Lost Warriors: Seagrim and Pagani of Burma The last great untold story of WWII

by Philip Davies

Uncovered in full for the first time is one of the last great untold stories of the Second World War; an epic tale of two Englishmen, who were among the most courageous and resourceful heroes of the most savage conflict in human history, yet who remain unknown in their own country. Lost Warriors of the Forgotten War tells the sensational, but little-known, story of Major Hugh Seagrim GC, DSO, MBE; the T.E. Lawrence of Burma, who volunteered to stay behind the Japanese lines for over two and a half years to raise an army amongst the loyal Karens of eastern Burma in the most successful guerrilla operation of the Second World War. Now forgotten, in 1946 his exploits were hailed as without doubt one of the epic stories of the whole war . Interwoven is the story of Roy, or Ras Pagani, who crossed paths with, and fought alongside, Seagrim in his own astonishing adventures. Pagani was one of the most resolute serial escapees of the war. After escaping alone from Dunkirk, and again from Singapore, he was the only European to escape successfully from the fearful Death Railway. In Seagrim he found an inspirational leader whom he would never forget, even as the war took them in different directions.

280 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2017

Reviews

[Jon Wort · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written and researched book on two remarkable characters of the 14th Army in Burma. Hugh Seagrim exploits which earned him an OBE, DSO and George Cross are all the more remarkable when it is considered that his brother won the Victoria Cross in North Africa. Seagrim”s activities with the Karen’s is a tale of adventure, hardship and enduring loyalty (from both sides) that deserves more publicity.

Cpl Ras Pagani”s achievements in escape and evasion are second to none and the meagre award of an MM in the post seems woefully inadequate compensation for his outstanding actions.

Having previously read Ian Morrison”s Grandfather Longlegs I cannot recommend this new account too strongly. It is a must read book for any student of Military history interested in the Burma campaign and the 14th Army.

[Mark Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about a story I knew little about. A forgotten story of the forgotten war. The tenacity of Pagini in escaping so many times is amazing. What Seagram did with the indigenous inhabitants seems amazing! Fascinating.

[Patrick Baty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully-researched work on two outstanding men - not forgetting the many more who they worked with. Major Hugh Seagrim and Ras Pagani should be better known.