The annual Service of Remembrance and Gratitude for the battles of Kohima and Imphal took place on Thursday 2nd July 2026.
The Memorial service was conducted by The Reverend Canon James Milne, Precentor, Canon in Residence.
The music was provided by the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, by kind permission of Lieutenant-General Zac Stenning CB OBE Colonel of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.
The Piper was Stephen Christie.
The Kohima Educational Trust is grateful to the Chapter of York for allowing this memorial service to be held in Dean’s Park. The Trust is dedicated to assisting with the education of descendants of those Nagas who helped the British during the battle of Kohima and was founded twenty- three years ago by veterans of the 2nd Division on the eve of the 60th Anniversary.
We are grateful to His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire who was received by the Canon in Residence together with The Lord Mayor and Sheriff of York.
We thank The Reverend Antony Feltham-White OBE KHC CF, Deputy Chaplain General of His Majesty’s Land Forces, who gave The Address.
The piper played ‘Heroes of Kohima’ composed by Lance Bombadier Stewart of 8th Gordons while the wreaths were laid:
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner
The Rt Honourable the Lord Mayor of York , Councillor Margaret Wells
Major General Robert Gordon CMG CBE, President Kohima Educational Trust
Major Matt Delaney 2IC 2nd Signal Regiment
We thank most warmly all the families, friends and supporters of the Trust who join us every year for this special remembrance. We are most grateful to all who attended for their continued support.
This Service is organised by The Kohima Educational Trust and we are enormously grateful to the Chapter of York for allowing us to hold this annual Memorial Service in Dean’s Park. We would also like to thank the soldiers of the 2nd Signal regiment for their unstinting help. Without their support, and the support of The Chapter, this event would not be possible.
We thank David Marsland for the beautiful photography.
