26th Hussars/Chindits grouping

[Paul Spellman]

Hi Simon,
Great find there and a good link in with the maps. Les still has the group, plenty of offers for just the slip ons or the maps but he won’t separate them and I don’t blame him. I’ll try to ensure they make it to Penkridge if your going. I like a good excuse to get them maps out.
Best regards
Paul

[High Wood]

Yes, I definitely intend to be there.

[Marcus H]

Originally Posted by High Wood

Paul,

I don't know if the 26th Hussars Chindit group has been sold or not but, in the course of researching another Chindit, I have stumbled across a likely candidate for a 26 Hussars officer serving with Bernard Fergusson's 16th Infantry Brigade. This particular officer, Capt J.B.C. Palmer, served with 22 Column, (2nd Queen's Regiment). You may recall the accompanying maps covered their area of operations.

Simon

Hi Simon,

Unfortunately, I don’t think Palmer is your man. This pattern of coloured slip-on titles would suggest the unknown Hussar/Chindit was an other rank.

In brief: John Baird Clayton (“Oscar”) Palmer (95575) was a career infantry officer commissioned as a 2nd/Lt. in July 1939 to the 1st Bn. The Queens Royal Regiment - thereafter he joined the regiment in Allahabad, India.

In March 1941, Lt. Palmer *(A/Capt) was posted to the newly formed 26th Hussars until their disbandment in October 1943. He then subsequently served as a captain *(T/Capt) within 2 QRR and effectively 22 Column leading the Reconnaissance Platoon.

In the postwar Malayan episode, now a major, whilst on a three-year tour with 1 QRR (1954-1957) he was awarded the Military Cross for his endeavours.

His obituary actually gives more of an insight into his overall career, but fails to mention his duration with the 26H, RAC: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obi...ar-Palmer.html

To date, I have sparse and little information regarding any of the 26H officers, let alone pertaining to those few officers that served with the Chindits. Although, I do own some great original photographs of the 26H officer compliment on roll, which clearly show the officer pattern slips being worn by all; plus, including the elusive embroidered beret badge, too.

You are likely already aware of the few IWM recorded interviews with the former 26H members that served in the Chindits, one such account by a Lt. Richard W. Hilder:
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80018291


* Acting and Temporary rank.

Best,

Marcus