Platoons of the Burma Intelligence Corps

At the time of its peak strength in 1944-1945, the Burma Intelligence Corps was composed of a Central Headquarters and sixteen platoons. 

No. 1 Platoon

The Platoon was one of the first four platoons to be raised between October 1942 and January 1943.[1]  Between 1943 and mid-1944 the Platoon served with the 7th Indian Infantry Division.[2]  From November 1944 the Platoon served with the 2nd British Infantry Division.[3]  Towards the end of March 1945, supply limitations dictated that those formations and units not needed for the final advance to Rangoon should be withdrawn to India.  Since their maintenance needs were higher than those of Indian Divisions and given the shortage of British manpower, largely created by the 'PYTHON' repatriation scheme, the British 2nd and 36th Divisions were selected to be flown out to India.  The 2nd Division was to be flown out between 10th and 18th April and to assemble at Calcutta.[4]  This plan was the result of decisions taken at a conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army where it was proposed that the Platoon continue to be allotted to the 2nd British Infantry Division.[5]  On 1st April the Headquarters 14th Army had therefore been instructed by H.Q. ALFSEA to ensure that No. 1 Platoon was withdrawn with the Division.  Elements of the Platoon were to be flown out with each brigade, particularly with the first and second brigades to be withdrawn, the 4th and 6th Brigades.[6]  On 11th April, the Headquarters 404 Line of Communication Area, with its headquarters at Chittagong responsible for Bengal and the area of Assam South of Shillong, was ordered to retain the Platoon within its area until the Platoon was called forward by the 2nd British Infantry Division for future operations.  This instruction was passed to the 452 Line of Communication Sub Area on 15th April 1945.  Two days later, 452 Sub Area confirmed that the personnel of the Platoon were being held awaiting further orders but that all equipment, stores and the office of the Platoon had been sent to Calcutta with the baggage of the 2nd Infantry Division.[7]

The Platoon remained attached to the 2nd British Infantry Division into May 1945.  One Section was allotted to the Division's 6th Infantry Brigade and the remaining two sections were under command of the Divisional Headquarters, despite having moved to Calcutta where they were located with the Central Headquarters, Burma Intelligence Corps.  Given that the Division had no further use for the Platoon it was proposed that the two sections should formally revert to the direct command of the Burma Intelligence Corps and the personnel be offered to the Civil Affairs Service, Burma, know by its abbreviation as CAS(B). 

Meanwhile the 6th Infantry Brigade had been placed under the command of the 26th Indian Infantry Division for the landing at Rangoon, where the Brigade acted as a floating reserve.  The Section remained with the Brigade throughout this operation, being under the command of No. 2 Platoon which was allotted to the 26th Indian Infantry Division, the formation which undertook the landings on 2nd May 1945.  The No. 1 Platoon Section later landed at Rangoon with the 6th Brigade on 12th May 1945.[8]

In June 1945, as part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps, No. 1 Platoon, then in Calcutta, was moved to Rangoon, where it was reunited with its detached Section and assigned to internal security duties under Headquarters, 12th Army.[9]

No. 2 Platoon

One of the first four platoons to be raised between October 1942 and January 1943, No. 2 Platoon served in the Arakan and took part in the amphibious landing at Rangoon in May 1945.[10]  In the Arakan, the Platoon served with the 7th Indian Infantry Division between February and April 1944, until the Division was withdrawn.  It seems that No. 2 Platoon may have also been withdrawn to India at the same time.[11]  On 8th November 1944 the Platoon, now based at the Burma Auxiliary Force Depot at Mhow, was ordered to return to the Arakan.  The Central Headquarters, Burma Intelligence Corps reported that the Platoon was expected to be ready for operations by 21st November 1944, although this was dependent upon the receipt of the necessary Officer reinforcements.  By the end of November the Platoon assignment had been confirmed as the 82nd West African Division, then serving with the XV Indian Corps.  It was hoped that the Platoon would arrive in the Arakan during December.[12]  By December however the Platoon had yet to arrive but was expected shortly in the XV Indian Corps area.  By now intentions had changed and the Platoon was to be attached to the 26th Indian Infantry Division, with one section being detached for service with the 82nd West African Infantry Division.  The Platoon was deployed thus when it finally arrived in January 1945.[13] 

During February 1945, No. 2 Platoon was identified as one of three platoons to be retained by the XV Indian Corps.  The Corps would thus have three platoons under its command, one acting as the Corps Reserve Platoon and one each with the two divisions serving with the Corps.[14]  The actual situation in XV Indian Corps was that No. 2 Platoon was serving with three divisions, the 25th and 26th Indian and the 82nd West African Infantry Divisions.  In addition, No. 5 Platoon was attached to the 81st West African Division in the Kaladan Valley.  The H.Q. XV Indian Corps advised H.Q. ALFSEA that the No. 2 Platoon had been on long continuous service with the 26th Indian Division and should be withdrawn with this division during the next monsoon.[15]

This advice seemed to have been set aside when a conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army proposed that the Platoon remain with the Headquarters, XV Indian Corps, as Corps Reserve, following the withdrawal of the 26th Indian Infantry Division to India to prepare for the seaborne landing at Rangoon.[16]  However in April, Headquarters XV Indian Corps was ordered by H.Q. ALFSEA to keep the Platoon with the 26th Indian Infantry Division.[17]  The No. 2 Platoon was thereby allotted to this division for the landing at Rangoon which took place on 2nd May 1945.  Notionally under the command of the Platoon was a section from No. 1 Platoon, attached to the 6th British Infantry Brigade which acted as floating reserve for the Rangoon landings before itself landing on 12th May.

