Genealogy Chat

Can anyone tell me where to look please? I am helping a friend to trace he fathers family. She wants to find the death of her uncle who was in the Gurkhas during the second world war and she thinks he may have died in Burma during WW2. Please, please help. Viv

Try googling - I bet the Gurkhas have their own website. They fought beside my father in Burma in WW2 - he said they were brilliant soldiers. I just googled and there is tons of info - always google anything you want info about.

Have you searched the Commonwealth War Graves site?

Heather, Yes they do and I've already done that. Have also done CWG but no luck. I don't even know if he was on active service. Have been unable to find him in GRO deaths. Am a bit stumped now. He was British and apparently his Kokri (sword ) was sent home to my friends father (they were brothers). Viv

British? but the Gurkhas are all Nepalese, arent they? Or was he a seconded officer? Perhaps one of the military buffs will come on later and have some advice. I have my fathers gurhka sword and knives.

They are part of the British Army apparently. I think the person I'm trying to find would have been part of the British Army Gurkhas. Trouble is I don't know his rank or anything else about him. Viv

From what I can remember from my Dad, they were first part of the Indian British Colonial army.

Heather, He must have been seconded. This is the Gurkha website I found www.army.mod*uk/brigade_of_gurkhas/index.htm (replace * with .) Viv

My dads gurkha sword (its really a big curved knife) is enclosed in a decorated leather cover and on either side of the cover are small pockets holding knives. Dad said that if you drew the sword from its cover then you had to draw blood (it was their belief!). He said he had seen Gurkhas cutting themselves to fulfil this if they withdrew the sword for any reason other than battle. He said they were the bravest, best soldiers he had ever seen.

The person I'm trying to find is Donald M Plenderleith born 1922 His Kokri (big curved sword) was sent home to his brother. Viv

When did the sword come back? If he were born 1922, hed only be a youngster in WW2 wouldnt he. 17 when it started and 23 when it ended. So perhaps he was on regular service after the war? It may be he wasnt actually in the Regiment, but like my father was fighting alongside the Gurkhas. Which doesnt much help really, does it. Now Im trying to remember about the 'chindits' that dad mentioned too! Oh dear, getting a bit maudlin - think I will go and eat something. You could try the Burma Star Association. All men who fought in Burmas were awarded the Burma Star medal. Does his bro have any medals for him? Have another google for the Burma Star Association - they may be able to advise - there should be a list somewhere of men awarded that medal.

This is the website: http://www.burmastar.org.uk/

Heather The chindits were highly trained solders who went in gliders or undercover behind the front line and cut landing sites for food and supplys, when thay had done there job the front line broke though and advanced to these clearings graduly forcing the front line back as they now attacked from the sides as well and so on. untill they secured a vital position. john

Hello Viv, take a look at overseas, GRO War Deaths Indian Services 1939-1948 Lieutenant Plenderleith, Donald Mackay, 3/1 Gurkha Rifles, age 21. Chris :) also found a couple of mentions in The Times, Jun. 14th 1944 Aug 26th 1944 and CWGC Second World War, Plenderleith, Donald Mackay.

Thanks John, that figures as dad was in some sort of strange set up in Burma where they went behind the enemy lines. Doesnt bear thinking about does it. Those chaps were so brave. Chris, that is brilliant, well done. I hope this bumps up so that she sees it. So he was an officer - thought he would have to be. My God, he was only a kid wasnt he - 21 years old and having that sort of responsibility! He couldnt have been out there that long,. How sad. When I look at my youngest who is 20 next week, its as much as he can do to organise what Rave he has to attend next.

Chris, Thank you, thank you! His niece will be so pleased. I am very grateful to you. Heather, His brother Robert, was one of the original 'guinea pig club' members (was one of the first to have plastic surgery) with a distinguished flying career during WW2 and he died last year. Gwyneth, Thanks for your help. Viv

Morning Viv, glad to be able to help, what a lovely site that CWGC is, and quite a bit of info. on there as well. And as Heather quite rightly says, he was just a kid... so very sad. The Times has mention of an engagement announcement for Robert, Jan 9th 1947. Chris :)

Viv, your friend does know if she is next of kin she can apply for his records doesnt she? Im just waiting for my Dads (Bomber Command) records - its taking a while but I think it will be interesting as he was seconded to a hush hush team of blokes in the War to get behind Japanese lines.

Heather, I don't think she does know about getting his records. How does she go about doing that? I certainly have no idea!!! LOL She has just given me a name so far (Donald's) and I have said I'll give her any help I can. She is not on the internet and not near any records offices (she's in the back and beyond in Wales) and is on a very tight budget. Viv

Viv, this is the address - it may be worth her ringing them and getting the forms she needs as my RAF ones took a month to come (just the application forms!): The RAF charges £30 to looke them up and send them (hopefully - still waiting) I think the Army is a bit less. Anyway, do tell her to ring them and perhaps she could get her dads aswell? Army Personnel Centre, Disclosure 2, Mail Point 515, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX Tel: 0845 600 9663