Lyall Grant, Ian Hallam (Oral history)

British officer served with Royal Engineers at Royal Military Academy, Woolwich and School of Engineering, Chatham in GB, 1934-1938; served with 3 Field Coy and 2nd Training Bn Bengal Sappers and Miners in India, 1938-1941; commanded 70 Field Coy, Bengal Sappers and Miners, 17th Indian Div in Burma and India, 1942-1944; served with BRINDIV in Japan, 1945-1946

REEL 1 Recollections of enlistment and training as officer cadet with Royal Engineers at Royal Military Academy in Woolwich and officer with School of Engineering at Chatham, 1935-1938: family background of military service; degree of military training with OTC; reasons for joining Royal Engineers, 1934; joining academy, 1935; learning to work under pressure; crime sheets; mapping under pressure; attitude to discipline; emphasis on riding; lectures on politics and society; degree of engineering, gunnery and tactical training; methods of instruction; accommodation; food and exercise; degree of awareness of political events; move to School of Engineering at Chatham; tactical training; field sketching. REEL 2 Continues: training in field works, pillboxes and bunkers; taking Mechanical Sciences Course at Cambridge University; reasons for volunteering for service in India. Recollections of period as officer with 3 Field Coy, Bengal Sappers and Miners in India, 4/1938-7/1940: character of car journey from GB to India, 1938; impressions of countries passed through; arrival in Roorkee and witnessing Hindu ceremony; character of cantonment at Roorkee; instance of being upstaged by Indian veteran during gas training; internal organisations. REEL 3 Continues: question of religion and caste amongst Indian troops at Roorkee; lack of dissatisfaction pre-war; posting to 2nd Coy at Wana on North West Frontier; reaction to commanding convoy to Wana; types of armoured cars accompanying convoy; speed and duration of convoy; character of Wana Camp; construction of barracks; airfield and fortifications of Wana Camp; method of picquetting of route between Wana and Razmak; role of section of sappers in column; overnight defences; effects of moving in heat and degree of water available; equipment carried on column; use of mule transport; length of leave; dependence on VCOs and NCOs and their long term of service; selection in choice of recruits; length of recruit training. REEL 4 Continues: method of learning Urdu; outbreak of Second World War, 3/1939; background to posting to 2nd Training Bn, Bengal Sappers and Miners; period constructing defences on Khyber Pass. Recollections of period as adjutant with 2nd Training Bn, Bengal Sappers and Miners at depot in Roorkee, 8/1940-10/1941: system of grading recruits; need for recruits to learn Urdu; quality of recruits; role of adjutant; organisation of training and system of assessment; duration of training; discipline; quality of craftsmen; orders to raise and command new field company; training in waterman ship of canal at Roorkee; demonstration of company; orders for overseas service and expansion of company; preparations for overseas service; entraining for Madras; reaction to Japanese attacks; civilian followers; joining brigade at Madras. REEL 5 Continues: Recollections of operations as commanding officer of 70 Field Coy, Bengal Sappers and Miners, 17th Indian Div in Burma, 1942: embarking with 63 Infantry Bde; discovery of destination; character of voyage including difficulties of cooking on board ship; behaviour of senior officers on arrival in Rangoon, 3/1942; disembarking and move to university; visited chief engineer at Headquarters, Burma Army; acquiring useful stores from Rangoon docks; quality of maps available; degree of knowledge of Burma and Japanese; repainting vehicles; preparations to destroy oxy-acetylene factory; Burma sappers failure to blow important bridge; effect of railway workshops not being evacuated as planned; orders to abandon Rangoon; sight of oil refineries burning; loss of battalion lorry; character of unit march out of Rangoon area. REEL 6 Continues: withdrawal from Rangoon; briefing by Commander Royal Engineers of 17th Div; meeting with General 'Punch' Cowan; disintegration of Burmese units; dumping of surplus equipment; orders to division if attack on roadblock failed; move to Milestone 21/7; character of milestones in Burma; sight of Generals Alexander and Hutton on roadside; effect of Japanese air attacks and sight of only British aircraft; Japanese withdrawal from roadblock; passing through Japanese road block; character of thirty one mile march; problems of moving along roads; terrain along march; sources of explosive; opinion of organisation of supplies; advice given to officers regarding service in Far East. REEL 7 Continues: use of field work boxes; methods of demolishing bridges; demolishing saw mills and railway stations; orders for unit to become mobilised; maintenance and repair; learning how to enter and leave harbour and move in convoy; developing drills; precautions in harbour overnight; improvising booby traps; roadblocks; opinion