MILMAN, John Alexander Ralph
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Rank:
Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel)
Unit / Base:
52ME Commando
'British Military Mission 204'
Regiment/Corps:
Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
Service:
Army
Number:
58191
Honours & Awards:
Lieutenant Colonel John Milman, Commander, 1 Special Service Detachment, 204 Military Mission, was appointed O.B.E. (Military Division) in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Burma [1][2].
Recommendation
This officer was in command of 1st Special Service Detachment operating in the front of 6th Chinese Army in Burma from January to May 1942. After the Japanese broke through to Lashio the Detachment was unable to rejoin the British forces and had to withdraw via Kentung to Kunming through unhealthy and inhospitable country.
During the march, which lasted several weeks, Lt. Col. Milman displayed the highest qualities of leadership and determination and finally brought his contingent to safety with remarkably few losses. By his personal example and hardihood he kept up the morale of his troops throughout this ordeal in the face of hunger, thirst, and disease [2].
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1940 (T/Captain) (Highland Light Infantry) Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished service in the Middle East [3].
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28 March 1941 Administration Officer 'D' Bn. Layforce HQ at Geneifa [4].
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2 June 1941 wounded during operations at Crete [4][4a][5][6].
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Post war member of the Commando Association residing Hampshire [5].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 35929, page 1117.
[2] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/79/331.
[3] London Gazette 35120, page 1874.
[4] 52 ME Commando War Diary 28 March 1941.
[4a] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/2.
[5] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 111 (2000).
[6] The book 'Middle East Commandos', author Charles Messenger.
[Image credit ] Chris Mayle.
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