Lieutenant (temp. Capt.) D.C.Herring M.C.

OPERATIONS IN BURMA - MARCH 1943

On March 1st 1943, Captain HERRING was detached from the main body of 77 Ind Inf Bde, and directed with his platoon of Kachins to the Kachin Hills, with a view to ascertaining whether the Kachins could be raised and organised to fight the Japanese. Moving at great speed, Captain HERRING crossed the IRRAWADDY River and entered the Kachin Hills, about the middle of March. Speaking fluent Kachin, and enjoying to the full the confidence and affection of his platoon, the news of his coming rapidly spread through the hills and offers of help and assurances that the tribesmen were ready to rise as soon as he should give the word came in from all quarters. Other parties which reached the area in April all report his name as being known everywhere, and there is no doubt that as a result of his efforts two to three thousand riflemen could have been forthcoming had circumstances justified the word being given. As it is, his mission has greatly raised the spirits of the Kachins, the work has been greatly facilitated for a future date, and accurate information is in our possession of the temper of the inhabitants of an area of vital importance. His mission over, Captain HERRING withdrew his party safely to Fort Hertz.