of digging anti- tank ditch; 7th Armoured Bde opposed use of anti-tank mines; role of Gloucestershire Regt in covering withdrawal; character of withdrawal; preparing roadblock; construction of tracks to facilitate movement of tanks; Japanese bring in of heavy weapons and tanks by sea at Rangoon; briefing from Commander Royal Engineers; lack of news; visits from Commander Royal Engineers. REEL 8 Continues: independent nature of companies; 1st Bn Gloucestershire Regt counter attack on Japanese in village; effect on Japanese of attack by Gloucestershire Regt; withdrawal to Prome; destruction of boats at Prome; work strengthening bridge at Prome; meeting with forest officer; meeting of Wavell, Alexander and Slim and subsequent plan to attack Okpo; character 7th Hussars tank attack at Shwedaung; demolition of petrol dump; attack by Japanese fighter; defeat of Burma Independence Army; character of positions on riverbank at Prome; reorganisation of transport to bullock carts. REEL 9 Continues: deployment of 17th Div's brigades to cover approaches to Prome; behaviour of new brigadier; dealing with case of racial prejudice of Burmese civilian beating old Indian refugee; start of Japanese attack on Prome; orders to withdraw from positions; mortaring of unit whilst deploying to plug gap in line; range of vision; withdrawal and having to explain actions to Major General D T 'Punch' Cowan; Japanese tactics in attack; effect of shelling wooden bridge; reporting of Japanese flanking movement by Royal Military Police; unit casualties; character of terrain; range of forward vision; lack of arrangements for fire support; role of stragglers; blowing of main road bridge; withdrawal under Japanese artillery fire. REEL 10 Continues: speed of withdrawal from Prome to Allanmyo; question of using bullock carts; disorder at water points and importance of water supply to marching troops; dry conditions in central Burma; withdrawal to Taungdwingyi; duties at Taungdwingyi; Japanese Air Force attack on Taungdwingyi; construction of machine gun positions; brigade command post; Japanese advance up river; sight of Hawker Hurricane reconnaissance aircraft; visit by General Alexander; opinion of General Harold Alexander; opinion of General William Slim; removal of rail tracks and improving of cart track; move to Kokkoogwa area to blow bridge. REEL 11 Continues: role of Japanese forward observation officer during Battle of Kokkoogwa; lack of knowledge of Japanese Engineers; withdrawal northwards after Chinese gave way; division of company on either side of River Irrawaddy. REEL 12 Continues: role of unit in preparing bridges at Kume and Myittha for demolition; method of demolishing girder bridges; problems in demolishing brick bridge at Kume; number of bridges needed to be demolished in Kyaukse area; first encounter with Chinese troops; dispute over control of demolition of bridge with Chinese engineers; conduct of operations at 48th Bde Headquarters; plan and reconnaissance for withdrawal from Kyaukse done by Brigadier; location of armoured and artillery support; preparations for demolishing road and rail bridges; terrain at Kyaukse; deployment of defending troops at Kyaukse; Japanese advance on Kyaukse. REEL 13 Continues: quality of Japanese maps; withdrawal of Japanese tanks at Kyaukse after encounter with anti-tank gun; circumstances of demolition of one of bridges and subsequent repercussions; character of Battle of Kyaukse; defensive fire by British artillery and role of forward observation officers; effects of Japanese shelling; blowing of railway bridge at Kyaukse; importance of railways to Japanese; gave orders to blow bridges to rear; under Japanese shelling during reconnaissance of railway station; limited opportunities for demolition of railway station; story of encounter with spy disguised as priest and subsequent shelling of 48th Bde Headquarters; plan for withdrawal from Kyaukse; firing arrangements for demolition of bridge in centre of Kyaukse. REEL 14 Continues: narrow escape of truck on river road during blowing of last bridge; character of bridge demolition; withdrawal of tanks across canal bridge; demolition of canal bridge at Kyaukse; method of demolishing reinforced concrete bridges; blowing of the bridges on River Myitnge by 24 Field Coy, Bengal Sappers and Miners; importance of bridges to Japanese; character of Ava Bridge on River Irrawaddy; Japanese bombing of village at end of bridge; blowing of Ava Bridge; Japanese failure to encircle units during withdrawal from Kyaukse; preparations for withdrawal to India; problems during move Pyingaing. REEL 15 Continues: improvement to main track; providing water point for refugees and 1st Burma Bde; state of refugees; instance when water mistaken petrol; sapper burnt in accidental fire; military smoking in Indian and British Army; death of sapper accidentally run over by tank; clearing wrecked vehicles on road between Pyingaing and Shwegyin; method used to blow up vehicles; problem with jetty on bank of River Chindwin at Shwegyin; method of improving jetty; Battle of