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Short Incidents, Madaya And Mandalay
Extracts from an unpublished book
by
L/Cpl. William Joseph Lowe 14640525
Page 5

 

.....During the first night a few shots were exchanged. On the second night, patrols were sent out, one fellow being wounded. That night Sgt. XXXX was ordered to take a patrol to the gates of the fort and bring back information. On nearing the fort, one of his patrol was shot twice. Making a stretcher of rifles and slings they set off to carry him back. The Japs followed at a distance and after covering about 200 yards they came upon another party of Japs who threw grenades, but in their surprise failed to strike the caps. The Bren-gunner immediately opened up and others threw grenades. The Japs fled leaving four dead. Sgt. XXXX decided to push on just in time as the Japs mortared his position. They continued to follow him as he approached our perimeter.

.....Giving the signal he walked parallel with our own troops. The wounded men had by this time started to shout out. Getting into the perimeter the patrol took up fire position. Sgt. XXXX let the Japs have a magazine. The Japs quickly withdrew, and in doing so ran into our booby trap blowing them selves up.

.....During the night Sgt. XXXX killed 8 Japs and was awarded the M.M. for his fine work. Next day word was received that a train was getting steam up and trying to break out of the fort. We made plans to intercept them. The track was mined and a block was made covered by 6 pounders. To our disappointment the train never came. During our stay we were shelled on most days, but very few casualties resulted.

.....After 4 days we were relieved by an Indian Regiment, our battalion being sent round the west side of the city on the bank of the canal. There the Company took up positions.

.....On the third day, we were ordered to go further south. 4 Platoon under Sgt. XXXX heard firing and came upon four of our trucks that had been ambushed. The Platoon advanced and the mortar fire was immediately brought down on the Japs. Cpl. XXXX was ordered to take his section through the water and advance up the opposite bank of the canal.

.....Later he came upon 4 Japs. He killed them by small arms fire and grenades. Advancing along he came across more Japs with two Officers, who were killed in the same manner.

.....Later two wireless sets and much other booty was collected. On the last night we caught 11 Japs in an ambush including one Officer and W.O.

.....During the whole period our casualties were 6 killed and 16 wounded. We killed altogether approximately 80 Japs.

.....After Mandalay, we moved for 10 days rest at Maymyo, where we had a most enjoyable time, boating swimming and football.

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L/Cpl. William Joseph Lowe