Commemorating the Forgotten Army



Whilst on furlough, I took the opportunity to catch up on some reading. I reread Quartered Safe Out Here by George MacDonald Fraser, his recollections of his experience of the War in Burma. The connection between this book and the Border Regiment was highlighted when I started work at the Museum. So it was good to re-acquaint myself with the memoir. GMF served with the 9th Battalion of The Border Regiment, whose Collections we look after at the Museum.

I am currently reading Ken Cooper's The Little Men. Cooper was in the 2nd Battalion of The Border Regiment and gives a very personal view of Burma. Both men give us an insight into the Forgotten War, a part of World War Two that was often overlooked by the contemporary press who focussed more on the war closer to home. I have a few more books to dip into before I start pulling together our first temporary exhibition post-opening. Due to limitations, this will not be in Alma but hopefully outside, complimented by some virtual content.

We want to try our best to highlight the war in the Far East to ensure that those that fought out there are not forgotten.This was a fight that saw British and Commonwealth troops hold the Japanese advance at Kohima and Imphal, and then pushed the enemy back through Burma. Fighting in the inhospitable terrain of Burma in an appalling climate against a fanatical enemy, these troops deserve to have recognisition. We want to highlight the Border Regiment's role.

Sadly, few veterans remain of this conflict, but 75 years on, the Museum will certainly be remembering those of the Forgotten Army.

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