Captain (T/Major) K.D. Gilkes M.C.

Operations in Burma, February - May 1943

Major Gilkes was Column Commander of No. 7 (British) Column which was involved on several occasions in sharp fighting. At KYUNBIN on 13 March, 1943, when the enemy was found in possession of the area where a supply dropping had been arranged, he led his column with fearlessness and resolution. Following the dispersal of the Brigade, after two failures to cross the SHWELI, he managed to effect the crossing about 6 April and set out with great resolution to march to China. Handicapped by the presence in his force of a large number of sick and wounded men his pace was necessary slow; but he showed resolution and determination in a period of many disappointments during which difficult and sometimes painful decisions had to be made. He accepted all responsibilities cheerfully; and it is a tribute to his fine leadership that he was able to reach China, with unreliable maps, through unknown country and with 9 officers and 140 men. It is known that the bearing and behaviour of the troops when they arrived in the Chinese lines deeply impressed our allies. Despite the hardships and worries which beset the journey, Major Gilkes collected a mass of invaluable information which might never otherwise have become available.