Brig. Calvert goes back to Burma

A group of veterans including Brigadier Michael Calvert DSO went back to Burma 53 years after they had fought there.The trip took place in 1997, they visited such places as Myitkyina, Mogaung, Mawlu, Rangoon and of course Calvert's fabulous White City. It must have been strange, to say the least, as the last time these brave men stood on Burmese soil they were fighting for their lives. Michael Calvert stood on Pagoda Hill on his 85th birthday. Pagoda Hill had been one of his finest victories in the campaign along with the taking of Mogaung.When the 77th brigade finally took Mogaung they had a message to say that the Chinese had taken it. Mike Calvert replied "77th taking umbrage" 3 days later he recieved a further message from Stillwell's H.Q asking for a map reading as they couldnt find umbrage. (says it all really)

Brigadier Michael Calvert DSO.with other veterans in the background

A group of veterans in Burma in 1997standing in front of the bridge which they blew up at Mogoung in 1944

Brigadier Calvert celebrating his 85th birthday on Pagoda Hill with

Piers Storie-Pugh ( Rememberance Travel) reading from the Brigadier's book "Prisoners of Hope".

Pagoda Hill (Henu)

The scene of Michael Calvert's finest hour in March 1944

All pictures are courtesy of Jesse Dunne