Battalion was assigned to the Chindits in which it formed two columns - the 33rd and the 76th. As part of that force both columns were involved in the relief of Imphal in March-July of 1944.
Elements of the 2nd Duke of Wellingtons also formed part of the 106th Indian Infantry Brigade assigned to the 39th Infantry Division (India).
From there the campaign developed into one long retreat until the British force eventually crossed into India in May. After a period for reorganisation the 2nd Battalion was assigned to the Chindits in which it formed two columns - the 33rd and the 76th. As part of that force both columns were involved in the relief of Imphal in March-July of 1944.
Elements of the 2nd Duke of Wellingtons also formed part of the 106th Indian Infantry Brigade assigned to the 39th Infantry Division (India).
With friends in India
Private James Arthur Clapton with friends in India.