History retraced: Walkers complete ‘39 hours to Kohima’ WWII trek

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• Charlotte Carty, Bertie Alexander and other Walkers of the trek on the eve of the 81st anniversary of World War II, specifically the Battle of Kohima on Thursday at the Kohima War Cemetery. (EM Images)

  
  

• KOHIMA — To commemorate the 39-hour trek through the Naga Hills undertaken by Allied forces from Jessami to Kohima for the Battle of Kohima, a team of enthusiasts, under the initiative of Sampan Travels, embarked on the walk from Jessami at midnight on April 2 and reached Kohima in the afternoon of April 3.

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• This trek event took place on the eve of the 81st anniversary of World War II, specifically the Battle of Kohima. A commemorative service is scheduled for Friday (April 4) at 10 am at the Kohima War Cemetery in the heart of the capital city.
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• At the culmination of the walk, Charlotte Carty recounted that her grandfather, Lt Col “Bruno” Brown, was the Commander of the Assam Regiment during the battles of Jessami and Kohima. He took part in the siege of Kohima and the subsequent battle, which was vital for the Allied victory against the advancing Japanese forces.

Charlotte Carty, Bertie Alexander, Medozhazo Rutsa, along with the walkers, guides, officials, and volunteers of KVYO at the Kohima War Cemetery on Thursday. (EM Images)

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• She noted that approximately 260 soldiers from the Assam Regiment were among the 1,500 Allied troops who fought in Kohima against a vastly larger Japanese force of about 15,000 men. The defenders withstood the siege for two and a half weeks and continued fighting for months until the Japanese withdrew in June 1944.
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• “My grandfather remembered the Nagas very warmly. He held them in high regard and wanted them to be remembered. That is what we are doing with these 39-hour walks, named after the length of time it took the withdrawing Assam Regiment to make their way over the hills from Jessami to Kohima. It took them just 39 hours,” she said.
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• Carty expressed gratitude to the guides who had assisted in the trek and commended Bertie Alexander of Sampan Travel for organising the event, along with others involved.
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• Reflecting on both this year’s and last year’s experiences, she emphasised the challenges of the trek, despite modern upgrades, noting that during the battle, the soldiers had no assistance beyond what the Nagas could provide. “They fought for five days at Jessami before withdrawing. It is unimaginable to me, especially after undertaking this 39-hour walk.”
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• She recalled that upon reaching Kohima on April 3, 1944, the Assam Regiment was the only unit within the garrison, playing a crucial role in the Allied success at Kohima. Unlike the modern trek participants, who could rest afterward, the soldiers at that time had to dig defensive positions with their hands immediately upon arrival.
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• She highlighted that the very next day, Japanese forces began encircling Kohima, leading to intense, unrelenting combat for two and a half weeks. She paid her respects to the soldiers from all sides who had endured the battle, stating, “This walk is about remembering them.”
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• Bertie Alexander acknowledged the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) for providing escorts. “It’s always a pleasure to be in Nagaland. I’m fortunate to visit frequently for work and to bring outsiders here to appreciate how beautiful this part of the country is,” he said.
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• He also mentioned that during this trip, the group explored the history of the Naga Hills while undertaking the 134-kilometre trek from Jessami to Kohima.
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• KVYO president Medozhazo Rutsa described the occasion as a solemn remembrance of the Battle of Kohima. “We honour the courage and resilience of those who fought in this conflict, which saw two superpowers, Britain and Japan, clash in the Naga Hills during World War II,” Rutsa stated, noting that history changed on April 4, 1944.
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• He acknowledged Charlotte Carty and her team for undertaking the 39-hour trek, commending their dedication to commemorating the battle and honouring those who had fought.
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• “We wish for mutual respect and understanding among all nations. We hope that the sentiments of the Naga people are recognised and honoured so that we can move forward in a spirit of reconciliation and peace,” Rutsa added.
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• The KVYO president urged the people to remember the lessons of history, honour their ancestors, and work together toward a world where peace reigns.

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