WO1 (CDR) Parker’s Military Medal
The Battle of Kangla Tongbi, fought on the 6/7 April 1944, is considered to have been one of the fiercest battles of the Second World War, yet outside of India it is relatively unknown. 221 Advanced Ordnance Depot was staffed by troops from both the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and Indian Army Ordnance Corps. Tasked with supplying troops defending the Imphal Base, it sat in an exposed position at the side of the Imphal-Dimapur Road with little in the way of a defensive perimeter.
On the night of 6 April 1944, the 3rd Battalion of the Japanese 60th Infantry Regiment, part of the 15th Division, cut in behind the Allied Force’s lines in a surprise move, establishing themselves on the Kohima-Manipur highway and started advancing towards Kangla Tongbi.
The Depot staff put up stiff resistance and were fired upon constantly through the night, culminating in a dawn attack from the high ground. The attack was thwarted by a well sited Bren Gun manned by Havildar Basant Singh, a clerk in the IAOC, who was awarded the Indian Distinguished Service Medal (IDSM) for his action.
Major JPM Boyd, the senior Ordnance Officer at the Depot, led a series of aggressive counter attacks, causing the Japanese to withdraw, for which he was awarded the Military Cross. WO1 (Conductor) Parker, who took part in these counter attacks, also led a small team against a Japanese machine gun position and in the face of heavy fire, captured it and killed three Japanese soldiers. For this action WO1 (Cdr) Parker was awarded the Military Medal.
Ordnance staff or Logisticians, to use the modern parlance, are first and foremost soldiers and no matter what their role; from supplier, chef, driver or clerk; they must be ready and willing to fight and engage the enemy, at any time and with no notice. The three soldiers recognised above exemplify the fighting spirit of the Logistic Soldier, both in the past and in the current RLC today.
WO1 Parker’s medal recently came up for auction and was purchased by the RLC Museum with support from Arts Council England and the V&A purchase Grant Fund. For more information about the fund and how they help museums, please visit their website at: www.vam.ac.uk/purchasegrantfund
Alex Crisp – Curator
What a compelling and deeply respectful recounting, the acquisition of the RAOC gallantry medal from the Battle of Kangla-Tongbi carries powerful historical and human weight. I appreciate how the article honors the bravery behind the medal and the significance it holds for memory, heritage, and recognition. Reading this gives real meaning to the sacrifices made and ensures that such stories aren’t lost to time. Thank you for preserving and sharing this important piece of military history.