Burma Star Association - B.C. Chapter
17th BURMA STAR REUNION
Veterans of the Second World War campaign in Burma gathered at Blackpool for the Annual Re-Union at the Winter Gardens. More than one thousand servicemen and women, with their guests, took part in the three day event. Attending from the Vancouver Branch were Percy Smith, Vice President; Archie McElheren, Peter Clancy, Robert Siddon and Richard Holmes. Also present was Bill Pennington from Victoria who, incidentally, has written a book entitled "Your Parrots and Monkeys" about his exploits during the war.
The week-end was sponsored by the Blackpool and Fylde Branch. Jack Nield who organized the re-union must be complimented for an excellent show, and although initially only expecting a decline in numbers, was surprised at the big turn out. One begins to wonder whether there would be enough of us left to justify an event such as this, but the demand has always been great to keep the event going. One might ask what this event was all about. To those of our comrades who think re-unions are time consuming and unwarranted - Doris Moore of Stewmarket has the answer in her poem:
THE BURMA STAR.
"Where do all these men come from?" The small child asked his Mum. "I saw them last year as well. Why do they all come?"
"They come," she said, "to pay respect to comrades that they lost, who fought to give us freedom, for which many paid the cost.
"These men still remember, when they fought out there afar, and that is why they wear today a shining BURMA STAR.
"They were the 'Forgotten Army', but we never should forget the dreadful things they suffered, and some still suffer yet.
"So remember all these men my son, when you kneel down to pray. It's because of what they all endured, that we are free today."
Friday July 4th commenced with a get-together Thik Hai Night at 18:30. Entertainment was provided by the Blackpool Tower organist Phil Kelstall with dancing to organ music by Roley Westwood. Entertainment with Andy Eastwood, featuring Mike Terry, was well received. A Star raffle prize was held and the licensed bar provided refreshments, with beer/lager priced at £1.50 per pint throughout the week-end.
Saturday, July 5th was "Pukka Sahib Night" and a civic reception held, to which our group was invited. We had the pleasure of meeting the Mayor of Blackpool - Councilor Mrs. L. Henderson and Consort David Henderson. Also other dignitaries and guests, including The Viscount Slim, the National President of the Burma Star Association and Mrs. Slim.
Music and entertainment by the Brigade Band of the Gurkhas followed. They are about forty strong and added lots of colour to the occasion with their precision marching to music and some kukri dancing – so called by the knives they use. The Director of Music, Captain Neil Morgan, ably conducted the band in an excellent array of martial tunes. The operational role of these musicians is as medical assistants, for which role they are regularly trained. They served in the Gulf War in 1991.
Sunday, July 6th at 10:30am, Holy Trinity Church on Dean Street was the venue for the Church Parade. The church was full to capacity and the Lessons were read by The Viscount Slim and George Hughes, the National Vice President of the B.S.A. The sermon was given by The Rev. Clifford Johnson, Padre of the Blackpool Branch, eloquently based on the Lessons read previously. At the conclusion of the service a wreath was placed on the altar by Robert Turnbull, President of the Blackpool Branch. Last Post and The Silence, followed by the Heroes of Kohima, were performed by a Piper of the Blackpool Caledonian Society. The Kohima Epitaph was spoken by Jack Nield, the Chairman of the Blackpool and Fylde Branch.
Following the service, free buses were provided to transport us to the parade assembly area, with the march-off at 12:15pm. The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas led the parade to the Cenotaph where wreaths were laid. The salute was taken by The Viscount Slim and the Mayors of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The march continued back to the Winter Gardens, where music and dancing continued until 16:30, at which time Auld Lang Syne was sung to close the ceremonies.
To help describe the atmosphere of this three-day re-union, the following is re-0rinted from the Dekho Magazine of 1970:
No one who was not there can appreciate the atmosphere of that room.
The firm handshakes and the smiles to dispel one's gloom.
There were no badges of rank, no stripe - no pip - no crown.
But every man and woman, a person of renown.
Travel the whole world over, Search near and far.
Never will you find a finer crowd,
Than the Men and Women of the BURMA STAR.
For two of us, this was our second re-union, and what made us go back was to meet the wonderful friends we had made the previous year, and the warmth and friendliness we received by all we came into contact with.
Percy Smith Vice President Vancouver, BC Branch Canada.
We made our own arrangements to and from England; it was better this way, as we each had separate agendas. I left earlier, on 26 June for the dedication of a Merchant Navy memorial at Weymouth. More time was later spent at Dawlish, South Devon and Exeter meeting friends from the Merchant Navy Association, which is my home Club.
I arrived by train in Blackpool on the 3rd July to join the rest, at the Southbank Hotel, on Albert Road. The accommodation was sans room telephone which was a handicap, but otherwise adequate. B and B consisted of breakfast and also, supper. The hotel was centrally located to all amenities only a few blocks from the Winter Gardens, which suited us well. The British Seniors Association was having their Annual Conference here, so this hotel, as were the others, was quite full. Archie and I took in the Circus at the Blackpool Tower and also an evening’s entertainment to see the Kings of Swing at the Tower Ballroom. A celebration of the "Rat Pack Era" they called it.
We each went our separate ways after the re-union, Archie and Peter going to Ireland. I spent a further week visiting friends in the Lake District (Windermere), Liverpool and Manchester, before departing by train for London to visit family. Finally I flew from from Gatwick to Vancouver.
Twenty seven memorable days spent in Britain!