Nigel feels humbled whenever he stands in front of the Kohima Cross, as a symbol of unity and humility representing unselfish men, who played a crucial role and who risked and sacrificed their own lives or comfort for a principled cause. They marched into battle, fighting for what they believed was in the best interest of others and the world as a whole. We will probably never endure what they endured.
"When you go home, tell them of us – and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today"
Kohima epitaph
The Kohima siege lasted 15 days during the Second World War. The 4th Battalion of the Queen’s Own West Kent regiment arrived at Kohima in North West India on the 4th April 1944 to reinforce a small garrison of the Assam Regiment. On 5th April a Japanese division of around 12,000 – 13,000 troops began to assemble, determined to capture this key junction. The Japanese attacks were intense throughout the whole siege and came both during the night and day. Lance-Corporal Harman of the West Kent’s was awarded a Victoria Cross for his part in this action. Harman dealt with enemy machine guns on two separate days, sadly losing his life on the second day. Out of a total of 440 men of the West Kent’s, 200 were killed and wounded during the siege, but they held fast until relief arrived on 20th April from the Royal Berkshire Regiment.
Accession Number: MNERM 1955.160
