Search results for ""Author Mark Forsdike""

Between December 1943 and August 1944, Second Suffolk, as part of the 5th (Indian) Division, played a key role opposing the Japanese in Burma and later at the critical battle at Imphal. The odds could not have been higher or the challenges greater. The Japanese had already earned an awesome reputation as a formidable and ruthless enemy who could only be described as fanatical. The rugged jungle terrain, over which the Battalion had to fight, was tough and unforgiving and pushed all ranks to the limits of their physical and mental endurance. Against them too was the harsh tropical climate and the extremes of the monsoon season. The combination of these three factors called for the highest standards of leadership and discipline. Supplies too were often not forthcoming but despite these difficulties and a lack of appreciation of their efforts in the press at home, morale of the stolid regular Suffolk soldier and his newer drafted comrades, always remained high as they learned to fight

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After landing on D-Day, 1st Battalion, The Suffolk Regiment fought through France, Holland and into Germany as part of the 3rd (British) Infantry Division. Ever cheerful, the Battalion were opposed by an increasingly ruthless enemy determined to deny the invader their homeland. As the campaign developed, 1 Suffolk acquired an enviable reputation for getting the job done with the minimum of fuss. Inevitably casualties mounted up and, of the 850 who landed on D-Day, just 178 were still serving on VE-Day; 215 had been killed and 640 wounded. The Battalion's success was due in large measure to fine leadership and all four commanding officers went on to enjoy distinguished careers. But without the stalwart fighting spirit and comradeship of all ranks none of the Battalion's achievements would have been possible. This fine book draws on the testimonies of officers and men who served in this historic campaign. Recognition of the fighting record of 1 Suffolk is long overdue and the author is to be congratulated for pulling together these inspiring first-hand accounts along with many previously unpublished photographs.

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After landing on D-Day, 1st Battalion, The Suffolk Regiment fought through France, Holland and into Germany as part of the 3rd (British) Infantry Division. Ever cheerful, the Battalion were opposed by an increasingly ruthless enemy determined to deny the invader their homeland. As the campaign developed, 1 Suffolk acquired an enviable reputation for getting the job done with the minimum of fuss. Inevitably casualties mounted up and, of the 850 who landed on D-Day, just 178 were still serving on VE-Day; 215 had been killed and 640 wounded. The Battalion’s success was due in large measure to fine leadership and all four commanding officers went on to enjoy distinguished careers. But without the stalwart fighting spirit and comradeship of all ranks none of the Battalion’s achievements would have been possible. This fine book draws on the testimonies of officers and men who served in this historic campaign. Recognition of the fighting record of 1 Suffolk is long overdue and the author is to be congratulated for pulling together these inspiring first-hand accounts along with many previously unpublished photographs.

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From 1948 through the 1950s British and Commonwealth forces fought a ruthless communist insurgency on the Malay peninsula. Thanks to sound generalship and the dedication and resilience of the officers and men, the security forces eventually broke the terrorists' resolve. 1st Battalion The Suffolk Regiment was just one of many British units involved in this successful campaign, known as the Malayan Emergency. Their tour between 1949 and 1953 coincided with the most crucial years when the future of the country and, arguably, the South East Asia region lay in the balance. As this book describes in words and superb contemporary images how the Battalion, the majority of whom were National Servicemen, operated under the most demanding jungle and climatic conditions, earning itself an enviable reputation. The Battalion's experiences are well recorded here and typify those of tens of thousand servicemen whose efforts secured a unique victory.

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