In June 1945, given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements, it was decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR' platoons.  As part of this reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps, No. 2 Platoon, still in Rangoon with the 26th Indian Infantry Division, was to be attached to the 5th Indian Division, replacing No. 13 (‘Mixed’) Platoon which was to be disbanded.[18]

No. 3 Platoon

The Platoon was one of the first four platoons to be raised between October 1942 and January 1943.  In November 1944 the Platoon was allotted to 'Special Force' – the Chindits – for future operations . However in January 1945 it was decided that 'Special Force' was no longer needed and should be disbanded.  The three Burma Intelligence Platoons attached to 'Special Force' were now made available to join other formations.  On 14th January, H.Q. ALFSEA ordered No. 3 Platoon, then at the Burma Auxiliary Force Depot at Mhow, to be made ready to join 14th Army.[19]  The intention to attach it to the 17th Indian Light Division was confirmed on 20th January 1945 and the Platoon was ordered to Imphal where it was expected to move on into Burma to join the Division at Taukkyan.[20]

However two days later G.H.Q. India advised that the Platoon would not be ready to move from Mhow until after 28th January at the earliest.  The Platoon’s destination was amended to Jorhat on 24th January.[21]  Eventually the Platoon did move and was reported at Mariani, near Jorhat, by 8th February 1945.  From there the Platoon was sent to Pauk where it was to join up with the 17th Indian Light Division which was moving to cross the Irrawaddy via a bridgehead to be seized by the 7th Indian Infantry Division as part of IV Corps advance into Burma.[22]  Symptomatic of the administrative confusion that sometimes occurred, on 14th February H.Q. ALFSEA asked the Headquarters, 14th Army to confirm the current attachment of the Platoon, which was thought to be with the 5th Indian Infantry Division.[23]  In fact the Platoon was attached to the 17th Indian Light Division, joining the Division sometime between 14th-21st February.[24]

A conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army proposed that the Platoon remain allotted to the 17th Indian Light Division.[25]  This allotment was confirmed as part of the reorganisation of the Burma Intelligence Corps in June 1945.[26]  The Platoon continued to see action with the Division until the war’s end.  In July 1945, Lance Bombardier Leslie Melson won a Military Medal whilst attached to patrols formed by 'A' Company, 1st Battalion, The Sikh Light Infantry.  At the time the battalion formed part of the 99th Indian Infantry Brigade, 17th Indian Light Division.[27]  After the Japanese surrender on 15th August the Division was sent to reoccupy Tenasserim, first sending a battalion by air Moulmein on 21st September.  The Division remained in Burma after the war until it ceased to exist in January 1947 when its headquarters was renamed the North Burma District.[28]

No. 4 Platoon

The Platoon was one of the first four platoons to be raised between October 1942 and January 1943.[29]  After the retreat from Burma, the 17th Indian Infantry Division had been reorganised and re-equipped as a Light Division and between October 1942 and May 1943 was involved in the construction of the Tiddim Road and patrolling into the Chin Hills.  In these activities they were supported by the Burma Intelligence Corps’ No. 4 Platoon.[30] 

The Division moved back to Shillong in May 1943 before returning to the front again at the end of October 1943 where the Platoon continued to give support.  Between November 1943 and February 1944, No. 4 Platoon maintained a standing patrol of one Officer and fourteen Other Ranks at Saihmun, to the South of Tiddim, watching the right flank of the 17th Division in conjunction with Chin irregulars.  This small detachment was known as 'Dunforce', named after the Platoon's Divisional Liaison Officer, Major Smith Dun.  The Platoon Headquarters was located with Divisional H.Q. at Tiddim.  In January 1944 a detachment of four N.C.O.s was working with the local levies and 'V’ Force as liaison between the troops and the locals.  The detachment also conducted reconnaissance of the tracks and the general area in which they were operating.  This detachment was then assigned to 'Tonforce' which had the objective of defending the Division's line of communications through Tonzang and across the bridge over the Manipur River.[31]

By February 1944 a detachment of four pairs of N.C.O.s had been posted at strategic points to act as observation posts and to patrol their areas to gather information on the Japanese and JIF troops (Indian troops fighting with the Japanese).  In the middle of the month two of the pairs were withdrawn to Platoon Headquarters as by now the forward troops were well out in front of them.  One pair remained working as an independent observation post until being withdrawn when Tiddim was evacuated in March.  Other men were attached to 'Artforce' and acted as liaison between the locals and the troops.  They also accompanied patrols sent out by the units to which they were attached.  Two men were attached to an Officer on "secret service" work, acting as interpreters.  A Field Security Section post was established at Tonzang by the Platoon Commander, Captain P.K. Innes.[32]

By March 1944 it was clear the anticipated Japanese advance had begun.  'Dunforce' out at Saihmun was withdrawn on 10th March, conducting two successful ambushes as it pulled back.  The next day a patrol led by Lieutenant N.H. Gaudoin was sent to watch the ford across the river near Gawngmual and on 13th March this patrol reported that the Japanese had crossed the river.  The patrol was withdrawn the next day when the 17th Division gave orders for the evacuation of Tiddim.  Upon rejoining the Platoon, the unit left Tiddim for Milestone 144.  The withdrawal up the Tiddim Road continued.  On 18th March, Major Dun joined the Headquarters Staff of the Division as temporary GIII (staff officer for operations) and Captain Innes took over the role of Division Liaison Officer.  From 19th March the Platoon took over the guarding of JIF prisoners until they were handed over to a Provost unit on 25th March.  The Platoon otherwise continued to withdraw and despite the hard fighting experienced by the Division elsewhere reported nothing of event for the rest of the month.[33]

On 5th April the Platoon moved to Imphal by truck where it settled in and undertook fatigue duties.  Major Dun resumed the Division Liaison Officer’s duties on 18th April and led a large detachment out to Loiching Peak to establish observation posts, standing patrols and reconnaissance patrols out to the villages in the immediate front.  Major Dun returned to Imphal on 22nd April.  The Loiching Peak patrols continued into May when on 17th May, with the approach of Japanese troops, the detachment was relieved by a platoon of the 7th Battalion, 10th Baluch Regiment and returned to Imphal.  For the remainder of the month the Platoon held a defence position on the inner perimeter, helping guard the Tactical Headquarters of the 17th Division.[34]

