History retraced: Walkers complete ‘39 hours to Kohima’ WWII
History retraced: Walkers complete ‘39 hours to Kohima’ WWII trek
Walk from Jessami at midnight on April 2 and reached Kohima in the afternoon of April 3 to commemorate 81st anniversary of World War II, specifically the Battle of Kohima
Charlotte Carty, Bertie Alexander and other Walkers of the trek on the eve of the 81st anniversary of World War II, specifically the Battle of Kohima on Thursday at the Kohima War Cemetery. (EM Images)
KOHIMA — To commemorate the 39-hour trek
through the Naga Hills undertaken by Allied forces from Jessami to Kohima for
the Battle of Kohima, a team of enthusiasts, under the initiative of Sampan
Travels, embarked on the walk from Jessami at midnight on April 2 and reached
Kohima in the afternoon of April 3.
This trek event took place on the eve of the 81st
anniversary of World War II, specifically the Battle of Kohima. A commemorative
service is scheduled for Friday (April 4) at 10 am at the Kohima War Cemetery
in the heart of the capital city.
At the culmination of the walk, Charlotte Carty recounted
that her grandfather, Lt Col “Bruno” Brown, was the Commander of the Assam Regiment
during the battles of Jessami and Kohima. He took part in the siege of Kohima
and the subsequent battle, which was vital for the Allied victory against the
advancing Japanese forces.
Charlotte Carty, Bertie Alexander, Medozhazo Rutsa, along
with the walkers, guides, officials, and volunteers of KVYO at the Kohima War
Cemetery on Thursday. (EM Images)
She noted that approximately 260 soldiers from the Assam
Regiment were among the 1,500 Allied troops who fought in Kohima against a
vastly larger Japanese force of about 15,000 men. The defenders withstood the
siege for two and a half weeks and continued fighting for months until the
Japanese withdrew in June 1944.
“My grandfather remembered the Nagas very warmly. He held
them in high regard and wanted them to be remembered. That is what we are doing
with these 39-hour walks, named after the length of time it took the
withdrawing Assam Regiment to make their way over the hills from Jessami to
Kohima. It took them just 39 hours,” she said.
Carty expressed gratitude to the guides who had assisted in
the trek and commended Bertie Alexander of Sampan Travel for organising the
event, along with others involved.
Reflecting on both this year’s and last year’s experiences,
she emphasised the challenges of the trek, despite modern upgrades, noting that
during the battle, the soldiers had no assistance beyond what the Nagas could
provide. “They fought for five days at Jessami before withdrawing. It is
unimaginable to me, especially after undertaking this 39-hour walk.”
She recalled that upon reaching Kohima on April 3, 1944, the
Assam Regiment was the only unit within the garrison, playing a crucial role in
the Allied success at Kohima. Unlike the modern trek participants, who could
rest afterward, the soldiers at that time had to dig defensive positions with
their hands immediately upon arrival.
She highlighted that the very next day, Japanese forces
began encircling Kohima, leading to intense, unrelenting combat for two and a
half weeks. She paid her respects to the soldiers from all sides who had
endured the battle, stating, “This walk is about remembering them.”
Bertie Alexander acknowledged the Kohima Village Youth
Organisation (KVYO) for providing escorts. “It’s always a pleasure to be in
Nagaland. I’m fortunate to visit frequently for work and to bring outsiders
here to appreciate how beautiful this part of the country is,” he said.
He also mentioned that during this trip, the group explored
the history of the Naga Hills while undertaking the 134-kilometre trek from
Jessami to Kohima.
KVYO president Medozhazo Rutsa described the occasion as a
solemn remembrance of the Battle of Kohima. “We honour the courage and
resilience of those who fought in this conflict, which saw two superpowers,
Britain and Japan, clash in the Naga Hills during World War II,” Rutsa stated,
noting that history changed on April 4, 1944.
He acknowledged Charlotte Carty and her team for undertaking
the 39-hour trek, commending their dedication to commemorating the battle and
honouring those who had fought.
“We wish for mutual respect and understanding among all
nations. We hope that the sentiments of the Naga people are recognised and
honoured so that we can move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and peace,”
Rutsa added.
The KVYO president urged the people to remember the lessons
of history, honour their ancestors, and work together toward a world where
peace reigns.
