Walter Brown "Chindwin River"

WALTER GEORGE HENRY BROWN

Lance Corporal 7887091

'C' Sqn., 2nd, Royal Tank Regiment, R.A.C.

Died 3rd May 1942, Age 24

Rangoon Memorial, Burma Face 1.

Son of Walter and Ellen Georgina Gladys Brown, of  1 Laurel Cottages, Totteridge,

The 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2 RTR) was part of the 7th Armoured Brigade, which was diverted to Burma after initially heading for Malaya. Equipped with Stuart tanks, they arrived in Rangoon in February 1942.

Within a day of arrival, 2 RTR was in action, supporting the retreating British and Indian forces as the Japanese advanced rapidly through Burma. The regiment played a crucial role in rear-guard actions, often serving as the only reliable means of communication for commanders under pressure.

By April 1942, after three months of continuous fighting, the regiment had to destroy most of its tanks at the Chindwin River and retreat on foot over the mountains to India. The campaign was marked by intense fighting, rugged terrain, and a desperate withdrawal in the face of overwhelming Japanese forces. Walter died 10 days before the monsoon, which saw most active campaigning cease as rains made tactical movement almost impossible in the forested and mountainous border between India and Burma. Both the Allies and the Japanese faced severe logistical constraints.