During June 1944 the Platoon was divided into two parties, one with the Advance Divisional Headquarters, 17th Division, and the other with the Rear Headquarters of the Division.  Whilst small detachments accompanied patrols undertaken by the troops, the bulk of the platoon remained on perimeter defence.  On 26th June the Platoon flew out of Imphal to Fani from where it proceeded to Calcutta by train, arriving at Dum Dum Rest Camp between 29th and 30th June.  From here the Platoon went on War leave.[35]

By late 1944 the Platoon was located at the Burma Auxiliary Force Depot at Mhow.  In a message sent on 8th November 1944 the intended destination of No. 4 Platoon was confirmed as Imphal.  According to a report on 11th November 1944 the Platoon was expected to be ready for operations by 21st November, dependent upon the receipt of the necessary Officer reinforcements.[36]

In November 1944 sanction was given to raise a further two mixed 'BAOR' Platoons, No.s 13 and 14.  In order to provide the necessary Burma Auxiliary Force personnel for these platoons, two existing platoons were to be reorganised as mixed 'BAOR' platoons, releasing the necessary 'BAF' men for the new platoons.  The platoons selected for reorganisation were No.s 4 and 10.  Pending further confirmation of the expansion of the Corps, these platoons were to remain all British 'BAF' platoons, but with only two sections instead of the normal three.  The effective date for the raising of No.s 13 and 14 Platoons was 23rd November 1944.[37]

Having been confused earlier by higher headquarters with No. 13 Platoon, at the end of November the Platoon was earmarked for deployment with H.Q. 14th Army and together with No. 10 Platoon was expected to move to that assignment during December 1944.  One of the platoons was earmarked for deployment with the 7th Indian Infantry Division, the other for 14th Army Reserve and earmarked for possible deployment with the 5th Indian Infantry Division.[38]

At the end of November No. 4 Platoon was still at Mhow, having given up one ‘BAF’ Section and elements of Platoon Headquarters to help complete No.s 13 and 14 Platoons.  In December 1944 the Platoon, assumed shortly to be complete on a mixed 'BAOR' basis, was offered to the XV Indian Corps.  The Platoon was to be one of three platoons attached to the Headquarters XV Indian Corps which was in command of operations on the Arakan front.  The Corps would thus have three platoons under its command, one acting as the Corps Reserve Platoon and one each with the two divisions serving with the Corps.[39]  The Platoon was to be ready to move by 7th January 1945.  However the Burma Army Other Ranks needed to fill out the Platoon to war establishment would not arrive by this date.  As a result it was filled out with British Other Ranks, actually Burma Auxiliary Force men, taken from the pool earmarked for the new platoons being raised.  On 22nd December undertakings were requested from the XV Indian Corps that the British 'BAF' sections would be returned to Mhow once the 'BAOR' sections had been formed and made ready. 

By now it was thought the Platoon would be ready to move by 7th January 1945.  The next day the destination of the Platoon was confirmed as Cox's Bazaar for onward deployment in the Arakan.  The Platoon was eventually reported as being ready to move on 28th January 1945.[40]  The Platoon was confirmed as having left Mhow on 5th February 1945.  It was short of ten Sten guns, five trucks and a motorcycle which were to be collected at Calcutta.[41]  In a signal dated 15th February 1945, Headquarters 404 Line of Communication Area advised that the Platoon would not be ready for its final move forward until 18th February at the earliest, given there had been further delays to the Platoon’s arrival at Cox's Bazaar.[42]          

A conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army proposed that the Platoon remain allotted to the 26th Indian Infantry Division, presumably beyond the Division's withdrawal to India to prepare for the seaborne landings at Rangoon.[43]  However this role was given to No. 2 Platoon.  Instead, on 1st April 1945, Headquarters XV Indian Corps was instructed by H.Q. ALFSEA to retain the Platoon, either as the Corps Reserve Platoon or as an additional platoon for attachment to the 82nd West African Infantry Division, the actual assignment to be at the discretion of the Corps.  However on 12th April, H.Q. XV Indian Corps was instructed that No. 4 Platoon was to become an additional platoon for the 82nd West African Infantry Division.[44]

In June 1945 the Platoon was one of two attached to the 82nd West African Infantry Division.[45]  Given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements it was decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR' platoons.  The No. 4 Platoon was allotted to the 7th Indian Infantry Division, replacing No. 14 (‘Mixed’) Platoon which had supported the Division up until that time and would now be disbanded.[46]

No. 5 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in January 1943.[47]  The Platoon was attached to the 81st West African Division in the Kaladan Valley from September 1944 to February 1945.  The Platoon proceeded up the Sangu River from Dohazari in Bengal in a small fleet of sampans before crossing over three ranges of hills into Burma.  It then proceeded down to the Kaladan River at Daletine.  During this period the Division was completely isolated from all other British forces and was supplied entirely from the air.[48]  In December 1944 one Section, consisting of an Officer and nine Other Ranks, was detached to serve with the 82nd West African Infantry Division.[49]

When in February 1945 it became known that the 81st Division was to return to India from the Arakan, Headquarters ALFSEA confirmed to the H.Q. XV Indian Corps the need for the Platoon to accompany the Division for it was in need of rest and rehabilitation, having been in operations for over eighteen months.  It seems the Platoon was indeed withdrawn to India at this time.[50]

A conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army proposed that the Platoon continue to be attached to the 81st West African Infantry Division.  However in June, as part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps, No. 5 Platoon, then at Mhow, was earmarked to join the 11th East African Infantry Division, then training in India for a proposed operation to cross the Salween River.[51]  It was decided that the Platoon would immediately be placed under the command of H.Q. 12th Army and be allotted to the 11th East African Division when the Division moved to Burma to release an Indian Division for Operation 'Zipper, the invasion of Malaya.[52]  The Japanese surrender in August removed the need for the 11th East African Division to leave India and it is assumed that No. 5 Platoon remained under the direct command of Headquarters, 12th Army in Burma.

