I Felt No Sorrow - This Was War: Burma 1942-45

by Gordon Heynes, Gary Bircher, Neal Bircher

Gordon Heynes signed up as a World War II volunteer aged thirty-seven in late 1941. He trained as a tank gunner and was drafted overseas to join the Allied campaign in South Asia. After further training in India, his regiment, the 25th Dragoons, was deployed to Burma, taking part in deadly combat as the Allies fought to contain the invading Japanese forces. Gordon was seriously injured, but recovered to be able to re-join his squadron, before eventually returning home after almost four years, when the war ended.Some time after returning to civilian life Gordon Heynes wrote a fascinating account of experiences, and it is that account that is contained in this book, published by his grandsons, Neal and Gary Bircher. Gordon’s story serves as a valuable historical document, but is also much more than that. His captivating matter-of-fact style – for example, infusing depictions of bloody battle scenes with observations of local wildlife – brings his story starkly to life, and it makes for truly compelling reading. Proceeds are being donated to The Burma Star Memorial Fund.

Genres: Nonfiction

75 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2019

Reviews

[Rhys Thomson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read, not overly interesting

After reading this book I thought it could’ve been made into a much longer book, which went into more detail about the battles and relationships etc.

[Barry Doswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable, not a lot of waffle

Well written and edited, without conceit. An interesting tale of the forgotten army and tank warfare in the jungle. Incredibly short, but still poignant.

[Mr P J Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A personal account of war service in India\Burma

A very moving and personal insight into the war service and life of a normal human caught up through no fault of their own in the events of history!

[Hugh Millward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting account

Quite short but interesting read. Great to read about the battle of the admin box, a battle that my grandfather fought in who was also a member of the forgotten fourteenth army.

[Brian Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting would recommend

Good down to earth true story and well put together. A story of the ordinary soldier in difficult jungle conditions with death and injury never far away. We owe these men a great deal. Never to be forgotten

[Chris Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting,had the ring of truth about his stories.

[Alec Crombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest account war burma

Amazing modest account of this man's war. Described in a very calm way. I don't think he realised how brave he was. I admire him greatly.

[keith berryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book by a front line soldier

A very interesting read. Well done to the grandsons for publishing. My father and two uncles were gunners at about the same time.

[bernard j denver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A civilian to old for a frontline soldier. He thought differently.

The forgotten war in Burma was his and he became one of the forgotten hero's who fought there until victory.