“Major Jack joined the British Army aid Group in 1942 and on account of his excellent knowledge of colloquial Chinese, was appointed to perform the duties of liaison officer with Chinese HQ and at the same time to set up a security section for protection of our own HQ; on the completion of this latter work, he was sent into the area southeast of Canton to extend our evasion network in that bandit-guerilla area. For some months he worked there alone, for a period of this time in enemy-occupied territory, and the efficient evasion system he set up was later responsible for the rescue of a number of Indian escapers and American evaders. The risk was too great to leave a British officer in the area for too long a time and hence on the completion of his work, he was relieved by a Chinese and sent to reconnoitre an overland route from Kweilin to Poseh for the possible evacuation of our HQ. During this evacuation from September to December 1944, he was responsible for the collection of intelligence concerning the military situation in Kwangsi and his work there was invaluable on enabling our main body to plan its movements.
In January 1945, he was sent to Poseh to establish a new BAAG post and to explore the possibility of opening a new land route through the enemy lines to our forward posts. Here again he was completely successful and within three months, the first of several parties were successfully passed through this extensive enemy territory.
Major Jack’ cheerfulness, loyalty and enthusiasm under the primitive and difficult conditions existing in China, were a valuable inspiration to all who worked with him; his advice on matters Chinese was invaluable to his commanding officer; his endurance and resourcefulness for a man well over 50 years of age were astounding; in spite of the fact that he had been a prisoner in the hands of the Japanese in Shanghai and many times tortured by them, his courage and devotion to duty were of such a high order that he invariably volunteered for the most dangerous and difficult tasks in spite of the fact that he knew full well the result should he again fall into enemy hands.
His record with the British Army Aid Group is one of three years of fearless, outstanding and devoted service.” (signed) L T Ride, Colonel.
Comments
Major, 19th Hyderabads No.
Major, 19th Hyderabads No. EC8482.
“Major Jack joined the British Army aid Group in 1942 and on account of his excellent knowledge of colloquial Chinese, was appointed to perform the duties of liaison officer with Chinese HQ and at the same time to set up a security section for protection of our own HQ; on the completion of this latter work, he was sent into the area southeast of Canton to extend our evasion network in that bandit-guerilla area. For some months he worked there alone, for a period of this time in enemy-occupied territory, and the efficient evasion system he set up was later responsible for the rescue of a number of Indian escapers and American evaders. The risk was too great to leave a British officer in the area for too long a time and hence on the completion of his work, he was relieved by a Chinese and sent to reconnoitre an overland route from Kweilin to Poseh for the possible evacuation of our HQ. During this evacuation from September to December 1944, he was responsible for the collection of intelligence concerning the military situation in Kwangsi and his work there was invaluable on enabling our main body to plan its movements.
In January 1945, he was sent to Poseh to establish a new BAAG post and to explore the possibility of opening a new land route through the enemy lines to our forward posts. Here again he was completely successful and within three months, the first of several parties were successfully passed through this extensive enemy territory.
Major Jack’ cheerfulness, loyalty and enthusiasm under the primitive and difficult conditions existing in China, were a valuable inspiration to all who worked with him; his advice on matters Chinese was invaluable to his commanding officer; his endurance and resourcefulness for a man well over 50 years of age were astounding; in spite of the fact that he had been a prisoner in the hands of the Japanese in Shanghai and many times tortured by them, his courage and devotion to duty were of such a high order that he invariably volunteered for the most dangerous and difficult tasks in spite of the fact that he knew full well the result should he again fall into enemy hands.
His record with the British Army Aid Group is one of three years of fearless, outstanding and devoted service.” (signed) L T Ride, Colonel.