No. 6 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in January 1943.[53]  In January 1944 the Platoon Headquarters was co-located with the Main Headquarters of the 23rd Indian Infantry Division, in reserve at Imphal.  The Division Liaison Officer was Major A. Rose and the Platoon Commander, Captain H.J. Booth.  Detachments were deployed out with the forward troops and the main Platoon effort was support of the 20th Indian Infantry Division in the Kabaw Valley.  On 10th January two N.C.O.s returned to Platoon Headquarters having been out at a 'V’ Force Patrol Base for four months.  Whilst operating with the 9th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Rifles at Sahpa, Private David Nyo was killed in action on 17th January.  The average distribution of the men of the Platoon during the month was:

Platoon Headquarters:  20
80th Indian Infantry Brigade (20th Division): 10
110th Indian Infantry Brigade (20th Division):  7
32nd Indian Infantry Brigade (20th Division):  2
No. 3 'V' Operations Area:  4
Hospital:  3
Leave: 4.[54] 

In February 1944 the detachments serving with the 20th Indian  Division were relieved when No. 11 Platoon arrived to take over.  The relief was largely completed by 18th February.  On 22nd February, one section was attached to the 1st Indian Infantry Brigade of the 23rd Indian Infantry Division.  At the end of the month three 'BORs' from No. 2 Section were attached to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Gurkha Rifles, a unit of the 37th Indian Infantry Brigade.  Two other "BORs" left Platoon Headquarters on 29th February for special duty with the 9th Battalion, 12th Frontier Force Rifles at Tonhe.  Throughout the month three men continued to serve with 'V Force' and six men were in hospital.[55]

In March the Platoon Headquarters was at Langthoubal (Langthabal), Imphal.  On 4th March the two men on special duty at Tonhe returned.  Two days later, Captain Roger-Smith and four men of No. 2 Section left to join the 37th Indian Infantry Brigade at Milestone 110 on the Imphal-Manipur Road.  On 10th March Major Rose left for the 1st Indian Infantry Brigade and went on to Tonhe to visit men of No. 1 Section serving with the 1st Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders.  The detachment serving with the 1st Indian Infantry Brigade in the Kabaw Valley returned with the Brigade on 15th March, except for Lieutenant Benjamin Yin Nyun and Lance Bombardier Danning who were out on patrol East of the Chindwin.  Major Rose returned to the Platoon Headquarters on 16th March.  No. 2 Section moved with the 37th Indian Infantry Brigade to Milestone 82 on the Imphal-Tiddim Road.  Later that day the Platoon Headquarters moved to the "Box Area" at Langthoubal Ridge to prepare defences and living quarters.  Lance Bombardier B. Danning who was on patrol East of the Chindwin returned to Platoon Headquarters on 24th March however Lieutenant Yin Nyun was missing, not having been seen since the morning of 17th March.  Gunner V. Joseph also returned to Platoon Headquarters, having passed through the Japanese lines from No. 3 'V' Operational Area.  The disposition of the Platoon during March was: 

Platoon H.Q.:  two Officers and 19 men
1st Indian Infantry Brigade:  8 men
37th Indian Infantry Brigade:  one Officer and 8 men
'V' Force:  1 man
Leave:  5
Hospital:  one Officer and 6 men
Missing:  one Officer and one man.[56]

The Platoon remained at Langthoubal throughout April.  Major Rose was appointed Sector Commandant (Imphal).  With the investment of the Imphal area by the Japanese and all operations being centred in the Manipur Plain and the surrounding hills, the Brigades returned the BIC men attached to them and the Platoon was employed manning a section of the perimeter of the "Box", making punji spikes and providing patrols.[57]

On 15th May the Platoon left the Langthoubal "Bug Box" for "Bull Box" at Milestone 36 on the Imphal-Tamu Road where they were joined on 18th May by the Main Headquarters of the 23rd Indian Infantry Division.  On 26th May six men were sent to the 49th Indian Infantry Brigade where three were attached to the 4th Battalion, 5th Mahratta Light Infantry and three to the 6th Battalion.  Three days later a section left Platoon Headquarters to join the Kali Bahadur Regiment, 1st Indian Infantry Brigade, at Nungtak.[58]

The 23rd Indian Infantry Division was relieved by the 11th East African Infantry Division and returned to India in, August 1944.[59]  It is assumed that No. 6 Platoon remained to join the 11th Division for in November 1944 it was reported that the Platoon was serving with this division, which throughout December 1944 and January 1945 was in IV Corps reserve.[60]  In February No. 6 Platoon was employed as the IV Corps Reserve Platoon.  The Headquarters ALFSEA proposed to the HQ 14th Army that on receipt of three additional Burma Intelligence Corps platoons, No. 6 Platoon should revert to the 11th East African Infantry Division.[61]  However on 21st February it was pointed out that the readiness of the 11th East African Infantry Division was being put back and that the planned move of No. 6 Platoon to join the Division did not need to take place at the then current time.  Recognising that the division would need a Burma Intelligence Corps platoon when ready, it was proposed that arrangements would be made when the need arose.  As a result No. 6 Platoon remained with IV Corps as the Army Reserve Platoon.[62]

A conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army it had been proposed that the Platoon be earmarked for eventual allotment to the 11th East African Infantry Division.  However given that this formation was in reserve in India, with no planned operational role in Burma, it was then proposed that the Platoon might be disbanded to free up Burmese speakers for deployment with other units.  Instead, in June 1945, as part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps which included the disbandment of the mixed ‘BAOR’ platoons, No. 6 Platoon was to be transferred from 14th Army Reserve and attached to the 19th Indian Infantry Division, replacing No. 12 (‘Mixed’) Platoon which was to be disbanded.[63]

No. 7 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in January 1943.  In November 1944 the Platoon was allotted to 'Special Force' – the Chindits.  On 18th December 1944 the Governor of Burma authorised the reorganisation of two Burma Intelligence Corps platoons from the British 'B.A.F.' establishment to that of mixed 'BAOR' platoons.[64]  In January 1945 No. 7 Platoon, whilst still attached to the Headquarters 'Special Force' and being somewhat under strength due to sickness, was identified as being suitable for conversion to the mixed 'BAOR' establishment.  The Platoon was ordered to proceed to the Burma Auxiliary Force Depot at Mhow at the earliest possible date in order to carry out the conversion.  Surplus personnel were to be posted to other Burma Intelligence Corps platoons or transferred to the reserve.  Burmese-speaking Governor's Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks necessary to bring the Platoon up to establishment were to be  found and posted to the Platoon by the Administration Branch of Headquarters SAC SEA.  Any deficiencies in the numbers of batmen were to be reported to and made up by the Burma Regimental Centre at Hoshiarpur.[65]

On 11th February 1945, the Commanding Officer of the Burma Intelligence Corps, Lt. Colonel Phipps, wrote to confirm his understanding of the allocation and date of readiness of platoons reorganising or forming at Mhow.  Of these, No. 7 Platoon was earmarked for XV Indian Corps as the Corps Reserve Platoon.  Given that the Corps had all British 'BAF.' platoons it was  proposed to retain No.7 Platoon on its then current British 'BAF.' establishment.  The Platoon was expected to be ready for deployment seven days after its arrival back at Mhow from attachment to 'Special Force'.[66]

On 14th February H.Q. ALFSEA instructed the Headquarters 14th Army that three additional platoons would be allotted to it, one to act as Army Reserve and two as Corps Reserve Platoons.  Of these, No. 7 Platoon was expected to be ready at Mhow by the end of the month for onward deployment to the 14th Army.  It was regarded as a matter of operational urgency that the three platoons being reorganised at Mhow reached the 14th Army as soon as possible.[67]  It seems that No. 7 Platoon now became earmarked as the Corps Reserve Platoon for the XXXIII Indian Corps.[68]

Earlier, while attached to ‘Special Force’, Lieutenant Loader, and six men from the Platoon had, on the orders of H.Q. ‘Special Force’, been attached to the Special Force Support Company and given training as paratroops.  When the Platoon was ordered to Mhow, H.Q. Special Force issued instructions for this group to remain attached and remain behind.  However Lt. Colonel Phipps protested, stating that the loss of what amounted to a section would delay the date of readiness pf the Platoon for future deployment.  Two days later however a new request was raised for these men.  The establishment of the Headquarters 44th Indian Airborne Division was authorised eight Burma Intelligence Corps men.  Given the parachute qualifications of Lieutenant Loader's group, approval was requested for the men to join the airborne headquarters on 23rd February 1945.  It is not known if Loader and his men joined the new division.[69]

Meanwhile the readiness of the Platoon was delayed by an outbreak of the mumps amongst the personnel of 'Special Force' and the movement of the platoon to Mhow was delayed due to quarantine restrictions.  As a result on 25th February it was advised that the Platoon would not be ready to move to the 14th Army until 12th March.[70]

In March, Headquarters 14th Army requested that, when ready, No. 7 Platoon should report to XXXIII Indian Corps.[71]  On 10th March 1945 orders were issued for No.s 7 and 10 Platoons to proceed to the Manipur Road for Indainggyi as soon as  possible.  The Platoons were ordered to collect new transport, four Jeeps each, in Calcutta en route.[72]

A conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army proposed that the Platoon remain with XXXIII Indian Corps as Corps Reserve.  In June, as part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps, No. 7 Platoon, then with the XXXIII Indian Corps, it was decided to reorganise the Platoon as an all ‘BAF’ platoon and attach it to the 268th Indian Brigade.[73]  Whilst the reorganisation back to the establishment of an all ‘BAF’ platoon did go ahead, given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements, it was decided that once reorganised the platoon would be retained in Burma as an Army Reserve Platoon by H.Q. 12th Army.  At the same time it has also been decided to disband No.s 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 Platoons.  The ‘BAF’ men of these platoons were to be deployed to help fill out the reorganised No. 7 Platoon.[74]

No. 8 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in January 1943.  In November 1944 the Platoon was allotted to 'Special Force' – the Chindits.[75]

The Platoon remained with ‘Special force’ into January 1945.  Then the Headquarters XV Indian Corps was informed that the Platoon would be made available to it in the near future.  The Platoon was then organised on the establishment of a 'BAF' platoon and the XV Indian Corps was advised of the exchange of personnel that would be needed should the Corps decide that a mixed 'BAOR' establishment be required.  The Platoon was expected to be ready to move in the near future and movement orders would be issued once the XV Indian Corps sent notice of its required destination.  The intention to remove the Platoon from attachment to 'Special Force' and attach it to the Headquarters XV Indian Corps was confirmed on 20th January 1945.  Despite a possible mix up when it seemed the Platoon might instead to be attached to the 17th Indian Light Division, in February it was confirmed that No. 8 Platoon was to be one of three platoons to be attached to the Headquarters XV Indian Corps.  The Corps would thus have three platoons under its command, one acting as the Corps Reserve Platoon and the others one each with the two divisions serving with the Corps.[76]

