Imphal: The 80th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Kanglatongbi, revered as one of the most intense conflicts of World War II, paid homage to the bravery of 105 British and Indian soldiers who valiantly defended their post on the night of April 6th/7th, 1944.
Set against the backdrop of Manipur under British rule, the Kanglatongbi battleground witnessed fierce fighting during the Burma Campaign. The Lion Box at Kanglatongbi emerged as a pivotal site where British and Indian troops halted the Japanese advance into India, marking a crucial turning point in the broader Imphal Campaign.
Traditionally, the observance of the 80th anniversary would have occurred at the Kanglatongbi battle site, graced by a memorial honoring the fallen. However, due to ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur since May 3, 2023, this year’s commemoration took place for the first time at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in the UK on April 7, 2024, at 1 pm BST.
Led by Reverend Dr. Andrew Sangster, the remembrance service commenced with the Lord’s Prayer and the national anthem of the United Kingdom. A heartfelt tribute composed by Brigadier Clive Elderton CBE, former British Military Adviser to India, was delivered by Col. Terry Bern in the absence of its author. Representatives from various faiths offered prayers in honor of the fallen soldiers.
Personal accounts added an emotional dimension to the ceremony, with Tim Vaughn, grandson of WOII Tom Ansell (REME), sharing excerpts from “The Forgotten Army.” Joan Bolton-Frost, daughter of Sgt. Bernard Hargreaves, shared poignant wartime memories through letters.
In a solemn procession, remembrance wreaths were laid at the memorial, symbolizing collective gratitude for the sacrifices made at Kanglatongbi. A moving roll call followed, meticulously reciting the names of the fallen soldiers, ensuring each was honored with dignity and respect.
Amidst the solemnity, Lance Corporal Sanjog Gurung and Rajeshwor Yumnam, Founder of the Second World War Imphal Campaign Foundation, representing Indian soldiers, echoed a message of remembrance and reflection. Yumnam emphasized Manipur’s enduring geopolitical significance during WWII, stressing the importance of peace as the ultimate solution.
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Despite geographical distances, the ceremony transcended boundaries, uniting diverse individuals in homage to a shared history. As the service concluded, the priest’s invocation for peace resonated, echoing a collective aspiration for reconciliation amidst turbulent times.
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