Philip Walker wrote:I am researching Lt Col Henry Courtney Brocklehurst - but in his earlier service as a Captain in the RFC and RAF during WW1. If Alan or anyone else has any information about his service in the Hejaz, Arabia during the Arab Revolt, 1916-18, I would be very interested to hear. I am particularly interested to trace any descendants or family members, to ask if there are any surviving photographs, letters, memoirs, miscellaneous papers and so on from this period, no matter how insignificant they may seem. The background is that I am writing a book on forgotten and little known intelligence and other officers who played important roles in the Arab Revolt, but who have stayed in the shadows because T. E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia") took all the limelight.

NIC wrote:

Kevin's dad was WO Andrew O'Marah. http://gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/1/OMarah/

nick

Kevin wrote:Was SSD2 part of 204 who received the "every man for himself order"?
I'm sure that dad came out with SSD2 after a few months hard treck through the jungle.
Kevin

Steve R wrote:I came across some references to Lt.Col Brocklehurst whilst transcribing the War Diary of the 14th Burma Rifles, WO 172/986.

It seems Brocklehurst and 2 SSD were in Taunggyi in April 1942 when the time came for British troops to evacuate the town, handing over responsibility to the Chinese. A Rear Party was formed under Brocklehurst, consisting of 2 SSD, 14th Burma Rifles and the Southern Shan States Battalion, Burma Frontier Force, Brocklehurst assuming command on 17th April 1942 (approximately). At 2000 hrs on 20th April, Brocklehurst ordered the evacuation of Taunggyi. This party stuck together as they withdrew until 30th April when it split into four parties, one of which was Brocklehurst with two other British officers and 20 British Other Ranks.

I can PM an extract from the diary or you will find the full transcript at my web site at www.rothwell.force9.co.uk/burmaweb. The pdf is at http://www.rothwell.force9.co.uk/burmaweb/images/13th%20Burma%20Rifles%20WO%20172%20986%20-%20transcript.pdf

Just putting the finishing touches to the transcript and it will be up 19th or 20th September 2014.

alanlw wrote:Thanks Nick,

I am at present composing an email to Peter Goode, so thanks very much for the email address.

Re War Office: Directorate of Staff Duties: Papers WO 260/8
Special training centre at Inverailort War Office.
Date: 1940

I have that down for my next visit to Kew, though I'm not sure it will reveal what I'm looking for.

Pete Keane wrote:Well, some success.

We now have 31 personnel from 142 Commando Company identified - primarily from Longcloth records.

As to which of these were Commandos, and which were Royal Engineers or other units, its a bit difficult to say, as none are identified by a Commando unit, only by original Regts if at all.

Logically, the next step would be to work on 204 Mission personnel, but I think I might do something easier for a while....

The chap doing the real work has sent me a database of names, I will try and post it up here for reference.

Regards

Pete

john.f wrote:Dear Peter Goode,

I am Staff Sgt John Francis Friends grandson, my name is also John Francis Friend, My grandad past away 25 May 2003. I have been speaking to my dad who was my grandads only child John Friend, my dad has a box with a lot of my grandads info and personal affects which he carried with him through the two thousand mile journey through the jungle of Burma. From Speaking with my dad we may be able to help you with the unidentified Private. As after the war in 1952 a gentleman gave my dad a robin hood book with his name and a little quote in it. He was a Private and was also on the same mission as my grandad. My dad and I are going to go through the box in the next week or so which I am very much looking forward, and this may uncover more information about his long trek or also hold information which you require for your book. Please let me know if I can be of any help or assistance.

Kevin wrote:I have a photo of the Bush Warfare Training School, It is a photo of Major English and other officers who were in command of the school when the 204 draft passed through en route for China, if I uplode the phote could we please attribute it to Major English? I have also letters written to me in the early 1980 by Major English.

Kevin