However the move of the Platoon to XV Indian Corps did not occur straightaway and on 8th February 1945 its impending move to Chittagong to join the Corps was notified as not likely to occur before 18th February.[77]  Eventually the Platoon left Mhow for Chittagong and was reported to have passed through Calcutta on 26th February 1945.[78]  There seems to have been some delay in the Platoon reaching the Xv Indian Corps for on 1st March the Corps signalled the urgent need to know when No. 8 Platoon might be expected at Chittagong.[79]

It seems that the when the Platoon did arrive in the XV Indian Corps area it was allotted to the 82nd West African Division for a conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army proposed that the Platoon continue to serve with this Division.[80]

As part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps that was decided upon in June 1945, No. 8 Platoon was to remain allotted to the 82nd West African Infantry Division in the Arakan.[81]

No. 9 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in June 1943.[82]  From August 1944 the Platoon served with the 36th Indian Infantry Division in North Burma.  The Division, having transferred from the Arakan front, was redesignated the 36th British Infantry Division on 1st September 1944.[83]

In August 1944, Lance Bombardier Saw Chain was attached to the Headquarters of the 9th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment when the Battalion attacked Hill 60, near Sahmaw.  The Battalion formed part of the 72nd Infantry Brigade, 36th British Infantry Division.  During the attack and despite his own wounds, the Lance Bombardier crawled to rescue a wounded comrade whilst under heavy machine gun fire.  For this action he was recommended for an immediate mention in despatches.[84]

Bombardier F.A. Nichols was awarded a Military Medal for actions between August 1944 and April 1945 whilst serving attached to the 72nd Infantry Brigade, 36th British Infantry Division.[85]

For his actions at the beginning of October 1944, Sergeant J. Lashley of No. 9 Platoon was awarded the Military Medal.  Sergeant Lashley accompanied a company of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers, 29th Indian Infantry Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, on a long range patrol, acting as guide and interpreter.  He donned native dress to undertake a lone patrol into a Japanese-held village which was hit by an air strike whilst he whilst he was there.[86]

The Platoon continued to serve with the 36th Division through until the Division’s withdrawal in April 1945.[87]  It appears that the Platoon was not withdrawn to India with the Division for on 3rd June 1945 the Headquarters, Army in India was advised by H.Q. ALFSEA that No. 9 Platoon was now allotted to 12th Army in Burma and that it would not be required to move to Jubbulpore, as had been previously advised at the end of May.[88]  In fact it appears that at this time the Platoon was in Maymyo, Burma.  As part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps it was decided that the Platoon was to be attached to the 20th Indian Infantry Division, replacing No. 11 Platoon which was to be disbanded.

No. 10 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in June 1943.[89]

In November 1944 the Platoon was located at the Burma Auxiliary Force Depot, Mhow  and awaiting a revised move order from H.Q. ALFSEA.   In a message sent on 8th November 1944, it was confirmed that the No. 10 Platoon was required at Imphal as soon as possible.  According to a report on 11th November 1944, the Platoon was expected to be ready for operations by 21st November but this was dependent upon the timely receipt of the necessary Officer reinforcements.[90]  The readiness date subsequently slipped to 1st December.[91]

In November 1944 sanction was given to raise a further two mixed 'BAOR' Platoons, No.s 13 and 14.  In order to provide the BAF personnel for these platoons, two existing platoons were to be reorganised as mixed 'BAOR' platoons, releasing the necessary 'BAF' men for the new platoons.  The platoons selected to be reorganised were No.s 4 and 10 and pending further confirmation of the expansion of the Corps, these platoons were to remain all British 'BAF' platoons but with only two sections instead of the normal three.  The effective date for the raising of No.s 13 and 14 Platoons was 23rd November 1944.[92]

Surplus personnel were to be posted to other Burma Intelligence Corps platoons or transferred to the reserve.  Burmese-speaking Governor's Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks necessary to bring the Platoon up to establishment were to be found and posted to the Platoon by the Administration Branch of Headquarters SAC SEA.  Any deficiencies in the numbers of batmen were to be reported to and made up by the Burma Regimental Centre at Hoshiarpur.[93]

Having been confused earlier by higher headquarters with No. 13 Platoon, at the end of November the Platoon was earmarked for deployment with H.Q. 14th Army and together with No. 10 Platoon was expected to move to that assignment during December 1944.  One of the platoons was earmarked for deployment with the 7th Indian Infantry Division, the other for 14th Army Reserve and earmarked for possible deployment with the 5th Indian Infantry Division.[94]

In January 1945 the Platoon, having remained at the Burma Auxiliary Force Depot at Mhow, and already having given up some of its personnel to other units, was still expecting to be reorganised as a mixed ‘BAOR’ platoon.  However the reorganisation appears to have yet to have taken place.[95]

In February 1945 the Platoon was designated a Reserve Platoon for attachment to a Corps within 14th Army.[96]  On 11th February, the Commanding Officer of the Burma Intelligence Corps, Lt. Colonel Phipps, wrote to confirm his understanding of the allocation and date of readiness of platoons reorganising or forming at Mhow.  Of these, No. 10 Platoon was thought to be earmarked for the IV Corps as the Corps Reserve Platoon.  The Platoon was expected to be ready for deployment three weeks to one month after the arrival at Mhow of the 107 Burma Army Other Ranks requested as reinforcements from the 2nd Battalion, The Burma Rifles.[97]

On 14th February H.Q. ALFSEA instructed the Headquarters 14th Army that three additional platoons would be allotted to it, one to act as Army Reserve and two as Corps Reserve Platoons.  Of these, No. 10 Platoon was now expected to be ready at Mhow by around 14th March for onward deployment to the 14th Army.  It was regarded as a matter of operational urgency that the three platoons being reorganised at Mhow reached the 14th Army as soon as possible.

