Capt F.B. Newbould M.C.

On the evening of 16 Apr 44 Capt Newbould was sent forward to issue orders to the commander of a forward block on the railway east of TATLWIN. Whilst at the block it was attacked by a Japanese Company and dispersal eventually became necessary. Capt Newbould led back one of the parties to TATLWIN and then, having chosen eight men, returned towards the block to cover the withdrawal of the reminder of the garrison. At this stage a Japanese platoon came up, moving east along the road TATLWIN - MEZA with the obvious intention of cutting off the remaining garrison of the block. Although heavily outnumbered, Capt Newbould engaged this platoon. There ensued a running fight throughout the night and early morning, during which Capt Newbould's party was completely surrounded. It is estimated that Capt Newbould inflicted Twenty Five casualties for the loss of two killed, he himself killing three for certain. Throughout the action Capt Newbould displayed outstanding leadership, determination and resource. By this action he greatly assisted in the withdrawal of the garrison of the block, and it is likely that he was responsible for a supply drop in this area being completed without disturbance.

Throughout the campaign Capt Newbould afforded invaluable service. His handling of long distance patrols was first class and the information he obtained full and accurate. His energy and determination were an example to all ranks. In spite of bad health he refused to give in, until literally on the point of death. When , much against his will, he was left at INDAWGYI LAKE for evacuation, he eventually succeeded in persuading the doctors he was fit and rejoined the Column.

Immediately on return to the Column he led a raiding party of two platoons from the NAMKWIN CHAUNG down to the railway. In spite of the fact that previously two attempts had been made but abandoned owing to the exceptionally steep, thick and slippery country, he succeeded in leading his party along a precipitous razor back ridge to within 200 yards of his target. Here the going proved impossible, even to the most determined of men, and after laying up and obtaining valuable information, he was forced to return.

Then eventually he became too ill to take active part in operations but still carried out long and painstaking interrogations of villagers, and obtained much information. Furthermore, through his excellent handling of villagers, he was largely responsible for the successful evacuation of a large casualty train from the NAMKWIN CHANUG to PAHOK, under appalling conditions.

(Signed) Lt-Colonel
Commanding 7 Bn The Leicestershire Regt.