15/08/2026
Today, Aug 15th, marks the 81st anniversary of VJ Day, and the end of the 2nd World War with the Japanese signalling their unconditional surrender, later ratified by the signing of surrender documents on Sept 2nd (VJ day for our American colleagues).
Whilst the Regiment fought predominantly in Europe, 1st Battalion undertook garrison duty in India until May 6th 1945, where they were involved in the largely unopposed landings of 'Operation Dracula' at and around Rangoon.
May saw mostly uneventful patrol work, until the 23rd where a platoon size force of A Coy led a successful day and night jungle march to surprise a Japanese strongpoint. With divisional artillery in support and aircraft providing comms cover, a "...brisk action with small-arms and hand-grenades, heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy before the patrol withdrew again into the jungle."
-Marcus Cunliffe, History of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment 1919- 1955
Maj Collins was awarded the M.C, L/Cpl Brooks the MM and Pte McCullum a mention in dispatches.
This would be 1st Battalions action in the Far East before being transferred back to garrison duty of Rangoon, and then Bangalore.
Cunliffe writes in closing of his section 'Pipped at the Post'
"... for the 1st Battalion, ended the long and thankless years of war service in India, broken only by a tantalizingly brief encounter with the enemy in Burma... Still, it's relatively inactive role- none of its own seeking- was carried out with dignity..."
Happy VJ Day!
-Picture courtesy of BBC News website https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-53594705
