A service will take place in Sidmouth on Saturday to commemorate an epic battle against Japan during WWII, seen by many historians as one of the crucial battles of the conflict.

It took place in Kohima, a town set high in the jungle of the Nagaland hills in North East India, close to the border with Burma (now Myanmar).

In April 1944 the Japanese besieged the town, marking the start of a plan to invade India. The defenders, initially only 1,500 in strength, comprising the Royal West Kents, the Assam Regiment and the Assam Rifles, managed to hold out for two weeks until relieved by their comrades of the 2nd British Division.

The battle, in atrocious conditions fought at close quarters including ‘across a tennis court!’ lasted until 22 June. It was the first defeat of the Japanese by the British Army and thus considered to be a turning point in the war in Asia. Losses were heavy on both sides with the Allies numbering 4,000 dead, missing or wounded and the Japanese 7,000.

Of a more local interest to those of us residing currently or with a link to our county, the 1 Devons, under Lt Colonel G A Harvest, were heavily involved south of Kohima in April 1944, sadly suffering heavy losses in that engagement. The 2 Devons were also involved in a separate engagement. 

 In recognition of this truly historic event there will be a short service at the Parish Church War Memorial at 11am on Saturday 22nd June with muster in the Market Place at 10.30 and parade at 10.45.

The 14th Army, often referred to as ‘The Forgotten Army’, was at the forefront of the Burma campaign, so by holding the aforementioned ceremony it is hoped it will engender more people to read about all those who fought, many making the ultimate sacrifice, so bravely thousands of miles from their home and families.

The Kohima Epitaph:   

When You Go Home
Tell Them of Us And Say
For Your Tomorrow
We Gave Our Today