By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal (1944) a war museum of the World War II was inaugurated by World War II Imphal Campaign Foundation at Imphal on April 4, 2014.
The museum, named Imphal War Museum, was inaugurated at Tera Amudon Akham Leikai in Imphal West District by Christopher D. Johnson of Norfolk, United Kingdom, son of George Johnson, one of the war veterans of the Battle of Imphal. George Johnson led the Battle of Kanglatombi on April 7, 1944, one of the significant battles of the World War II fought at Imphal.
The inaugural function was attended by 12 persons from different families of erstwhile British troops, who all fought against the Japanese army in the Battle of Imphal. The team included Francis Boyd, Andrew Boyd and Michael Boyd, sons of Major John Boyd of the British’s 221 Army Ordinance Depot. Katie Boyd and Jedyt Boyd, wives of Andrew and Francis Boyd respectively also accompanied them.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Christopher D. Johnson said the Imphal Campaign Foundation has done an impressive work of collecting the valuable artefacts of the historic Battle of Imphal. It was quite encouraging to see that relics of the war were collected from various parts of the State and kept at the museum. It is a privilege to take part in this memorable occasion. Looking at these artefacts one is reminded of the battles of the World War II fought here 70 years back. Collection of artefacts of the past is a wonderful human activity which helps us to reconstruct the significant events of the past, he added.
Johnson further said funding must be brought in for the promotion of such a museum and it needs great efforts. We need to trace more artefacts which could be found in the hill areas. We should develop and promote more war museums in the region, he added.
On the same day, the team from United Kingdom attended the commemoration programme of the Battle of Kameng, one of the important battles fought between the British-led Allied forces and the Japanese forces, held at Nongren Mayai Leikai Community Hall in Imphal East District.
Speaking at the function, Francis Boyd narrated how his father met his mother at Imphal during the World War II. Francis said even though I and my brothers were born in London we are emotionally attached with Manipur since our parents came to know each other and started their love affair here. Francis’s father John Boyd met his mother, a nurse working in a military hospital of the British Army in Imphal, for the first time in 1944.
The team along with the participants paid floral tributes to those who had laid their lives in the World War II.
World War II Imphal Campaign Foundation, with the assistance of Manipur Tourism Festival (MTF) and Government of Manipur is commemorating the 70th anniversary of Battle of Imphal for 3-month (March 23 – June 28, 2014).