Burma, 23/3/1944. Footnote written by Rfn. Mick Collins 5 Troop

[Photo credit Nick Collins, son of Rfn. Mick Collins].

Handwritten account of action experienced by 5 Troop, No 5 Commando, 23 March 1944. Footnote to 'Hill in the Jungle' written by Rfn Mick Collins (WIA, 23 Mar 44). Text reads:
"Soon after this 3 & 4 Sub-sections became surrounded & were caught in the open by withering fire. Capt Kerr was badly wounded having his arm practically severed by machine gun fire.
Everywhere lay dead or wounded Commandos. Those who could move tried to reach the cover of the jungle but were shot down immediately. Capt Kerr was again hit in both legs & lost consciousness.
4 Troop coming to the rescue bought 2" mortars into play & after a while they seemed to be having some effect.
Just before dusk, Lt Noble(Coldstream Guards) brought a stretcher party out into the open & at great personal risk took Capt Kerr & myself then Rfn Collins to cover. For this he was awarded the MC".