Royal British Legion visits
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 10 2012:
A 21-member delegation of the Royal British Legion from United Kingdom visited the Imphal War Cemetery near 2nd Manipur Rifles today.
The delegation led by (Retd) Major John Whots of the Royal British Territorial Army included three war veterans of the British Army who had fought alongside the Indian troops in the battle of Imphal and Kohima during the 2nd world war, and the family members of the martyrs of the Royal British Army who laid down their lives in the Battle of Imphal while fighting the Japanese forces.
This visit is part of the annual pilgrimage of the Royal British Legion to Indian War Memorials of Kolkata, Kohima and Imphal which is being organised by the Royal British Legion for more than three decades now, said a PRO IGAR (S) release.
The two hour programme included prayers and floral tributes at the graves of officers and soldiers, recital of citations of the soldiers about their bravery and courage in world war II in the battle of Imphal, common prayer at the central War Memorial and Wreath Laying.
Elaborate arrangements were done by 30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector and included the wreath rituals in full military decorum.
The members of the Royal British Legion were overwhelmed by the hospitality and support by the Indian Security forces and people of Manipur during their three day visit and many of the members decided on coming back for the same, the release expressed.
Thus this visit may prove to be one of the milestones in restoring the untapped potential of Manipur as one of the finest venues for tourism in North East India because of its historic importance, it added.