Shwegyin; shortage of steamers for ferry transport; visit by General William Slim; knocking out of Japanese mountain gun by Bofors Gun; capacity of steamers; arrival of last steamer; method of destroying unit vehicles; withdrawing on foot from Shwegyin. REEL 16 Continues: reasons why Japanese did not attempt pursuit of British forces; nature of goat track and physical condition on march; crossing River Chindwin at Kalewa; character of march out of Burma; organisation of logistics on march; vehicles used to transport refugees; choice of which equipment was to be abandoned; topography of Tamu; health problems from bodies of dead refugees in streams; three day march over hills and into Imphal Plain; character of Ingels Bridge; quality of road; brief encounter with General William Slim; view from head of pass; conditions on allocated hillside in Imphal area; move into barracks in Imphal; health problems and own physical condition; sending of sick back to Roorkee; first duties in Imphal. REEL 17 Continues: Recollections of operations as commanding officer of 70 Field Coy, Bengal Sappers and Miners, 17th Indian Div on Indian/Burma border, 1942-1944: retrieval and disposal of Japanese unexploded bombs at Imphal, 1942; construction of jeep tracks; jungle warfare exercise; expectation of Japanese offensive at end of monsoon; importance of employing lessons learned; complaints about Line of Communication during retreat; amusing story of eating green chilli; restoration of company to strength and arrival of new officers; opinion of hostilities only officers; question of detailed knowledge of engineering not being essential in forward areas. REEL 18 Continues: developed track from Imphal to Ukrul using Nagas until 12/1942; learning about uses of bamboo from Assam Rifles manual; building of bamboo bridge over River Manipur tested by General Wavell; bridge construction techniques using bamboo; use of bamboo coracles and rafts; leave arrangements in India; supporting 48 Bde at Milestone 33 on Tiddim Road; attending exercise as umpire that anticipated Japanese attack in 1944; live firing exercises; effect on morale of news from Arakan and Mediterranean; ordered to build Tiddim Road through Chin Hills; topography of Kaphi Lui Gorge; character of Tiddim Road through Kaphi Lui Gorge; opinion of Gurkhas and 1st Bn West Yorkshire Regt road building skills; methods used to construct road; time taken to build road, 3/1943-5/1943; conversation with Corps Commander Royal Engineers; nature of Chin Hills. REEL 19 Continues: bridges built to Class 12; selection of trees for construction of bridges; in reserve at Shillong; effect of secret circular about Indian National Army; awareness of coolness between Muslims and other religious groups in unit, spring 1943; addressing his Viceroy Commissioned Officers; sources of war news; receiving of mail; official view of Indian National Army; Japanese advance to The Stockades and Fort White; counter attack on Japanese positions on Basha East; withdrawal to Kennedy Peak and Vital Corner; unit ordered back to Tiddim; emphasis on importance of training; question of washing and shaving; time taken to return to Tiddim; provision of motorised transport for return journey; vehicle capacity of Tiddim Road. REEL 20 Continues: capacity of jeep; problems with boat bridge on Manipur River after rains; suspension bridge; nature of Manipur River in flood; fate of Sikh soldier Jemadar Dharam Singh who saved boat bridge during flooding on Manipur River; move to Tiddim; arrangements for water supply at Tiddim; character of 60 Field Coy, Bengal Sappers and Miners; opinion of plan to attack Japanese Basha East position; proposed role of unit during attack on Basha East; character of attack on Basha East; outcome of attack on Basha East. REEL 21 Continues: construction of suspension bridge for jeeps over Beltang Lui; reasons for withdrawal from Fort White to Kennedy Peak; Japanese capture of important hill and subsequent fortification; attempts to move medium artillery along Tiddim Road; opinion of Brigadier A E Cumming's 63 Bde attacks on Japanese occupied hill; use of charges in tin boxes to assault bunkers; attack by 48 Bde on hill with medium artillery support; Japanese techniques for constructing bunkers; role of unit in blowing up Japanese observation post; his reaction to being invited by officer to have a conversation in sight of Japanese; loss of hill during Japanese counter attack; Brigadier Ronnie Cameron's preference for isolating hill with chain of strong points; Japanese attitude to being flanked and encircled; work of company cutting mule paths. REEL 22 Continues: setting up patrol base; factors affecting rate of progress; treatment of wounded; effects of casualties on company; rumours of Japanese attack; memories of visit by Lord Louis Mountbatten; degree to which senior officers visited Tiddim Road; influence of General William Slim; character of 'O' groups held by Major General D T 'Punch' Cowan; activities of Chin Levies; measures taken to disguise officers; degree to which intelligence failed