As part of the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the recent VJ commemorations, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life will host speakers for a Burma-themed Lecture Day next month.
The event, on October 4, will see speakers to explore different aspects of the Second World War Burma campaign, which involved three battalions of the Border Regiment and the local Cumberland Gunners.
The event, at Carlisle Castle, has been organised with the support of Carlisle solicitors firm Wragg Mark-Bell and is aimed at anyone wanting to expand their knowledge or learn about a new area of history and includes lunch and refreshments.
Museum manager Jules Wooding said: “The museum’s first themed lecture day last year was a resounding success, and we were encouraged by the enthusiasm of attendees to organise a follow-up.
“In this 80th anniversary year, we thought it was appropriate to focus on aspects of the Forgotten War and explore themes connected with the campaign in Burma.”
Nick Kennon, managing director at Wragg Mark-Bell, has personal and professional reasons for his firm to be supporting the day.
His grandfather fought in the Burma campaign in the Border Regiment and Nick has continued his family’s military tradition, becoming a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves, and formerly Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Wragg Mark-Bell has signed the Government’s Armed Forces Covenant, meaning it offers support and benefits to members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families who are staff or clients.
He said: “We are very proud as a firm to be supporting the Lecture Day on the Burma campaign, which my grandfather took part in.
“It’s often referred to as the Forgotten War as much attention was on the fight against Hitler’s Germany, so this lecture day should shed new light on the huge efforts and sacrifices made to help defeat the Japanese.”
The four speakers will investigate different aspects of this campaign:
- Former curator Stuart Eastwood will focus on the Border Regiment’s contribution to the campaign
- Museum trustee and son of Border Regiment Burma veteran, Simon Sole, will look at Japan: Ally to enemy
- Author John Sadler will be explaining about the importance of the Battle of the Admin Box
- Former senior researcher at the National Archives, Dr William Spencer, will use records to focus on the experiences of prisoners of war
The event will be held from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets are £28 and include lunch, refreshments and free access to the museum.
Spaces are limited. For further information or to book tickets visit https://www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org/events/burma-lecture-day/ or call 01228 532774.