On 9th March 1945, Headquarters 14th Army requested that, when ready, No.s 10 and 15 Platoons (presumably this should have read No. 7 Platoon) should report to Army H.Q. as reserve platoons.[98]  On 10th March 1945 orders were issued for No.s 7 and 10 Platoons to proceed to the Manipur Road for Indainggyi as soon as possible.  The Platoons were ordered to collect new transport, four Jeeps each, in Calcutta en route.[99]  It seems No. 10 Platoon did indeed join the IV Corps as reserve platoon.  A conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army identified the Platoon as being allotted to IV Corps as Corps Reserve.[100]

In June 1945, while still attached to the IV Corps as Corps Reserve Platoon, the Platoon was selected for disbandment.  Given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements it was decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR' platoons, of which No. 10 Platoon was one.  Upon disbandment the 'BAF' men were to help fill out the reorganised No. 7 Platoon whilst the 'BAOR' men were to go on to join new units of the Burma Army then being raised.[101]

No. 11 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in June 1943 on the war establishment of a mixed ‘BAOR’ platoon.[102]

In February 1944, No. 11 Platoon arrived to support the 20th Indian Infantry Division in the Kabaw Valley, relieving detachments of No. 6 Platoon who returned to Imphal.  The relief was largely completed by 18th February.[103]  The Platoon continued to serve with the Division through to June 1945.[104]

In June 1945, given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements it was decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR' platoons including No. 11 Platoon.  The Platoon, still attached to the 20th Indian Infantry Division, was to be disbanded and replaced by No. 9 Platoon, then in Maymyo having previously been attached to the 36th British Infantry Division.    Upon disbandment the 'BAF' men were to help fill out the reorganised No. 7 Platoon whilst the 'BAOR' men were to go on to join new units of the Burma Army then being raised.[105]

No. 12 Platoon

The Platoon was authorised to be raised in June 1943 on the war establishment of a mixed ‘BAOR’ platoon.[106]

Six men of the Platoon were attached to the 60th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery for the Second Chindit Operation which took place between February and August 1944.  The 60th Field Regiment was organised as infantry for the operation and provided No’s 60 and 88 Columns.[107]

In November 1944 the Platoon was serving with the 19th Indian Infantry Division and continued to do so until June 1945.[108]

Havildar Rom Bahadur Thapa of No. 12 Platoon was awarded the Burma Gallantry Medal for actions taking place between 16th February and 16th May 1945.  He was wounded near Singu on 3rd March 1945.[109]

In June 1945 it was decided to reorganise the Burma Intelligence Corps and to redistribute the platoons.  Given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements it was decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR'.  No. 12 Platoon, still attached to the 19th Indian Infantry Division, was to be disbanded and replaced by No. 6 Platoon, then in IV Corps reserve.  Upon disbandment the 'BAF' men were to help fill out the reorganised No. 7 Platoon whilst the 'BAOR' men were to go on to join new units of the Burma Army then being raised.[110] 

No. 13 Platoon

In November 1944 sanction was given to raise a further two mixed 'BAOR' Platoons, No.s 13 and 14.  In order to provide the BAF personnel for these platoons, two existing platoons were to be reorganised as mixed 'BAOR' platoons, releasing the necessary 'BAF' men for the new platoons.  The platoons selected to be reorganised were No.s 4 and 10 and pending further confirmation of the expansion of the Corps, these platoons were to remain all British 'BAF' platoons, with just two sections until more men could be found.  The effective date for the raising of No.s 13 and 14 Platoons was 23rd November 1944.[111]

During November, No. 13 Platoon was sent from Mhow to join 14th Army.  In December 1944 the Platoon was serving with the 5th Indian Infantry Division and continued to do so until disbandment.[112]

In June 1945 it was decided that as part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps, No. 13 Platoon, then attached to the 5th Indian Division, was to be disbanded and replaced by No. 2 Platoon, then in Rangoon with the 26th Indian Infantry Division.  Given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements it had been decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR' platoons.  Upon disbandment the 'BAF' men were to help fill out the reorganised No. 7 Platoon whilst the 'BAOR' men were to go on to join new units of the Burma Army then being raised.[113] 

No. 14 Platoon

In November 1944 sanction was given to raise a further two mixed 'BAOR' Platoons, No.s 13 and 14.  In order to provide the BAF personnel for these platoons, two existing platoons were to be reorganised as mixed 'BAOR' platoons, releasing the necessary 'BAF' men for the new platoons.  The platoons selected to be reorganised were No.s 4 and 10 and pending further confirmation of the expansion of the Corps, these platoons were to remain all British 'BAF' platoons, with just two sections until more men could be found.  The effective date for the raising of No.s 13 and 14 Platoons was 23rd November 1944.[114]

During November, No. 14 Platoon was sent from Mhow to join 14th Army.  In December 1944 the Platoon, less one section, was serving with the 7th Indian Infantry Division.  The detached section was serving with the 268th Indian Infantry Brigade.[115]

During February and March 1945, Lance Bombardier Saw San Gyaw Tun on No. 14 Platoon was attached to "Puffcol", an all arms column for by the 33rd Indian Infantry Brigade, 7th Indian Infantry Division to protect the right flank of the Brigade whilst it advanced out of the Nyuangu bridgehead eastwards from the Irrawaddy River.  During April and May 1945 he was attached to the 1st Battalion, Queen's Royal Regiment.  Both these attachments resulted in the Lance Bombardier going out with many patrols to contact the local inhabitants.  For his actions during both these attachments he was awarded the Burma Gallantry Medal.[116]

For his actions on 12th/13th March 1945, Naik Balbahadur Chhetri of No. 14 Platoon was awarded the Military Medal whilst attached to the 4th Battalion, 8th Gurkha Rifles, 89th Indian Infantry Brigade, 7th Indian Infantry Division.  The Brigade had crossed the Irrawaddy at Pagan and at the end of February began an advance to Chauk.  The action for which the Naik won his medal took place at Kanhla on 12th March.  The Gurkha battalion was involved in heavy fighting in the Milaungbya area, to the North of Chauk.  Milaungbya was taken on 29th March 1945.[117]