to predict Japanese attacks in 1944; Japanese indiscreet in remarks to civilians; degree to which Japanese attack anticipated. REEL 23 Continues: orders to prepare Tiddim Road for demolition; preparations to blow road away and selection of location; reaction of Brigadier Ronnie Cameron to plans to demolish road; design and placing of booby traps; success of booby traps including destruction of Japanese engineers vehicle; reasons for discovery of most booby traps; amount of time gained by demolitions. REEL 24 Continues: further details of organisation demolitions; protection of Supply Depot Box; withdrawal of 48 Bde and situation of 17th Indian Div; importance of bridge at Tonzang; burning of surplus equipment; minimum equipment and rations carried; destruction of water points and ration dumps; start of withdrawal from Tiddim; sight of 2/5th Bn Gurkha Rifles rearguard passing through unit demolition party; methods of detonating demolitions; dangers of setting booby traps; Japanese losses during follow up; Japanese repairs to Tiddim Road; amount of time gained by demolitions; camp by River Manipur; Japanese attack on Tonzong and 63 Bde's provision of flank guard; problems marching in hills; death of Jemadar Dharam Singh in accidental fire incident. REEL 25 Continues: cremation of Jemadar Dharan Singh and effect on unit morale; divisional headquarters headquarters box near Tonzang; Japanese driven away from roadblock; defending of bridgehead on Manipur River; Japanese shelling of division; destruction of Japanese tanks and crews in minefield; damage inflicted on Japanese tanks by mines; Japanese crossing River Manipur in inflatable boats; character of Japanese roadblock at Milestone 109 and Milestone 100; character of 'Commando' companies in Indian and British units; advance along Tiddim Road and casualties in Bren Gun Carriers at Milestone 111; plan to outflank roadblock; terrain in Manipur River gorge; character of failed attack by 1/7th Bn Gurkha Rifles and 9th Bn Border Regt; reasons for failure of second attack by 9th Bn Border Regt; memories on night prior to attack at 63 Bde Headquarters. REEL 26 Continues: unit positions at road block in gorge; cutting path to support 2/5th Bn Gurkha Rifles; character of 2/5th Bn Gurkha Rifles attack on Japanese position; nature of Japanese positions; character of 'Blitz' attack developed by Brigadier Ronnie Cameron; carrying out reconnaissance of Supply Depot; orders to cut path for 9th Bn Border Regt; faults of unit position at depot; Japanese withdrawal during night; state of Japanese brigade; blowing of bridge at Tonzang; second Japanese road block at Milestone 85; attacks on Japanese and withdrawal onto Imphal Plain; opinion of Major General D T 'Punch' Cowan's 17th Indian Div achievement; unit in reserve in Imphal; arrival of 5th Indian Div and situation in Imphal. REEL 27 Continues: activities whilst in reserve; move to Potsangbam; construction of bunker for headquarters of 48th Bde at Potsangbam; first experience of building Bailey Bridge; failure of Japanese night attack on unit at Potsangbam; plan for 48 Bde to set up road block and trap Japanese at Milestone 33; diversionary attacks on Japanese; preparing bridge to cross River Manipur; dismantling bridge after 48 Bde had crossed; security of operation compromised by artillery spotting aircraft; character of road block at Milestone 33; Japanese attacks on roadblock at Milestone 33; orders for 48 Bde to retire. REEL 28 Continues: 48 Bde's retirement for roadblock at Milestone 33; role of 1/7th Gurkha Rifles as rearguard; 2/5th Bn Gurkha Rifles capture of Moirang; sight of 2/5th Bn Gurkha Rifles attack on junction of Moirang track and Tiddim Road; Japanese tank attack stopped by anti-tank mines, 27/5/1944; laying of mines every night during advance; character of Japanese resistance at Ningthoukhong; incident when Brigadier Ronnie Cameron was knocked over by Japanese bullet during reconnaissance of Ningthoukhong; unit casualties from shelling at Potsangbam; state of Japanese opposition; artillery bombardment of Ningthoukhong; discovery of body of Japanese artillery officer at Ningthoukhong; attachment to 5th Indian Div; handing over command of company, 1944 and posting to Indian Engineering Officers Training School at Rookee. REEL 29 Continues: fate of company on partition of India, 1947; lessons learnt in Burma campaign as applied to command of Indian Engineering Officers Training School at Rookee. Story of hearing of atomic bombs being dropped on Japan, 1945. Question of political agitation in India and in Indian Army during Second World War. Aspects of period as officer with BRINDIV in Japan, 1945-1946: background to posting; visit to Hiroshima and effects of atomic bomb; meeting with Japanese civilian survivor of atomic attack; relations with Japanese; signs of pilfering of supplies; opinion of American occupation administration; Japanese style of barrack accommodation; wartime factories in caves in hills and coastal defences; US estimates of number of casualties if invasion of Japan had taken place.