Two years ago Islander Jean McLaughlin was successful in getting recognition for Jersey soldiers who fought in Burma by having a commemorative plaque put up at the foot of Mount Bingham.
And on Sunday, a second plaque commissioned by Mrs McLaughlin, featuring the names of those who fought in the ‘Forgotten Army’, will be unveiled beneath the original one during a ceremony that will be attended by Jersey’s Lieutenant-Governor Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton and Chief Minister Ian Gorst.
The British 14th army, also known as the Forgotten Army, was a multinational force of soldiers from Commonwealth countries and was part of the Burma campaign to defend India during the Second World War.
They were known as the Forgotten Army as they were still fighting in horrendous conditions after Europe had been liberated.
Mrs McLaughlin, whose father John Quénault served in the British 14th army, says the plaque will help to preserve the memory of the brave men who fought in South-East Asia.
‘They deserve this,’ she said. ‘We are doing this to ensure that these men will never be forgotten.
‘This plaque will go underneath the current one and the families of those men have all donated money to make the plaque.’
The ceremony is due to begin at noon with a welcome from Mrs McLaughlin. Author and local historian Ian Ronayne will say a few words and the plaque is to be unveiled by Sir Stephen.
Jersey’s new Dean, the Very Rev Mike Keirle, Methodist Superintendent the Rev Graeme Halls and the Catholic Deacon, Tony Ward, will say prayers and give thanks, while wreaths will be laid by dignitaries.
Mrs McLaughlin and her sister, Marlene Jones, will also lay wreaths on behalf of the Quénault and Lovesey families.
Music is to be provided by piper Jimmy McGovern, bugler Andy Thompson will play The Last Post and Wing Commander David Rotherham is to read the Kohima epitaph.
Mrs McLaughlin says there is space on the plaque, which was made by Mark Reynolds from Jersey Monumental Company, for up to ten more names in case further Islanders come forward with details of Jersey relatives who served in the Forgotten Army.