Another member of the Platoon, Lance Corporal Saw Ba Nyein, was awarded the Burma Gallantry Medal for actions taking place during June 1945, whilst attached to the 4th Battalion, 1st Gurkha Rifles, 33rd Indian Infantry Brigade, 7th Indian Infantry Division.  In late May the 33rd Indian Infantry Brigade had moved to the Prome area and encountered the Japanese several times to the North of Prome.  During June the Brigade was across the Prome-Rangoon Road and spread to the area West of the road, attempting to intercept groups of Japanese who were desperate to retreat to the East.[118]

In June 1945 it was decided that as part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps, No. 14 Platoon, then attached to the 7th Indian Infantry Division, was to be disbanded and replaced by No. 4 Platoon, then one of two platoons serving with the  82nd West African Infantry Division.  Given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements it had been decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR' platoons.  Upon disbandment the 'BAF' men were to help fill out the reorganised No. 7 Platoon whilst the 'BAOR' men were to go on to join new units of the Burma Army then being raised.[119]

No. 15 Platoon

Although there had been agreement to raise No.s 15 and 16 Platoons, in January 1945 the formation of these platoons was held back until February.  That month the creation of Corps Reserve Platoons was ordered to provide the requisite number of platoons now required for the likely operations to take place in 1945.  No.s 15 and 16 Platoons were formed at Mhow from the existing manpower forming the 20% Burma Intelligence Corps reserve.[120]  Both were organised on the war establishment of a mixed ‘BAOR’ platoon.[121]

On 11th February, the Commanding Officer of the Burma Intelligence Corps, Lt. Colonel Phipps, wrote to confirm his understanding of the allocation and date of readiness of platoons reorganising or forming at Mhow.  Of these, No. 15 Platoon was thought to be earmarked for XXXIII Indian Corps as the Corps Reserve Platoon.  The Platoon was expected to be ready for deployment three weeks to one month after the arrival at Mhow of the 107 Burma Army Other Ranks requested as reinforcements from the 2nd Battalion, The Burma Rifles.[122]

On 14th February H.Q. ALFSEA instructed Headquarters 14th Army that three additional platoons would be allotted to it, one to act as Army Reserve and two as Corps Reserve Platoons.  Of these, No. 15 Platoon was expected to be ready at Mhow by the end of the month for onward deployment to the 14th Army.  It was regarded as a matter of operational urgency that the three platoons being reorganised at Mhow reached the 14th Army as soon as possible.[123]  It seems that No. 15 Platoon was earmarked as the Army Reserve Platoon for the 14th Army.  One section of No. 15 Platoon was sent to serve with the 28th East African Infantry Brigade which was attached to the 7th Indian Infantry Division until 10th April 1945.[124]

On 9th March 1945, the Headquarters 14th Army requested that, when ready, No.s 10 and 15 Platoons should report to Army Headquarters as reserve.  On 16th March 1945 orders were issued for No.15 Platoon to proceed to the Manipur Road for Indainggyi as soon as possible.  The Platoon was ordered to collect a motorcycle in Calcutta en route, 10th March 1945.[125]

In March 1945 a ‘BAOR’ section of No. 15 Platoon, under Captain Hann, was detached and allotted to serve with the 268th Indian Infantry Brigade.  At this time the Platoon had not yet moved to the forward area, presumably remaining in 14th Army reserve.[126]

In June 1945 it was decided that as part of the reorganisation and redistribution of the Burma Intelligence Corps, No. 15 Platoon, then serving as Army Reserve Platoon with 14th Army, was to be disbanded.  Given the victory in Burma and new operational requirements it had been decided to disband the mixed 'BAOR' platoons.  A platoon was no longer required to support the H.Q. 14th Army as this command was now preparing for the invasion of Malaya, Operation 'Zipper'.  Upon disbandment the 'BAF' men were to help fill out the reorganised No. 7 Platoon whilst the 'BAOR' men were to go on to join new units of the Burma Army then being raised.[127]

No. 16 Platoon

Although there had been agreement to raise No.s 15 and 16 Platoons, in January 1945 the formation of these platoons was held back until February.  That month the creation of Corps Reserve Platoons was ordered to provide the requisite number of platoons now required for the likely operations to take place in 1945.  No.s 15 and 16 Platoons were formed at Mhow from the existing manpower forming the 20% Burma Intelligence Corps reserve.[128]  Both were organised on the war establishment of a mixed ‘BAOR’ platoon.[129]

On 11th February, the Commanding Officer of the Burma Intelligence Corps, Lt. Colonel Phipps, wrote to confirm his understanding of the allocation and date of readiness of platoons reorganising or forming at Mhow.  Of these, No. 16 Platoon was thought to be earmarked allotment to a division.  The Platoon was expected to be ready for deployment three weeks to one month after the arrival at Mhow of the 107 Burma Army Other Ranks requested as reinforcements from the 2nd Battalion, The Burma Rifles.[130]

The Platoon was subsequently earmarked for attachment to the 23rd Indian Infantry Division and was expected to be ready at Mhow for onward movement to join the Division by around 14th March.[131]

A conference held on 26th March 1945 to discuss the future allotment of manpower within the Burma Army proposed initially that the Platoon remain available for allotment to the 23rd Indian Infantry Division.  However given that this formation was then in reserve in India, with no planned operational role in Burma, it was then proposed that the Platoon might be disbanded to free up Burmese speakers for deployment with other units.  It seems that this did not occur for in June 1945, when the Burma Intelligence Corps was being reorganised, it was decided that No. 16 Platoon, then in transit to the Manipur Road, was to be attached to the Lushai Brigade, 8th June 1945.[132]

17 November 2017