The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

Richard Sands · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Suffolk

Thought I would post this, found in a copy of "79th News", the regimental magazine of the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, issue dated April 1945.

The following is the editorial from the same publication;
[/i]"When the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders unveiled their memorial at Kohima recently there were present at the ceremony not only the officers and men of the battalion, but also many Naga tribesmen whose homes were near the knoll where the memorial stands, the scene this spring of such bitter fighting.
The service was brief and simple, and just before the bagpipes began the strains of the Cameron's lament, the Adjutant read out the long roll of Officers, NCO's and men of the battalion killed in the kohima fighting. Wreaths were placed on the memorial by the commanding officer, the second in command, and by representatives of each company of the battalion. There was also a wreath from the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada.
As the ceremony drew to its close, the Naga headman stepped forward from his place beside the Commanding Officer and the District Commissioner. He stood for a moment before the memorial, a dignified figure with head bowed. Then, in his own language and on behalf of his people, he promised that they would look after memorial always, in order to do honour to the men who had been killed on these hills. It was a moving gesture from these Highlanders of Asia.
The Camerons designed and built the memorial. Standing on the highest point of the knoll, it consists of a large slab of rough stone set upright on a well proportioned base. On the face of the stone is a plaque beautifully engraved with the Roll of Honour. At its head is the figure of a piper in full dress. Beneath are the words of the Lament with which the Camerons have mourned their dead through the centuries of Scottish history-----"Lochaber no more". (The times, 9/12/44)".
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RGS. www.keep-em-moving.co.uk

Adam Brown · Posted: Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject:

Richard

Many thanks for this entry, I was unaware of its existence. I wonder if the Naga still look after this memorial?

Regards

Adam

LondonScot · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Essex

My avatar shows an ex-Cameron piper playing a lament at the memorial to the 1st Battalion Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, Kohima. The photograph was taken in 2004 and despite the encroachment of the Naga village the memorial is held in great respect and cared for by the villagers.

Richard Sands · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Suffolk

Any chance of a larger photo?
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RGS. www.keep-em-moving.co.uk

LizzieRB · Joined: 23 Nov 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Scottish Highlands

I had no idea that there was such a Memorial. My Uncle, Lt Dugald C Cross was reported missing, on 05/05/1944, during the battle of Kohima, together with his Batman, Pte Walter H Harley.

They are both on the Rangoon War Memorial, but it is really good to know that this memorial to their memory exists and that it is still held in high regard by the locals.

This project has been such a place of wonder for me, thank you very much.
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LizzieRB

In memory of Lt D C Cross, Seaforth Highlanders, reported missing on 05/05/1944 in Burma at the Battle of Kohima

LondonScot · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Essex

The photographs show the Cameron Highlanders and the Royal Scots Memorials as they were in February this year. A new plaque has been added to the Camerons' and this was unveiled in February by Donald MacLauchlan an ex-Cameron and son of Rev'd Francis MacLauchlan M.C. and Bar, padre of the 1st Battalion 1939-1945. The small sprig of flowers laying atop the Royal Scots Memorial was placed there by a local Naga lady who attends the site and keeps it clear of refuse. All the regimental memorials within Kohima are now encircled by buildings. Sad to relate that several of the memorial plaques in the Kohima War Cemetery have been stolen, including that of L/Cpl John Harman V.C. 4th Royal West Kents. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission are about to replace them. Apparently they were stolen for the metal content and not as souvenirs.