The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project

mcdonald1960 · Joined: 08 Sep 2013 Posts: 1

Hi to all
this is the first time I,ve used this system so here goes.
My father was in no1 commando no4 troop and I have been trying to find out about him I have seen Andy Pllu on this site and he was my fathers best friend in the army and was there when Andy was killed so if theirs anyone out there who my be able to point me in the right direction it would be a great help.

Tom

oldbaldy · Joined: 06 Nov 2012 Posts: 23

As he died on 31 January 1945 I think it's fair to say he was killed in the Battle for Hill 170 at Kangaw.

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 4:36 pm Post subject:

Hi Tom and welcome.
There's a fairly detailed history at
http://www.combinedops.com/No%201%20Commando.htm

Near the bottom of the page there is this:

On the morning of 31st January the position occupied by No 4 Troop of No 1 Commando came under attack. A tank of the 19 Lancers was destroyed by Japanese engineers and in the ensuing ferocious battle many heroic deeds were recorded. Suffice to note, in this short account, that 24 men of No 4 Troop held off 300 Japanese for over two hours. The survivors held onto the position for another day and were reinforced by a platoon from No 42.

They put in a counterattack, which was beaten back. Further reinforcements were called in to clear the area. They met stiff opposition and there were many casualties. No 5 Commando's commander brought forward a troop and then a second to relieve the forward elements of No 1 Commando. The following morning No 5 Commando cleared and consolidated the position; no less than 340 Japanese dead were found on the slopes of the position. This was the battle of Kangaw. The Commandos were relieved on 1st February, having suffered five officer and forty other ranks killed and a further six officers and 84 other ranks wounded.

I hope this helps.
_________________
Ken

Kenneth Morrison · Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2013 4:55 pm Post subject:

I should have added that in recognition of the battle, the Commandos were awarded the battle honour Kangaw. The men of 3rd Commando Brigade were awarded a number of decorations for gallantry, which included a posthumous Victoria Cross for Lieutenant George Knowland No. 4 Troop, No.1 Commando.

See also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hill_170
and
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2086713/KNOWLAND,%20GEORGE%20ARTHUR
_________________
Ken