Fallen Soldiers of 2nd World War Remembered

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 26, 2019: As observed around the globe, the 75th Commemoration of 2nd World War in remembrance of the fallen soldiers who fought during the second largest war in the history, the World War II, were also observed in various part of Manipur.

On 26th March, 2019, 2WWICF observed the 75th commemoration for the Battle of Shangshak now known as Shangshak Day at Shangshak Village in Ukhrul District in remembrance of the fallen soldiers in the Shangshak Battle fought during the World War II from 20th to 26th March 1944.

Members of 2WWICF and Late Major Renigald Steward’s son Anthony Steward paid floral tribute to the memorial stone erected in memory of the martyrs of the Battle of Shangshak at Shangshak Village in Ukhrul District.

Battle of Shangshak is considered to be the first site of combat to take place in India during World War II from 20th March to 26th March 1944 in the mountainous surrounds of the village of Shangshak in Ukhrul District located in the state of Manipur.

To commemorate the role of those who fought in the Battle of Shangshak, along with the locals who supported the troops, the Assam Rifles, the oldest paramilitary force of India, constructed the Shangshak War Memorial in the year 2002. Since then the Battle of Shangshak or Shanghak Day is observed every year on 26th March. The 17th Assam Rifles also observed Shangshak Day.

The 75th Death Anniversary of Major General Charles Orde Wingate and his eight colleagues was held on 24th March, 2019 at Thiulon Village in Tamenglong District. Charles Orde Wingate and his colleagues died in a plane crash on this day in 1944 at the Thiulon Village.

The commemoration began by laying poppy cross at the crash site after wreath laying and floral tribute to the memorial stone erected in memory of them.

The commemoration was jointly organised by 2nd World War Imphal Campaign Foundation (2WWICF) and Manipur Tourism Forum with support from Thiulon Village Authority and Micah, ADC member Tamenglong District.

On 25th March, 2019 a wreath laying and floral tribute ceremony in remembrance of the fallen soldiers was also held at Imphal War Cemetery organised by 2WWICF.

Mr. Anthony Steward, son of the Late Major Renigald Steward, 2nd In Command of 152 Indian Para Battalion, laid poppy cross at the grave of the fallen Para troop’s soldiers who had fought alongside his late father Major Renigald Steward.