I am looking for the name of the recipient of the Military Cross. He apparently won it at the Battle of Kangaw while in 4 2 Commando in January 1945 and there was only one recipient of the MC for that battle. Any suggestions as to how to find this info is appreciated greatly. Thanks
Welcome Dennis! The new member section was most likely made so that you could tell us a bit about yourself(Read this http://www.ww2f.com/new-member-forum/21892-new-member-questionnaire.html )But if you post a thread in this section, i guess you can get more answers there than here... Information Requests - World War II Forums
Lt. George Knowland VC No 1 Army Commando Hill 170, Kangaw, Burma 31st January 1945 Lt Knowland was a section leader in No 4 troop who were defending the north end of this crucial ground on Hill 170 near Kangaw. The troop who were effectively cut off by the enemy came under a mass infantry attack of about 500 Japanese. Knowland responded by rallying his men and he himself attacking the enemy with all manner of weapons including a two inch mortar which he fired from the hip. When his Bren gun team became victims he took over the weapon calling for more ammunition. Time and again Lt Knowland's troop repulsed the ever increasing attacks until late in the battle Lt Knowland fell mortally wounded. His magnificent courage had inspired his men to hold fast and the crucial ground remained in the possession of the commando’s. This action secured the bridgehead and proved to be the critical point in the Arakan campaign. Lt Knowland is buried in the Taukkyan War Cemetery Burma. See an article about Lt. George Knowland on the Victoria Cross Society Journal website. Is this the commando you are looking for? Commando Veterans Association
Wecome Dennis,the only award of a Military cross in Burma, to a Royal Marine during 1945 was to a Captain Eric Langley, but I can find no connection to the battle of Kangaw, during which a VC was awarded to Lieutenant George knowland of NO1 Commando.
There may be a recommendation for it here: The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Recommendations for Honours and Awards (Army)
I dont know enough on rm history but maybe the discrepancy between lrusso and wtid lies in royal marine and army commando? Pity no 9 isnt still around with his outstanding knowledge.
