Major (Temp/Lt.Col.) Lyndon Grier WHEELER

Operations in Burma, February - May 1943

Major (T/Lt.Col.) WHEELER, Comd. 2 Burma Rifles was entrusted with preparing the way in advance of the main body of the Force. For this hazardous and vital task he was eminently suited since his knowledge of Burma and its people was unrivalled. He was thus well aware of the dangers and difficulties which columns would encounter in traversing enemy occupied territory - better indeed, than anyone in the Brigade - but he exerted himself throughout to encourage and sustain not only officers in his own unit but also those outside it. To him was due the high standard of training achieved by his men, and throughout the operations he displayed infinite courage and daring. On several occasions leading the advance of the Brigade as he did, Wheeler with his party of 120 riflemen, encountered and dealt with enemy patrols and during these clashes he exhibited perfect courage and coolness. The prominence of the Burma Rifles and the unqualified reliance placed on them by all the commanders throughout the campaign, is the best tribute to the personality of Lt.Col. Wheeler and to the devotion which he inspired in all officers and men, whether British Burman or Gurkha.

(Since killed in action)