Heroes reunited to remember the fallen

The occasion was the 67th anniversary of the Battle of Kohima, a key confrontation that saw British and Indian Forces successfully halt the Japanese invasion of India.

A dwindling number of veterans and their families took part in the memorial service at York Minster followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kohima Memorial in the Minster Gardens, where they recalled comrades who lie buried in the war cemetery on the Kohima Ridge. This was the scene of the most bitter fighting – much of it taking place across a tennis court.

The men also had the chance to browse through the Kohima Museum where many photographs, letters and memorabilia from the 1944 conflict are kept.

They also enjoyed a reception lunch in Imphal Barracks given by Brigadier Greville Bibby, Commander of 15 North East Brigade,

Perhaps most movingly of all, they were also able to sign the dedication of the new roll of honour which records, for the first time in one volume, the 2,589 confirmed names of those who gave their lives. The dedication is set to be mounted in the museum.

Robert Cook, curator of the 2nd Division Kohima Museum Trust, said: “I am very grateful to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for providing data from which this record has been compiled.

“The roll of honour will not only remember and commemorate those who fought and died but also inform future generations of the sacrifices of our armed forces during the Second World War.

“The Kohima Memorial Service is a great tribute to the defenders of Kohima. Their actions were a turning point in the war against Japan and without their efforts and bravery our lives today would be very different.”