Dear Blogger
Pet Service at Leaton this Sunday 27th September, reminds me of the service for mules at Pradoe Church, West Felton.
MULES IN THE BURMA CAMPAIGN - John Kenyon Burma Star and Military Cross
Colonel John Kenyon fought in the 1944 battle through the Burmese jungle with no land communications.
John`s unit, as part of the 7th Indian Division, was involved in intense fighting in Burma from 1943 to the end of the campaign. As well as John`s Indian Mountain Regiment there were men involved from across the British Empire, including East and West Africa. The lack of transport infrastructure placed an emphasis on military engineering and air transport to move and supply troops, and evacuate the wounded.
The only communication with the outside world was by aeroplane and their valuable cargo of mules, these were loaded and then parachuted into the jungle to supply the army with food, Medical supplies and armaments
This gave John Kenyon a lasting affection for these sturdy animals so much so, that in 2006 he held a service to give thanks for all those animals who had kept the army supplied and accompanied them through the jungle.
See attached picture of the Mules at Pradoe church
