When the 2nd Division returned to York in 1983, from service in West Germany, Imphal Barracks became the location of an annual reunion of Kohima veterans.
There was also a Memorial Service held in the Dean’s Park beside York Minster, the city’s great cathedral. Here the monument to 2nd Division at Kohima is reproduced in smaller size.
After the laying of wreaths, Kohima veterans & their families would return to Imphal Barracks for lunch & then across the barracks to visit the Kohima Museum.
As the years passed, fewer & fewer veterans were with us, but attendance by those who remember them has remained strong. In 2024, there were 330 people at the Memorial Service for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Kohima.
The Memorial Service is held each summer, organised by the Kohima Educational Trust. In 2026, the service will be on July 2nd. It is followed by lunch at Imphal Barracks & a visit to the Kohima Museum.
Kohima Veterans at York Minster
Queen Elizabeth II inspects veterans of 2 Division
Youtube video of Kohima veterans honoured at Buckingham Palace.
Kohima veterans of Britain & Japan meet in York
Royal West Kent Kohima Veterans
The flag was captured by the Japanese when they took Singapore in 1942. The lady behind the flag is Countess Mountbatten. To her right is Raymond Street of the Royal West Kents.
Individuals
MY DAD CRIED ON REMEMBRANCE
SUNDAY
Robert Street
Kohima Museum Trustee. Written in memory of his father Private Raymond Street, 4 Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment.
He didn’t take long to prepare
A cup of tea, the TV, sat in his favourite chair
At 11, he stood to attention, straight and erect
It was his way of showing them respect
My Dad cried on Remembrance Sunday
Were they tears of joy; no
Tears of regret; maybe so
Tears of gratitude for he made it home
Tears of sorrow for those left buried alone.
My Dad cried on Remembrance Sunday
It doesn’t take long to prepare
A cup of tea, the TV, sat in my favourite chair
At 11, I stand to attention, straight and erect
It’s my way of showing him respect
It’s my turn to cry on Remembrance Sunday
Are they tears of joy; no
Tears of regret; maybe so
Tears of gratitude for he made it home
Tears of sorrow for I now watch alone
It’s my turn to cry on Remembrance Sunday
From “Soldier Poets of the 2nd British Infantry Division” by Bob Cook & Robin McDermott.
3rd Battalion 58th Infantry Regiment
2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment
Memories of a Forgotten War: The First Look by Utpal Borpujari. Short video that includes recordings of Kohima veterans.