The story of the 1st Assam Regiment’s part in the battle of Kohima. From the Kabaw Valley, via Kharasom and Jessami we hear how quickly events unfolded over such impossible terrain and the vital role played by the regiment until relief arrived in Kohima in late April 1944.
We learn about the commander of the 1st Assam Regiment at the time of the battle, Lt Col William Felix “Bruno” Brown, whose gallant fighters were key to the subsequent success of the siege of Kohima.
Joining our trustee Dr Robert Lyman is our guest speaker Charlotte Carty who has conducted specific research into the history of the Assam Regiment. Not only is she an enthusiast in this field, but Charlotte is also the youngest of Lt Col Bruno Brown’s 5 grandchildren and we are particularly delighted that she has agreed to give this talk about her grandfather’s wartime experiences.
For those who would like to watch again, the event was recorded and is now available below:
As referenced in the webinar chat, for more information please click on the button below to visit this page by our friend and supporter, author Harry Fecitt MBE TD which has further detail on this subject.
As mentioned during the talk, and with thanks to Clive Fletcher-Wood for sharing, below is a photo of the gravestone of Wellington Massar of The Assam Regiment:
Our Speakers:
Dr Robert Lyman - Military Historian, Author and Trustee of KET
Born in New Zealand in January 1963 and educated in Australia, Robert Lyman was, for twenty years, an officer in the British Army. Educated at Scotch College, Melbourne he was commissioned into the Light Infantry from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in April 1982. In addition to a business career he is an author and military historian, publishing books in particular on the war in the Far East. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. Robert is married to Hannah, has two sons, and lives in Berkshire. For information about Robert's publications please visit his website: robertlyman.com
Charlotte Carty has conducted specific research into the history of the Assam Regiment. Not only is she an enthusiast in this field, but Charlotte is also the youngest of Lt Col Bruno Brown’s 5 grandchildren and we are particularly delighted that she has agreed to give this talk about her grandfather’s wartime experiences.
Sylvia May - CEO of The Kohima Educational Trust
Sylvia May was born in New Jersey, USA in 1957. Her parents moved to England in 1963. Educated at High Wycombe School for Girls, she decided to pursue a career in the world of books. Sylvia worked for HarperCollins for 37 years, the last eleven of which she headed up their UK-based International Sales team. Sylvia May is the daughter of the late Gordon Graham, Founder and President of the Kohima Educational Trust. She is proud that her father has inspired many people to share his vision to commemorate those who fought and died in Kohima, and the wonderful Naga people who have done so much for the British in the past. She first visited India in 1994 with her husband Robert, and has returned on numerous occasions, staying in Kohima several times. In 2000, they followed the WWII route of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, her father’s regiment. The regiment’s first main engagement in this theatre of war was at Zubza shortly before the Battle of Kohima.
To donate to the Kohima Educational Trust and support our work providing educational scholarships to children in Nagaland, many of whom are descendants of the WWII Naga veterans who aided the British during the battle of Kohima, please click below. We are very grateful for any amount, large or small, that you are able to donate - thank you!
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